GAME by Jeannie Donohoe

Director Jeannie Donohoe’s award-winning film Game is a story about pushing boundaries to achieve your goals. The film stars Rick Fox (Dope, He Got Game), Nicole Williams (film debut; Univ. Nevada point guard) and Tye White (People Vs. OJ Simpson, Drumline).

AJ Green, a new kid in town, shows up at the high school boys basketball varsity tryouts and instantly makes an impression. Coach takes notice, and so do the other players, some of whom feel threatened by the new blood. The school’s team is excellent— second best in the state—and this is the year Coach plans to win it all. AJ proves himself on the court and clearly has talent, heart, and drive... as well as a big secret. Will AJ make the team once the players and coach discover the truth?

Jeannie Donohoe is an award-winning filmmaker who has written and directed several short films, including Game, Lambing Season (selected for over 50 film festivals and multiple awards; named one of the “Best Short Films of 2014” by Indiewire; currently airing on PBS Film School Shorts) and Public (Palm Springs ShortFest, PBS Imagemakers). Jeannie was selected from over 4,600 applicants to write and direct Game through the Lexus Short Films program. This talented director is currently developing her first feature-length film. 

We chatted  with Jeannie, here are the excerpt.

• What inspired to make you this film? What are your thoughts on gender inequality in Hollywood or in America?

For starters, I love basketball.  I've played a lot of sports in my life, and I also love sports movies.  I see many parallels between athletic pursuits (especially team sports) and filmmaking. So making a sports film was an exciting prospect that combined a lot of my interests.  Being on teams, in school, in jobs, and working in the film industry, I've also experienced and observed stark differences between opportunities for women compared to men.  I wanted to talk about gender inequality, but to do it within a character-driven, action-packed sports movie that's also entertaining and optimistic.  I think it's pretty undeniable that we live in a patriarchal society with a lot of gender-based injustices.  I actually wrote, directed, and we finished the film in the months leading up to the presidential election last summer and fall.  Like most people, I thought we were on the verge of electing our first woman president.  We premiered the film the day after the election, and suddenly the story took on a whole new meaning and urgency (locker room scene and all).  And 2017 has continued to illuminate the obstacles women face and the struggle for equality.  The message of GAME feels more timely than ever.

Jeannie Donohoe

• What do you enjoy about short films?

I love short films.  Making a short is a very common way for filmmakers to get their start.  You really discover your cinematic voice in the process.  I've made several short films -- GAME has been the most ambitious and the highest-level production.  I think shorts are a great form for experimenting and working to pack a screenworthy story into a concise period of time.  They also have a unique opportunity to explore a specific moment or turning point in a character's life. I watch a lot of shorts, mostly at film festivals, but also established directors' early short films.  Looking back at these, you can see the beginnings of an artist's style and interests.  These early films are often powerful, brief capsules of themes or ideas that continue to inspire later work.  

• How was the funding & casting for this film?

I had made a previous short film called Lambing Season as my thesis from Columbia University's graduate film school.  It's an offbeat family drama set on an Irish sheep farm (involving a live lamb birth!) so it's very different from GAME's high school basketball story set in Los Angeles.  I entered Lambing Season into the Lexus Short Films competition, a program that supports up-and-coming filmmakers with funding for a new short film production.  I was (miraculously) selected as one of four international filmmakers out of 4600 applicants, and Lexus generously funded GAME.  I'm extremely grateful!  We worked with great casting directors: mother-daughter duo Lisa Pantone and Gigi Berry.  GAME had some big casting challenges written into the script: we needed kids who were great basketball players on top of being great actors.  And the lead, "AJ," also needed to be able to pass as a boy.  We auditioned many great young women for the role, and one day, the casting director was shopping in a clothing store and she spotted an employee who was tall, lean, muscular, and kind of had that look.  She went up to the employee and asked if she by chance played basketball (yes), and had she ever acted? (no).  Would she like to audition?  (sure!)  And that was Nicole Williams, who came in and blew me away.  Nicole played four years of college basketball at Nevada, as point guard, and she was a total natural in the scene work.  Casting the Coach was another challenge.  While writing the script, I had this dream of trying to get an NBA player or retired player for the role, both to bring an authenticity to the character and to shine a light on the message of the film.  I'm from Boston originally, so I've followed Rick Fox's career from his early Celtics days to winning NBA championships with the Lakers, and also his transition to acting.  He's in my favorite basketball movie, Spike Lee's He Got Game.  I wrote a long letter and we sent him the script.  One of the most exciting days of this entire process was when Rick came on board.  The material resonated with him, and he brought tremendous expertise, insight, and heart to the character and to the set experience.  Jamie McShane, Charles Parnell, Tye White, Dominique Columbus, and Michael Purdie were all incredible to work with.  The rest of the team is also made up of real basketball players--some actors, some not.  It was such a joy to work with this dream cast, from the auditions to rehearsals to the shoot.

• What other filmmakers do you like? And why?

I like a lot of styles of films, but I tend to gravitate toward naturalism and humanism in filmmaking.  Some of my favorite filmmakers are: Andrea Arnold, Hirokazu Kore-eda, Jane Campion, Kelly Reichardt, Ryan Coogler, the Dardenne Brothers, Lisa Cholodenko, Thomas Vinterberg, Lynne Ramsay, Peter Berg, and Kenneth Lonergan.  For me, the most compelling films prioritize emotional truth in performances and story, and they have a specificity about them.  Filmmaking is an incredible mode of expression -- I think it's very powerful to get access to someone else's outlook, life experience, or imagination.

• What's your message to other aspiring filmmakers and storytellers?

Make work from the heart.  Tell the story only you can tell.  And just keep going.  Filmmaking is an obstacle course, full of challenges and plenty of rejections, but the field is also full of opportunities to keep moving forward.  I think of this career as a marathon, and my daily work is logging miles, chipping away at the dream.

ERICA ASH & LARENZ TATE SET TO HOST 2018 BOUNCE TRUMPET AWARDS

Erica Ash and Larenz Tate will host the 2018 Bounce Trumpet Awards, an exciting night of inspiration, history and crowd-rousing performances celebrating African-American achievements and contributions.

The gala black-tie ceremony will be held at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre in Atlanta, Georgia on Sat. Jan. 20, 2018 and will world premiere nationwide on Bounce on Sun. Feb. 11 at 9:00 p.m. ET. Bounce, the fastest-growing African-American network on television, now exclusively owns, produces and telecasts the star-studded event, rebranded this year as the Bounce Trumpet Awards. Honorees, performers and presenters will be announced in the coming weeks. Visit www.trumpetawards.com for more information.

Ash is an NAACP Award-winning Broadway, film and television actress currently starring on the hit series "Survivor's Remorse" on STARZ, as well as playing Brigette Hart (ex-wife of Kevin Hart) on "The Real Husbands of Hollywood." She will star in the new legal drama series "In Contempt" and will appear in the new theatrical motion picture "Uncle Drew" from Lionsgate's Summit Entertainment.

Tate is a Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Award-winner and currently stars on the hit series "Power" on STARZ. He has also appeared on the popular shows "Rescue Me," "Game of Silence" and "House of Lies." On the big screen, Tate most recently appeared in "Girls Trip," with previous roles in "Ray," "Menace II Society," "Love Jones," "Why Do Fools Fall in Love" and more.

The Trumpet Awards were conceived to recognize the outstanding accomplishments of African Americans and those who have succeeded against great odds and inspired success in others. Founded in 1992 by American Civil Rights leader Xernona Clayton, The Trumpet Awards were acquired by Bounce in 2016. The list of prestigious honorees over its 26-year history includes Muhammad Ali, Beyoncé, Jamie Foxx, Halle Berry, Stevie Wonder, The African-American Women of the United States Congress, Steve Harvey, Martin Luther King, III, Janelle Monáe and Spike Lee. 

Bounce (@BounceTV) airs on the broadcast signals of local television stations and corresponding cable carriage, and features a programming mix of original and off-network series, theatrical motion pictures, specials, live sports, and more. Bounce has grown to be available in more than 99 million homes across the United States and 95% of all African-American (AA) television homes, including all the top AA television markets. Among the founders of Bounce are iconic American figures Ambassador Andrew Young and Martin Luther King, III

14th New York Latino Film Festival opens Oct. 11

THE NEW YORK LATINO FILM FESTIVAL, PRESENTED BY HBO, TO KICK OFF WITH “SATURDAY CHURCH” AND

CLOSE WITH “EN EL SEPTIMO DIA/ON THE SEVENTH DAY”

The festival makes its much-anticipated return to the Big Apple October 11-15, 2017 and will once again showcase a diverse slate,

spanning all genres and formats. Notable stars and filmmakers include

Emilio and Gloria Estefan, William Levy, Residente, Luis Guzmán, Vico C, and Yair Rodríguez.

Full Schedule and Tickets Now Available at NYLatinoFilmFestival.com

          The New York Latino Film Festival (NYLFF), the premier Urban Latino film event in the country, opens its 14th edition on Wednesday, October 11 with “Saturday Church,” written and directed by Damon Cardasis and starring Luka Kain, Margot Bingham, Regina Taylor, Alexia Garcia, Indya Moore, MJ Rodríguez and Marquis Rodríguez. Reminiscent of “La-La Land” meets “Moonlight,” this coming out story from Samuel Goldwyn Films, features exhilarating and tender musical numbers and depicts the journey of a young gay man from the Bronx who comes to find his queer family on the piers of New York’s West Village.

          This year’s lineup includes showcase premieres from some of the most respected names in the industry, including Estefan Enterprises’ “A Change of Heart,” Hispanicize Films’ “Hold On,” Orion Pictures and Samuel Goldwyn Films’ “Most Beautiful Island,” among others.

          “Our event is about galvanizing and empowering community. We are very excited to bring back the festival with such an exciting lineup showcasing some of the best multicultural, bilingual, and diverse films,” said Calixto Chinchilla, festival founder.

          The festival will close with acclaimed director Jim McKay’s first film in over a decade, “En El Séptimo Día/On the Seventh Day,” a timely and humorous look at life in New York as an undocumented Mexican immigrant.

          Other special events include NYLFF’s “FUTURO” Digital Conference, a one day conference featuring conversations from top thought-leaders, executives, and influencers in the digital space co-produced by Driven Society. For all mixed martial arts fans, Bowles Law Firm will premiere "El Pantera" a documentary film chronicling the rise of Mexican UFC fighter Yair Rodríguez. Also on the schedule is the premiere of HBO’s “Entre Nos: Part 2.” In the hilarious English-language special, comedians Vladmir Caamaño, Frankie Quiñones and Shayla Rivera are joined by host and comedian Ben Gonzalez at Los Angeles’ El Portal Theatre for a laugh-out-loud night of stand-up. Directed by Joke Yanes and Adolfo Nowake, “Entre Nos: Part 2” will air on Friday, October 13th at 9:30pm EST across all of the channel’s platforms including HBO NOW®, HBO GO®, HBO On Demand® and affiliate portals.

          Since its inception in 1999, the NYLFF brings together each year more than 20,000 movie fans and industry executives over the course of several days. 

          The New York Latino Film Festival (NYLFF) is presented by HBO. The festival also counts on the ongoing support of Time Warner and American Airlines, and first-time sponsors including Comcast NBCUniversal Telemundo, AARP, Hispanic Federation, Univision New York, sociedAD, Cinépolis, and H+M Communications. 

About NYLFF

The New York Latino Film Festival (NYLFF) is the premier Urban Latino film event in the country. Since its founding in 1999, the NYLFF produces culturally relevant and entertaining experiences that build audiences for Latino cinema, support the film community with professional development and foster relationships for Latino talent. Programming includes the flagship film festival in New York City, competition programs and community programs. For more information on NYLFF, please visitwww.NYLatinoFilmFestival.com.

About HBO

Home Box Office, Inc. is the premium television programming subsidiary of Time Warner Inc. and the world’s most successful pay TV service, providing the two television services – HBO® and Cinemax® – to approximately 134 million subscribers worldwide.  The services offer the popular subscription video-on-demand products HBO On Demand® and Cinemax On Demand®, as well as HBO GO® and MAX GO®, HD feeds and multiplex channels. HBO NOW®, the network’s internet-only premium streaming service, provides audiences with instant access to HBO’s acclaimed programming in the U.S. Internationally, HBO branded television networks, along with the subscription video-on-demand products HBO On Demand and HBO GO, bring HBO services to over 60 countries.  HBO and Cinemax programming is sold into over 150 countries worldwide.

HBO® is a registered service mark of Home Box Office, Inc.

Nordic International Film Festival announce their opening night film and their 2017 line-up

The Nordic Film Festival is proud to announce their third year line up, with 24 competing films of Nordic and International decent. 83% of the films have female producers, directors and writers! The opening night feature is the international premiere of Finland’s and ‘Man and a Baby’, directed by Marja Pyykkö. That will screen at 7pm at the renowned Scandinavia House on Park Avenue, New York.

The Nordic consulate will attend the opening night film and the award ceremony gala the last night.

The festival will screen 6 International Premieres, 8 North American Premieres, and all the rest; US or New York Premieres will screen at Scandinavia House October 12 - 14th.

New York Women in Film and TV will have an industry panel on the co-work of International Productions at NIFF on October 12th.

The competition jury includes Bo Svenson (Inglourious Basterds) Brooklyn Decker (Grace and Frankie), Charlotte Munck (Anna Pihl), Hakeem Kae-Kazim (Black Sails), Jacob A Ware (Boardwalk Empire), Jerome Flynn (Game of Thrones), Kristin Chenoweth (Glee) and Selenis Leyva (Orange is the New Black).

The Nordic International Film Festival (NIFF) celebrates Nordic and international films. They discover new and upcoming independent films as well as honoring great work from already established filmmakers. NIFF's programmers focus on finding diverse independent films with strong characters and storylines and encourage all filmmakers, regardless of ethnicity or religion. The festival was founded by Johan Matton and Linnea Larsdotter; they have partnered this year with Volvo.

This year the Nordic International Film Festival (NIFF) will be held from October 12-14th at Scandinavia House in New York. Nordic International Film Festival has throughout the year collaborated with Gunpowder and Sky a distribution company that focus one finding new films from around the world.

“This way of introducing non-represented films as a festival to distribution companies is our way to help independent filmmakers obtain distribution for their films without having to pay for sales agent fees. As a festival we have leverage to help the filmmakers though the distribution companies know we as a festival have watched hundreds of films and selectively introduces only, maybe, only 2-3 titles to the distribution company that we believe hold very high quality” - John Matton, Founder of Nordic International Film Festival.

http://www.nordicfilmfest.org/

Competition line-up

• Narrative Short
  • Far from the Tree – US – New York Premiere, Dave Thomas
  • Tomorrow Is Far Away - France - North American Premiere, Capucine Lespinas
  • Limbo - Greece - New York Premiere, Konstantina Kotzamani
• Documentary Short
  • Love and Fear - Denmark - World Premiere, Thora Lorentzen
  • Per - Sweden - World Premiere, World Premiere
  • A Home In Memory - Finland - US Premiere, Helena Oest
  • Kometen - Sweden - International Premiere, Victor Lindgren
• Narrative features
  • Quit Staring At my plate - Croatia - East Coast Premiere, Hana Jušić
  • The Strange Ones – US, Christopher Radcliff
  • Documentary features
  • A Modern Man - Denmark - East Coast Premiere, Eva Mulvad
  • Waiting For The Sun - Denmark - New York Premiere, Kaspar Astrup Schröder
  • 69 Minutes of 86 Days - Norway - New York Premiere, Egil Håskjold Larsen

• Nordic shorts A
  • Under The Surface You Are Never Alone - Sweden - North American Premiere, Alessandro Berellini
  • Renard Rouge - Sweden - North American Premiere, Leonard Rääf
  • Retrett - Norway - North American Premiere, Itonje Søimer Guttormsen
• Nordic shorts B
  • An Autobiography – Finland, Mari Mantela
  • Superluminal - Sweden - International Premiere, Patrick Alexander
  • Distance - Denmark - International Premiere, Rikke Louise Schjødt
  • Cubs - Iceland - New York Premiere, Nanna Kristín Magnúsdóttir
  • Forever Now - Denmark - East Coast Premiere, Kristian Håskjold
  •  
• Nordic feature
  • Man and a baby - Finland - International Premiere, Marja Pyykkö
  • Lovers - Denmark - World Premiere, Niels Holstein Kaa
  • Bakerman - Denmark - North American Premiere, David Noel Bourke

NFF55: Laurence Fishburne, Bryan Cranston & Steve Carrell star in "Last Flag Flying"

In 1998 and I had the pleasure of being in the audience for James Purdy’s play SUN OF THE SLEEPLESS which stared a then, unknown actor whose reputation to surprise—in the early 90’s—was growing exponentially, that was Laurence Fishburne.  The dynamic thespian had not yet reached the iconic status that Fishburne has today, having not given Neo the epic choice in “The Matrix” of choosing between a red pill and a blue pill.

None the less, Fishburne’s commanding presence in Purdy’s play left an indelible mark and there, in a tiny New York theater—so long ago— I can clearly trace where I became a sincere fan of his work.

Fast forward to 2017 and despite my Hollywood hobnobbing and such, I’ve never had an opportunity to shake the storytellers’ massive hand and tell Fishburne, now a actor/producer with ABC’s excellent comedy “Black-ish” , just what his 1998 performance meant to me—until—last week at the NYFF55 opening night party at Tavern on the Green for Academy Award® winner, Richard Linklater's “Last Flag Flying” a drama with comedic overtones about three Vietnam War veterans played by Bryan Cranston, Steve Carell, Laurence Fishburne and newcomer J. Quinton Johnson. 

The invitation to NYFF’s opening night party isn't an automatic with press accreditation. To be frank, it’s a hard invitation to acquire but since covering the festival, for the past five years, what I’ve discovered—hindsight being 20/20—is that this is where I have been introduced to past Oscar® nominees and winners.  Such is the reputation of NYFF. 

Inside NYFF55’s opening night party hosted at Tavern On The Green, Fishburne wore a red suit that on anyone else might seem a bold and hasty fashion choice.  Sitting in a crowded VIP section, he was easy to spot. Jig-jagging with a practiced skill honed by attending hundreds of such events, I made my way to his table long-before the adoring crowd lined up to gush. 

The words tumbled out: “I’ve been a fan since 1989ish," I explained my theater experience and it’s here that I wish my very eyes were cameras, able to instantaneously capture a response.  "As far back as that?" he asked, a twinkle bouncing between his eyes.  "As far back as that," I confirmed.  

We chatted, and it was nice.  Fishburne is a man that loves his work, including his role as an actor/producer on ABC's "Black-ish" and when you insert his proper name, Laurence J. Fishburne III the search engine pulls up his resume, allowing one to step back and appreciate the breadth of his stage work, having won a Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle, Theatre World, and Tony Awards for his portrayal of Sterling Johnson in August Wilson's TWO TRAINS RUNNING, directed by Lloyd Richards.

He's an Emmy Award nominee and a NAACP Image Award winner and he's been acting since the age of 10. To say that he was born to the profession is rather very simplified.  At age 15, he was cast in Francis Ford Coppola's classic "Apocalypse Now" and he's never stopped becoming what he is now---storyteller Laurence J. Fishburne III.  His legacy continues and in “Last Flag Flying” his measured performance asRev. Richard Mueller aka Mueller the Mauler,  just might earn him a Best Supporting Actor nomination, or so says the Oscar® buzz.

The other conversations around early Oscar® predictions included "Strong Island" by director Yance Ford on Netflix, a documentary about his brother's murder 20 years ago. 

Also in conversation, most film critics and Hollywood insiders who saw Dee Rees "Mudbound" feel strongly that the film will land a nomination, next year.  

Also at the party, Academy Award®winning filmmaker Roger Ross Williams ("Music by Prudence") who is also a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences (A.M.P.A.S.) board of governors, representing the Documentary Branch. 

I enjoy watching Williams work a room of distinguished folks, always tight-lipped and ready with a smile. 

Next year's 90th Academy Awards will be held on March 4 but until then the NYFF55 Festival runs until October 15. 

Follow @TheNYFF on Instagram for exclusive photos, festival videos, ticket giveaways, and more. 

https://www.filmlinc.org/nyff2017/

NEW YORK STAGE AND FILM WILL HONOR TINA FEY & FOUNDER AND CEO OF AUDIBLE, INC DON KATZ AT ANNUAL WINTER GALA

New York Stage and Film (Johanna Pfaelzer, Artistic Director; Thomas Pearson, Executive Director; Mark Linn-Baker, Max Mayer, Leslie Urdang, Producing Directors) is thrilled to announce that its annual Winter Gala will honor Tina Fey and Founder & CEO of Audible, Inc., Don Katz. TheWinter Gala, a fundraising event to support New York Stage and Film’s year-round theater and film development initiatives, will be held on Tuesday, December 5, 2017 at Pier Sixty at Chelsea Piers (23rd Street and West Side Highway). For more information on New York Stage and Film, please visit www.newyorkstageandfilm.org

“To say we are thrilled by this year’s gala honorees is an absolute understatement,” said Artistic Director Johanna Pfaelzer. “Tina is a leading voice in American comedy, from her film and television work, to her upcoming Broadway debut with the Mean Girls musical. And we are so excited to honor Don, who has been a pioneer in the world of audio entertainment, and is currently providing vital support for playwrights through Audible’s recent expansion into the theater world.”

The evening includes cocktails, an auction, dinner, and entertainment from special guests in honor of Tina Fey and Don Katz.

Tina Fey is the highly acclaimed, multi award winning writer, actor and producer who is best known as Liz Lemon on her Emmy Award-winning comedy series “30 Rock.”  Prior to creating “30 Rock,” Ms. Fey spent nine seasons as a writer and cast member on “Saturday Night Live.” Ms. Fey’s film projects include Sisters, Whiskey Tango Foxtrot, Date Night and Mean Girls (which she wrote). In 2010, Fey became the youngest recipient of the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor. In April 2011, Ms. Fey released her first book, Bossypants, which topped the New York Times bestseller list for over 36 consecutive weeks. Fey is currently co-creator of the hit Netflix comedy series, “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt,” and an executive producer of the NBC comedy series “Great News." She lives in New York City with her husband Jeff Richmond and their two daughters.

Don Katz is founder and CEO of Audible, Inc., the leading provider of premium digital spoken audio information and entertainment. Founded in 1995 and headquartered in Newark, NJ since 2007, Audible serves millions of listeners and offers over 375,000 downloadable audiobooks, audio editions of periodicals, and other programs.  The company commercialized the first portable digital audio player in 1997.  Audible is the supplier of audiobooks to Apple’s iTunes store worldwide and operates eight dedicated websites including audible.co.uk, audible.de, audible.fr, audible.it,audible.com.au, audible.co.jp and audible.ca.  Audible was publicly traded on NASDAQ until acquired by Amazon.com in 2008 and is now an Amazon.com, Inc. subsidiary. Named one of NJ.com’s “25 Most Influential People in New Jersey” in 2016, Katz was also recognized as one of America’s Top 25 Disruptive Leaders by Living Cities for his work on behalf of urban transformation in Newark. Prior to founding Audible, Katz was a journalist and author whose work won a National Magazine Award, an Overseas Press Club Award, and the Chicago Tribune Heartland Prize for Nonfiction.

Past gala honorees include Annette Bening, David Rockwell, Bill Pullman, Michael Mayer, Rick Miramontez,Stanley Tucci, Laura Linney, Christopher Plummer, Julianna Margulies, Steve Martin, Jordan Roth, John Patrick Shanley, Jon Robin Baitz, Aaron Sorkin, David Strathairn, Dana Delany, Tony Shalhoub, Marc Platt,Donald Holder, and Peter Gallagher.

New York Stage and Film is a non-profit company dedicated to both emerging and established artists in the development and production of theater and film. Since 1985, New York Stage and Film has been a vital incubator for artists and their work, a catalyst for stories that start with them and continue across the country and around the world.

Dozens of notable works trace their developmental roots to New York Stage and Film, including the 2016 Tony Award winners for Best Musical (Hamilton) and Best Play (The Humans), as well as the Tony Award-winning playsSide Man and Doubt, the Broadway musicals American Idiot and Bright Star, the recently acclaimed The Babylon Line, and the 2017 Pulitzer finalists The Wolves and Taylor Mac's A 24-Decade History of Popular Music.

New York Stage and Film recently completed the 33rd Powerhouse Summer season, its annual collaboration with Vassar College. The Powerhouse program consists of an eight-week residence on the Vassar campus during which more than 300 professional artists and dozens of students in the Powerhouse Training Program live and work together to create new theater works.

Other signature programs of New York Stage and Film are comprised of New York City programming, including the NYC Reading Series at Barnard College, and other workshops, readings, fellowships and residences for artists at all stages of their careers; and the Filmmakers’ Workshop, which provides early-career filmmakers with professional mentorship, artistic development, and industry skills and relationships.

All proceeds from the evening will benefit New York Stage and Film’s support of artists from around the country in the development and production of original work for theater and film.

www.NewYorkStageAndFilm.org

Tribeca TV Festival to bring Ava DuVernay’s Queen Sugar and Oprah Winfrey new OWN series to Cinepolis NYC, Sep 22-24

Clear the deck television loving New Yorkers because the week of September 22 and the city-that-never-sleeps will unveil the first annual Tribeca TV Festival (9.22 through 9.24) at the Cinepolis theater. Attending is the who’s-who of television and it’s a very, very, very big deal. 

That includes the screening highlights from Ava DuVernay’s Queen Sugar and exclusive “first-look-content” from Oprah Winfrey will premiere her new OWN series Released, and more.  

Let’s face it —everything about the entertainment space is changing which means Hollywood is changing. To wit Network television is in serious competition with new streaming video platforms like Hulu, Amazon and Netflix because most people prefer to take their entertainment “on the go” which has forced everyone in the television world to stop-drop-and-rethink how their business model. 

Netflix's enormous spending on original content has led the streaming video platform to accrue $20.54 billion "in long term debt and obligations," according to a report in the Los Angeles Times.

Stepping in to tap into the zeitgeist is the Tribeca TV Festival presented by AT&T which willfocus on bringing driving conversations from some of the entertainment world’s best and brightest.  The festival—scheduled to run Sept. 22 through 24 at Cinepolis in New York City—will feature numerous premieres and panel Q&As.  The TV festival will serve as a supplement to it’s acclaimed annual film festival that takes place every year in April.  

”Ten years ago we wouldn’t have needed a TV festival. Now, with the change in the TV landscape, both the quality and quantity of shows, it makes sense,” Tribeca co-founder Robert De Niro said in a statement. “As the Tribeca Film Festival has done, the Tribeca TV Festival will act as a curator in bringing people together for this emerging experience.”

This tremendous three-day event will bring people together to discover new television series, see new episodes of returning shows and hear interesting things from interesting people like the aforementioned Emmy Award winner Ava DuVernay’s Queen Sugar which is scheduled to debut it’s mid-season premiere on Sunday September 24th right at the festival.

Following the episode, the cast of the series, Rutina Wesley, Dawn-Lyen Gardner, and Kofi Siriboe will discuss their acclaimed performances and rich characters, working with an all-female directing team, and maybe providing a few clues as to how season 2 will end!

In addition to Queen Sugar, Oprah Winfrey will premiere her new OWN series Released, which chronicles formerly-incarcerated men and women who are restarting their lives.  If you are in NYC, this is definitely an event that you do not want to miss out on!

One example of how film and television blur is Ava DuVernay’s documentary “13th” which was commissioned by Netflix and that premiered at the New York Film Festival in 2017, had a limited theatrical run to qualify for the Oscars and ultimately received a nomination. On the television side the commissioned documentary won three awards at the Creative Arts Emmy with a total of eight noms this year with DuVernay picking up the award for Outstanding Documentary or Non-Fiction Special.

On the path of good, DuVernay used the opportunity on stage at the Emmys to draw attention to the plight of families affected by the prevalence of incarceration in the U.S.  “I want to thank, and think about tonight the hundreds of thousands of families who are waiting for their loved ones to come home,” she said. “Mothers, daughters, sisters, wives, who don’t know where their loved one is. Unsung heroes of a struggle that has not a lot to do with them, but has a lot to do with how they live each day.”

Also taking an Emmy home this evening for the “13th” was Oscar® winner Common, who won the trophy for Outstanding Original Music and Lyrics for the song” Letter To The Free.” The musician/actor and DuVernay previously collaborated on “Selma.” Common and John Legend wrote the film’s song “Glory” which won an Academy Award.

The Tribeca TV Festival tickets are now on sale and can be purchased online at http://www.tribecafilm.com/tvfestival.

AUSTIN FILM FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES LADY BIRD AND THE CURRENT WAR AS OPENING NIGHT AND CENTERPIECE PROGRAMMING FOR ITS 24TH ANNIVERSARY

The Austin Film Festival (Oct. 26-Nov. 2) (AFF), the premier film festival recognizing writers’ and filmmakers’ contributions to film, television, and new media, announced today its Opening Night and Centerpiece Programming for its 24th anniversary, taking placeOctober 26-November 2. A24’s Lady Bird will play as Opening Night selection and The Weinstein Company’s The Current War will serve as AFF’s Centerpiece Film.

The directorial debut by actress Greta Gerwig (Frances Ha, Mistress America), Lady Bird stars Saoirse Ronan (Brooklyn, The Grand Budapest Hotel) as Christine “Lady Bird” McPherson, a young woman who fights against but is exactly like her wildly loving, deeply opinionated and strong-willed mom (Laurie Metcalf), a nurse working tirelessly to keep her family afloat after Lady Bird's father (Tracy Letts) loses his job.

The Current War, the latest film by director Alfonso Gomez-Rejon (Me and Earl and the Dying Girl), chronicles the race for marketable electricity in the United States between Thomas Edison and George Westinghouse. The film also stars Tom Holland, Nicholas Hoult, and Katherine Waterston. Gomez-Rejon will present the film during the Festival.

Lady Bird and The Current War will join already announced titles An Ordinary Man, starring Ben Kingsley, 24 Hours to Live, starring Ethan Hawke, Please Stand By, starring Dakota Fanning and Toni Collette, and the premiere of the season finale of HBO’s new dramatic series The Deuce, with creators David Simon and George Pelecanos in attendance.

ABOUT AUSTIN FILM FESTIVAL:

Austin Film Festival (AFF) is a non-profit organization dedicated to furthering the art, craft and business of writers and filmmakers and recognizing their contributions to film, television and new media. AFF champions the work of aspiring and established writers and filmmakers by providing unique cultural events and services, enhancing public awareness and participation, and encouraging dynamic and long-lasting community partnerships.  AFF is supported in part by the Cultural Arts Division of the City of Austin Economic Development Department and the Texas Commission on the Arts. All attendees and events are based on permitting schedules and are subject to change and/or cancellation without notice.

ACADEMY REVEALS 2017 STUDENT ACADEMY AWARD® WINNERS

The Academy has voted 17 students as winners of the 44th Student Academy Awards®competition.  This year, the Student Academy Awards competition received a total of 1,587 entries from 267 domestic and 89 international colleges and universities – which were voted by a record number of Academy members.  The 2017 winners join the ranks of such past Student Academy Award winners as Patricia Cardoso, Pete Docter, Cary Fukunaga, John Lasseter, Spike Lee, Trey Parker and Robert Zemeckis.

Uploaded by Oscars on 2017-09-13.

The winners are (listed alphabetically by film title):

Alternative (Domestic Film Schools)
"Opera of Cruelty," Max R. A. Fedore, New York University

Animation (Domestic Film Schools)
"Cradle," Devon Manney, University of Southern California
"E-delivery," Young Gul Cho, School of Visual Arts
"In a Heartbeat," Beth David and Esteban Bravo, Ringling College of Art and Design

Documentary (Domestic Film Schools)
"Hale," Brad Bailey, University of California, Berkeley
"On Pointe," Priscilla Thompson and Joy Jihyun Jeong, Columbia University
"One Way Home," Qingzi Fan, New York University

Narrative (Domestic Film Schools)
"Mammoth," Ariel Heller, University of Southern California
"My Newphew Emmett," Kevin Wilson, Jr., New York University
"Who’s Who in Mycology," Marie Dvorakova, New York University

Narrative (International Film Schools) 
"Facing Mecca," Jan-Eric Mack, Zurich University of the Arts (Switzerland)
"Watu Wote/All of Us," Katja Benrath, Hamburg Media School (Germany)
"When Grey is a Colour," Marit Weerheijm, Netherlands Film Academy (Netherlands)

Animation (International Film Schools)
"Life Smartphone," Chenglin Xie, China Central Academy of Fine Arts (China)

Documentary (International Film Schools)
"Galamsey," Johannes Preuss, Filmakademie Baden-Wurttemberg (Germany)

First-time honors go to China Central Academy of Fine Arts in Beijing.

All Student Academy Award-winning films are eligible to compete for 2017 Oscars® in the Animated Short Film or Live Action Short Film category and 2018 Oscars in the Documentary Short Subject category.  Past winners have gone on to receive 57 Oscar nominations and have won or shared 11 awards.  This year one 2016 Student Academy Award winner received an Oscar nomination in the Documentary Short Subject category: Daphne Matziaraki, a Gold Medal winner in the Documentary category for "4.1 Miles."

Students will arrive in Los Angeles for a week of industry activities that will culminate in the awards ceremony on Thursday, October 12, at 7:30 p.m., at the Samuel Goldwyn Theater in Beverly Hills.  The medal placements – gold, silver and bronze – in the seven award categories will be announced at the ceremony.

New this year, the competition was expanded to allow two options for students at international film schools to submit their films. In addition to CILECT-member schools submitting one student film per international film school category, international students may now enter films that qualify through film festivals recognized by the Student Academy Awards Executive Committee. 

The 44th Student Academy Awards ceremony on October 12 is free and open to the public, but advance tickets are required.  Tickets may be obtained online at oscars.org starting today.  Any remaining tickets will be made available at the door on the evening of the event.  The Samuel Goldwyn Theater is located at 8949 Wilshire Boulevard in Beverly Hills.

The Student Academy Awards were established in 1972 to provide a platform for emerging global talent by creating opportunities within the industry to showcase their work.

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ABOUT THE ACADEMY
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is a global community of more than 8,000 of the most accomplished artists, filmmakers and executives working in film. In addition to celebrating and recognizing excellence in filmmaking through the Oscars, the Academy supports a wide range of initiatives to promote the art and science of the movies, including public programming, educational outreach and the upcoming Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, which is under construction in Los Angeles.

FOLLOW THE ACADEMY
www.oscars.org
www.facebook.com/TheAcademy
www.youtube.com/Oscars
www.twitter.com/TheAcademy

BEST OF BOLLYWOOD IN NYC, w/ A STAR STUDDED IIFA AWARDS SHOW! #IIFA2017

THE IIFA AWARDS BROUGHT THE BEST OF BOLLYWOOD WITH A STAR STUDDED AWARDS SHOW!

 The IIFA Awards to broadcast on COLORS today Sunday, July 16th with the Green Carpet at 6pm followed by the Awards at 7pm

New York, July 16th 2017: The celebrated IIFA Awards took over the city of New York with a dazzling awards show bringing together the biggest names of Bollywood in celebration of Indian Cinema. Giving Indian cinema a global platform, the Awards was held at the iconic MetLife Stadium at New York, USA.

This year the IIFA Awards stage saw Bollywood’s most dynamic duo- the talented stars Karan Johar and Saif Ali Khan - host India’s most awaited awards ceremony. The pair amazed the crowd present with their quick wit and zingers as leaving them in splits with their amusing one-liners and on-stage chemistry.

The IIFA Awards, the finale of the IIFA Weekend saw a host of stellar performances and acts. The show kicked off with Alia Bhatt performing on the Awards stage for the very first time since her debut in Bollywood five years ago. The night featured spellbindingperformances by Bollywood superstars- Salman Khan, Katrina Kaif, Shahid Kapoor, Sushant Singh Rajput and Kriti Sanon, to name a few.

Bollywood’s Youth Icon, Varun Dhawan performed on the IIFA Awards stage with a stunning performance celebrating his father’s legacy in Bollywood. This year, IIFA presented the Woman of the Year Award to actress Taapsee Pannu and The Myntra Style Icon to Alia Bhatt. The award night included legendary actor Anil Kapoor and Sudhanshu Vats, Group CEO - Viacom18 honoring A.R. Rahman for his illustrious career and work as they celebrated his 25 years in the industry.

The NEXA IIFA Awards Powered by VIVO to broadcast on COLORS today, Sunday, July 16th with the Green Carpet at 6pm followed by the Awards at 7pm 

The NEXA IIFA Awards Powered by VIVO aired LIVE exclusively on Saturday, July 15, starting at 8:00 p.m. ET/5:00 p.m. PT in North America and the Caribbean on cable, satellite and digital Pay Per View via in Demand, Vubiquity, DISH and DIRECTV in the USA, Bell, Rogers, SHAW, SaskTel and Telus in Canada, along with the Flipps App and web site www.IIFAAwardsppv.com in both the USA and Canada.  The suggested retail price is $39.95. The live telecast is distributed exclusively via Integrated Sports Media.

Lycamobile – Presenting Sponsor, McDonalds - Associate Sponsor, NYC (Mayors office) - Host Destination, NewYorkBannerStands & Print Early – Printing Partner, Pierre Précieuse – Gifting Partner and Arya Dance Academy – Dance Company Partner.

The NEXA IIFA Awards will broadcast on COLORS – the Broadcast Partner, with the Title Sponsor NEXA, Weekend Title Sponsor – EROS NOW, Powered by VIVO, Cause Partner- WOOSH Washing Expert,   Styled by Myntra, Official Airline Partner – AIR INDIA, Thought Leadership Partner – VEDANTA, Brand Partner – Closeup, Carnival and Ease My Trip and Franchise India, Jewelry Partner – Nakshatraworld.com, Outdoor partners – Bright Outdoor Media and JR Creations, Multiplex Partner –PVR

Adding to the excitement of the Awards night, International Indian Film Academy Awards launched its brand new line of Official IIFA Merchandise partnered with New York based Easy Partners, a boutique licensing and merchandising company. The eye-catching IIFA Merchandise featuring a diverse range of T-Shirts, Caps, Key Rings, Hooded Sweatshirts, Tote Bags, Magnet, Ticket Holders stylized with IIFA’s logo and Mugs showcasing IIFA 2017 in New York were available at the famous MetLife Stadium during the show and alsoexclusively on the IIFA website on https://www.jsrdirect.com/webstores/iifa

The IIFA Awards Winners:

·         Best Picture- Neerja

·         Best Story- Ayesha Devitre Dhillon, Shakun Batra (Kapoor & Sons)

·         Best Performance in a comic role- Varun Dhawan (Dishoom)

·         Best Direction- Aniruddha Roy Chowdhury (Pink)

·         Best Actor in a leading role Female- Alia Bhatt (Udta Punjab)

·         Best Actor in a leading role Male- Shahid Kapoor (Udta Punjab)

·         Best Lyricist- Amitabh Bhattacharya (Channa Mereya)

·         Best Music Director-Pritam (Ae Dil Hai Mushkil)

·         Best Negative Role- Jim Sarbh (Neerja)

·         Best Playback Singer Female- Kanika Kapoor (Udta Punjab- Da Da Dasse) and Tulsi Kumar (Airlift- Soch Na Sake)

·         Best Playback singer Male- Amit Mishra(Ae Dil Hai Mushkil- Bulleya)

·         Supporting ActorFemale- Shabana Azmi (Neerja)

·         Supporting Actor Male  Anupam Kher (M.S. Dhoni)

·         Myntra Style Icon Award-Alia Bhatt

·         Woman of the Year- Taapsee Pannu

·         Best Debut Male- Diljit Dosanjh (Udta Punjab)

·         Best Debut Female- Disha Patani(M.S. Dhoni)

IIFA continues on its journey with strength to grow every year in the world of entertainment and building the outreach as a major event globally to bring positive results and impact. This year is set to be one of the biggest, most extravagant and amazing IIFA Weekends to date. Keep up to date with all the latest news and details on IIFA by logging on to www.iifa.com or checking out the social media handles:

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/IIFA/
Twitter - https://twitter.com/IIFA
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/iifa/

About IIFA (International Indian Film Academy)

Conceptualized and produced by Wizcraft International Entertainment Pvt. Ltd. and supported by the key members of the Indian film fraternity, IIFA is the most appreciated South Asian film academy and a global platform that gives the Indian film fraternity an opportunity to reach audiences in international territories. The alliances made via the platform of IIFA provide huge benefits and gain to India but an equally important objective of this prestigious brand is to create similar outcomes in its host country.  The aim is to establish a system of mutual benefit to both India as well as the host destinations by boosting tourism, economic development, trade, culture, cross-border investments and film co-productions.

Wizcraft International Entertainment Pvt. Ltd promotes the IIFA Weekend & Awards globally each year and travel to new, exciting and beautiful destinations, taking the film fraternity with it to unite and celebrate the best of Indian film and culture, thereby taking Indian Cinema and India to a wider audience. www.iifa.com.

ABOUT WIZCRAFT INTERNATIONAL ENTERTAINMENT PVT. LTD.

Wizcraft International Entertainment, India’s leading media and Entertainment Company is dedicated to showcasing its expertise on the world stage.  Having conceptualized some of the grandest events globally including the 50 Years of Indian Independence, the 30 Years of Mauritian Independence, the 10 years of the South African Freedom Struggle, the Commonwealth Games Opening and Closing ceremonies in Delhi as well as the Handover ceremony of the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne, & the prestigious International

Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Awards & Weekend for 15 years in over 12 countries, Wizcraft has contributed towards brand building for India across the world.  It has pioneered and developed India’s biggest entertainment brand IIFA which has taken Indian Cinema and culture to the world. The growth story of the company reflects the evolution of the Indian event management & entertainment industry itself. Driven by its vision “Believe in the power of your dreams” the company is committed to quality and innovation, while setting its sights on greater peaks of achievement.

 ABOUT METLIFE STADIUM

MetLife Stadium, home to the New York Jets and New York Football Giants, is the number one stadium in the world. This 82,500 seat stadium, one of the largest in the National Football League, sets the standard for venue excellence with state-of-the-art technology, comfort and amenities. The only active venue to serve as the home stadium for two NFL teams, MetLife Stadium hosts 20 NFL games per season, more than any other Stadium.

MetLife Stadium hosts the World’s Biggest Events, on the World’s Biggest Stage. Major events hosted at the stadium include Super Bowl XLVIII, WrestleMania 29, Copa America Centenario, CONCACAF Gold Cup Quarterfinals, Paul McCartney, U2, Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, Bon Jovi, Kenny Chesney and Taylor Swift

MetLife Stadium tops the industry charts annually since opening. The Stadium has ranked as the No. 1 Highest Grossing Stadium in the world for the last 5 years (2012 – 2016) by Billboard magazine. In 2011 MetLife Stadium was ranked No. 1 for safety by Security magazine’s “Security 500” in the Arenas/Stadiums/Leagues/Entertainment division.

For more information, visit:
www.metlifestadium.com
www.wizcraftworld.com

The Just For Laughs comedy festival in Montreal July 31

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The 35th edition of the Just for Laughs comedy festival, in Montreal, kicks off today with some of the biggest names in comedy sharing the stage with rising up and comers. Highlights from the 2017 lineup include Jerry Seinfeld in his first appearance at the festival since 1989. 

In the comedy world this is a big deal. It’s like the Olympics of Laugher and the launching pad for comedians like Kevin Hart, Judd Apatow, and Dave Chappelle, to name a few.

JFL’s tradition continues with The Ethnic Show, returning for its 9th Edition presented as part of the Jack Astor’s Club Series. This cultural melting pot for comedy features today’s buzz worthy comics, hosted by outspoken comedian Iranian-American Maz Jobrani. Maz is best known for numerous appearances on the late night talk show circuit, many movies and television appearances. Joining Maz, sharing the humorous side of their diverse backgrounds, Jewish-American Jessica Kirson returning after highly praised performances in 2016; international comedian and one of the most sought-after performers, Korean Irish-American Steve Byrne; their return to the Festival, audience favourite Italian-Canadians The Doo Wops, comprised of John Catucci and David Mesiano; rising star Portuguese-Canadian Mike Rita; and staple of the New York comedy scene Dominican-American Vlad Caamaño. We’re tearing down barriers to speak forthright while laughing at our differences and similarities

Here is what some of the funniest folks on the planet performing as part of the The Ethnic Show had to say about humor in 2017.

The Doo Wops (they’re a duo)

David Mesiano

What's funny to me?  

Self-deprecating humour, as long as I'm the one telling the story. 

Where do I see ethnic humour going? 

I see it evolving at an even pace with the respective ethnic group. There are certain stereotypes that are timeless; there are those that are outdated. But as a culture grows, I believe so do the opportunities to be made fun of!  

John Catucci

What's funny to me?  

Awkward silences

Where do I see ethnic humour going? 

Mike Rita

What’s funny to me? 

The unspoken truths of the world, the stuff that people say inside their brains while the world happens around them and i love when crazy people scare really soft humans. I always thought it was funny when a person who lives in a little bubble has it burst by someone whipping out their penis. 

Where do I think ethnic comedy is going? 

I think it’s going main stream more than ever but i can't tell if it’s for the correct reasons like pure talent. I feel at times people love to cash in on markets that haven't been tapped and thou ethnic comedy has always existed, it’s now marketable so it’s about to blow up.

Maz Jobrani

What’s funny to you?

Most anything that comes out of the mouth of my 6 year old daughter.

Where do you see ethnic comedy going? (with diverse ethnic groups being more outspoken)

I think that what we are seeing are comedians who just happen to be from different ethnicities. It takes immigrant cultures some time to get past the basic lawyer, doctor, engineer careers and get into the actor, comedian, rock star careers. But it’s been a few generations where Indians, Iranians, Arabs and others have been coming to the West and we’re seeing more and more comedians from diverse backgrounds talking about their experiences. It will be similar to what happened for Jews, blacks and Hispanics in the 60s, 70s and 80s. Comedy, will hopefully help these other ethnic communities break into the mainstream. It is a positive thing for diversity.

Jessica Kirson

What’s funny to you?

I laugh at real, vulnerable comedians. I love when someone is very dry in their delivery and really owns it. That makes me laugh out loud. I laugh at anything silly. I laugh when people fall (and don't get hurt). I love physical humor.

Where do you see ethnic comedy going? (with diverse ethnic groups being more outspoken)

I think we will see more and more ethnic humor. The world is so diverse and it's important to see all of it. Every group has their own culture, habits, funny things to make fun of. It's great to see how different we all are through humor.

Social Media:

Facebook: @justforlaughs
Twitter: @justforlaughs
Instagram: @justforlaughs
#JFLMTL#JFL35

NYC GEARS UP FOR THE IIFA WEEKEND & AWARDS. Metlife stadium to get Bollywoodized! #IIFA2017

NEW YORK CITY GEARS UP FOR THE 18TH EDITION OF THE IIFA WEEKEND AND AWARDS!

·         The 18th Edition Of Lycamobile Presents IIFA Festival New York in Association with McDonalds to be held from 13th – 15th July 2017 in the host city of New York

·         The 72 hours extravaganza, Eros Now IIFA Weekendco-presented by NEXA powered by VIVO will feature string of events and unique associations: Myntra presents IIFA Stomp, Shuruaat Gala Dinner IIFA Societal Innovation Summitin association with tGELF, The FICCI- IIFA Global Business Forum 2017, the spectacularEROS NOW IIFA Rocks and the one and only- The NEXA IIFA Awards Powered by VIVO

New York, 13th July 2017: The International Indian Film Academy have commenced today in the city of New York! The anticipation is building as IIFA travels to the United States for the second time. Known to be the center of entertainment, business, fashion and culture, the premiere edition of IIFA in New York is all set to be star studded event filled with splendor and revelry!

The 18th Edition of the IIFA Weekend and Awards began with an Official Press Conference held at the Metropolitan Ballroom at the Sheraton Times Square Hotel. The conference was attended by leading notable figures and members from the media, eminent Bollywood stars Salman Khan, Shahid Kapoor, Katrina Kaif, Alia Bhatt, Sushant Singh Rajput, Kriti Sanon, Varun Dhawan among others were in attendance as they welcomed the Biggest IFA ever in New York.

Commenting on the occasion, Andre Timmins, Director- Wizcraft International, the producers and creator of the IIFA movement says, “The 18th Edition of IIFA Weekend And Awards is going to be one of our biggest ever IIFA Festival to date.  We are bringing together the very best in music, fashion, dance extravaganza and celebration of Indian Film and we can’t wait for IIFA to take over the City of New York and America.  The multi-faceted nature of IIFA also presents a great opportunity through FICCI- IIFA Global Business Forum, with which we aim to create a business networking platform to further trade & policy relations between India and America.”

Varun Dhawan shared saying, “I am absolutely excited to be a part of IIFA Awards in New York this year. I’m looking forward to join everyone and see fans at the amazing MetLife Stadium. This year is truly going to be a grand celebration and I can’t wait to be there!”

Commenting on the occasion, Salman Khan says, “It always feels great to be a part of the IIFA Movement and I look forward to the IIFA Festival in New York.”

Expressing his excitement, Shahid Kapoor says, “IIFA is all about creating memories and experiences. I had a great time last year hosting the show. This time around I will be performing at the IIFA Festival New York. I am hoping to give the audiences a power packed performance in the City That Never Sleeps.”

Speaking about her debut at IIFA, Alia Bhatt shares, “I am very excited to be a part of IIFA 2017, as this is going to be my debut at the IIFA Festival after 5 years in the industry. I am super excited that IIFA is being held in the beautiful city of New York. IIFA is all about togetherness and the celebration of the Indian cinema globally and I eagerly look forward to this celebration”.

Katrina Kaif says, “I’m really excited and looking forward to performing at the IIFA Awards this year. It is such a great platform that not only showcases the celebration of cinema globally, but also it’s a great opportunity for us to reach out to our fans worldwide. I am excited that this year, it is happening in one of my favorite cities – New York!”

Sharing his experience with IIFA, Sushant Singh Rajput says, “I have always been excited for IIFA since my college days, because that’s when my association with IIFA began. From being a back-ground dancer to performing for the audiences as an actor, IIFA has always been very memorable to me. I am very grateful to IIFA for giving me a chance to perform. I doubt I will be performing on my songs, because the films I have done, don’t really have peppy numbers. However I look forward to my performance at the IIFA Festival New York 2017.”

Commenting on her excitement for IIFA, Kriti Sanon says, “IIFA is a great platform where everyone from the industry travels globally and celebrates the glory of Indian Cinema. The IIFA Awards has always been held in the most beautiful destinations and this time it’s being held in New York. I am enthusiastically looking forward to my very first performance at the IIFA Festival and my first visit to the City.”

Lycamobile – Presenting Sponsor, McDonalds - Associate Sponsor, NYC (Mayors office) - Host Destination, NewYorkBannerStands & Print Early – Printing Partner, Pierre Précieuse – Gifting Partner and Arya Dance Academy – Dance Company Partner.

The NEXA IIFA Awards will broadcast on COLORS – the Broadcast Partner, with the Title Sponsor NEXA, Weekend Title Sponsor – EROS NOW, Powered by VIVO, Cause Partner- WOOSH Washing Expert,   Styled by Myntra, Official Airline Partner – AIR INDIA, Thought Leadership Partner – VEDANTA, Brand Partner – Closeup, Carnival and Ease My Trip and Franchise India, Jewelry Partner – Nakshatraworld.com, Outdoor partners – Bright Outdoor Media and JR Creations, Multiplex Partner –PVR

Commenting on the occasion, Sudhanshu Vats, Group CEO - Viacom18, "Historically, Indian cinema has been the biggest ambassador of our culture, and IIFA has been instrumental in a big way to take our cinema to the Indian diaspora. IIFA is the biggest celebration of Bollywood, and it has been a very rewarding partnership between COLORS Viacom18 and Wizcraft to take this entertainment extravaganza a notch higher every year. The increasing appeal of Indian movies across geographies have established the international appeal of the local Indian content. This focus on content driven cinema is a cause that is very dear to our Studio, Viacom18 Motion Pictures. In the coming days we will strive towards making our stories, our cinema find increasing global audiences and spread the essence of Bollywood across cultures."

Sharing on the same, Raj Nayak, COO – Viacom18, said “After months of preparations, we are in New York today to celebrate the world’s biggest Bollywood awards. Three days of celebration that started with ringing the bell at Nasdaq, having a dance & fashion show at Times Square, celebrating 25 years of A R Rahman with IIFA Rocks and finally the IIFA awards, it's just been amazing. 40,000 people will watch the event LIVE at the MetLife stadium in New York and viewers across the globe will get to watch the extravaganza on COLORS."

Speaking of the association, Mr. R. S Kalsi, Executive Director, Marketing & Sales, Maruti Suzuki said“We are delighted to associate with NEXA IIFA Awards 2017 for the third consecutive year. NEXA and IIFA are symbolic of breaking the status-quo and creating experiences which are new and exciting. NEXA is synonymous with offering premium experiences matched with spectacular segment defining products like S-Cross, Baleno, Ignis and Ciaz. NEXA creates moments which consumers experience just like IIFA which builds lifetime experiences and felicitates excellence in Indian cinema at a global stage”

Commenting on the association, Rishika Lulla Singh CEO - Eros Digital said, “We strive to offer the best of Bollywood content to our viewers and it gives us immense pleasure to associate with Wizcraft and come on board as Title Sponsor for IIFA Weekend, one of the most celebrated and recognized Indian film award ceremonies across the globe. Eros Now will stream the awards reaching out to our subscribers across the world to give them the opportunity to witness these grand celebrations before its telecast on any other digital platform. With two leading players from the entertainment space coming together for the awards gala, the teams promise to magnify its scope and amplify our vision to reach out to Indian cinema lovers across the world’.

Delighted at the association, Vivek Zhang, CMO, Vivo India, said, “We are thrilled to have partnered with the most coveted platform representing Indian cinema globally. As a global smartphone brand, we constantly try to connect closely with our target audience in different parts of the country. We believe that the popularity of India International Film Awards (IIFA) is a splendid opportunity for Vivo to strengthen connect with the right audience and create a strong brand recall. Our latest offering in the Indian market is a step ahead in our endeavor to revolutionize the selfie phenomenon.”

Speaking of the association, Mr. Anil Agarwal, Chairman, Vedanta Resources Plc said; “IIFA has been a platform that showcases India’s art & cultural excellence to the world, just as we believe Vedanta champions India’s natural resources globally. I am pleased that IIFA is supporting our flagship CSR programme; Nand Ghar as a social cause which will benefit 8.5 crore children and 2 crore women across India. This is aligned to our Honorable Prime Minister’s social development vision for our country.”

Sharing on the association, Mr. Allirajah Subaskaran Group Chairman and founder, Lycamobile Group of Companies said: “We are delighted to be sponsoring this year’s International Indian Film Academy Festival, an event showcasing the best of Bollywood, with nominations from some of the industry’s biggest stars, including Anushka Sharma, Amitabh Bachchan and Shahid Kapoor. Our sponsorship of the Festival demonstrates Lyca Group’s ongoing commitment to excellence in Indian cinema, an area we are dedicated to supporting as we continue our expansion into film through our entertainment business Lyca Productions”

“I join Mayor de Blasio in extending a warm welcome to IIFA for its annual celebration of Indian Cinema,” said Film and Entertainment Commissioner, Julie Menin. “As both a film production capital and the proud home to so many Indian Americans, New York is the perfect host city for this wonderful celebration.  We also welcome the many Bollywood film lovers, fans and tourists who will visit our city for these prestigious awards.”  

Drawing a close parallel between the two mega brands, Air India’s Commercial Director, Mr. Pankaj Srivastava said that “As has IIFA been growing to be a global phenomenon over the years, so has Air India been expanding its wings internationally, especially in American, European and Australian markets. Both Air India and IIFA are dream merchants and true ambassadors of Indian goodwill abroad.”

Commenting on the occasion, Ananth Narayanan, CEO, Myntra-Jabong says, “The strong bond between Bollywood and fashion needs no foreword! An association between the nations’s leading destination for fashion online and the most awaited screen award ceremony in the country makes for an excellent combination that symbolically connects these brands with consumers. IIFA represents glamour and fashion and we are looking forward to a long-standing relationship with them as their fashion partners.”

Talking about the collaboration with IIFA, Mr. Yogesh Jain, Managing Director and Chairman ‘Woosh Washing Expert’ says, “It gives us immense pleasure to have associated with IIFA. As cause partners, we will be happy to promote Woosh’s ‘Soft Soft Hands’ at the event and empower women, in our own little way. This is our first association with IIFA and we look forward to continuing our journey with it, going forward”.

Commenting on this, Shashwat Sharma, Category Head, Oral Care India, said, “Closeup as a brand celebrates two individuals coming close by shedding all inhibitions that they face. Our signature tune “Paas Aao” has been an iconic jingle building our brand philosophy. We are excited to bring to you a fresh and edgy take of the much-loved melody. What started out as a romantic number has now evolved into a bold and catchy track which resonates with the pulse of today’s youth. We want to inspire the youth to break all barriers and overcome their hesitation. This thought has been brilliantly brought alive by Ahmed Khan and his vision for the song and the charm of Sushant Singh Rajput and Kriti Sanon. We are confident this new exciting avatar of “Paas Aao” will be loved by all.” Tune in to Colors, at 10 am and catch Kriti and Sushant share their ‘PaasAao’ moment with their electrifying performance on stage!

Commenting on the association, Mr. Nishant Pitti, CEO & Co-Founder, EaseMyTrip.com shared, “Joining IIFA 2017 as support partner will bring EaseMyTrip more close to Bollywood as we always welcome our association with entertainment world.”

IIFA inaugurated its festivities by ringing in the Nasdaq stock exchange bell at Times Square, thus marking the globalization of Indian cinema. International Indian Film Academy especially rang the bell to announce its support for the Nand Ghar Project, a unique Public-Private-Partnership (PPP), led by Vedanta Resources, which is listed on the NYSE stock exchange, along with the Government of India to transform Early Childhood Care and Education Centers. Designed in line with the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi with a view to eradicating malnutrition, providing education and skill Development, Vedanta has adopted 4,000 villages in India. Taking the benefits of development of healthcare, children's education and skill development for women, Project Nand Ghar is a meeting point of the social initiatives by the government such as Swaach Bharat, Startup India, Skill India, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, Digital India campaigns all under one roof. With a strong focus on health, safety and environment and on enhancing the lives of local communities,Vedanta founders have pledged 75% of their wealth for social development.

Fans of Indian Cinema can look forward to a host of events kicking off with the music and fashion welcome party- Myntra presents IIFA Stomp at Times Square on 13th July. Bollywood actor Varun Dhawan will be showcasing his DJ skills at IIFA Stomp alongside DJ Amann Nagpal, Electronica icon B.R.E.E.D, DJ Nasha, as they raise the excitement with their unique music. Another facet to IIFA Stomp is a glamorous Fashion Show right in the heart of the city! Myntra shall present its collection with show-stoppers Bollywood actresses’ Dia Mirza and Taapsee Pannu. Leading ladies Shilpa Shetty & Neha Dhupia shall be show-stoppers for Shane and Falguni Peacock collection presented by NEXA and a Jewelry collection will be presented by Gitanjali by designer Sonaakshi Raaj withHuma Qureshi as the showstopper. In addition, Myntra shall announce the MOGO much logo launch featuring a 10 minute performance by the talented multi-instrumentalist Karsh Kale.

Day 1 of the 18th edition of the IIFA Weekend and Awards also introduces the first-of-its-kind“Shuruaat Gala” Dinner IIFA Societal Innovation Summit, a charity fundraiser organized by IIFA in association with The Global Education and Leadership Foundation (tGELF) at The Pierre in New York. As star studded evening, Shuruaat Gala Dinner at IIFA shall bring together the biggest celebrities from Bollywood and leaders from business, philanthropy, media, education and Arts. 

As part of the IIFA Weekend and Awards in New York, IIFA and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and industry announced the FICCI-IIFA Global Business Forum to be held on July 14th, 2017 at the Asia Society, 725 Park Avenue. An initiative, supported by Consulate General of India- New York, Asia Society and US-India Business Council (USIBC), the Business Forum began in 2005 and has grown into a global platform which has hosted international leaders such as Nelson Mandela, Prince Charles, Prime Minister Tony Blair of UK, President Mahinda Rajapaksa of Sri Lanka and a number of CEOs of Fortune 500 companies. FICCI- IIFA Global Business Forum, the annual one-day event has been a major highlight of the IIFA Weekend And Awards, solidifying the business ties between India and its significant trade and investment partners. This year, the Global Business Forum 2017 will focus on the theme “India and United States: Partners in Progress”, withdiscussions on India- US commercial relations, with panel sessions focusing on key aspects of the relationship:  The future of India-US Economic Partnership, Defense and Security, Manufacturing,Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Media & Entertainment.

Additionally, the iconic MetLife stadium shall transform into an unforgettable musical experience atEROS NOW IIFA Rocks on July 14th with the Multi-talented Bollywood star Diljit Dosanjh kick-starting the performances. A never-seen-before medley and energetic performances from Hariharan, Kailash Kher, Mika Singh, Mohit Chauhan, Jonita Gandhi, Neeti Mohan, Javed Ali, Haricharan Seshadri and Kamaal Khan among others will be seen with the legendary artist A.R. Rahman at IIFA Rocks. Bollywood’s Riteish Deshmukh and Manish Paul will host the sensational global event.

The final and most awaited event of the weekend is the NEXA IIFA Awards Co-presented by Eros Now Powered by VIVO, a spectacular and glamorous night which honors and celebrates excellence and deserving work in Indian cinema will be held at MetLife Stadium on July 15thfeaturing Saif Ali Khan and Karan Johar hosting the star studded night with dazzling performances by Bollywood megastars Salman Khan, Alia Bhatt, Katrina Kaif, Shahid Kapoor, Sushant Singh Rajput and Kriti Sanon, to name a few.

The NEXA IIFA Awards Powered by VIVO to broadcast on COLORS on Sunday, July 16th with the Green Carpet at 6pm followed by the Awards at 7pm.

Lycamobile Presents IIFA Festival New York in Association with McDonalds will air LIVE exclusively onSaturday, July 15, starting at 8:00 p.m. ET/5:00 p.m. PT in North America and the Caribbean oncable, satellite and digital Pay Per View via in Demand, Vubiquity, DISH and DIRECTV in the USA, Bell, Rogers, SHAW, SaskTel and Telus in Canada, along with the Flipps App and web sitewww.IIFAAwardsppv.com in both the USA and Canada. The suggested retail price is $39.95. The live telecast is distributed exclusively via Integrated Sports Media.

With the excitement growing across the world, the Official IIFA merchandise is a perfect treat for‘IIFAn’s’ globally. The Official IIFA Merchandise includes an interesting range of T-Shirts, Caps, Key Rings, Hooded Sweatshirts, Tote Bags, Magnet and Ticket Holders among others that are stylized with the Iconic IIFA’s logo. The Merchandise is exclusively available on e-storehttps://www.jsrdirect.com/webstores/iifa and at MetLife Stadium from 14th – 15th July 2017 during the 72 hour IIFA Weekend and Awards.

As fans from all across the world await for the biggest celebration of Indian cinema worldwide, International Indian Film Academy is pleased to announce its diverse range of official IIFA merchandise. New York based Easy Partners, a boutique licensing and merchandising company ties up with IIFA as the official merchandise partner to produce, market and sell the merchandise.

IIFA continues on its journey with strength to grow every year in the world of entertainment and building the outreach as a major event globally to bring positive results and impact. This year is set to be one of the biggest, most extravagant and amazing IIFA Weekends to date. Keep up to date with all the latest news and details on IIFA by logging on to www.iifa.com or checking out the social media handles.

#IIFA2017

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/IIFA/

Twitter - https://twitter.com/IIFA

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/iifa/

About IIFA (International Indian Film Academy)

Conceptualized and produced by Wizcraft International Entertainment Pvt. Ltd. and supported by the key members of the Indian film fraternity, IIFA is the most appreciated South Asian film academy and a global platform that gives the Indian film fraternity an opportunity to reach audiences in international territories. The alliances made via the platform of IIFA provide huge benefits and gain to India but an equally important objective of this prestigious brand is to create similar outcomes in its host country.  The aim is to establish a system of mutual benefit to both India as well as the host destinations by boosting tourism, economic development, trade, culture, cross-border investments and film co-productions.

Wizcraft International Entertainment Pvt. Ltd promotes the IIFA Weekend & Awards globally each year and travel to new, exciting and beautiful destinations, taking the film fraternity with it to unite and celebrate the best of Indian film and culture, thereby taking Indian Cinema and India to a wider audience. www.iifa.com.

ABOUT WIZCRAFT INTERNATIONAL ENTERTAINMENT PVT. LTD.

Wizcraft International Entertainment, India’s leading media and Entertainment Company is dedicated to showcasing its expertise on the world stage.  Having conceptualized some of the grandest events globally including the 50 Years of Indian Independence, the 30 Years of Mauritian Independence, the 10 years of the South African Freedom Struggle, the Commonwealth Games Opening and Closing ceremonies in Delhi as well as the Handover ceremony of the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne, & the prestigious International

Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Awards & Weekend for 15 years in over 12 countries, Wizcraft has contributed towards brand building for India across the world.  It has pioneered and developed India’s biggest entertainment brand IIFA which has taken Indian Cinema and culture to the world. The growth story of the company reflects the evolution of the Indian event management & entertainment industry itself. Driven by its vision “Believe in the power of your dreams” the company is committed to quality and innovation, while setting its sights on greater peaks of achievement.

ABOUT METLIFE STADIUM

MetLife Stadium, home to the New York Jets and New York Football Giants, is the number one stadium in the world. This 82,500 seat stadium, one of the largest in the National Football League, sets the standard for venue excellence with state-of-the-art technology, comfort and amenities. The only active venue to serve as the home stadium for two NFL teams, MetLife Stadium hosts 20 NFL games per season, more than any other Stadium.

MetLife Stadium hosts the World’s Biggest Events, on the World’s Biggest Stage. Major events hosted at the stadium include Super Bowl XLVIII, WrestleMania 29, Copa America Centenario, CONCACAF Gold Cup Quarterfinals, Paul McCartney, U2, Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, Bon Jovi, Kenny Chesney and Taylor Swift

MetLife Stadium tops the industry charts annually since opening. The Stadium has ranked as the No. 1 Highest Grossing Stadium in the world for the last 5 years (2012 – 2016) by Billboard magazine. In 2011 MetLife Stadium was ranked No. 1 for safety by Security magazine’s “Security 500” in the Arenas/Stadiums/Leagues/Entertainment division.

For more information, visit:

www.metlifestadium.com

www.wizcraftworld.com

IIFA RINGS IN THE NASDAQ BELL WITH SONAKSHI SINHA & IIFA STOMP to take over Times Square tomorrow!

THE 18TH EDITION OF IIFA WEEKEND AND AWARDS RINGS IN THE NASDAQ STOCK EXCHANGE BELL WITH BOLLYWOOD DIVA SONAKSHI SINHA

New York, 12th July 2017: As the highly anticipated 18TH edition of IIFA, to be held from 13th – 15th July 2017

 descends on the captivating city of New York, the International Indian Film Academy commences its festivities by ringing in the Nasdaq stock exchange bell at Times Square, thus marking the globalization of Indian cinema.

Seen at the prestigious event were members of Nasdaq along with IIFA’s founders Mr. Andre Timmins and Mr. Sabbas Joseph, Directors of Wizcraft International, the producers and creators of the IIFA movement, along with Bollywood diva Sonakshi Sinha.

International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) especially rang the bell to announce its support for the Nand Ghar Project, a unique Public-Private-Partnership (PPP), led by Vedanta Resources,which is listed on the NYSE stock exchange, along with the Government of India to transform Early Childhood Care and Education Centers.

Designed in line with the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi with a view to eradicating malnutrition, providing education and skill Development, Vedanta has adopted 4,000 villages in India. Taking the benefits of development of healthcare, children's education and skill development for women, Project Nand Ghar is a meeting point of the social initiatives by the government such as Swaach Bharat, Startup India, Skill India, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, Digital India campaigns all under one roof. With a strong focus on health, safety and environment and on enhancing the lives of local communities, Vedanta founders have pledged 75% of their wealth for social development.

Commenting on the occasion, Sabbas Joseph, Director- Wizcraft International, the producers and creators of the IIFA movement says, “Given IIFA’s multi-faceted nature, we are pleased to ring in the 18th Edition of IIFA Weekend And Awards at the Nasdaq Stock Market Bell ringing ceremony. We are thrilled to bring in India’s biggest and most spectacular global celebration of cinema and we can’t wait for IIFA to take over the City of New York and America.”

IIFA rings Nasdaq bell w/ Sonakshi Sinha @ Time Square NYC

The 18th Edition of the IIFA Festival New York is presented by Lycamobile in association with McDonalds. The highlight of the Eros Now IIFA Weekend is the NEXA IIFA AWARDS powered by VIVO.

The 18th Edition of IIFA Awards and Weekend is set to be one of the biggest, most extravagant 72 hours extravaganza with a myriad of events and unique associations in its premiere edition in New York: Myntra presents IIFA Stomp, “Shuruaat” Gala Dinner in association with tGELF, The FICCI- IIFA Global Business Forum 2017, the spectacular EROS NOW IIFA Rocks and the one and only- NEXA IIFA Awards Powered by VIVO.

IIFA is the most coveted and highly anticipated award celebrations that honors the very best of Indian Cinema, a brand that is not only recognized as a major international event but also an institution in its own right. Synonymous With Indian Cinema, IIFA is dedicated to building bridges across cinemas, businesses, communities and nations as it welcomes its first ever IIFA in the City of New York.

Lycamobile – Presenting Sponsor, McDonalds - Associate Sponsor, NYC (Mayors office) - Host Destination, NewYorkBannerStands & Print Early – Printing Partner, Pierre Précieuse – Gifting Partner and Arya Dance Academy – Dance Company Partner.

The NEXA IIFA Awards will broadcast on COLORS – the Broadcast Partner, with the Title Sponsor NEXA, Powered by VIVO, Weekend Title Sponsor – EROS NOW, Cause Partner- WOOSH Washing Expert,   Styled by Myntra, Official Airline Partner – AIR INDIA, THOUGHT LEADERSHIP PARTNER – VEDANTA, Brand Partner – Closeup, Carnival and Ease My Trip, Jewelry Partner - GITANJALI, Outdoor partners – Bright Outdoor Media and JR Creations, Multiplex Partner -PVR, Radio Partner- Red FM, Print Media Partner- Rajasthan Patrika, Support Sponsor- VEDANTA for Shuruaat Gala- IIFA Societal Innovation Summit.

#IIFA 2017
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/IIFA/
Twitter - https://twitter.com/IIFA
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/iifa/  

About IIFA (International Indian Film Academy) 

Conceptualized and produced by Wizcraft International Entertainment Pvt. Ltd. and supported by the key members of the Indian film fraternity, IIFA is the most appreciated South Asian film academy and a global platform that gives the Indian film fraternity an opportunity to reach audiences in international territories. The alliances made via the platform of IIFA provide huge benefits and gain to India but an equally important objective of this prestigious brand is to create similar outcomes in its host country.  The aim is to establish a system of mutual benefit to both India as well as the host destinations by boosting tourism, economic development, trade, culture, cross-border investments and film co-productions.

Wizcraft International Entertainment Pvt. Ltd promotes the IIFA Weekend & Awards globally each year and travel to new, exciting and beautiful destinations, taking the film fraternity with it to unite and celebrate the best of Indian film and culture, thereby taking Indian Cinema and India to a wider audience. www.iifa.com

ABOUT WIZCRAFT INTERNATIONAL ENTERTAINMENT PVT. LTD.

Wizcraft International Entertainment, India’s leading media and Entertainment Company is dedicated to showcasing its expertise on the world stage.  Having conceptualized some of the grandest events globally including the 50 Years of Indian Independence, the 30 Years of Mauritian Independence, the 10 years of the South African Freedom Struggle, the Commonwealth Games Opening and Closing ceremonies in Delhi as well as the Handover ceremony of the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne, & the prestigious International

Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Awards & Weekend for 15 years in over 12 countries, Wizcraft has contributed towards brand building for India across the world.  It has pioneered and developed India’s biggest entertainment brand IIFA which has taken Indian Cinema and culture to the world. The growth story of the company reflects the evolution of the Indian event management & entertainment industry itself. Driven by its vision “Believe in the power of your dreams” the company is committed to quality and innovation, while setting its sights on greater peaks of achievement.

Just For Laughs Awards Honor Jim Carrey, Trevor Noah, Ali Wong and More!

Just For Laughs Announces the Honourees of the 2017 Just For Laughs Awards presented by SiriusXM

This years honourees include:

Trevor Noah: Comedy Person of the Year
Jim Carrey: Generation Award

Mike Birbiglia: Stand-Up Comedian of the Year

Ali Wong: Breakout Comedy Star of the Year

Craig Ferguson: Alumni Tribute

Kenya Barris: Comedy Writer of the Year

http://comedypro.hahaha.com/

Montreal (July 10, 2017) — Just For Laughs celebrates the leading talent in the comedy industry at the 2017 Just For Laughs Awards Show presented by SiriusXM. This year’s honourees include:Trevor Noah (Comedy Person of the Year), Jim Carrey (Generation Award), Mike Birbiglia(Stand-Up Comedian of the Year), Ali Wong (Breakout Comedy Star of the Year), Craig Ferguson (Alumni Tribute), and Kenya Barris (Comedy Writer of the Year). All six will be present to receive their awards at the awards show on Friday, July 28 at 3:00 pm, Grand Salon Opera, Hyatt Regency Montreal.

Trevor Noah is a South African-born comedian best known for his role as host of The Daily Showon Comedy Central. He is the subject of an award-winning documentary, You Laugh But It’s True, which tells the story of his remarkable career in post-apartheid South Africa. He also authored the book, Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood, an instant New York Times bestseller and top-selling Audible title. Earlier this year, Noah debuted his ninth comedy special, Afraid of the Dark (Netflix). This follows on Trevor Noah: Lost in Translation (Comedy Central) and Trevor Noah: African American (Showtime). Noah was the winner of the “Personality of the Year” at the 2015 MTV Africa Music Awards, and “Best Host” at the 2017 MTV Movie and TV Awards. He is currently on tour across North America, stopping at Just For Laughs for two sold-out concert performances on July 28 and a sold-out “In Conversation” on July 29th.

Jim Carrey is an award-winning actor who has been honored for both his dramatic and comedic work. He won a Golden Globe Award, for Best Actor in a Motion Picture - Drama, for the title role in Peter Weir's The Truman Show. Jim won his second Golden Globe, for Best Actor in a Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy, for his portrayal of comedian Andy Kaufman in Milos Forman's Man on the Moon.  Over the course of his career, Carrey has also been recognized numerous times by the MTV Movie Awards, People's Choice Awards, and Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards. Carrey is executive producing the Showtime comedy series I'm Dying Up Here set in the 1970's stand-up comedy scene. Carrey can also be seen alongside Suki Waterhouse, Jason Momoa and Keanu Reeves as “The Hermit" in the film The Bad Batch, a cannibal love story that takes place in a post-apocalyptic Texas wasteland. Carrey also stars in the upcoming crime-drama True Crimes, based on the New Yorker article about a homicide investigation of a slain businessman and the novelist eventually convicted of the murder. Some of Carrey's previous films include Dumb and Dumber To,I Love You Phillip Morris, Yes Man, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Bruce Almighty, Liar, Liar, The Cable Guy, Dumb and Dumber, The Mask, & Ace Ventura: Pet Detective.

Mike Birbiglia is a comedian and storyteller who has performed in front of audiences worldwide, from the Sydney Opera House to Carnegie Hall. His most recent shows, My Girlfriend’s Boyfriendand Thank God for Jokes, were both filmed for Netflix. Mike has released four albums for Comedy Central Records, including My Secret Public Journal Live, which was named one of the “Best Comedy Albums of the Decade” by The Onion AV Club. In addition to performing live, Birbiglia is an author and filmmaker who wrote, directed and starred in the acclaimed films Sleepwalk with Meand Don’t Think Twice. His book, Sleepwalk With Me and Other Painfully True Stories, was a New York Times bestseller and a finalist for the Thurber Prize For American Humor. As an actor, Birbiglia has appeared on Orange is the New Black, Inside Amy Schumer, and Girls as well as in the films Trainwreck, The Fault in Our Stars, and Popstar. Birbiglia is currently on a nationwide tour with his latest show, The New One, approaching an entirely new subject in a new way with the same heart and humor we’ve come to expect. He brings this show to Just For Laughs for 5 shows at the Le Gesù Theatre between July 25-29.

Ali Wong is a stand-up comedian from San Francisco, now living in Los Angeles. Her Netflix stand-up special, Baby Cobra, filmed when she was seven months pregnant, skyrocketed her to stardom and drew praise from across the comedy industry. Wong is a writer for the sitcom Fresh Off the Boat, and has made television appearances in American Housewife, Are You There, Chelsea?, Inside Amy Schumer, and Black Box. Ali Wong headlines her own Just For Laughs show, July 27 at Maison Symphonique, Place des Arts.

Craig Ferguson entered the world of late night comedy following a diverse and eclectic career encompassing film, television and the stage. In December 2014, Ferguson concluded his 10 year run as the host of CBS’s The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson, setting an all-time viewer record and earning him a Primetime Emmy nomination and the 2009 Peabody Award for Excellence in Broadcasting. As the host of Celebrity Name Game, Ferguson was awarded the Daytime Emmy for Outstanding Game Show Host two years in a row. This year he was nominated for a third Daytime Emmy Award. In February 2017, Craig launched his new SiriusXM program,The Craig Ferguson Show, which is broadcast live on Comedy Greats every evening. Ferguson launched his North American career at Just For Laughs in 1987. Thirty years later, he returns for two shows at Monument National on July 29 that will be taped for his first Netflix special.

As a writer, Kenya Barris is known for his quick wit and unabashed sense of humour. He has worked on several TV shows, including CBS’s Listen Up, The CW’s The Game and Girlfriends, and Fox’s I Hate My Teenage Daughter. Barris has sold a number of pilots, including America’s Next Top Model (which he co-created), BET’s The Start Up, and We Got Next, Hulu’s first half-hour comedy series. He is the Executive Producer and Co-Showrunner on black-ish (ABC) as well as the Co-Creator and Executive Producer of an upcoming hour-long series, Unit Zero, starring Toni Collette, and a half-hour series, Libby & Malcolm, starring Felicity Huffman and Courtney B Vance. Kenya Barris is currently developing several projects for 20th Century Fox, including White Men Can’t Jump, Cheaper by the Dozen, and Stir Crazy.

The Just For Laughs Festival runs from July 12 to July 31, 2017 in Montreal, Canada. Just For Laughs ComedyPRO, the leading industry event of the comedy business, runs from July 26-29, 2017 at the Hyatt Regency Montreal.

About the Just For Laughs Group:

Founded in 1983, the Just For Laughs Group’s growth is concentrated on four major focal points: Festivals (in Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver and Sydney); television production (most notably Gags, seen in 135 countries and on 95 airlines); stand-up specials and live shows (Canadian tour dates for Jerry Seinfeld, Jim Gaffigan, Bill Burr, Kevin Hart, North American dates for Family Guy Live!); Its inaugural Montreal Festival is over 30 years old and is now the world’s largest and most prestigious comedy event, welcoming on average 1.7 million visitors to Montreal each summer and generating approximately $80 million for the city’s economy. The Group has offices in Montreal, Paris, Los Angeles, Toronto, and London.

THE JUST FOR LAUGHS FESTIVAL PRESENTED BY VIDEOTRON
IN ASSOCIATION WITH LOTO-QUÉBEC
For tickets by phone, online or in person:
The Just For Laughs Box Office, 514-845-2322, hahaha.com 
presented by Videotron

The Just For Laughs Festival would like to thank its public partners: Government of Canada, Destination Canada, Gouvernement du Québec, City of Montréal and Tourisme Montréal for their support.

Find us on social #JFLMTL#JFL35
Facebook: @justforlaughs
Twitter: @justforlaughs
Instagram: @justforlaughs

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Facebook: @jflcomedypro
Twitter: @JFLComedyPro
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NETFLIX at EssenceFestival2017 - Spike Lee, Marlon Wayans, Dascha Polanco and more!

The casts of Orange is The New Black, She’s Gotta Have It and Dear White People join Jessica Williams at the premiere of her Netflix original film The Incredible Jessica James

Didn't make it to NOLA for ESSENCE Festival? For the first time ever, Netflix was at the famed festival premiering two new films and brought along a deep roster of incredible talent.

Below find some of the top moments from Netflix original films and series this weekend, including news and photos from Orange is the New Black, Naked, The Incredible Jessica James, Dear White People, Mudbound and Spike Lee’s upcoming series She’s Gotta Have It.

#6 - ORANGE IS THE NEW BLACK AND DEAR WHITE PEOPLE CAST CHARMED FANS AT THE CONVENTION CENTER ON CENTER STAGE AND DURING A FAN MEET AND GREET

Date: Friday June 30 and Saturday July 1
Location: Ernest N. Morial Convention Center | Essence’s Fan Zone and Center Stage
Attendees: Dascha Polanco, Selenis Leyva and Adrienne Moore joined on center stage by Naked’s Marlon Wayans and The Incredible Jessica James’ Jessica Williams.

#5 - JESSICA WILLIAMS AND WRITER/DIRECTOR JIM STROUSE DELIGHTED THE NEW ORLEANS AUDIENCE AT THE PREMIERE OF THE INCREDIBLE JESSICA JAMES. THE FILM HITS NETFLIX JULY 28!

Date: Saturday July 1
Location: Civic Theatre New Orleans
Attendees: Jessica Williams and Jim Strouse representing The Incredible Jessica James.  Casts from additional Netflix films and series attendees including She’s Gotta Have It’s Spike Lee, Tonya Lewis Lee, DeWanda Wise, Anthony Ramos, Lyriq Bent, Cleo Anthony, Orange Is the New Black’s Dascha Polanco, Selenis Leyva and Adrienne Moore; Dear White People’s Marque Richardson, Ashley Blaine Featherson, Logan Browning, Antoinette Robertson, DeRon Horton and Brandon P. Bell.

#4 - MARLON WAYANS TURNS UP THE HEAT DURING THE WORLD PREMIERE OF HIS NEW MOVIE NAKED WHICH COMES TO NETFLIXAUGUST 11!

Date: Friday June 30
Location: Civic Theatre New Orleans
Attendees: Director Mike Tiddes and Naked stars Regina Hall, Dennis Haysbert, Jonathan Todd Jackson, and Loretta Devine were joined by additional cast from Netflix series including Orange Is the New Black’s Dascha Polanco, Selenis Leyva and Adrienne Moore; Dear White People’s Marque Richardson, Ashley Blaine Featherson, Logan Browning, Antoinette Robertson, DeRon Horton and Brandon P. Bell.

#3 - MARY J BLIGE AND DIRECTOR AND CO-WRITER DEE REES DISCUSS THEIR UPCOMING NETFLIX FILM MUDBOUND AND SHOW A CLIP AT THE ESSENCE EMPOWERMENT EXPERIENCE

Date: Friday June 30
Location: Ernest N. Morial Convention Center | ESSENCE Empowerment Experience
Attendees: Mary J. Blige, Dee Rees, Queen Latifah, Niecy Nash, Jada Pinkett Smith and moderated by Tamron Hall

#2 - SPIKE LEE, EXECUTIVE PRODUCER TONYA LEWIS LEE AND CAST DROP A SNEAK PEEK FOR HIS NEW NETFLIX ORIGINAL SERIES SHE’S GOTTA HAVE IT AT THE SUPERDOME

Date: Saturday July 1
Location: Superdome | Essence Saturday Night Concert
Attendees: Spike Lee, Tonya Lewis Lee, DeWanda Wise, Anthony Ramos, Cleo Anthony and Lyriq Bent

#1 - THE CAST OF DEAR WHITE PEOPLE ANNOUNCED THEY ARE RETURNING FOR SEASON 2

Date: Friday, June 30
Location: Civic Theatre New Orleans | Essence Center Stage
Attendees: Marque Richardson, Ashley Blaine Featherson, Logan Browning, Antoinette Robertson, DeRon Horton, Brandon P. Bell and moderator Cori Murray, ESSENCE editor,

KARAN JOHAR & SAIF ALI KHAN w/ Varun Dhawan, TO HOST THE 18TH EDITION OF #IIFA FESTIVAL NEW YORK

SAIF ALI KHAN AND KARAN JOHAR TO HOST THE 18TH EDITION OF IIFA FESTIVAL NEW YORK

VARUN DHAWAN TO DEBUT A POWER-PACKED PERFORMANCE AND CO- HOST A SEGMENT OF THE STAR-STUDDED AWARDS NIGHT

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Mumbai, 14th June 2017: As the countdown to the biggest celebration of Indian Cinema worldwide draws near! The charismatic duo of Indian Cinema, Saif Ali Khan and Karan Johar to host theupcoming NEXA IIFA Awards Powered By VIVO at the iconic MetLife Stadium on 15th July 2017.

Bollywood's Youth Icon, Varun Dhawan is all set to make a debut at IIFA Awards with a stunning performance and will be also be seen co- hosting a segment of the star-studded awards night.

The NEXA IIFA Awards Powered by VIVO is among the most coveted and highly anticipated award celebration that honors the very best of Indian Cinema with the highest level of achievement seen through the glamorous IIFA statuette.

The 18th Edition of IIFA Awards 2017 to witness power-packed performances by Bollywood superstars, Salman Khan, Alia Bhatt, Katrina Kaif, Shahid Kapoor, Sushant Singh Rajput and Kriti Sanon, to name a few.

The NEXA IIFA Awards will air exclusively LIVE on COLORS – the Broadcast Partner, with the Title Sponsor NEXA, Powered by VIOV, Styled by Myntra, Official Airline Partner – AIR INDIA.

Commenting on the occasion, Karan Johar said, “IIFA is the most awaited international award function of the Indian film fraternity. I am excited and look forward to hosting the 18th Edition of the IIFA Weekend And Awards. New York will be spellbound with the magic of IIFA!”

Saif Ali Khan added saying. "I am happy to be back to the IIFA stage this year as I join my close friend Karan Johar to host the IIFA Awards in New York. The excitement for IIFA has been steadily growing worldwide. This year it's going to be super fun and glamorous in every way as Karan and I are going to have lots of surprises in store for our fans internationally!”

Varun Dhawan shared saying, "I am absolutely excited to be a part of IIFA Awards in New York this year. I'm looking forward to join everyone and see fans at the amazing MetLife stadium. This year is truly going to be a grand celebration and I can't wait to be there!”

Commenting on the occasion, Andre Timmins, Director- Wizcraft International, the producers and creator of the IIFA movement says, “With the 18th Edition of IIFA weekend and awards, we look forward to bring the world of Indian cinema to life in its premier edition in New York for existing and new audiences at the NEXA IIFA Awards Powered by VIVO. I am excited to announce two of the biggest talented stars in Bollywood, Karan Johar and Saif Ali Khan as the hosts of the awards night. We are thrilled to have Varun Dhawan make his debut at the IIFA stage and co-host a special segment at the awards this year. Get ready to witness the magic of IIFA as Bollywood descends in America to celebrate Indian cinema like never before.”

Speaking of the association, Mr. R. S Kalsi, Executive director, Marketing & Sales, Maruti Suzuki said“We are delighted to associate with NEXA IIFA Awards 2017 for the third consecutive year. NEXA and IIFA are symbolic of breaking the status-quo and creating experiences which are new and exciting. NEXA is synonymous with offering premium experiences matched with spectacular segment defining products like S-Cross, Baleno, Ignis and Ciaz. NEXA creates moments which consumers experience just like IIFA which builds lifetime experiences and felicitates excellence in Indian cinema at a global stage”

Delighted at the association, Vivek Zhang, CMO, Vivo India, said, “We are thrilled to have partnered with the most coveted platform representing Indian cinema globally. As a global smartphone brand, we constantly try to connect closely with our target audience in different parts of the country. We believe that the popularity of India International Film Awards (IIFA) is a splendid opportunity for Vivo to strengthen connect with the right audience and create a strong brand recall. Our latest offering in the Indian market is a step ahead in our endeavor to revolutionize the selfie phenomenon.”

Commenting on its partnership, Mr. Pankaj Srivastava, Air India’s Commercial Director stated,“Both IIFA and Air India are true ambassadors of India’s rich cultural heritage and are in the business of connecting people and regions around the globe, creating bridges to enhance tourism and business opportunities at either end.”

Commenting on the occasion, Ananth Narayanan, CEO, Myntra-Jabong says, "The strong bond between Bollywood and fashion needs no foreword! An association between the nations’s leading destination for fashion online and the most awaited screen award ceremony in the country makes for an excellent combination that symbolically connects these brands with consumers. IIFA represents glamour and fashion and we are looking forward to a long-standing relationship with them as their fashion partners."

With the excitement growing across the world, people can now get that hot seat for the spectacular 2017 IIFA Weekend & Awards at New York events to be hosted at MetLife Stadium as tickets are LIVE to the general public available online only at ticketmaster.com or by calling (800) 745-3000 or by simply clicking the ‘Buy Tickets Tab’ on the official IIFA website http://www.iifa.com/. Fans can also purchase the tickets at MetLife Stadium Box Office (Box Office hours:  M – F, 11am – 5pm). For VIP Club Experiences, e-mail us at vipclub@iifa.com. IIFA has a special treat for its fans, “The Double Dhamaka Offer”. Get two shows for the price of one. Buy any IIFA Awards premium seating tickets for Ground Level and Level 100 seats and get free tickets to IIFA Rocks.

The popular category nominations are available for the global audience to participate in the voting process. The IIFA Global Voting went LIVE on 20th May 2017 and will be open till 18th June 2017.  The final winners of the IIFA Awards are revealed on the night of the Awards ceremony. The results are surrounded by secrecy and the credibility of the voting process is one of the key parameters of this prestigious award.

As IIFA continues to bring together the biggest stars of Bollywood and Hollywood on one stage, the IIFA Weekend And Awards will play host to some of the most celebrated stars and musicians of the Indian film industry, notable guests, and dignitaries from India and the region, world media and Indian cinema fans from across the globe.

#IIFA 2017

·         Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/IIFA/

·         Twitter- https://twitter.com/IIFA

·         Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/iifa/

About IIFA (International Indian Film Academy)

Conceptualized and produced by Wizcraft International Entertainment Pvt. Ltd. and supported by the key members of the Indian film fraternity, IIFA is the most appreciated South Asian film academy and a global platform that gives the Indian film fraternity an opportunity to reach audiences in international territories. The alliances made via the platform of IIFA provide huge benefits and gain to India but an equally important objective of this prestigious brand is to create similar outcomes in its host country.  The aim is to establish a system of mutual benefit to both India as well as the host destinations by boosting tourism, economic development, trade, culture, cross-border investments and film co-productions.

Wizcraft International Entertainment Pvt. Ltd promotes the IIFA Weekend & Awards globally each year and travel to new, exciting and beautiful destinations, taking the film fraternity with it to unite and celebrate the best of Indian film and culture, thereby taking Indian Cinema and India to a wider audience. www.iifa.com

ABOUT WIZCRAFT INTERNATIONAL ENTERTAINMENT PVT. LTD.

Wizcraft International Entertainment, India’s leading media and Entertainment Company is dedicated to showcasing its expertise on the world stage.  Having conceptualized some of the grandest events globally including the 50 Years of Indian Independence, the 30 Years of Mauritian Independence, the 10 years of the South African Freedom Struggle, the Commonwealth Games Opening and Closing ceremonies in Delhi as well as the Handover ceremony of the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne, & the prestigious International

Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Awards & Weekend for 15 years in over 12 countries, Wizcraft has contributed towards brand building for India across the world.  It has pioneered and developed India’s biggest entertainment brand IIFA which has taken Indian Cinema and culture to the world. The growth story of the company reflects the evolution of the Indian event management & entertainment industry itself. Driven by its vision “Believe in the power of your dreams” the company is committed to quality and innovation, while setting its sights on greater peaks of achievement.

 ABOUT METLIFE STADIUM

MetLife Stadium, home to the New York Jets and New York Football Giants, is the number one stadium in the world. This 82,500 seat stadium, one of the largest in the National Football League, sets the standard for venue excellence with state-of-the-art technology, comfort and amenities. The only active venue to serve as the home stadium for two NFL teams, MetLife Stadium hosts 20 NFL games per season, more than any other Stadium.

MetLife Stadium hosts the World’s Biggest Events, on the World’s Biggest Stage. Major events hosted at the stadium include Super Bowl XLVIII, WrestleMania 29, Copa America Centenario, CONCACAF Gold Cup Quarterfinals, Paul McCartney, U2, Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, Bon Jovi, Kenny Chesney and Taylor Swift

MetLife Stadium tops the industry charts annually since opening. The Stadium has ranked as the No. 1 Highest Grossing Stadium in the world for the last 5 years (2012 – 2016) by Billboard magazine. In 2011 MetLife Stadium was ranked No. 1 for safety by Security magazine’s “Security 500” in the Arenas/Stadiums/Leagues/Entertainment division.

For more information, visit:

www.metlifestadium.com

www.wizcraftworld.com

2017 IIFA AWARDS NOMINATIONS REVEALED!

Shahrukh Khan

2017 IIFA Awards Nomination

Salman Khan

2017 IIFA Awards Nomination

Anushka Sharma

2017 IIFA Awards Nomination

Shahid Kapur

2017 IIFA Awards Nomination

Alia Bhatt

2017 IIFA Awards Nomination

Sushant Singh Rajput

2017 IIFA Awards Nomination

THE NOMINATIONS FOR THE 18TH EDITION OF NEXA 2017 IIFA AWARDS POWERED BY VIVO ARE REVEALED!

~ Garnering the highest number of nominations in 8 categories at the 2017 IIFA Awards, Ae Dil Hai Mushkil leads the race followed by M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story with Nominations in 7 categories~

The 18th Edition of the 2017 NEXA IIFA Awards Powered by Vivo is among the most coveted and highly anticipated awards celebrations that honor the very best of Indian Cinema with the highest level of achievement seen through the glamorous IIFA statuette. Set to be held at the iconic MetLife Stadium on the 14th & 15th of July, this year the NEXA IIFA Awards will witness the felicitation of powerhouse performances and films at the highly anticipated Awards night. The International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Awards announced the list of nominations in the popular category today as IIFA Global Voting goes LIVE on 20th May 2017 till 18th June 2017.

The Nexa IIFA Awards will air exclusively on Broadcast Partners, Colors TV with the Title SponsorNEXA, and Powered by VIVO.

Tickets are LIVE to the general public available online only at ticketmaster.com or by calling (800) 745-3000 or by simply clicking the ‘Buy Tickets Tab’ on the official IIFA website http://www.iifa.com/. Fans can also purchase the tickets at MetLife Stadium Box Office (Box Office hours:  M – F, 11am – 5pm). For VIP Club Experiences, e-mail us at vipclub@iifa.com.

Indian Cinema has had an incredible year with a diverse number of truly unique films that not only took the box office by storm but were also critically acclaimed. Leading the race with a whopping8 nominations in the popular categories along with Best Picture is Ae DIl Hai Mushkil followed by the biopic of the Former Indian Cricket Team Captain – M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story bagging 7 nominations in popular categories including the Best Picture nominations. Top Contenders for Best Picture category are Neerja, Pink, Sultan and Udta Punjab.

The nominees for Best Actor in Leading Role Male are Shahid Kapoor for Udta Punjab, Ranbir Kapoor for Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, Shah Rukh Khan for Fan, Sushant Singh Rajput for M.S. Dhoni, Amitabh Bachchan for Pink and Salman Khan for Sultan. The nominees for Leading Role Female are Anushka Sharma for Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, Alia Bhatt for Dear Zindagi & Udta Punjab, Sonam Kapoor for Neerjaand Tapsee Pannu for Pink. The Best Director nominations feature Karan Johar (Ae Dil Hai Mushkil),Neeraj Pandey (M.S. Dhoni), Ram Madhvani (Neerja), Aniruddha Roy Chowdhary (Pink), Ali Abbas Zafar (Sultan) and Abhishek Chaubey (Udta Punjab).

As IIFA continues to bring together the biggest stars of Bollywood and Hollywood on one stage, the 2017 IIFA Festival New York will play host to some of the most celebrated stars and musicians of the Indian film industry, notable guests, and dignitaries from India and the region, world media and Indian cinema fans from across the globe.

Wizcraft International Entertainment Pvt Ltd, known for pioneering many extravagant and mesmerizing events in India and across the world, conceptualized IIFA 17 years ago, by the creative genius of the trio of masterminds - Andre Timmins, Viraf Sarkari and Sabbas Joseph. The vision was to celebrate Indian cinema outside India; and IIFA (International Indian Film Academy) the flagship brand is the accomplishment of that dream. IIFA is dedicated to building bridges across cinema, businesses, communities and nations, creating everyone’s dream: “One People. One World”. The journey over these past 17 years has seen the brand evolve from a one night affair to a weekend, which celebrates and hosts various events and activities related to cinema, business, culture, music and fashion. Hosting a variety of events during the weekend IIFA helps bring together a global community of people from all walks of life.

Speaking of the association, Mr. R. S Kalsi, Executive director, Marketing & Sales, Maruti Suzuki said “We are delighted to associate with NEXA IIFA Awards 2017 for the third consecutive year. This year we will showcase how NEXA is at the forefront of bringing innovation & delivering outstanding experiences. NEXA is not just an automotive brand but also a lifestyle brand. NEXA is all about newer and premium experiences, just like IIFA which builds lifetime experiences and felicitates excellence in Indian cinema at a global stage”

Delighted at the association, Vivek Zhang, CMO, Vivo India, said, “We are thrilled to have partnered with the most coveted platform representing Indian cinema globally. As a global smartphone brand, we constantly try to connect closely with our target audience in different parts of the country. We believe that the popularity of India International Film Awards (IIFA) is a splendid opportunity for Vivo to strengthen connect with the right audience and create a strong brand recall. Our latest offering in the Indian market is a step ahead in our endeavor to revolutionize the selfie phenomenon.”

Speaking on the occasion, Raj Nayak, Chief Operations Officer Viacom18 said, "IIFA Festival is the world's biggest platform showcasing the magic of Bollywood and India. Colors, India's leading Hindi Premium entertainment channel, is delighted to bring the magic that’s being created in New York City to our viewers across the globe. As always the IIFA Weekend & Awards extravaganza will be telecast to our viewers in over 140 counties with ancillary programming on other Viacom18 channels including MTV & Colors Infinity.”

Andre Timmins, Director- Wizcraft International, the producers and creators of the IIFA movementsays, “It is amazing to see the progress that the IIFA Festival New York has seen in the past few months as we prepare for our biggest IIFA Awards ever.  Featuring a mega star line up for IIFA Rocks & IIFA Awards we will be creating entertainment like never seen before.  We are thankful for so many of the industry that turned out to vote for the nominated films and people involved.  It now remains for the global online voting to begin for the popular category awards to be determined.  The 2017 IIFA Awards is going to be a night not to be missed and exciting times to see who finally wins those highly coveted IIFA Awards.  The demand for tickets has been tremendous and I would simply advise IIFA fans to grab the hotly sought-after tickets while you still can oniifa.com or ticketmaster.com. “

IIFA continues on its journey with strength to grow every year in the world of entertainment and building the outreach as a major event globally to bring positive results and impact. This year is set to be one of the biggest, most extravagant and amazing IIFA Weekends to date. Keep up to date with all the latest news and details on IIFA by logging on to www.iifa.com or checking out the social media handles:

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/IIFA/
Twitter- https://twitter.com/IIFA
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/iifa/

IIFA Festival is ready to take centre stage in New York City. Don’t miss it for the world! 

About IIFA (International Indian Film Academy)

Conceptualized and produced by Wizcraft International Entertainment Pvt. Ltd. and supported by the key members of the Indian film fraternity, IIFA is the most appreciated South Asian film academy and a global platform that gives the Indian film fraternity an opportunity to reach audiences in international territories. The alliances made via the platform of IIFA provide huge benefits and gain to India but an equally important objective of this prestigious brand is to create similar outcomes in its host country.  The aim is to establish a system of mutual benefit to both India as well as the host destinations by boosting tourism, economic development, trade, culture, cross-border investments and film co-productions.

Wizcraft International Entertainment Pvt. Ltd promotes the IIFA Weekend & Awards globally each year and travel to new, exciting and beautiful destinations, taking the film fraternity with it to unite and celebrate the best of Indian film and culture, thereby taking Indian Cinema and India to a wider audience. www.iifa.com

ABOUT WIZCRAFT INTERNATIONAL ENTERTAINMENT PVT. LTD.

Wizcraft International Entertainment, India’s leading media and Entertainment Company is dedicated to showcasing its expertise on the world stage.  Having conceptualized some of the grandest events globally including the 50 Years of Indian Independence, the 30 Years of Mauritian Independence, the 10 years of the South African Freedom Struggle, the Commonwealth Games Opening and Closing ceremonies in Delhi as well as the Handover ceremony of the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne, & the prestigious International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Awards & Weekend for 15 years in over 12 countries, Wizcraft has contributed towards brand building for India across the world.  It has pioneered and developed India’s biggest entertainment brand IIFA which has taken Indian Cinema and culture to the world. The growth story of the company reflects the evolution of the Indian event management & entertainment industry itself. Driven by its vision “Believe in the power of your dreams” the company is committed to quality and innovation, while setting its sights on greater peaks of achievement.

ABOUT METLIFE STADIUM

MetLife Stadium, home to the New York Jets and New York Football Giants, is the number one stadium in the world. This 82,500 seat stadium, one of the largest in the National Football League, sets the standard for venue excellence with state-of-the-art technology, comfort and amenities. The only active venue to serve as the home stadium for two NFL teams, MetLife Stadium hosts 20 NFL games per season, more than any other Stadium.

MetLife Stadium hosts the World’s Biggest Events, on the World’s Biggest Stage. Major events hosted at the stadium include Super Bowl XLVIII, WrestleMania 29, Copa America Centenario, CONCACAF Gold Cup Quarterfinals, Paul McCartney, U2, Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, Bon Jovi, Kenny Chesney and Taylor Swift

MetLife Stadium tops the industry charts annually since opening. The Stadium has ranked as the No. 1 Highest Grossing Stadium in the world for the last 5 years (2012 – 2016) by Billboard magazine. In 2011 MetLife Stadium was ranked No. 1 for safety by Security magazine’s “Security 500” in the Arenas/Stadiums/Leagues/Entertainment division.

For more information, visit :
www.metlifestadium.com
www.wizcraftworld.com

CineKink Announces Kick-Off Gala Redux

The annual kick-off gala for CineKink NYC, “the kinky film festival,” will take place Tuesday, May 23rd, 8:00 PM to midnight, at M1-5 Lounge (52 Walker St., bet. Church & Broadway, NYC).

Rescheduled from its original March date, when a blizzard shut down the city, CineKink Kick-Off Gala Redux will be a “pansexual celebration of epic proportions.” In addition to burlesque performances, the event will feature “sexy sensation” stations for samplings by the kink-curious, a raffle of sex goodies, and some favorite CineKink film shorts.

While the gala is normally the kick-off to CineKink’s annual film festival, organizers are looking at it as a launch to a fundraising campaign that will help it recover from this season’s weather-related losses, and put the festival in a strong position for its 15th anniversary appearance next spring.

“We’re excited at the chance to toast what we’ve accomplished over the past decade and a half,” said Lisa Vandever, CineKink co-founder and director. “And, with the help of the CineKink community, we look forward to really building on that in the year ahead.”

Entertainer and activist Witti Repartee will serve as the Mistress of Ceremonies for the gala, with Clara Coquette, Mary Cyn and Anja Keister scheduled to perform.

Meanwhile, several “sensation stations” will allow revelers to sample a range of kinky activities, with experts including Lolita Wolf (rope bondage), Veronica Vera (feminization and transformation), N1 (spanking and impact play), and Infinity Rising with Martyn Fire (electrical play).

Sponsors for the event, several of whom have also donated raffle items, include Bowery Bliss and njoy, along with Purple Passion, plus Leather Archives & Museum, National Coalition for Sexual Freedom and Pleasure Salon.

Suggested admission for the gala is $20 door/$15 advance; 21 and over only.

For more information on the event, visit
http://cinekink.com/programs-and-events/nyc/cinekink-nyc-2017/kick-off-gala-redux/

To purchase advance tickets or to make a donation to CineKink, visit https://cinekink2017kickoff.eventbrite.com

####

ABOUT CINEKINK NYC
Billing itself as “the kinky film festival,” CineKink NYC returned for its 14th annual appearance March 14-19, 2017, and will be followed by a national showcase tour. Presented by CineKink, an organization dedicated to the recognition and encouragement of sex-positive and kink-friendly depictions in film and television, works featured at CineKink range from documentary to drama, comedy to experimental, mildly spicy to quite explicit – and everything in between.

Alex Da Kid + IBM Watson, Fran Leibowitz and 12 year old Mikaila Ulmer amongst TDIA 2017 winners #Tribeca2017

Tribeca Film Festival brings many wonderful films and storytellers to NYC every year. But its also brings annual celebration of some amazing disruptors aka disruptive innovators with Tribeca Disruptive Innovation Awards (TDIA). TDIA is a collaboration with Harvard Business School Professor Clayton M. Christensen and helmed by Tribeca co-founder Craig Hatkoff. Christensen’s original Disruptive Innovation Theory was immortalized in the Innovator’s Dilemma, now celebrating its 20th anniversary. Disruptive innovation explains how simpler, cheaper technologies, products, and services can decimate industry leaders almost overnight, for the betterment of society. TDIA showcases applications of disruptive innovation which has spread far beyond the original technological and industrial realms into the fields of healthcare, education, international development, politics and advocacy, media, and the arts and entertainment.

This year, TDIA celebrated an exciting roster of visionaries, rebels, and game changers who are upending their industries, altering the human experience through their novel approaches to social justice and activism, and affecting the future of intelligence, both human and artificial. Here ae the honorees:

Evolution of Intelligence

In an era where artificial intelligence, robotics, autonomous driving and 3D printing portend unprecedented social, political and economic change, this year’s awards highlight the evolving relationship between man and machine.

Watson (accepted by David Kenny)

Watson, IBM’s cloud-based cognitive computing system, helps people apply artificial intelligence (AI) to not only creative pursuits but also to making discoveries across industries including healthcare, finance, retail, engineering, and others. Watson empowers people with the tools to augment their imagination and expand their expertise to improve decision-making. As this innovation continues to expand across industries, IBM expects Watson will reach 1 billion consumers by the end of 2017.

Alex Da Kid & IBM WATSON receive Tribeca Disruptive Innovation Awards 2017 at Tribeca Film Festival.

Accepting on behalf of Watson is David Kenny, Senior Vice President, IBM Watson and Cloud Platform, who spearheads development of the Watson technology platform, as well as optimizes IBM’s public cloud for data and cognitive workloads. David was most recently General Manager, IBM Watson, and previously served as Chairman and CEO of The Weather Company and managing partner of VivaKi.

 Alex Da Kid + IBM

Producing records has always been collaborative to Grammy Award-winning music producer and two-time Billboard Top 40 under 40 Alex Da Kid. Since creating KIDinaKORNER back in 2011, Alex has signed Skylar Grey, Imagine Dragons, Jamie N Commons, and X Ambassadors, as well as produce singles for Dr. Dre, Eminem, Nikki Minaj, B.o.B, Diddy, T.I., U2, Christina Aguilera, Rihanna, Lupe Fiasco and more. 

 In 2016, Alex Da Kid made musical history by collaborating with IBM Watson to create an original song. Watson’s ability to turn millions of unstructured data points into emotional insights helped Alex create a new kind of music that for the first time ever, listened to the audience.

Bryan Johnson

In 2016, Bryan started Kernel to build advanced neural interfaces to treat disease and dysfunction, and extend cognition. In 2014, he invested $100M to start OS Fund to support scientists who aim to benefit humanity by rewriting the operating systems of life. In 2007, Bryan founded Braintree, a payments provider, which was acquired in 2013 by PayPal for $800M. He is an outdoor-adventure enthusiast, pilot, and author of a children's book, Code 7.

GIPHY

GIPHY receives Tribeca Disruptive Innovation Awards 2017 at Tribeca Film Festival.

GIPHY is GIFs. The first and largest GIF search engine, GIPHY is where thousands of artists, brands, and pop culture moments make today’s expression, entertainment, and info a little more moving. GIPHY serves more than 1BN GIFs per day, seen by more than 100M daily active users who watch more than 2M hours of GIFs every day.

Compassionate Capitalism

This year’s honorees utilize their entrepreneurial spirit to make effective and lasting change affecting global poverty, access to art, health and wellness, the betterment of American culture and saving the world’s decreasing bee population.

 Tory Burch

Tory Burch is CEO and Designer of Tory Burch LLC, an American lifestyle brand. Since launching the company in 2004, she has grown the brand into a global business with more than 200 stores. In 2015, she introduced Tory Sport, a performance activewear collection.

Tory has been recognized with numerous awards and serves on several boards, including the Tory Burch Foundation, which she launched in 2009 to empower women entrepreneurs.

Mikaila Ulmer

At age four, Mikaila Ulmer, learned that bees were an important part of our ecosystem and that they were dying. Armed with her great grandmother’s special recipe of lemonade Mikaila launched her business, Me & the Bees Lemonade, from her home in Austin, Texas in 2009. As one of Shark Tank’s most popular contestants, Mikaila landed a deal with Daymond John. Her lemonade empire has grown exponentially, and she has become one of country’s youngest entrepreneurs

Mick Ebeling

Mick Ebeling is an instigator of innovation. His company, Not Impossible, which will be premiering a special new project at the Tribeca Disruptive Innovation Awards, develops defiant solutions for the world’s overlooked and underserved communities. For example, when Mick read about Daniel, a Sudanese boy whose arms were lost during a bombing of his village, Mick was inspired to help. Mick and his team of makers and inventors figured out how to 3D print a working prosthetic arm. They travelled illegally to the Nuba Mountains to print an arm for Daniel, who was able to feed himself for the first time in two years, and taught villagers how to use 3D printers to make prosthetic arms for the large number of amputees there. Mick has been named one of WIRED Magazine's "Make Tech Human" thought leaders, one of Ad Age's Top 50 Most Creative People and a Muhammad Ali Humanitarian of the Year.

Roger McGuinn

Over the last six decades, the list of Roger McGuinn’s musical innovations, in both the analogue and digital realms, is nothing short of breath-taking. McGuinn has embraced innovation and preservation with continuity as well as change.  As the front man for the Byrds,  McGuinn is credited with combining folk music with rock and roll in such hits as “Mr. Tambourine Man,” “Eight Miles High,” and “Turn Turn Turn.” He added compression to his Rickenbacker 12 string that resulted a whole new sound—the jingle jangle— that inspired Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, and Tom Petty.  McGuinn was an early adopter in the music industry’s transition from analogue to digital. He embraced the internet as a distribution channel a decade before Radiohead’s pay-what-you-want download of “In Rainbow.” He is the keeper of the flame for folk music through his 20 year project-- the Folk Den, recording one folk song per month and offering it as a free download. He continues performing in theaters as a solo artist.

Jessamyn Stanley

Jessamyn Stanley, is the author of Every Body Yoga, as well as an internationally recognized yoga teacher, award-winning Instagram star (@mynameisjessamyn), and body-positive advocate. She has been profiled by a wide range of media, including Good Morning America, TIME, New York, Glamour,Shape, People, Essence, Lenny Letter, and many others. When she’s not on the road teaching, she lives in Durham, North Carolina. Visit her online at: jessamynstanley.com, Twitter: @JessNotJazz, Facebook:/mynameisjessamyn. 

Social Justice, Activism, and the Arts

Honorees practicing social justice and activism are finding creative ways to affect culture in America via race relations, homelessness, women’s right, prison reform, and our global world issues affecting poverty and the environment.

Jonathan Haidt

Jonathan Haidt is a social psychologist and professor at NYU-Stern School of Business. Haidt is the author of The Happiness Hypothesis (2006), and The Righteous Mind (2012). As part of his research on morality and politics, Haidt has written about the dangers of political homogeneity and the suppression of dissent. To combat such homogeneity in American universities, Haidt co-founded (with Nicholas Rosenkranz and others) Heterodox Academy, a collaboration of 600 professors who advocate for viewpoint diversity.

Daryl Davis

Over the last 30 years, celebrated black musician Daryl Davis has employed a novel and controversial approach to improving race relations:  he has established enduring relationships with members of the KKK. Having experienced prejudice while growing up Davis wanted to answer one burning question—“how can you hate me when you don’t even know me?”  Over 30 of his “friends” have decommissioned themselves from the KKK as they have come to know Davis. His tool of choice is conversation. "When two enemies are talking, they are not fighting.  They may be shouting and pounding their fists on the table, but at least they are talking.  It’s when the talking ceases, that the ground becomes fertile for violence.”

Will Boyajian

Will Boyajian is an actor and musician from Albany, NY. Will is the founder of Hopeful Cases, based on his change collecting guitar case, a New York based charity. He created the organization after graduating from Ithaca College in 2012. The charity’s main focus is giving to New York City’s homeless population. Since moving to New York City Will has been performing in a number of Off-Broadway/Regional musicals. Will’s mission is to have New Yorkers change the way they think about giving. If you annualize what Will has been collecting and donating, equals $150,000 per year. Who am I to judge? Take more if you need it. Without being a billionaire, he is doing quite a bit of great work.

Chris Fabian

Christopher Fabian is a technologist and innovator who co-leads UNICEF’s Innovation Unit. Fabian works on finding solutions to big problems that face humanity, particularly children. Since 2007 he has held the title of Senior Advisor on Innovation to the Executive Director at UNICEF and Co-founder and Co-lead of the UNICEF Innovation Unit. He is best known for his work on tools for children and communities in low-infrastructure environments.

Paula Kahumbu

Dr. Paula Kahumbu is a Kenyan expert on elephants with a PhD from Princeton University. She is the CEO of Kenyan Conservation NGO WildlifeDirect and founded Hands Off Our Elephants, a Campaign that lead major legal reforms in tackling wildlife crime resulting in a drop in poaching of 80% over three years. She also Co-authored the bestselling children’s book Owen and Mzee and produces two wildlife television series, NTV Wild and NTV Wild Talk.

 Fran Lebowitz

Fran Lebowitz, called the "funniest woman in America" by the Washington Post, is a national treasure known for her wit, humor, irreverence, social commentary and her own category on "Jeopardy." From the innovative lists in her 1978 bestseller "Metropolitan Life," to her Martin Scorsese-directed documentary "Public Speaking," to her current commentary on the lecture circuit, in Vanity Fair, on TV and on the web, Fran Lebowitz's observations have always been ahead of the times.

 Alexa Meade

Alexa Meade applies paint directly to models and the surrounding scene, creating the illusion that real-life people and places are inside the world of a 2D painting. Her artwork has been exhibited at The Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery, The Saatchi Gallery, the Grand Palais, and the United Nations building. She has collaborated with theoretical physicists, movement artist Lil Buck, and magician David Blaine. Her TED Talk “Your Body is my Canvas,” has millions of views.

Vivian D. Nixon

Vivian D. Nixon is Executive Director of College & Community Fellowship (CCF), a nonprofit committed to removing individual and structural barriers to higher education for women with criminal record histories and their families. An alumna of CCF’s program, Nixon advocates nationally for criminal justice reform. Nixon is a Columbia University Community Scholar and a recipient of the John Jay Medal for Justice, the Ascend Fellowship at the Aspen Institute, and the Soros Justice Fellowship.

 Kennedy Odede and Jessica Posner Odede

Kennedy Odede and Jessica Posner Odede are New York Times best-selling authors, internationally recognized social entrepreneurs, and the founders of Shining Hope for Communities (SHOFCO), an organization that works to build vibrant, gender equitable services for all. Kennedy grew up in Kibera, one of the largest slums in Africa. He started SHOFCO in 2004 with a 20 cent soccer ball, and was able to turn it into one of the world’s most influential community organizers. Together, Jessica & Kennedy built SHOFCO to what it is today - a grassroots organization that has served and empowered hundreds and thousands of people in the slums of Kenya.

 Jeremy Travis

Jeremy Travis is president of John Jay College of Criminal Justice at the City University of New York. Prior to his appointment, he served as a Senior Fellow in the Urban Institute’s Justice Policy Center, where he launched a national research program focused on prisoner reentry into society. From 1994-2000, Travis directed the National Institute of Justice, the research arm of the U.S. Department of Justice. EDIT

 Jose Vargas

Jose Antonio Vargas is a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, filmmaker, and media entrepreneur whose work centers on the changing American identity. After revealing himself to be an illegal immigrant, he found Define American, a non-profit media and culture organization that seeks to elevate the conversation around immigration and citizenship in America, and the founder of #EmergingUS, a media start-up that lives at the intersection of race, immigration, and identity in a multicultural America.

#SRFF2017: Socially Relevant Film Festival 2017, closes with an elegant Award Ceremony in NYC

SR Socially Relevant (TM) Film Festival New York 2017 announces the Winners at the CLOSING AWARD CEREMONY - March 19

SR Socially Relevant Film Festival New York wrapped its fourth edition with a SOLD OUT house of the closing film Split by Deborah Kampmeier at Cinepolis Chelsea on March 18, and the Closing Awards Ceremony took place on Sunday, March 19, at 7:30 pm, at the Tenri Cultural Institute in the Village, in the presence of the filmmakers, jury members, partners and sponsors of the festival, the SR Socially Relevant Film Festival's dedicated team, and volunteers.

Founder Artistic Director Nora Armani welcomed the guests, filmmakers, International jury members, partners and sponsors of the festival, and reminded those present that the festival started four years ago to commemorate the brutal hate crime that took the lives of her beloved cousin Vanya Exerjian and Uncle Jack Exerjian. The Festival focuses on all social issues, and socially relevant film content, offering a platform to filmmakers who resist the sweeping waves of commercial cinema. 

Armani specially thanked the festival sponsors and partners who were onboard since the inception of our festival, and those who joined in later. The grantors, who believed the festival’s mission, and endorsed it such as the Lower Manhattan Cultural Council, The Left Tilt Fund, and the Dutch Culture USA/ and the Consulate General of the Kingdom of Netherlands in New York. She also thanked the institutional organizations such as New York Governor Andrew Cuomo’s office for Film and TV Development and New York Mayor De Blasio’s Office for Media and Entertainment. She then read the congratulatory letter from Governor Cuomo.  

Armani also thanked the hospitality partners, Serpouhi Vartivarian of Santatori, Areni Market, Eat off Beat and Courtney Sproule, La Colombe Coffee, Tequila Chito’s, Hemant Mathur of Sahib Indian Restaurant and LGT (Le Grand Triage), Eric Rydin, for catering and adding that important hospitality touch to the festival’s happy hours.

What is a film festival without great films and filmmakers? Armani acknowledged the wonderfully talented filmmakers who were present, and those who unfortunately could not make it because of canceled flights earlier in the week. “This festival is YOUR festival and it is created to become the platform for you to showcase your wonderful work and share it with the audiences who are keen on hearing these human interest stories,” said Armani, inviting filmmakers to stay in touch with the festival ‘family’. “The competition out there is tough and we thank you for braving the waves of commercialism and making Socially Relevant ™ Films.” She said. 

Ms Armani then thanked the dedicated festival team who worked for the long haul working tirelessly and with full dedication on a volunteer basis. She thanked the jury members, four of whom were present Afia Nathaniel (filmmaker Dukhtar), Carmen Labaki who came all the way from Lebanon, Claus Mueller and Brigitte Gauthier from France. 

The award trophies were the Gotham Bowl is designed and donated by Michael Aram, New York-based world-known metal designer, the beautiful scarf with the Festival Logo specially created by Anet Abnous, and the special label wines celebrating the festival’s annual editions, made and donated by City Winery.

Below are the winners and various award- categories. 

The Best Script Award:
Three out of the five finalist scripts were declared winners: 

The American Dream, The Record, and Almast…The Best Documentary Short Award went to:

Africa Yoga Project directed Andrea Wing (Canada/Kenya) 

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The Best Actress in a Feature Film Award went to:
Jingke LIANG, as the mother

and

The Best Actor in a Feature Film Award went to:
Jun FENG, as the son
in Destiny directed by: Wei Zhang (China)

Both awards are accepted on behalf of the production by Jacqueline Si Shi

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The Best Actress in a Short Film Award went to:
Nina Mazodier

in Veil of Silence directed by Julie Gourdin

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The Best Actor in a Short Film Award goes to:
Sope Dirisu

in The Dead Sea directed by Stuart Gatt
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The Women Film Critics Circle Award
is offered annually at SR Film Fest by the WFCC and was presented by Robin Milling on behalf of the WFCC to

2 Girls directed by Jeo Baby (India)

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In addition to the Jury awards in the feature and shortdocumentary and narrative film categories, and scripts, 

SRFF presents a number of recognition awards:

The SR Socially Relevant ™ Film Festival's Varoujan Storytelling Award
was presented for the first time this year in honor of the founder’s father who recently passed away, and it went to:
Crows of the Desert by Marta Houske (USA)
accompanied by a $300 dollars cash value across all categories, in memory of a great storyteller V.A.S. Ekserdjian

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The SR Socially Relevant ™ Film Festival's Brave Documentary Award:
The Toxic Circle directed by Wilfried Koomen

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The SR Socially Relevant ™ Film Festival's Pushing the Boundaries Award:
Roll Call: A Dance Story directed by Anthony DiFranco (USA)

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The SR Socially Relevant ™ Film Festival's Making a Difference Award:
Straight From the Pen directed by Paul Sutton (USA)

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The SR Socially Relevant ™ Film Festival's Best Ensemble Film Award:
Split directed by Deborah Kampmeier

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The SR Socially Relevant ™ Film Festival's Certificate of successful completion
of the Smartphone filmmaking workshop by Ching Juhl was presented to:
Brigitte Gauthier

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The Best Narrative Short Award went to:
The Veil of Silence directed by Julie Gourdain (France)
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The Best Documentary Short Award went to:
Africa Yoga Project directed Andrea Wing (Canada/Kenya)
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Filmmaker Arthur Kanegis was invited to the podium to read Martin Sheen’s message to the festival and also show his Word Passport.

The world seems to have lost its way – filled with fear, exclusion and building walls. The amazing story of World Citizen #1 Garry Davis may be just the roadmap needed to find our way -- to a better future!  See the short film about his life “My Country Is the World” at the wonderful SR Socially Relevant Film Festival in NY – then watch for the forthcoming feature documentary as well.  - Martin Sheen

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A replica of the Peace and Justice Award presented two years ago at the 2nd edition of the festival in 2015 but broken in transit, was presented to
Guy Davidi for High Hopes his short film that the festival screened in 2015.

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The Vanya Exerjian: Empowering Women and Girls Award

in memory of Founding Artistic Director Nora Armani's cousin and uncle,
victims of a hate crime, that triggered the founding of the festival was
presented by Monica Mahendra Singh together with Ms. Armani and it went to:
  Last Night in Edinburgh  directed by Bita Shafipour (U.K.)
 

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The Grand Prize for Best Documentary Feature Award went to:
The Chocolate Case directed by Benthe Forrer (Netherlands)
The award was accepted on behalf of the filmmakers, by Vera Kuipers, of the Consulate General of the Kingdom of Netherlands

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The Grand Prize for Best Narrative Feature Award went to:
Prophecy  directed by Zuri Rinpoche (Netherlands/Bhutan)
The award was presented by narrative feature category jury member Afia Nathaniel (filmmaker of Dukhtar) and was accepted by
Loday Chophel the lead actor in Prophecy who was present from Bhutan on behalf of the director. 

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SR Socially Relevant (TM) Film Festival New York would like to thank the attendees and look forward to the fifth edition of the festival March 2018. Submissions for the fifth edition open mid-May on Filmfreeway.com and Withoutabox.com