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Film Festivals
The Sikh International Film Festival 2009
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- Published on Saturday, 19 September 2009 12:28
- Written by fftraveler staff
Identifiable by their colorful turbans which can be seen in every borough of New York, the Sikh community has established a major presence here. To celebrate its rich heritage, traditions and culture, the first Sikh International Film Festival does so through a diverse mix of independent features, documentary and short films at the Sikh International Film Festival 2009 this September 18-19, at the Asia Society.
Three films--1984 and the Via Dolorosa Project, My Mother India and Flying Sikhs: A History of Sikh Fighter Pilots (a World Premiere)--open the SIFF '09 with the Feature Session on Friday, September 18. One film addresses the genocide in India 25 years ago when thousands of innocent Sikhs were killed in the aftermath of assassination of then prime minister Indira Gandhi; an intimate portrait of valiant Sikh pilots during WWI and WWII ends this emotionally charged set on an upbeat note.
On Saturday, September 19 the Documentary Session explores the topic of urban gang violence in A Warrior’s Religion. Through an enchanting history of turban--from ancient Christianity to modern day Sikhs--Turbanology (in its US Premiere) explores the impact of the war on terror and western society’s reaction to this humble article of faith.
A formal black-tie event at Cipriani Wall Street--The Sikh Heritage Gala--concludes the Festival. Acclaimed film-director and producer Mira Nair is the Guest of Honor for an evening of dance performance, art auction, and live entertainment accentuated by Bhangra pioneers RDB from the UK.
Film Festival Chair Dr. Paul Johar, explained, “The primary goal of the films we show is to hold a mirror not only for Sikhs but to an audience worldwide. We have a diverse set of films, and encourage film makers with our support every year by awarding $15,000 in prize money!”
Winners in the Documentary and Short Films will be selected by a notable panel of jury, including Ocean of Pearls Director Dr. Sarab Singh Neelam, Monsoon Wedding screenwriter Sabrina Dhawan and ABC News Nightline correspondent Vicki Mabrey.
In 2008, Governor David A. Paterson has issued a proclamation declaring the Sikh International Film Festival dates as Sikh Heritage Week, in recognition of the Sikh Art & Film Foundation’s efforts to promote cultural diversity in New York.
For a complete schedule, film details and tickets go to: www.sikharts.com
Quick Facts about Sikh-Americans
Sikhism originated in Punjab region of South Asia (India) over 500 years ago
It's the 5th largest religion with over 25 Million Sikhs worldwide
They have lived in North America for over 100 years
Dilip Singh Saund was the first Asian-American and Sikh Congressman in 1956
Over Half Million Sikhs live in North America
Traveling Short Doc Festival Returns to IFC Center
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- Published on Saturday, 19 September 2009 10:47
- Written by fftraveler staff
The Friars Club Comedy Film Festival
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- Published on Wednesday, 16 September 2009 09:53
- Written by fftraveler staff
The Friars Club Comedy Film Festival will open its inaugural year on Thursday, September 24th with the U.S. premiere of A Serious Man--the new film from Academy Award-winning writer/directors Joel and Ethan Coen. the Coen Brothers’ latest feature will open the festival at the world-famous Ziegfeld Theater in Manhattan; Joel and Ethan Coen and cast members will join Friars in attendance.
The festival's Executive Director Charlie Prince and Director Susannah Gora are both Friars who work in the film and entertainment industry, and are passionate about movies. Comments Prince , “I couldn't be more thrilled; Joel and Ethan Coen are the rare filmmakers who finesse consistently original work that inspires, work which represents exactly the kind of filmmaking we seek to champion here at the Friars Club. A Serious Man is one of their most unique and accomplished movies. It’s ideal to open our festival with, because it goes to the core of what is dark and personal – yet ever-present – in humor.”
Lebowski Fest Bowls Into Chicago This Weekend
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- Published on Thursday, 10 September 2009 23:43
- Written by Jordan Brandes
The Dude would most definitely abide. In just a few days the ninth annual Lebowski Fest will descend upon the Chicago area attracting fans from all over the Midwest. Lebowski Fest is a celebration of all things related to the 1998 Coen brothers cult comedy, The Big Lebowski. Fans of the film (aka "Achievers") come from far and wide to drink white Russians, throw some rocks and party with an array of Dudes, Walters and Maudes (not to mention a nihilist or two).
The three-day festival in The Windy City will kick off Sunday Sept. 12, 2009, at the Portage Theater (4050 N. Milwaukee Ave.) with a special showing of The Big Lebowski, the film that started it all. The party will then continue Monday and Tuesday night at the Diversey Bowl (2211 W. Diversey).
For devoted Lebowski fan
s (commonly known as Achievers) the movie is not just an eclectic Coen brothers (Joel and Ethan) comedy, it is a way of life. Full of witty, highly quotable dialogue the film has very quickly taken a life of its own. Although the film was a sleeper when it was first released in 1998 it quickly blossomed into a cult movie.
The story of Lebowski Fest begins in 2002 during a rather dull tattoo expo in Louisville, Kentucky. Under the mistaken belief that it would be a great place to sell T-shirts from Scott's shop (Mothership Connection, R.I.P.), the “founding dudes”, as Scott and Will are now known, were manning a booth but were so bored by the lack of activity that they took to quoting The Big Lebowski for amusement. No matter how many times a line was said, it was undeniably funny. As the other vendors joined in they very quickly realized they had tapped into a pop culture phenomenon which had not yet been recognized.
In creating a sense of bonding and camaraderie between complete strangers came a revelation amidst this swirl of neck tattoos and piercing enthusiasts: "If they can have conventions for tattoos and God knows what else, why not a convention for people who love The Big Lebowski? As a famous dude once said "If you will it, it is no dream."
A date was set, a bowling alley was rented and flyers were printed. And people flocked from La Jolla to Leo Carrillo and Pismo to take part in the shenanigans. The First Annual Lebowski Fest went so well that Scott and Will decided to host another one, and another, and another.
The “founding dudes” discovered that Lebowski fans were everywhere and took the movie very seriously. Thus, The First Annual Lebowski Fest was born. Crowds poured in from all over the country to celebrate the movie and bask in its eclectic goodness. Sensing the universal potential of the venture they decided to continue the festival touring America each year.
It's a multi-day party that typically opens with live performances and screening of the film the first night and concludes with a raucous bowling party the following night. The First Annual Lebowski Fest was in 2002 in Louisville, but subsequent fests have been held in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Las Vegas, Austin, Seattle, London and Edinburgh. While the Coen brothers continue to maintain a safe distance from the madness they created, the fest has earned the blessing of the Dude himself, Jeff Bridges, who attended the fest in L.A. and even stuck around to sing a few songs
Are you a closet achiever? Come out and show your pride this weekend. Festivities include unlimited bowling, costume contests, trivia and much more. For more information visit www.lebowskifest.com or call 502-583-9290.
Check out photos from past fests, and click here find out when Lebowski Fest might be coming to a city near you.
Lebowski Fest Speed of Sound Tour Dates:
Lebowski Fest has packed up its dirty undies and giant bowling pin costumes and has hit the road for a North American tour Tickets are on sale now!
Lebowski Fest Minny: Sept 11-12
Lebowski Fest Chicago: Sept 13-15
Lebowski Fest Boston: Sept 19-20
Lebowski Fest New York: Sep 22-24
Lebowski Fest Philly: Sept 25-26
Lebowski Fest DC: Sept 28-29
Lebowski Fest Austin: Oct. 9-10
Past Dates:
Lebowski Fest Denver: Sept 8-9
Lebowski Fest Seattle: July 20-21
w/ Jeff Dowd, Har Mar Superstar
Lebowski Fest Portland: July 22-23
w/ Har Mar, Lebowski Burlesque
Lebowski Fest San Fran: July 24-25
w/ Liam, Har Mar Superstar
Lebowski Fest San Diego: Jul 26-27
w/ Liam, Har Mar Superstar
