If you’re not cooking, you should be drinking
A familial bond goes far beyond bloodline. In acclaimed director Alexander Payne’s 1970’s based film, The Holdovers, an unconventional trio builds a bond in time for the holiday season.
The film is set at a New England prep school where Paul Giamatti’s character, takes on the role as the teacher, Paul Hunham. Hunham is forced to watch student’s with nowhere else to go during Christmas break. One of those students is Angus Tully, played by Dominic Sessa. Tully’s mom decides she’d rather spend the holiday season celebrating her new marriage. The trio is complete with school cook, Mary Lamb, who recently lost her son in the Vietnam War. Lamb is portrayed by Da’Vine Joy Randolph.
I had the opportunity to speak with Paul Giamatti, Dominic Sessa, and Da’Vine Joy Randolph to discuss their time working on the film. Dominic, a high school senior drama kid, made his on-camera debut as a lead in The Holdovers. Sessa shares that he originally auditioned for a background character. Casting directors, on the other hand, had something else in mind for him. Like a true high school senior his first call to share the good news was to his mom.
Da’Vine Joy Randolph has had an eventful couple of years in the industry, but explained that this character in particular, required a ton of studying. From the war that took place, to her Boston accent, learning how to properly hold and smoke a cigarette. Mary lamb was an intricate character.
While Paul Giamatti is a veteran in the industry, he praised Sessa’s debut performance. Saying he learned more from Dominic than Dominic learned from him. Taking note of his, “openness,” as well as how much Sessa, “fought for his character,” in comparison to Giamatti’s typical adaptable response.
Experience the The Holdovers in theaters now.
On Saturday, Nov. 11. the 2023 ESSENCE Girls United Disruptor Summit returned to Atlanta, offering a vibrant celebration of the diverse facets of the black experience. With the support of Coca-Cola and McDonald’s, attendees of all ages gathered for a day filled with panels, beauty, and music.
Throughout the lively event, trays of complimentary McDonald’s French Fries circulated the venue while guests engaged in various activities including photo-booths, crafting flower crowns, and more.
Essence Ventures President & CEO Caroline Wanga kicked off the event with her ‘Disrupt or Be Disrupted’ panel. A thought-provoking episode of the podcast ‘If Not for My Girls’ featured comedian and actress Pretty Vee, rapper BIA, and singer-songwriter Muni Long discussing walking in one’s purpose and aspiring for more.
Girls United Co-Founders Rechelle and Sophia Dennis joined sisters Jordyn and Jodie Wood for a heartfelt conversation on the joys of sisterhood and how they’ve learned eachother. Despite their age gaps, the sisters displayed a genuine closeness that made the panel feel more like a relaxed chat between life-long friends.
Jordyn and Jodie Woods, despite their undeniable impact across social media, have solidified themselves as more than just influencers. Jodie has emerged as an inspiration for the new Gen Z, while Jordyn has continued to establish her brand with her newly launched clothing line, Woods by Jordyn.
Notable personalities such as Aliyah’s Interlude, Yung BBQ, TM Twins, Karma Bridges, Anisa Brenee, and DJ Tootz were also in attendance.
The summit offered diverse interactive experiences, from speed mentorship sessions to a beauty makeover station. In front of a massive photo wall featuring the season 5 cast of ‘If Not for My Girls’—BIA, Muni Long, and Pretty Vee—attendees enjoyed Coca-Cola mocktails at a mocktail bar and explored a Coca-Cola® Zero Sugar photo activation.
Guests personalized airbrushed tote bags and pouches and indulged in some light shopping at the Soko Marketplace, featuring a range of products from jewelry to haircare.
The day concluded with an electrifying performance by Mariah The Scientist, singing her hit songs, including the fan-favorite “Spread Thin.”
ElewaTv, a full service Black women owned creative agency and multi-media platform founded by Abisola Sanya, hosted its 3rd annual Creative Chat Link Up at the Black Gotham Space in South Street Seaport NYC earlier this November. With a vision of becoming Africa’s largest creative network. The women run team of makeup artists, hair stylists, set designers, PR and creative directors are all passionate about seeing ElewaTv become a platform that builds community around emerging talent and the competitive creative industry.
Panelist included Jean Paul Dia, Sadin Moore, Noel Camacho, Fatama Kamara, & Kobina De Graft-Johnson with host Ariel Laura facilitating questions. Each creative got the opportunity to discuss how they navigated the industry, setting boundaries, centering their faiths and community in their work, and leaning into their authentic selves to set them apart. Event sponsors included George’s Sparking Drinks and Sugarcane Restaurant in Brooklyn.
ElewaTv founder Abisola Sanya
Launched in September of 2019 Elewa, deriving its name from the Yoruba word for beauty has persisted even in the face of COVID-19 restrictions. . ElewaTv illustrates a concept needed more of in the media, fashion, and beauty industry. Historically, Black individuals have been marginalized, their beauty standards often overshadowed by prevailing norms that primarily celebrate white women. This discrepancy is particularly evident in modeling agencies, which have a deep-rooted history of favoring specific models characterized by predetermined body types and a particular skin complexion.
In response to these entrenched biases, the industry is undergoing a transformative shift with heightened awareness. There is a concerted effort to challenge and overcome issues like colorism, texturism, and body shaming. ElewaTv stands at the forefront of this movement, actively working to be more inclusive and challenge the traditional norms and perceptions surrounding beauty. By fostering a community-driven ethos, ElewaTv seeks to redefine the standards of beauty, emphasizing authenticity, diversity, and the celebration of all forms of beauty, irrespective of societal stereotypes.
Back in 2021, ElewaTv started a crowdfunding campaign Called Creatives Alike on Seed & Spark to fundraise for their 24/7 docuseries that would platform creatives across the diaspora. ElewaTv premiered episodes of the 24/7 Daily Show shot during Covid at the Creative Chat Link Up featuring Dotun Abeshinbioka, Fatamata Kamara , Clint Catul and others.
The resounding message echoing from the event was a call to honor oneself, nurture personal dreams, and safeguard one’s beliefs. In an industry often characterized by pressure to conform, the emphasis remained on staying true to one’s identity, embracing authenticity, and leading with unwavering faith. The panel of creatives, many of whom shared a Christian background, underscored the significance of faith as a foundational force. This grounding element serves as a compass during the unpredictable journey of the creative industry, providing clarity and resilience amid challenges that might otherwise seem overwhelming. The acknowledgment of something greater than themselves enables these creatives to maintain a broader perspective and persevere on their paths of self-determination.
When delving into the challenges creatives encounter at the outset of their journey, a recurring theme emerges. Fundamentally, the hurdles revolve around securing funding, garnering support, and finding meaningful work opportunities. This creates a sort of catch-22 scenario, where one essential element is often required to fulfill another. As the panelists highlighted, navigating this challenge may involve thinking creatively about how you engage with the space you aspire to be a part of. This might include avenues such as interning, volunteering, or even initiating your own projects to kickstart your journey. The creatives on the panel shared insights from their non-traditional paths, serving as a reminder to the audience to consistently believe in themselves and their vision.
Check out out ElewaTv’s 24/7 Daily Episodes on Youtube and a recap of the Creative Chat Link Up below!
A rare gem in Midtown East, WANO impressed us last Wednesday with their Kaiseki tasting menu. From their shaved truffle topped dishes and bright Japandi interior, WANO sets the perfect scene for a culinary adventure.
Actor Anthony Anderson sat down with The Knockturnal to talk everything from his travel show with his mother to his new partnership with Charmin.
YOU’VE NEVER SEEN TOLIET PAPER LIKE THIS BEFORE!
Anderson is currently partnering with Charmin on a new take on toilet paper and it’s different! For those with an eye for detail, this design can turn your bathroom decor from clean and classic to clean with an edge. See for yourself: (5:21:21).
Anderson and his mother, Doris Bowman, star in the E! unscripted show Trippin’ with Anthony Anderson and Mama Doris. Among the countries they’ve visited, Italy was on the top of his list.
“In terms of the travel show, Venice, Italy was my favorite place during that six weeks where we were, as I would like to call it now, ‘on the run,’ me and my mom,” Anderson said. “So a production company came and said we have an idea for you guys. Pitched it to me. It was an IP that had been out there already. So, fish out of water, me and my mom for six weeks in Europe? Why not?!”
Anderson was on ABC’s Black-ish for eight seasons.
He is set to host a musical game show on FOX with his mother.
Now hear this!
Get into the holiday spirit with a craft Christmas cocktail