Fort Worth’s Lone Star International Film Festival’s opening night set the bar high with a screening of “Sunshine Cleaning” which earlier was nominated for the Grand Jury Prize at that other Sundance Film Festival in Utah. In “Sunshine Cleaning” the plot pokes fun at taboo topics ranging from illegitimate offspring to the lowest point of the human condition — decomposition. The title refers to a business two sisters operate, cleaning up the messes from other lives.

… So, not your everyday comedy. But, most poignant are the sister-supporting-sister scenes. If you take a date to Sunshine Cleaning, also take a kerchief to clean up, and see if you can spot your friend’s tears welling up before they dash for the cheeks. Very moving … beautifully done. Lots of closeups, gritty shots on location in Albuquerque, and nice slo-mo flashbacks to the sisters’ first messy house day.

Its a nice script, and the film is well made, but I think the victory is in the perfect casting, from Amy Adams as the “survivor” sister and entrepreneur, to Alan Arkin’s quirky father role down to the cute, mischievous “Oscar” played by young Jason Spevak. There is even a cameo appearance by Amy Redford, daughter of Sundance Film Festival’s founder — Robert Redford. (Perhaps a strategic bit of casting, although I have no doubt “Sunshine” would have succeeded regardless.) Steve Zahn adds some star power as well, as a cop working two beats.

And since wireless communications is my thing, I particularly liked the scenes where the characters used a CB Radio as a conduit to talk to God.

“Sunshine” cleans up … 7 pings — a perfect score in my books.

Alec Jhangiani

Later in the night, the filmies headed to The Fort Worth Club to celebrate a special presentation honoring Fort Worth’s national treasure, pianist Van Cliburn — the man who stopped the Cold War — if only for a

Tyler Kitchens, Andrew Disney, Van Cliburn, Courtney Westerfield

moment — with his genius and the keyboard. Other guests included festival directors, volunteers, local film makers and the first lady of Dallas/Fort Worth film, critic and friend to the stars Bobbie Wygant.

On opening night, the festival strikes a chord — 6 pings, a high score, but room for even more — assuming there is much more high-caliber creativity yet to come.

Attendees, including Dennis Bishop and Bobbie Wygant (at right)