I NDEPENDENT STREAK M AGAZI NE MAY 2015
St el i o Sav an t e
St ar on the r ise Film m aker Jon Var gas "N othing to L ose"
Film Car pet 3.0 On screen & On t he Red Carpet
M iam i 48 H our Film Project
MONTHLY
Sh u n n ed shows TRANS l ives mat t er Wal king Man Expl oring bipol ar One st ep at a t ime
Super Geek Fi l m Fest Nat u r al I n sem i n at i on Sex t he ol d-f ashi oned way?
Celebr it y 1 Year Anniversary of Independent St r eak
Sightings www.independent st reakmagazine.com
I NDEPENDENT STREAK M AGAZI NE VOL 2, #5
Stel i o Sav ante I nter nationa l sta r on the r ise By Rachel Gal vin Ruggedly handsome, disarmingly charming and rigorously driven, actor Stelio Savante has slowly worked his way into the international film scene through the last decade. He has been in mainstream movies, everything from"Starship Troopers 3" to "My Super Ex Girlfriend." He has developed numerous characters on TV in shows like "NCIS," "Law & Order," "All 1 My Children," "Guiding Light," "Ugly Betty," "The
M ay 2015
Sopranos" and so many others. But he has also really made in roads into the independent film community. He just was in the award-winning short film "Once We Were Slaves," directed by Dallas Jenkins, who also directed him in the popular Christian film "What If?" The film is hitting the film fest circuit right now. He also was seen in Peter Greenaway's "Eisenstein In Guanajuato," which was nominated at Berlin and will release theatrically in the U.S. later this year. Also set to be released soon is "Windsor," which won best narrative film at the Garden State Film Festival. "Where The Road Runs Out" screens at the Durban Film Festival in a few weeks and is also scheduled for a late year release. And, according to "TV By the Numbers," He is in "American Genius," which premiers on National Geographic on June 1st with him playing David Sarnoff of the RCA Corporation. In addition, they state he will be in the upcoming miniseries entitled "The Making Of the Mob," which is narrated by Ray Liotta, in which he is playing one of the heads of the Genovese crime family. Two more projects coming soon are "Army Dog" and "Pacific Standard Time," as well as others. With so many wonderful projects already under his belt, one wonders what is the secret to this success. He said, "Over the years, I've been blessed to have a wise team of managers/ agents and the support of my family, and a lot of great casting directors. My faith has also guided me into making wise choices most of the time. I've taken huge chances and have no fear when it comes to making them. I prepared. I showed up and the roles kept being offered. Nothing has ever been given to me. When I fully dedicated myself to this craft and this business, and started working a lot, many important people responded well and rewarded my hard work."
I NDEPENDENT STREAK M AGAZI NE VOL 2, #5
Savante left his home in South Africa and branched out to America where he put himself in the theater program at the University of West Alabama and started doing plays in 1990. Two years later, he moved off to the Big Apple. But it wasn't until 2005 that he was making a full-time living as an actor. Today, he still spends a lot of time in New York, but most of his time is in Los Angeles. He said, "I studied and worked in plays in New York for over 15 years. It was not financially rewarding back then, but the wisdom and experience that I gleaned from fully investing in myself and always being present has paid off massively." He continued, "I've always had the mentality and approach that this is a marathon and not a sprint. It helps put everything in perspective. I'm a realist and not an idealist." When asked how he prepares for a role, he said, "For me, it all starts with one question 'What drives the character at their core?' Everything stems from that. Then I create a backstory and build a character Bible with every other character that interacts with mine." The biggest challenge he has faced is portraying a real person. "The responsibility that comes with that is infinite," he said. "It doesn't end when you leave set. I've treated them the same way I've treated everything else. I learn about the character, seek
M ay 2015
truth and conflict and I become it," he said. His advice for new actors is to be humble, to stay skilled and be prepared for the long haul. "Studying the craft is an obvious one, but is taken for granted. But I think equally as important -- you have to truly understand that it's a business and treat it as such. Also, humility! I meet and see so many new people that come to Los Angeles or give it a shot in New York. They literally book two or three jobs and brag about their accomplishments on social media and in public when they haven't really done anything. They don't have a body of work. They haven't grown in their lives and their craft. These things take years," he said, adding, "Be present in everything that you do. Otherwise you won't get hired much and you won't last; you need character, integrity, discipline, patience, grace, humility and a very thick skin to stay the course. If you don't possess all of these, if you are afraid of scars and intimidated by failure, then I strongly encourage you to run the other way because, ultimately, the business will spit you out and your life will pass you by." (Above): Phot o f rom "Once We Were Sl aves;" (Bel ow): "Where t he Road Runs Out ."
2
I NDEPENDENT STREAK M AGAZI NE VOL 2, #5
M ay 2015
Listen to interviews on Indie Streak:
SEE INDEPENDENT FILMS weekl y at : - Cinema Par adiso -- Ft . Lauder dal e 503 SE 6t h St , Fort Lauderdal e, FL 33301
Indie Streak is an
award-winning online radio show. Just some of t he int erviews:
- Cinema Par adiso - - Hol lywood 2008 Hol l ywood Bl vd., Hol l ywood, FL 33019
www.fliff.com/ Films_and_Events.
- Jacques Derosena, Producer/ Actor "Hunger Games" TV show & more - Gregory von Hausch, Pres./ CEO Ft. Lauderdale Intl. Film Fest - & over 100 more interviews! -
Check out these film industry professionals at www.blogtalkradio.com/ indiestreak
3
Got an event ? Email ravenprods@yahoo.com to ask about inclusion in Events or to place an Ad.
St ay i n -t h e-k n o w : - www.independent st reakmagazine.com - www.f acebook.com/ indiest reak Contact us: ravenprods@yahoo.com Also cont a ct us t o a dver t i se!
I NDEPENDENT STREAK M AGAZI NE VOL 2, #5
M ay 2015
Jon V argas h as " Noth i ng to Lose" By Rachel Gal vin From watching old Godzilla Films since the age of five, Jon Vargas, always knew he wanted to be filmmaker. Born in New York, he moved to South Florida with his family at a young age. He spent his childhood writing scripts and creating short films with his action figure toys or whatever he could find. It wasn't until 2011, that he got professional training at the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale where he graduated with an Associate's degree in 2014. Now, he is making his dream come true one film at a time. By day, he works as a Studio Operator at Telemundo. He explained, ?I do mostly the local news. I am a floor manager/ robotic camera operator/ jib operator.? When not working, he is working on short films with his Cinefreek Productions company. He already has five under his belt ? "Resilience,""Enraged," "Resilience II: The Prequel," "Back For Vengeance" and "Nothing To Lose.? The latter received applause recently at Film Carpet 3.0 (see more pg. XX). About this film, he said, ?We shot that in one day. From 5:30 p.m. to 2 a.m. I was amazed we were able to get that done in one day. Had I not done my shot list or pre-production homework, I would have been in trouble. I had a great cast and crew.? He also acted in another film screened that night called ?Every 58
Hours,? directed by Alexandra Bello. The films he has directed have all gravitated around violence, horror and gangster drama, but that is about to change. His next film, ?George & Angie,? is a romantic comedy. He starts production in June in Florida. He said, ?As much as I love doing those films, I need to change it up and see what else I can do. I like to take risks as that's what filmmaking all about.? He added, ?It's been my lifelong goal to become a filmmaker. I never wanted to be a lawyer or a doctor. I found that to be boring. Film is just fascinating. I get to create those images in my head and bring them to life. It's very exciting! But, I'm so hungry for it that I'm willing do short films, spend my own money just to do what I love. Being on set is my ultimate high. Getting to interact with the cast and crew is just fun for me. I think why I keep coming back for more is that I love what I do." Find this filmmaker and his production company online on Facebook and other social media outlets. He also does acting and commercial reels for people. (Right ): Cast / crew on set of "Not hing t o Lose" as Jon l ooks on f rom back.
4
I NDEPENDENT STREAK M AGAZI NE VOL 2, #5
M ay 2015
Di o r and I
Let t er f rom t he Publ isher Did you ever play the Mother May I game? You know, the children's game in which you allow someone else to play 'mother' and dictate which steps you will take and how you will take them? Do you feel like you are leading your own life or is someone else doing it for you? Are you the type of person who goes out of your way to please everyone else and fulfils others' dreams and never really fulfils your own? Do you think it is okay, that this is all you deserve? Well, consider that you are wrong. You deserve better. Maybe this is the time to give yourself permission to live your own dream and break out of habits that steer you away from your own path.
Break a leg! --Rachel Gal vin
Through May 7, 2015 St onzek Theat re at Lake Wort h Pl ayhouse 713 Lake Avenue Lake Wort h, FL 33460 In this documentary directed by Frederic Tcheng, the viewer is brought into the world of fashion icon Christian Dior and looks at the creation of Raf Simons' first haute couture collection, and more. For more informaton and to buy tickets, call 561-296-9382. To see the trailer, visit www.youtube.com/ watch?v=nx88PMp5prY
Save money on product s & earn income? Take care of your heal t h & body? St rive f or f inancial f reedom & l ive l if e on your own t erms? By becoming an AdvoCare distributor, you can live life on your terms. AdvoCare is a premier health and wellness company offering world-class energy, weight-loss, nutrition, and sports performance products along with a rewarding business opportunity.
5 For inf ormat ion, visit www.advocare.com/ 150457282.
I NDEPENDENT STREAK M AGAZI NE VOL 2, #5
M ay 2015
Li g h t s , c a m er a , a c t io n on set f or F L IF F By Rachel Gal vin
Cinema Paradiso became the set for the Ft. Lauderdale International Film Festival commercial and poster on April 4. FLIFF poster photographer Peter Langone not only shoots the poster yearly and works on the commercial, but also takes pictures of many of the celebrities who attend every year. Pet er Langone is pict ured wit h his Direct or of Phot ography Brian Bayerl and model Tara Col l andra.
An intimate audience gathered to be part of the commercial and poster. The shoot took less than 15 minutes! The result will be revealed prior to the film festival, which usually runs in late October and/ or early November. The date of the poster/ commercial release and the festival itself have not been announced yet. Keep an eye here to Independent Streak Magazine, as well as their website at www.f l if f .com.
Raped, abused and neglected, Jinni, who had aged out of the foster care system and was struggling to find her identity, dealt with more than her fair share of struggles in her life. But hope came in the form of a caring mentor, a foster parent who writes her a letter filled with advice and love.
"The Three of Life," written by Lisa Eva Gold, discusses attitude, love and the pursuit of healthy relationships, as well as emphasizing the importance of giving back through fostering. It is based on a true story of domestic abuse and finding strength to know better. Sponsored by t he Ext ended Famil y Foundat ion, a non-prof it f oundat ion t hat support s ment orshp in t he f ost er care communit ies.
For upcoming event s, visit www.just pl ayproduct ions.org.
6
I NDEPENDENT STREAK M AGAZI NE VOL 2, #5
Angl ers & Appet it es Fox Sports' "Anglers & Appetites" was in South Florida once again March 29 at Two
M ay 2015
Georges at The Cove Restaurant. Dave Zelski and Phil Proctor hosted while Chef Tom LaPaglia sizzled up some fish in Badia spices. They were joined by restaurant owner Steve Scaggs and radio host Paul Castronovo, as well as local marine expert, author and host Jim ?Chiefy? Mathie. For more inf ormat ion, visit www.angl ersandappet it es.com.
The Miami 48 Hour Fil m Project The 48 Hour Film Project comes to Miami on the weekend of June 12 - 14, 2015. Filmmakers from all over the Miami area will compete to see who can make the best short film in only 48 hours. The winning film will go up against films from around the world. Early Bird Registration is $140. Teams must register on or before Monday, May 18 to get this special rate. Regular registration is $160. If teams register after Tuesday, June 2 they must pay a rate of $175. Meet & Greet May 16 7 to 10 p.m. R.E.D. Strip Cafe 2001 Harrison St. Hollywood, FL 33020 Cast ing (Be in t he f il ms!) June 4, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. The News Lounge 5580 NE 4th Ct, Miami, FL 33137 Dat es/ t imes, et c. subject t o change.
7
www.48hourf il m.com/ en/ miami.
I NDEPENDENT STREAK M AGAZI NE VOL 2, #5
M ay 2015
C eleb r it y S igh t ings
EVA LA RUE AT ROYALBLUES HOTEL
Ro b er t Ir v i n e at Har d Rock Liv e
Sara Ajuria of the Art Institute.
Acclaimed chef and restaurateur Robert Irvine took guests on an interactive culinary adventure during ?Robert Irvine Live? at Hard Rock Live at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, FL on April 17. Seven South Florida culinary students were chosen to work alongside him, including Yolanda Suarez and Walter Navarro from Florida International University, Tracy Blijden and Bridgette Young from Johnson & Wales University, Yamzey Gonzalez and Paulina Samanego of Le Cordon Bleu, and
Photos by Ralph Notaro/ Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.
"CSI Miami's" own Eva Larue took time to give back by having a meet & greet brunch at Royal Blues Hotel in Deerfield Beach, FL on April 27 with proceeds going toward SOS Children's Village.
Phot os by Rachel Gal vin. Pict ured (above): Max Tucci, a host & SOS Chair; act ress Eva Larue and General Manager f or Royal Bl ues Hot el Cl aude Dubois. Bel ow: Chil l ed spirit s and del icious brunch await s guest s; I.S. f ounder Rachel Gal vin wit h Eva Larue.
8
I NDEPENDENT STREAK M AGAZI NE VOL 2, #5
M ay 2015
FSC Su pe r Ge e k Fi l m Fe s t i v al - Thursday, June 25, 2 p.m. to midnight - Friday, June 26, 10 a.m. to midnight
filmmakers, both professional and amateur. There will also be panels from various independent filmmakers. Featured panelists include VFX guru Dean Lyon; Jacqueline Journey, director and star of "Hidden Assets;" as well as the creators behind the TV show "Significance;" "Headless," by the maker of horror film "Found;" fan films "Walking Dead: Genesis" and "John Constantine's Hellblazer" & more.
- Saturday, June 27, 10 a.m. to midnight
Preliminary screening and programming schedule (subject to change.
- Sunday, June 28, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Last minute opportunity to get your films in! Submission period ends May 8, 2015. http://floridasupercon.com/super-geek-film-festival-call-for-entries-2/
Miami Beach Convention Center 1901 Convention Center Dr. Miami Beach, FL 33139 The 2015 FSC Super Geek Film Festival will take place June 25-28 as part of Florida Supercon. Within the film festival, you will find geek interest films of all types, including documentary, narrative, animation, experimental and fan films. Films with a focus on geek, geek interest, geek culture, comics, gaming, animation, anime, manga, science fiction, fantasy, RPG, robotics, technology and more will 9 be screened. Films will be presented from all kinds of
10
I NDEPENDENT STREAK M AGAZI NE VOL 2, #5
M ay 2015
" Nat ural I nsem inat ion" By Rachel Gal vin
Infertility is something that couples struggle with all around the country. Director Crosby Selander takes on the issue in an unconventional way, using comedy to broach the subject. The film follows David (Eric Price) and Heather (Jennifer Flack) and their struggles to have a child. The problems begin when David discovers that he is sterile. Seeing their neighbor, Johan (Jamie Carmichael) and Natasha (Jessica Richards) happy with two children is difficult, but Johan proposes a solution; he will be the sperm donor. But that ?solution? leads to a chain of events they never could have expected. Asked how Selander decided to write this romantic farce, he said,
?It all really started five years ago when a friend showed me an article about a couple trying to have a baby. The couple, after finding out that the husband was sterile, employed their neighbor as a sperm donor. The idea of this ordinary, otherwise rational couple going absolutely crazy in their attempt to conceive a child really stuck with me.? Selander looked into the idea of in vitro fertilization (IVF) and the pros and cons, and different options for couples while putting the script together. ?I must have 20 drafts of this script that I rewrote over the course of six months. That being said, 66 percent was there on draft one, which took me a few hours to write. 95 percent of it was there by draft three, and the rest was me tweaking and playing with jokes and the ending in between other writing projects,? he said. Producer Max Montel, who met Selander at Carnegie Mellon when he was in the grad directing program and Selander was in the screenwriting program, began working on this film as a dramaturg. ?I like to think I was a helpful creative sounding board throughout the whole process -- casting, editing. I worked on a lot of the nitty-gritty business things: insurance, permits and so on. I also doubled as script supervisor on set. And I'm still here working on the marketing and festival publicity side of things. That's the fun part,? he said, adding, ?From the beginning, I always thought it was cool to have a funny, interesting story about a couple that really love each other, and stay that way throughout. Not a lot of stories like that come to mind. You almost never see it in comedies.? When asked what the key is to making an effective comedy,? Selander said, ?Timing first and foremost ? from the actors, from the editor, from the director. It matters down 10 to the frame. Pace is tied into this. Giving people time to
rest before and after laughs is important too ... the ability to recognize and then cut things that don't work or aren't funny. Sometimes, this means cutting one joke because the joke after it is better, but nobody can hear the second joke because they're laughing at the first one. Sometimes, it means cutting a joke because it's tonally not right in that scene or moment ? having different types of jokes for different types of people. Wit, physical humor and straight up jokes cover the bases pretty well. Not everyone laughs at the same thing.? Pict ured (Above): David (Eric Price) and Heat her (Jennif er Fl ack)
He added, ?Whenever possible have the shot be funny. Don't rely on the actors for all the jokes to work. Things entering the frame makes it a funnier shot. It can be challenging to have your transitions be funny, but that helps keep the audience leaning in.? Shot in Fullerton, CA, the film took four days to shoot with 20 pages, 160 setups and using two cameras. Asked what was the most challenging part of the film, he said, ?Everything. It's all hard. But for this, it was probably post-production. We had to switch editors and it just took 11 forever until the film got funny and even longer until it
I NDEPENDENT STREAK M AGAZI NE VOL 2, #5
M ay 2015
became good.? They finished the film Jan. 15, 2015 and premiered it at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival a few weeks later. Next, it went to the Sonoma International Film Festival, the Palm Beach International Film Festival (PBIFF) and the Arizona International Film
Festival. This month and the next will include more festivals, including the New Jersey International Film Festival and the Independent Filmmakers Showcase in LA. Selander is next working with Montel on two projects: a feature length comedy he wrote about improvisers in LA called "Unrehearsed,? which he said is ?a mix between 'Swingers' and 'Funny People,' or, as he likes to pitch it "like Magic Mike except
with Improv sets instead of stripper sets,? and a short film called ?Finding Goma," based on parts of the Murakami novel "Kafka on the Shore," the story of a man who can speak to cats who has been hired to find a lost cat named Goma. It takes some surreal and sinister turns leading to an incredible showdown. Pict ured (Lef t ): Crosby Sel ander int erviewed on PBIFF red carpet opening night ; (Above): "Nat ural " inseminat ion is not al ways so simpl e; (Bel ow Lef t ): Producer Max Mont el cel ebrat es at PBIFF wrap part y.
For more information,visit www.naturalinseminationfilm.com.
12
I NDEPENDENT STREAK M AGAZI NE VOL 2, #5
Sh u n n ed Transgender in t he Philippines By Rachel Gal vin
It seems to be in the news daily these days ? transgender, a term that was known perhaps by a select group not so long ago has now gone mainstream with people, from Laverne Cox, of ?Orange is the New Black? to Bruce Jenner taking center stage as being transgender. So with this being a hot topic, it is the coincidentally the perfect time for a documentary about the topic. Janice Villarosa's documentary ?Shunned? is an informative and emotional look at the issue. She interviews several women in the Philippines who identify as the opposite gender, talking about how they were born and the many issues they have dealt with, from abuse to bullying to rape 13 and beyond, and how they have moved beyond these
M ay 2015
tragedies in their lives. Villarosa has always focused on justice. She started her film career after a friend of hers was incarcerated for a crime he did not commit. Since then, she has done several films on societal issues, like domestic and sexual violence. When asked why she chose this topic, she said, ?While I was in film school, I saw a lot of transgender women. I was drawn to them but, at the same time, I did not know what to think or how to react. I realized I was judging them. I felt that the only way to stop discriminating against them was by immersing myself in their culture and trying to understand them.? Since she began this journey, she has become ?a mother hen? to those in the community and determined to speak out about the issues they face every day. She explained, ?I am a member of a number of transgender groups and, every day, I see posts about people wanting to commit suicide, harm being done to them or, worse, being murdered. I am determined to get their voice out.? The film she hopes will enlighten those who are not as familiar with the community, much like Villarosa once was not. Villarosa, who is from the Phillipenes, found those who participated in the documentary by calling the organizers of the many pageants which are held for transgender women in the area, as well as an advocate group called COLORS who got her in touch with some of the women. In addition, she hung out at ?transgender bars.? The making of the film was a process of discovery and eye-opening. She said, ?Everything to me was a revelation since I did not know anything about the transgender community. When they started opening up to me about their background, it surprised me quite a bit. For example, this beautiful phenomenal dancer, Dimple, was
I NDEPENDENT STREAK M AGAZI NE VOL 2, #5
abandoned as a baby. This beautiful model, Fiona, was molested many times. All their stories to me were a surprise, because in spite of what they went through, they still manage to approach life with such vigor.? Interspersed with interviews and visual imagery of these women, she included a dramatic piece in the middle where the women were wrapped in a web-like material much like a cocoon. Her hope was to imbue the idea of caterpillars being transformed into butterflies.
?I wanted to incorporate the butterfly and the cocoon,? she said. ?These were perfect metaphors to what the community goes through. "I think everyone can relate to being bombarded with negative words, either by other people or, perhaps, it is us who do that to ourselves or let other people do that to us. I wanted to have the message that all these words that wrap and shackle us in a cocoon ... we need to tear away and break free from them and let ourselves be free.?
M ay 2015
The making of this film took approximately three years, working off and on in Cebu and Manila. And the shoot was not without its challenges. ?I did have a hard time being allowed to shoot at some of my casts?places of work,? said Villarosa. ?I had a specific idea of what I wanted, but it did not work out so I had to make changes.? Getting the women to open up was difficult at first. She explained, ?At the time I started this project, there was hardly any transgender men or women in the spotlight. Their issues were not talked about. If you did see transgender women on TV or in movies, almost always they were the butt of the jokes. Most of my cast also had people mocking them their entire lives so it was not surprising that they had their reservations when I approached them about this project. They were a bit skeptical especially since here I am ? born a woman ? why would I care about them? For most, it took awhile for me to gain their trust. I did a short film first and showed them what I had in mind. I think that helped with their accepting me and with their willingness to do the project. I also told them that my goal was for the film to be their voice.? One of the women, Eda, said that when she was asked to be interviewed, she had ?mixed emotions? and was a bit scared. Eda said, ?I mean it's my story, so it includes bad things that happened in my past and it's not good to remember them, but I have to because opening up our story to people is like telling them how challenging our lives can be ? But then, we made it . So, it's being proud and happy; but, at the same time, it's also telling people of our struggles and, hopefully, this can somehow help them realize that no one deserves to experience discrimination and humiliation.? Eda knew she was different at a young age. ?Ever since I had a conscious mind, I knew something was 14 different in me,? she said. ?I remember in school, our
I NDEPENDENT STREAK M AGAZI NE VOL 2, #5
teachers would ask us to form two lines (boys and girls) in the morning before we entered our classroom and I cried because I wanted to fall in line with the girls. And, at the age of 16, I began my transition step by step.? She continued, ?My transition was very challenging. The first few months were sad. It's when you decide to physically change from man to woman and, at first, it looks awkward and funny for other people. I got bullied a lot.? For another girl in the film, Mimi, being chosen to be part of the film was very positive. ?I felt flattered and grateful for it was the time to tell the world about being me, the real me, of who I really am ...? she said. Similarly, she felt at a young age she was a woman. She has spent her life trying to not hurt anyone and just being herself, despite being unaccepted and bullied. ?The thing that helps get me through is that someday everybody will accept me freely, [accept who] we are, and to have the equality everybody should have.? After being in this film, Mimi discovered a new talent and passion and began working in other films as an actress. Villarosa wasn't sure what the response of the women in the film would be to the film; but they loved it. ?It was not until the film ended and they went up on stage and they hugged and thanked me, some in tears, that I realized I did it. Seeing them on stage answering questions from the audience (even from a nun) was the icing on the cake," she said. Villarosa keeps in touch with the girls and plans on going back this summer to visit them. Another issue she had while making the film was editing, which she chose to do herself, something she cautions directors should not do.
15
M ay 2015
Pict ured (Right ): Direct or Janice Vil l arosa at screening at Pal m Beach Int ernat ional Fil m Fest ival
?I had a lot of footage (around 3 TB) so I was afraid that if I gave the footage to an editor, they would kill me. So I ended up editing the film myself,? she said. ?My first cut was 2 ½ hours long and I wanted to wave that white flag so many times. But I could not give up. I had made a promise to my cast to use this film for their voice and I was not about to break that promise. I showed a few people the edits and asked for their advice. A couple of people were actually brutal with their criticisms, but that made me work harder to make it a better film. From the moment I woke up to the moment I fell asleep, I was working on the film." She also faced controversy and discrimination herself as she put this film out to the world.
I NDEPENDENT STREAK M AGAZI NE VOL 2, #5
M ay 2015
The film was not only shown at the Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival in Florida in fall 2014, where it won the ?Spirit of Independent Award,? but also in the Palm Beach International Film Festival. In addition, it won Best Documentary in the Long Island International Film Expo (NY) and at Laughlin International Film Festival (NV). It was just awarded the Award of Excellence at the Canada International Film Festival and was nominated for the prestigious ?Golden Orchid? award at the Hawaii International Film Festival. These are just a few of the many festivals that featured this film. What's next for this dynamic director? She is producing a film called ?The Next Page,? a feature film focusing on the relationship between a single father, Alex, and his 9-year old son, Brian, who is diagnosed with pediatric cancer. The film, she said, is an internal journey for Alex, battling with his son?s wish to reconcile with his mom, who is dead. ?It is a coming-of-age story for Brian as he learns to confront and deal with the prospect of death and loss," she said. You can find out about it at www.thenextpagefilm.com. She added, ?I have various narrative feature films mostly in development. I am also working on a hip-hop narrative film that has an anti-bullying message.? ?Some people, thinking that I, too, am transgender, would look at me up and down and that smile that they previously had would turn to a frown and they would have a look of disgust. One stranger even told me to drop my underwear to prove whether or not I am a transgender! My friend told me that they face this everyday of their lives ? that people, especially guys, would think it?s ok to talk to them this way. That made me more determined. The bullying has to stop. "I hope the film will make people stop and think and start walking in other people?s shoes. At the same time, [I hope] anyone who has been bullied [will] feel empowered.?
For more information on all Villarosa's projects, visit www.silentvoicesproductions.com. Phot o (Lef t ): Girl s f rom "Shunned," who experienced bul l ying, discovered who t hey were at a young age.
16
I NDEPENDENT STREAK M AGAZI NE VOL 2, #5
Gym Brat s Gaetano Fasulo has done it again, brought the funny in a creatve way. Much like his film "Bonk," the film stars Carl Rimi (and also Stacey Steele) and his journey as he runs into a crazy group of characters and falls into circumstances he could never expect, all of which he shares with his confidant (Steele) while working out at the gym. The film was screened at Film Carpet 3.0 (See Pg. 19 ). For more inf ormat ion, visit Gymbrat s.t v/ wat ch01_page.ht ml .
M ay 2015
Wal king Man As a man and his son trek 200 miles across the state of Missouri, secrets are revealed. The father, Mark Norwine, has suffered with bipolar unbeknownst to the son, and the son, Eric, has battled with the condition too without even knowing it. In this documentary that tells the story in one revelation after another, the pair share their insights while participating in a walk that seeks to educate students about the epidemic. The mother also shares her own anguish from dealing with her families struggles. The film tied as best documentary. The award was announced before the Closing Night film of the Palm Beach International Film Festival, where it was shown. Pict ured: Eric Norwine accept ing award.
The film is directed by Josh Salzberg, who also edited "Welcome to Me," which was featured in the April issue of Independent Streak Magazine.
To f ind out more inf o., visit ht t p:/ / wal kingmanmovie.com.
17
I NDEPENDENT STREAK M AGAZI NE VOL 2, #5
M ay 2015
Independent St r eak Magazine One year filled with filmmakers events actors and all things cinematic... Thanks to all those who sponsored through the year and made this a possibility.... Thanks to all those who will help to bring Independent Streak Magazine into the future....
May 2014- May 2015 &beyond See all the issues in full at: www.independentstreakmagazine.com
18
I NDEPENDENT STREAK M AGAZI NE VOL 2, #5
FI LM CARPET 3. 0 Alexandra Bello has done it again with her "Film Carpet 3.0," held April 9 at Cinema Paradiso in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Besides showing her own film the documentary "Every 58 Hours," she also showed the webseries "Gym Brats," the short films "Slumber" and "Nothing to Lose" and the trailers for "Evil Intentions," "Love & Hostages" and "Dear Future Wife," as well as music video for AiA called "Calm Before the Storm." There was an electric performance by violinist Timothee Lovelock and the crowd was soothed by singer "Alyson Sichenzia." Rose Warner, who runs the Florida Hampton Table, also spoke about networking. Look for the next Film Carpet to be held in July. Find them on Facebook. Pictured (L to R, Top): Cast/ crew of "Evil Intentions," Cast/ crew of "Gym Brats" being interviewed; (Bottom) Maria Salamis & Timothee Lovelock; Jamal Malik & Alexandra Bello; Rich Stevens & Cheryl Frazier; Joe Johnson, Alexandra Bello & former BSO Sheriff Al Lamberti.
19
M ay 2015
I NDEPENDENT STREAK M AGAZI NE VOL 2, #5
M ay 2015
World Premier "Gourmet Detective" May 16 (9 p.m. ET/ PT 8 C) Hallmark Channel Starring Dylan Neal and Brooke Burns, this TV series is part of Hallmark Movies & Mysteries. Synopsis: Famed culinary consultant Henry Ross (Neal) is a charming food industry insider in San Francisco. When suspicious sabotage ends in a shocking murder at his friend?s five-star restaurant, Henry is put on the case with strong-willed police detective and single mom, Maggie Price (Burns). Despite Maggie?s protests, they must work together to decipher the clues and investigate all of San Francisco?s top culinary pros. In this first installment in the ?Gourmet Detective? Mystery Movie Series franchise, Dylan not only stars, but also co-writes the script with his wife Becky Southwell and serves as Executive Producer.
20