Documentary Sunday at the Worldwide Women's Film Festival

We're calling this year's Sunday at the Worldwide Women's Film Festival - Documentary Sunday!!! We got it all from noon to 6pm on February 10th.

If you know someone that likes documentaries, please share this with them. Also, don't forget to send a DM to get that discount code for your tickets ==> www.wwfilmfestival.com
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2/10/2019 - Sunday - Theater #5

Documentary Feature Film - Livingston Taylor - Life Is Good

Documentary 2 - Short Films
$30 To Antarctica
Healing Horses
BackBurner Dreams - A Women's Passion Project

Documentary Feature Film - River to River

Documentary 3 - Short Films Block
Footprints
The Millennial Disruption
Girl of my dreams
« a land shaped by women »

#documentaryfeaturefilms #documentaryshorts #documentaries

Hosted at Harkins Theatres Shea 14

7354 E Shea Blvd, Scottsdale, AZ 85260 

When Magnolias Keep On Shining

Review by Eva Louis

Fountain Hills Theater Inc Presents "Steel Magnolias" by Robert Harling, directed by Roger Prenger, produced by Leah Klein...
**************************************** My team lives in the world of film, fashion, arts, music, and entertainment.  Our schedule is full but when we have a few moments to stop, take a break, and take in a show, we always look for opportunities to support our community artists.  

Last night I had the chance to see a performance that was an all woman cast of six distinct characters full of personality, quirks, talents, and presence that literally oozed all over the stage and formed a reality all based on a single location.  What was brought to life, was an inner reality of the relationships between a group of women from a small town dealing with the everyday life between family and friends including circumstances that are uncomfortable and difficult.  Interlaced strategically however is the humor that makes the most difficult a little easier to handle and that which also reflects the wit and inteligence of their generational age differences.

If you've seen the film, "Steel Magnolias", then you will be familar with some of the storyline.  This stage performance was adapted to revolve around the single location, the beauty salon of Truvy Jones, character played by Angela Kabasan.  The stage was turned into a semi-working salon which helped to bring the salon to life which even included a working sink with running water and old fashioned hair dryer.  Truvy's character was strong and definitely an anchor to the show.  The part required her to be able to really do hairstyles while speaking her lines and interacting according to the circumstances presented by the other actors which included even dealing with a diabetic seizure like event which Shelby Eatenton-Latcherie, played by Avery Volk, experienced as part of one scene where orange juice went strategically flying out of a plastic glass.  I was so into the scenes where Truvy was doing hair, I was crossing my fingers to make sure she got the hairstyles right since of course she was doing the bride's hair for her wedding in one scene.  It was enjoyable to watch it all happen and everyone stay in character no matter what was going on.

Annelle Dupuy-Desoto, character played by Sarah Brisco, was the outsider that was welcomed into the group by the women without being judged.  It was just expected and Sarah was able to pull off the part by adding in just enough reaction and insertion of lines timed perfectly to help with the comic relief which was definitely needed for the serious exchanges that occured throughout the scenes.

Clairee Belcher, character played by Hilary Hirsch, definitely owned her part of the story and it was great to see how she bantered back and forth with her partner on stage, Ouiser Boudreaux, character played by Noel Irick, to give it that "Golden Girls" feel with all the inuendo and quick witted responses that kept you on your toes and engaged just waiting to hear what they would say next.

Avery Volk, developed the Shelby character, with a depth and sassiness that carried all the way to the end.  She was able to portray the daugther - mother relationship with a realness that made you understand the challenges and obstacles she had to deal with based on her life choices.  The audience clearly connected with the seriousness that was dictated as you could hear a pin drop at several moments when critical information was revealed that propelled the story into sadness when the enevitable was shared.

One of the strongest scenes for me was when M'Lynn Eatenton, character played by Mary Pat Wallace, had the outburst where she described her feelings about the death of her daughter.  It was a poignant display that had been built up throughout the entire performance and this became a huge tipping point in the honest disclosure about the relationships M'Lynn had and if she could have changed things. It felt very viseral and large which evoked emotions in those watching.  The combination of the set-up between Shelby and M'Lynn was played well and really left the audience experiencing a variation of the same feelings.

It was a pleasure to watch all the characters interact and develop a cohesive presence and environment on stage.  As an audience member, it felt like we were eavsdropping on personal conversations that you might be walking by daily.  All I can say is what an awesome experience.

Thank you to the actors, stage production team, and the director for bringing this to life.  Definitely this deserves a two thumbs up.  And I'd go to watch it again, just sayin'.

One more showing on Oct 28th at 2 p.m. - Get your tickets at this link ==> https://fhtaz.org/events/steel-magnolias/  

My Life As a Double Agent!!!

Seriously when you follow your passions sometimes you have no idea where they will take you.  This year I have been deliberate in waiting to publish anything until the time was right.  Today happens to be that moment.  Because of I have pursued my passion in the area of artists, I often experience timing conflicts with events.  This has become a regular occurrence in my life and I have grown accustomed to this scenario of either choosing to go to a specific event when I am double booked or hoping for a miraculous timing sequence that is just right that enables me to participate on multiple events in one night.  This requires planning ahead, mapping the distances, making calculated assumptions and estimates based on traffic, social engagements, and ultimately the objectives to be accomplished for the afternoon or evening of events.  As you can tell the reference now to "Double Agent" really isn't too far of a stretch.

February 7th this year marked a tremendous beginning to the season of both film and fashion events setting the stage for what the rest of the year will look like.  While January was filled with events and connections in both film and fashion, those were just the ice breaker for February.  The afternoon started off with the "One Year Anniversary" Celebration Event for Clothes Minded owned and operated by Kim Kendall in Phoenix/Ahwatukee, Arizona.  Kim had a vision for this boutique long before it opened and the ideas and thoughts she has brought to fruition with the boutique are innovative and unique.  The continuous crowd that was in attendance this evening represented the impact she has made to the area as well as the fan base that follows her and supports her.  She focuses on bringing emerging designers, local designers, and brands that are quality, colorful, and completely fashionable together in an artistic kind of way.  For accessories and embellishments to any outfit, you will never be at a loss in her boutique, because you can always create a complete outfit when you walk in the door.  She showcased the "Heather Collection" which is noted to have an awesome celebrity following.  Fans and supporters from Phoenix Fashion Week were also present along with other designers she carries in the store, including Melis Accessories and Living Dreams.  Also in the house, was a local celebrity stylist - Rochelle York.  These were just a few of the amazing individuals present at the event.

Kim Kendall has worked hard and established herself as a force in the fashion retail area of local businesses and she is setting the new trend of engagement with customers beyond standard trunk shows.  These type of events clearly show the connection she has to the market, industry, and buyers that every business hopes they can have.  We're looking forward to seeing what Kim has in store for the next year and I'm sure we won't be disappointed with what she has planned.  Congratulations, Kim and Clothes Minded on your first year of many more to come!!

The second stop for the evening was at the Running Wild Films 52 Films in 52 Weeks Film Festival Opening Night hosted by Travis Mills and Running Wild Films and held at Mariscos Vuelve A La Vida on 16Th St. and Roosevelt.  This Festival is the culmination of a year's worth of effort in the filming and production of 52 films in 52 weeks.  The undertaking and idea was announced in 2012 and the project to create these films started in 2013.  After a successful Kickstarter campaign was completed by Travis, there was little room for doubt that he would be able to complete this project.  After all, what can stop a machine once the engine is started?  Travis Mills and his dedicated team of filmmakers accomplished a feat that most would never imagine they could do.  On Opening Night, the highlight of the evening was four favorite films of the production team - 1) James Joyce's - The Sisters; 2) Frank Norris’s Two Hearts That Beat as One; 3) D.H. Lawrence’s You Touched Me; 4) Herman Melville’s Bartleby.  I might be a little biased because I know these filmmakers, but what I can say quality speaks for itself.  The stories were enthralling based on the adaptions from Travis Mills and the entertainment value of  the productions were extremely high.  Even with the setting not being a traditional theater and with the potential to have distractions, it was hard to lose focus because they were able to create the connection with the audience that kept them glued to the screen.

I have to give Running Wild Films and all the supporting crews and cast a "Two Thumbs Up" for what I have seen so far.  I expect the next two days of films to be as exciting as the Opening Night.  Again "Bravo" and a big shout out to Arizona Filmmakers and Actors!!  To learn more about Running Wild Films and the rest of the Festival Schedule, go to their website - http://www.runningwildfilms.com/52films/ to see the rest of the films to be shown on Saturday and Sunday.  Anytime spent at the festival will be completely worth the time spent.  We're looking forward to what Running Wild Films has in store next.

So as a Double Agent, I can only express, this life is like no other and the opportunities to see talented artists in this community and beyond are endless, which means, my work will never be done.  That's just the way I like it.  If you are an artist or you know someone that is an artist in film, fashion, arts, music or entertainment, Film and Fashion Futures is always interested in learning more about your talents, skills, productions, release and launch events and parties.  We are here to support and provide exposure for you.  Send an email to filmandfashionfutures@gmail.com for press releases or notifications about upcoming events you would like covered.

Fashionista Dreams in Style, Designer Article Series, Part 12

This is the last article and concludes the 12-part series for the Emerging Designers from Phoenix Fashion Week. I thought this day would not come as the final designer almost became coined as the "Elusive One" in my book. For those of you not familiar with what happens behind the scenes of a Fashion Week, you must know that the designers and everyone involved have an incredible amount of work and time invested in bringing their creations and all moving parts of the shows, events, and activities to fruition as well as doing what they do daily to support their efforts. Knowing that every designer needed that opportunity to be showcased, I continued to follow my instinct and kept reaching out until the opportunity afforded itself. I finally got my chance to interview the last designer.

Sew Twisted Designs stood out from the day of the announcement at MIM where Phoenix Fashion Week shared who the Emerging Designers were. Brooke Alicia Reyes reflected herself as a spunky, strong and determined participant. This is evident in the story of her last year. Brooke self-taught herself how to sew at first as a result of theatrical costume needs. Brooke’s experience with theater and stage plays has really been what her life has been about. The idea of becoming a fashion designer really never crossed her mind and was not an original intention. Her journey down this path started after the creation of her first garment last year. Pictures were taken of the garment and the rest is history. That one action created a whirlwind of buzz about what she made and then requests came in for her to create more. After a couple of months her first fall collection in 2011 came to be. Brooke has held on to her core foundation of her influences of literature, pop culture, and characters. For Sew Twisted the designs really represent wearable costumes versus what most would call fashion. These costumes are about apparel that feels good, looks nice, and allows an individual to become something they weren’t before they put the clothing on. Brooke’s imagination leads her to the fabrics for her designs as she visualizes what is part of the look and would go so far as to say, fabric that turns her on is what she would choose for the creations.

Because of Brooke’s extensive influences as a Thespian, she has a quote that has resonated for her and she has expanded on: "All the world’s a stage," quote from As You Like It by William Shakespeare. Brooke Alicia Reyes’s quote is: "If all the world is a stage, then what is fashion, but the costume of our everyday lives." Sew Twisted Designs entered this project of Phoenix Fashion Week 2012 with specific goals and original dreams of grandeur. What Sew Twisted Designs has gained from the program offered by Phoenix Fashion Week is much of what is needed to be successful in the business of fashion – finding a manufacturer, creating a realistic budget, understanding advertising, and basically all the tools and advice necessary to do business in a better way and to become independent and be practical about how to operate and achieve the goals.

Sew Twisted Designs comments speaks volumes to the program that is offered by Phoenix Fashion Week and many of the goals and messaging they want to share with the marketplace not only here in Arizona but beyond. As we enter the last hours before the official Phoenix Fashion Week 2012 begins, the journey that so many have traveled to get here will be celebrated and it is a wonderful offering that anyone part of should absolutely be proud to be part of. Let’s get our chic on and spread the love of fashion by supporting all involved and join us in our appreciation of what Phoenix Fashion Week as brought to the valley!!

Website:  http://www.sewtwisteddesigns.com/
Twitter:  @SewTwisted




Photos by Neil Peters Fotographie
Make-up and Hair by Danielle Gary
Models
Valeria Romero
Monica Lam
Emma Clauson
Andreyha Seraphin
Tauni Riggi