admin – Page 41 – Unspool Hollywood

View New Trailer for Gravitas Ventures “The Unabridged Mrs. Vera’s Daybook”

NuReality Productions “The Unabridged Mrs. Vera’s Daybook,” a film by prolific LGBTQ filmmaker Robert James (Library of Dust, The Night Minister, Ruminations, and Verasphere: A Love Story in Costume), ahead of the film’s upcoming global TVOD/Digital release across all platforms through Gravitas Ventures on August 1^st.

Experience the joy that is the award-winning, trailblazing story of activism and community through the Verasphere told in NuReality Productions “The Unabridged Mrs. Vera’s Daybook.” The Verasphere is an organically founded community based in and around San Francisco, CA. A space of freedom of creative expression, activism and support from the LGBTQIA+ community for the world—no gender politics or boundaries to artistic expression. Archiving and curating the art and history of the LGBTQIA+ community. Archives of the Verasphere art and their story can be found in multiple locations. The Verasphere founders work with the Harvey Milk Center, and Open House in San Francisco. Art in motion with Verasphere individual jackets now, and annual Pride and year round representation. The Verasphere brings people together—the Verasphere brought the documentarian to our stars, and a Verasphere friend brought the film to her distributor.

The Verasphere team have never charged for their art—the art they share freely with the world.

“The Unabridged Mrs. Vera’s Daybook” tells the brilliant story of historic activism, love, and community art through the works of two prolific San Francisco artists, David Faulk and Michael Johnstone, who also happen to be long-term AIDS survivors and extraordinary activists who were instrumental in ACT UP and the NAMES Project (culminating in the March On Washington/installation of Aids Quilt in Washington, D.C.). During one of the darkest periods in US History, two men decide to bring all the joy and color to a broken community for which an entire movement has emerged. Taking to the streets bedecked in glitter, baubles, and recycled plastic, the two form a cadre of colorful kindred spirits they call Verasphere, supporters, fellow activists and members of the Queer Art Community join the film to help paint this vivid portrait of perseverance, compassion and outrageous dime-store fashion, photos here. Having received the coveted Community Grand Marshall appointment for the San Francisco Pride Parade in 2019, our film subjects confront a new pandemic and celebrate 25 years of making sensational art together.

HOLLYWOOD WALK OF FAME ANNOUNCES ITS 2024 HONOREES

HOLLYWOOD, CA. June 26, 2023 —A new group of entertainment professionals in the categories of Motion Pictures, Television, Live Theatre/Live Performance, Radio, Recording, and Sports Entertainment have been selected to receive stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame by the Walk of Fame Selection Panel of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce. These honorees were chosen from among hundreds of nominations to the committee at a meeting held on June 16, 2023 and ratified by the Hollywood Chamber’s Board of Directors on June 21, 2023. Steve Nissen, President and CEO of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce and Ellen K, Chair of the Walk of Fame Selection Panel and Radio personality, announced the new honorees on www.walkoffame.com

The new selections were revealed to the world via the Walk of Fame website on www.walkoffame.com beginning at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, June 26th

“The Selection Committee which is made up of fellow Walk of Famers, carefully hand-picks a group of honorees each year that represent various genres of the entertainment world," said Chair and Walk of Famer Ellen K, "The Committee did an amazing job choosing these very talented people. We can't wait to see each honoree's reaction as they realize that they are becoming a part of Hollywood's history with the unveiling of their star on the world's most famous walkway!" Ellen K added.

The Hollywood Walk of Fame Class of 2024 are:

In the category of MOTION PICTURES: Chadwick Boseman (posthumous), Kevin Feige, Gal Gadot, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Chris Meledandri, Chris Pine, Christina Ricci, and Michelle Yeoh

In the category of TELEVISION: Ken Jeong, Eugene Levy, Mario Lopez, Jim Nantz, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Michael Schur, Kerry Washington, and Raúl De Molina and Lili Estefan, Co-Hosts of the television show, “El Gordo y La Flaca” (double ceremony)

In the category of RECORDING: Glen Ballard, Toni Braxton, Def Leppard, Charles Fox, Sammy Hagar, Brandy Norwood, Darius Rucker, Gwen Stefani, and Andre ‘Dr. Dre’ Young

In the category of LIVE THEATRE/LIVE PERFORMANCE: Jane Krakowski and Otis Redding (posthumous)

In the category of RADIO: Angie Martinez

In the category of Sports Entertainment: Billie Jean King and Carl Weathers

The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce and its Walk of Fame Selection Panel congratulate all the honorees. Dates have not been scheduled for these star ceremonies. Recipients have two years to schedule star ceremonies from the date of selection before they expire. Upcoming star ceremonies are usually announced ten days prior to dedication on the official website www.walko

View New Trailer: “august at twenty-two” Starring Ali Edwards, Lilli Kay, Jorge Felipe Guevara, and Clay Singer with a Release on July 25^th

Director: Sophia
Writer: Ali Edwards
Starring; Ali Edwards
Runtime: 1 hour 28 minutes

august at twenty-two will be released July 25^th across North American in USA & Canada for a TVOD/Digital on all platforms through Gravitas Ventures

Cal, a floundering actress, must reevaluate her priorities when she discovers that her childhood “soulmate,” Jacob, has a serious girlfriend, Emily. Feeling unfulfilled by disappointing auditions, pressure to succeed (whatever that means), and failed attempts to reconnect with Jacob, Cal seeks a new companion in Emily. As Cal gets swept up in her exciting new social life, she begins neglecting her best friend Bobby, who is becoming increasingly concerned about her rapidly changing focus. As Bobby and Cal's friendship disintegrates, so does Cal's sense of self. Meanwhile, her relationship with Em develops in unexpected and incendiary ways.

A Lady Parts Productions presents august at twenty-two, is in many ways a cinematic sibling to the work of Greta Gerwig, Sofia Coppola, and Lena Dunham’s revolutionary HBO series Girls. Written by Ali Edwards ; Directed by Sophia Castuera; Produced by Mary Elizabeth Monda; with Director of Photography Melina Valdez; and Edited by Amir Mosallaie.

Lady Parts Productions was founded by Ali Edwards, Mary Elizabeth Monda and Sophia Castuera, three fierce advocates for creating positive social change through their work.

RICK ROSS Performs Live at NOVA3 in Hollywood

Rick Ross: Phot Credit: taken from poster

Today, Saturday, July 8^th, Florida rapper, producer, and music executive Rick Ross performed live at NOVA3 in Hollywood, CA, located at 7046 Hollywood Boulevard.l

Ross’ debut album was Port of Miami in 2006 that was certified gold. He has released 11 studio albums and the last release was Richer Than I Ever Been in 2021. He appeared in his first movie role in the 2008 film Days of Wrath. Ross played himself in the 2021 Coming 2 America starring Eddie Murphy.

About NOVA3

NOVA3 is a co-working lounge with complimentary coffee and pastries and full restaurant, bar, recording studio, soundproof booth and podcast

Documentary Feature Film “Odd Hours, No Pay, Cool Hat” in Theaters July 7th and TVOD/Digital Release on July 27th

When: Tonight, Friday, July 7^th (Opening Night/New York Premiere)

Media/Guest Check-in/Doors Open: 6:30pm

Screening followed by Filmmakers Q&A: 7pm screening of the 91-minute film followed by 25-minute Q&A

Moderator: John Larocchia, comedian, Founder of Laughter Saves Lives, and former FDNY

Panelists: Co-Directors Gary Matoso and Cameron Zoohori, Executive Producer Peter Yoakum, and Eugene Perry, Firefighters Association of the State of New York 1st Vice President.

Also in attendance: NVFC Chief Executive Officer Sarah Lee and the President of the John Deere Foundation, Nate Clark.

When: Tomorrow, Saturday, July 8^th (New York Opening Weekend)

Media/Guest Check-in/Doors Open: 6:30pm

Screening followed by Filmmakers Q&A: 7pm screening of the 91-minute film followed by 25-minute Q&A

Moderator: Chris Gethard, comedian, actor (The Dictator, The Heat, Don't Think Twice)

Panelists: Co-Directors Gary Matoso and Cameron Zoohori, Executive Producer Peter Yoakum, and and Jerry Presta, Chairman of the Nassau County Junior Firefighters Association and Volunteer Firefighter with East Norwich Fire Department in Long Island

Also in attendance: President of the John Deere Foundation, Nate Clark.

When: Sunday, July 9^th (New York Opening Weekend)

*Two Opportunities to See the film with special Q&A.*

1^st Media/Guest Check-in/Doors Open: 1:30pm

1^st Screening followed by Filmmakers Q&A: 2pm screening of the 91-minute film followed by 25-minute Q&A

2^nd Media/Guest Check-in/Doors Open: 4:30pm

2^nd Screening followed by Filmmakers Q&A: 5pm screening of the 91-minute film followed by 25-minute Q&A

Moderator: John Larocchia, comedian, Founder of Laughter Saves Lives, and former FDNY

Panelists: Co-Director Cameron Zoohori, Associate Producer Louise Colette, and Yitzy Grunwald, Monsey Volunteer Fire Department Volunteer Firefighter and Odd Hours cast member.

“Odd Hours, No Pay, Cool Hat” is inspired by an original story by Peter Yoakum and takes audiences behind the lines of America’s volunteer fire service community. The film is truly a tribute to the nearly 700,000 volunteer firefighters around the country – highlighting their selfless bravery, compassion, motivation, and unfaltering sense of community. The film is presented by John Deere in association with the National Volunteer Fire Council, Hold Fast Features, and Vignette.

This extraordinary film has screened as part of a coveted private screening series including the John Deere Headquarters Screening & Panel event honoring regional fire departments and the National Volunteer Fire Council Board of Directors Screening, with the upcoming Elevate from Brand Storytelling in Sundance, Utah and the NVFC Training Summit.

The “Odd Hours, No Pay, Cool Hat” filmmaking team is led by Co-Director, DP & Producer Gary Matoso, Co-Director & Editor Cameron Zohoori, Executive Producer Peter Yoakum, Casting Director & Associate Producer Louise Colette Matoso, and Composer Dillon Byron.

To support the film in theatres and follow it's journey: www.oddhoursfilm.com

Hollywood Walk of Fame Announces Class of 2024

The Walk of Fame Selection Panel of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce has announced the class of 2024 to receive a star on Hollywood Boulevard.

In the category of MOTION PICTURES: Chadwick Boseman (posthumous), Kevin Feige, Gal Gadot, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Chris Meledandri, Chris Pine, Christina Ricci, and Michelle Yeoh

In the category of RECORDING: Glen Ballard, Toni Braxton, Def Leppard, Charles Fox, Sammy Hagar, Brandy Norwood, Darius Rucker, Gwen Stefani, and Andre ‘Dr. Dre’ Young

In the category of LIVE THEATRE/LIVE PERFORMANCE: Jane Krakowski and Otis Redding (posthumous)

In the category of RADIO: Angie Martinez

In the category of Sports Entertainment: Billie Jean King and Carl Weathers

The dates for each of the Walk of Fame ceremonies will be announced at a later date.

Walk of Fame Shows 2Pac California Love with a Star

Photo Credit: YR taken from publicity photo

On Wednesday, June 7, 2023, Tupac Amaru Shakur received some California Love with the 2,758^th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in the recording category. The star is located at 6212 Hollywood Boulevard.

The posthumous honor comes 27 years after his murder in Las Vegas and long overdue for the iconic rapper, actor, poet, and social activist.

The emcee for the event was Big Boy, an IHeart Media personality. Allen Hughes, director of “Dear Mama: The Saga of Afeni and Tupac Shakur” and Jamal Joseph were the guest speakers. Also in attendance and showing support for Tupac and his Sekyiwa “Set” Shakur were Mike Epps, YG, his step-brother, Mopreme Shakur, Money-B, DJ Quick

It will not take long for Tupac Shakur’s star to become one of the most visited on the Walk of Fame.

There has been two exhibits honoring the life of Tupac, one at the Grammy Museum’s “All Eyez on Me” and the other “Tupac Shakur. Wake Me When I’m Free” m L.A. Live.

In 2012, he was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

The “Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll” Tina Turner has Died

Photo Credit: Yevette Renee

On Wednesday, May 24^th, the “Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll” Tina Turner died at her home in Switzerland.

Born on November 26, 1939, in Brownsville, Tennessee, Anna Mae Bullock, came to fame as a member in the Ike & Tina Turner Revue, joining his Kings of Rhythm in the late 50s. Her debut was the 1958 song “Boxtop” that was followed with their hit “A Fool in Love.” She and Ike eventually married and were together from 1962 until 1978.

With a career that spanned decades, in 1984. Tina won the Grammy Award for Record of the year for “What’s Love Got to Do with it” from her album Private Dancer that went multi-platinum. Her autobiography I, Tina: My Life Story became the hit 1993 film What love Got to Do with It starring Angela Bassett and Lawrence Fishburne.

The Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll has sold more than 100 million records and has won 12 Grammy Awards. She is among the greatest 100 artist and singer of all time.

African and I: Review

Bottom Line: Follow Your Dreams
Year: 2021
Director Writer: Othmane Zolatin
Genre: Feature Documentary
Country: Morocco and South Africa

The value in having a determined curiosity about people and the world you in habit.

Born and raised in Morocco, Othmane Zolatin sets out to the southernmost tip of Africa taking in all its glory and pitfalls as he travels over 24 countries on his journey.

Africa & I is a great film.

Something that captured my attention was Othmane desire to see the entire continent of his native homeland of Africa. His determination to find out for himself the character of Africa’s people. And not rely solely on text books and opionions of others.

The story was truly unpredictable as Othmane faced multiply bouts of malaria, arrest, and armed men.

The film captures the vast landscape of lush vegetation to the unforgiving desert sun.

Great editing that allows for an easy flow from scene to scene as he travels thousands of miles in his four-year journey from his home in northern Africa to the continent’s most southern tip in South Africa.

Filmed on location along the beauty, white sandy beaches to its baren dessert landscape.

It took a lot of courage and self-determination, especially as an only son, to go against customs and take off on his journey.

After having satisfied his desire travel the continent of Africa and taking four years to do so, wonder if he will be able to stay in one place, being happy in his home town.

A wonderful coming of age film that is inspiring as well as captivating.

Africa & I shows the importance of getting to know people as individuals and not with the pre-conceived bias. As well as, showing the strength of love and the value in family over custom. Definitely as film to see.

A Brother’s Whisper: Review

Bottom Line: Speak Out, Before It is Too Late to Speak Up
A Brother’s Whisper
Year: 2022
Director & Writer: Jacinto Taras Riddick
Cast: Jacinto Taras Riddick, Che Ayende, Lekethia Dalcoe, James T. Alfred, Mark Breland, Cristian Sebastián, Coach Nate Boyd, Mustafa Abdullah, Andrea Michelle Kelly
Genre: Drama
Rating: 17 years and older
Country: U.S.
Language: English
Runtime: 1 hour 8 minutes

The damage from not speaking up and out.

Jacinto Taras Riddick’s directorial debut “A Brother’s Whisper” is a compelling story that takes you on a journey of the relationships between the family you are born into, your community and the ones you choose.

Solomon Bordeaux (Jacinto Taras Riddick) torturous return to civilian life with an inner rage brings conflict between his realities of life and war with his brother David Bordeaux (Che Ayende), sister-in-law Leona Bordeaux (Lekethia Dalcoe), Gabriel (James T. Alfred), Mark Breland (as Himself), Anthony (Cristian Se bastián), Coach Nate Boyd (as himself) and Lance (Mustafa Abdullah.)

Solomon is forced to navigate cultural and societal changes, whether he is ready for them or not. He endures constant difficulties with boundaries and self-control.

Jacinto said the message of his film, “ Unlike this so-called politically correct world in which we live, this film does not apologize nor does it take sides. In my humble belief, it is an honest depiction of our love, dysfunction, fears, triumphs and reaction to what society has bestowed upon us.”

A Brother’s Whisper is a good example of the conflicts people are facing each day in their lives and communities.

It was a good film with a powerful message.

What stood out to me was the importance of empathy and compassion with the challenges that men of color have in sharing emotion. And the value in a women’s intuition as shown by

His choice of direction guides the film portrays in a honest depiction of inner struggles colliding with life forces out of one’s control. The Brooklyn setting was a great choice to show a diverse community.

Jacinto created a storyline that expresses credible experiences of everyday people and their struggles.

Kathleen E. McAuley’s editing allows for an effortless flow from scene to scene into a great story.

Costume Design (does the clothes fit the style of the movie?)

The various settings, notably, the boxing scenes, conveys the complexities of the stereotypes of the many male dominated sports.

The streets of Brooklyn was a good choice, provided insight to the stigma in minority communities.

The musical scores works well with the deep emotional storyline.

A Brother’s Whisper encourages creating a healthy envermintal for honest , yet difficult conversations.

A film definitely worth seeing.

2022
Producer: Jacinto Taras Riddick
Production Co: Colored Section Films
Cast: Jacinto Taras Riddick, Che Ayende, Lekethia Dalcoe, James T. Alfred, Mark Breland, Cristian Sebastián, Coach Nate Boyd, Mustafa Abdullah, Andrea Michelle Kelly
Director & Writer: Jacinto Taras Riddick
Director of Photography Jeffrey Akers Riddick
Editor: Kathleen E. McAuley
Musical Scores: featured artists include jazz saxophonist, Antonio Hart; percussionist and spoken word artist, E. Preston Riddick and his ensemble, Resura Arkestra; and producer Warren Parker’s ParloEnterprises Tell It Like It Is, performed by Aaron Neville
Runtime: 1 hour 8 minutes
Country: US
Language: English ·
Age Limit: 17 and above
Executive Producers: Jerome Syville, Warren Parker, and Sean Tucker
Line Producer: Zeev Feldman
Co-Producers: Joseph C. Grant Jr., Che Ayende, and Kenthedo Robinson
Sound Designer: Nick Long
Sound Supervisor and Sound Recordist: Edward Morris
Camera Operator: Charles Jones
First Assistant/Focus Puller: Leslie Jean-Bart
Gaffer: John Pyatt
Costume Designer: Myah Pediford
Makeup Artists: Robert Minjarez, Tonya Chavez, Edward Powell, and Jewell Whinfeld
Unit Production Managers: Cherryl Davis And Tiffany Morrell
Production Assistants: Amira Hasib and Carl Ellis Grant
Assistant Editors: Tom Knight and Maehdeh Moayyednia
DIT: Stephen Cohen Colorist Chad Smith of Massive Clouds