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Hallmark decks the halls with Cher and Norah Jones

by Justin Rodriguez
written by Justin Rodriguez

For some folks the fall months is race to your local Party City for a last minute spooktastic costume or a chance to take a trip to your corner Starbuck for a signature pumpkin spice latte instagram post. However for a select few who believe in merry and bright it marks the beginning to Hallmarks Countdown to Christmas Spectacular. The mecca of holiday cheer begins celebrating the the fall season with “Christmas at Castle Hart” starring Hallmark channel favorite and Mean Girls star Lacey Chabert. The film is one many festive films adding themselves the legacy of channel.

Founded in 2001, Hallmark has become a staple for hit holiday movies including “Christmas Under Wraps”, “A Royal Christmas” and “The Holiday Sitter”. The media giant celebrated its anticipated christmas movies series launch with soiree worthy of Santa’s nice list. Both big wigs and big fans of Hallamrk gatherted at New York City’s high hot stop The Peak. The night was packed full of delicious cuisines supplied by the 5 star restaurant and sparkling signature cocktails that left me feeling like I received the best present this holiday season.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CylcjyKrlZX/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading

Speaking of presents, the holiday mecca gave us a sweet gift in form of music with a surprise performance by multi grammy winner Norah Jones. The iconic songstress delivered a pitch perfect performance of hit songs like “Come Away With Me” and new holiday renditions of fan favorites like “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas”. Adding the perfect ribbon to a spectacular night was Hallmark announcing that joining Norah Jones in the movie music world is superstar and living legend Cher, a piece of information that I wish I could hear over and over again, truly if I could turn back time.

Standing on top of the world in the middle of some of our favortite Hallmark movie props felt like a Christmas dream. The night ended with cheerful treats and a signature ornimanet that I can’t wait to place on my Christmas while watching my favorite Hallmark channel premiere movie.

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FILM REVIEW: “Bobi Wine: The People’s President”

by Danielle Niecey
written by Danielle Niecey

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thursday, October 26th, 2023. The Neuehouse, Manhattan New York — National Geographic releases a new documentary, “Bobi Wine: The People’s President,” filmed by Director, Moses Bwaoy.

The 121 minute (2 hours and 1 minute) documentary focuses on the trials and tribulations faced by the humanitarian, Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, also known by his stage name Bobi Wine and his wife, Barbie Kyagulanyi. The singer, actor, Ugandan politician and a former Member of Parliament for Kyadondo County East constituency in Uganda’s Central Region survived seven assassination attempts on his life while he ran for the presidency. Bobi Wine also leads the National Unity Platform political party; a political and social liberation political party that is progressive in its mission, positioning itself as a social democratic organization, guided by the principles of servant leadership, equality, transparency, accountability, freedom, liberty and social justice for the citizens of Uganda. The screening for this film was held at the Neuehouse and Moderated by the eloquent filmmaker and Director Amir Bar-Lev (publication credits include: Newsweek, Rollingstone, Village Voice).

In June 2019,  Bobi Wine, a native of Uganda who grew up without his parents, in a more impoverished and harsh space of Uganda, announced his candidacy for the 2021 Ugandan presidential election; but not with little resistance faced by environmental factors, such as the COVID-19 Pandemic, placing a strain on the public gatherings of his supporter and with equal, if not more pushback from the Ugandan police, under the directive of president, Yoweri Museveni, who’s served the country of Uganda for over 30 years. Incumbent Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu (Bobi Wine), took part in the 2021 election, garnering over 7 million signatures of votes to run for president from the people of Uganda, who also experienced hardships during the Museveni leadership. 

Unfortunately, Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu (Bobi Wine), lost the race for presidency, according to official results, placing the incumbent, Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, as the victor; although Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, along with several citizens, claims this result was fraudulent. Not only had the civil leader been beaten and hospitalized by the regime, but had lost many family members and friends who were beaten, killed or had gone missing due to their unyielding support of Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine).

This moving documentary has so much wrapped up in one film. What is most impressive is that first time filmmaker, Moses Bwayo, shot 5,000 hours of film and brilliantly condensed the most intricate footage into two hours. Bwayo highlights the love story of the charismatic couple that led Robert and Barbie together, and the strength of their union that helped them survive this trying and dangerous season of their lives. He captures the power of woman, Barbie Kyagulanyi, who remains poised, exhibiting grace under fire as she navigates her children and family through extended periods of time apart from her husband, Robert, the man we call Bobi Wine; Barbie, not knowing if her spouse was dead or alive. Bwayo captures the story of liberation, documenting the campaigns, the arrests and the volatility that surround Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine) during his fervent run for office. With an unbiased eye, he captures the stories of heartbreak, brutal murders, hostility and literally blood in the streets of Uganda. With enthusiasm and belief in a greater mission, his film illustrates a story of hope, pulling the viewers in to chant for the success of Bobi Wine; albeit we are aware of the fate of this brave leader to take on such a powerful authority that is Museveni; and most importantly this film serves as an eye opener to the world that is blindly unaware of the suffering of the People of Uganda and other nations of the world, who face day-to-day tragedies, as they beg for and seek asylum and equal rights as human beings. 

I highly recommend checking this documentary out; this film garners, for the respective countries, a new level of appreciation for the freedoms we are afforded in the United States of America and in other countries where citizens are allowed  to find better ways of living and even the freedom to gather in peaceful protests. “Bobi Wine: The People’s President” is available on the following platforms: Disney plus, FuboTV and will air worldwide on YoutubeTV, Nov 5th, 2023.

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Actor Alden Ehrenreich Talks Making His Directorial Debut ‘Shadow Brother Sunday’

by Richard Schertzer
written by Richard Schertzer

I had the highest privilege of sitting down with the star of Solo: A Star Wars Story, Cocaine Bear, and Oppenheimer Alden Ehrenreich in an exclusive interview. He currently has a short film coming out called Shadow Brother Sunday that he wrote, directed and starred in. 

Richard: Where are you from and where did you grow up?

Alden: I grew up in the Westside of Los Angeles. 

Richard: How did you get started in the business of acting?

Alden: When I was, I was always acting when I was a little kid. I was always in plays. I was always doing différent musicals and when I was in Middle school I went to a different school that had a great performing arts program called Crossroads and I was doing a lot of theater there and I was doing a lot of filmmaking and we had a great video production teacher named Billy Robertson and we would do these little videos and go see movies and that’s where I really met a bunch of other kids that loved movies and it elevated our whole conversations. 

Richard: Tell us more about your latest project Shadow Brother Sunday. 

Alden: This is a short film that I wrote and directed and acted in. It’s about the older brother of this young movie star who is a failed musician. He’s kinda had a hard time and he’s living in his car and he has come back to his family’s house on the day of his younger brother’s big movie premiere to take the younger brother’s computer and sell it to the paparazzi because he needs money, but it’s really about his relationship with the family and more broadly than that, it’s about the people that fall through the cracks of a success festival.

Alden Ehrenreich in his latest film

(See Video for the rest of interview)

 

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Janelle Monae Affirms Everyone With Peace & Love During Her L.A. Show for The Age of Pleasure Tour

by Hakeem Animashaun
written by Hakeem Animashaun

On Wednesday night at the YouTube Theater in Inglewood, Janelle Monáe’s electrifying Age of Pleasure Concert was a mesmerizing blend of artistry, innovation, and activism. The stage was set ablaze with a fusion of futuristic visuals and retro aesthetics, perfectly encapsulating Monáe’s unique style. The concert was not merely a musical performance but a theatrical experience that transported the audience into a world where music, technology, and social consciousness collided.

As Monáe stepped onto the stage, her magnetic presence immediately captivated the audience. Dressed in a vibrant colorful outfit, she kicked off the show with “Float”, one of the most affirming songs from “The Age of Pleasure.” The album, hailed as a masterpiece, seamlessly combines soul, amapiano, and R&B with Monáe’s unapologetic exploration of pleasure, identity, and empowerment.

The concert was a sonic journey, with Monáe’s soulful voice resonating through the YouTube Theater. Hits like “Lipstick Lover” and “Champagne Shit” brought the crowd to their feet, dancing to the infectious beats. Monáe’s band, flawlessly synchronized, added layers of depth to the performance, enhancing the songs with their musical prowess.

What set this concert apart was Monáe’s commitment to pleasure. Between songs, she passionately spoke about feeling liberated and safe, urging the audience to stand up for their right to feel good. Her words were met with thunderous applause, showcasing the concertgoers’ admiration not just for her music, but also for her unwavering perspective.

The visual effects during the concert were nothing short of spectacular. Holographic displays, affirmations, and futuristic animations adorned the stage, creating a visually stunning experience. Monáe’s choreography was equally impressive, featuring intricate moves that highlighted her versatility as a performer.

In addition to showcasing tracks from “The Age of Pleasure,” Monáe treated the audience to renditions of her previous hits, including “Tightrope” and “Electric Lady.” Each song was imbued with raw emotion and infectious energy, leaving the crowd in awe of her talent.

The concert reached its pinnacle during the encore, as Monáe delivered a powerful tribute rendition to Michael Jackson, Prince, and James Brown while performing her Dirty Computer hit single “Make Me Feel”. The song’s lyrics, exploring themes of self-discovery and acceptance, resonated deeply with the audience, creating a moment of unity and connection.

In summary, Janelle Monáe’s concert was a tour de force, showcasing her new found pleasure with unparalleled artistry and passion. It was not just a musical performance but a transformative experience that left a lasting impression on everyone present, reminding them of the power of music to inspire change and foster a sense of community.

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