The Thornhills of Park Avenue (L-R: Bill Connington, Anthony Haden-Guest, Juliette Bennett)

We recently wrote about Bill Connington’s success with his award winning play, Zombie (based on the novella by Joyce Carol Oates).  The short film based on the play- winner of “Best Short Film (Horror)” at the Washington D.C. International Film Festival will be shown as part of The Williamsburg International Film Festival — Knitting Factory | 9/23/2011 | 12 AM – and (if you’re down that way) at  The Atlanta Horror Film Festival in a few days on September 16.

In Zombie Connington plays a mild-mannered “normal-seeming” serial killer who abducts innocent victims and attempts to turn them into his zombie slaves.

But if that doesn’t sound like your cup of tea the versatile Connington will flex his comic muscles for you as an upscale Society investment banker trying to discover the meaning of life in the short film The Thornhills of Park Avenue.  Written by Connington the film co-stars Juliette Bennett and Anthony Haden-Guest.

“A young Park Avenue couple invites a British writer and cartoonist for cocktails. Quips and satire ensue. The story is: what is more important: money or happiness? The answer? Cocktails, apparently…”

The Thornhills of Park Avenue will be screened at the Somewhat North of Boston Film Festival (Sept 15 – 18 / Concord New Hampsire) on September 17th.

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Bill Connington Long Island Film Fest

The short film ZOMBIE will be screened on Monday, August 22 at the New York City International Film Festival. The program of shorts is at 11:35 am – 1 pm at the Abingdon Theater, 312 West 36^th Street, 2^nd floor.  ZOMBIE is the last film on that morning’s program. Tickets are $5.

ZOMBIE tells the story of a mild-mannered “normal-seeming” serial killer, who abducts innocent victims, and attempts to turn them into his “zombie” slaves. The stage play was presented at the New York International Fringe Festival, Off-Broadway at Theater Row for an extended run, and at the Gerald W. Lynch Theater in New York. It was also recently performed in Seattle, and a production is planned for Mexico City.

ZOMBIE is based on the award-winning novella by famous American author Joyce Carol Oates. Bill Connington garnered numerous awards when he adapted the novella into a solo play, and performed it at The New York International Fringe Festival, and twice Off-Broadway. The film recently won “Best Short Film (Horror)” at the Washington DC International Film Festival.

Upcoming film festivals where the film will also be shown include The Williamsburg International Film Festival — date to be announced  – and The Atlanta Horror Film Festival on September 16.

The award-winning ZOMBIE was directed by noted filmmaker Thomas Caruso; the screenplay was penned by Connington, who also stars in the film. The Director of Photography was Trisha Solyn, the producer was Michael Cooper, and the composer was Deirdre Broderick, who also wrote the music for the stage play ZOMBIE.

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• Bill Connington Is Unstoppable With *Zombie* And *The Thornhills Of Park Avenue*
• Let The Nightmare Begin – An Interview With The Creative Minds Behind Princes Of Darkness
• Women’s History Month: Celebrating Women In The Arts – Spotlight On Robin Rice Lichtig
• 4 Cents Review: The Princes Of Darkness – They Just Need Love Too

One of the very cool things about this series is that each month they randomly pick an audience member to star in a film to be shown the following month at Iron Mule. So if you’ve been sitting around waiting for your star turn, your odds will be significantly increased just by sitting in this audience.  What else do you have to do on December 4th?

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Zaritsas: Russian Women in New York – a life-changing documentary by Elena Beloff will be screened on Oct 24 at the Astoria/LIC Film Festival.

Elena Beloff, a graduate of the New School University where she had studied film production, wanted to make movies since she was a little girl in her hometown in Tatarstan, Russia. When she was in high school she came to the USA as an exchange student and returned later to pursue her dreams. While living in New York Elena came across the infamous phenomena of the Russian women stereotype as materialistic gold-diggers and mail-order brides so she decided to make a film to explore the alleged stereotypes. As she was composing her student version of Zaritsas, she worked as an extra on the set of Law & Order where she met Vincent D’Onofrio who also starred in Men in Black and produced The Whole Wide World, and who became interested in her work and sponsored her film.

Elena’s documentary tells the stories of five Russian women in New York. Sasha, an exchange student loved the city and decided to stay. Katya’s dream is to quit her prestigious job at La Perla and become a photographer. The rapper Elena Ouri lives and breathes her songs and music – many about her vision of God. Tatiana rebuilt herself from rape and loss of her husband. Irina, an exotic dancer, takes refuge at a spiritual retreat to rebuild herself, and finds a job in the New York Jewelry district – with the emotional support of all the other women in the film.

The film is named Zaritsas, (The Queens) because of a Russian song about women locked in a cage of societal judgment much like the medieval Queens were trapped in their castles. Full of personal dilemmas and intense emotions, the film was an interesting cultural insight, and Elena Beloff was excited to answer the questions it raised.

What prompted you to make this movie? Did you feel bogged down by the stereotypes? Were you yourself tired of being placed in a stereotype bucket after telling people you are Russian?

EB: When I first came to the US, I began hearing stories about Russian mail-order brides and how easy it was to get a Russian wife if one wanted to. Then, in New York in 2000 I often heard about the article “From Russia with Sex” by Michael Gross which depicted Russian women as cold hearted gold-diggers. Also, while living in Brooklyn for a few years I became aware of strippers’ phenomenon – so many Russian girls were doing it that it seemed like a norm. I became curious about the stereotypes and how and why they developed. Over the years I met Russian women who married or went out with older rich men to better their lives without being really in love. My heart was aching when I saw women in such situations.

You followed several Russian women in New York to tell their life stories and journeys. That took a lot of time and effort. How long did it take you to make the film, how did you manage your life while making it?

It took me two years to make this film. It was certainly a lot of work, but it was worth it. I was working on my film full time and also supported myself doing hypnosis sessions. I am also trained hypnotist.

You mentioned that the film was produced by Vincent D’Onofrio. How did you find him and convince him to be your producer – or was it his idea?

I met D’Onofrio on the set of Law & Order, I was an extra there. I was still studying the New School University at the time and just finished a student version of my film about Russian women. He saw a trailer and believed in my film. His production company sponsored it.

A few personal tidbits: where were you born, why and how did you come to New York and what made you choose film-making as your career?

I was born in Russia in Tatarstan. I came to the US originally as an exchange student and went to high school in Indiana, Pennsylvania. Later, I came back again to pursue my dreams in NYC. Filmmaking is my passion. I chose it because I can communicate my vision, beliefs and love for art through film.

Will you be joining us at the festival?

Yes, I will join the festival. The ladies [from the documentary] will come as well. I will bring friends and they will vote for me.

What are your aspirations and what’s the next big project?

My aspirations are to make more films, documentary and feature films. Right now we are in production of my documentary film about Hypnosis.

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AHEAD OF TIME

Ruth Gruber didn’t just report the news. She made it.

See the trailer:
New York Times Arts & Leisure Article on the Film
Jewish Journal Interview with Ruth Gruber

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Brooklyn Heights Cinema 70 Henry Street Brooklyn NY 11201

brooklynheightscinema.com

Reel Inheritance & Vitagraph Films present AHEAD OF TIME Exclusively in Theaters in New York and Los Angeles The youngest person to earn a PhD, at age 20 in 1931 (and as an American in Germany no less!). The first journalist to explore the Soviet Arctic region at age 24. A participant in a secret war-time mission to escort Holocaust refugees for President Roosevelt and on the scene to report on the infamous Exodus ship’s attempt to reach Palestine with Jewish refugees. Her photos informed the world. Born in 1911, Jewish American author, photojournalist, humanitarian and adventurer Ruth Gruber was always ahead of her time.AHEAD OF TIME, the directorial debut of award-winning cinematographer Bob Richman (September Issue, An Inconvenient Truth) relates the remarkable real-life journey of Ruth Gruber, a spirited woman who rejected the gender boundaries of her generation – leaving Brooklyn for studies in Berlin, where she witnessed the rise of Nazism and began documenting her observations. An impassioned foreign correspondent, she began her illustrious career with the New York Herald Tribune, is the award-winning author of 19 books and even had tea with Virginia Woolf!President Harry Truman told Ruth Gruber in 1946 that all the problems in the Middle East were because of oil and–64 years later–things haven’t changed. Celebrating her 99th birthday on September 30, 2010, Ruth Gruber was not content to simply witness the most defining events of the 20th century, she participated in making that history! Bring your daughters to meet Ruth Gruber. She will inspire and charm the whole family! Executive Produced by: Denise Benmosche, Patti Kenner, Doris Schechter Meet Ruth Gruber, Director Bob Richman, Producer Zeva Oelbaum in person at select shows. Check our website or your local newspaper or movie ticketing website for showtimes and appearances. Ruth will appear only in New York.In Theatres in New York on September 24 Brooklyn Heights Cinema 70 Henry Street Brookly, New York 11201 718.596.7070Showtimes: Friday – Sunday: 2:30 PM, 5:00 PM, 6:45 PM Monday – Thursday: 2:30 PM, 5:00 PM, 7:15 PM *AHEAD OF TIME is scheduled to run 9/24 – 30 at this theatre. If the film is in theatres longer in NYC, details will be on our website or in your local paper or theatre listing website. Always check the theatre website to confirm showtimes. For more information see: www.aheadoftimethemovie.com Find AHEAD OF TIME on Facebook! Do you have a group that wants to come to see AHEAD OF TIME? aheadoftimegroupsales@gmail.com _______________________________________

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“Picture Me- A Model’s Diary” is the new documentary following the rise of high fashion model Sara Ziff, over the course of several years, by her then filmmaker boyfriend Ole Schell.

It first premiered  at the 2009 Gen Art Film Festival in New York, and it is shocking, honest, and disturbing.

What began as a more or less ‘hobby’ of filming everything–from backstage, to the catwalk, to traveling, daily errands, and everything in between– turned into endless footage, including several unsettling moments caught on tape by Schell. It reveals a side of modeling, that sadly, I am all too familiar with, along with many other former models who saw, witnessed, or experienced the ugly side of the modeling world for themselves.

Ironically enough these topics never graced the stylish, beautiful pages of VOGUE.

This weekend Picture Me makes it’s official New York debut at the Angelika Theater, and Ole and Sara Ziff (co-director, and model) will be holding a Q&A after each 7:30pm show this weekend.

I encourage any young woman who is interested in the modeling business to see this film, in addition to any one else who shrugs modeling off as ‘easy work’.  It won’t soon leave your memory.

Check out the film’s official trailer here:

~~~

Playing at:

Angelika Film Center & Cafe189 2nd Ave # 2S, New York, NY 10003-5782(212) 871-9093

• Directions

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It’s creeping up, you can tell by the rainy days and not-so-freezing weather. There’s also that mixed fashion I so love in Spring and the month of April; half the population is braving the still somewhat crisp temperatures and taking off the layers and boots, while the other is still hiding behind the winter parkas that will soon be packed in storage boxes or donated to Goodwill.

These are a couple of suggestions of things that make me go Yes! plus places and events you shouldn’t miss out on during the month of April.

April Wear

The most important element that should grace the wardrobe of both men and women in April is a new pair of shades, and by new I mean old. Retro is the fresh look for Spring 2010, from round glasses (Gaga goes googoo over them), retro Ray-Bans (color me 80s), and always in fashion – not leaving us anytime soon – aviator or pilot glasses.

Jeremy Scott Mickey Mouse Glasses

Ray-Ban

And if you think eye-wear is a thing for the geeks, think again! Stop spending money on contact lenses and embrace the sexy. What used to be nerd-wear is now steaming hot. Just make sure they are fashionably sensitive … and guess what? You don’t need glasses? Make a statement! Get your hands on a pair anyways – they are the accessory of the season.

Tom Ford

Tom Ford

April Eats

Spring is all about the Bowery scene, don’t miss this special eat-treat happening this weekend – Travertine restaurant and owner, Danae Cappelletto will host an Alice in Wonderland themed costume party this Easter Sunday, April 4th with music by Tyger Lily.

Travertine

The party will start with a trippy, electronic, candy-coated brunch at 12pm that will float into an evening of music and fine food! In-house Mixoligist, Courtney Bae has created a speciality cocktail using Vieux Carré absinthe. The ‘White Rabbit’, combines fresh lemon juice, grapefruit juice, ginger infused simple syrup and dry prosecco served in a champagne flute. Alice in Travertineland is a bohemian sipping disco queen, with a palate to envy! She never misses the party, especially a costume party! Don your best Alice in Wonderland inspired getup and head down to celebrate Easter. Travertine is located at 19 Kenmare Street, New York, NY

April Care

Earth Day is April 22 and there are a number of events in the city of New York celebrating, informing and most importantly creating a greener understanding during this day and the whole month of April. You can act right now by joining the “b the E” campaign, and showing your support for a greener planet. The campaign evokes Gandhi’s quote: “Be the change you want to see in the world.” You can join the E campaign and check out the different happenings that day – even share your green ideas.

Adrian Grenier for "b the E"

April Films

Here comes the Neighborhood! The Tribeca Film Festival begins April 21st and the selections this year will not disappoint. From Arias With A Twist: The Docufantasy (documentary of the hit show at HERE Arts Center) to Zonad (selection from Ireland), not taking advantage of these flicks would just be plain foolish.

They recently announced  it will be hosting the gala premiere of  Letters to Juliet (featuring Amanda Seyfried) on April 25.  The Tribeca Film Festival will also hold a special presentation of My Own Love Song, from director Olivier Dahan (La Vie en Rose)  and featuring original music from Bob Dylan.

Arias With A Twist: A Docufantasy

Be sure to pick up your tickets as soon as they go on sale. If you have a My Tribeca account, you can start planning your schedule now by saving My Own Love Song and Letters to Juliet to your calendar!

April Final Must

Lets head out to Brooklyn shall we, to Galapagos Art Space to be exact. This is where the troupe of Suspended Cirque will be every Sunday in April, and all they ask of you is that you be ready to look up. Sundays belong to the aerial cabaret of Swingin’ at Jack’s. Travel back to the year 1947, when Jack’s was the hottest place in town. Mingle with Jack’s saucy French maître d’, two flirty cigarette girls, a sultry songstress, a strapping stagehand, and the famous Jack himself. Watch the drama unfold in the air and on the floor – with sass, class, a wink and a smile – backed by the best live jazz in town.

Suspended Cirque

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Special thanks to everyone who emailed me their suggestions (If you would like to be considered for mention in a future monthly guide, send information to Antonio@thehappiestmedium.com with Guide To [and the month] as the subject).

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Lincoln Center Film Society

In the next two weeks, The Film Society of  Lincoln Center is showcasing the BEST of France within the past year. This includes the US premieres of big hits from Cannes Film Festival, 2009, as well as winners from the Cesar Awards (French equivalent to the Academy Awards), and in addition-several young auteurs. Every night has a new event-ranging from the film premiere, to a Q and A, or a showcase of Short Films from France with in-person appearances by Michel Gondy, Vincent Lindon, Yvan Attal, Stéphane Brizé, Julie Gayet, Christophe Honoré, Cédric Kahn, Virginie Ledoyen, Chiara Mastroianni, and François Ozon.

Thursday the 11th was the opening night of Farewell (L’Affaire Farewell) (Dir., Christian Carion) with in-person appearances from France’s top actor/director Guillaume Canet (Tell No One, The BEACH). Tickets are on sale now.

I will bring coverage from the event, as well as the actor Q and A with Vincet Lindon, and next Tuesday and Thursday’s short film event. Stay tuned!

Click Here for more information.

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I have to admit, I didn’t get to see Coraline (the movie) when it was playing –mainly because I cover so much theatre that I just don’t get a chance to get out to the movies as much as I used to [I unfortunately missed MCC Theater's production of Coraline the Musical as well. Sheesh!].   But apparently the movie’s director Henry Selick wants to change all that — because he’s hitting the pavement in November and seems to be making the rounds specifically for me with not one but TWO different events aimed for the type of person who doesn’t just like to see a movie, but likes to delve in and get the back story.

If you’re more interested in a screening of Coraline with Q&A then this choice is for you:

CORALINE

With writer/director Henry Selick in person

Thursday, November 19, 7:30 p.m.

Directors Guild Theatre, 110 West 57 Street, Manhattan

2009, 100 mins. Focus Features. Presented in Dolby Digital 3-D. Directed by Henry Selick. With the voices of Dakota Fanning, Teri Hatcher, Ian McShane. Selick adapts Neil Gaiman’s book about a girl who is bored in her new home until she discovers a door and finds an alternative version of her life on the other side. Film critic A.O. Scott wrote in The New York Times that Coraline “lingers in an atmosphere that is creepy, wonderfully strange and full of feeling.”

Call 718.784.4520 to make your reservation.

However, if Mr. Selick himself  and the world of stop-motion-animation seems more fascinating to you then set your clock one day earlier, and head downtown (not up) to:

AN EVENING WITH HENRY SELICK

Wednesday, November 18, at 7:00 p.m.

Crosby Street Hotel, 79 Crosby Street (between Spring and Prince)

Henry Selick will discuss his career and show clips from his films, including Coraline, The Nightmare Before Christmas, and James and the Giant Peach, in a discussion moderated by Chief Curator David Schwartz. Selick’s work is characterized by its emotional and textural richness, and by its adherence to the physicality and hand-made quality of stop-motion animation.

Order online or call 718.784.4520.

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