AFI Fest...staff rude to the PRESS, elitism casts poll, and empty seats signal trouble! Taxpayers should be angry...

The AFI kicked off their much-anticipated week-long fest with a splashy red carpet premiere, AFI big-wigs were glad-handing in spite of nervous smiles washing across their faces by the second, and indignant members of the press grumbled about staffers with bad manners who insulted them at the "gate" to chi-chi parties tossed by AUDI (sponsor) and Variety (sponsor).

Understandably, there was a ominous poll hanging in the air.

There was quite a buzz earlier in the week for the animated feature - "Fantastic Fox" - but on the big red-carpet night, charismatic George Clooney was a "no show" which ended up being a great disappointment to the ticket-holders.

Meanwhile, Fest officials that boasted about sold-out houses at the tail end of the week (for Mr. Fantastic Fox, for instance) were forced to anxiously make announcements in the AFI lounge before curtain that seats were available to try to fill 'em up to save face.

One filmgoer who walked into a project premiering later in the evening, immediately caught site of the near-empty theater, and quipped:

"The tickets were free this year. That's why no one came!"

Of course, I was quick on the uptake, and jokingly noted that you have to put a price on a commodity or it has no value to a lot of people.

"That's what the gold market is based on," I added as an after-thought.

Perhaps it was also due to the fact that the AFI scheduled the Festival to open and run thru Halloween weekend.

Duh!

Whoever made that boo boo should be sent packing!

The real downer occurred when press folks attempted to stroll into a couple of the parties hosted by the aforementioned sponsors such as AUDI and Variety.

Without any consideration for the "feelings" of the individuals (and with a shocking lack of  Grace) inexperienced staff with poor manners and a bad attitude snubbed the likeable dudes at the door!

One reporter lamented to me that the conduct of one tall imposing guard of Afro-American decent was downright rud and insulting.

On the heels of  being told that the press were not allowed in - and being a bright intelligent man who gleens information for a living - he was inclined to innocently ask "why?"

The ill-mannered bouncer got quite physical at this point.

"There's the door", he snarled at the reporter as he gestured to the exit nearby.

Imagine that!

I encountered one young woman who was downright "icy" when there was no need to be.

For any number of reasons, a party may be private at a festival, which is okay by me.

But, it is the way the issue was handled at AFI, which was shocking and disturbing.

AFI goes to great lengths to lure the press corps to events on the red carpet so that the talent's mugs get on camera on the Nightly news - but once the mission is accommplished - they proceed to treat the media like sh** after that.

One helper at the ticket-booth in Mann's Chinese Theatre actually made a comment to one photographer (who was not aware that he had to sign up to appear on the red carpet to snap some publicity stills) that he wasn't dressed for the event anyway.

Who was she to make that judgment call?

The stylish dude was dressed like most of the paparazzi generally are - and consequently - her remarks were not only demeaning but uncalled for.

I personally received all the press kits for events in advance and I do not recall any dress code being stipulated either

On that count, she was off-base, too.

Bad modus operandi last night, if you ask me, because the word is getting out about AFI and the suits at the highest Executive level (such as Bob Gazzale on the Board of Directors) who are under the mistaken impression that they own the American Film Institute (at least judging by their self-serving selfish actions which I encounter each time I attend a film event supported by the public coffers).

Obviously, John Wildman (Publicity Director) doesn't care.

I e-mailed him this morning to bring the issues to his attention.

What was his response?

He retaliated against me for criticizing the staff by notifying me shortly thereafter that my request for tickets for a Gala on Wednesday was being rejected because there were "no more" seats.

Does he think I was born yesterday?

I think many will agree with me.

Who wants to attend a festival - which is backed by the U.S. Government and funded quite generously with taxes paid by upstanding American people - and be treated like a second-class citizen?

Something to ponder, eh?

I have a good mind to contact the government agencies that fund the AFI to request an investigation into these issues since they appear to be ripe for such a probe.

Is a scandal brewing in the shadows?

News at 11!

To me, there is also a lot snotty elitism at the AFI Fest, too.

Higher-ups at the events will only acknowledge a guest at an event if they are a "name brand" or have something to offer the festival in respect to $$$, contacts, or press coverage that equates to coverage worthy of their vulgar demands.

There is also a lot of discrimination going down at the AFI, too.

This past week - a few members of the press corps who lodged requests to attend this gala or that red-carpet event - were rejected on the grounds that the fest could not "accommodate" them.

But, get this!

John Wildman's publicity staff didn't even have the courtesy or decency to contact the individuals personally.

No, sir!

The rejects were informed in cold impersonal automated e-mails which were not even addressed to the parties individually!!!

Of course, when you read between lines, what it really meant was that the reporters and photographers in question weren't on the AFI's A-list, so they were summarily given the "kiss of death".

A proper "send off" would have gone a long way in calming the troubled waters, believe me.

Of course, AFI has never been very good with the details.

For example, last year when AFI announced they were going to team up with ArcLight to screen classic films for the theatre-going public at the chain, the top brass of both companies tossed a kick-off party at the Sherman Oaks-based outlet.

In a number of eloquent speeches, and after a lot of self-gratulatory back-slapping among the suits at the podium, promises were made that films would not be screened in state-of-the-art environments and to ensure maximum viewing pleasure by the theatre-going public.

However, when the lights went down and the film - To Kill a Mockingbird - sprang to life on the silver screen it was mid out sound (no sound).

And, when the glitch surfaced, there's wasn't even an usher in the room to jump on the problem and resoslve it.

A ticketholder was forced to get up and inform management about the snafu.

So much for their promises which have been basically empty from the get-go.

In spite of the glaring unprofessional conduct I witnessed last night, I managed to straighten out my party dress, and hold my head up high nonetheless.

In the AFI lounge later, I hooked up with a few guests - artists, musicians, filmmakers, and the like - and the evening turned around to become a energizing insightful one.

A film I caught later - 2 Horses of Genghis Khan - ended the night on a positive note (overall.

In upcoming posts tomorrow, I'll get you up to speed on the scuttlebutt, eh?

A parting note!

If interactions with frigid young women and ignorant ill-mannered security guards are not your cup of tea, I suggest you rent a DVD instead of attending the AFI this year.

Or, patronize a few of your local revival houses - such as The Regency (Fairfax), The Nuart (West Los Angeles), or New Beverly Cinema where they appreciate your business and treat 'ya swell!

http://www.julianayrs.com

Culture Clash...UCLA hosts 25th Anniversary! Award-winning talented troupe @ Royce Hall tonight (Oct.30)...

To many, Culture Clash is the Nation's leading Chicano-Latino performance troupe.

In view of that - students, teachers, and locals in the community - obviously have a great treat in store for them once the curtain falls and the footlights go up at Royce Hall tonight.

The cast  (Richard Montoya, Ric Salinas and Herbert Siguenza) are both innovative and talented, and hence, have succeeded in rustling up a loyal fan base over the past couple of decades since they first began to tour the U.S. in 1984.

During that time, the award-winners have vigorously (and joyously) explored intriguing (and on occasion controversial) topics - such as ethnicity and gender - through satire and drama.

At the UCLA event tonight, Culture Clash celebrates a dazzling twenty-five year history, chock-full of insightful performances, glowing tributes, adventures with celebrity guests, you name it!

There will also be a preview of a play which debuts in December.

Although the balcony is sold-out, management has noted that there may be discount seats available, for those who don't mind queuing up in a rush line at the door.
(Showtime: 8 p.m.)

See 'ya there!

Ticket Price: $8.00

Royce Hall
UCLA CAMPUS
Westwood (CA)

http://www.julianayrs.com

Equality...quote!

I treat everyone as my equal

Until they open their mouth

And prove otherwise!

Julian Ayrs

Divine Grace

Collection of Poems

http://www.julianayrs.com

Fright Night (80's style)...October 30th @ New Beverly Cinema! Fade To Black & Teen Wolf the rage...

Fans of 80's classic features from the Horror Genre wll be zipping off to the New Beverly Cinema tonight (October 30th) - outfitted in wildly inventive scary off-beat costumes, no doubt - to catch nostalgic perennial favorites like "Once Bitten" (Jim Carrey), Fade to Black, and Teen Wolf  which stars Michael  J. Fox (a fellow Canadian performer who I am always rooting for on the sidelines).

With the economy cutting into the budgets of Americans across the country, a night of festive care-free  partying with exotic cocktails in hand, appears to be out of the question for quite a few folks these days.

For good reason, a night of rollicking fun and brain dead bill-of-fare, are the only hooks The Theatre needed to drum up an entusiastic packed house.

But, get this, Friday's fright-night is just a teaser.

On the 31st of October - the official Halloween & Costume go bump-in-the-night celebration - film buffs will be chomping at the bit to be a part of the "Demons" screenings.

"Night of the Demons" will feature Demons (I) and Demons II reel-to-reel at a blow-out mini-fright-fest that just might blast your socks off, dude.

If you can't take the gore and scary horrifying imagery, then trot on down the street at midnight to "Insomnia Cinema" (Regency @ Fairfax)  to catch their stirring offerings, eh?

Although Dr. Horrible's 2nd Annual Charity Screening appears to be sold out on Halloween Night, management has noted that in the event of a no-show or two, ushers may be able to squeeze 'ya in.

So take your chances & show up at the door, if you dare!

 Info: http://www.whedonopolis.com/

See 'ya there!

http://www.julianayrs.com

American Ballet Theatre...Giselle! The Haunting romance where love never dies (Nov. 3rd - Nov. 8th)...

A troupe of unrivaled superstar dancers will be gliding into Southern California on gossamer wings, no doubt, and alighting on stage to mesmorize dance buffs at the Orange County Performing Arts Center.

According to the New York Times:

"To see the American Ballet Theatre at its best is to see it in Giselle."

The American Ballet Theatre is based in New York City and is considered to be one of the finest ballet companies ever to set foot on the stage in the 20th Century.

The company is particularly well-known for three mainstays (levels) within the company ranks:

*The corps de ballet
*The soloists
* The principals

The company was founded in 1937 and received widespread acclaim originally as the Mordkin Ballet.

In 1940, the company changed its name to the Ballet Theatre - then a dozen or so years later - to the American Ballet Theatre (1956).

The celebrated company, with a dedicated fan base, performs regularly at the Metropolitan Opera House in New York City at the much-lauded Lincoln Center.

ABT was bestowed with the great honor of being the first American-based Ballet company to be invited to the Soviet Union to perform where they were received with open arms and glowing tributes.

Kevin McKenzie directed this stellar Orange County production which features the Pacific Symphony.

During the course of the run, locals will have a golden opportunity to take in dazzling live performances by their favorite American Ballet Stars.


Dancers

Performance Dates

November 3 
Julie  Kent, Jose Manuel Carreño, Veronica Part

November  4 & 7  (Evening)
Poloma Herrera, Marcelo Gomes, Michele Wiles

November 5
Julie Kent, Jose Manel Carreño

November 6
Xiomara Reyes, Herman Cornejo

November 7 (Matinee)
mat Riccetto, Hallberg, Murphy, Saveliev

November 8 (Matinee)
Irina Dvorovenko, Maxim Beloserkovsky, Julie Part,

Casting is subject to change.

 

http://www.julianayrs.com

Blackwater...court hearing for trigger-happy defense contractor closed! Intrigues and top secrets...

If you recall, last year Blackwater (an outfit that was contracted to handle security on behalf of the U.S. Government overseas in Iraq & elsewhere) employees were accused of engaging in inappropiate open fire in the streets of Iraq (without provocation) which resulted in the death of several innocent pedestrians.

I reported on the incident.

Post:  10/24/07

http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2007/10/blackwatertrigger-happy-security-for.html

Although the wheels of justice initially turned slowly in respect to the prosecution of the Blackwater employees responsible for the unfortunate incident, a preliminary hearing was finally placed on calendar in recent days.

However, keen observers on the sidelines - and the press in particular - are crying foul because Judge Ricardo Urbina -  who is presiding over the case-  has chosen to conduct the proceedings behind closed doors at the courthouse.

In defense of the decision to conduct the hearings out of the glare of the searing spotlight, Urbina has argued that an intrusive media machine (at this early stage of the probe) would negatively impact witnesses and potential jurors - and subsequently - the defendants' right to a fair trial on the legal issues ripe for adjudication.

Some assert that the Judge's actions are extreme and unjustifiable and - in sum - are in conflict with the Supreme Court's stand that courtrooms be open (and the proceedings, thus, transparent) in the absence of extraordinary circumstances which warrant closed-door sessions.

The court is seeking to determine if government prosecutors  illegally citied defendant statements which were supposed to be remain confidential because they were utttered under the promise of immunity.

Although, Justices in the Supreme Court (Warren Berger, for instance) have dictated ways to minimize the effect of potentially-damaging publicity during the course of a sensational high-profile trial such as the Blackwater proceeding, lawyers appear to favor a "no access" route as a precaution to prevent any muddying of a potential jury pool.

On the other side of the gallery, lawyers stress that a fair trial can be had without the need for hearings of a questionable clandestine nature, provided the court takes extreme care and exercises proper discretion.

"The Judge has the option to close sessions that may be potentially sensitive," one argued, "with the provisio that transcripts will be released later."

Also, potential jurors may be screened, to ensure that those with fixed opinions (and a jaundiced view) are weeded out.

Blanket secrecy, to most - os not only Un-American - but flies in the face of the true pursuit of Justice.

Frankly, I am of the opinion that the decision to go "private" may be rooted in more scurrilous soil.

Because Blackwater guards were in the employ of the government, in essence, I surmise that there will be a deceitful effort behind closed doors to seek a dismissal of the charges on the grounds that the defendants were on a top secret mission and merely carrying out their assignment when the innocent victims sauntered into the fray by chance.

Unless the statements (allegedly protected by a grant of immunity) reveal a shocking disregard for procedure and/or a cavalier devil-may-care attitude about collateral damage and the casualities of war, the Blackwater defendants may end up in the clear.

Shutter the thought!

http://www.julianayrs.com/

Neil Young...The Trunk Show screens at Mann amidst great fanfare! November 4th...

There was a surprise musical treat in my mailbox tonight from the publicity department at AFI when I logged in for messages.

In addition to a press notice about the much anticipated Neil Young documentary screening next week (November 4th) at Mann's Chinese Theatre, there was a link to a dynamite website brimming with sensory overload and a precious clip of the celebrated performer at the height of his musical game.

To take a delicious peak surf to the following link:

http://www.trunkshowmovie.com/

A fan of Young for many moons, I plan to catch the Jonathan Demme doc which critics claim captures the multi-talented artist's musical and spiritual soul.

A tall order to fill, indeed!

A bevy of tantalizing insightful images include those of Young on a stage full of personal icons: alone in the center of a circle of his beloved acoustic guitars; in the midst of stellar musicians Ben Keith, Ralph Molina, Rick Rosas, Pegi Young and Anthony “Sweet Pea” Crawford.

Acoustic numbers abound, and stir the emotions, too. 
("Sad Movies" & "Mexico")

References have been made to a handful of Young musings curiously labelled "electric travelogues into the artist’s psyche".

Can't wait to indulge in 'em!

 Rarely performed pieces such as "Kansas" and "Ambulance Blues" will surely provide insightful glances into the artist's normally-private persona producers have noted.

In what is being hailed as a "Collection of the Ages", Neil goes full throttle, sings from the heart.

Jonathan Demme is considered one of Hollywood’s most critically acclaimed directors who lensed the doc bio on the remarkable survivor that is Neil Young full tilt.

Numerous prize-getting films he helmed in a breeze include -  " The Silence of the Lambs" (1991) and the tearl-jerker "Philadelphia" (1993) - which was the front-runner in the dash to inform and educate an ignorant North American society about the ravages of the killer HIV virus that caused many to succumb to A.I.D.S. at the end stages of the disease.

SOMETHING WILD (1986) and MARRIED TO THE MOB (1988) were pleasant forays into differing realms that captured the hearts and imagination of filmgoers across the board which is a testament to his great gift in storytelling.

Demme’s most recent feature is RACHEL GETTING MARRIED (2008), which was well-received a year ago at the Venice Film Festival.

The talented two will undoubtedly pack a whallop at the glittering premiere at the Mann Wednesday next.

See 'ya there!

http://www.julianarys.com

Barbra Streisand...practices a bit of Buddhist philosophy! Gives to charity...

How many mouths would that necklace feed?

Ooops!

There I go again, as Reagan would say!

A few weeks back, I penned a critical post on Barbra Streisand, on the heels of an in-depth interview she granted for a night-time talk show.

During the course of the gab fest, the celebrated chanteuse played-up her extravagances and nit-picky hard-nosed style (which some assert stems from early potty-training and an anal-retentive personality disorder accordingly) including - but not limited to - boasting about the fact she hand-sorted fish to match up with the color schemes reflected in her meditation pond.

But, the "Funny Lady" - in what was being touted as an honest and insightful peak into an ultra-private corner of La Streisand's little world - stepped in deep do-do (in my humble opinion) when she exalted her vulgar lifestyle in spite of the fact thousands of Americans have struggled to make ends meet in these tough economic times.

Okay, so I was a little harsh, but the truth of the matter?

As mankind heads down a slippery road towards an uncertain future, I think it's of paramount importance, that the citizens of the world look out for (and have compassion on) each other.

According to facts I have gleened from various reputable sources, a handful of rich and powerful men control about nine-tenths of the wealth on the planet.

Scary thought, when you consider the high-profile corporate raiders (for the most part)  are prone to toy with the markets at whim, while the madding classes are forced to starve and struggle daily to make ends meet.

In my humble opinion, a distribution of wealth among the peoples of the world, is long overdue.

Revolt, shall we?

Needless to say, I was quite impressed - elated actually - when I picked up the morning newspaper one day recently and spied an article which reported that Streisand held an auction (consisting of memorabilia, clothing, and furniture) with the specific aim of donating the monies to charity.

"Let someone else enjoy it (the eclectic collection) now."

Is it possible that the songbird stumbled upon the Buddhist philosophy and found enlightenment at long last?

The practice of "letting go" and shooting for a tranquil state of "beingness" (where possessions don't weigh the individual down) sure worked for me.

Instead of craving for an exquisite piece of art or longing for an expensive antique I may have caught sight of in an eye-catching display window - I am capable of appreciating the collectable from afar in its resting place without the need to "own" it or spirit it away to my own private digs.

Barbra without an "A" (as Patty Mooney corrected noted in a comment early this eve) has undoubtedly mellowed over the years - or just maybe - that handsome actor husband of hers has something to do with it.

Either way, I say, kudos!

Obviously, a smiling Universe is paying her back in kind, with a No. 1 album, appropriately titled "Love".

http://www.julianayrs.com

Pavilions...racist Afro-American guard accuses white shopper of stealing "free" newspaper! Incident confirms DNA reports on low IQ...

This morning an Afro-American security guard at Pavilions in West Hollywood established to everyone within eyesight, that he not only had an IQ of about 2 (basic sh** for brains) but is a racist who harasses and discriminates against white shoppers!

When Pavilions unveiled their newly-renovated grocery in WeHo adjacent a few weeks ago, shoppers were particularly delighted that Starbucks was now a part of the upscale supermarket, and that they could slip into a cozy nook-  and not only sip on a hot java - but gobble down a snack or two as they plucked up necessities for the week ahead..

Unfortunately, one hapless white shopper who strode in to do just that, ventured into Pavilions when an Afro-American security guard (with an obvious dislike for caucasians) was on duty at the crack of dawn this morning.

In spite of the fact the pleasant outgoing individual cheerfully said hello to the guard as they rubbed shoulders in passing at the entrance to the cafe, the tall imposing black man reacted by dishing out some pretty bad attitude (for no good reason, I might add).

Shouldn't an employee of a store (known for training its work force to greet customers with a warm welcome whenever they happen to saunter through the door) respond in kind?

Shunning a customer like that not only underscored the security guard's shocking lack of good manners (was he born in a barn?) but also established how clueless the numbskull was about proper business etiquette and how it translates into positive or negative PR for retailers, grocers, and the like.

But the real shocker went down about fifteen minutes later, after the customer scoffed down the last morsel of his morning snack, and nosed his way towards the front of the store..

On the heels of  bidding a couple of the cashiers "good day" (he is a regular at that outlet), he reached for a copy of the "Independent" on a stand nearby, and breezed through the exit to catch up on his chores.

Suddenly, the Afro-American security guard barked out at him from behind.

"Sir!"

When he turned on his heel a few steps outside the exit, the Security Guard strode up - and without checking the all-important facts first - proceeded to accuse the shopper of stealing the newspaper!

Duh!

The "Independent" - a mere slip of a newspaper about four pages in length - is distributed for free!

Obviously, the guard is quite stupid.

If you can imagine it, the incident actually escalated to epic shocking proportions later, when the customer waved the front page of the give-away in his direction and noted that there was no cost for the publication.

Instead of showing remorse - or offering up an apology for making such a grievous error (falsely accusing a shopper of theft is a serious matter, after all) - he dug his heels in and demanded that the shopper return to the inside of the store to double-check the customer's claims.

If  the bonehead had any common sense, or one ounce of intelligence, it should have been obvious from the get-to that there was a solution within easy reach.

Peruse the front page of the "Independent" to verify the information, of course, you moron!

The shopper - who was hopping-mad now - was forced to follow the pig-headed a**hole back into the store - where shocked employees confirmed that the customer was right.

Aren't they usually, folks?

Judging by the expressions on their faces, I expect they came to the quick conclusion (as I did, pronto) that this security guard was not only an idiot, but obviously prompted by some hatred towards white folks to engage in such despicable unwarranted conduct in direct violation of the customer's rights.

By the way, I didn't rush to the conclusion that the "man" is a racist, without first determining from past events and supporting evidence that the allegations are true.

In recent weeks, I was forced to complain about the inappropriate behaviour of Afro-American guards newly-hired at Pavilions, for instance, after witnessing inappropriate conduct which smacked of harassment and discrimination towards white folks.

A few old-timers have also been conjecturing - that in view of the recent influx of Afro-American workers in the neighborhood - there may be an ongoing conspiracy (of sorts) underfoot.

In fact, a handful of astute observers, have been whispering that new hires at the post office, Metro Line, and grocery stores such as Pavilions have their eye on settling in West Hollywood (and taking over the nifty little town adjacent to Beverly Hills ) now that they are gainfully employed with bucks in the bank.

It makes sense, when you think about it.

Every day, black workers in the service industry take the long trek into WeHo from South Los Angeles - work their eight to twelve hours of manual labor - then  head back home again.

Why not just move lock, stock, and barrel to Weho?

All things considered - the bad attitude, harassment, and racism directed at whites from the black sector - signal the awful truth.

There appears to be an ongoing bold-faced effort to make whites & Latinos uncomfortable in normally-pleasant West Hollywood - force them out, in the final analysis - so pushy Afro-Americans can take over the little enclave that gays suffered through hardship and adversity to build.

Off my rocker?

Open your eyes, please.

Time to wake up and smell the coffee, dudes!

http://www.julianayrs.com

Queen Mary...launches 15 nights of TERROR! All-night blow-outs with celebrity hosts...

Shipwrecked on a gale force sea on nightmarish Halloween.

Scary thought!

For the adventurous at heart, it's just a zip down the highway to Long Beach Harbour, and up a rickety gangway onto the deck of the Queen Mary.

For starters, take a wild-eyed stroll in one of the terrifying mazes, if you dare.

Graveyard Maze

Beware!

There are UN-DEAD in the spooky fog, behind every tombstone, ready to snatch you up and spirit you away into the eerie mysterious cloak of night never to be seen again.

Isolation Ward

A "Cookoo's Nest" straight-Jacket ward unlike any other!

 Ghouls with witchy blood-thirsty bedside manners never spook-en about before dart here 'n there.

Step lively, now, and keep a watchful eye out for Nurse Slasher.

Check under the bed, at least.

Pirate Maze

Pirate spirits dwell in this drifting maze that haunts the mighty seas.

At a moment's notice, the evil forces are at-the-ready, to overthrow her majesty's stalwart crew on the grand old lady known as the Queen Mary.

Don't catch scurvy now, or you'll end up in the nasty dungeon below, to rot in oceanic hell.

Special Feature Attractions

The 15-day event boasts a bevy of sizzling celebrity hosts, Tarot card readers, psychics, make-up artists, and what-have-you.

At the food court feast on a soup of blood and flesh sure to make Jeffrey Dahmer swoon!

Info:  www.shipwreckhalloween.com

http://www.julianayrs.com

Adam Lambert...multi-tracked gutsy release! Foothold on solid musical ground...

Vinyl Boy or Goth wannabee?

The big brouhaha a few months ago over Adam Lambert's musical musings (and management entanglements) which threatened to beckon a fall from Grace with fans because of it - was all for nothing.

In spite of the blood feud and the nasty airing of dirty laundry with handlers and record execs in public - "American Idol" Pop Icon "Adam Lambert" - has managed to wing his glorious way out of the quagmire and into a heart-pumping musical awakening, of sorts.

And, tough critics are handing out kudos, too.

At the MTV web site, young hottie contemporaries articulated their sensory overload with reviews that ranged from one end of the rainbow spectrum to the other (cool, lukewarm, ecstatic).

"A lot of explosions. And graphics. So, I liked that," one dude ranted.

Yeah, but what about the pretty songbird and his chirping?

"His personality came out, definitely," another gushed.

"Video didn't match the song. So, it didn't go right at all," a stylish fashionista quipped a sec later.

And, then, there was this hilarious little ditty.

"The whole fire &  brimstone thing is so overdone. So, it was kinda lame," one pretty teen offered up in so many words (with a slight grimmace on her blemish-free skin).

Ouch!

Betcha she wouldn't kick Lambert out of bed for eating crackers, though.

But, the dude next to him?

In the frenetic video - shot for the big-budget feature 2012 - Lambert belts out an ear-splitting tune sure to appeal to the ultra-chic Goth & Vamp set.

Lambert strutted and mugged - and delighted Idol "lovers" - who lapped it all up when the over-the-top tune made its ceremonious entrance online amidst a lot of fanfare earlier this week.

Die-hard fans may spring for a keepsake at Amazon and iTunes with cash, credit card, or paypal in hand.

http://www.julianayrs.com

Roman Polanski...victim's cry for finality untimely! Sex offenders required to report...

Swordsplay, dahlink!

The victim who may have lost her virginity (?) to rogue director Roman Polanski (after being plied with drugs and alcohol) complained to the court in a legal proceeding a scant few days ago that ever since the diminutive creator of blockbuster hits such as "Rosemary's Baby" and "Chinatown" was apprehended - she has also been the "victim" of a frenzied press - who won't let up in their relentless pursuit of the truth.

"Enough," she has cried out to all within earshot.

According to the moving papers, the victim is pleading for "finality" in respect to the Polanski "cold file" case, so that she and her husband (and Polanski, presumably) can get on with their sordid lives.

I should like to point out for the record that in my own reports on the disturbing affair (People vs. Roman Polanski) I have never mentioned the victim's name or even published a publicity still to tag onto the features (most news outlets were inclined to).

In fact, when all the titillating salacious details started to leak out over the past few weeks, I made a pact with inner demons to protect the privacy of the victim (to a degree).

However, because the woman in question filed a civil suit (and prevailed in the action in respect to a money-judgment award) she may have sealed her own fate and - ultimately - is responsible for the grief complained of today.

It can be argued that the victim is surely witin her rights to request a dismissal of the Polanski case - especially in view of the fact she appears to be at peace with the naughty film director - who has not even expressed a modicum of remorse to date (that I am aware of).



Does a big-bucks settlement negotiated behind-the-scenes have anything to do with it, perchance?

Regardless, one fact remains.

On that fateful night Mr. Polanski established he was a predator.

Given the opportunity, will he pounce on virgin flesh once again?

Can a leopard change his spots?

When a sex offender is - charged, tried, and pronounced guilty - there are strings attached, too.

For example, a sex offender is required report to the local authorities whenever he or she is residing in (or visiting) a community-at-large.

Is Mr. Polanski seeking to avoid that little bit of unpleasantness, too?

In view of the foregoing, it is evident that there are issues that have yet to be resolved - the specific terms of the plea bargain need to be affirmed in the court record, a sentence has to be carried out to the "t", and end-scenario stipulations have to be hammered out - pursuant to applicable Criminal Codes and at the Court's discretion.

To simply dismiss the case because the victim wants "finality" is an absurd notion at this juncture.

Indeed!

Now that Polanski has been apprehended - and is awaiting extradition - the authorities are closer to putting the case to bed (after three decades of playing peek-a-boo with Polanski) than ever before.

Finality is around the corner, Miss.

Hold on to your knickers, a sec!

http://www.julianayrs.com

Nosferatu..."Symphony of Horror" @ Disney Hall on Halloween! Organist Clark Wilson...

And, you thought that Disney Hall was so high-brow!

Well, when it comes to classic films, the Maestros are inclined to waffle a little at the witching hour, as evidenced by the spotlighted screening of Nosferatu on Halloween (starring Max Schreck as a mysterious Vampire persona).

Film buffs will whisper in your ear that it's a Bram Stoker rip-off.

The names of the characters have been switcherooed to protect the blood-sucking guilty night crawlers, for copy-stalking purposes, of course!

The intense vampire film is hailed as a cinematic masterpiece that outdarkens the rest of 'em ghoulish midnight offerings showboating 'round town come the midnight hour when lost troubled souls descend upon us.

According to Wikipedia, on the eve of the original premiere, reviewers generally praised Nosferatu,  while some complained that the technically perfect & brightly-lit images detracted from the other-worldly horror theme wanting.

Der Film, a Berlin film magazine, praised the technical quality & believability of Schreck's  vampire portrayal, but felt that his form would have had a greater effect had it been shown more in silhouette.

I wholeheartedly give the nod to that aesthetic assessment.

Clark Wilson, a well-known organist in these witchy parts, will heighten the intrigue with macabre musical top notes sure to add to the high drama of the Halloween Jack-o-Lantern treat at Disney Concert Hall on the 31st (October).

Walt Disney Concert Hall
111 S. Grand Avenue
Los Angeles, California

http://www.julianayrs.com/

Roman Polanski...appeal for release denied! "Ghost" film at risk...

Shunned & denied?

Well, it was a bad-news week for Roman Polanski.

As cynics are often inclined to quip - it never rains - it pours!

If you recall, Polanski's request for release from a Swiss jail on bond or bail pending adjudication of issues surrounding extradition to the Unites States, was denied on the grounds that the now-crusty film director was a flight risk.

Duh!

Elementary, dear Watson.

Obviously, he and O.J. are the best of buds who share cliff-hanger notes.

Although, you have to admit, Simpson's attempt to flee the long arm of the law was pretty darn sensational.

For an inventive mind, capable of conjuring of swirling intrigues - and death-defying plot twists - Polanski's blip off the U.S. horizon paled by comparison.

When he fled these borders so many moons ago, he slipped quiety into the good night, with nary a devilish wink!

Even the Governator taunted:  I'll be back!

But, high-powered lawyers - anxious to spend bundles of his moolah, no doubt - made a bid for his release by filing a petition in the precise Swiss Court of Appeal.

Nada!

No lower court error, or any legal loophole, to buttress up the rapist's plea.

Innocent! 

Set free!

Now, comes the grand finale.

Swiss Officials have stated they'll probably comply with law enforcement's request for extradition to the sunny climbs of Southern California.

"While the Swiss officials cannot speak for the Judge, the extradition will likely be ordered based upon the facts submitted in our papers," a deputy district fessed up when probed on the sly by alert media.

No doubt - it was a summary of the case delivered to Swiss Officals for an in-depth legal review - that cinched it for Steve Cooley and his staff in the local prosecutor's office.

If you recall, Debra Winger and a posse of Roman Polanski's movie-industry pals, signed a petition in which they asked for the director's release on the grounds of Judge error, a prevailing prejudice against the diminuitive auteur - and ultimately - because the case is a decades-old "cold file" gathering pre-historic dust.

For a second or two, film production staff cautioned about a potential crisis developing in respect to the completion of the french visionary's latest film (Ghost), too.

Indeed, the crafty rascals tried to milk that scenario for all it was worth.

Hardly a legitimate excuse for dismissal when the issues pertained to the drugging of an innocent victim and a statutory rape in its shocking wake.

Golly, wonder why Polanski's handlers dropped that line of defense?

Now that the once-insightful creative icon has been apprehended, and Swiss Officials appear to be giving the nod in favor of the U.S. Courts, I expect Polanski will be hustled back to face post-production on a set right out of Steve Bochco's "LA LAW".

I noted in a previous post that Winger's arguments were essentially ass-backwards.

For example, if the court "dismissed" the case because it was an ancient monster collecting dust in an LAPD storage file and not worthy of pursuit - or on the grounds that the aging Lothario suffered through enough mental and emotional trauma while a fugitive on-the-run - it would set a dangerous precedent.

On the other hand, I noted that in the proper forum (in a Los Angeles court of law with a Judge presiding over the proceedings) supporters would be welcome (and within their rights and his) to plead for leniency.


But, it occurred to me just a day or two ago, that there may be another overriding reason Polanski, and Winger et al, would prefer the issues be resolved overseas.

Although it is conceivable that the Judge might bow to public pressure (if there is any outside the show-biz arena in Tinsel Town) and dismiss the legal proceedings in respect to the actual criminal charges.

On the other hand, Polanski may face a surprise wake up call, too.

For example, because Polanski fled jurisdiction and initially avoided sentencing, applicable criminal codes in California may require a jail sentence be imposed to penalize Polanski for thumbing his nose at the law.

What a dilemma, eh?

To some, for Polanski to serve humbling jail time in his twilight years, may just be the precious punishment the arrogant director needs.

You be the Judge!

http://www.julianayrs.com

West Hollywood...shop owners encounter hate crime! Thank you, Congress...

There was a lot of political activity around the gay arena this month.

When a cry went up to march on Washington (D.C.) and urge President Obama to take action on - I dunno, let's say - the ludicrous military policy (Don't ask. Don't tell) , a bill to prevent hate crimes against gays, the issue of a union between two gay souls - one "out" politician took a pessimistic stand.

"Marching is a waste of time," Barnie Franks lamented somewhat exasperated.

But, march they did, and to their surprise the President chose to speak!

Franks is obviously out-of-step with the times!

In addition, their plaintiff howl about Hate Crimes  was heard all the way to the hallowed halls of Congress.

The bill passed  281 to 146.

Some argued that there was no need for such a bill because all citizens are already protected under the U.S. Constitution.

"Violent attacks on people are already illegal regardless of the motive behind them," said Rep. Mike Pence (R-Ind).

The quirky politician also argued in so many words that, "the kind of legislatilon proposed would put us on the slippery slope of deeming particular groups as more important than others under our system of justice."

The hate-crime legislation would expand the law to cover acts of violence motivated by sexual orientation gender, disability, and/or gender identity.

The measure also would give Federal authorities more leeway to help state and local law enforcement in investigating and prosecuting hate crimes.

I say, the Bill has been passed, none too soon.

This past week, I popped in for a tasty low-calorie dessert at one of my favorite little trendy eateries in WeHo.

I have given the gals who own the upbeat hot spot a couple of promos in the recent past, my readers will recall.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0dZn4pYut40

On this occasion, the two lovely gals who run the popular take-out spot, sadly informed me they were recently harassed by owners of a milkshake outlet down the Santa Monica Boulevard strip a block or two.

Allegedly, the mischievous mean-spirited "neighbours", strolled in on a couple of occasions - and not only "trashed" the store-front a tad, but deliberately wasted their product which stung financially, too.

For instance, the uninvited intruders snatched up a handful of the small cups that the owners provide for customers to sample flavors with, then - without tasting a drop - tossed the uneaten dessert directly in the garbage bin with nasty smirks on their faces.

At that juncture, the brazen bullies strode over to the serving area where the toppings for the yogurt treat were on display for easy access, and spoiled all the product by running their grimey fingers through the dishes brimming with the delightful treats.

Things got a little more serious when the loonie-tunes foreigners fiddled with electrical circuits out back of the shop and managed to disrupt the utilities.

And, for a parting good-bye, the sickos proceeded to urinate all over the bathroom floor.

Frankly, I've never witnessed (or even heard whispers about) this kind of attack on a gay business in the past twenty years I have resided in West Hollywood.

Oh, yes, occasionally teenagers cruise through WeHo after a sun-drenched day at the beach, and call out "queer" as they roar by for a second - and in the next - are out-of-reach.

Cowards!

Non-physically-violent acts, but hateful and stinging to the inner being, nonetheless.

And, who could forget that horrid sign that Barnie's Beanery kept posted in their sloppy mess house for years on end?

"No faggots allowed"

Just last year, the sign was taken down, finally!

But, get this!

When the two ladies (lovers) approached the Sheriff's Department about the unpleasant disruption of their increasingly successful business (Los Angeles Magazine gave them a nod for having the best natural Yogurt in the lower mainland) the law enforcement officers in employ there were perplexed about what to do.

What crime had been committed? 

Jealousy?

Nope. 

A hate crime towards two gay women?

Quite possibly.

Harassment, if 'ya ask me!

If that's the case, then what legal procedures were in place in the judicial system before last week, to prosecute?

Little to none, let's face it, or the Sheriff's Department would have filed charges.

So, hats off to Congress, eh?

Louis D. Brandeis once opined:

"If we desire respect for the law, first we must make it respectable."

http://www.julianayrs.com

West Hollywood Halloween Carnival (2009)...ghouls, faeries & blood-thirsty Vampires! Strip-light-fantastic...

A young femme Latino with a wild orchid arranged just behind his ear (with a pierced earring on the other) held up a see-through cape and draped over his body as he fluttered his eyelids a tad, and awaited approval from a male friend flipping through an odd-assortement of costumes at the CVS outlet.

Ah-ha!

West Hollywood's infamous Halloween Carnival must be creeping up on us.

On October 31st, as the sun slides into the ocean off the picturesque Pacific Coast, ghostly goblins and ghastly Drag Queens (with big hair, bigger boobs, and attitudes to match) will saunter down the blocked-off  boulevard to strut their sassy, sensual, svelte, sexy stuff.

I expect there will be a bevy of naughty hilarious impersonations of "John & Kate" (stinkers!) with kiddies in tow (is eight ever enough?) copied to the "t" ad nauseam throughout the night's festive proceeding, a butch batch of balloon boys, a smattering of Obamas with veiled Afghans grovelling at his side, a posse of self-righteous Mormons, and a baker's doze or two of buffed Vampires with botox lips, impeccable pumped-up pecs, and washboard abs ready to - um - suck the life out of you.

The annual Carnival sponsored by WeHo (we "whores"), is the extravagant soiree of the year, so there will be a hot time in the old gay gulch next week's end.

Hundreds of thousands of lookie-loo's will descend on the two-mile square "gay" City, in fact, and slurp the smorgasboard of sensory delights up!

Plenty to salivate over.

Half-naked bodies in wild seductive outfits, send-ups that will make 'ya grab for your videoCam, celebrities tripping the-light-fantastic with TMZ paparazzi at-the-ready up their rear, regular joes showing off their "packages", and a whole slew of chic party types hyped up & anxious to BOOGIE!

MTV has been known to label the blow-out the hippest event on the planet.

Sure, the curious may want to stroll up to Hollywood Blvd. (to Hollyweird) and catch the "breeders" do their thing - but, you know what? - the fags do it better!

Haven't a thing to wear?

Well, just stop in to Chi Chi LaRue's spanking new "porn" shop just a boa's length away from tony Robertson (@ Santa Monica Boulevard) and snatch up something bondage, something blue, something bizzare baby, too. 

Do!!!

In the alternative, hike up your skirt and trot your volumptuous a**  up to Hollywood & Vine. 

I spied a couple of dazzling feather headresses in a boutique window - that were so spectacular that a costume's not even a necessity - if you catch my drift.

Okay, 'ya need the ba**s  to pull it off, yessir!

Each year about two months before the big night, I swear up-and-down, that I'll pump up it up and take the plunge:

Stride down the strip in a gold jockstarp adorned with fluffy white electric wings!

Yup!

The old couch potato didn't make it off the lay-away plan. 

Next year, promise!

On the strip, there'll be a lot of wild dancin' and boozin', and costume contests galore with big buck prizes to boot.

I expect a posse of DJ's will be ensconced in nifty eye-catching tents decorated to the hilt with the macabre, to conjure of an after-midnight witchy mood to slap platters to.

How many times do you anticipate night prowlers hear the catch strains of Michael Jackson's hit-album "Thriller" - before the eve goes boo?

Of course, the parade of gay pride busting out all over the strip, won't be limited to the out-of-doors.

A gaggle of chic (and trashy!) soirees are waiting to seduce and entertain 'ya!

"Night of the Oink" (at the Eagle) promises to be a hoot with DJ  "Peter G" revving up a sweaty sexy storm!

Why the oink?

"Because men are pigs," guffawed the party planners.

Whoa Nellie!

At Ultra Suede (on Robertson) the "Super Duper Spooky Cherry Pop" might just do it for your bippie.

In fact, a lot of booty @ Ultra Seude & the Factory will be shakin' pop music.

And, get out - front-row-center - for a live performance with Agnes.

DJ Marco will be waiting with bated breath to let out a primal scream at the Abbey (Robertson) where I expect the party favors (and sizzling hottie male strippers) will be stepping stridently to the tune of the devilish living dead til the wee hours of dawn.

Farther down the strip - and up a left to Hollywood Boulevard - adventurous stray dogs may want to catch Fred & Jason's (the winsome killer duo) Halloweene gig.

Ooops!

Just checked the calendar. 

That scintillating bash - with DJ Manny Patel Jr. spinning in the Grand Ballroom and DJ Bryan Pfeifer jamming on the Roof  Deck in the Graveyead Lounge - comes to life on Friday the 30th.

Imagine that!

Two spectacular ghoulish nights to par-tay heartily at, eh?

Moi?

Just piecing together a knock-out costume for a grand entrance at dusk in the heart of Rainbow-ville.

So, get cracking (and cackling) because there are just 5 days to go before the scare of your life.

Haven't got a thing to wear?

If you're stuck for costume ideas, click on the links below to get a gander at a couple of easy throw-together outfits sure to get a nod of approval from your ghoul-friends, Madge.

One-eyed Pumpkin Beau

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kKlNnkJtHRE

Wind-blown Witch with bondage fetish

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=POtznaPer4w

Data Robot

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9z_2pwnchxY

See 'ya there!!!

http://www.julianayrs.com

AFI Fest (2009)...George Clooney kicks off with Fantastic Mr. Fox! "A Single Man" (Weinstein) causes buzz! Tributes...

Dazzling Galas will attract the likes of megastars George Clooney and Robert DeNiro; industry-insiders will hail seasoned actors in Tributes that shine the spotlight on film great Chrisopher Plummer and popular actor Vitto Mortensen, and - of course - the paparazzi will lap up all the titillating goings-on at the edge of the red carpet as directors, producers , and A-list stars tout their film biz stuff at AFI Fest 2009.

Yes, once again, the American Film Institute holds court at two main venues - the Arclight and the richly-appointed Chinese Mann Theatre (Kodak complex) in the throbbing heart of the dream factory to every would-be actor in Tinsel Town.

The overall lineup at AFI consists of a showcase of 67 features (54 narratives & 13 documentaries) and 27 shorts (totalling 94 films from 32 countries).

To help digest the smorgasbord of delightful offerings, fest organizers wisely sectioned off the film events into a simple straightforward breakdown consisting of 3 main categories:

*Gala/Tributes,
*New Lights Competition
*Special Presentations

Last fall, I hailed the AFI Fest 2009 as the highlight of the year.

Once this year's well-rounded posse of projects start streaming off the screen on October 30th, and the week begins to exciedly unfold, it should be evident that this year may just top it!

After all, there is quite an impressive bill-of-fare (packed with a huge dollop of sensory overload) to take in.

And, there will be something for everyone, even the most discerning film buff.

For example, a bevy of  lush high-budget Hollywood-style films are slated to screen, amidst a select collection of insightful documentaries, world premiere screenings, chic lively par-tays (!), and sizzling scintillating short films pining for approval under the floodlights.

Here is a brief run-down, so you can mark your calendar and plan your wardrobe, for the high-profile celebrity-studded week blasting off - not only the AFI headquarters (Roosevelt Hotel) - but a couple of other inviting venues that reach out to the community from the center of the Festival hub sponsored by AUDI.

On Friday (October 30th), Fantastic Mr. Fox premieres with a lot of fanfare.

The release (expected to sell-out) boasts a stellar cast and includes voice-over performances by charismatic George Clooney and Academy-Award winner Meryl Streep (in the two lead roles).

This is Wes Anderson’s first animated film which uses classic handmade stop motion techniques to tell the story of the best-selling children’s book of the same title by Roald Dahl (Charlie & the Chocolate Factory and James & the Giant Peach).

In their press notices, the producers have offered up a teaser that may just lure filmgoers in the door.

"Mr. and Mrs. Fox live an idyllic home life with their son Ash (Jason Schwartzman) and visiting young nephew Kristofferson (Eric Anderson). But after 12 years, the bucolic existence proves too much for Mr. Fox’s wild animal instincts. Soon he slips back into his old ways as a sneaky chicken thief and in doing so, endangers not only his beloved family, but the whole animal community. Trapped underground and with not enough food to go around, the animals band together to fight against the evil Farmers Boggis, Bunce and Bean - who are determined to capture the audacious fantastic Mr. Fox - at any cost."

With voice performances by Bill Murray, Owen Wilson, Willem Dafoe and Michael Gambon.

Closing night, the Weinsteins take the stage - front and center - with their screening of the highly-touted feature-  "A Single Man" - sure to end this year's festival with a big bravo bang.

Fashion designer Tom Ford stepped behind the camera for the first time to direct his scripted adaptation of Christopher Isherwood’s acclaimed novel.

"The film follows a day in the life of a gay British college professor in Los Angeles as he attempts to cope with the death of his partner."

Both Ford and Colin Firth (who tackles the lead role) have received critical acclaim following screenings at the Venice and Toronto film festivals.

Julianne Moore, MatthewGoode and Ginnifer Goodwin also star in the film.

Ford, Firth and Moore are scheduled to attend.
 
The centerpiece Gala is also rustling up a lot of scuttlebutt, too.
 
"The Imaginarium of Dr. Parnassus" (US Premiere) stars Christopher Plummer,Tom Waits, Heath Ledger (in his final role), Johnny Depp, Jude Law, and Colin Farrell.

The Centerpiece Screening Gala presentation features the latest work by director TerryGilliam.

"IMAGINARIUM" follows the leader of a traveling theater troupe who, having made a deal with the devil, takes audience members through a magical mirror to explore their imaginations.

The Director of Programming noted that the mind-altering world that Terry Gilliam creates is like a model for the Director's ideal cinema, in which anything can happen and all the rules are broken."

Can't wait to catch it!

Gilliam and Plummer are scheduled to attend.

By the way, AFI FEST has selected actors Christopher Plummer and Viggo Mortensen to be tribute honorees at this year’s Fest.

Plummer’s "Tribute" (sponsored by Skirball Cultural Center) will precede the screening of his featuer film "THE LAST STATION" on Tuesday, November 3.

Mortensen’s "Tribute" will precede the US Premiere of "THE ROAD" (November 4th).

I am personally looking forward to catching a glimpse of Robert DeNiro at the Gala for the feature he stars in titled "Everybody's Fine" (World Premiere) if he puts in appearance on the red carpet or backstage.

 Drew Barrymore,Kate Beckinsale, Sam Rockwell, and Melissa Leo also  star in this USA project directed by Kirk Jones and Produced by Vittorio Cecchi Gori, Ted Field, Glynnis Murray, and Gianni Nunnari.

There has been a lot of industry buzz  on the West Coast in respect to another Gala presentation - PRECIOUS - which is BASED ON THE NOVEL PUSH BY SAPPHIRE.

The Cast consists of Gabourey Sidibe, Mo’Nique, Paula Patton, Mariah Carey, Sheri Shepherd, Lenny Kravitz.

Lee Daniels took on the directing honors.

Executive Producers: Oprah Winfrey, Tyler Perry, Lisa Cortes, Tom Heller.

"The Road" is another Gala presentation discerning filmgoers may not want to miss!

The U.S. world premiere release stars Viggo Mortensen, Charlize Theron, Guy Pearce, and Robert Duvall.

PROD: Paula Mae Schwartz, Steve Schwartz, Nick Wechsler
EXEC PROD: Marc Butan, Mark Cuban, Rudd Simmons, Todd Wagner.

SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS

A showcase honoring film history and its filmmakers feature the following highly-regarded projects:

NORTH BY NORTHWEST (1959)

Hitchcock at the top of his game!

Cast: Cary Grant, Eva Marie Saint, James Mason, and Martin Landau
 
SOMETHING’S GONNA LIVE (World Premiere)  (USA)
 
Subjects
Robert “Bob” Boyle, Haskell Wexler, Conrad Hall, Henry Bumstead, Harold Michelson.

DIR: Daniel Raim
PROD: Daniel Raim

WAKE IN FRIGHT   (Australia)

Cast: Gary Bond, Donald Pleasence, Chips Rafferty, Sylvia Ka Jack Thompson

DIR: Ted Kotcheff
PROD: George Willoughby,
EXEC PROD: Bill Harmon, Howard G. Barnes

NEW LIGHT COMPETITION

The eclectic segment showcases and honors groundbreaking films from filmmakers around the globe.

AJAMI  (Israel/Germany)

Cast: Fouad Habash, Nisrine Rihan, Elias Saba, Youssef Sahwani

DIR: Scandar Copti, Yaron Shani
PROD: Moshe Danon, Thanassis Karathanos
EXEC PROD: James

EASIER WITH PRACTICE  (USA)

Cast: Brian Geraghty, Marguerite Moreau, Jeanette Brox, Jenna Gavigan.

DIR: Kyle Patrick Alvarez
PROD: Cookie Carosella

EVERYONE ELSE (ALLE ANDEREN/Germany)

Cast: Birgit Minichmayr, Lars Eidinger, Hans-Jochen Wagner, Nicole Marischka

DIR: Maren Ade
PROD: Maren Ade, Dirk G. Engelhardt, Janine Jackowski

FIRST OF ALL, FELICIA (FELICIA INAINTE DE TOATE/Croatia)

Cast: Ozana Oancea, Vasile Mentzel, Ileana Cernat, Adina Andrei

DIR: Razvan Radulescu.
PROD: Ada Solomon

FISH TANK (UK)

Cast: Michael Fassbender, Harry Treadaway, Katie Jarvis, Kierston Wareing

DIR: Andrea Arnold
PROD: Kees Kasander
EXEC PROD: Christine Langan, David M. Thompson, Paul Trijbits

I KILLED MY MOTHER (Canada)

Cast: Anne Dorval, Xavier Dolan, François Arnaud, Suzanne Clément

DIR: Xavier Dolan PROD: Xavier Dolan
EXEC PROD: Carole Mondello

THE MESSENGER (USA)

Cast: Woody Harrelson, Samantha Morton, Ben Foster, Jena Malone

DIR: Oren Moverman
PROD: Benjamin Goldhirsh, Mark Gordon, Lawrence Inglee, Zach Miller
EXEC PROD: Steffen Aumueller, Nathaniel Bolotin, Christopher Mapp, Shaun Redick

THE MILK OF SORROW (LA TETA ASUSTADA/Spain/Peru)

Cast: Magaly Solier, Susi Sánchez, Efrain Solis, Marino Ballón

DIR: Claudia Llosa
PROD: Antonio Chavarrías, Claudia Llosa, José María Morales

NORTHLESS (NORTEADO/Mexico/Spain)

Cast: Harold Torres, Alicia Laguna, Sonia Couoh, Luis Cárdenas

DIR: Rigoberto Perezcano
PROD: Edgar San Juan
EXEC PROD: Sergio Castro, Hector Hernandez-Pons.

POLICE, ADJECTIVE  (Romania)

Cast: Dragos Bucur, Vlad Ivanov, Irina Saulescu, Ion Stoica

DIR: Corneliu Porumboiu
PROD: Corneliu Porumboiu

WOMAN WITHOUT PIANO (LA MUJER SIN PIANO/Spain/France)

Cast: Jan Budar, Esperanza De la Vega, Tomás del Estal, Nadia de Santiago

DIR: Javier Rebello
EXEC PROD: DamiánParis, Stefan Schmitz, María Zamora
WORLD CINEMA

New works by many of the world’s most renowned filmmakers.

ABOUT ELLY  (Iran)

Cast: Taraneh Alidoosti, Golshifteh Farahani, Shahab Hosseini, Mani Haghighi, Merila Zarei..

DIR: Asghar Farhadi
PROD: Asghar Farhadi

AFTER.LIFE  (USA)

Cast: Liam Neeson, Christina Ricci, Justin Long

DIR: Agnieska Wojtowi Vosloo
PROD: Brad Michael Gilbert, Bill Perkins, Celine Rattray
EXEC PROD: Pamela Hirsch, Edwin L. Marshall, Galt Niederhoffer.

THE BAD LIEUTENANT: PORT OF CALL, NEW ORLEANS (USA)

Cast: Nicolas Cage, Eve Mendez, Val Kilmer

DIR: Werner Herzog
PROD: Edward Pressman, John Thompson, Alan Polsky, Gabe Polsky.
EXEC PROD: Avi Lerner, Danny Dimbort, Trevor Short, Boaz Davidson..

BELLAMY (France)

Cast: Gerard Depardieu

DIR: Claude Chabrol
PROD: Edward Pressman John Thompson, Alan Polsky, Gabe Polsky.
EXEC PROD: Avi Lerner, Danny Dimbort, Trevor Short, Boaz Davidson..

CASTRO  (Argentina)

Cast: Edgardo Castro, Julia Martínez Rubio, Alberto Suárez, Carla Crespo.

DIR: Alejo Moguillansky PROD: Mariano Llinás, Laura Citarella
EXEC PROD: Eduardo Costantini

CITY OF LIFE AND DEATH (China/Hong Kong)

Cast: Liu Ye, Gao Yuanyuan, Hideo Nakaizumi, Fan Wei, Jiang Yiyan

DIR: Lu Chuan
PROD: Han Sanping, Steffen Wild

THE HOLE  (USA)

Cast: Chris Massoglia, Haley Bennett, Nathan Gamble, Teri Polo, Bruce Dern

DIR: Joe Dante
PROD: Robert Skotak
EXEC PROD: Gary Michael Waters, Chris Bender, J.C. Spink

IN THE ATTIC  (Czech Republic/Slovakia/Japan)

Cast: Barbora Hrzánová, Boris Hybner, Vladimír Javorsky

DIR: Jiri Barta
PROD: Milos Smídmajer

KANIKOSEN (Japan)

Cast: Matsuda Ryuhei, Nishijima Hidetoshi, Kora Kongo, Arai Hirfumi, Emoto Tokio.

DIR: Sabu
PROD: UtagawaYasushi, Mameoka Ryosuke, Tanabe Keigo
EXEC PROD Takahito Kashino

A LAKE (North American Premiere)  (France)

Cast: Dmitry Kubasov, Natalie Rehorova, Alexe Solonchev, Simona Hülsemann.

DIR: Philippe Grandrieux
PROD: Catherine Jacques

LONDON RIVER (Algeria/France/UK)

Cast: Brenda Blethyn, Sotigui Kouyate

DIR: Rachid Bouchareb
PROD: Rachid Bouchareb, Jean Bréhat, Mattieu de Braconier.

LOOKING FOR ERIC (UK)

Cast: Steve Evets, Eric Cantona, John Henshaw, Stephanie Bishop

DIR: Ken Loach
PROD: Tim Cole
EXEC PROD: Rebecca O’Brien

MOTHER (Korea)

Cast: Kim Hye-ja, Won Bin, Park Eun-kyo

DIR: Bong Joon-ho
PROD: Choi Jae-won, Seo Woo-sik
EXEC PROD: Miky Lee, Katharine Kim, Yang-kwon Moon South

NO ONE KNOWS ABOUT PERSIAN CATS (Iran)

Cast: Negar Shaghaghi, Askan Koshanejad, Hamed Behdad

DIR: Bahman Ghobadi
PROD: Bahman Ghobadi EXEC
EXEC PROD: Roxana Saberi

PERPETUUM MOBILE (Mexico/Canada)

Cast: Gabino Rodríguez, Teresa Sánchez, Francisco Barreiro

DIR: Nicolás Pereda
PROD: Nicolás Pereda, Catarina Coyoacan

A PROPHET (France/Italy)

Cast: Tahar Rahim, Niels Arestrup, Adel Bencherif, Reda Kateb, Hichem Yacoub

DIR: Jacques Audiard
PROD: Martine Cassinelli, Antonin Dedet

RED RIDING TRILOGY (1974, 1980, 1983)  (UK)

Cast: Sean Bean, Andrew Garfield, David Morrissey, John Henshaw, Anthony Flanagan.

DIR: Julian Jarrold, James Marsh, Anand Tucker
PROD: Andrew Eaton, Anita Overland, Wendy Brazington
EXEC PROD: Liza Marshall, Hugo Heppell, Norman Merry

ROOM AND A HALF (Russia)

Cast: Alisa Freindlich, Sergei Yursky, Grigory Dityatkovsky, Artem Smola

DIR: Andrey Khrzhanovsky
PROD: Artem Vassiliev, Andrey Khrzhanovsky

THE SECRET IN THEIR EYES (Argentina/Spain)

Cast: Ricardo Darín, Soledad Villamil, Pablo Rago,Javier Godino.

DIR: Juan José Campanella
PROD: Gerardo Herrero, Mariela Besuievsky, Juan José Campanella

THE SILENT ARMY (The Netherlands/France)

Cast: Marco Borsato, Andrew Kintu, Abby Mukiibi Nkaaga, Thekla Reuten

DIR: Jean van de Velde
PROD: Chris Brouwer, Richard Claus, Paul Brinks

SWEET RUSH (Poland)

Cast: Krystyna Janda, Pawel Szajda, Jadwiga Jankowska-Cieslak, JulPietrucha, Jan Englert

DIR: Andrzej Wajda
PROD: Waldemar Dabrowski, Slawomir Jozwik, Michal Kwiecinski.
EXEC PROD: KatarzyFukacz-Cebula

TO DIE LIKE A MAN (Portugal/France)

Cast: Fernando Santos, Alexander David, Goncalo Ferreira de Almeida.

DIR: Joao Pedro Rodrigues
PROD: Maria João Sigalho, Judith Nora

A TOWN CALLED PANIC (Belgium/France/Luxembourg)

Cast: Stéphane Aubier, Jeanne Balibar, Veronique Dumont, Bruce Ellison, Frederic Jannin

DIR: Stephane Aubier, Vincent Patar
PROD: Philippe Kauffmann, Vincent Tavier

VINCERE (Italy/France)

Cast: Giovanna Mezzogiorno, Filippo Timi, Fausto Russo Alesi, Michela Cescon.

DIR: Marco Bellocchio
PROD: Mario Gianani
EXEC PROD: Olivia Sleiter

YOUTH IN REVOLT (USA)

Cast: Michael Cera, Zach Galifianakis, Steve Buscemi, Jean Smart, Mary Kay Place.

DIR: Miguel Arleta
PROD: DaviPermut
EXEC PROD: Bob Weinstein, Harvey Weinstein, Nan Morales

DOCUMENTARY

The best & brightest, challenging, thrilling documenties from around the globe.

THE ART OF THE STEAL (USA)

DIR: Don Argott
PROD: Sheena M. Joyce
EXEC PROD: Lenny Feinberg

BEETLE QUEEN CONQUERS TOKYO (USA/Japan)

DIR: Jessica Oreck
PROD: Jessica Oreck

LOS HEREDEROS (Mexico)

DIR: Eugenio Polgovsky
PROD: Camille Tauss

ICONS AMONG US (USA)

Subjects: Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, Esperanza Spalding.

DIR: Michael Rivoira/Lars Larson/Peter J. Vogt
PROD: John W. Comerford, Theo N. Ianuly

LA DANSE: THE PARIS OPERA BALLET (France/USA)

DIR: Frederick Wiseman
PROD: Pierre-Oliver Bardet, Frederick Wiseman, Francoise Gazio

MOSCOW (Brazil)

DIR: Eduardo Coutinho
PROD: Beth Pessoa
EXEC PROD: João Moreira Salles, Mauricio Andrade Ramos.

NE CHANGE RIEN (France)

With: Jeanne Balibar

DIR: Pedro Costa
PROD: Francisco Villa-Lobos

NEIL YOUNG TRUNK SHOW (USA)

Subject: Neil Young

DIR: Jonathan Demme
PROD: Jonathan Demme, Elizabeth Hayes, Mark Kamine
EXEC PROD: L.A. Johnson

PETITION (China/France)

DIR: Zhao Liang
PROD: Sylvie Blum

REPORTER (USA)

With: Nicholas D. Kristof

DIR: Eric Daniel Metzgar
PROD: Mikaela Beardsley, Steven Cantor
EXEC PROD: Ben Affleck

SWEETGRASS (USA)

DIR: Lucien Castaing-Taylor/Ilisa Barbash
PROD: Ilisa Barbash

TRANSCENDENT MAN (USA)

DIR: Robert Barry Ptolemy
PROD: Barry Ptolemy, Felicia Ptolemy
 EXEC PROD: Joe DiSanto, John Ramsay, Wren Waters, Doobie White.

THE TWO HORSES OF GENGHIS KHAN (Germany Mongolia)

DIR: Byambasuren Davaa
PROD Byambasuren Davaa, Beatrix Wesle

ALT_CINEMA

Alternative filmmaking for filmmakers who push the boundaries of culture & cinema.

THE ANCHORAGE (USA/Sweden)

Cast: Ulla Edström, Marcus Harrling, Elin Hamren, Bengt Ohlsson

DIR: C.W. Winter/Anders Edström
PROD: C.W. Winter, Anders Edström

BEST WORST MOVIE (USA)

DIR: Michael Paul Stephenson
PROD: Lindsay RowlesStephenson, Michael Paul Stephenson, Brad Klopman.
EXEC PROD: Alan Hunter, Hugh Hunter

GUY AND MADELINE ON A PARK BENCH (USA)

Cast: Bernard Chazelle, Desiree Garcia, Jason Palmer, Frank Garvin.

DIR: Damien Chazelle
PROD: Jasmine McGlade
EXEC PROD: W.A.W. Parker

THE LOVED ONES (Australia)

Cast: Xavier Samuel, Robin McLeavy, John Brumpton, Victori Thaine.

DIR: Sean Byrne
PROD: Mark Lazarus, Michael Boughen
EXEC PROD: Christopher Mapp, Matthew Street, David Whealy.

MODUS OPERANDI (USA)

Cast: Randy Russell, Danny Trejo, Mark Borchardt, Michael Sottile.

DIR: Frankie Latina
PROD: Shalyse Dominique, Laurie Foote,Mark Foote.
EXEC PROD: Bobby Ciraldo

TRASH HUMPERS (USA/UK)

Cast: Rachel Korine, Brian Kotzue, Travis Nicholson, Harmony Korine

DIR: Harmony Korine
PROD: Charles-Marie Anthonioz, Amina Dasmal, Robin Fox
EXEC PROD: Amina Dasmal, Robin Fox

SHORTS

A wide-ranging selection of shorts including some from the Lunchfilms series.

LUNCHFILMS (USA)

ALL DAY ALL NIGHT (USA)
DIR: Sarah Soquel Morhai

THE CALL
DIR: David Fenster/David Nordstrom

CHINESE BOX  (USA)
DIR: Nick McCarthy

CLEAR GLASSES (USA)
DIR: Sam Green

FRIENDS (USA)
DIR: James Graham

GOLDTHWAIT FAMILY HOME MOVIES (ANNIVERSARY EDITION)
DIR: Bobcat Goldthwait

HOME MOVIE  (USA)
DIR: Braden King

JEAN (USA)
DIR: Kelly Sears

LETTERS REAL/NAMES NOT (USA)
DIR: Azazel Jacobs

OFFSHORE BANK (USA)
DIR: Tom Barndt

TIN WOODMAN'S HOME MOVIE #2 (USA)
DIR: Naomi Uman/Lee Lynch

WEIRD CAROLERS (USA)
DIR: Brent Green

WHISKEYPRIEST (USA)
DIR: Randy Walker/Jennifer Shainin

SHORTS PROGRAM

A LETTER TO UNCLE BOONMEE  (Thailand/UK/Germany)
DIR: Apichatpong Weerasethakul

THE CITIZENS/LEAD/THE SIMPLE ANTENNAE (USA)
DIR: Kevin Everson

DICK CHENEY IN A COLD, DARK CELL (USA)
DIR: Jim Finn

THE HISTORY OF AVIATION (Hungary/France)
DIR: Balint Kenyeres

I AM SO PROUD OF YOU (USA)
DIR: Don Hertzfeldt

JOHN WAYNE HATED HORSES (USA)
DIR: Andrew T. Betzer

OIL CHANGE (USA)
DIR: Todd Luoto

SEND ME TO THE ´LECTRIC CHAIR (Canada)
DIR: Guy Maddin, Isabella Rossellini

SHORT TERM 12 (USA)
DIR: Destin Daniel Cretton

I've ticked off my picks. How 'bout you?

See 'ya on the Red Carpet next week!

Takes on role of Executive Producer

http://www.julianayrs.com/