A Boy’s Life. Cartoons and Bullets

Given recent barbarous attacks in Paris, I am publishing  an article from Creativity Is Risky: Free Speech in a Charlie Hebdo World about a French boy threatened with his life for standing up for his beliefs. The full magazine, published September 1, and related content can be found here. 

A week after the murder of 11 journalists at CharlieHebdo’s offices in Paris, a boy at Marcelin Berthelot de Saint-Maur-des-Fossés school in Val-de-Marne, southeast of Paris, published an homage to the fallen in his high school paper. In response, he received death threats in a series of seven brief letters, two of which contained bullets.

“We want your death,” said one letter. “Say your goodbyes.”

Pierre, a French currency trader living in a suburb of New York City with his wife and two sons, attended Marcelin Berthelot and grew up reading comic books by Charlie Hebdo editors Jean Cabut, whose pen name was Cabu, and Georges Wolinski.

He feels particular pain over what happened and a true sense of nostalgia. “They were legends, as famous as Jon Stewart,” he said during a recent interview in a bustling café across from Grand Central Terminal. “I grew up with them.”

Pierre was an avid reader of Cabu’s “Legrand Duduche,” a comic strip that debuted in 1963 featuring a blond and lanky schoolboy wearing glasses — one who closely resembled Cabu. In the 1970s, “Legrand DuDuche” became an anti-authority and antimilitaristic character, and he evolved over the years into a pacifist and ecologist.

Those who murdered the Charlie Hebdo journalists and, shortly thereafter, shoppers at a kosher supermarket attacked the very heart of French society, said Pierre. “They attacked what we stand for and how we express ourselves. They attacked the way the French have designed to live together in religion.”

He is not surprised at the death threats against the young journalist, not because of any ill will against individual Muslims but because of tensions in French society.

While the lycée is in an affluent area, in the same region as the Château de Grosbois, Muslim ghettos are not far away. These areas are called zones d’education prioritaires, or priority education zones, and were created in 1981 to address the needs of disadvantaged and immigrant students — to “give more to those who have less.” The so-called ZEPs have proved a failure, as French Education Minister Vincent Peillon has said. Last year the French government enacted a series of reforms in an attempt to stem the “ghettoization,” according to L’Express.

“The socioeconomic problems are really explosive,” Pierre said. “The norm for teenagers in the ghettos is to hate the West. They don’t trust traditional media, which drives them to social media, where they read ISIS propaganda.”

Pierre would agree with Minister Peillon that the state has failed to craft policies that could help integrate Muslims into mainstream French society. Referring to the ZEPs, he said, “They don’t teach civics properly. Many Muslim students are not given the chance to understand democracy.”

As for the student, he was under police protection as of late May.  A more recent update could not be found.

Big Apple Circus Embraces Autism! Tuesday, November 17, 2015 at 11am

Big Apple Circus has joined with world-renowned Autism Spectrum Disorders experts to adapt The Grand Tour for families with members on the spectrum and create a joyful experience for all. The adapted show includes the same world-class artistry as the full performance with a shorter running time, adjusted lights and sound, a calming center, pictorial social narratives, and specially trained staff and volunteers to assure a memorable event for everyone! 

The Grand Tour transports audiences to the Roaring 1920s, the advent of the modern travel era, when the most adventuresome began to tour the world in ships, planes, trains, and automobiles. With every seat less than 50 feet from the stage, audiences will be awed by the world-class entertainers as they perform breathtaking acts from the four corners of the globe. Clowns, jugglers, acrobats, and aerialists from Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, and North and South America appear with ponies, puppies and more; the troupe sets off on its own whirlwind adventure, accompanied by the live, seven-piece Big Apple Circus Band at each of more than 100 performances. 

This special performance, a 75-minute abbreviated show, will take place on Tuesday, November 17, 2015 at 11am. All tickets to this performance are half price ($12.50-$37.50). For tickets, please visit: www.bit.ly/BACEA15.

"Thank you so much for taking the time to alter the regular show to accommodate children with
special needs. This was the first circus that we were able to take my niece Gianna to and it was all thanks to Big Apple Circus! Thank you again!" - Preston House

"I did notice some of the changes, like the house lights and the clown doctors, but I was really impressed with how subtle the other adjustments were. I felt like nothing was lost in the performance quality, so for some acts I actually wondered how it was different from the standard show. Congratulations!" - Ladan Hamidi Toosi, New York City Department of Cultural Affairs

For wheelchair or special seating needs, please call customer service at 800.922.3772.

For more information about accessibility at every Big Apple Circus performance, please visit:  www.bigapplecircus.org/accessibility.

The Grand Tour runs from October 21, 2015 to January 10, 2016. To purchase tickets or for more information, visit www.bigapplecircus.org

Seeing Free Speech Through Pictures: An Interview with Photographer Michelle Zapata

Last week, we featured an article about the e-mag Creativity Is Risky: Free Speech in a Charlie Hebdo World, published by Manhattan resident Sally O’Dowd to raise awareness about the persecution of writers and cartoonists around the world.

A tribute to the 11 Charlie Hebdo journalists murdered in January by two Al Qaeda terrorists, Creativity Is Risky reminds us how easy free speech can be whittled away. While writers in the West are curbing Internet searches for fear of government retaliation, Saudi blogger Raif Badawi is getting lashes in Jeddah.

While the magazine’s articles cover a wide range of intersecting issues related to free speech, the original photography is a story in and of itself. Creativity Is Risky art director and photographer Michelle Zapata guides us through it. You’ll never take graffiti for granted again.

What got you involved in this project?

I was completely crushed when I heard the news of the Charlie Hebdo tragedy. These murders were such a violation of freedom of speech, freedom of expression, freedom in all its ways. When talking with Sally about her editorial direction, I saw the opportunity to showcase an objective visual that could be touching and also deep in its creative expression.

What was your creative vision?

I wanted to combine various elements and viewpoints from different communities while taking people on a virtual walking tour of New York City. Such is the beauty of the Freedom Tower as it stands tall behind Washington Square Park – the focal point of our cover –or the photo of the Muslim prayer rug at the Met, which accompanies Sally’s piece about multicultural understanding and tolerance. Further downtown, graffiti became a big player.

Why graffiti?

For many years, graffiti has widely been considered vandalism – less so today but the stigma is still there. It is one of the rawest forms of expression and art. In the height of the fight against graffiti, people were arrested, beaten, fined and in some instances artists had physical fights with each other. We have since come a long way. We now have places internationally that are dedicated to showcasing these amazing artists. From coast to coast, communities celebrate this form of expression. This was an art form that many people paid for dearly to pave the way to acceptance and appreciation. In this way, graffiti is like Charlie Hebdo’s satire.

Different snippets from a mural appear throughout the magazine. What’s the story behind that? 

That was a terrific find! The mural is north of Houston and signed by a Mr. Must Art. Two NYU students who said they were on their way to the library stopped to let me photograph them reading Charlie Hebdo.

This enormous piece of art serves as a metaphor for many themes in the magazine.  The bird is a natural complement to Sally’s epigraph celebrating the “deathless inspiration” of the phoenix and its capacity for vision – the very same traits shared by writers and artists. The baby represents hope, while phrases such as “the world is ours” and “love, peace and universal blessings” remind us to respect other people’s right to free speech while also reminding us that we have the power to choose how we want to live with one another. The many faces and eyes in the mural, coupled with the phrase, “keep your eyes open” serve as a metaphor for government surveillance, which we talk about in the latter part of the magazine.

We noticed the prevalence of the Protect Your Magic sticker and the Protect Yo Heart stencil.  Are stickers and stencils emerging as another street form? Yes, stickers are becoming quite popular among young artists because they are inexpensive to produce and easy to place around town. Stencils have been used for years although they are still considered vandalism. We happened across “Protect your magic” and “Protect yo heart” throughout the day – we couldn’t have dreamed up a better way to summarize the magazine’s free speech mantra. We continue to find the Protect Yo Heart stencil in a variety of colors all over the city. For us, it’s a good omen.

What is the message you want people to walk away with?

The only way to eradicate ignorance is through education, and that was Sally’s main goal. She wanted to educate people about the threats to free speech in general and also ask people to know the facts underlying a satirist’s work. It was my hope to illustrate and support the stories with interesting visuals that would make people think beyond the obvious, which is exactly what satire aims to do. All of the images I shot for Creativity Is Risky were with the idea of bringing awareness to an unjust situation. If we silence our creativity or forms of expression because of someone’s discontent we will limit our divine potential.  Let’s stop placing limits on our freedoms and celebrate our expressions of it! Let’s learn acceptance and tolerance worldwide. Let’s evolve.

How can people support your message?

People can find the magazine at www.sallyodowd.com and click on the link to Creativity Is Risky: Free Speech in a Charlie Hebdo World. They can share the entire publication or a specific article. They are welcome to comment on Sally’s site and share their views on their social channels using #freespeech and #creativityisrisky hashtags. Sally tweets from @sallyodowd and her public Facebook page is Sally On Media – those are good places to stay up to date on the issue.

For more info and to share content, please visit O’Dowd’s blog, Twitter andFacebook.

Big Apple Circus presents Circus of the Senses, specially adapted performances for those with disabilities

Big Apple Circus returns to the Big Top at Lincoln Center for the company's 38th season with the World Premiere of its all-new show, The GrandTour, and presents Circus of the Senses:a specially adapted performance that enables children and adults with vision or hearing impairments and other disabilities to experience the joy and wonder of the circus. Through the use of audio headsets, Braille descriptive programs, American Sign Language interpreters, and a special "touch session" after the show, anyone and everyone can enjoy Big Apple Circus' The Grand Tour! 

The Grand Tour transports audiences to the Roaring 1920s, the advent of the modern travel era, when the most adventuresome began to tour the world in ships, planes, trains, and automobiles. With every seat less than 50 feet from the stage, audiences will be awed by the world-class entertainers as they perform breathtaking acts from the four corners of the globe. Clowns, jugglers, acrobats, and aerialists from Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, and North and South America appear with ponies, puppies and more; the troupe sets off on its own whirlwind adventure, accompanied by the live, seven-piece Big Apple Circus Band at each of more than 100 performances.

Matinee performances of Circus of the Senses will be presented (75-minute abbreviated shows):

• Wednesday, October 28, 2015 at 11am
• Thursday, October 29, 2015 at 11am 

A "touch session" after the performances offers a unique opportunity for pre-selected groups of visually impaired children to go into the ring to meet the artists and literally feel a clown nose, a juggler's clubs, or the silky coat of a performing dog.

"The touch session was awesome! To put touch to the animals named and movement to acts
helped to solidify the experience. They LOVED it!" - Lucienne Carrier

SERVICES FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH VISION OR HEARING IMPAIRMENTS

Wireless audio headsets, which utilize a state-of-the-art infrared transmission system, feature a play-by-play description of the action in the ring by Big Apple Circus Founder Paul Binder and Creative Director Karen McCarty. American Sign Language interpreters are strategically positioned in spotlights to translate the auditory aspects of the performances. Audience members also have their choice of a large-print or Braille descriptive program, each of which describes the acts and environment in detail. 

"The ASL interpreter was so personal and made a point to connect with each child before the performance. Thank you so much for allowing us to participate in such a great event!"

- Sarah Stone, Massachusetts Newborn Hearing Screening Program

"The audio descriptive headset is an essential component of the Big Apple Circus experience
for students with visual impairments. [...] My students were able to come back to their schools and
tell their sighted friends what they "saw" at the circus! Fun, beautiful, amazing, awesome."
- Janett Ulwick Sacca, Vistars

"The descriptive headsets are a godsend. With those headsets and the wonderful job the two narrators do, Kirk does not miss a single bit of the show. He and his three brothers discuss all the details of the Circus of the Senses for weeks afterward. This is one event where he does not feel left out and that is
so very important!" - Eileen Brouwer

Tickets for Circus of the Senses are $12.50 ($10 for groups of 10 or more). To get tickets, please visit www.bigapplecircus.org/circus-of-the-senses to fill out a ticket application form. Please note that submitting the ticket application form does not guarantee tickets. Tickets will be distributed on a first come, first served basis to eligible groups. Priority is given to children with vision and hearing impairments and their chaperones. No ticket requests will be taken by telephone.

There will be an evening performance of the full show on Wednesday, October 28, 2015 at 6:30pm, at which audio headsets, Braille descriptive programs, and American Sign Language interpreters will also be offered. Tickets to the Wednesday evening performance are available at bit.ly/BACCOS-E15.

Circus of the Senses is also offered at performances in Queens and Boston.

For more information about accessibility at every Big Apple Circus performance, please visit: www.bigapplecircus.org/accessibility.

Circus of the Senses performances are supported in part by the Frank J. Antun Foundation, Lily Auchincloss Foundation, Community Foundation of Orange and Sullivan, Roy A. Hunt Foundation, James T. Lee Foundation, Shelley and Donald Rubin Foundation, The Rudin Foundations, Fan Fox and Leslie R. Samuels Foundation, Shubert Foundation, AXA Foundation, Bank Leumi, Moody's Foundation, and with public funds from the National Endowment for the Arts, the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature, and the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, in partnership with the City Council.  Additional support was provided by Big Apple Circus members.

The GrandTour runs from October 21, 2015 to January 10, 2016. To purchase tickets or for more information, visit www.bigapplecircus.org.

"Awe-Inspiring!" - The New York Times

"There's no shortage of thrills...Fun for all!" - New York Post

"The Finest Up-Close Circus in America." - Variety

"America's Best Circus for Children" - Parents Magazine 

Four-time Big Apple Circus ringmaster John Kennedy Kane returns to introduce a variety of stunning performers: clowns Joel Jeske and Brent McBeth; third-generation circus animal trainer Jenny Vidbel with her pony and dog acts; aerialist Sergey Akimov; international juggling sensation Alexander Koblikov; ninth-generation circus performer Chiara Anastasini with hula hoops; the Dominguez Brothers defying the law of gravity with their thrill-filled act featuring the Wheel of Wonder; Chinese hand balancers The Energy Trio; the African acrobatic troupe Zuma Zuma; and the Dosov Troupe soaring on the teeterboard.

The GrandTour, conceived and created by Joel Jeske, is directed by Mark Lonergan (artistic director of Parallel Exit, the three-time Drama Desk Award-nominated physical theater company) with associate director and choreographer Antoinette DiPietropolo. Musical direction by Rob Slowik with clown material created and directed by Joel Jeske. Set and lighting design by Maruti Evans, costume design by Oana Botez, and props design by Katie Fleming.  

As a nonprofit performing arts institution, the Big Apple Circus is committed not only to thrilling audiences in the ring, but also to bringing the joy and wonder of circus into the community. Big Apple Circus creates direct, shared connections inside its one-ring Big Top AND in hospitals, nursing homes, and schools, in its New York City home and in cities across America.

"These performers, many from circus dynasties, preserve an important tradition, reinforced by the nonprofit Big Apple Circus's commendable community-service activities, notably the
Clown Care program, which entertains hospitalized children. This company ... doesn't only have awe-inspiring acrobatic skills; it has a lot of heart, too."

- The New York Times, 2014 Critics' Pick

Big Apple Circus Clown Care® brings the joy of classical circus to hospitalized children at 15 leading pediatric facilities across the United States. Performers collaborate with doctors and staff to design a program to fit the needs of each hospital. Members of the Clown Care team bring the healing power of humor to children with acute and chronic illnesses, visiting nearly 225,000 young patients every year.  

Big Apple Circus Embraces Autism provides performances with modified lighting and sound as well as a staffed calming center, to meet the needs of children on the autism spectrum. Inclusion is a core value at Big Apple Circus, which is dedicated to delivering the finest circus entertainment to everyone, regardless of physical or cognitive ability, or economic circumstance. 

Circus for All!® distributes free and subsidized tickets to schools and nonprofit organizations serving low-income children and families, enabling many of them to experience the excitement and wonder of the circus for the very first time.

Circus After School®teaches kids life skills such as teamwork, responsible risk-taking, and perseverance, through a structured program of learning and performing circus arts. 

For more information, visit www.bigapplecircus.org

NEWFEST, NEW YORK'S LGBT FILM FESTIVAL, ANNOUNCES LINEUP FOR THEIR 27TH ANNUAL FESTIVAL Runs October 22-27

The New York Premiere of Peter Greenaway’s “Eisenstein in Guanajuato” Kicks Off Opening Night; U.S. Premiere of “Girls Lost” Set for Closing Night;

Todd Haynes’ “Carol” is Festival Centerpiece

The festival is in partnership with Outfest, and presented by HBO

NewFest, in partnership with Outfest, today announced the lineup of their 27th annual celebration of the year’s best LGBT films from around the world. The program of nearly 100 narrative features, documentaries and shorts runs October 22-27 at the newly renovated Bow Tie Chelsea Cinemas, and at the recently completed screening room at The LGBT Community Center in New York City. The festival is presented by HBO. 
 
Opening night will see the New York premiere of legendary filmmaker Peter Greenaway’s EISENSTEIN IN GUANAJUATO, a visually stunning, sexually explicit celebration of pioneering Russian filmmaker Sergei Eisenstein’s gay coming of age during a trip to Mexico in the 1930s. The cinematic masterpiece, which had its world premiere to wide acclaim at the Berlinale this year, has been hailed as one of the finest films of Greenaway’s long, illustrious career. Called “outrageously unconventional and deliriously profane” by Variety, the film is sure to be the talk of the opening night party!
 
Closing out the festival on the 27th is Alexandra-Therese Keining’s GIRLS LOST, a thrilling story about three bullied girls who are drawn into a wild and chaotic journey when they find a magical plant whose nectar temporarily transforms them into boys. Fresh off its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival, where it received critical acclaim, Kreining’s bold and stylish coming-of-age tale is a fascinating exploration of sexuality, identity and desire across the LGBT spectrum.
 
This year also features Centerpiece film CAROL, Todd Haynes’ highly-anticipated and award-winning lesbian romance starring Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara which won the 2015 Cannes Best Actress award for Blanchett, as well as the Queer Palm.
 
Other narrative highlights this year include the New York premiere of Matt Sobel’s chilling and suspenseful thriller TAKE ME TO THE RIVER (called “one of the great discoveries of the 2015 Sundance Film Festival” by Indiewire), starring Logan Miller, Robin Weigert, Richard Schiff and Josh Hamilton; the New York premiere of Mika Kaurismäki’s sumptuous period piece THE GIRL KING, about the rise and fall of Sweden’s lesbian Queen Christina; the 2015 Sundance World-Cinema Directing Award-winner THE SUMMER OF SANGAILE; and FOURTH MAN OUT, a hilarious and heartwarming twist on the coming-out genre starring Evan Todd, Chord Overstreet (GLEE) and Kate Flannery (THE OFFICE) that won the Audience Award for Dramatic Feature Film at this year’s Outfest Los Angeles.
 
Another major highlight of this year’s event is the world premiere of Executive Producer Eve Ensler and Katherine Fishers’ upcoming HER STORY, a web series written by transgender activist Jen Richards (I AM CAIT) and writer/actor Laura Zak (#HASHTAG) and directed by Sydney Freeland (DRUNKTOWN’S FINEST), focusing on the dating lives of Trans women in Los Angeles, followed by a panel about the series. Also featured is a SAG-AFTRA panel discussion on the evolution of transgender representation in film and television, to be moderated by trans activist Tiq Milan.
 
While the mainstream media seemingly embraced trans identities and lives this year, NewFest has set out to dig deeper, looking for fresh stories and unique characters. Highlights include LA VISITA (THE GUEST), a beautiful Chilean drama featuring a breakout lead performance by trans actress Daniela Vega; the documentary PEACE OF MIND about well-known transmale artist and activist Flo McGarrell’s untimely death during the 2010 Haiti Earthquake; and a TRANS SHORTS program featuring the acclaimed shorts A PLACE IN THE MIDDLE and Cheryl Dunye’s BLACK IS BLUE. 
 
Two additional trans documentary programs, TREASURE: FROM TRAGEDY TO TRANS JUSTICE, MAPPING A DETROIT STORY, and the 25th anniversary screening of the rarely-seen documentaries THE SALT MINES and THE TRANSFORMATION offer a chance for audiences to reflect on how much work still needs to be done to protect and empower trans people of color. 

“Our world is almost impossibly diverse,” said NewFest programmer Adam Baran, “and as a film festival, it is our duty to showcase that world as best we can. From people of color to youth films to more films by and about women, we want to illuminate as many aspects of the LGBTQ experience as possible.”
 
Another addition to the festival is an exciting new partnership with New York’s newly renovated LGBT Community Center, which will feature three days of screenings from Sunday, October 25 - Tuesday, October 27.
 
"We're thrilled to be back downtown this year with a far more expanded festival and on more screens than in recent years," said Robert Kushner, NewFest's Executive Director. "I couldn't be more proud of the program our team has put together in partnership with Outfest, and through our wonderful, new partnership with The LGBT Community Center, our programming is sure to reach a wider and more diverse audience."
 
Other special events include a can’t-miss Master Class with acclaimed filmmaker Ira Sachs (LOVE IS STRANGE, KEEP THE LIGHTS ON) who will sit for an illuminating discussion about the joys and challenges of being a queer filmmaker, as well as a panel on “The Renaissance of Women In Entertainment,” moderated by New York Women In Film & Television’s Executive Director Terry Lawler. 
 
And because NewFest lands one week before Halloween this year,  the festival will present its first ever Queer Horror Night aimed at LGBT horror fanatics, featuring three terrifying tales: Jorge Torres-Torres’ SISTERS OF THE PLAGUE, Jim Hansen’s YOU'RE KILLING ME, and Marçal Forés’ EVERLASTING LOVE, which won the Jury Award for Outstanding International Dramatic Feature at Outfest LA this year.

Olympic champion Greg Louganis will be on hand for a special screening and discussion of HBO's BACK ON BOARD: GREG LOUGANIS, while other notable faces and names in this year’s festival films include: Cate Blanchett, Rooney Mara, Sarah Paulson, Kyle Chandler, Bette Davis, Mae West, Chord Overstreet, Kate Flannery, John Waters, Rose Troche, Stacie Passon, Harmony Santana, Robin Weigert, Josh Hamilton, Clea Duvall, Josephine Decker, Drew Droege, Jack Plotnick, Chi Chi La Rue, Jeff Stryker, Amanda Lepore, Michael Musto, Zachary Quinto, Mike McCreedy, Carrie Brownstein, Patty Schemel, Macklemore, Shirley Manson, Janet Mock, Irm Hermann, Harry Baer, Lea DeLaria, Felicia “Snoop” Pearson, Casey Legler, Jen Richards and many more!

Tickets for NewFest will go on sale Wednesday, September 30th. A pre-sale to NewFest Members begins on Thursday September 24th. Opening and Closing Night tickets, which include an after-party as well as the screening, are $50 and $40 respectively; $40 and $30 for NewFest Members. The Centerpiece Film is $20; $16 for NewFest Members. For all other screenings, tickets are $16; $12 for students and seniors (62+); $12 NewFest Members. Visit www.NewFest.org/2015 for details as well as complete film festival information.
 
About NewFest

NewFest is dedicated to bringing together filmmakers and audiences to build a community that passionately supports giving visibility and voice to a wide range of representations of the LGBT experience. We are committed to nurturing emerging LGBT and allied filmmakers. We support those artists who are willing to take risks in telling the stories that fully reflect the diversity and complexity of our lives. For more information, visit NewFest.org.
 
ABOUT OUTFEST

Founded by UCLA students in 1982, Outfest is the world’s leading organization that promotes equality by creating, sharing and protecting LGBT stories on the screen. Outfest builds community by connecting diverse populations to discover, discuss and celebrate stories of LGBT lives. Over the past three decades, Outfest has showcased thousands of films from around the world, educated and mentored hundreds of emerging filmmakers, and protected more than 35,000 LGBT films and videos. 
 
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 122 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. In April 2015, HBO NOWSM, the network’s highly anticipated standalone premium streaming service, began providing audiences with instant access to HBO’s acclaimed programming in the U.S. HBO NOW is available directly through Apple or Optimum Online for a monthly subscription.  Internationally, HBO branded television networks, along with the subscription video-on-demand products HBO OnDemand and HBO GO, bring HBO services to over 60 countries.  HBO and Cinemax programming is sold into over 150 countries worldwide.

2015 NEWFEST NYC LGBT FILM FESTIVAL LINEUP

GALA FILMS

 
EISENSTEIN IN GUANAJUATO - Opening Night Gala
Dir/Scr: Peter Greenaway, Netherlands, 2015, 105 min

Acclaimed director Peter Greenaway (THE COOK, THE THIEF, HIS WIFE & HER LOVER) serves up perhaps the finest film of his esteemed career with this bold, sexually explicit celebration of pioneering Russian filmmaker Sergei Eisenstein’s gay coming-of-age during a trip to Mexico in the 1930s. Free of Soviet constraints, the visionary director discovers his wild side upon meeting and bedding a gorgeous tour guide, experiencing the power of romance for the first time. Greenaway’s lavishly produced and deliciously taboo film kicks dust in the face of the rickety biopic genre with the help of stunning sets and costumes, impressive cinematography, and an opulent Prokofiev-inspired score.


GIRLS LOST – Closing Night Gala
Dir/Scr: Alexandra-Therese Keining, 2016, Sweden, 105 min, In Swedish with English subtitles

For our closing night film, we’re thrilled to present this wildly original teen adventure tale from Sweden, fresh off its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival.  BFFs Kim, Momo and Bella are bullied by boys at school while their teachers do nothing. On top of that, Kim secretly confesses to Bella she thinks she was born in the wrong body. So when the trio finds a magical plant whose nectar temporarily turns them into boys (with working genitalia), it offers them the thrilling chance to experience freedoms they’ve never known. But when Kim becomes addicted to the plant and pursues a dangerous relationship with a local boy she thinks might be gay, it puts everyone at risk. Though GIRLS LOST is sure to enter the pantheon of lesbian teen films alongside titles like TIMES SQUARE and SHOW ME LOVE, the film is sure to be beloved by gay, trans, and bisexual fans as well. Wherever you fall on the LGBT spectrum, you’re sure to be talking about this exciting new film for a long time to come.
 
 
CAROL – Festival Centerpiece
Dir: Todd Haynes, Scr: Phyllis Nagy, 2015, USA, 118min

In 1950’s New York, a department store clerk (Rooney Mara) and an alluring woman in a loveless marriage (Cate Blanchett) find themselves in an unexpected love affair. But as they grow closer together, their illicit relationship brings significant challenges. Acclaimed director Todd Haynes’ (FAR FROM HEAVEN) extraordinary adaptation of Patricia Highsmith’s “The Price of Salt” is sure to be a major Oscar contender, with Blanchett, Mara, Kyle Chandler and Sarah Paulson turning out incredibly nuanced performances. Don’t miss one of the most highly anticipated movies of the year.

U.S. DRAMATIC FEATURES

 
DRIVING NOT KNOWING
Dir/Scr: Dylan Hansen-Fliedner, Dane Mainella, Jay Jadick, Benjamin Davis, USA, 2015, 85 min

Will and Lee make beautiful music together, but Lee can’t cope with his unreciprocated feelings for his sexually confused friend. A year after they part ways, a drunken voicemail message inspires Lee to invite Will to the country for the weekend. It’s the small details of human interaction and attraction that make this fresh and formally ambitious tale so compelling, transporting us to a place where love and conflict threaten to disrupt the still waters. 

 
EVERLASTING LOVE
Dir: Marçal Forés, Scr: Vincente de la Torre, Spain, 2014, 69 min In Spanish with English subtitles

Teenage passion turns twisted in this unconventional horror film from director Marçal Forés (ANIMALS). When a hot-daddy teacher encounters his student in the cruising zone of a local park, the two begin a steamy affair. But when the older man’s interest cools, it’s the student who gives the teacher a lesson he’ll never forget. Calling to mind both STRANGER BY THE LAKE and NBC’s HANNIBAL, EVERLASTING LOVE will leave you both turned-on and terrified. 

 
FOURTH MAN OUT

Dir: Andrew Nackman, Scr: Aaron Dansick 2015, USA, 95 min

Just like his small-town bros, auto mechanic Adam enjoys drinking beer, watching hockey and inappropriate bodily functions. But Adam also likes guys. A hilarious and heartwarming spin on the coming-out comedy, FOURTH MAN OUT observes what happens whens Adam tells his friends he’s gay – and they decide to help him find a boyfriend. Winner of the 2015 Dramatic Feature Audience Award at Outfest, this bawdy comedy features Chord Overstreet (“Glee”) and Kate Flannery (“The Office”).

 
HENRY GAMBLE’S BIRTHDAY PARTY
Dir/Scr: Stephen Cone, 2015, USA, English, 87 min

Henry Gamble is a Christian teen who has become skilled at hiding his sexuality from his ultra-religious parents and the devout, anti-gay community that surrounds them. When Henry’s parents throw him a pool party for his 17th birthday, tensions erupt, passions flare, and secrets threaten to float to the surface. Director Stephen Cone (THE WISE KIDS) has crafted a gripping and fascinating portrait of a closed community struggling with emerging desires in modern times.

 
NAZ AND MAALIK
Dir/Scr: Jay Dockendorf, USA, 2014, 86min

Two young, black, gay Muslim boys begin an affair they must keep hidden from their Brooklyn community. But when an undercover FBI agent incorrectly assumes the pair is involved in a criminal enterprise, this sweet ode to love soon transforms into a serious and timely study of racism and religion in everyday America. In his observational and intimate debut, writer-director Jay Dockendorf proves himself an exciting new voice in independent cinema.

 
SISTERS OF THE PLAGUE
Dir: Jorge Torres-Torres, Scr: Jorge Torres-Torres, Jason Banker, USA, 2015, 74 min

Jo (Josephine Decker) enjoys leading haunted house tours around New Orleans. But when her father moves into the house she shares with her girlfriend, terrifying supernatural things start really happening. Seeking a medium’s help, Jo finds she is facing something way beyond her control. Jorge Torres-Torres’ intensely creepy debut echoes the cult classic POSSESSION in evoking horror from a fractured romantic relationship. Fans of last year’s lesbian horror hit LYLE are sure to love this.

 
TAKE ME TO THE RIVER
Dir/Scr: Matt Sobel, 2015, USA, 95 min

Artistic, brash, short-shorts wearing teen Ryder plans to come out to his conservative Nebraska relatives at their family reunion, much to his mother’s (Robin Weigert, CONCUSSION) dismay. But when his uncle (Josh Hamilton) suspects him of a mysterious transgression involving his 9-year-old cousin, he discovers that some family secrets might be better left untouched. Matt Sobel’s chilling, superbly-acted directorial debut unfolds in a tense atmosphere of mounting dread that contrasts with its stunning cinematography and idyllic setting.

 
THOSE PEOPLE
Dir/Scr: Joey Kuhn, USA, 2015, 89 min 

Impressionable young painter Charlie is consumed with best friend and longtime crush Sebastian, whose father’s Bernie Madoff-esque scandal has left him penniless. Sebastian’s coping mechanism is non-stop hedonism, and he insists Charlie join him on his self-destructive ride having sex, drinking and partying at his father’s massive penthouse. Manhattan’s Upper East Side provides the gilded backdrop for a tale of entitlement, privilege, and the potentially disastrous repercussions on young lives and loves.

 
YOU’RE KILLING ME
Dir: Jim Hansen, Scr: Jim Hansen, Jeffery Self, USA, 2015, 88 min 

In this hilarious (and very bloody) horror comedy, George (Jeffery Self) is an internet comedy star whose friends only speak two languages: irony and sarcasm. So when George’s deranged new boyfriend Joe tells him he’s a serial killer, George thinks it’s a joke and plays along, unknowingly encouraging Joe to keep killing – until his increasingly suspicious friends start disappearing. Cult comedy favorites Drew Droege, Jack Plotnick and Mindy Cohn round out the body count.

INTERNATIONAL DRAMATIC FEATURES

 
THE GIRL KING
Dir: Mika Kaurismäki, Scr: Michel Marc Bouchard, Finland, Canada, Germany, Sweden, 2015, 106 min, in English, French, and German with English subtitles 

In 1933, Greta Garbo could only hint at lesbianism in her famous Hollywood historical drama about Sweden’s Queen Christina. This lavish and romantic re-imagining is not so coy, as the queer queen invites her beautiful handmaiden to be her “bed-warmer”, refuses to wear dresses or marry, and then must face the consequences from the conservative political establishment. Anyone addicted to historical dramas like WOLF HALL and REIGN is sure to love this sumptuous and sexy period piece.

 
LA VISITA (THE GUEST)
Dir/Scr: Maurício López Fernández, Argentina, Chile, 2014, 82 min, In Spanish with English subtitles

After her father’s unexpected death, Elena returns home for the first time in years. Her arrival shocks the household, who last knew her as a quiet, unassuming young man. As everyone struggles to make sense of Elena’s presence during the weekend, Elena struggles to come to terms with her past and the father who never really knew her. Director Mauricio López Fernández’s enthralling first feature is anchored by trans actress Daniela Vega’s remarkable lead performance.

 
LIZ IN SEPTEMBER
Dir/Scr: Fina Torres, Venezuela, 2015, 100 min, Spanish with English subtitles 

In Fina Torres’ acclaimed Venezuelan adaptation of Jane Chambers’ groundbreaking 1980 play “Last Summer at Bluefish Cove”, strong-willed womanizer Liz refuses to call attention to her health issues. When she meets the equally troubled Eva, the two sense a powerful chemistry that goes beyond anything either have felt in past romances. Both have secrets to hide, and yet their connection leads them down an unexpected path where their views of love and life change forever.

 
PORTRAIT OF A SERIAL MONOGAMIST
Dir/Scr: Christina Zeidler, Canada, 2014, 83 min 

As much as Elsie loves her women, what she really relishes is a fast, easy breakup. Long regarded as a highly successful and self-proclaimed serial monogamist, Elsie finds her stride in running free from commitment – until she develops feelings for a recent ex. Diane Flacks proves a sexy and magnetic leading lady throughout this charming romantic dramedy, demonstrating to audiences why girls keep risking their sanity for a woman all too happy to break hearts.

 
THE SUMMER OF SANGAILE
Dir/Scr: Alanté Kavaïté, France/Lithuania/The Netherlands, 2015, 88 min, In Lithuanian with English Subtitles

Winner of the World Cinema Directing Award at the 2015 Sundance Film Festival, Alanté Kavaïté’s THE SUMMER OF SANGAILE is one of the year’s most visually stunning and romantic films. A chance meeting in the Lithuanian countryside brings two restless young women close – the angst-ridden Sangaile, who dreams of becoming a pilot, and the beautiful, fearless fashionista Auste. But they must take a leap of faith together if they want to find love and self-fulfillment.

 
WHILE YOU WEREN’T LOOKING
Dir: Catherine Stewart. Scr: Vanessa Herman, Amy Jephta, Matthew Krouse, Nodi Murphy.  South Africa, 2015, 75 min, English 

The complex political and racial climate of South Africa is beautifully encapsulated in this drama about the tension between liberal bourgeois ideals and working-class realities. Affluent mixed-race lesbian couple Dez and Terri struggle to maintain their own desires while reining in their rebellious daughter Asanda. When Asanda falls for a girl from a different background, Dez and Terri must face their own hypocrisies and secrets, which threaten to unravel the seemingly perfect world they’ve crafted.
 
 

DOCUMENTARY FEATURES

COMING OUT
Dir: Alden Peters, USA, 2015, 72 min 

When Alden Peters finally makes the decision to come out, he brings a camera to film each conversation, hoping it will keep any negative reactions at bay. As Peters captures the surprising reactions to his revelation, he also explores the recent phenomenon of young LGBTQ kids coming out to their loved ones on YouTube. Featuring interviews with experts like Janet Mock, COMING OUT is a heartwarming exploration of a common experience across queer generations.

 
DESERT MIGRATION
Dir/Scr: Daniel F. Cardone, USA, 2015, 80 min 

The introduction of the protease inhibitor “cocktail” meant that an HIV/AIDS diagnosis was no longer an automatic death sentence – but what of the men who expected to die only to discover they would survive? This illuminating documentary introduces us to a group of such men, all of whom have found a community in Palm Springs where they continue to thrive after living with HIV for three decades. The town’s enigmatic allure empowers their ongoing pursuit of a long, happy life.

 
FASSBINDER: TO LOVE WITHOUT DEMANDS
Dir/Scr: Christian Braad Thomsen, 2015, Germany, 109 min, In German with English subtitles 

Between 1966 and 1982, the great gay German director Rainer Werner Fassbinder made 44 films, many of which featured LGBT stories and characters, including QUERELLE, FOX AND HIS FRIENDS and THE BITTER TEARS OF PETRA VON KANT. Director Christian Braad Thomsen had many opportunities to interview Fassbinder over the years, and using these never-before-seen discussions, plus interviews with members of Fassbinder’s company, Thomsen crafts a complex and brilliant analysis of the queer auteur’s controversial, all-too-brief life.

 
FINDING PHONG
Dir/Scr: Swann Dubus, Tran Phuong Thao, Vietnam, 2015, In Vietnamese with English subtitles 

This uplifting documentary follows Phong, a Vietnamese transwoman, over the course of a year in which she comes out of her shell while preparing to undergo gender confirmation surgery, which causes conflict with her elderly parents. Mixing traditional documentary and personal documentary formats (Phong uses her own camera to record daily video diaries which reveal her innermost hopes and fears), FINDING PHONG observes a complex yet ultimately inspiring journey of the self.

 
GAZELLE: THE LOVE ISSUE
Dir/Scr: Cesar Terranova, Brazil/French Polynesia/USA, 2014, 93 min 

Paulo is an HIV positive Brazilian flight attendant who travels the world, but at night he becomes Gazelle, an NYC clubkid queen famous for serving truly outrageous looks. But when his health is compromised and other ghosts from the past surface, Paulo must transform himself again in order to heal. Featuring appearances by Amanda Lepore, Joey Arias, Flawless Sabrina, Michael Musto, Kenny Kenny and more, GAZELLE is an exuberant portrait of a truly original character.

 
THE GLAMOUR AND THE SQUALOR
Dir: Marq Evans, Scr: Marq Evans, Jeff Gilbert, USA, 2015, 80 min 

Before iTunes killed rock radio, Seattle DJ Marco Collins took it to its apex by breaking artists like Nirvana, Beck, Garbage and Weezer during the grunge-era of the 1990’s. But despite Collins’ remarkable career, addiction and sexual repression pushed his personal life to the brink. Weaving interviews with alternative icons like Shirley Manson, Carrie Brownstein, Mike McCready and pop star Macklemore alongside archival conversations with Kurt Cobain, director Marq Evans illuminates an unsung gay musical hero.

 
ORIENTED
Dir: Jake Witzenfeld, United Kingdom, Israel, 2015, 79 min, in Hebrew and Arabic with English subtitles 

This captivating documentary follows three gay Palestinian friends struggling with problems both personal and political. Fadi feels guilt-ridden about dating a Zionist; Khader struggles with the desire to leave Israel; Khaeem worries about coming out to his family. Determined to make a change, they form a non-violent, cultural resistance group making viral content for gender and national equality. Though it may not change the world, sharing their personal struggles helps them to deal with living their multifaceted identities.

 
PEACE OF MIND
Dir/Scr: Cary Cronenwett, USA, 2014, 77 min. Creole, English with English subtitles 

Cary Cronenwett’s portrait of the late transmale artist-activist Flo McGarrell is a stirring meditation on collaboration, longing and loss. While adapting Kathy Acker’s “Kathy Goes to Haiti,” to star artist Zackary Drucker, McGarrell was killed in the 2010 Haitian earthquake. Using footage shot for McGarrell’s film, past collaborations and interviews with the queer Haitians McGarrell mentored at the FOSAJ arts center, Cronenwett blends documentary with lush image-making and a startlingly emotional interiority.

 
THE SALT MINES & THE TRANSFORMATION
Dir(s):Susana Aikin, Carlos Aparicio, USA, 1990/1995, In English, Spanish with English subtitles, 105 min

In 1990, director Susana Aikin told the stories of three homeless Latina trans women she befriended, all living on Manhattan’s west side piers and hustling to support their drug habits. THE SALT MINES aired on PBS and opened America’s eyes to this marginalized segment of society. One year later, diagnosed with HIV, one of Aiken’s subjects was given help by a church at the cost of renouncing her trans identity. This dramatic change is heartbreakingly depicted in THE TRANSFORMATION. Join Aikin and representatives from local trans activist organizations as we revisit these staggeringly powerful documentaries, and then discuss the obstacles that still exist for trans women of color today.

 
THE SAME DIFFERENCE
Dir/Scr: Nneka Onuorah, 2015, USA, 78min 

Nneka Onuorah’s fascinating documentary examines what happens when African-American lesbians discriminate against each other over violations of the strict code that separates butches from femmes. Onuorah breaks down the rules (no long hair, makeup, getting pregnant) then talks to women who’ve been on the receiving end of hate for crossing these lines. Onuorah shows how these behaviors reproduce the homophobic oppression of the straight world, while looking for solutions in compelling discussions with community members including THE WIRE’s Felicia “Snoop” Pearson.

 
SEED MONEY
Dir/Scr: Michael Stabile, USA, 2015, 69 min 

Michael Stabile’s sexually charged documentary takes viewers back to the 1980’s, when Falcon Studios, the biggest gay porn company in the world, dictated the fantasies of gay men everywhere. The complicated man behind Falcon was Chuck Holmes, who struggled with both FBI persecution and AIDS. Stabile skillfully traces Holmes’ wild and chaotic story via archival footage and interviews with some of porn’s biggest names and fans, including Jeff Stryker, Jake Shears, John Waters, Chi Chi LaRue and more.

 
TREASURE: FROM TRAGEDY TO TRANS JUSTICE, MAPPING A DETROIT STORY
Dir/Scr: Dream Hampton, 2015, USA, 63 min 

In 2011,Treasure, a black trans teen from Detroit who sometimes did sex work, was found brutally murdered. Though it was initially assumed to be a hate crime, it turned out Treasure was killed by a drug dealer she informed on after police threatened to send her to a men’s prison. Without fetishizing the details, this powerful documentary examines the crime and the way her loved ones have turned themselves into activists to ensure something like this never happens again.

 
THE YEAR WE THOUGHT ABOUT LOVE
Dir: Ellen Brodsky, USA, 2014, 68 min 

This emotionally powerful documentary profiles True Colors, a remarkable LGBTQ youth theater group in Boston where performers act out their own stories with wit and candor for local schools. From a trans teen kicked out of her home to a Christian standing up to his church, these adolescent artists share their most painful and proud moments. When the Boston Marathon bombing occurs near their studio, the troupe become even more determined that the show must go on.

 
WHEN BETTE MET MAE
Dir/Scr: Wes Wheadon, USA, 2015, 64 min 

In 1973, Wes Wheadon attended a party where legendary actress Bette Davis would first meet the equally iconic Mae West. Wheadon brought along a tape recorder and wound up capturing mutual admiration between the two stars, along with discussions on romantic relationships, censorship, and what they really thought of their drag queen imitators. This unique documentary – a must for fans of the two stars – brings that evening to life in a clever and compelling fashion.

PANELS AND SPECIAL EVENTS 

BACK ON BOARD: GREG LOUGANIS + A CONVERSATION WITH GREG LOUGANIS
Dir: Cheryl Furjanic, Scr: Cheryl Furjanic, Karen Sim, Will Sweeney, USA, 2015

With unprecedented access to trailblazing openly gay Olympic champion Greg Louganis, BACK ON BOARD reveals the complicated life of an athlete whose grace, beauty, and courage sparked a worldwide fascination with diving. This intimate portrait chronicles his public triumphs and private struggles as an HIV-positive sports icon as he re-emerges on the world stage to combat prejudice, promote tolerance, and return to the diving world. Followed by a conversation with Greg Louganis himself!

HER STORY: WORLD PREMIERE + PANEL DISCUSSION
Dir: Sydney Freeland, Scr: Jen Richards, Laura Zak, 2015, USA, 65 min

HER STORY is a groundbreaking, much buzzed-about new series about two trans women who have given up on love when chance encounters offer them hope. With an impressive pedigree including director Sydney Freeland (DRUNKTOWN’S FINEST), writers Jen Richards (I AM CAIT) and Laura Zak (#HASHTAG) and Executive Producers Eve Ensler and Katherine Fisher, Her Story promises to be one of the most exciting trans shows of the year. Join us for a sneak preview followed by a Q&A with the creators.

MASTERCLASS: IN CONVERSATION WITH FILMMAKER IRA SACHS

Ira Sachs burst onto the queer film scene with THE DELTA (1996), but when he started telling straight stories he won awards and Hollywood attention. It wasn’t until 2010 that Sachs realized he needed to tell queer stories again, which resulted in the acclaimed dramas KEEP THE LIGHTS ON (2012) and LOVE IS STRANGE (2014). Filmmakers and film fans alike are invited to join us for an illuminating conversation with last year’s NewFest Visionary Award recipient about his career, the joys and challenges of being a queer filmmaker, and how to tell one’s truth on film.

THE RENAISSANCE OF WOMEN IN ENTERTAINMENT: PANEL DISCUSSION
Presented in partnership with New York Women in Film And Television. Moderated by Terry Lawler. 

In a year where the spotlight is firmly on female filmmakers, women in entertainment take the stage to share their stories. Expect to hear anecdotes, insights, and advice as well as uncensored reactions to the recent media coverage addressing women in film. New York Women In Film & Television’s Executive Director Terry Lawler moderates a conversation that you won’t want to miss, featuring Writer/Director/Producer Rose Troche (THE L WORD, GO FISH), Writer/Director Stacie Passon (CONCUSSION), documentary filmmaker Nneka Onuorah and more. With the support of the Alliance of Women Directors and Film Fatales.

TRANS HOLLYWOOD PANEL
Presented in partnership with SAG AFTRA. Moderated by Tiq Milan.

Join a candid discussion about the evolution of transgender representation in film and television. The media is abuzz with trans representation. Some have called this a revolutionary development, while others in the trans community have expressed skepticism. SAG AFTRA’s National LGBT Committee discusses the pros and the cons of the “trans”-formation of mainstream media with a panel of trans actors and moderator Tiq Milan. Featuring Harmony Santana (GUN HILL ROAD), Michelle Hendley (BOY MEETS GIRL) and more.

SHORTS PROGRAMS

CRUISING SHORTS

This deliciously dirty collection of sexy gay shorts revolves around that age-old gay pastime: cruising! Turn off GRINDR and SCRUFF and join us for some late night fun… Includes: PIX, HATTIE GOES CRUISING, POP-UP PORNO:M4M, THE TRICKS LIST, HOLE, JUST A FEW THINGS, CATHARSIS, LIMANAKIA.

IN YOUTH IS PLEASURE: SHORTS

When you’re young everything seems really intense: Your first kiss, your first heartbreak, your first time expressing yourself as you really are. In this collection of mixed shorts, you’ll see how LGBTQ youth navigate the alternatively thrilling and treacherous path toward adulthood. Includes: AN AFTERNOON, CHARLOTTE, HOUSE NOT HOME, READ ALOUD, MONA, TREMULO, PEACOCK.

PLATINUM SHORTS

NewFest’s experimental shorts showcase transports you to the other side with Charles Atlas, Milli Vanilli, Xina Xurner, Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, M Lamar, a heavy dose of glitter and RuPaul’s Drag Race. Includes: COLOR NEUTRAL, UNTITLED (AM I PRETTY MOMMY?), ADVENTURES OF PEPPRE ANN AND FROENDS, BERLIN MIX LIVE, DEAR LOU SULLIVAN, FORMER MODELS, THE LAMPS, THE FALL OF COMMUNISM, SURVEILLANCE PUNISHMENT AND THE BLACK PSYCHE PART TWO OVERSEER, SASHAY AWAY.

QUEERER THAN FICTION: DOC SHORTS

Stories of strength, struggle and survival come to life in this compelling program of nonfiction shorts about LGBT people fighting back against oppression, revisiting moments from their past, and trying to unravel complex mysteries. Includes: THE LITTLE DEPUTY, DYLAN, AFTER SILENCE, IN THE HOLLOW, SEX, POLITICS AND STICKY RICE, BEDDING ANDREW, GAYSIANS, A LEGACY OF DEVOTION, WHO STOLE THE RUBY SLIPPERS?

TRANS SHORTS

This compelling collection of narrative and documentary shorts looks beyond the trans stories embraced by the mainstream media to highlight trans and gender non-conforming individuals charting bold and complex paths. Includes: FIRST NIGHT OUT, A PLACE IN THE MIDDLE, THE FRIEND FROM TEL AVIV, FLOAT, BROCKINGTON, BLACK IS BLUE, OYA: SOMETHING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO WEST AFRICA.

WILD HEARTS: SHORTS

In this collection of the best dramatic shorts on the LGBT festival circuit, you’ll meet people navigating passionate relationships including lesbian actresses, an anorexic trans man, and two gay Chilean lovers. Includes: ACTRESSES, BROTHER ON LOW, LIKE HOPE, RELAPSE, MA/DDY, SAN CRISTOBAL.

New Yorkers Speak Out About Press Freedoms

charliedoorway "Image Credit: Michelle Zapata"

Persecution of writers and journalists abounds in our society, including the murder of 11 people at French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo by two Al Qaeda terrorists for their cartoons of Muhammad; the jailing of Newsweek journalist Maziar Bahari in Iran for his involvement with The Daily Show; and the torture of Raif Badawi, the founder of the internet discussion group Free Saudi Network, who has been sentenced to 1,000 lashes and 10 years in prison.

Several New Yorkers have collaborated to raise awareness about these and other examples of how writers, journalists and cartoonists suffer at the hands of extremists and also democratic governments with surveillance programs, including the United States.

“Creativity Is Risky: Free Speech in a Charlie Hebdo World” is a multimedia e-magazine featuring original reporting, personal essays, an interactive map on press freedoms, videos and music. It tells a story both sad and hopeful about the state of free speech around the world.

“Creativity Is Risky is designed to educate and engage people around the world on issues related to free speech—from violent threats to the more subtle, everyday challenges,” says Manhattan resident and publisher Sally O’Dowd.

O’Dowd’s Manhattan, Queens and Brooklyn teammates include:

cover page charlie hebdo -  "Image Credit: Michelle Zapata"

• Michelle Zapata, a producer and art director for U.S. Spanish-language consumer magazines
• Communications executives Jon Porcasi, e-magazine producer and graphic designer; and Marian Berelowitz, who provided editorial guidance and served as copy editor
• Emmanuel Letouzé (Manu), a French cartoonist and development economist, who analyzes Charlie Hebdo’s mission
• Katy Glenn Bass, deputy director of free expression programs at literary human rights organization PEN American Center, who provided insight on the adverse impact of government surveillance programs on writers
• Singer-songwriter Chaz Langley, whose songs relate to the magazine’s themes of free expression and resilience of writers who stand up to persecution.

“Our team invites readers to engage in the conversation on this essential human right by using the hashtags #creativityisrisky and #freespeech,” O’Dowd says. “Our team is passionate about this issue, and we want to hear from readers. Where do you see free speech being celebrated or curtailed? Help us create a #freespeech movement.”

For more info and to share content, please visit O’Dowd’s blog, Twitter and Facebook.

Pulmonary Hypertension Association’s “2015 Breathe Food Truck & Concert Series”

• Announces Dates And Locations For Food And Music Events To Bring Awareness To Pulmonary Hypertension.
• Taking place on the streets of New York City, events will combine performances by YouTube Sensation and Award Winning Singer/Songwriter, Chloe Temtchine, with cuisine by Korilla BBQ.

YouTube Sensation and Award Winning Singer/Songwriter, Chloe Temtchine, Film Producer and Entrepreneur, Marvin V. Acuna, the Pulmonary Hypertension Association* (PHA) and Korilla BBQ will all team up to present the “2015 Breathe Food Truck & Concert Series” - four events staged in various locations throughout New York City, combining musical performances by Temtchine with cuisine from the popular, Korilla BBQ Food Trucks. 

Presented to bring awareness to a devastating condition, known as Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension, the “2015 Breathe Food Truck & Concert Series” is the latest project by Temtchine and Acuna, designed to introduce the public to this condition, the challenges that come with diagnosing it, and to raise funds to both aid in the search for a cure as well as to care for those who are struggling to live with it. Each event will also include 50 free meals which will be given to lucky (and hungry) audience members, courtesy of Korilla BBQ. 

Taking place throughout the month of October, in Midtown, the Financial District and Brooklyn, these events will feature the music of recording artist, Chloe Temtchine, who was diagnosed with severe Pulmonary Hypertension in 2013, after having been misdiagnosed for five years (Temtchine performs linked to an oxygen tank whom she affectionately refers to as, Steve Martin) and the delicious, all-natural, healthy, GMO-free food of Korilla BBQ Food Trucks, a popular sight throughout New York City. Named by the Village Voice as the #1 Food Truck in the city last year, they have arguably redefined Korean barbecue and Korean cooking and have taken it to the streets. 

Temtchine said, "I am a HUGE food lover, and ever since my diagnosis,  have become much more conscious of the kind of food I eat. I'm a strong advocate of high-quality, healthy, GMO-free, and locally-sourced, fresh ingredients.

In addition, I'm a proponent of individuals who strive for excellence in what they do and who are driven, passionate and creative. Therefore, a series of events which combine my music with the savory Korean dishes created by the team from "Korilla" (NYC's #1 Food Truck) seemed like a perfect way to get out into the city and introduce people to the existence and realities of a condition that, while devastating, has managed to fly somewhat under the radar for the general public.”

Temtchine was recently featured in the Huffington Post; has performed on “Late Night with David Letterman,” is the voice behind the national commercial celebrating the 100th anniversary of American Express and has been featured on NY-1; The Nate Berkus Show (NBC); “Fearless Music” (FOX 5); her song “Brand New Day” has been featured on “The Early Morning Show” (CNN), and she has had songs placed in various TV series and films. 

Korilla BBQ has been featured on The Food Network’s “The Great Food Truck Race” and on “Sesame Street.” They offer the best quality proteins, kimchi and vegetables that they can source, as well as seasonal specialties and the occasional secret menu. Korilla BBQ food trucks can be found roaming the city, and they recently opened their first brick and mortar shop in the East Village. They have garnered numerous awards including “Rookie of the Year” at the Vendy Awards, and "Best Food Truck" by The Village Voice.

The “2015 Breathe Food Truck & Concert Series” schedule:

• All events will take place between 12:00PM and 3:00PM, Monday, October 5, 2015
• Midtown: Between Park & Lexington
• Wednesday, October 14, 2015 - Financial District: Front & Old Slip
• Thursday, October 22, 2015 - Midtown: 55th & Broadway
• Friday, October 23, 2015 - Brooklyn: TBD

* PHA received sponsorship support for the 2015 Breathe Concert Series from Actelion Pharmaceuticals US, Inc. and Bayer HealthCarE.

For more information or to support PHA with a donation, go to PHAssociation.org

Big Apple Circus Returns to Lincoln Center with the World Premiere of The Grand Tour

Big Apple Circus returns to the Big Top at Lincoln Center for the company's 38th season with the World Premiere of its all-new show, The GrandTour! Tickets start at $25, and the show runs from October 21, 2015 to January 10, 2016. To purchase tickets or for more information, visit www.bigapplecircus.org. 

The GrandTour transports audiences to the Roaring 1920s, the advent of the modern travel era, when the most adventuresome began to tour the world in ships, planes, trains, and automobiles. With every seat less than 50 feet from the stage, audiences will be awed by the world-class entertainers as they perform breathtaking acts from the four corners of the globe. Clowns, jugglers, acrobats, and aerialists from Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, and North and South America appear with ponies, puppies and more; the troupe sets off on their own whirlwind adventure, accompanied by the live, seven-piece Big Apple Circus Band at each of more than 100 performances. 

"Awe-Inspiring!"  - The New York Times

"There's no shortage of thrills...Fun for all!" - New York Post

"The Finest Up-Close Circus in America." - Variety

"America's Best Circus for Children" - Parents Magazine

Four-time Big Apple Circus ringmaster John Kennedy Kane returns to introduce a variety of stunning performers: clowns Joel Jeske and Brent McBeth; third-generation circus animal trainer Jenny Vidbel with her pony and dog acts; aerialist Sergey Akimov; international juggling sensation Alexander Koblikov; ninth-generation circus performer Chiara Anastasini with hula hoops; the Dominguez Brothers defying the law of gravity with their thrill-filled act featuring the Wheel of Wonder; Chinese hand balancers The Energy Trio; the African acrobatic troupe Zuma Zuma; and the Dosov Troupe soaring on the teeterboard. 

The GrandTour, conceived and created by Joel Jeske, is directed by Mark Lonergan (artistic director of Parallel Exit, the three-time Drama Desk Award-nominated physical theater company) with associate director and choreographer Antoinette DiPietropolo. Musical direction by Rob Slowik with clown material created and directed by Joel Jeske. Set and lighting design by Maruti Evans, costume design by Oana Botez, and props design by Katie Fleming.  

As a nonprofit performing arts institution, the Big Apple Circus is committed not only to thrilling audiences in the ring, but also to bringing the joy and wonder of circus into the community. Big Apple Circus creates direct, shared connections inside its one-ring Big Top AND in hospitals, nursing homes, and schools, in its New York City home and in cities across America.

"These performers, many from circus dynasties, preserve an important tradition, reinforced by the nonprofit Big Apple Circus's commendable community-service activities, notably the
Clown Care program, which entertains hospitalized children. This company ... doesn't only have awe-inspiring acrobatic skills; it has a lot of heart, too."

- The New York Times, 2014 Critics' Pick

Big Apple Circus Clown Care® brings the joy of classical circus to hospitalized children at 15 leading pediatric facilities across the United States. Performers collaborate with doctors and staff to design a program to fit the needs of each hospital. Members of the Clown Care team bring the healing power of humor to children with acute and chronic illnesses, visiting nearly 225,000 young patients every year.

Big Apple Circus offers a specially adapted performance of the show, Circus of the Senses, for children and adults with vision or hearing impairments and/or other disabilities. American Sign Language interpreters are positioned in spotlights throughout the tent, and wireless audio headsets transmit a live audio play-by-play description of the action in the ring. Braille or large-print descriptive programs are available for audience members. A "touch session" after the show offers a unique opportunity for pre-selected groups of visually impaired children to go into the ring to meet the artists and literally feel a clown nose, a juggler's clubs, or the silky coat of a performing dog. Big Apple Circus Embraces Autism provides performances with modified lighting and sound as well as a staffed calming center, to meet the needs of children on the autism spectrum. Inclusion is a core value at Big Apple Circus, which is dedicated to delivering the finest circus entertainment to everyone, regardless of physical or cognitive ability, or economic circumstance. 

Circus for All!®distributes free and subsidized tickets to schools and nonprofit organizations serving low-income children and families, enabling many of them to experience the excitement and wonder of the circus for the very first time. 

Circus After School®teaches kids life skills such as teamwork, responsible risk-taking, and perseverance, through a structured program of learning and performing circus arts.

For more information, visit www.bigapplecircus.org

Open Mic in Brooklyn - THE OUTER LOOP THEATER EXPERIENCE

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Last Tuesday, I was invited by a friend to attend an open mic at 6pm in Williamsburg at Over the Eight. I had never been to an open mic before and thought it would be nice to hear different artists from the New York scene.

First off, the space is really nice. The bar is very laid back, with a great atmosphere. Another room at the back is where the open mic took place. It is separated from the main bar and has a stage, cozy seats and plasma TVs to allow filmmakers to broadcast their work. The bar makes great Mexican food and we were provided with free samples of empanadas. As I said, the atmosphere is really relaxed and I loved that ! We were told not to hesitate to move during the performances, either to get a drink, take a bathroom break or just get another empanada.

The different artists were very different from one another and presented all excellent work. I was seriously shocked by the quality of each artist’s work. In an hour and a half, came on stage a singer/songwriter, a poet, a stand up perfomer,  a writer, a filmmaker and actors to play a scene from a playwright. All of these people were extremely talented, which I was not expecting ( I though maybe one or two will be really good but no- all of them !).

After the open mic, everyone could meet at the bar and mingle, chat, talk about different opportunities, or even get into deeper conversation about the state of the arts in the US today.

I decided to interview Michael Herman, who is behind the organization of these events and here is what he had to say :

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Nina Moritz: Could you tell me a bit more about the project? 

Michael Herman: So the non-profit company I founded 6 years ago, The Outer Loop Theater Experience, presents a super cool event called Talk Hard, which is a monthly open mic/showcase format opportunity for playwrights, actors, directors, poets, musicians, singers, djs, painters, writers, dancers, spoken word and hip hop artists, to get a peek at any new piece they're working on.... in front of a supportive, but critical audience. If they want some feedback? Great. And if they just want to hear it out loud in front of other humans? Great.

Nina Moritz: How often do you organize events? 

Michael Herman: Talk Hard happens twice every month: The final Monday of each month, in Harlem, at Solace. And the 2nd Tuesday of each month in Brooklyn, at Over the Eight. And we’re looking at adding a 3rd one in midtown very soon.

Nina Moritz: What is the idea behind it? 

Michael Herman: The Outer Loop is fundamentally a playground where we all come together to better our community and support the work of all playful human beings. So Talk Hard is one of these playgrounds for artists of all disciplines to come and play. I also like to think of it as a safe place to fail. We, as artists, need that.

Nina Moritz: Can any  kind of artist attend (designers, producers etc..)? 

Michael Herman: Absolutely. Any artist at all. And for that matter, any human. We welcome anyone who wants to share their experience(s) with others.

Nina Moritz: Tell me a bit more about you and what you do. 

Michael Herman: I am a director, playwright and teacher. I founded The Outer Loop in 2009 to help playwrights and other artists develop their work and get it up in front of audiences. Nothing brings me greater joy, than to watch a new play come to life, and a young artist have that first audience experience. It’s why we do what we do. For the moment.

I had an amazing time attending, I felt like being part of something, seeing talent emerge before my eyes and I’m pretty sure a lot of the people I saw will blow up in the coming years. Everyone was welcoming and supportive of each other, clapping loudly, encouraging each other. It was so easy to talk to everyone. If

you have some work you are unsure about and would like feedback, this is the place! If you are looking for a great time and a great show, this is the place!

Seriously, please go and check it out, you will not regret it!

Here's some additional information from their website: http://www.outerlooptheater.org/

The School of American Ballet's Workshop Performance Benefit 2015 Raised More Than $890,000

The School of American Ballet's Workshop Performance Benefit 2015 on Tuesday, June 2, 2015 raised more than $890,000 for scholarships and school programs. The evening began with cocktails at 5:30pm in Juilliard's Morse Hall, followed by the performance at 7pm in the Peter Jay Sharp Theater at Lincoln Center, and concluded with a seated dinner at 9pm at the Mandarin Oriental. The evening celebrated the legendary Rudolf Nureyev and commemorated the 20th Anniversary of the Rudolf Nureyev Dance Scholarship. 

"We are thrilled to announce that this year's Workshop Performance Benefit was a huge success," said Margie Van Dercook, executive director of The School of American Ballet.  "The tremendous generosity of our attendees made our first live auction an exciting and fruitful endeavor."

The performance was attended by nearly 700 guests, and was followed by a seated dinner at the Mandarin Oriental. The dinner was attended by nearly 500 patrons, including the School's board members and alumni, as well as leaders from the New York corporate and social communities. 

Notable attendees included: Chairmen Michele Barakett, Linda S. Daines, Hillary Lane Hochberg, Nell Kleinschmidt, and Max R. Shulman; Corporate Chairmen Alexandra and John Galantic; and Young Patron Chairman: Stephanie Anna Linka; Jenny and John Paulson, Julia and David Koch, Coco and Arie Kopelman, Sasha and John Galantic, Laura and Will Zeckendorf, Jean Shafiroff, Emily and John Rafferty, Susan Pilarre and Chip Zien, Suki Schorer, Jonathan Stafford, Ashley Bouder, Peter Martins and Darci Kistler, Jill Kargman, Kay Mazzo, Craig Hall, Troy Schumacher, Lourdes Lopez, George Skoras, and James Lipton.

This year's benefit celebrated the legendary Rudolf Nureyev and commemorated the 20th Anniversary of the Rudolf Nureyev Dance Scholarship. At the peak of his career, Mr. Nureyev spent many hours in SAB's classrooms, polishing his technique alongside SAB's students in Stanley Williams's acclaimed advanced men's class. In 1994, the Rudolf Nureyev Dance Foundation generously presented the School with funding for an annual scholarship to support promising students in honor of Mr. Nureyev's affinity for SAB and Mr. Williams's teaching.

In 1964, Alexandra Danilova, George Balanchine's former classmate at the Imperial Ballet and a leading ballerina of Diaghilev's Ballets Russes and the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo joined SAB's faculty. In 1965, Madame Danilova established SAB's annual year-end Workshop Performances, giving the School's advanced students an opportunity to participate in professionally staged, publicly performed productions of classic ballet works. Since its inception, the Workshop Performances have seen hundreds of SAB's advanced students make their public debut as they prepare to leave SAB and go on to dance on the world's top stages. The New York Times coined Workshop a "spot-them-before-they-are-stars showcase". Scores of notable SAB alumni have performed at Workshop, including Merrill Ashley, Peter Boal, Maria Kowroski, Lourdes Lopez, Sara Mearns, Benjamin Millepied, Ethan Stiefel, and Wendy Whelan.

The post-performance dinner has evolved through the years, from an intimate gathering hosted by SAB co-founder Lincoln Kirstein at his Gramercy Park townhouse into a festive fundraiser held in the SAB studios. The continued success of the Workshop Performance Benefit led SAB to the use of another wonderful New York venue.The post-performance dinner took place in the magnificent ballroom at the Mandarin Oriental with the City's iconic skyline as a backdrop.

The 2015 Workshop Performances program included 19th & 20th Century Masters (Petipa, Bournonville, Balanchine & Robbins); Harlequinade ("Ballabile des Enfants"), Choreography by George Balanchine, Music by Riccardo Drigo; William Tell (pas de deux), Choreography by August Bournonville, Music by Gioachino Rossini; The Sleeping Beauty (pas de deux), Choreography by Peter Martins (after Marius Petipa),Music by Peter Ilyitch Tschaikovsky; Valse-Fantaisie, Choreography by George Balanchine, Music by Mikhail Glinka; Stars and Stripes (3rd Regiment "Thunder and Gladiator"), Choreography by George Balanchine, Music by John Philip Sousa, arranged by Hershy Kay; and Fanfare,Choreography by Jerome Robbins, Music by Benjamin Britten.

The Art of Shaving Launched The Morris Park Collection with Olivia Palermo and Johannes Huebl

Olivia Palermo, Johannes Huebl

Johannes Huebl, Jaguar XKE

Olivia Palermo, Devin Race Car

The Art of Shaving debuted The Morris Park Collection with Johannes Huebl and Olivia Palermo in New York City last night. Todd Brisky, Managing Director of The Art of Shaving, introduced guests to The Morris Park Collection while highlighting the new razors’ smooth handling, bold style and superior performance. The evening featured a look at rare 1950s and 1960s vintage cars that inspired The Morris Park Collection. Throughout the night, The Art of Shaving Master Barbers’ demonstrated how to achieve key grooming styles using the Morris Park Collection razor and 4 Elements of the Perfect Shave. Attendees indulged in passed bites inspired by the three razor colors – Signal Red, Royal Blue and British Racing Green - as they experienced the sleek race cars and sporty shaving collection.

Olivia Palermo

Johannes Huebl, AC Cobra Race Car

Special guests Johannes Huebl and Olivia Palermo previewed the cars while mingling amongst guests and discussing key grooming tips with The Art of Shaving Master Barbers. Johannes, dressed in a crisp blazer with navy pants, and Olivia, in a black tuxedo dress, mirrored the contemporary elegance of The Morris Park Collection.

Johannes Huebl and Olivia Palermo explained, “The Morris Park Collection combines the look of a classic car with a modern design in three bright, eye-catching colors. We love the racecar-themed names, which are a fashion-forward twist to incorporate into a daily grooming routine.” 

As a fixture on men’s fashion pages, Johannes continued, “The Morris Park Collection is a very fashionable and cool grooming collection of razors, fun for every Gentleman who prefers the proper wet shave."

The Morris Park Collection 

Morris Park_Signal Red

Morris Park_British Racing Green

Morris Park_Royal Blue

The Art of Shaving introduces The Morris Park Collection, a new line of razors inspired by New York’s historic Morris Park race track. Displaying smooth handling and bold style, The Art of Shaving Morris Park Collection razors bring a sleek, bright design into gentlemen’s bathrooms to start their mornings stylishly.

Exclusively designed by The Art of Shaving, the world’s leading premium shave brand, each Morris Park Collection razor features a bright and superior design to create an exceptional shaving experience. Choose from three signature vintage racing colors – Signal Red, Royal Blue or British Racing Green. Each razor is lacquered in a striking high-gloss finish and accented with distinct chrome accents and inlaid detailing. A lightweight and balanced handle is marked with clean lines and a crisp white racing stripe, elegantly merging the razor’s timeless race car inspiration with a modern, cutting-edge appearance.

The Morris Park Collection is a continuation of The Art of Shaving’s long-standing relationship with New York, which have been intertwined since the first Art of Shaving stores flourished on the city’s concrete streets in 1996. Taking its influence from the classic cars that first raced at Morris Park in Bronx, New York during the early twentieth century, the Morris Park Collection mirrors their vivid colors, fine craftsmanship and sporty, yet elegant, look.

Similar to the previous Chelsea and Lexington Collections, the Morris Park Collection extends The Art of Shaving’s Heritage Collection series. Each Heritage Collection echoes the voice and character of New York’s most dynamic neighborhoods, landmarks and streets. To elevate one’s daily shaving ritual, pair the Morris Park Collection razors with The Art of Shaving’s pre-shave, shaving and after-shave products to experience a unique and individual take on the 4 Elements of The Perfect Shave. The Morris Park Collection razor fits with all Gillette Fusion and Fusion ProGlide blades. 

• The Art of Shaving

Founded in 1996, The Art of Shaving is considered one of the world’s leading premium shaving brands with its essential oil based grooming products, high-end shaving instruments, and a growing retail chain dedicated to men’s shaving. The Art of Shaving has trademarked its wet shaving system “The 4 Elements of the Perfect Shave” – Prepare, Lather Up!, Shave, and Moisturize – and is recognized as one of the best-selling men’s brands at high-end department stores. What started from one small store in Manhattan has evolved into an extensive collection of male-focused luxury retail shops across the country – over half of which boast Barber Spas; a unique masculine service concept that combines traditional barber services with essential oil facial treatments. Today, The Art of Shaving shops are found in over 140 self-named locations across the US. The Art of Shaving is sold online atwww.TheArtofShaving.com and at fine retailers online stores such as Nordstrom.com, Bloomingdales.com, Sephora.com, Neiman Marcus, Barneys New York, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Macy’s. 

The Morris Park Collection is available at The Art of Shaving boutiques and www.theartofshaving.com, and retails for $60.

Through June 22nd, purchase a Morris Park Collection Razor with any Mid-Size Kit for $95.

*** SOME EXTRA FASION HIGHLIGHTS:

Olivia was wearing-

• Dress: Black tuxedo dress by Tibi
• Shoes: Pink caged heels by Schutz
• Bracelets: Matching embellished cuffs by Miriam Haskell
• Purse: Black clutch by Hayward

Photo Credit: Ben Draper Photography

Activewear Is Not Just For The Active

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Let's see you strut your stuff down the catwalk.....in your yoga pants? There was a time when you couldn't play both fields. It was either style or it was comfort. Fast forward to around 2011, shoppers started learning they could have their cake, and eat it too, if the diet permitted. The activewear market has exploded and evolved. The classics such as Nike, Puma, Adidas and Reebok have always maintained their mark in the sports and activewear arena, but now designers and retailers alike are all trying to cash in. So, is this a trend, or a lasting effort? According to NPD market research, in 2013, U.S. sales of women’s activewear alone reached $11.5 billion, a 9 percent jump from 2012, with sales projected to steadily increase. 

Managing director for Canaccord Genuity, Camilo Lyon, says “Over the past two-three years, the growth of athletic apparel companies has consistently outpaced the growth of traditional apparel companies.”  If you're wondering why, he credits the “ever-increasing fashion component.” Simply stated, yoga pants and running shorts are a style. You no longer need to be active, to where activewear.

Active apparel, like traditional apparel, has developed its own voice as a fashion statement. A hybrid has been developed, marrying the choice of comfortability with being fashionable. Lululemon, a pioneer in the 'fashionable activewear' world, was one of the first to capitalize on the implementation of activewear as an everyday clothing choice. They have continued to brand their line as a lifestyle brand, rather than only needing their clothes for the occasion of exercising. Their branding has proven to be a success, because the line continues to grow in sales. From the end of the February fiscal quarter for 2015, their net revenue has increased by 16% since the February fiscal quarter of 2013.

Designers are catching wind of the cashflow surrounding activewear. Stella McCartney was one of the first designers to partner with a sports brand to create an active line. Her collaboration with Adidas revolutionized what it meant to be stylish in activewear.

American designer Kevan Hall, known for his couture gowns and bold fits, streamlined that same essence into Kevan Hall Sport, an active/sport extension of his line. The slogan, “from the runway to the fairway” captivated the desire to maintain the same poise and elegance of his couture pieces and translate that into activewear. Why not look like you came off the runway as prepare to play that game of golf? Or better yet, look like you just got done playing a game of golf as you head to the supermarket.

So is activewear a trend, or a lasting effort? With style and comfortability being so important to people, and sales steadily increasing, this trend has proven to hold true for longer than some may have expected. With the addition of companies like Lululemon, making sure their customers look hip and fashionable even if they're not going to workout, it is very apparent that activewear has become part of everyday life. When seeing a young lady going out to eat in her yoga pants used to look weird, it has now slowly transitioned to a norm. Activewear is a part of all of our lives now, even if we're not active. 

Photo Credit: (Woman On Steps) SpaWeekBlog

For more information: http://www.spaweekblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/RHONYs-Heather-Thomson-for-post-500x333.png

Copyright Spaweekblog.com

Crowdfunding for MFA, in pursuit of the American Dream

The story of a young girl's pursuit of the American Dream through crowdfunding...

Tuition fees in American Universities, hit (and often pierce) the roof. Ivy League schools are generally ranked amongst the best universities worldwide and usually accept a tiny percentage of international students. So what would happen if an Italian talented girl, in her early twenties, got accepted by one of these colleges, but couldn’t be able to afford it? 

Her creativity would run to her rescue. Since the digital era is characterized by projects or ventures that can be accomplished by raising monetary contributions from a large number of people via the internet, why not use crowdfunding to invest in education?

This is how Federica Belletti - a twenty-four year old from a tiny town in Italy called Monte Urano - intends to pursue her American Dream. She has been accepted for the extremely prestigious and selective MFA Program in Creative Producing at Columbia and she has started her campaign through GoFundMe to raise the required $80,000, to grasp the opportunity that is being given to her.

Federica is no stranger to the New York, since she spent a year as an au pair in a New Jersey family to improve her English, and whenever she had the chance she would commute to the Big Apple to follow all the film events in town. She is adamant in the way this experience would be life changing for her: “This institution offers me a variety of opportunities that I would never dream of in Italy. I would actually have the chance to bring to my hometown a know-how that is currently lacking,” she explains.

Federica quotes the Italian cinematic masterpiece by Giuseppe Tornatore to exemplify her situation, “In Cinema Paradiso Alfredo tells Totò «Go away and never come back» and Totò leaves Sicily and accomplishes himself in Rome. Nowadays New York is the place for budding filmmakers.” In her video message she explains thoroughly what Fede’s Mission For Columbia is all about. Donating money for a young dreamer’s tuition fees means investing in the future, and as one of the Founding Fathers of the land of the American Dream - Benjamin Franklin - once said “An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.”

GoFundMe: http://www.gofundme.com/Fede-Columbia 

Federica Belletti’s video message: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GPVSBmpaM2w&feature=youtu.be

The UN accomplishes Expo’s theme “Feeding the Planet, Energy For Life” in Milan

The United Nations fulfill Milan's Theme for EXPO 2015 "Feeding the Planet, Energy For Life"...

The world had been waiting for Expo2015 to open its doors. The mission set by the Universal Exposition in the Italian northern city seems to be conquered by the United Nations.

The Pavilion Zero truly embraces the zero hunger challenge in an ambiance where aesthetics match semantics. The importance of plants biodiversity are thoroughly explored with a majestic video art project and installations, that will plunge you in the treasure of forests, worthy of the most prestigious art biennales. 

The domestication of animals retrace the history of mankind and the poetry of breeding, as the making of an alliance betwixt savage beasts and humankind. This topic is further explored through quality and sustainability in animal production and, naturally, food.

But contrarily to all other pavilions, where nourishment triumphs not as symbol of what is due to worldwide countries but as a mere globalized fashionable product, the United Nations manage to heighten the value of the eating table. Nutrition thusly embodies the theatre of the world: the table is the ancient place of unity, cohesion, the lieu where territories meet.

All the world’s a stage and all the men and women merely players, breeding, farming, hunting, fishing. From the rural to the industrial world, the great potential expressed by machinery revolutionizes the consumption and approach to food, that becomes part of the mass production process. This causes perilous consequences, that lead to the paradox of waste. 

In Pavilion Zero the entire history of man’s approach to nutrition is handled with great entertaining didactics in a truly enchanting scenery. The message of food waste resonates stronger than ever and the act of sharing takes the stage through the powerful words bequeathed to Milan’s Expo all the way from the New York Headquarters of the United Nations, from the very Secretary General Ban Ki-moon UN Secretary General:

“I appeal to all people everywhere to raise their voices. Speak out on behalf of this planet, our only home. Let us care for Mother Earth, so she can continue to take care for us as she has done for millennia.”

Watch Expo show 2015 videos: 

Expo Milano 2015 is a non-commercial Universal Exposition with some very unique and innovative features. Not only is it an exhibition but also a process, one of active participation among a large number of players around the theme of Feeding the Planet, Energy for Life. It is sustainable, technological, thematic and focused on its visitors.

Grande sportiva, Chicca eccelle nel calcio e nell'atletica: è un vero concentrato di energie e vitamine. Tra le sue tante medaglie, ricordiamo l'oro olimpionico nel sollevamento pesi. Nel tempo libero lavora ai ferri e oggi gira il mondo inseguendo gli atleti a cui regala le sue maglie fatte a mano.

Expo Milano 2015 spot 60'' on air from 2nd November, 2014 Visit the site http://www.expo2015.org/it http://www.expo2015.org/en http://www.expo2015.org/fr

Sono 20 milioni i visitatori attesi dal 1° maggio al 31 ottobre 2015 sul sito espositivo di Expo Milano 2015. Di questi, circa un terzo saranno stranieri. Il flusso di visitatori e di turisti in arrivo per l'Esposizione Universale genererà benefici per l'intero Sistema turistico italiano.

Guagliò l'aglio è un tipo che si fa notare anche a chilometri di distanza e non solo per il fisico prestante e gli occhi azzurri. Pieno di followers, ama organizzare cene con gli amici, ma soprattutto ama Filippa Bruschetta, la food personal shopper che gli ha insegnato a non sprecare il cibo.

Ricca di fascino e vitamine, Julienne è un vero fiore di ragazza, anzi di zucchina. Grazie alla sua genuina bellezza diventa una modella. Un giorno, cadendo dalla passerella, finisce fra le braccia di uno chef. Così Julienne scopre l'amore e non solo per il cibo. Scopri questo e molto più all'Expo Show.

Official Website: http://www.expo2015.org/en/

Dance Against Cancer An Evening to Benefit the American Cancer Society Raised More than $243,000

The 5th Annual Dance Against Cancer was held on Monday, April 27, 2015. The event had over 500 guests attend and raised more than $243,000 for the American Cancer Society that will benefit research initiatives and patient and family service programs.
 

Attendees included: Christopher Abbott, Stella Abrera, Jody Arnhold, The Bommer Family, Stuart H. Coleman, Herman Cornejo, Leanne Cope, Diana DiMenna, Joseph Doherty, Robert Fairchild, Nikki Feirt Atkins, Lynne Goldberg, Sarah Goocher, Carol Gray, Brandon Gross, Julia Gruen, Judith Hoffman, Lauren Josey, Maria Kowroski, Karen Lacy, James Lipton, Phil Livingston, Lar Lubovitch, Sara Mearns, Tiler Peck, Sasha Radetsky, Amar Ramasar, Desmond Richardson, Matthew Rushing, Erica Sabatini, Robert Schulman, Taylor Stanley, Lynne Taylor-Corbett, Twyla Tharp, Daniel Ulbricht, Carmen Marc Valvo, Heather Watts, Damian Woetzel, Doreen Weisfuse. 

Baron Tequila, Brooklyn Brewery, GuS Grown-up Soda, Hearth Restaurant, Kessler Wine & Spirits, The Natural Gourmet Institute, Patron Tequila, Vitae, and Wolffer Estate Vineyards, served as food and beverage sponsors, with additional food provided by FoodMatch, Inc., Marin French Cheese, Laura Chenel's Cheese. 

The evening's performance, produced by New York City Ballet's Daniel Ulbricht and Manhattan Youth Ballet's Erin Fogarty Bittner, featured New York City Ballet's Maria Kowroski, Sara Mearns, Tiler Peck, Robert Fairchild, Amar Ramasar, Taylor Stanley, Daniel Ulbricht; American Ballet Theatre's Stella Abrera, Herman Cornejo; Alvin Ailey's Matthew Rushing; as well as Desmond Richardson, and Sasha Radetsky, among others.

THE NYAFF PRESENTS OPENING NIGHT PRESENTATION OF THE SOUTH AFRICAN FILM NOIR ‘COLD HARBOUR’

THE NEW YORK AFRICAN FILM FESTIVAL PRESENTS OPENING NIGHT PRESENTATION OF THE SOUTH AFRICAN FILM NOIR ‘COLD HARBOUR’

WHAT:    Opening Night of the 22nd New York African Film Festival, presented by the Film Society of Lincoln Center (FSLC) and African Film Festival, Inc. (AFF) and organized under the banner of the United Nations’ International Decade for People of African Descent (2015–2024). The initial leg of this year’s festival runs May 6–12 at FSLC and features a diverse crop of 15 features and 13 short films from Africa and the Diaspora. The NYAFF continues throughout May at the Cinema at the Maysles Documentary Center and the Brooklyn Academy of Music’s BAMcinématek. The festivities take place as AFF marks its 25th anniversary. 

Directed by Carey McKenzie, Cold Harbour pits township cop Sizwe—Tony Kgoroge, who won Best Actor at the 2014 Durban International Film Festival for the role—against a seedy underworld of criminals and fellow cops in his quest to investigate a smugglers’ turf war. The Opening Night reception will follow at the Frieda and Roy Furman Gallery at the Walter Reade Theater. 

WHO:    Isaach de Bankolé (supporting actor, Run); NYAFF directors Carey McKenzie (Cold Harbour), Dare Fasasi (Head Gone),Teddy Goitom (Afripedia Series), Nicole Mackinlay Hahn (Burkina, All About Women), Sandra Krampelhuber (100% Dakar – More Than Art), Nova Scott-James (Handmade in Thamaga); 
Mahen Bonetti, NYAFF founder and executive director of African Film Festival, Inc., Lesli Klainberg, FSLC executive director

http://www.africanfilmny.org/

http://www.filmlinc.com/films/series/new-york-african-film-festival-2015

Domingo Zapata’s three one-of-a-kind, hand-painted pieces to be auctioned!

Recently, Stacey Bendet hosted a private dinner party to celebrate the Alice + Olivia and Domingo Zapata CFDA Capsule collection. The collaboration with the CFDA got launched on Tuesday, April 28th at the dinner party.

***

Attendees Included

Stacey Bendet, Domingo Zapata, Princess Eugenie York Lisa Smilor, Diane von Furstenberg, Juliette Lewis, Jennifer Morrison, Mary Louise Parker, Kelly Rutherford, Diana Picasso, Ashley Smith, Tali Lennox, Rachel Roy, Abby Elliott, Gigi Burris, Sara Sophie Flicker, Sabine Heller, Kyle Hotchkiss Carone, Ian Jones, Sean Macpherson, Lola Schnabel, Brandi Garnett, SZA, Chelsea Leyland, Amirah Kassem, Cleo Wade, Phoebe Stephens, Annete Stephens

Music by Alix Brown

***

Famous Artist Domingo Zapata’s three one-of-a-kind, beautifully hand-painted pieces to be auctioned for CFDA

***

For the first CFDA capsule collection, Stacey Bendet has partnered with celebrated artist Domingo Zapata. The collection will be available for purchase at the end of April at all alice + olivia stores and other retail partners.

ZAPATA alice + olivia Ball Skirt Hand-Painted By Domingo Zapata, 2015

DOMINGO ZAPATA - alice + olivia Gown Hand-Painted By Domingo Zapata, 2015

DOMINGO ZAPATA - alice + olivia Strapless Bustier and Ball Skirt Hand-Painted By Domingo Zapata

Each year, alice + olivia will work with a new artist to create a one-of-a-kind piece to be auctioned off with 100% of proceeds going to the CFDA. Versions of this item will then be featured in a capsule collection available at all alice + olivia by Stacey Bendet stores and other retail partners with 50% of the proceeds donated to the CFDA.

Stacey Bendet, CEO and Creative Director of alice + olivia, says,“This partnership is exciting for me as it is very reflective of my brand and our continued collaboration with artists. It is also wonderful to be able to raise funds for the CFDA, in their ongoing support of our industry and its new talent.”

Steven Kolb, CEO of the CFDA says, “Stacey Bendet has been a valued member of the CFDA for a long time and we could not be more appreciative for her work to help us in our cause to advance up-and-coming fashion designers. The extraordinary support we will be receiving from the brand thanks to this initiative is invaluable to our organization.”

The alice + olivia x Domingo Zapata capsule collection consists of three pieces:

• a gown $898,
• floor-length skirt $598 and
• a mini dress $298,

Each in a beautiful print rendered from a mural painted by Domingo Zapata.

“As an artist, my purpose is to share with the world those things that speak to my heart”, says Domingo Zapata. A few hundred pieces of each style will be produced and sold at all freestanding alice + olivia stores nationwide. The pieces will be available for presale Wednesday April 29th onwww.aliceandolivia.com/CFDA.

The collaboration with the CFDA got launched on Tuesday, April 28th at a dinner hosted by Stacey Bendet and Domingo Zapata. Additionally, Paddle8 will be auctioning off one of a kind pieces including a gown and floor-length skirt, both hand painted and signed by Zapata. An alice + olivia custom two-piece skirt and leather bustier with piping in print painted by Zapata will be up for auction as well. All proceeds will go to the CFDA. 

 Additionally, Paddle8 will be auctioning off one of a kind pieces including a gown and floor-length skirt, both hand painted and signed by Zapata. An alice + olivia custom two-piece skirt and leather bustier with piping in print painted by Zapata will be up for auction as well. All proceeds will go to the CFDA.

For more details on auction, visit: www.paddle8.com/auctions/aliceandolivia 

Special thanks to: BOMBAY SAPPHIRE® and BOMBAY SAPPHIRE® East Gin, MARTINI® Prosecco, GREY GOOSE® Vodka, Robert Mondavi Private Selection and Peroni Nastro Azzurro.

Nail Art: New Trends to Follow

The new fashion mania has unusual trends for spring 2015...

In the past few years nail art has become a mandatory fashion whim, that can very elegantly substitute jewellery. When shaking hands, when waving adieu, ladies’ ten fingers are always at the forefront of interaction with others, and their decorations somehow point out the personality of the girl wearing the nail art.

This spring dictates three musts in the use of Vernis à Onglese: simplicity, lightness and refinement. Patterns and colors are accepted, although black and white are the hippest shades. Natural colors, like old-rose, beige or pastel tints are highly recommendable. Even more so, the nude effect. For the summertime ladies can run wild adopting some gold and silver, as long as the length of the nail is moderate with a rounded shape. Stilettos are out!

New York’s latest Fashion Week had proclaimed gangsta nail art - with dazzling gems or delicate pearl - as the new mania for the hot season. The over-the-top-graffiti-inspired nail decorations however seem to clash with a more recent fashion debate, where the Big Apple and the City of Angels collide on what nail art to adopt. New Yorkers prefer solid colors, whereas Californians enjoy all kinds of creative patterns, especially those inspired by nature, evoking flowers or fruits. A trait to which both coasts seem to comply to, is the Reverse French Manicure, where a contrasting color to the main varnish is placed on the bezel near zone cuticle rather than on the tip of the nail. 

Los Angeles is more celebrity driven as opposed to the fashion driven New York, nevertheless this new nail art trend has been flaunted at red carpets in both cities. The Half-Moon Manicure seems to please all, for the edgy elegant way it uses the negative space, creating an orderly extravagant chic look.

Manhattan Holiday: Vespa in the City

How to ride a Vespa in New York City, just like in Roman Holiday...

April 23rd marks an important birthday for Vespa, who can enjoy her last sixties. Sixty-nine years ago aeronautical engineer Corradino D’Ascanio presented to the world the most iconic Italian scooter, that according to industrialist Enrico Piaggio looked like a wasp (now you know what Vespa means in Italian), and is now part of the permanent collection at MoMA.

From 1946 to today (almost seventy years later), Vespa is the utmost glamour scooter model, made legendary by Gregory Peck and Audrey Hepburn riding it through the Italian capital, in ‘Roman Holiday.’ Have you ever thought of evoking that magic in the Big Apple? Well, apparently someone in Central Park did! The NYC Vespa tours transform a normal tour into a scenic adventure with your experienced and skilled vespa tour guide driver. You can pick half-hour tours or one hour tours and you will cover the City’s most famous landmarks in and out of the park. These include the Carousel, the Dairy, the Balto statue, Summerstage, Strawberry Fields, the Dakota building, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Guggenheim Rockefeller Center, Times Square and Lincoln Center.

Central Park Vespa Tour

Vespa

Roman Holiday

But if you want to pick your own itinerary and be the one driving the scooter be aware of certain precautions. Be sure to find a spot that is away from people’s blind spots and road hazards, one that gives you the maximum ability to accelerate, decelerate and change directions as needed. Traffic in New York can become over hectic, but don’t be intimidated. A good way to get a car to give you space behind you is to sway the scooter under you. Also try to wear the best safety gear, we know you want to look glam like Princess Ann and reporter Joe Bradley on that Vespa, but you’ll be more appealing if you make it all in one piece. Better safe than sorry, right? So using a pack protector in the City is a good idea. If you wear something or do something to the Vespa that will catch people’s attention it’s going to make it less likely for them to hit you. Perhaps also a colorful helmet could help. We all know the rules have changed since the 50s: helmets are obligatory when riding today.

Finally and most importantly have fun, look all over the place and take in all the beauties New York has to offer...don’t forget to watch also the traffic lights! You, the Vespa and your amore, are sure to have the time of your life experiencing the “Manhattan Holiday.”