Publicolor Celebrates Carmen Herrera's First Ever Mural
Yesterday evening, Publicolor founder Ruth Lande Shuman welcomed guests at her home in celebration of Cuban-born artist Carmen Herrera. A mural by the 102-year old artist was recently painted by Publicolor students at New York’s public school MS 244 (New School for Leadership and Arts) in the Bronx. The art project was part of Publicolor’s mission to engage high-risk, low-income students, ages 12-24, in a continuum of intensive, design-based programs to encourage academic achievement, college preparation, job readiness, and community service.
Ms. Shuman articulated the importance of extending art-making practices into the lives of underprivileged children who otherwise would not enjoy the enriching joy art can engender. She said, “Our goal is to bring the power of visual beauty to communities who experience little of it.” New York City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viveritospoke on the significance of bringing art to all communities, including her own in the Bronx. The Whitney Museum of American Art, which recently exhibited Herrera’s work, sent curator Jennie Goldstein to speak on Carmen's late acceptance as a major figure in both abstraction and minimalism. Tony Bechara spoke about his personal appreciation of Herrera, an artist whose fame only recently reached its zenith.
While Herrera was not able to attend, she did remark: “My two great loves, education and art. They have enriched my long life. Having students paint this mural in a school, that’s a beautiful thing. A first mural and a first piece permanently in a school. I consider it a great honor to have been asked by Publicolor and I am so pleased with the results. My thanks to every student who has participated in this project as you have given me joy.”
Guests included: Frederick C. Anderson; Zulema Arroyo; Jeffrey Banks; Janna Bullock; Chus Burés; Bénédicte de Montlaur; Layla Diba; Adriana Echavarria; Nichoals Farley; William Haseltine and his wife María Eugenia Maury; Laura Pels; Gaetano Pesce; Pascale Richard, and Kathleen Elizabeth Springhorn.
Publicolor is a long-term youth development program that engages high-risk students in their education throughout the year with a continuum of design-based programs that mentor them for success in college, career and life.
Photo courtesy of Robert Vinci
Grand Neptune Ball
High Seas. Live Music. Open Bar. What else could you ask for in a celebration? Last Saturday, dozens of people made the trip to Red Hook, Brooklyn, for The Grand Neptune Ball - a celebration on the historic Lehigh Valley Waterfront Museum Barge. The festivity was in honor of the historic wooden barge, which is a nonprofit that raises funds for renewed arts and education programs.
Guests arrived in their finest Neptunian fashion, and partied like Poseidon all night long. The event featured light jazz tunes by Steve Oates and the Zac Greenberg Quartet. Local distillers Van Brunt Stillhouse and Widow Jane provided an endless flow of cocktails, to go along with mouthwatering hors d’oeuvres. The interior of the barge was filled with marvelous pieces of artwork by Bill Mensching. All proceeds from the tickets sales went to benefit the barge–the only surviving wooden covered railroad barge from the 1860s. Today, the barge acts as a museum, classroom, and theatre, all acknowledge to the work of Captain David Sharps, who founded the Waterfront Museum in 1986 to promote maritime history and its importance to the everyday life of the city, and the world.
Sharps had a history of living on the water. When he was studying theatrical movement in Paris, he lived on a houseboat on the Seine. When he returned to New York, David wanted to continue living on a boat, so a tugboat captain introduced him to the Lehigh Valley No. 79 Barge. When Sharps first acquired the historic barge, it only cost him $1, it came with 300 tons of mud in its hold and was grounded in New Jersey. The barge was eventually restored to seaworthy condition after seven years of restoration. The barge’s main attraction is driven in large part by proprietor Davis Sharp’s blend of compelling history and showmanship, turning the barge into a showboat. The great night was driven by Sharp’s enthusiasm and the painstaking care for the boat, which doubles as his home!
Since 1994, the Barge has been docked in Red Hook, Brooklyn and has become a landmark and a source of pride for the community. With spectacular views of Statue Liberty and the Lower Manhattan, the barge is the last enduring example of its kind afloat. However, the Museum is often overlooked due to its location at a more obscure part of Brooklyn. While most people today associate Brooklyn with the hipster kingdom Williamsburg, there are many other neighborhoods in Brooklyn. Red Hook, is a lesser known and even less traveled side of Brooklyn, due to it being isolated from major forms of public transformation. With surroundings of pre-civil war warehouse and shipping yards, Red Hook projects a waterfront vibe with a blossoming community of creative types. Today, despite having no subway stations directly in the neighborhood, Red Hook is a destination for New Yorkers from all over, and the barge is one of the top reasons.
The museum’s open hours are Thursdays from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturdays from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., though groups can visit on other days by appointment. There are also special theater, dance, and circus showboat performances by Sharps and his friends.
Special thanks to David and Stela. All photos courtesy of Jackson Krule
Serafina Launches in Tribeca
Last week, Serafina welcomed its tenth New York City location in the trendy neighborhood of Tribeca. Its launch coincided with the celebration of Serafina’s 20th anniversary. The location is the largest yet, taking up a luxurious space of 6,500 square feet across three levels. To bring life to its interior, Pato Paez’s paintings decorate the walls throughout the building.
Serafina serves authentic Italian fare in a family-like setting. It was founded by Vittorio Assaf and Fabio Granato, who came up with the idea for the restaurant while lost at sea. The two friends were stranded on a small sailboat, suffering from brutal weather and severe hunger pains. They fantasized about creating the perfect pizza and swore to bring the idea to life if they survived. While the dream started with only one restaurant in mind, Serafina now boasts 29 locations worldwide, including outposts in Rio de Janeiro, Tokyo, and Dubai.
At the opening party, guests were treated to an abundance of Italian foods including pizza and pasta paired with signature drinks. The restaurant’s famous pizza includes a thin-crust made with extra virgin olive oil imported from Italy. Handmade personal pizzas were prepared in front of guests before getting fired into a Marra Forni brick oven.
To complement the hearty food, Serafina served delicious passion fruit margarita shooters, along with imported Italian beers and select wines. Patrons will be able to order drinks in an XL “By The Magnum” format at the Tribeca location.
Notable guests included founders Assaf and Granato, joined by Francesco Genuardi, Consul General of Italy. Genuardi officiated the pasta ribbon cutting ceremony of the night.
“We know what our customers expect, whether you visited the first location or one that’s only been open for a short time, you will experience the same fabulous food we introduced over 20 years ago,” said Assaf.
The founders have many plans for the future, including launching breakfast options at their restaurants and opening a hotel in Puerto Rico later this year.
Since its opening, the restaurant has attracted celebrity diners including NYCFC star athlete Andrea Pirlo, actress Michelle Pfeiffer, and television producer David E. Kelly. To make a reservation, call (212) 766-2700.
Photos courtesy of ShadowPR
Good Beer 2017
The 9th Good Beer festival, one of the hottest events among Manhattan beer lovers, was held on July 20. This event took place at 28 Liberty; an amazing outdoor venue for drinking vibes. Chilling outside with beers, ciders and wines, allowed all the guests to forget the intense heat in NYC, while also enjoying unlimited access to delicious and fresh finger foods.
While live music played, people had a chance chat, laugh off the day’s frustrations by sampling the great variety of food and drink.
People rushed to the booth pouring Ireland’s most prized beverage: Guinness. There were four varieties available, including the fruit flavored Irish Wheat: a drink that equaled the popularity of the iconic Guinness draft.
Many Breweries participated in this amazing event with many bringing their seasonal summer creations. Porterhouse Brewing Company poured Hollows & Fentimans Ginger Beer, made with 100% natural ingredients which left a particular lasting impression.
If you love flavorsome ales, you should choose Beach Plum Goes, the traditional German ale of Blue Point Brewery. Bride of Beach Zombie brewed by KCBC would be also be nice for your taste buds.
Original Sin Cider’s booth was crowded for their unique brand concept, while Harlem Shake drew attention for their own promotional items including snapbacks, folding fans, and post cards.
On a tough day, a pale ale brewed by Reinheits-Boten could be comforting. Be careful though: its smooth taste hides an alcohol content of 8.5%
It was an amazing opportunity to be in the company of so many food and drink lovers. Prohibition Bakery served up mini cupcakes with a pretzel and Nutella cream. L&W Oyster Company showed off their fresh Hawaiian tuna. The amazing sausages from The Meat Hook were unforgettable.
The last one is Trio collection, the new ice cream of Häagen-Dazs. If you’re a ‘real foodie’, you must know that ice cream works wonders for curing a hangover. After drinking too much, grab the Salted Caramel chocolate flavor with crisp belgian chocolate! That will get rid of your pain.
Everyone was laughing and dancing when all of a sudden, it started to rain, but people never stopped enjoying Good Beer. It was a tasty day.
Special Thanks to Marissa
OZY Fest 2017
On Saturday, July 22nd, in the heart of Central Park, guests filled the outdoor showground of Rumsey Playfield for OZY Fest 2017. The outdoor festival boasted an exceptional line-up of comedians, speakers, and performers for a daylong extravaganza of fun, food, and entertainment. Throughout the day names such as Katie Couric, political insider, Van Jones, Saturday Night Live Weekend Update co-host, Michael Che, Zara Larsson, and Jason Derulo would take the stage in front of the thousands in attendance.
The playfield was transformed into a town of OZY Fest design, with multiple stages, food stands, and shopping tents for the ultimate festival feel. Consecutive acts from noon to nine encouraged guests to take a seat on the lawn, grab something to eat, and come and go as they pleased. Celebrity chef and culinary expert, Eddie Huang, organized the menu, serving dishes of spicy, gourmet taste such as chicken lime tacos and mixed rice bowls. Ice pops and refreshing lemonades were the perfect summer treat to help beat the heat.
Carlos Watson and Katie Couric kicked off the event with an introductory segment on the Main Stage. Drag queen sensation and personality, RuPaul, shared insight and personal experiences with the audience, followed by a performance from the talented up and coming artist, Kamau. Mark Cuban and Carlos Watson took the stage to explain their experience with success and offer words of wisdom. Other commentary acts followed including talks, “Third Rail With Ozy” and “Is It Really that Funny?” with speakers Samantha Bee, Malcolm Gladwell, Jeb Bush, Mark Cuban and Katie Couric. Musical performances from artists, Yuna ,Talib Kweli, and Zara Larsson, preceded an hour of comedic entertainment from Saturday Night Live’s very own, Michael Che. Headlining the evening and concluding the main stage entertainment was the top-hit recording artist, Jason Derulo.
The Town Square stage introduced political speakers throughout the day as well as industry leading professionals. Dr. Jill Biden discussed her past in a talk titled “When I was 23” and her husband, former Vice President, Joe Biden, surprised attendees with an unannounced appearance to share a few of his own words. In separate talks, Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand shared her views on the Democratic Party and Jeb Bush discussed his views on the Republican Party. Together, Maysoon Zayid, David Perry, Sinead Burke, and Victor Pineda engaged in a conversation about the art of inclusion in the political scene. CEO of Bumble, Whitney Wolfe, spoke to the crowd of her experience of working while dating.
A third stage, 1818, also hosted entertainment throughout the day with talks from the event’s chef, Eddie Huang, snack expert, Deuki Hong, as well as Adam Grant, Glynn Washington, Eugene S. Robinson, Hakeem Oluseyi, and Rep. Karen Bass.
OZY Fest is a yearly event hosted by the publication, OZY. The idea behind OZY is to support open-mindedness and forward thinking, in addition to being a knowledgeable source of the happenings of today. The stories reported by OZY are of political interest, as well as of environmental, social, and economic importance. The discussions of OZY Fest emphasize the mission of OZY and their free thinking, cultural and societal values.
Special thanks to Kerri from Shore Fire Media
Louis Armstrong's Wonderful World Festival
On July 8th, music mingled in the trees of Queens Flushing Meadows Corona Park. Louis Armstrong's Wonderful World Festival, situated just by the Queens Theatre, brought the delightful lull of Jazz to excited festival lovers abound. The music united many listeners on the main green while others chose to visit the various booths situated around the park.
To celebrate Louis Armstrong’s Wonderful world festival, the main stage featured a showcase of some of the best contemporary Jazz artists of our time. Most notably, the festival featured Jon Batiste, a Forbes 30 under 30 honoree and master jazz musician. Festival goers who stayed until the evening was honored with the powerful music of this world-famous musician and the sound of the Havana Roots collective.
Jazz was not the only thing being celebrated through, culture, food, and human connection were also main aspects of this amazing festival. Reflecting on aspects of Louis Armstrong’s ability to bridge the divide; the festival beautifully brought together festival goers of diverse backgrounds and age ranges; all enjoying the music and dancing in tandem. Families with kids seemed to had the most fun, as most of the kids had their faces painted, while dancing and laughing amongst older folks, swaying quietly to the music.
Louis Armstrong’s ability to bring people together with his music seems to have lasted the test of time, with his Wonderful World Festival being the highlight of many families weekends and contributing to the artistic atmosphere of the park.
Photos courtesy of Getty Images for Kupferberg Cent
Help For Children Summer Sunset Social
In America alone, every 47 seconds, a child is the victim of an abusive circumstance. This neglect impacts the lives of 3.3 million children each year within the United States. Even more so, a staggering average of 40 million cases indicating child abuse are reported annually worldwide. The occurrence of child abuse is a global concern and therefore requires the support of teams and individuals across nations.
The HTC, or Help For Children, is a foundation connecting core solutions of prevention and treatment to best help children undergoing abuse. Together, Hedge Funds Care and Private Equity Cares supports the foundation in their efforts to raise money and provide grants to service nonprofit organizations. The HTC fosters partnerships between alternative investment holders to afford grants to treatment centers and prevention offices for children facing abuse. As a multi-goal oriented organization, the HTC is also focused on philanthropic practices to increase awareness and prevention of abuse.
Help For Children has donated nearly $50 million dollars since their start in 1998 and now hosts over 45 events each year to raise money and continue awareness for children in need of support. Their latest event, the New York Young Professionals Summer Sunset Social was held outdoors at the Inside Park at St. Bart’s. The after-work social encouraged discussion between guests as they bonded over cocktails and hors-d’oeuvres. The social was an opportunity to highlight the core mission of Help For Children and have guests become further involved with the organization.
Isolated or ongoing, any harm in the manifestation of abuse has the power to impact a child’s entire life. The stress of suffering and fear associated with being abused at a young age can cause problems with early mental development and behavioral and mental health problems later on.
Grants from the HTC are directed towards counseling, youth assistance programs, and support services to children who have endured physiological and physical trauma to empower paths to healing process. Their efforts also extend to organizations that provide resources to connect at-risk families with social services and offer children in dangerous domestic situations direct assistance.
For information or to donate to HFC please visit: http://www.hfc.org/ny/
Photos courtesy of HFC
Baby Driver Review
From the brilliant mind of Hot Fuzz, Shaun of the Dead, and Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, Edgar Wright delivers Baby Driver, the story about the best getaway driver, Baby (Ansel Elgort), working for crime lord Doc (Kevin Spacey). While he may be the best at what he does, Baby no longer wants to be part of the criminal life and only works for Doc to repay a debt. Falling in love with a woman named Deborah (Lily James) only makes it harder for him to escape the life of a crime as he is called to one last heist.
Baby Driver is an anomaly of a film because it is the ultimate balance between action, humor, and story. This film had me laughing hysterically. Jokes never feel forced and don’t hit you over the head. Some jokes come out of left field and completely catches the audience off guard. Baby Driver had so much personality that you can definitely feel Edgar Wright’s personal stamp on it. The music is the heartbeat of the film. Music flows and syncs to scenes so seamlessly that it never feels out of place. When the music is silly and fun, you feel that way. When the music is exciting and dramatic, you sense it. When the music is slow and tension building, you experience it. When one thinks of masterful usage of music, one would recall the success of James Gunn’s Guardians of the Galaxy and its Awesome Mixes. Baby Driver kicks it up a notch with its own musical flavor.
Baby Driver’s action sequences are so thrilling to watch and listen to. Watching car chases, in general can sometimes make you feel lost when camera shots aren’t edited together properly or they can even feel too slow and disengaged with static shots. However, Baby Driver nails this aspect down perfectly as the car chases in the film are shot and edited so fluidly. The sound mixing is incredible as well. There’s perfect emphasis on the sound of the car’s engine, the sound of the wheels turning and burning against the asphalt, when the music needed to be loud, and when the music needed to tone down and be subtle.
Each character is unique and has their own flavor and backstory. It felt as if every character was a scene stealer, but you can appoint this to great casting, acting, and directing. As explained in the trailers, Baby had an accident when he was a kid that left him with tinnitus (ringing in his ears) so he listens to music to drown the ringing out as well as making him focused while he’s on the job. Ansel Elgort plays Baby perfectly; a confident, but innocent character that wants nothing to do with crime. You can get a real sense of his confidence from the look in his eyes when he’s driving; outmaneuvering cop cars left and right. His facial expressions really show his regret in his actions as he performs unlawful deeds after unlawful deeds. Ironically, the more Baby tried to get out of the life of crime, the deeper he actually got into it.
Kevin Spacey really shines as crime lord Doc as he’s cunning, witty, and compassionate. Baby is indebted to Doc because of their shared past and is almost blackmailing Baby into being his getaway driver. One of the rules of their operation is to never have the same team of people on any given heist. However, Baby is the exception to Doc’s rule because he trusts Baby. Doc frequently stands up for and vouches for Baby when other members of the heist crew doubt Baby. Their relationship is an interesting one in that it contains multiple elements; that of an employer and employee, the blackmailer and victim, friends, and even almost a father-son relationship. Doc is a character you both dislike and love at the same time because of his bad, but smart decision making and the delivery of his sharp lines. I liked the relationship shared between the two characters, up until the end where their relationship takes an unexpected turn which I found questionable, but not overly flawed.
Lily James plays Deborah well, as the innocent love interest of Baby as well as the driving force for Baby to get out of doing crime. Ansel Elgort and Lily James have great chemistry together as their on-screen love is believable and adorable. Their interactions are so natural and their back and forth about music is pleasant to watch. I do feel that there were one too many of their scenes together and could’ve been edited to one scene less. Jamie Foxx’s character Bats is an absolute scene stealer as he’s both hilarious and captivating in all his scenes. He’s so believable as an impulsive, crazy criminal that you’re never sure whether to laugh or be scared of. Bats is comparable to Jamie Foxx’s other character in Horrible Bosses where he plays an ex-con. Foxx is able to flex his acting chops when he’s able to go from a more serious role in Django Unchained to a crazy, funny role in Baby Driver. Jon Hamm is another surprise standout as Buddy, the handsome bank robber that’s crazy about his wife Darling (Eiza Gonzalez). He plays a seemingly good guy that tries to relate to Baby through music as well as trying to stick up for Baby when other crew members question Baby. He plays this type of good guy so convincingly, no one sees the twist coming at the end with his character.
Baby Driver combines thrilling action, laugh-out-loud comedy, and personal storytelling to deliver a perfect summer movie. While I could easily say Baby Driver is the better of the two out of Baby Driver and the entire Fast franchise, Baby Driver is in essence, a different kind of film that’s on another level. The stellar cast, great acting, and sharp writing drives the story and never really stops. Masterfully shot action scenes are fun to watch and just make you want to become a driver on the level of Baby. To anyone reading this out there, I’d tell you to drive to the theater to see this movie, baby. I give this film, 4.5 stars out of 5 and invite you to see Baby Driver.
Transformers: The Last Knight Review
Directed by Michael Bay, Transformers: The Last Knight follows the human, Cade Yeager (Mark Wahlberg) as he hides away from the government with the Autobots. This movie takes place sometime after Transformers: Age of Extinction and Transformers and humans are at odds again because Transformers are still landing on Earth without anyone knowing why. The government sets up a response team called the Transformers Reaction Force that hunts down and kills Transformers. Only this time, Optimus Prime is gone. The absence of Optimus Prime leaves the Autobots leaderless and unable to respond to the threat of the Transformers Reaction Force until they are forced back into action when a mysterious enemy threatens Earth.
In the opening scene, it is revealed to us that humans and Transformers have been in contact for centuries. The concept of Transformers aiding King Arthur is a silly, but cool one. I for one bought into this story element, but the way it plays out later never really satisfies my expectation for hidden secrets of the Transformers universe. Transformers: The Last Knight is a movie jam-packed with characters without any actual character. What I mean by that is, most of the characters are flat, have no development throughout the film, and I never really care about them by the time the credits roll.
Let’s start with Optimus Prime, the head honcho of the Autobots. He was gone for most of the movie and gets turned evil by the Transformer sorceress, Quintessa. Under her evil influence, he fights fan-favorite Bumblebee. As this was a fight I looked forward to because of the trailers; I felt underwhelmed. The fight does not last that long and doesn’t hold as much emotional meaning as I wanted. It ends in a cheap, dissatisfying way that felt like a deus ex machina. When Optimus Prime eventually does become good again (this was expected), his heroic moments feel forced and never have any weight to them. Bumblebee is the most likable Transformer and makes me look forward to the Bumblebee spinoff that’s set to release in a few years. Megatron is supposed to be the big boss of the Decepticons, but I have not felt a very impactful presence from him since the first film in the franchise. Once again, he feels like a second-rate lackey with not much of a real purpose other than to be a bad guy that the good guys shoot at. There were also instances where other Transformers were jammed into the movie for the sole purpose of selling toys. I do like the introduction of Quintessa and the general Transformers mythos the filmmakers were trying to build, but I never fully bought into the way it was executed.
Cade Yeager’s character is supposed to be this noble, cool father that has a good moral compass and the story leads the audience to believe he is meant to have some greater purpose in the movie. However, any emotional moments or character development Cade was supposed to have, were botched by silly dialogue and unfunny one-liners. In general, the humor is either hit or miss. One could feel the notion that the filmmakers try to force as much humor onto us as they can, often sacrificing storytelling for a laugh. Isabela Moner plays a young girl caught in the middle of the human-Transformers war and almost acts as a foster daughter to Mark Wahlberg's character. Moner’s character is brave, smart, and underutilized. She appears at the beginning of the movie, then disappears for a good eternity, and shows up at the end having absolutely zero presence and zero impact on the film. This contrasts the marketing in which her character is used heavily and even featured in her own T.V. spot. While there was great potential for her character, she fell flat and became a missed opportunity. You could take her out of the movie and there wouldn’t be any consequences because of it. Laura Haddock plays Viviane, a professor at the University of Oxford that is important to the “story” and mythos. The reveal of her lineage should’ve been grand and cool, but just feels bland. I feel the filmmakers did not know how to use her or know what to do with her. Anthony Hopkins as Sir Edmund Burton is a fun addition the film. Though off the walls and a little bizarre, he is a likable character, and I get the sense Hopkins had fun playing this role.
Even though this is an action movie, it felt like there were just mindless explosions with humans and Transformers fighting for nothing. When the huge battle at the end happens, I was not sure where these new enemies came from. While the movie is a visual spectacle, it also felt like there was just too much visual noise. The movie, in general, is too much of everything; over the top action, forced humor, too many characters, tons of Michael Bay explosions. At the same time, it’s an empty movie with no character development, no substance, and no story. However, this is not anything new because it sticks to the Transformers formula we have been getting for the past 10 years. Michael Bay has openly said this is his last Transformers movie and I really hope it is. He has directed 5 of them of which most are mediocre to bad. I find him to be a talented director with movies such as Bad Boys and Pain & Gain under his belt, but he really needs to move on from the franchise.
It has been 10 years since the debut of the first Transformers, but the film franchise has not gotten better since then. I hope this franchise transforms into something else because it would be a waste hashing out these bad Transformers movies when there’s so much potential with all the lore behind it. If you’re a fan of the Transformers movies, I would say see this because it sticks to the same formula. If you’re not a fan of the Transformers movies and might be interested in seeing this, I’d invite you to stay at home or watch another movie at the theater. Personally, I’d give Transformers: The Last Knight 2.5 out of 5 stars.
Silver Towers Presents Art Meets Mixology
On the evening of Wednesday, June 21, the “Silver Towers Presents Art Meets Mixology” event offered guests a number of things to celebrate, from art, to real estate, to the evolution of the Hell’s Kitchen area, to mixology. Silver Towers, a breathtaking 60-story Silverstein Property located in Hell’s Kitchen, hosted the party on its gorgeous 7th-floor rooftop level. The party, which celebrated the prosperous Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood and Larry Silverstein’s vision for it, presented mixed media artist Miguel Ovalle’s 3D, eight-foot sculpture entitled “Hell’s Kitchen Rising,” portraying the past, present, and future of the area. The stunning sculpture was showcased with music, and fluorescent lights as guests entered a room before ascending the stairs to the outdoor party.
As guests entered the spacious rooftop level, they were immediately stunned by the breathtaking views. Silver Towers offers a seemingly endless look down 42nd street, with the flashing lights of Times Square clearly visible in the distance. The other side of 42nd offers a gorgeous and serene view of the waterfront.
The rooftop provided guests with a multitude of comfortable couches and tables to sit at and mingle. All of the tables at the party, from the tall drink tables to the bar itself, were lit up by LED lights in various colors. This modern twist on the party was paired with hip hop music as well as a “selfie cam,” which was a hit amongst guests.
In addition to artist Miguel Ovalle, a star of the evening was celebrity mixologist Rob Floyd, who demonstrated his very own “Cocktail Theatre” performance in front of the guests. Floyd interacted with his audience while creating a visual masterpiece through the use of liquid nitrogen. In minutes, he created the perfect “slushy” cocktail with hints of jalapeno and tequila, which he shared with each of the guests.
The bar refreshments were sponsored by 1893 and included Moscow mules and spicy margaritas. Furthermore, guests enjoyed delicious food from some of Hell’s Kitchen very own chefs from 5 Napkin Burger and Le Vela.
Overall, this party was magnificent and undoubtedly delivered the message that Hell’s Kitchen is the place to be in New York City.
#silvertowers #artmeetsmixology #eatliveplayhk
Photos courtesy of Getty Images for Silver Towers
Matii Salon Day of Beauty
On Monday, June 26th, Matii Salon held Beauty Day; a media invite only event, where writers/editors were welcomed to check out the salon and experience their offered treatments first hand. Matii Salon specializes in men and women’s hairstyles and specifically the health of the hair and scalp. Their goal is to help the customer discover their style, whether it be simple, sophisticated, or glam. I was blown away by the treatment I received, but after learning more about the owner & European Master Stylist, Bernhards Ziverts and European Master Stylist, Nigel Mullahy, it is no surprise that everyone who came to the salon walked out looking nothing short of fabulous.
The owner of Matii Salon, Bernhards Ziverts originates from a long lineage of hair professionals and has over thirty years of salon experience, making him a true authority in the world of hair. His training began when he was at a young age, where his mother would bring him onto movie sets where she worked as a hair and makeup artist. This gave Ziverts an inside look at how things worked within the fashion and beauty industry. Ziverts studied at The Hairstyling Academy in Riga, where he trained to go on to not only participate but win in hair competitions worldwide in countries such as Paris, Prague, and Moscow, including the prestigious “Grand Prix Wedding Updo” competition. He also trained in London before making his way to New York City and completing the Toni and Guy certificate program. With Bernhard Ziverts, perfection is not expected, but inevitable.
Master Stylist Nigel Mullahy also has over thirty years of salon experience and tons of world-renowned training under his belt. In his homeland of Ireland, Mullahy trained in cutting, coloring, and correcting from the early age of sixteen years old before moving to London and working more on his skills with some of the world-class master stylists from the institutes of Vidal Sassoon and Toni and Guy. He then moved to New York where he has worked not only inside the city but also outside of the city in Rockland. Nigel has appeared in numerous magazines, most recently he was credited as one of the top five celebrity colorists in US Magazine. Getting your hair done by Nigel Mullahy means feeling ready for your Red Carpet debut.
I had the pleasure of getting my hair done by Nigel, and from start to finish he made me feel comfortable with putting my hair in his hands. After getting a conditioning treatment placed in my hair, I was offered a glass of wine or champagne while I waited under the hair dryer. Guests were also welcomed to light bites by Celebrity Chef Chris Nirschel, as if everyone was not being pampered enough already. Many New York Stylists tend to give off snob-like vibes and make you feel pressured to go in a direction with your hair that you do not want to go, but not at Matii Salon. I felt entirely at ease and everyone there was so incredibly friendly. Once my hair dried, Nigel brought me to sit in front of the mirror and discussed his ideas with me on what to do with my hair. He made sure I understood exactly what he had in mind and that I was one-hundred percent okay with it. I trusted his judgment and I am so glad that I did because I am in love with my new haircut. My hair feels so soft and lightweight even after a couple of washes, and I have been getting compliments left and right. Afterwards, I had the opportunity to talk to the owner Bernhards, who gave me some expert tips on hair care and some styling ideas for me to use in the future. I left with not only a stunning new haircut, but also a generous gift bag full of products that focus on bettering the health of your hair by brands such as Goldwell and Oribe.
Although I was invited this time by Salon Matii, there is no doubt that I Intend on booking my own appointment the next time I want to feel and look like a celebrity. I strongly suggest anyone who wants to feel the same books an appointment today at matiisalon.com.
Special thanks to MJ Pedone from Indra Public Relations. Photography by Daniel Scott Morris.
"Hell, Yes!" Annual Summer Party
With the arrival of the summer season comes the desire to party in New York City. Thankfully, every summer the New Museum is prepared. On Wednesday, June 21st the New Museum held the “Hell, Yes!” Annual Summer Party for the museum’s members in its beautiful Sky Room, with floor to ceiling windows and a wrap-around balcony with gorgeous views of the city.
The New Museum is the only dedicated contemporary art museum in Manhattan, bringing in a huge crowd of artistic people. Founded in 1977 by Marcia Tucker, the museum got its name with the vision of it being the prime destination for new art and new ideas. The theme for the annual summer party this year was based off of one of the most iconic works shown at the Museum, Ugo Rondinone’s rainbow-hued, neon-lit sculpture that reads “Hell, Yes!” that was presented on the New Museum’s façade from December 2007 to November 2010.
The spirit of this party is not only to celebrate the summer, but also to celebrate the openness, optimism, and enthusiasm of the members of the museum. Attendees were told to come dressed in the colors of the rainbow, making each individual stand out in the entirely white sky room.
The party was not limited to only the sky room, guests could also explore the galleries and view the artwork, including the spring exhibitions: “Carol Rama: Antibodies”, “Lynette Yiadom-Boakye: Under-Song For A Cipher”, “Kaari Upson: Good thing you are not alone”, “Elaine Cameron-Weir: viscera has questions about itself,” and “RAGGA NYC”.
Summer-themed cocktails, a live DJ, and a sunset over the city skyline make for a great first party of the summer. Become a member of the New Museum to join the party next year and to help support the founding of new art and new ideas at newmuseum.org.
Special thanks to Karen Li from the New Museum. Photos courtesy of Griffin Lipson.
Tableside Italian Cook Shoppe Preview
The first official day of summer marks the debuts of Tableside Italian Cook Shoppe’s new menu, an intimate East Village hideaway.
With a family restaurant background that spans several decades, owners and industry legacy Anthony DeGrezia and his fiancé Saje Dyer, daughter of the famed motivational speaker, Dr. Wayne Dyer, preview DeGrezia’s family recipes with a Lower East Side twist.
“I’ve always been in the business, grew up with it, always worked in it. So it just got to a point where it was a right place, right time,” said DeGrezia.
Dishes like the decadent Truffle Money Bags and Rolling with the Eggplant curated by long-time chef and family friend, Massimo Felici, will have the neighborhood and taste buds alike buzzing with intrigue.
The inviting atmosphere and mellow backdrop music paired with Northern and Southern Italian eats makes you feel right at home and amongst friends.
“We wanted to fit into the casual vibe of the East Village, but still provide high-end authentic Italian food. So we thought, let’s give them names that sound a little more approachable and fun,” mentioned Dyer.
Cocktails such as the subtle Smoky Elixir, a habanero-infused Mezcal with blood orange juice and cherry liqueur, and the thirst-quenching Muddler, vodka meets prosecco muddled with mint, basil, and strawberries, are next level and perfectly marry with the eclectic dishes.
DeGrezia and Dyer have successfully navigated multiple feats within the past few months, including planning a destination wedding in Hawaii for July.
“We have chosen different roles and stuck with them. He is here night and day. 16 hours a day. Open to close. I come in and help when it is open. And then I take care of the things I can at home. I’m doing the bookkeeping. Doing all the paperwork that’s involved. So just taking different roles and sticking with it,” reiterated Dyer.
“I give her all the credit for the wedding planning,” chimed DeGrezia.
Tableside Italian Cook Shoppe is located at 345 E 6th St, New York, NY 10003.
Photos courtesy of Tableside Italian Cook Shoppe
The Little Hours Review
Sex jokes, valley girl accents, and expletive-filled rants -- Giovanni Boccaccio would no doubt be proud of the soon to be released The Little Hours, based on a story from his 14th Century work The Decameron. The film, boasting an ensemble cast with Alison Brie, Aubrey Plaza, Ginevra Micucci, Dave Franco, John C. Reilly and Molly Shannon, manages to retain the the realness and imagination of the original piece while invoking 21st Century humor.
The story takes place in medieval England, in a convent where three Catholic Sisters (Brie, Plaza, and Micucci), vent their frustrations with their lifestyle by berating their hard-working gardener. After the gardener leaves, unable to take any more of the sister’s insults, Father Tommasso (Reilly), head of the convent, replaces him with Masseto (Franco), a young, attractive servant who is escaping death for having slept with his master’s wife. At Father Tommasso’s request, Masseto pretends to be deaf and mute so as to escape to sister’s wrath, but even so, the young women take a shine to him, finding his youth, attractiveness, and inability to resist the perfect tool to ease their lustful desires. What ensues from the competition for Masseto’s….”time” is ninety minutes of half stunned hilarity.
The actors give it their all, and watching them navigate the situation they have ended up in is comedy in itself. Moreover, comedy is not the only thing the film excels at -- the cinematography is pure art, never letting the viewer forget the beautiful English countryside the story is set in, even though the actors all keep their American accents (for the comedy, of course). Cameos from Nick Offerman and Fred Armisen add extra laughs along the way -- in fact, Armisen’s stint as the highly offended and shocked Bishop brought just the right amount of giggles before the uncharacteristically sweet ending.
The Little Hours is raunchy, sexy, and maybe even a little bit offensive -- but it is also brutally funny, and missing it would mean missing a chance to laugh about something, even if it is a little ridiculous.
4/5 stars.
The Little Hours opens everywhere on June 30th
Shut Up Anthony: Review
Shut Up Anthony is a complex film, one that requires an intricate sense at listening to the small details, and appreciating the things that are often not said. Movies like these can often be a beacon for self-reflection. Amongst those films Shut Up Anthony is the self-facing camera on your phone that you unwittingly turn to and are taken aback with. The main character: Anthony (played by Robert A. D'Esposito), after a series of cringe-worthy misgivings, retreats to a family vacation home, talking the whole way. Yet, it’s only when you realize it’s what Anthony does not say do you truly get to the beauty of the film. It’s not easy to find an unlikable main character so relatable as one finds Anthony. Relating to a character like him can hold the uncomfortable truth that from an outside perspective, we can look absolutely absurd and dickish. For that reason, I feel Shut Up Anthony will struggle to be liked by those who do not deal well with self-reflection. Some people just can’t handle the truth.
That being said, the actual depth of each character shows something to be said about Kyle Eaton’s debut film. With an uncompromising eye to both frame and script, Kyle marries outer aesthetic with internal turmoil in a way that brings the characters to life. Tim, played by Jon Titterington, holds the place of being a deep quasi-antagonist; Sparring verbally with Anthony until tensions build to a final confrontation, Tim is both wonderfully typed and dialogued. It is rare to see two male characters talk on end about emotions in the way these two do. Both passive-aggressively and on a deep emotional level.
Besides the two male characters there exists a presence that I feel others fail to touch upon in their reviews. That of the wonderfully rich character of Sam (played by Katie Michels). Sam subverts the typical girlfriend role in this film and refuses to play into a shallow, single faceted stereotype. Instead, Michels brings the depth of a complex and multi-directional woman who knows where the line is, and how to deal with those who cross it. Sam’s character is one who can see the deeper side behind Anthony and his often inappropriate babbling, and yet, knows when the relationship is taking a toxic turn.
Shut Up Anthony is a film to be watched for its deepness in character, realness in the plot, and unique cinematography in all facets. Stay patient with Anthony as so many others do in this film, and you will reveal a deeper meaning to both his absence of words and your own.
Meeting up at The West I interviewed Kyle Eaton to get a take on his Brooklyn Film Festival showing and the future of Shut Up Anthony.
How’s everything been since the showing?
Kyle: Pretty good. We actually won a spirit award! I was pretty surprised. It essentially is a critic's choice that they felt like it best suited the spirit of what the Brooklyn Film Festival was all about. Any additional recognition is really nice, you know? It’s always nice to get a little nod for whatever you produce.
That’s pretty amazing! Where do you think Shut Up Anthony is going next?
I think the film might be going down the video on demand streaming route like everything these days. We’re coming into a time where theatrical releases aren't as common these days. I sort of have to reckon with the fact that everyone wants to view movies on their laptop nowadays. So although we have a festival circuit coming up, the final form might be more digital for at-home viewers.
I read some reviews that didn’t like Anthony, suggesting he spoke too much. How do you respond to that?
Kyle: The root of Anthony’s self-destructive behavior is talking as a way of dealing with his grief. Especially returning to the house where a very traumatic incident took place, is very personal in a way. It stings to know that people would base their entire review on the main character's likability when in all honesty, they're supposed to be a real people that go through real hurt and deal with it in their own ways, not characters who you’d fall in love with but characters who have depth.
I really loved Katie’s character, how did you determine her lines and personality?
Kyle: We were very intentional in working with Katie on this character, that we didn't want her be one-sided and “the girlfriend.” We wanted her to have her own set of beliefs and ways of dealing with things just as any other character in the film. As it ends, we don’t know what really happens to Sam and Anthony but we see her start to take control at the end of the film. Sam has her own demons and her own problems and we didn’t want her to be a cardboard cutout of a traditional role that we so often see in classic film.
Photos courtesy of Shut Up Anthony
Black Tap LES Opening
Photo By Jason Bao
Black Tap Craft Burgers and Beer has been an NYC foodie’s hot spot since achieving internet fame in 2016 for their extravagant milkshakes and stacked burgers. In fact, this writer herself has spent the better part of a Wednesday afternoon waiting on a twenty person line for the chance to devour a Bison Burger with a side of French Fries and Sour Cream and Onion Dip -- and regrets nothing. Luckily, however, the lines at your nearest Black Tap might just get a little more manageable, as on Wednesday, June 14th, the burger joint held a party celebrating the opening of a 5th location on the Lower East Side.
Photo By Jason Bao
@InvitedNYC
The newest addition to the Black Tap brand, for which no expense was spared, boasts a full bar, tables in the front, leather-backed booths in the back, and fresh wall art by street artist Fumero. It is the perfect setting for a mixer, and guests were free to explore all areas of the new space while sipping on specially crafted cocktails and enjoying the food, which was served family style, with tray after tray brought out from the kitchen and handed out to party-goers.
Photo By Jason Bao
Photo By Jason Bao
@InvitedNYC
In their party menu, Black Tap showed that they would be sticking to their signature items -- their bacon stuffed Texan Burger, All American Burger, and brownie topped Brooklyn Blackout Milkshake all made appearances throughout the night. Other popular favorites included Korean BBQ Wings, Sweet Potato Fries, and Onion Rings. The restaurant also debuted a never before seen milkshake topped with Fruity Pebbles flakes and a cereal bar, which is sure to earn a permanent spot on their menu.
@InvitedNYC
Photo By Jason Bao
@InvitedNYC
Overall, the newest Black Tap promises to carry on the foodie legacy of its predecessors with just as much, if not more, style. So if you are having an insatiable burger and milkshake craving, head on down to 177 Ludlow Street and have your own Instagram-worthy meal -- right after the fifteen people lined up in front of you.
Photos courtesy of Bullfrog and Baum
Brooklyn Film Festival Spotlight: Sweet Parents
Despite the title that indicates a demure nature, Sweet Parents is anything but. This debut film by Leah Rudick and David Bly, features a delightfully real couple in turmoil, multi-faceted female characters, and a unique plot that has to be seen to be understood.
Sweet Parents is one of those rare films that serves as both a window and a mirror. You feel uncomfortable realizing that you have unwittingly peeped inside someone else's life, yet are surprised to see your own reflection staring surprisedly back. In this film the element of realness is always there, you have had relationships like these before. One in where both sides act in best intention, but everyone gets hurt in the process. The fall from grace in this relationship can only be described as happening in a way that deeply roots itself in New York City culture, ambition, and miscommunication.
As I sat there watching with my partner, and keenly reading the room, I saw Sweet Parents evoke a level of participation, unlike anything I have seen. Audience members laughed and shouted at the screen, most even breaking the sacred silence of film to groan at the misgivings of one of the couple. I attribute this reaction to the intensely relatable nature of both the script and detail put into each small movement of the characters. Rudick and Bly have put ten years into writing and producing this film, and it truly shows.
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Following the showing, I caught up to both Actors/Directors at the nearby coffee shop for an interview
So, how do you think it went?
Leah: I think it went great! I was really happy with the response and the turnout; I was really happy to see it on the screen instead of just a laptop. To put something you make out to a big group or audience can be a bit scary sometimes.
David: We forgot that after ten years of perfecting these one liners that a lot of our script actually elicits a lot of laughter. Especially where there are some uncomfortable situations, and people laugh nervously, we sometimes get used to the comedic aspect of some of those points
What are you hoping for next?
Leah: Ideally, a distribution deal, a festival run. Just showing it to more people and getting the word out about what we made.
David: Yeah ideally more festivals similar to one we just had. More independent festivals who like to screen movies like ours. I would love to do some more in Canada where I am from.
Leah: Especially that we had the showing there (Windmill studios) it was really special. David started working on it ten years ago, I started working on it five years ago. For a long time, there was a fear that we are never going to make it, but one we decided to take the leap It was a pretty inspiring experience to see how everyone just flooded out of nowhere to help put the film together.
Photos courtesy of Sweet Parents
Brooklyn Film Festival Filmmakers Party
On the night of Thursday, June 8th, the Brooklyn Film Festival celebrated both its 20th Anniversary and this year’s lineup of films with its exclusive Filmmakers Party. The party was hosted by G-Star and took place at the bright and modern G-Star RAW Store in Williamsburg, offering an intimate atmosphere for both the filmmakers and journalists to cheers to the affair.
At the party, guests enjoyed both endless drinks and appetizers. Stella Artois sponsored the event, transforming the shop into an open bar with cold, refreshing beer and hard cider. The Williamsburg-based American restaurant Midnights provided a trio of bite-sized shrimp cocktails, ricotta crostini with burnt honey, and kobe meatballs.
Conversations regarding the festival films dominated the suave party. Directors and filmmakers passionately chatted about the sources of inspiration for their films with guests. Buzz about cinematographic methods, actors, the filmmaking process, and subject matter created endless discussions. A DJ played electric and techno music as guests discussed the festival and its motion pictures, which included narrative feature films, narrative shorts, documentary feature films, documentary shorts, animation films, and experimental films.
Rodrigo Reyes’ Lupe Under the Sun, Chris Kelly’s A Cambodian Spring, David Bly’s Sweet Parents, Fernando Fraiha’s El Revenge, Stavit Allweis’s Cooking With Connie, Kyle Eaton’s Shut Up Anthony, and Katja Benrath’s Watu Wote: All of Us were only several of the 122 films selected for Brooklyn Film Festival. At the central back wall of the party venue was the focal point of the event, which was a projection screen flashing pairs of images and movie titles from the festival’s lineup.
At the end of the evening, guests were provided with party favors that consisted of a denim RAW tote bag and a signature Stella Artois chalice. On the whole, the Filmmakers Party embodied the very creativity and eagerness that represents Brooklyn Film Festival. Diverse creative minds who all share the same passion for film came together and were given a space to celebrate their progress in the film world as well as their accomplishments in earning a spot in the Brooklyn Film Festival.
Photos courtesy of Yuko Torihara
Taste of Home 2017
On the evening of Wednesday, June 14th, Housing Works hosted “Taste of Home,” its annual culinary benefit that fully supports those living with HIV/AIDS in the New York City area. Taste of Home took place at Housing Works’ own Bookstore Cafe, a cozy destination that is a downtown staple for tourists and locals alike. However, for the event, the charming bookstore transformed into a hospitable and upscale dining venue, where guests enjoyed tasting the craft of some of NYC’s supreme chefs.
Upon arrival, guests checked in and were greeted by amiable hosts with a menu of tasting options for the night. Throughout the bookstore were numerous tables adorned with a wide array of cuisines. VIP hour, which was accessible to those who purchased VIP admission tickets, consisted of a reception with hors d'oeuvres from Comparti New York and an intimate “meet and greet” with the chefs and co-host Alex Guarnaschelli, a highly acclaimed chef who has made appearances on both Chopped and Iron Chef.
General admission, which began at 7:00 p.m., provided guests with foods from Shopsin’s Tamara Shopsin, Mission Chinese Food’s Angela Dimayuga, Bread & Salt’s Rick Easton, Superiority Burger’s Brooks Headley, and Comparti New York’s Felipe Donnelly. Dessert was presented by Butter’s Kevin O’Brien. Each of the various foods, from ceviche to cheddar cheese pancakes, were served and described by the chefs at their own decorative tables dispersed throughout the bookstore. Additionally, Greenport Harbor Brewing Company beer and Nomikai Fizzy Rosé were served as refreshments.
Overall, hosts Alex Guarnaschelli, Sam Sifton, Geoff Bartakovics, and Francis Lam, in addition to honorary chairs Ruth Reichl, Mo Rocca, and Jessica Seinfeld were remarkable in organizing this delightful evening celebrating the art of food, as well as Housing Works’ mission of providing services and displaying political advocacy for those living with HIV/AIDS. Housing Works, which accounts for not only Housing Works Bookstore Cafe, but also Housing Works Thrift Shops and The Works Catering, is based on the three pillars of advocacy, service, and entrepreneurial businesses, all of which center around fighting both AIDS and homelessness in New York City. 100% of the proceeds raised through “Taste of Home” went towards ending HIV/AIDS.
Photos courtesy of Astrid Stawiarz for Getty Images
For more information or donate to Housing Works visit: http://www.housingworks.org/
Opening Night of The Lower East Side Film Festival
Thursday, June 8th, marked the first night of the seventh annual Lower East Side Film Festival (LESFF). The films are being shown at the notable Sunshine Cinema, for the last time before the theater closes. The LESFF creates a special experience for both the filmmaker and the audience through film screenings, neighborhood engagement, and industry panels.
The LESFF is a 501(c)3 Non-Profit which supports underdog filmmakers who know that huge budgets do not equal great film. The festival has come a long way from it’s humble beginnings, in which the LESFF crew turned a LES pop-up space into a unique and intimate theater. Since then, the festival has been featured in major presses and even expanded to the greater venues which has and will continue to secure distribution for its up and coming independent filmmakers. The popularity and success the festival gained in its early days has brought it to where it is today, with people from all over the country waiting for tickets to go on sale. Past judges have included Denis O’Hare, Laverne Cox and Dolly Parton. This year’s festival judges included Sasheer Zamata (SNL), Jeremy Allen White (Shameless), cinematographer Sam Levy (Frances Ha, Mistress America), Stephen Schneider (Broad City) and Paola Mendoza, Documentary Filmmaker and Artistic Director of The Women’s March, among others.
Avenues (2017)
The opening night of the festival premiered the film Avenues, written and directed by Michael Angarano, who also stars in the movie. The film also stars Nicholas Braun (How To Be Single), Juno Temple (The Dark Knight Rises), Adelaide Clemens (The Great Gatsby), Ari Graynor (Nick & Nora’s Infinite Playlist) and Maya Kazan (Frances Ha). The picture was produced by Michael Sherman, Matthew Perniciaro, Michael Angarano, Elyse Seiden and Jonah Quickmire Pettigrew. Before the film showing, guests were welcomed to a lounge with an open bar, snacks, and an opportunity to take pictures with the LESFF backdrop.
Avenues tell the story of when Peter (Nicholas Braun) arrives in Manhattan to visit his best friend Max (Michael Angarano), and the two go out for a day on the town, hitting the tourist spots and all the while hilariously working through the baggage of their friendship. When they meet two young women, day spills into the night and takes an unexpected turn. Angarano creates a portrait of contemporary New York City in his directorial debut that harkens back to the classics of the 1970s and is alive to new possibilities.
The film was charming, funny, and relatable. The depiction of struggling mid-life crises, a relationship falling apart, a woman seeking to settle down, this movie had characters and events that anyone can share. There were themes of friendship, love, and loss. The direction of Avenues was very indie-spirited, something many people want more of in films nowadays.
Following the film showing was a Q&A with Michael Angarano and Adelaide Clemens, where attendees were able to learn more about the writing and filming process and get to know more about the stars. The Opening Night Party, presented by Vimeo, took place at DROM, where guests were welcomed to another open bar and live music. The rest of the festival included not only tons of more fantastic films and film shorts, but also themed nights with ice cream socials, Christmas parties, and Ladies’ Night with reduced prices for Feminists ($16 for Feminists and $8,632 for Non-Feminists to adjust for the median annual earnings difference between men and women).
The Lower East Side Film Festival is an incredibly enjoyable experience for any film lovers. For more information, or to become a member of LESFF, please visit www.lesfilmfestival.com. As an LESFF Donor you will be supporting a community of passionate, creative, innovative, filmmakers and helping us create awesome screenings, events, and parties that celebrate their work.
Special thanks to Bianca from Shark Party Media. Photographs by Cory Goldberg.