Tuesday night, NeueHouse Madison Square hosted a special screening of National Geographicโs latest documentary feature, The Mission.ย
Firearms are the leading cause of death of American childrenโand a group of artists have banded together to change that.
Last week, Artist for Action, an advocacy group composed of talented changemakers, including Sheryl Crow, Kevin Bacon, and Peter Frampton, gathered at NYU’s Skirball Center for a fundraising concert and panel discussion.
At the heart of the event was musician Mark Barden, whose son Daniel was tragically killed in a mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary in 2012. His vow to his son, and his efforts to prevent future gun violence, were depicted in a documentary “A Father’s Promise.” The documentary was released last Friday, with Sheryl Crow serving as the film’s executive producer.
During the discussion panel, Kevin Bacon, who pledged to match all donations up to $25,000 to support Artist For Action and Sandy Hook Promise, and Sheryl Crow were critical of our nation’s response to a mass shooting each time it occurs.
โPart of whatโs so frustrating us this level complacency thatโs overtaken us,โ Bacon said. โWhen we see thereโs been a shooting, thatโs no longer a shock. Unfortunately, itโs a political issue: But itโs kidsโ lives. It makes no sense to politicize it.โ
Crow, however, was more blunt when discussing the governmentโs failure to change and amend laws that result in thousands of deaths from gun violence in the U.S. every year, while also placing blame on the gun lobby. Drawing comparisons to how the government stood up to the tobacco lobby decades ago, she that explained that now is the time to stand up to the gun lobby, and there needs to be a think tank to make that happen.
U.K native, and current Nashville resident, Peter Frampton also contributed to the conversation. Describing the Dunblane massacre in 1996, Frampton pointed out it only took one shooting, with 14 people tragically killed, for the government to respond by swiftly passing buy-back laws. โIt just goes to prove that if we keep pushing for gun reform in every way we canโฆit can be done,โ Frampton said, while also drawing comparisons to Australia’s and New Zealand’s legislation in response to gun violence.
A concert followed the panel discussion, with each artist beginning their set by saying their name and stating, โI am an artist for action.โ
Last week, we had the pleasure of joining director William Brent Bell for the premiere of his upcoming horror film Lord of Misrule.
Los Angeles, CA – On Wednesday, December 6th, the illustrious David Geffen Theater at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures played host to an enchanting spectacle as the red carpet transformed into a regal “purple” carpet for the premiere of “The Color Purple.” The adaptation of Alice Walker’s timeless novel and Broadway musical promises to be a cinematic masterpiece, set to hit theaters on December 25th, 2023.
The ambiance outside the David Geffen Theater was nothing short of magical, as Hollywood’s elite descended upon the venue to celebrate the highly anticipated film directed by Blitz Bazawule. The “purple” carpet, a thematic nod to the movie’s title, set the stage for an evening of glamour and grandeur.
The star-studded cast of “The Color Purple” graced the event, with luminaries such as Oprah Winfrey, Fantasia Barrino, Taraji P. Henson, Danielle Brooks, and H.E.R. stepping onto the vibrant carpet, creating an electrifying atmosphere that mirrored the film’s emotional intensity.
Oprah Winfrey, a powerhouse both on and off the screen, brought her signature grace and charm to the carpet, captivating photographers and fans alike. Fantasia Barrino, known for her dynamic stage presence, lit up the night with her radiant smile, while Taraji P. Henson exuded elegance in a dazzling ensemble, reflecting the sophistication of the occasion.
The event drew the attendance of Hollywood A-listers, adding to the allure of the evening. As cameras flashed and fans cheered, the air buzzed with excitement, underscoring the anticipation surrounding the film’s release later this month.
“The Color Purple,” with its alluring adaptation directed by Blitz Bazawule, promises to be a cinematic triumph that transcends the boundaries of its source material. The “purple carpet” premiere served as a fitting prelude to what is expected to be one of the most talked-about films of the holiday season.
The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, located at 6067 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036, provided a fitting backdrop for the occasion. The museum, dedicated to celebrating the art and history of cinema, became a temporary haven for the stars and creatives who have brought “The Color Purple” to life on the big screen.
As the countdown to December 25th begins, the enchantment of the “purple” carpet premiere lingers in the air, leaving audiences eagerly anticipating the arrival of this cinematic gem.
“The Color Purple” is poised to not only captivate hearts but also carve its place as an unforgettable contribution to the rich tapestry of film history.
“The Color Purple” premiere became an even more exclusive affair as we had the privilege of securing coveted interviews with the stars on the resplendent purple carpet. From Oprah Winfrey’s reflections on the film’s enduring impact to Colman Domingo’s insights into her transformative role, and Phylicia Pearl Mpasi musings within sisterhood in the film โ “The Knockturnal” provided an intimate glimpse into the minds of the luminaries who brought this cinematic masterpiece to life.
These exclusive interviews offered a behind-the-scenes perspective, revealing the dedication and passion that fueled the creation of “The Color Purple.”
You can check out our on-carpet interviews linked down below.ย
Click the link to watch the night of the purple carpet unfold!
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Photography by Dijana Mesin
Christmas on Cherry Lane was a unique and thoughtful film that followed the story of three families simultaneously. We witness each family memberโs festivities, traditions, worries and anxiety, especially pertaining to their holiday plans.
The filmโs brilliant showcase of separate plots over ย various decades was perfected effortlessly and beautifully by both the writer and director. Christmas on Cherry Lane had a unique โbig pictureโ take and gave us both a birdโs eye view and fly on the wall perceptions. The audience stepped into each of the three houses and rooted for each person to manage to surpass their personal obstacles.
The film was not only a sentimental and thoughtful seasonal movie but also a confirmation of how weโre all connected. The sense of humanity and empathy in the movie was done intentionally and with a purpose. Audience members discovered how all the families have been connected through different generations thanks to the protagonistโs evolution from being a teen to an elderly resident in the community tying it all together.
Besides Christmas on Cherry Lane displaying ย charming holiday themes, the movie philosophically confirmed the domino effect of our actions and the beauty of us all being connected with each other over decades of time. Itโs a family friendly film that tugs at your heart strings and leaves a lasting effect of hope and positivity on the watcher and perhaps even a tear or two (guilty!).
Netflix hosted a special screening of Indian director Zoya Akhtarโs newest release, The Archies at the famed Paris Theater in midtown Manhattan.
Beverly Hills, CA – An intimate luncheon was held at the renowned Crustacean restaurant, acclaimed director Carl Joseph E. Papa toasted to his entry into the 96th Academy Awards for his astonishing film, “The Missing.” The exclusive event, which unfolded on December 2, became a celebration of Papa’s cinematic achievements and a prelude to the upcoming recognition at the Oscars.
Crustacean, known for its fusion of Vietnamese flavors and upscale ambiance, set the stage for an afternoon filled with gastronomic delights and the exchange of creative insights. The restaurant, nestled in the heart of Beverly Hills, provided the perfect backdrop for industry insiders and supporters to come together and honor Papa’s accomplishments.
“The Missing,” a poignant film that explores themes of loss and redemption, has garnered widespread acclaim for its storytelling and cinematic prowess. With its selection as the Philippines’ official entry to the 96th Academy Awards, the luncheon at Crustacean became a pivotal moment for Papa and his team to reflect on the journey leading up to this prestigious recognition.
The luncheon commenced with guests praising Papa as he made his way into the table, expressing their overwhelming support and praise for his film. Attendees were treated to a delectable menu curated by Crustacean’s culinary experts, featuring signature dishes that blended traditional Vietnamese flavors with a modern twist.
As plates were shared and conversations flowed, the atmosphere at Crustacean echoed with the excitement surrounding “The Missing” and its prospects at the upcoming Oscars. Guests had the opportunity to engage with Papa, gaining insights into the creative process behind the film and the challenges faced in bringing such a powerful narrative to the screen.
The luncheon served as a platform for networking, collaboration, and the forging of connections that could potentially shape the future of Filipino cinema.
As for the film itself, it screams phenomena written all over it. For 90 minutes you can delve into the world of ‘The Missing’ as the film emerges you into a cinematic marvel. It defies all constraints with a team of 90 animators who conjured its mesmerizing visuals for a year and seven months and the filming with actors which only took four days. With a tapestry of drama, sci-fi, and animation, the film casts a spell with its captivating narrative and expressive protagonist, Eric. Despite lacking a mouth, Eric’s silent expressions convey the depth of his emotions as he grapples with the trauma of his past. The story unfolds when a concerned call from his mother, Rosalinda, sets Eric and his co-worker Carlo on a journey to uncover the mystery of his missing Uncle Rogelio, only to discover a tragedy that shatters Eric’s already fragile world.
At its core, “The Missing” is an exploration of resilience and recovery in the face of unspeakable tragedy. Eric’s silence, a result of childhood trauma, becomes a powerful symbol of the struggles many endure in coping with mental and emotional distress. The film delicately portrays the darkest moments of human experience, revealing how love, support, and inner strength can guide one from the shadows of despair to a gradual rediscovery of self.
As the luncheon concluded, attendees left with a sense of anticipation for the 96th Academy Awards and a deeper appreciation for the artistry of Carl Joseph E. Papa. The event at Crustacean not only celebrated a talented filmmaker but also highlighted the importance of recognizing and supporting diverse voices in the world of cinema.
Click on this reel to watch a visual recap of the luncheon!ย
In the dimly lit elegance of Lincoln Center, on Thursday, November 30th. Ava DuVernay’s latest cinematic masterpiece Origin premiered featuring an ensemble cast including Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, Jon Bernthal, Niecy Nash-Betts, Emily Yancy, Finn Wittrock, Victoria Pedretti, Jasmine Cephas Jones, Isha Carlos Blaaker, Vera Farmiga, Audra McDonald, Connie Nielsen, Blair Underwood, Nick Offerman, Stephanie March, and Myles Frost, with an original song by Stan Walker. Originย is a cinematic adaptation of Isabel Wilkerson’s New York Times best-seller “Caste.” It delves into the mysteries of history, peeling away the superficial layers of racial discord to uncover universal core issues.
ย Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor delivers a compelling portrayal of Pulitzer Prize-winner Isabel Wilkerson, leading us through an intimate odyssey of grief, revelation, and reflection.
Origin skillfully draws parallels between past atrocities and the harsh realities of contemporary politics, caste, and experiences both on a domestic and international scale. From the untouchables in India to the shackles of American slavery, the film fearlessly confronts the echoes of Jim Crow laws and the haunting specter of Nazi atrocities during the Holocaust.
NYC, NY – 11/30/23 -ORIGIN New York Premiere
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– PICTURED: Ava DuVernay and Niecy Nash-Betts
– PHOTO by: Dave Allocca / StarPix
– Location: Alice Tully Hall
The filmโs strength and brilliance lie in its capacity to forge human connections. It explores the shared experiences of loss, love, friendship, and community, affirming that, beyond prejudices and artificial divisions, we are bound together by the common threads of our existence. DuVernayโs artistry shines not just in bringing a best-seller to life but also in sculpting the narrative to be accessible and relatable to all.
As the credits rolled, the audience, myself included, was left in tears and awe, resulting in a thunderous standing ovation that resonated through the theater.
Following the cinematic adventure was a captivating Q&A session, providing a glimpse into the minds behind this masterpiece.ย
Panel Moderator: Of all the possibilities, what drew you to this particular story?ย
Ava DuVernay: I read the book the first time, I read it, but I didnโt really get it, the second time I started to get deeper into it and by the third time I read it I felt I wanna talk to everyone about this and I wish everyone knew, the ideas we can dissect and play with and test it and try it out and see if thereโs a new language, to talk about the things that ale us. So it really came from a desire to share that information similar to 13 found information wanted to share and really try to figure out the way to catalyze the ideas that excite me, and interest me and put them in form crafted in a way that other people would be willing to talk to me about it. The idea here was can I do it in a way that wasnโt a documentary that was the big puzzle. Could I find a way to make it a story that had human emotion so that you could see the ideas of collective memory and personal memory running side by side and go deeper into the story and that was the puzzle for me.ย ย
Aunjanue Ellis Taylor: For me, I was aware of the book but I had not read it. I had read Warmth of Other Suns the other brilliant book led by Isabel Wilkerson and what I gleaned from what Ms. Wilkerson did, I just knew the ideas she was proffering was something that could transform how we speak about how we are in this country, and then finding out that Ava DuVernay how I feel is a freedom fighter who poses as a director I just wanted to be apart, I wanted to be a soldier in this and so I wanted to so badly be in it, that I wanted her to say yes and Iโm glad that she did.
Jonathan Bernthal: For me, I flew down to Savannah and begged Ava to put me in the movie before I knew the script I just really wanted to work with her. There are parts of Isabelโs book that I read that aligned with something that I felt Iโve always felt or thought but itโs never been articulated and I could never put a finger on it and It made me think it made me feel it left me with so much hope so I desperately wanted to be apart of it as you see the journey that Isabel went on was singular it was a mission with no stone unturned and when I got to know Ava I see the why that she fights and I see the way that sheโs on a mission, sheโs doing this and that sheโs unstoppable and sheโs a force so man this woman is on a mission I’ve worked with Aunjanue before I think sheโs one of a kind and I think sheโs doing something that no one else does and I wanted to be in service of three unbelievable, powerful incredible women.ย
Niecy Nash-Betts: What drew me to this movie was friendship and love. Ava called and I answered. And she said have you read this book and I said girl not yet and she said well I wrote this part with you in mind and I said oh yea She said but I know you canโt do it because youโre doing a full-time job so. I said hereโs what I can do. I can help you think of somebody else who can do it so I began sending her names of people and everybody she rejected no, no, no. She said my problem isโฆ Iโve only ever seen you in my mind but I know it’s not gonna work because of your schedule so then I said friend did you pray about it she said nah I said we got started there, and God answered our prayers and my full-time job allowed me to get off a little early at the end of the week so that I could fly to Savannah but I didnโt have any days off I would go then fly back and I will tell you this is the most beautiful piece of art I have ever been apart of.ย
Paul Garnes: The conversations we had about it, she was able to add many of those conversations into the movie. Things that we all talked about the communication, the differences, the things that were alike, humanity, it was a true blessing to watch this process from the kernel of an idea of taking a book into a movie to now being here tonight.
Stan Walker:ย It kinda just happened quickly. Long story short Ava sent the film to me and I watched it on my phone and I cried while waiting for my wife, and because I couldnโt wait for her and she got annoyed at me so we watched it again and I cried again! but it just moved me so much because I saw a little me in there, I saw my people in there, I saw similar stories that drew me in. I felt like I had something to say, and with the song that I was blessed to be able to do was a response to how I was feeling and how it made me feel. I feel like the song was birthed out of wanting to give hope and empower people to take back their identity and culture because we deserve that.ย ย
As the Q & A Concluded it was realized that the film transcends its role as mere entertainment; but it becomes a mirror reflecting the complexities of our shared humanity, leaving a mark on all fortunate enough to witness its brilliance. Tickets are now available for one-week special engagements in LA (AMC Century City) and NY (AMC Lincoln Square) starting December 8th. In select theaters on January 19th, 2024.
Venice, California, transformed into a haunting labyrinth on November 28th as Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment and 20th Century Studios conjured the spirits for the Blu-ray and DVD release of “A Haunting in Venice.” The air was thick with mystery, and the event promised an immersive experience that mirrored the eerie charm of the film.
Upon arriving, attendees were welcomed with various activities that transported them to the mystical canals of Venice. Masked characters of the film lingered around the house as guests walked about. It made me feel like I was at a haunted house during Halloween; it had peak spooky vibes. Guests tested their wits about the film during a trivia battle on the second floor. Appetizers were served throughout the evening that gave us a taste of Italy.
A highlight of the evening was the Seance Room, where Medium Christina Engalhardt attempted to bridge the gap between the living and the spirit world. The ethereal atmosphere heightened the suspense as attendees eagerly anticipated what would happen once they stepped into the room. Each guest who walked in had the chance to have a tarot card reading and get a glimpse into their spiritual self.
One of the most captivating elements of the evening for me was the Typewriter Poets, perched on the rooftop, creating personalized poems for attendees. As the cool night breeze whispered through the canals of Venice, guests could capture the essence of the spooky night with a unique poem to take away โ a haunting memento from an unforgettable evening.
The event was a perfect marriage of theme and execution, embracing the eerie ambiance of the film. From watching the movie in theaters to experiencing this one-night activation, it was a unique, thoughtfully executed experience. With a mix of spine-tingling activities, engaging trivia, and the personal touch of a typewriter poet, it was an immersive celebration that transported guests to the haunting beauty of Venice. “A Haunting in Venice” left its mark as the moon glowed over the canals.
Check out our reel of the night here.
The actor best known for his portrayal of โYoung Randallโ in NBCโs This is Us, has so much to offer the world of entertainment, including his new role as Eli, a teenage boy with high functioning autism.ย