Photo by [The Dances With Films]/PRTCL Chinese Theaters, Hollywood, June 7-17, 2018
The Dances With Films independent film festival took place on June 7-17 at the legendary TCL Chinese Theaters in Hollywood. It included movie screenings, panels, the green carpet, and awards ceremony.
The festival was founded back in 1998 by a group of filmmakers who believed in the quality of the work.
On June 17 thousands of Angelenos, tourists, media and VIP guests celebrated Father’s Day at the 25th Annual Rodeo Drive Concours d’Elegance.
The event, which is free and open to the public, offers families a chance to learn more about exotic, celebrity-owned and sports cars. A great variety of Teslas, Lamborghinis, Porches, Cadillacs, Rolls-Royces and Bugattis are showcased at this annual luxury event.
The event was hosted by Chairman of Rodeo Drive Concours d’Elegance Bruce Meyer and ABC7’s Dave Kunz.
Not to mention, Louis Vuitton celebrated both Concours d’Elegance and 2018 FIFA World Cup throwing one of a kind red carpet private event on the rooftop of its iconic store located on Rodeo Drive. You can check out its newly launched 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™ Official Licensed Product Collection in the store.
On Wednesday, May 9 the annual ASCAP Music Expo kicked off at the Loews hotel in the heart of Hollywood. Music industry moguls including Jermaine Dupri, Jason Mraz, and St. Vincent as well as several other well-known artists, writers, and producers were all in attendance. Guests from all over the country came to attend the event and get exclusive access to the experts at their panels and breakout sessions.
For country music fans, “It Takes a Village to Raise a Songwriter”, a panel featuring rising country music star Adam Sanders and Nashville music execs from Spotify, Red Light Management and other music city experts was the highlight of day one.
In my exclusive interview with songwriter turned country music star Adam Sanders I got the inside scoop on his latest inspiration, his journey into the music industry and what defines the Adam Sanders sound on his debut album which was just released on Friday, May 11. Before Adam took the stage for his panel he shared some of his insider tips telling me about the process for creating his debut EP inspired by 90s country sound. He told me his number one piece of advice for those looking to break into the music industry saying,
” I think the biggest thing is to find your champion and also find your team. I remember when I very first moved to Nashville a lot of the guys that I met were guys like Cole Swindell, Dustin Lynch, Tyler Farr and all these different people that I’m very good friends with now and as I met these guys we were all in positions where none of us had publishing deals, record deals, none of us had anything going on, we were all just young and hungry artists and writers and I remember looking at the guys that were getting no. 1s at that time thinking I need to write for these guys or I need to go on tour with this artist. And I’ve been able to accomplish some of that but all of my success came from the group that I rose together with. The Cole Swindell’s of the world or the Dustin Lynch’s so I think it’s just find your group, find your champion whether that’s with ASCAP or your management company or your booking agent. My panel that I have with me are five key people that I have with me that have really shaped my career, so your team is really important and also along with that determination and to work very hard goes a long way.”
During the panel, Sanders introduced his team including his manager Tom Lord from Red Light Management, John Marks from Spotify, and early supporter of his music, Kevin Meads his agent at WME, and Ryan Beuschel VP of A&R at Warner/Chappell. He emphasized the importance of finding the right team and the group shared stories of good times in Nashville. Sanders also spoke about several of his artist friends including Morgan Wallen, Cole Swindell and other now famous country stars. He talked about the importance of rising together sharing stories of how the crew had started out hanging out in Nashville bars or at friends’ houses writing songs together before any of them achieved success. One story Adam told about his song “Ain’t Worth the Whiskey” had the crowd cracking up. Cole Swindell was working as a t-shirt salesman for Luke Bryan and Adam was working in construction in Nashville when they all decided to get together one weekend after Cole had just gotten out of a relationship. After drinking and talking about his ex-girlfriend they all decided the story was definitely worth writing a song over and soon enough they had the beginnings of a song. Adam finished it and later took it to Cole who loved it and now it’s a top hit on country radio. The panel closed with a live performance from Adam of “Ain’t Worth the Whiskey” and the crowd loved hearing it from the voice of the writer for a different experience. Adam also previewed a song from his new album giving the audience a mini concert which everyone enjoyed. The panelists covered many topics and finished out by talking about the future of the music industry. John Marks of Spotify noted how it had evolved over the years and how music streaming had changed many aspects including making it possible for behind the scenes talent like Adam to come forward and get their brand out there. According to John Marks, 75% of the current country artists write their own songs in the Nashville market meaning that artist and writer roles have blurred. The panel was definitely a success and the first day of ASCAP closed out with a great concert from some famous writers and music industry veterans at Ohm nightclub in Hollywood. Appetizers were also served on the Loews hotel rooftop during the annual ASCAP mixer that evening. Guests enjoyed mingling while watching a great view of the sunset over Los Angeles before heading to the show to see Jason Mraz and many other talented musicians give their performances.
Rising country star Adam Sanders attended his first ever CMT awards this past weekend where household names like Carrie Underwood and Kelly Clarkson were honored. We had the chance to sit down with the songwriter- turned -country- singer a few weeks ago at the ASCAP music expo in Hollywood right before the release of his debut EP. The singer had a lot to say about the transition from behind the scenes to center stage.
Adam, who spoke at a panel during the ASCAP conference, described his background and childhood growing up in Florida during the panel. When asked what led him to country music he referenced growing up listening to 90s country music.
Check out the interview below to get the full scoop on Sanders music and inspiration.
Q: Let’s talk about first your new EP that you’ve released. You are a songwriter so it seems like you know what you want to say, but how have you worked on defining your sound?
A: My career and my journey have been awesome so far. You know I started out as a songwriter and you know I was able to have a lot of cuts and things and a couple number ones and as I transition into the artist’s career it was something that I really didn’t think about a lot. When I first started, you know, I knew how to craft a song that I didn’t know how to write a song for myself and so it really took some digging to go back and find myself personally and figure out who I was as an artist. And about a year-and-a-half ago all that made sense to me and my brand is family, faith, fitness, the outdoors and music so moving forward you know we just started to look at some of the songs that I had written that applied to me and also took that brand and started to write with that mindset and so it was a learning process honestly you know to try to figure out you know I knew how to ride a Cole Swindell song or a Dustin Lynch song but I didn’t know to write an Adam Sanders song and so we’re really excited it comes out this Friday so it’s going to be awesome.
Q: What has kept you coming back to Country? Because I read that a couple times you thought maybe you were going to switch genres, but you always came back to Country. So what is it about country that keeps you coming back?
A: Country, you know I grew up on 90’s country and that is my absolute love deep down in my heart.
I think as I was going through the process of trying to figure out who I was as an artist I told my team several times look I’ll sing the phonebook if that’s what it takes to get me to a certain point because this is my dream from day one. You know music has always been my life one goal and I was sort of willing to sacrifice and do anything to get there and I realize now that that may not have been the right approach that I needed to do what was you know true to me and true to my heart and so you know we released a few songs that may have been a little bit more of a pop sounding side of things and it’s crazy that as we released some of these songs it’s almost like everyone got one click more pop than country and I sort of was like a flower wilting I was dying a little bit slower and I was like man and finally it clicked and so moving forward you know I will say that I ‘m a country music artist and I will always be that and so I want my fans to know that moving forward there is no question of hey is that is that a country or he isn’t and you know it’s definitely going to hit you know radio country.
Q: So you’re here today to talk about song writing so what is your piece of advice for up and coming songwriters?
A: I think the biggest thing is to find your champion and also find your team I remember when I first moved to Nashville some of the very first people that I met were guys like Cole Swindell and Dustin Lynch and Tyler Farr and all these different people that you know I’m very good friends with now and as I met these guys we were all in positions where none of us had publishing deals, none of us had record deals we didn’t have anything going on we were still young and hungry artists and writers and I remember looking at the guys that were getting number ones at that time saying I need to be writing with these guys or I need to you know go on tour with this artist you know.
And I’ve been able to accomplish some of that and been able to do that but all of my success came from the group that I rose together with the Cole Swindell’s of the world and the Dustin Lynch’s of the world and so I think it’s just you know find your group and then find your Champions along the way whether that’s with ASCAP or your management company or your booking agent, my panel that I have with me are five key people in my career that have shaped my career today and without those people my career wouldn’t be what it is but also you know determination goes a very long way and to work very hard so I would say find your champion and find your team.
Q: So when you’re writing your songs and you know a lot of your songs are kind of stories that you’ve said are kind of inspired by your own life, what is inspiring you right now is there anything that’s going on in your life right now?
A: Yeah you know it’s just like I said when I found what my brand is those five pillars, Family Faith Fitness the Outdoors and Music are what means the most to me personally and so that’s what I want to sing about and I want to write about I want to make sure it’s true and authentic and so right now you know family is a big emphasis you know as my grandfather is getting older I’m spending as much time with him as I can and taking him fishing you know on days I don’t have anything you know fitness is a big side I love the outdoors you know I’m always loved hiking and hunting and fishing you know when and so my faith also you is something I have dipped into the last year or so and so I think those are the things that I really want to sing about and I want to inspire people in a positive way you know I think there’s so many different subjects of songs and I want to put out songs that can inspire people positively in a positive way.
****
On Friday May 11 the final day of the ASCAP Music expo in Hollywood kicked off with panels from the music industries top professionals. The highlight of the day for many attendees was the chance to attend po icon Meghan Trainor’s panel. The powerhouse singer/songwriter attracted a large crowd to her panel where she spilled secrets on her success and how she came to be a writer for household names in the music industry such as Rascall Flatts, Fifth Harmony, JLo, and Lauren Alaina.
Trainor, a longtime ASCAP member had come full circle as she took her seat on the stage to talk about her career. At 16 she had been an audience member at this very ASCAP expo in LA where she got to hear from music industry stars such as Justin Timberlake who inspired her to pursue her career as a writer. Now, getting to come back to the conference as a speaker herself she gave an amazing speech that no doubt inspired many audience members. Trainor was so excited to be back she even brought her parents with her and kicked off the panel by telling stories of how her dad had encouraged her music career from a young age. The singer told stories of how she played instruments from a young age. She told the audience about how when she wrote her songs as a teenager her father would encourage her telling her to finish the songs even when she wanted to give up. By 17 Trainor was already writing hits and working on her own brand. She told the crowd about the lessons she learned from being successful at such a young age. Sharing some hilarious stories of her trials and errors in the music business she said, “Don’t sign stuff!” and described how she made the mistakes of signing deals she didn’t fully understand saying that was a mistake she hoped to share with others. The pop singer also joked about being a young success in the music industry saying that giving orders as a young blonde boss wasn’t always the most fun. She even told a story of having to fire someone, and how nervous the whole situation made her. But the singer came out stronger and definitely didn’t let any of these obstacles intimidate her.
Her story of turning from a behind the scenes writer to a celebrity pop singer was so inspiring and the artist truly lives her brand when it comes to being unapologetic and celebrating yourself. She told the audience that she never believed she could be a star because of her looks and lack of celebrity qualities but then one day she realized that she could be front and center too. And she hasn’t let anything get in her way since realizing that was what she wanted.
She got personal spilling details about going from average girl to world famous pop star. Trainor spoke about how the transition isn’t all fairy tale endings and shared that it had been hard at times because shed lost friends and sometimes struggled with relating to people form her past life. She told the crowd, “My therapist said that you can’t really go back. And I will probably never relate to my old friends the same way.” But the singer has been hard at work making new friend and stardom hasn’t been all bad.
Speaking of friends, the singer also brought her co-writer J Kash to the panel who recounted stories of working with Megan in the writer’s room. He helped her write her latest single “no excuses” which has been another hit on the radio. She said she came to him and said hey I need a song about respect and that’s how they came to the idea of “no excuses”. The two also talked about working with different personalities in the music industry giving their advice for how to deal with creative differences.
Megan said,”if you really hate the idea you have to let them know. But do it in the nicest way you can like, hey, you’re crazy I hate this, you’re gorgeous.”
Great advice for in and out of the writers’ room.
The singer also shared the top tips she would’ve given herself as a young aspiring musician saying, “I would’ve given myself a heads up like hey, you’re gonna be a pop star!” she continued after the audience stopped laughing saying,
“No, I would say just believe in yourself.”
And the singer turned “the four” judge is living proof of this advice as she’s continuing to find success in her career and even help mentor new talent. During the panel one guest pitched a song to Megan based on the singer’s recent engagement to her fiancée Daryl Sabara. Trainor was so impressed by the pitch that she sent the young writer to talk with her father about producing the song. So, the conference definitely paid off for that attendee. It was a great way to end the day and everyone really enjoyed the chance to learn from such a down to earth and truthful discussion.
Things are looking up for Terry Gilliam‘s film, The Man Who Killed Don Quixote. Yesterday, on Wednesday 9 May 2018, the French court dismissed the request by Paulo Branco and his production company Alfama Films Production to ban the film from being screened during the Closing night of the Festival de Cannes, on Saturday 19 May.
As such, Paulo Branco and his production company Alfama Films Production have, naturally, seen their claim for compensation from the Festival de Cannes thrown out, having openly denigrated the event in the press and on social media, asserting that its organisers had no right to select The Man Who Killed Don Quixote to be presented in Cannes.
The campaign of attempted intimidation orchestrated by Paulo Branco and his lawyer son have therefore proved fruitless. The urgent applications judge has, through this decision, confirmed that contrary to what the Brancos have continued to claim (among other slanderous attacks and lies), the Festival de Cannes has never placed itself above the law nor has it attempted to force through a decision.
The Festival de Cannes, which throughout the case has repeatedly expressed its loyalty and support for the creators, is pleased to see that justice will allow the presentation of this work, whose director surely deserves to see it finally presented to the public.
We are very pleased that this unique – and in some ways agonising – work in the career of the great director Terry Gilliam will be unveiled for the first time to journalists, festival-goers and professionals from around the world, gathered together in the Grand Amphithéâtre Lumière.
Since Tuesday, cinema has regained its rights. The Festival is a unique forum for freedom of expression. It will remain so.
Photos and press release provided by Le Festival de Cannes
Patty Jenkins is a writer and director, best known for directing Warner Bros. Wonder Woman, her debut Oscar-winning feature Monster and helming the pilot and finale episode of AMC’s The Killing. She began her career in painting after studying at Cooper Union. While there, she crossed over to filmmaking and went on to work as a cameraperson on commercials and music videos for 9 years before attending the AFI Los Angeles. After graduating, Jenkins wrote and directed Monster, for which she garnered numerous awards and nominations. She also received multiple Emmy nominations and won the DGA award for best dramatic directing, for her work in television.
In 2017, Jenkins’ Wonder Woman was the highest grossing film of the summer, 3rd highest of the year, broke the record for Biggest Grossing Live-Action Film Directed by a Woman – in the US and worldwide – and became the first woman in history to helm a film with a budget over 100 million dollars. The film simultaneously smashed box office records and received critical acclaim, currently ranked at the highest rated Superhero movie of all time on Rotten Tomatoes. Coming off the success of the first installment, she signed on to direct the Wonder Woman sequel, which is currently in pre-production. Additionally, she recently wrapped production on her TNT, six-episode, limited drama One Day She’ll Darken, on which she directs and serves as executive producer.
On the occasion of the 4th Cannes edition of Women in Motion, Patty Jenkins, whose work has enabled significant progress to be made in the fight for gender equality, will receive her prize at the official Women in Motion dinner on May 13 from François-Henri Pinault, President & CEO of Kering, Pierre Lescure, President of the Festival de Cannes, and Thierry Frémaux, General Delegate of the Festival de Cannes.
To celebrate the end of an era at NCIS, Pauley Perrette, who has played Abby for 16 years, will dedicate her new van at Project Angel Food (922 Vine St, Hollywood, CA 90068) Friday, May 11, 2018, at 3 p.m.
Pauley, who ison Project Angel Food’s Board of Trustees, will be seen all over the 4,000 square miles that make up Los Angeles County as the vehicle covers 20,000 miles a year delivering meals to people living with critical illness. Along with the van dedication, Pauley will also put the finishing touches on meal labels for Project Angel Food’s 1,300 clients. The popular TV star is sponsoring Mother’s Day meals in honor of her mom and grandmother as she has done for many years.
Since 1989, Project Angel Food has prepared and delivered more than 11 million meals — currently 11,000 per week — free of charge to men, women, and children living with critical illnesses. Project Angel Food expanded its initial mission from serving people living with HIV/AIDS to include medically tailored meals, prepared by the staff and volunteers, for those combatting cancer, kidney failure, diabetes, congestive heart disease and other illnesses. The mission has always remained intact, to feed and nourish the sick, by delivering healthy, nutritious meals throughout 4,400 square miles of LA County. More than 97% of Project Angel Food clients are living below the poverty level, and Project Angel Food is their lifeline, filling a vital need in all communities. The client demographics are testimony to this: 37% Latino, 29% African-American, 22% Caucasian, 6% Asian/Pacific Islander, 1% Native American and 5% Multicultural.
On Friday night Hollywood’s most fashionable crowd turned out for the CFDA celebration of Earth Day at Fred Segal on Sunset Boulevard featuring 7 handpicked sustainable designers. The crowd enjoyed wine and organic appetizers from the Fred Segal café. Customers were excited to check out the exclusive new fashions on display. There were a variety of designers showcasing at the event and each of them had their own definition of sustainability that came through in their unique styles.
A young hip brand called Everyone Wins was particularly eye catching to guests and designer, Alan Eckstein was excited to see his creations come to life in the store. In an exclusive interview with the young creative, Eckstein shared the inspiration behind his one-year old brand made exclusively from recycled vintage clothing. The name is an apt description for what Eckstein describes as his “latest creative experiment” where he hunts down old vintage pieces and combines them to create unique one of a kind items. According to Eckstein he “mixes the old with the new” which is more of a philosophy to live by than a brand for him. He described how satisfying it is to see clothes get a second and third life when a happy customer wears one of his pieces. A true fashion lover Eckstein gushed that he “loves getting into the craft” and eagerly took me through some of his favorite pieces. Eckstein said one of the reasons he loves vintage so much is that the clothes are so well made and meant to last. He told me, “vintage is something I’ve always loved because it’s really the only way I get to wear truly nice pieces in my everyday life”. When I asked him if he had a favorite he immediately pulled out a black cardigan that he explained was one of his first pieces for the collection. Eckstein told me why this piece was so close to his heart saying, “my grandfather owned an embroidery factory in the 50s and these are french” as he pointed to the delicate sparkly appliques he had decoratively placed on the cardigan.
“They’re really high quality and you just don’t see stuff like this anymore” he continued.
“It’s so cool because these were in my mom’s closet and now they’re on a cardigan in Fred Segal” he said, reminding us that recycling isn’t just for junkyards.
Eckstein continued saying that he is a New Yorker at heart but has become very inspired by the Cali culture. He aims to incorporate the “ease and freedom” into his brand because to him it resonates with his vison for Everyone Wins.
Next, I spoke to Christopher, a designer from the brand Nicholas K. which was also featured at the event. Nicholas K. takes a slightly different approach to creating eco-friendly fashion. According to Christopher the brand takes a personal style approach to fashion which Christopher described as a modern urban nomad look. He said they mostly try to stay away from trends. The brand is all about making things that people cherish. “Having less but better things are our philosophy,” said Christopher. He believes that in today’s world the modern customer is always on the move and prizes multi use pieces that can travel well. “We like a casual feeling in terms of how it feels on the body but we like a more sophisticated look. No sweatpants at an event like this. So, we try and create things that feel like sweatpants but look more sophisticated,” he told me. He showed off one of the brands most popular pieces, a grey cape that could be worn two ways.
He said, “This is an iconic piece. I’m all for comfort and this piece is so versatile. That’s the key to sustainability, is creating something that people don’t want to get rid of.”
He described the organic materials they use citing how important it is to find natural fibers. He explained that it takes 3 pounds of chemicals to make synthetic cotton and none to use organic cotton. They even source some fibers locally in their home state of New York. Christopher said they mostly used organic cotton, linen, and Tanguis cotton from Peru. He talked about how it appeals to their customer because people have been slowly becoming more aware of what they are putting on their bodies.
“It was an evolution, first it started with what people were eating, then it moved to beauty and what they were putting on their skin, and now people are starting to think about what they wear,” he said. It also makes practical sense for customers to buy organic materials according to Christopher since dying fibers destroys the fabric making it weaker and more likely to tear due to the high temperatures in dye houses.
Christopher said, “The moment when people realize what a difference it really makes is when they sleep in organic fibers. Al lot of people don’t realize that the leggings and things that are so popular right now are made out of these synthetic fibers. But your sleep will be totally different when you try it and then you can’t go back.”
The brand also stays away from reptile skins and they’ve moved away from exotic furs as well. Christopher said they use a “no waste” approach when deciding on animal materials meaning they don’t use anything that was killed for the sole purpose of fashion.
The brand is also conscious about the labor they outsource wanting to make sure it is eco friendly and ethical. He said they use artisan handmade looms in India for a lot of their work because the industry employs around 10 million rural women in India who often have no other means of income.
The Tanguis cotton they get from Peru also helps to employ rural communities and according to Christopher, using Peruvian cotton is worth it since they grow it 6 times a year compared to the standard single crops found in other places.
Other brands showcasing at the event included Tome, Alabama Chanson, and Yeohlee. According to Victoria Urso, a representative from the CFDA, each brand was chosen for their work with sustainability and all are members of the CFDA.
Urso showed off several different items from the collections. The Alabama Chanson collection was another crowd favorite and according to Urso it’s designed right here in the USA at a local factory in Alabama. The designer uses organic cotton and hand sews many pieces herself as well. This brand creates business locally while also remaining sustainable and stylish.
The event also featured an all-natural perfume brand called Behnaz. The creator uses fresh flower extracts and she told me, “most people think perfume is complicated and made by an expert, but I wanted to make something that was very close to nature, like smelling a bouquet of flowers. It’s a little bit more like wine making.”
These designers were a great reminder that staying eco-conscious comes in all shapes and sizes and any effort helps. The theme of the night seemed to be that no matter what materials you use or what kind of designs you make, it’s important to make clothes that are meant to last. It really can be as easy as Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Style!
On Saturday, April 21 the Newport Beach Boat Show was in full swing at the charming Lido Marina. The show attracted sailing and yacht enthusiasts from all over Southern California and included exhibitors showing all types of water toys. The displays included everything from small party boats to full size luxury yachts and sail boats. There was definitely something for everyone at this event. Exhibitors like Hampton Yachts showed off their newest models and guests got a first look at yachts that weren’t set to hit the market until 2019. Other exhibitors brought their craftsmanship from all over the world and guests enjoyed looking through the beautiful sailboats made in Italy. Some of the showboats were delivered here from places like Hawaii and exhibitors made the journey sailing the boats themselves. The day was fun for everyone and the sunny weather created the perfect atmosphere for guests to plan their next voyage to sea. After viewing the boats, some attendees decided to head across the street to the retro Lido Marina shopping center and enjoyed lunch at the fun 50s style Woody’s diner. It was the perfect way to end the day and get a taste of everything the lovely coastal town of Newport Beach has to offer.
The Beverly Hilton Hotel, Beverly Hills, April 18, 2018
On April 18th Actor and Comedian Al Madrigal hosted the 2018 CASA of Los Angeles Evening to Foster Dreams Gala, benefitting CASA’s programs of advocacy and support for foster youth. The fundraising dinner, in its 6th year, brought together volunteers and dedicated community members to honor Los Angeles leaders who had demonstrated extraordinary commitment to children, including children who have been abused or neglected in foster care.
Paris Jackson, longtime Hilton family friend and daughter of Michael Jackson, presented the Robert Morrison Community Service award to honoree and first-ever CASA of LA Ambassador Kathy Hilton at the 6th Annual “Evening to Foster Dreams Gala”, April 18th at the Beverly Hilton Hotel. Jackson presented the award along with Kathy Hilton’s daughters, Paris and Nicky Hilton Rothschild.
Red carpet attendees included the Hilton family, Suzanne Cryer (Silicon Valley), Ser’Darius Blain (Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle), Kara and Graham Alloway (Real Housewives of Torronto), Camila Banus (Days of Our Lives), and many others.
ABOUT CASA/LA
CASA of Los Angeles (www.casala.org) is a community-supported 501(c)(3) non-profit organization of dedicated staff and volunteers working one-on-one with children who have suffered the most serious cases of abuse or neglect. CASA volunteers, also called Advocates, work closely with a child to form a trusting relationship, giving that child a friend and someone who cares. Advocates help children in important ways such as comforting them through emotional trauma and transition, arranging for needed health care and social services, talking with teachers, participating with children in enriching activities, and advising judges about the child’s welfare. CASA/LA is among the largest of regional programs in a national and state-wide volunteer network serving children in the child welfare system who have experienced abuse and neglect. Studies have shown that children with CASAs receive more assistance and support than children without, and are more likely to be adopted or returned to their families and less likely to reenter the child welfare system. For more information, please visit the CASA of Los Angeles website: http://www.casala.org
The Moscow Theater of Musical, Moscow, Russia, April 19, 2018
Press release/MIFF Press Office
Photo courtesy: MIFF Press Office
On the red carpet leading to the theater entrance, one could see the Russian Minister of Culture Vladimir Medinsky, Russian President’s special representative on international cultural cooperation Mikhail Shvydkoy, Moscow State Duma deputy Evgeny Gerasimov, the Gosfilmofond (State Film Fund) head Vyacheslav Telnov, MIFF jury members Paolo Del Brocco, Nastassja Kinski, Anna Melikyan, John Savage, Liang Qiao, Olga Sviblova, Elizabeth McIntyre, Saulus Berjinis, Samy Naceri, Oliver Morton, Russian director Ivan I. Tverdovsky, and competition participants Yang Ge, Ferzan Ozpetek, Dustin Feneley, Kieran Charnock, Desray Armstrong, Sez Niederer, Laborde Mercedes, Kim Jae-han, Maeng Se-chang, Kim Youchul.
On the red carpet also were actresses Olga Kabo, Aglaya Tarasova, Irina Miroshnichenko, Ekaterina Volkova, Valeriya Kozhevnikova, Darya Poverennova, Maria Kozhevnikova, Irina Bezrukova, Blanca Blanco, Yang Ge, actors Samy Naceri, Igor Vernik, Andrey Sokolov, Cary Hiroyuki-Tagawa, Marat Basharov, Ivan Kolesnikov, Kuzma Saprykin, Aleksandr Ryapolov, directors Vladimir Naumov, Viktor Merezhko, singer and Russian representative at Eurovision song contest Yulia Samoylova, TV presenter Elena Letuchaya.
Traditionally, the showcase’s guests were greeted by the president of the Moscow International Film Festival, Nikita Mikhalkov.
The ceremony started with the address by the Russian President Vladimir Putin, with the speech read by the Russian Minister of Culture Vladimir Medinsky.
«Moscow Film Festival is always a big, significant, truly festive event that attracts the attention of the industry professionals as well as of cinephiles from all over the world. The showcase is praised for its remarkable history, rich palette of the works presented at the festival, its welcoming, hospitable atmosphere. Performing its spiritual, educational and enlightening mission, MIFF preserves its traditions, introduces the Moscow audience to quality, deep cinema. And of course, I would like to note its essential role in strengthening international humanitarian and personal contacts, its significant contribution to the popularization of outstanding achievements of Russian and world cinema, » the address read.
Vladimir Medinsky added not only his gratitude to MIFF, but also said that «Russian cinema is on an unparalleled rise».
«Every second viewer has seen Russian films this year. This rate has been unheard of since the Soviet Union era. This is the direct result of the work done by the masters of cinema, of your talent and professionalism. Not only directors or actors are talented, but also producers, who can fight for our viewers, » Medinsky underlined.
The first part of the ceremony was hosted by actress Aglaya Tarasova and actor Igor Vernik. They presented the festival prizes, the documentary competition jury, and the short film competition jury. The best documentaries will be chosen by the head of Multimedia Art Museum, Moscow, Sheffield Doc / Fest Director, and CEO Elizabeth McIntyre, Lithuanian documentary film director Saulus Berjinis. The short film competition winner will be selected by French actor Samy Naceri, actor, producer and scriptwriter Oliver Morton (US), and Russian director Ivan I. Tverdovsky.
The presentation of the competition participants of the 40th Moscow International Film Festival was accompanied by the song ‘Music’ performed by actress and singer Valeriya Lanskaya.
Then, the hosts presented the main competition jury: this year, the jury members are producer Paolo Del Brocco (Italy), actress Nastassja Kinski (Germany), director Anna Melikyan (Russia), actor John Savage (US), director Liang Qiao (China).
By tradition, the MIFF president Nikita Mikhalkov gave to the head of the jury, Paolo Del Brocco, the «chain of power» with the image of Saint George, Moscow’s patron saint.
«We should give you the chain, don’t be afraid, even if you’re bound with it, it’s Chopard-made. It’s important because every time ahead of our jury gets this chain, his first thought is to flee with it. But it won’t work, it’s too heavy,» Mikhalkov told Del Brocco jokingly.
The MIFF president also noted that he is certain the jury headed by Brocco will make an honest decision, «however unexpected it may be, even for those who are awarded in the end».
«It is a great honor and pleasure to head such renowned jury, with such masters of cinema being its members. Moscow Film Festival is a prestigious event that has played and is still playing a key role in the world cinema process. Cinema is the art that is best at uniting people, I think. We hope, we fear, we dream, while watching movies. Cinema is inclusive, it unites cultures and peoples.
Nikita Mikhalkov and Paolo Del Brocco declared the 40th Moscow International Film Festival open.
By tradition, at the opening ceremony, the honorary prize «For outstanding contribution in
the world cinema» is given. This year, it went to actor Oleg Tabakov, who passed away on March 12, 2018. The ceremony participants honored the memory of the great actor with a minute of silence.
A student of Oleg Pavlovich Tabakov, actor, director and the new artistic director of ‘Tabakerka’, Vladimir Mashkov, remembered that Tabakov «liked being proud of his theater, students, relatives and close ones».
«And when we felt how proud he was, it was the biggest achievement for us,» Mashkov noted.
The prize was given to the Tabakov’s family, with his son, Pavel Tabakov, receiving the prize.
«I would like to say thanks, I think that this award would be very important for Oleg Pavlovich. Tomorrow is 40 days since he passed away, so it is all the more significant, » Pavel Tabakov said.
Moscow International Film Festival takes place on April 19-26. The opening film was the Italian crime drama ‘Naples in Veils’ by Ferzan Ozpetek.
2018 Moscow International Film Festival, Opening Ceremony. Photo by Alexey Yushenkov.
Nikita Mikhalkov. Photo by Gennadiy Avramenko.
Tatyana Mihalkova. Photo by Gennadiy Avramenko.
2018 Moscow International Film Festival, Opening Ceremony. Photo courtesy: MIFF Press Office
Nikita Mikhalkov. Photo by Alexey Yushenkov.
2018 Moscow International Film Festival, Opening Ceremony. Photo by: Gennadiy Avramenko
2018 Moscow International Film Festival, Opening Ceremony. Photo by: Gennadiy Avramenko
2018 Moscow International Film Festival, Opening Ceremony. Photo by: Gennadiy Avramenko
2018 Moscow International Film Festival, Opening Ceremony. Photo by: Gennadiy Avramenko
2018 Moscow International Film Festival, Opening Ceremony. Photo by: Gennadiy Avramenko
2018 Moscow International Film Festival, Opening Ceremony. Photo by: Gennadiy Avramenko
2018 Moscow International Film Festival, Opening Ceremony. Photo by: Gennadiy Avramenko
2018 Moscow International Film Festival, Opening Ceremony. Photo by: Gennadiy Avramenko
2018 Moscow International Film Festival, Opening Ceremony. Photo courtesy: MIFF Press Office
2018 Moscow International Film Festival, Opening Ceremony. Photo courtesy: MIFF Press Office
2018 Moscow International Film Festival, Opening Ceremony. Photo courtesy: MIFF Press Office
2018 Moscow International Film Festival, Opening Ceremony. Photo courtesy: MIFF Press Office
2018 Moscow International Film Festival, Opening Ceremony. Photo courtesy: MIFF Press Office
2018 Moscow International Film Festival, Opening Ceremony. Photo by: Gennadiy Avramenko
2018 Moscow International Film Festival, Opening Ceremony. Photo by: Gennadiy Avramenko
2018 Moscow International Film Festival, Opening Ceremony. Photo by: Gennadiy Avramenko
2018 Moscow International Film Festival, Opening Ceremony. Photo by: Gennadiy Avramenko
2018 Moscow International Film Festival, Opening Ceremony. Photo by: Gennadiy Avramenko
2018 Moscow International Film Festival, Opening Ceremony. Photo by: Gennadiy Avramenko
2018 Moscow International Film Festival, Opening Ceremony. Photo by: Gennadiy Avramenko
2018 Moscow International Film Festival, Opening Ceremony. Photo by: Gennadiy Avramenko
2018 Moscow International Film Festival, Opening Ceremony. Photo by: Gennadiy Avramenko
2018 Moscow International Film Festival, Opening Ceremony. Photo by: Gennadiy Avramenko
2018 Moscow International Film Festival, Opening Ceremony. Photo by: Gennadiy Avramenko
2018 Moscow International Film Festival, Opening Ceremony. Photo by: Gennadiy Avramenko
2018 Moscow International Film Festival, Opening Ceremony. Photo by: Gennadiy Avramenko
2018 Moscow International Film Festival, Opening Ceremony. Photo by: Gennadiy Avramenko
2018 Moscow International Film Festival, Opening Ceremony. Photo by: Alexey Yushenkov
2018 Moscow International Film Festival, Opening Ceremony. Photo by: Alexey Yushenkov
2018 Moscow International Film Festival, Opening Ceremony. Photo by: Alexey Yushenkov
2018 Moscow International Film Festival, Opening Ceremony. Photo by: Alexey Yushenkov
2018 Moscow International Film Festival, Opening Ceremony. Photo by: Alexey Yushenkov
2018 Moscow International Film Festival, Opening Ceremony. Photo by: Alexey Yushenkov
2018 Moscow International Film Festival, Opening Ceremony. Photo by: Alexey Yushenkov
2018 Moscow International Film Festival, Opening Ceremony. Photo by: Alexey Yushenkov
2018 Moscow International Film Festival, Opening Ceremony. Photo by: Alexey Yushenkov
2018 Moscow International Film Festival, Opening Ceremony. Photo by: Alexey Yushenkov
2018 Moscow International Film Festival, Opening Ceremony. Photo by: Alexey Yushenkov
2018 Moscow International Film Festival, Opening Ceremony. Photo by: Alexey Yushenkov
2018 Moscow International Film Festival, Opening Ceremony. Photo by: Alexey Yushenkov
2018 Moscow International Film Festival, Opening Ceremony. Photo by: Alexey Yushenkov
2018 Moscow International Film Festival, Opening Ceremony. Photo by: Alexey Yushenkov
2018 Moscow International Film Festival, Opening Ceremony. Photo by: Alexey Yushenkov
2018 Moscow International Film Festival, Opening Ceremony. Photo by: Alexey Yushenkov