Los Angeles Film Festival...shamed! The Richard Raddon ghost haunts event. Should gays boycott fest?

Tattler readers may recall from a controversial post that I suffered a nasty run-in with last year with former Director of the Los Angeles Film Festival - Richard Raddon - when I approached the devout Mormon about covering the annual Westwood-based event.

In fact, I am still baffled by Raddon's bizarre conduct, to this day.

Post:

http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2008/06/los-angeles-independent-film.html

Shortly after I published the tell-all on the Internet, I spied a sudden surge on searches for Richard Raddon on google, which piqued my curiosity.

For some inexplicable reason, Raddon was suddenly a "hot potato" in the blogosphere; so, I dived in head-long and conducted my own dragnet on the high-profile film fest organizer to get to the bottom of the "dish".

Within minutes, I stumbled upon a whole heap-load of nasty sh** on the odd-ball local celebrity in the film biz.

A headlining scandal took the cake.

Allegedly, as "gays" in the Los Angeles lower mainland were engaging in a bitter fight tooth & nail over the issues pertaining to Proposition 8 (initiative to ban gay marriage in California) individuals - Raddon, for one - were stabbing 'em in the back by silently donating significant funds to support the cause.

Raddon's contribution to the witch-hunt?

A thousand bucks!

Shortly afterward, a war of words between "gay activists" and "Mormons" hit the fan, and a controversy erupted in the community that led to angry marches in the street and near riots.

Gays got organized in military-style precision!

Before you could say tit-for-tat, a boycott was launched against all businesses and individuals that contributed funds to the Prop 8 initiative, to demonstrate the clout of the pink dollar.

A trendy Mexican diner on Beverly Boulevard in West Hollywood - frequented by gays in the neighborhood for decades - was the first to feel the pinch and cave in.

The Los Angeles Film Festival was also a prime target ripe for levelling.

Unless Raddon was "let go", gays and their vocal supporters, threatened to boycott the Fest - shut-it down - if possible.

Bowing to pressure, Richard Raddon resigned, and justice appeared to rule the day.

However, the controversy was still bubbling on a back burner behind closed doors.

On the heels of the resignation, actor Don Cheadle - a member of the Festival Board - proceeded to urge Raddon not to kow-tow to the demands of the angry mob (along with a handful of other Directors at the Los Angeles Film Festival who held similar views).

This triggered a heated dialogue on various issues which was awash in the press for weeks on end.

When push came to shove, Raddon honored the resignation, and gays breathed a collective sigh of relief.

Now, as the new Festival (2009) prepares to launch in Westwood in the next ten days or so, there remains one burning question to be answered.

Since Richard Raddon supporters are still firmly ensconced at the LA Film Festival - and no doubt still hold their prior views on gays, the Mormons, the right to contribute funds to political causes (no matter how morally reprehensible), and a ban on gay marriage in California - should the gay community launch a boycott this year to ferret the rest out?

Enquiring minds want to know!

Not!

http://www.julianayrs.com

Darfur Now...genocide a myth conjured up for black votes in U.S.

The Ambassador to Sudan states that there is no genocide in his country.

In fact, in the documentary film - "Darfur Now", he boldly alleges that the idea is a myth created by politicians in the United States to land black votes.

In a matter of minutes, though, those absurd notions are quickly put to rest as the tragedy in Darfur unfolds on screen.

Villages have been looted and burned, women have been raped, and children murdered mercilessly at the hands of the Janjaweed (known as the "Devil on Horseback") and all is sanctioned by the Government of Sudan.

Accusers say Sudan's government is guilty of "ethnic cleansing" and crimes against humanity.

Likewise, "The Human Rights" watch accuses government-backed Arab militias of systematic attacks on black Sudanese peasants and government forces of starving black Sudanese to death in concentration camps.

On the heels of these reports, the United Nations has alleged that the government and the militias (the Janjaweed) have systematically starved refugees under their control.

More than seven million of the world's nearly twelve million refugees have been confined to camps, special settlements, or other conditions in which their basic human rights have been denied for ten years or more, according to the 2004 World Refugee Survey released by the U.S. Committee for Refugees (USCR).

Without doubt - it's a complex situation fraught with unnerving truths, sinister characters and enough mysteries - to satisfy any amateur sleuth pining for closure.

In this stirring documentary, the filmmakers engage in an admirable effort to lay bare any uncertainties, with the specific aim of exposing the corrupt underbelly of an ugly all-powerful criminal regime in control.

And, the filmmakers accomplish the task in a novel potent way.

With great insight, the camera focuses on six different individuals from inside Darfur and around the globe who are involved in bold-faced efforts to throw a searing spotlight on the tragedy in Sudan.

These brave activists consist of a Darfurian woman who becomes a rebel, a Chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, a focused United Nations worker, and a justice-seeking UCLA graduate with ties to Sudan.

In the process, the producers unmask a noble truth:

One person can bring about a difference to millions in the scheme of things.

It only takes one foot to step forward to start effecting real change.

A thread of the intricate tapestry which is Darfu - unravels - as one man (the head prosecutor at the International Criminal Court) begins an investigation into the alleged atrocities with the specific aim of bringing the responsible culprits to justice.

With a pervading sadness - the Official recalls the criminal proceedings in his own homeland (Argentina) - where corrupt officials were brought to trial.

Those humble beginnings in that heady historical era ended up forging a foundation for his life's work ahead.

When frustrated reporters quiz him as to why the wheels of justice are turning so slowly - and hint that there appears to be a failure to bring the evil-doers before the court for speedy prosecution - he is crestfallen.

Bottom line - he'd like to surge ahead - but understands from past litigation that an airtight case backed with solid indisputable evidence - is the key.

Then, the tale shifts to a U.N. worker and his frustrations in dealing with mounting problems on the battlefront.

Although the "World Food Project" delivers tons of food daily, the shipments are often hijacked by the Janjaweed, stolen, or kept from the mouths of the hungry and the needy.

At times, he feels as if he is just spinning his wheels.

There must be action, now!

The filmmakers proceed to expertly weave into the tale the quest of two men - who hatch up the idea (out-of-frustration really) to hit Sudan where it hurts most - in the pocketbook.

The dedicated duo commence with the arduous task of organizing a petition and gathering signatures with the ultimate aim of introducing a "Bill" in California for the "Divestment of Funds" (pension monies) from Sudan.

Meanwhile, the story shifts to the countryside, where a handful of rebels - rest, perch in trees and hide behind rocks - at the ready to hold back the Janjaweed, if necessary.

The intense fearful talk drifts to lofty ideas.

The villagers imagine what it will be like when the "white people" come. Ah, they envision paved roads, electricity, and the creature comforts of a home.

All manner of manna from heaven.

Until then - rag-tag members of the Woman's Union vow to fight for their lives and for Darfur - as ubiquitous automatic rifles protrude from their laps.

With suppressed smiles, they recall a day when there were orchards and lush gardens, and plenty for all.

Darfur had been a virtual Garden of Eden, but was thrown asunder for some inexplicable reason.

Don Cheadle, one of the producers for the gripping documentary argues,

"If all the people who call up American Idol each week also rang up the Government and protested," he asserted, "Some legitimate action would be underway today."

As he stood on the sidelines - the Ambassador to Sudan - taunted the filmmakers by boasting that the protests of outsiders would fall on deaf ears and that rebels fighting his regime would be pushed back.

"The Government has a monopoly on violence," he remarks matter-of-fact.

But, near the end of the documentary, there is good news.

The "Bill" to divest investments in the Sudan has not been vetoed by the Governor.

In one of the few humorous scenes in the movie - Schwarzenegger strides out - and strikes up some idle talk with Don Cheadle.

"I've never seen you in a suit. You look good," - something to that effect.

In another scene, Hillary Clinton steps into a meeting room looking for-all-the-world like a deer caught in the headlights of an oncoming car.

Will she inherit this legacy?

Is that why she's being cautious?

With a flourish, Schwarzenegger signs the "Bill", and it is introduced into Law in the State of California.

To add to the joy of the tireless workers - the two political figures responsible for the heinous crimes are finally indicted and named as defendants - to be arrested and prosecuted at trial in the Hague.

But, the Ambassador is resolute.

The two political bag men will never be turned over to authorities, he assures the filmmakers.

At the close of the movie - it's evident the "heroes" of this documentary have impacted the Sudanese horrors - significantly.

But, life (and death) goes on in Darfur.

"Unless this criminal conduct is stopped," says one political insider, "The rest of the world will be like this in twenty-five years."

The price of apathy, perhaps?

Henri Frederic Amiel once noted,

Truth is not only violated by falsehood; it may be equally outraged by silence.

CineVegas Film Festival...Anjelica Huston & 5 actors honored!

The Cinevega film festival honored six actors who made significant contributions to film and the industry on the occasion of the Festival's 10th anniversary.

"Over the past 10 years, CineVegas has honored an impressive body of actors, directors and producers and this year is no exception," the Festival directed noted with a lot of enthusiasm.

What better way to celebrate a decade of recognizing talent than to honor - James Caan, Don Cheadle, Rosario Dawson, Anjelica Huston, Viggo Mortensen and Sam Rockwell - whose brazen careers mirrored the excellence of the myriad innovative and uninhibited films the Fest unveils each year?

James Caan was honored with the Festival’s Vegas Icon Award (sponsored by the LVCVA) which is presented to an actor - who not only embodied the spirit of Las Vegas - but also delivered up memorable performances in films and shows set in the desert city.


The honorees participated in moderated conversations at the Festival which were open to the general public a few days later.

The Marquee Award was given to Anjelica Huston for her illustrious accomplishments in the film industry.

In addition - Don Cheadle, Rosario Dawson, Viggo Mortsensen and Sam Rockwell - were rewarded with Half-Life Awards for their exemplary achievements on celluloid to date.

Anjelica Huston has received a couple of dozen honors in a long impressive theatrical career which include multiple nods from the National Society of Film Critics, two Independent Spirit Awards, Los Angeles and New York Film Critics Awards, and an honor from Women in Film.

Also, Huston received a Best Supporting Actress Oscar for her role in "Prizzi's Honor", and a Golden Globe for her role in HBO's original movie "Iron Jawed Angels".

Although she's the daughter of respected actor/director John Huston - and a high-profile celebrity in her own right - many filmgoers first came to be familiar with her work through her long-time romantic association with film great, Jack Nicholson.

Since being named Best Supporting Actor by the Los Angeles Film Critics for his breakout performance opposite Denzel Washington in - "Devil in a Blue Dress" - actor Don Cheadle has consistently turned in powerful performances on both stage and screen.

Other stand-out roles include those scripted in "Talk to Me"; the Oscar-winning, "Crash" (Cheadle produced); The Hotel Rwanda (Academy Award, Golden Globe Award, Broadcast Film Critics Award); "Reign Over Me"; and award-winning "Traffic".

Cheadle is also well recognized for his television work.

In recent years, he has become known to the American public for his humanitarian efforts in war-torn countries overseas, which have occasionally been captured on film in the form of powerful documentaries (Darfur Now).

Rosario Dawson (KIDS) emerged recently as one of Hollywood’s most sought after leading ladies.
The talented actress was featured in Tarantino’s horror project - "Grindhouse" - as well as "Descent" (which served as her producing debut).

Other memorable roles include that of "Mimi Valdez" in the 2005 film adaptation of "Rent".

Fans may recall she played "Gail" in the 2005 film noir drama "Sin City".

Dawson also starred in "Explicit Ills" - which premiered and won the audience award at the 2008 SXSW Film Festival - and was later unveiled at the 2008 CineVegas Film Festival.

Although Viggo Mortensen is mainly known as an actor to the American filmgoing public, the talented man is also a highly accomplished actor, poet, photographer and painter.

In essence, he's what you would call a Renaissance Man.

His film career has been marked by a steady stream of diverse performances since his debut as a young Amish farmer in "Witness".

Critics stood up and took notice of his work in "A History of Violence", for instance, and the blockbuster hit "The Lord of the Rings", and "The Reflecting Skin".

As part of Mortensen’s tribute, CineVegas screened "Alatriste".

In that project, Vitto exacted a bang-on characterization of the Spanish soldier-turned-mercenary, Captain Alatriste.

Sam Rockwell is a dynamic actor known for taking on challenging roles and creating memorable characters in the process.

After his feature film debut in Francis Ford Coppola's "Clown House", the biz welcomed him with open arms.

Mr. Rockwell has starred in "Joshua", "Heist', "The Green Mile", and the popular hit, "Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy".

Rockwell’s portrayal of Chuck Barris in "Confessions of a Dangerous Mind" won the actor critical praise at the Berlin Film Festival (Best Actor Award).

And, he nabbed Movieline's "Breakthrough Performance" of the year award, for the same role.

Rockwell is also a stage actor who wowed audiences in "The Last Days of Judas Iscariot" at the Public Theater.

Versatile actor - James Caan - is best known for his Oscar-nominated performance as mobsteer Sonny Corleone in "The Godfather" and for his Emmy-nominated portrayal of celebrated football star Brian Piccalo in "Brian’s Song".

Caan has appeared in a staggering 50 feature films and along the illustrious way earned many plaudits.

Most recently, he was highly praised for his powerful insightful performances in "Misery" and "The Rain People" (in the latter, he turned in a skilled performance portraying a brain-damaged football star).

In sum, Caan is a true Vegas icon.

The awards were given out at a CineVegas Honorees Reception.