January-February 2015
Fashion From Film:
ELEMENTS
Adrielyn Christi Explores how decades of movies have influenced our current market
#DYSPHORIA
Oscar Benjamin: Another Hole in the Head
David Alvarez: LOVE HORROR
Adam Downey: Exploring Clarksberg
Photo Essay: Rob Jones
The Man Behind the Beard.
The
NOR-CAL
Film Festival Issue
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Inside INDIEblush Jan-Feb: Cover Stories: #NorCalFilmFest
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David Alvarez: LOVE HORROR An Interview with Tim Meunier
Rob Jones
20Q: A Photo Essay By Christina Marie
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All stories and reprints used with permission. All rights reserved.
The INDIE Cinema Guide: Plan your year of festivals with INDIEblush.
Please direct any questions or comments to our website. Editor-in-Chief/Founder: Christina Marie Co-Founder: Shane Maus Staff photography: Quroscuro Proofing: Kimberly Lucero
Features
From Contributors: Another Hole in the Head By Oscar Benjamin
Fashion From Film By: Adrielyn Christi
In every issue:
118: Fashion: ELEMENTS Fashion for a cause #DYSPHORIA
8: Wine/Travel:
Adam Downey: Exploring Clarksberg 116: FOOD:
Kimberly Lucero: 7 Healthy Fruits
132: Regional Wine Maps
About Our Contributors:
Christina Marie, Founder, Editor-in-Chief:
Christina Marie is a Writer, Producer, Director, and Actress with over 30 years experience in the entertainment business. She obtained her Theater Arts degree from CSU Sacramento with a Minor in Music. After working on the stage for several professional theaters, she converted to film. She is driven by the INDEPENDENT spirit in film, fashion, wine & food, and the outdoors. When not working, Christina enjoys camping, crafting, regional wine tours, day spas, and spending time with her extended family.
Shane Maus, Co-Founder, Social Media Outreach
Shane, an entrepreneur, began educating himself early on about start-ups and investing. Working as an iPhone tech at Apple, he spent breaks thinking up crazy app ideas & TV Shows and quickly became known as “The Idea Guy”. A few years later he upgraded his camera to a 5D Mark II to start a video promotion business. Shane then worked on a show with Christina Marie called, “SacFaddy”. They worked so well together, Christina and Shane decided to launch INDIEblush Magazine and rebrand SacFaddy as “INDIEfun.TV” and the journey continues...
Adrielyn Christi, Fashion Writer:
Adrielyn is an obsessed fashion, beauty and music lover. To her, fashion is art, expressed through each designer’s creation. She loves everything about the industry from the clothing to the shoes to the accessories -which is why she loves writing about it. She’s experienced some physical and emotional pain from a car accident several years ago, but has found that writing is now her therapy. This journey helps her meet the most amazing people in the publishing, blogging and photography world. Because of them, she has the opportunity to share her thoughts and experience a whole new different side of life.
Kimberly Lucero, Proofing:
Kimberly likes reading, writing, and long walks on the beach. She enjoys candle lit dinners, piña colada’s, and getting caught in the rain. Art, music, and theatre are top of the list, but she also enjoys cooking, painting, and sensual massages. Snuggling by the fire under a warm blanket and watching old love movies (while proof-reading, of course), Kimberly is a true romantic! The fact that she is “Librarian Hot” is a side effect of proofing INDIEblush.
David Alvarez, Writer, Photographer (Freelance):
David was born in Los Angeles but has made Sacramento his home for the past 30 years. Some of the events he’s covered this year include Sacramento Fashion Week, Martin Luther King & Cesar Chavez annual marches, The Pacific Rim, Sacramento Horror Film Festival, SacAnime, Sac-Con, Wizard World, Fiesta en la Calle, Concerts in the Park and TBD Fest. Photography is his passion and he enjoys showcasing the talent, places and events Sacramento has to offer. David loves interviewing local artists, models, designers, producers and promoters whose passionate works always make for a good story.
Adam Downey, Your Personal Sommelier
Adam is an expert on wine, beer and mixology. Originally from Austin, Texas his passion for the good stuff has taken him all over the U.S. and most recently The Peoples Republic of China. He really loves a good quote, nachos and talking too much. You can read more at yourownpersonalsommelier.com
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Oscar Benjamin, Music & Film Industry Writer/Photographer:
Oscar has always lived with the idea that an individual should always pursue their dreams and interests to the fullest that they can. This philosophy shaped Oscar’s career and positions he’s held over the span of his adventurous life. Oscar’s been a mobile disk jockey, a truck driver, a commissioned artist, and more. He relishes his current life as a professional photographer and writer who’s documented a number of high profile motion pictures, TVshows, red carpet premieres and numerous other entertainment events. He continues to enliven IndieBLUSH with his first hand tales of the entertainment industry.
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Send us a sample of your writing, photography, video, or join the sales team! INDIEblush aims to be a competitive magazine in the INDIE market. We need writers who are PASSIONATE about writing and all that is INDIE; photographers who have a unique eye with a knowledge of commercial production; and videographers who get 1 minute journalism. Is that you? email us at indieblush@gmail.com.
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Exploring Clarksburg Adam Downey
With the combination of my hectic schedule and the monsoon level rains of early December, an overcast Monday was the only day that was dry enough to head out to check out a wine region that was until recently very unfamiliar to me. Clarksburg, the Carol Kaye of the Northern California wine scene. Like the middle-aged mom next door who quietly knocked out thousands of recording sessions with the greatest artists of her time between loads of laundry and pulling meatloaf out of the oven and yet never became famous. Clarksburg has quietly been growing amazing grapes that have found their way into the bottles of a small handful of Napa and Sonoma Valleys best producers but have somehow remained relatively unnoticed. Just a little over fifteen minutes southwest of Sacramento nestled in the bends of the Sacramento River Delta sits a little wine country right in Sacramento’s backyard. What I love about Clarksburg is the fact that it is not Napa or Sonoma. The wines are reasonably priced. Traffic is light. When I eat out, my burger doesn’t come with bone marrow or truffle oil. Clarksburg is still an unpretentious, small town with a certain charisma that is undeniable. You can get “fries with that”, or live bait.
However, the wines have a underlying layer of sophistication and polish that belies their modest price points. Clarksburg also produces several varietals that you would need a psychiatrist to plant in the more expensive Napa or Sonoma Valleys. This makes Clarksburg a wine lover’s dream when you don’t feel like drinking Cabernet or Zinfandel, and want to try something new or off the beaten path. While Clarksburg has hung their hat on Chenin Blanc and Petite Sirah for many years, growers are beginning to experiment by planting other varietals like Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Viognier, Riesling, Symphony, Gewurtztraminer, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Verdejo, Muscato, Fiano, Alicante Bouschet, Pinot Noir, Dolcetto, Tempranillo, Barbera, Aglianico, Dolcetto, Nebiollo, Grenache, Mouvedre, Tannat, Primitivo, Syrah and Teroldego. The Clarksburg American Viticultural Area itself is sandwiched between Interstate 5 on the East and the Sacramento Deep Water Channel on the West. The southernmost edge runs parallel to Twin cities Road and the northern edge borders the small city of Freeport. Clarksburg grapes enjoy a long, dry growing season nestled in the rich alluvial soils of the Sacramento River Delta. Paired with the moderating cooling breezes of the Carquinas Strait and Sacramento River the Clarksburg American Viticultural Area seems ideal for cooler climate varietals. It could be said that Clarksburg is The United States’ Vouvray. I thought I had said something brilliant there, but the quote can be attributed to Gourmet magazine’s noted wine journalist Gerald Asher. Clarksburg currently encompasses nearly 57,000 acres and nearly 130 square miles. With approximately 10,000 acres under vine, Clarksburg growers now grow over 35 different varietals. Named after Robert C Clark, Clarksburg was settled in the 1850s when Merritt Island was cleared and developed for agricultural purposes. Clarksburg remains a small town with about 300 inhabitants. The Old Sugar Mill built throughout the 1930s, closed in 1988 remains the center of the community.
Since I visited on a Monday, several of the other Tasting rooms were closed. I wandered into Rendez-vous Winery where I enjoyed a lovely tasting. My hostess was the charming Lindsay Tucker. Lindsay has worked for Rendez-vous for two years and could not have been more helpful or informative. The wine maker at Rendez-vous is Larry Dizmang. Perhaps best known for establishing Saint Helena’s Folie a Deux and a producing a string of Wine Spectator award winning Chenin Blancs, Larry and his partner Karan specialize in crafting wines with Clarksburg fruit. Given Larry’s success with Chenin Blanc, Clarksburg must have had a magnetic draw to him. Lindsay’s story had me. I had to check out the famous Clarksburg Chenin Blanc.
Rendez-vous Winery 2011 and 2013 Chenin Blanc – Clarksburg, California The Old Sugar Mill is located at: 35265 Willow Avenue, Clarksburg, CA 95612 The Old Sugar Mill has been redeveloped into a bustling multi winery tasting room and event space that is now the home of ten Clarksburg wineries. The Old Sugar Mill’s current tenants include:
Heringer Estates Family Vineyards and Winery Rendez-vous Winery Clarksburg Wine Company Draconis by Matt Powell Todd Taylor Three Wine Company Merlo Family Estate Vineyards Due Vigne Carvalho Family Winery Elevation Ten
Lindsay poured me the 2011 Chenin Blanc and 2013 Chenin Blanc. What struck me on both wines was an unexpected leanness and delicacy in both body and
nose. Larry produced both wines in a dry fruity style. They shared Chenin Blanc’s characteristic melon and pear aromas. I preferred the acidity and subtle aroma of quince and granny smith in the cooler 2011 vintage to the riper tropical fruit and softer mouth feel of the 2013. Both vintages were quite pleasant for $17.
Rendez-vous Winery 2012 Chardonnay – Clarksburg, California In addition for making solid Chenin Blanc, Rendezvous’ 2012 Chardonnay won a Gold Medal as well as Best of Region at the 2013 California State Fair. A creamy, ripe style with generous pear, peach, coconut panna cotta and butterscotch aromas. $24 at the Old Sugar Mill.
Rendez-vous Winery 2012 Dolcetto – Clarksburg, California For a winemaker so known for his white wines, I was surprised to find that my favorite wine here was a red. Dolcetto or “little sweet one” originates from the Southwest of Italy’s Piedmonte region. I loved the rich deep color and ripe raspberry and blackberry fruit of this wine. Juicy fruit was highlighted by bright acidity, yet finished soft with velvety tannins. $25 In addition to the great wines and friendly staff, I also liked the art wall, which featured paintings from several different artists. They also have plans to remodel their tasting bar and add several food options with the addition of a Bistro in the very near future. You can get in touch with them at: Rendez-vous Winery 916-744-1991 Rendez-VousWinery.com LindsayOlson@RendezVousWinery.com
The next tasting room I visited was Heringer Estates Family Vineyards and Winery. The Heringers operate an estate-grown vineyard and winery founded in 1970 entering its sixth generation of family ownership. They produce 24 varietals of grapes. Which not only fill their own bottles and barrels, but are also sold to thirty other wineries. While they primarily farm Chardonnay and Petite Sirah, I was excited to see they also produce several ugly duckling varietals like Mouvedre, Tannat and Teroldego. I had the opportunity to enjoy a nice visit at The Old Sugar Mill tasting room with the well-traveled Amitai Cohen. I had a chance to try several incredibly pleasant wines and a great conversation with Amitai. I particularly enjoyed the following wines.
Heringer Estates 2013 Viognier - Clarksburg, California Cold Fermented in Stainless Steel for 8 months, this little gem shines with ripe Delta peach and melon notes juxtaposed with a soft, canned Bartlett pears in syrup finish. This Rhone classic is finding a nice home in the rich clay soils of the Delta. Less than 350 cases produced. You should enjoy this nice little sipper at less than twenty bucks while you still can.
Heringer Estates 2012 Mouvedre - Clarksburg, California This is a wine like a smoky eyed Mediterranean beauty with great curves. Ripe strawberry jam, blueberry compote and boysenberry fruit notes are framed by supple tannins. A spoonful of dirty black earth and wisp of smoke linger on your palate as the rich dark milk chocolaty finish lingers on your lips Aged for 17 months French and American cooperage, only 112 Cases produced. Just $26 at the Old Sugar Mill.
Heringer Estates 2011 Petite Sirah - Clarksburg, California You can understand why Clarksburg hangs it’s hat on Petite Sirah when you try this wine. Black plum, blueberry pie and chocolate notes are balanced by hints of Chinese 5 spice, Malabar Black Pepper and Virginia Tobacco in a rich finish. Aged for 28 months French and American cooperage, 360 cases produced. I scooped up a bottle for $28.
Heringer Estates 2012 Tannat - Clarksburg, California – When Amitai said I would be trying a Tannat next, I suddenly thought of Charlize Theron in Monster. What he poured me however had me thinking of her earlier work in Two Days in the Valley. This was much sexier than what I had imagined. The Tannat had a nice balance of dark red and black fruits, great acidity and approachable tannins. The wine finished with notes of exotic spice. Aged for 17 months French and American cooperage, 289 cases produced. Also $28.
Heringer Estates 2010 Teroldego Clarksburg, California – Teroldego originates from Northeastern Italy’s Trentino-Alto Adige Region. The Teroldego was my favorite wine of the tasting. A big, age worthy red with subdued raspberries, bing cherries, violets and cigar box on the nose. Like an old Ferrari, this is just getting to be even cooler as it gets older. Tuck one or two away for a while. Aged for 34 months French and American cooperage, 112 Cases produced. A really delicious red for $35. You can connect with them at: Heringer Estates Family Vineyards and Winery 916-744-1919 info@heringerestates.com In addition to the wineries at the Old Sugar Mill, Clarksburg also has several other wineries I didn’t get a chance to visit. I’m looking forward to checking out:
Scribner Bend Vineyards Miners Leap Winery Julietta Winery Wilson Vineyards Lange Twins Winery and Vineyards Six Hands Winery Tierra Del Rio Don Sebastiani and Sons Bogle Vineyards and Winery I’ve only had a chance to scratch the surface exploring Clarksburg. If you live in the area, you shouldn’t miss this hidden gem tucked away in the bends on the Sacramento River just a few minutes from the city. Not only are the wines tasty as well as affordable, the people I met were interesting, knowledgeable and hospitable. The slow back roads of the Delta definitely have a charm all of their own. If you know of any other cool wineries or wines from the area that I didn’t get a chance to mention, I would love to know about them.
Please drop me a line at: Adam@yourownpersonalsommelier.com My next few columns will focus on exploring the great wines and wine regions of Northern California and beyond.
#DYSPHORIA
Coming to a gallery near you
A CMmedia/Quroscuro Collaboration Special Thanks to All of the Participants in 2014 Now Seeking Print Sponsors for our Exhibitions Help us get to the GLOBAL STAGE at Burning Man: www.CapitolINDIEcollective.org
The
NOR-CAL Film Festival Guide
Year 2015 brings many festivals to the Northern California region. Will you be there? The following is a compellation of the region’s festivals, researched and brought to you by the Capitol INDIE Collective. They have nested the “For Arts’ Sake” Initiave: Strengthening Film Festivals in Sacramento. The initiative was developed by Sacramento Mayor, Kevin Johnson and key members of the community. The original output was a rack card for tourism. Since then, the funding has discontinued, and Executive Director, Christina Marie, expanded the mission to provide so much more. Please click on their sites for current dates and times. The festivals are sorted by the month in which they usually occur. Please submit corrections, suggestions, and more information on festivals that they may have missed in listing to INDIEblush. Thank you for your interest and participation in growing Northen California’s film Festival Circuit!
Crocker Art Museum & Sacramento Japanese Film Festival present
January
The Burmese Harp Crocker Art Museum Setzer Auditorium Thursday, January 22, 2015 7:00 PM Tickets: $5 Museum members $6 Students/Youth $8 Non-members Available at Museum Admission Desk, by calling 916.808.1182, or online at crockerartmuseum.org
Special Event: The Burmese Harp
Crocker Art Museum 216 O Street Sacramento, CA 95814 A haunting, poignant look into the aftermath of World War II through the eyes of one corporal and a Japanese army unit in Burma. Director Kon Ichikawa's film helped establish Japanese film as an international cinematic force. (1956, 116 minutes) Wild & Scenic Film Festival
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SYRCL’s Wild & Scenic® Film Festival inspires people and unites communities to Lineup heal the earth.
Welcome our 2015 Special Guests SYRCL’s Wild & Scenic Film Festival is a call to action. At Wild & Scenic, film-goers are transformed into a conthe filmsWe featured at Wild & Scenic, this is just gregation of committed activists, dedicated to saving our increasingly threatened For planet. show environmental the beginning and adventure films that illustrate the Earth’s beauty, the challenges facing our planet and the work communities Final Day to Buy Discounted Passes! are doing to protect the environment. Through these films, Wild & Scenic both informs people about the state of 2015 Program & Schedule at a Glance Now the world and inspires them to take action. Available!
More News Wild & Scenic raises resources and awareness for SYRCL’s initiatives to recover California’s wild salmon and to protect and restore the Yuba River. In addition, SYRCL’s Film Festival On Tour serves as a national platform for local environmental advocacy. HIT THE ROAD!
February
Imagery from SHFF’s Site
SAVE THE DATE FOR THE 8th WINTER FRENCH SHORT FILM SCREENING!
Saturday, February 21, 2015 Verge Center for the Arts Part of the Couchbleachers Art Exhibition! More details coming soon.
SAVE THE DATE: San Francisco Independent Film Festival (SF Indie) runs February 5-19, 2015. This annual festival showcases the best in independent, alternative, and subversive cinema from around the globe. “One of the city’s biggest film festivals” – SF Station SF Indiefest is a year-round, 501c3 non-profit organization that has been operating since 1998. We present three annual festivals: the SF Independent Film Festival (SF Indie for short), the SF Documentary Festival (DocFest for short) and Another Hole in the Head, our genre film festival. Last year over 21,000 film and event goers attended SF Indiefest events.
“Sundance may have sold out, but SF IndieFest keeps it real” - Annie Lo, Flavorpill Past guests have included Gregg Araki, Abel Ferrara, Larry Kent, Robert Romanus, Chris Gore, Don Argott, Don Coscarelli, Bruce Campbell, Penelope Spheeris, Jon Cryer, Jennifer Beals, Ryuhei Matsuda, James Duvall, Toyoda Toshiaki, Uwe Boll, Bill Plympton, Christopher Coppola, Glenn Shadix and many more. Check out the lineups of past festivals in our Archives and some of the PRESS from past festivals.
Date and Time: February 27, 2015 7pm Location: Fusion International Arts Center (501 Arden Way, Sacramento, CA) Cost: $10 (Purchase tickets at Brown Paper Tickets) Presented by the California Film Foundation as an official part of Sacramento Fashion Week. Sacramento’s Glam Squad plus Cinema Royalty converge for this one-of-a-kind art spectacular. See fashion as you’ve never seen it before in this multi-faceted cinema event. In addition to films, meet the artists, see live fashion and enjoy beverages from the bar. Lastly, special DJ entertainers will get you grooving as this fabulous event becomes a full party. Don’t miss this chance to be entertained, enlighted and energized.
March From their site: The Sacramento Food Film Festival was created in 2012 and was born from the idea that we must educate the public about our food system, and work collaboratively to create positive change. We seek to bring educational films to our region that are otherwise ignored by traditional theaters—and to create a community dialog to improve food literacy and invoke action to improve our food system. In cooperation and support of
Tentative dates: March 19-30, 2015
CALL FOR SHORT FILMS The Sacramento Food Film Festival is in search of short films of 10 minutes or less in spoken or subtitled English, which showcase our food system’s joy and desire for healthy food and lasting change. Language and content should be acceptable for all ages. Top short film finalists will be premiered March 19 – 30, 2015 at the Sacramento Food Film Festival benefiting the Food Literacy Center. Films will be honored in several categories: Local Farm to Fork: Films should be shot within the Sacramento-area, including Yolo, Placer, El Dorado, Yuba or Sutter counties. American & International: Open to all films based outside of the local Sacramento-area. Youth: Open to young and aspiring filmmakers 18 years old and under. Deadline to submit a film to the Sacramento Food Film Festival is January 31, 2015. To submit a short film please email the film link on Vimeo and password to FoodFilms@FoodLiteracyCenter.org with the filmmaker’s name, age, location, contact information and log line to be published in the program.
18th Annual Sacramento Jewish Film Festival Presented by Sacramento Jewish Film Festival and Crest Theatre at Crest Theatre March 2015 (Historically, the Sacramento Jewish Film Festival took place at the Crest Theatre every Winter. We are uncertain if this will continue- please visit the site for location and dates.) Tired of schlepping to the Bay Area for her annual Jewish film fix, co-founder Margi Park-Landau, Volunteer Coordinator, teamed with Crest Theatre Manager, Sid Heberger, in 1997 and the Sacramento Jewish Film Festival was born. The 2015 Sacramento Jewish Film Festival brings feature films from around the globe to Sacramento.
The Sacramento International Latino Film Festival (Cine Latino) began in 2007 as an off-shoot of the Sacramento Film Festival. Since then, Cine Latino has grown to incorporate several events throughout the year celebrating Latino cinema world-wide. With year round events tied to many other cultural celebrations throughout Sacramento, Cine Latino offers the best of Spanish, Latin American and Chicano cinema.
April From their site: The Tiburon International Film Festival (TIFF) is an annual event, which seeks to provide a greater understanding of the world and its many cultures through the artistic medium of film, and through the top quality films from around the world. TIFF wishes to enhance tolerance between people of all backgrounds. Its goal is one of cultural enrichment and heightened cultural awareness, and to create a platform for the independent filmmakers to express their talent and vision from any nation.
TIFF strongly believes in its motto: “Understanding the World through Film”®
Sacramento International Film Festival From their site: In 1993 a group of Sacramento based writers and filmmakers had a vision to create an organization that would support the professional development of its members and establish the region as the capital of California’s independent cinema movement. “Northern California Writers and Artists� as it was known, became the first film support organization in the capital, and remains the only organization in Sacramento dedicated to engaging both its members and the general public in a lifelong understanding of film history and film culture.
Sacramento Wild and Scenic Film Festival on Tour
The Wild and Scenic comesto Sacramento, historically held at the Crest Theatre downtown.
May UC Davis Asian American Association Film Festival The Asian American Film Festival is a two-week festival of films involving Asian Americans and Asian American issues, held annually in May. The Film Festival was launched in 2004 to showcase Asian and Asian American media. It aims to break stereotypes and to provide an alternative view of Asians and Asian Americans not generally seen in the American mainstream. Admission is free and open to the public. Please visit our website listed above, and our Facebook Page: Please “Like� the page and invite your friends!!
From their site: Brendt Barbur, Founding Festival Director, was compelled to start the Bicycle Film Festival when he was hit by a bus while riding his bike in New York City. He insisted on turning his negative experience into a positive one. In 2001 Barbur started the Bicycle Film Festival as a platform to celebrate the bicycle through music, art and, of course, film. The Bicycle Film Festival has been a major catalyst for the urban bike movement, one of the most powerful and culturally relevant forces of the last decade. The BFF is sure to carry this momentum into the next decade. The BFF is a huge catalyst for the rise of CITY CYCLING internationally More and more people are riding bikes daily. People now identify with bicycling as a lifestyle. There is a huge fervor for bicycle culture. The Bicycle Film Festival is the place for brands to interact in an authentic way to this demographic. The Bicycle Film Festival is here to raise and reinforce the positive profile of cyclists to celebrate bicycling in its myriad of forms. There is no denying the environmental and health benefits that bicycling inherently entails. Bicyclists promote a healthy lifestyle using an ecologically sound form of transportation. Our base audience is composed of young, trendsetting city-dwellers who love and identify with film, art, music and sports. We have a loyal following that travels to different cities and countries to be part of the Bicycle Film Festival. The festival has had a significant impact on youth culture and has been embraced by many, including leaders in the realms of music, fashion, design, fine art, sports and film.
ABOUT SAPFF (From Site) The signature event of the Sacramento Asian Pacific Cultural Village, SAPFF serves alongside a continuum of events and programming in support of traditional and contemporary Asian and Pacific Islander artistic expression within the Sacramento Region.
Festival in May of 2015. Follow us and share our additional channels:
Beginning May 2014, SAPFF will be hosting industry panel discussions and film screenings culminating in the inaugural multi-day, multi-sensory
Facebook: www.facebook.com/AsianPacificFilmFest Twitter: @SAPFF, www.twitter.com/sapff Vine: AsianPacificFilmFest Instagram: AsianPacific FilmFestival YouTube: Sacramento Asian Pacific Film Festival, www.youtube.com/AsianPacificFilmFest Vimeo: SAPFF Videos, www.vimeo.com/SAPFFVideos Flickr: sacramentoasianpacificfilmfest, www.flickr.com/photos/sapff For more information about the Sacramento Asian Pacific Cultural Village, the Sacramento Asian Pacific Film Festival, or to see how you can get involved send an email to info[at]SAPFF.org, or call (916) 776-6036.
The UC DAVIS Film Festival sets your finger on the pulse of student-produced cinema. Each year the array of short films is unpredictable and exciting. Filmmakers include a wide range of undergraduate and graduate students from across the campus. Categories include comedy, drama, animation, documentaries and all things in between.
The annual festival is produced by the Department of Theatre and Dance, Cinema and Technocultural Studies, and Art Studio. It is co-sponsored by the Department of Design and presented by the Davis Varsity Theatre. Festival tickets are sold only at the Varsity Theatre beginning one week before the event.
June
Sacramento French Film Festival June 19th - 28th 2015
SFFF Planning Committee & Board of Directors onstage while Cécile Downs receives the medal of Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres from Denis Bisson, Attaché Culturel to the French Consulate in SF. - Opening Night 2013 The SFFF, organized by the Sacramento French Cultural Society, a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization created in 2010, is the second largest French film festival on the West Coast. The SFFF is a unique cultural event that brings people together around films and French culture in a festive atmosphere. With the diversity of its programming, the SFFF appeals to a broad, educated and affluent audience of all ages. Held at the Crest Theatre, Sacramento’s last art deco movie palace and the only independent and locally owned movie theatre in Sacramento, the Festival plays an important part in the cultural life of Downtown Sacramento. Every June, the SFFF premieres the most acclaimed and newest French feature films; rediscovers classics; and showcases short films from France and Sacramento (supporting local filmmakers whose work has a « French flavor »). A popular catered reception opens the SFFF every year on a Friday night, followed by the opening film. Films continue all day long on Saturday and Sunday, for two consecutive weekends, including Saturday midnight movies for mature audiences that are followed by popular midnight breakfasts. The Festival ends on a Sunday night with a fun Champagne Party following the closing film. In addition, we present an exhibition curated by Sacramento artists in the lobby of the Crest Theatre
“Love Horror” Shorts
(Sacramento Horror Film Festival) See January for all SFFF event listings
SF DocFest is an annual festival devoted to documentary cinema. Since 2001, this two week-long event has brought the most weird and wonderful aspects of real life to the big screen. “Docfest offers a zippy blend of politics, music, social issues and youth-oriented subcultures. The good news is that DocFest promotes documentaries as a vibrant, irreverent form of entertainment to a younger demographic, blasting the notion of educational films to smithereens. There’s no room for anything approximating — watch it, I’m about to blaspheme – the obsessively measured and utterly somnambulant musings of Ken Burns.” - Michael Fox, KQED
July From TFO’s Site: TFO PRODUCTIONS is a Sacramento-Based Motion Picture Production Company specializing in High Quality, Low Budget horror and exploitation films for the global market. TFO also produces the wildly successful Trash Film Orgy Midnight Movie Film Festival which takes place annually since 2001 at the Crest Theatre in Sacramento. The company is a partnership between Darin Wood, Christy Savage and Amy Slockbower, although TFO relies heavily on the involvement and support of local talent, volunteers and business sponsors to create their unique brand of movie-magic. TFO Productions past projects include the features “Curse of the Golden Skull” and “Monster from Bikini Beach” as well as short films (‘Cheerleaders from Hell”) and music videos (Heathen’s “Dying Season” and SoulMotor’s “Down in Mexico”). TFO is also commonly credited with inventing the worldwide phenomenon that is the Zombie Walk in 2001 in Sacramento.
Congratulations to BLOODY BETHY, MISS TRASH 2014
SACRAMENTO JAPANESE FILM FESTIVAL 11th Annual July 2015 www.sacjapanesefilmfestival.net From site: The Sacramento Japanese Film Festival began as a one day festival, Japanese Movies at the Crest, in 2005. In 2010 it grew to a three-day festival with five films. In 2011, it had expanded to six films. Seven feature films and a documentary short were screened in 2012. Sacramento Japanese Film Festival is one of only four film festivals in the continental United States which dedicates itself exclusively to Japanese cinema. The film festival is sponsored by the Sacramento Japanese United Methodist Church, 6929 Franklin Blvd., Sacramento, CA 95823. Phone: (916) 421-1017. www.sacjumc.com. 10th Annual
Sacramento Japanese Film Festival July 18 – 20, 2014 Crest Theatre
Crest Theatre 1013 K Street Sacramento, CA www.sacjapanesefilmfestival.net
August The Sacramento Film and Music Festival (SF&MF) is a large, multi-day, allgenre international film festival held August 22nd-24th, 2014 at the historic Crest Theatre. It has been in operation under consistent direction and ownership since 2000. The Festival’s mission is to celebrate and showcase filmmaking from around the world and also to foster the creative works of local filmmakers in California’s Capital Region.
Please Visit Judith Plank’s Site for the latest information by clicking on the banner above.
Brought to you by Councilmember Steve Cohn and POPS in the Park. Bring lawn chairs or blankets for seating and snacks. A sweatshirt for the cooler evening weather and a flashlight are also recommended.
CFF’s Cine Soul Program screens in August. For full details, visit their site by clicking above.
September The Nevada City Film Festival is made up of a group of passionate filmmakers and artists that have worked to create an outlet for emerging new voices and ideas while providing audiences with a unique experience in a picturesque location. Located in Nevada City, California, an area known for its sophisticated arts and culture, attendees will find an exceptional destination festival where they can meet other enthusiastic film lovers and be inspired by talented and exciting new cinema.
A Cinematic Feast in the Valley of the Moon (Sonoma) An eclectic five day celebration of cinema, the arts and cultural exhange. Films screen outdoors in a spectacular setting at Deerfield Ranch Winery In Kenwood & inside the winery’s Grand Room Cave theatre, and at nearby venues in the Heart of the Valley.
Live Performances Premium Wines Gourmet Food Trucks
Held at Freemont park, The Modern Italian Film Festival returned for a 2nd year, offering free feature-length films and shorts that celebrated contemporary film making from Italy. Movie-goers were encouraged to bring blankets or chairs and may purchase pizza, panini, and salads with beverages to-go at Hot Italian. Click above for the latest information through their Facebook Page.
October
How can we imagine the infinite possibilities of communication arts in our future? Everything - time, space, stuff, relationships - are in utter transformation. The hunger for creative, social, human stories, content, discoveries, models is insatiable! The need for digital media artists in every single career field and industry is imperative in our century. Our first and hardest challenge is to build stable, inspiring and productive ways of keeping ourselves talking, thinking and working together. Without serious organization and creative “studio” partnership projects to test ourselves and speak in, and to, the world, we are just float alone in a new school and career chaos and uncertainty all around us. That is the context for our annual North American call to all the youth movie school and community based origins in the US and Canada. With our annual event, we forge amazing friendships, invite the best creative works, produce our major showcase gatherings, build youth, educator and parent networks, to influence the business and governmental power structure to make a sustainable and caring world. YOUTH ARE THE SOLUTION. But, this demands really hard work and there is no familiar blueprint or map to any breakthroughs apart from our collective engagement, ingenuity, courage, dedication and fierce integrity. The most important lessons to be learned today are in looking carefully at the movie credits that tell the real story of what is on the screen. We have a historic and political future to forge on behalf of all the world’s peoples through our art form. WE CAN DO THAT! ~Dr. William Bronston
The PCS Festival creates new product every year by facilitating a screenplay contest. The selected screenplays go on to be produced in Sacramento and all that finish post production by the deadline, screen.
Tower Roseville will bring it’s 4th Annual Festival in 2015 For more information, click above.
Founded by Allen Cole, the Film Festival in Sacramento started in 1992, based on the student run gay and lesbian film festival at Fresno State. Organizers joined forces with the students from the California State University, Sacramento Gay and Lesbian Alliance and the brothers of the Delta Lambda Phi Fraternity and received grant funds from CSUS Associated Students Inc. to use as seed money and get the Festival started. Held on October 8, 1992, the first year was a big success, with a sold out, one evening event at the Crest Theater. We continue this tradition of presenting the Festival in early October to celebrate “National Coming Out Day.� Each year brings growth and opportunities to show more films, give more money to beneficiaries, and support our newest program, providing completion grants to film makers.
Please see January’s listing of SHFF for the complete list of events
November November 11-15, 2015 Filmmakers, Chefs and Wineries. THE ULTIMATE FILM, FOOD AND WINE EXPERIENCE
http://vimeo.com/105582739
A SF Indiefest Sister Festival
December
Fleet Feet Sports Sacramento and New Balance were excited to be sponsoring The Trail Running Film Festival coming to Sacramento on December 3, 2014!! An evening of the latest and greatest full length and short films showcasing the challenges, beauty and community inherent in the world of trail running. From world class filmmakers to the best works made by weekend warriors The Trail Running Film Festival takes the audience on a virtual run through forests, up mountains, beyond emotional obstacles and across the finish line. It’s a night filled with friends, fun and inspiration. We had a roster of 16 films of varying lengths as well as previews for upcoming films that we’re very proud to share with everyone. All killer, no filler! Facebook: The Trail Running Film Fest Website: www.trailfilmfest.com Twitter: @trailrunfilm
Our annual festival of horror, sci-fi, dark fantasy and exploitation cinema defies convention to bring you the most outrageous genre films from both emerging and established filmmakers. Ten days of celluloid mayhem not usually found in your local cineplex! “San Francisco’s original genre film festival is characterized by a scrappy, DIY aesthetic that eschews big studio content and recent trends towards elevated genre. Holehead’s programming remains curatorially committed to the genre’s graphic roots in shockploitation, visceral thrills and gleeful mayhem.” – Michael Guillen, The Evening Class
About the Event: The Tahoe Adventure Film Festival (TAFF) is like no other film festival in the world. This is not your typical stuffy film festival. This fun high-energy evening will fuel your passion for action, and ignite your senses for adventure. We highlight the best adventure sports films of the year and showcase the action sports world best talent. All of our films are specially selected and edited to fit our festival’s fast pace format. Our festival is exciting and entertaining on and off the screen. The night includes special guest speakers, action photo displays, break-dancers, DJs, and always a few special surprises.
Other Film Festivals in NorCal
NorCalfilmFest.com: The Northern California Film Festival
The Northern California Film Festival is an International film festival providing a venue for films and documentaries of all genres and lengths. We are a cutting edge festival. We offer producers an opportunity to have their films broadcast over the internet TV station myTV26.
reelpride.com: Fresno Reel Pride
Fresno Reel Pride is a celebration of gay and lesbian cinema and is a premier cultural event in central California. Buy your membership today!
The SF International Women’s Festival
Oscar Benjamin Gets “Another Hole in the Head” By Oscar Benjamin
Actress and Director, Jessica Cameron with Author, Oscar Benjamin Jonathan Scott Shensa Photography
Every year in the month of December the city of San Francisco, California plays host to one of the most exciting and sometimes controversial film festivals known as “Another Hole in the Head.” The festival is billed as an “annual festival of horror, scifi, dark fantasy and exploitation that defies convention to bring you the outrageous genre films from both emerging and established filmmaker.” Why should you be a patron of this film festival? The question is valid and should be asked of which this columnist will answer as succinctly as I am able to! The Another Hole in the Head film festival is part of the non-profit organization known as SF Indiefest. SF Indiefest presents three annual festivals which are the SF Independent Film Festival, SF Documentary Film Festival and Another Hole in the Head film festival. The organization was created in the year, 1998 after creator; Jeff Ross had seen the need for difficult to categorize films to have an outlet for the public to enjoy. Since inception, the film festival has expanded its menu and amount of days and this is especially evident in the Another Hole in the Head film festival that continues to have the most enthusiastic fans that react well to the eclectic programming. This year marks the eleventh year of the event and festival will occupy the “New People’s Cinema” in the Japantown section of the city of San Francisco. The event will run for ten days starting on December 5 through December 10. This IndieBLUSH columnist started attending the yearly festival in the year, 2011. It turned out to be an incredible introduction as it was the year in which actors,
Jennifer Blanc-Biehn and Michael Biehn presented the film called, “The Victim.” The thriller was the first film to have been directed by the well-known- actor, Michael Biehn and the director/actor brought his wife, Jennifer and a fair amount of his cast and crew from the film to personally present it to the San Francisco audience. After an enthusiastic reception, Jennifer and Michael fielded questions from the audience and proved to be incredibly generous with their time at the festival. I was instantly hooked with the format and how accessible the creators of the highlighted films from the festival truly genuinely were to not only members of the press, but to the general public as well. 2012 was significant for more reasons than yet another announcement from a group of doomsayers that believed in the Mayan calendar. Another Hole in the Head was unveiled once again during the month of December and drew even more celebrities and filmmakers to the festival. The bizarre and dream-like film known as “The G-string Horror” was shown with much gala and fanfare. Scantily clad women in effective zombie make-up devised by Ed Martinez mingled with stars, Debra Lamb and Natasha Talonz and director, Charles Webb in a pre-show event that turned out to be as popular as the film itself. As is customary with this festival, director Webb and his cast and crew gathered to answer questions about his ghost story set in the notorious strip club in San Francisco called the “Market Street Cinema” which is no longer in business as of press time for this story. After the rousing question and answer session, Webb invited
Director and Actor, Michael Biehn and Denny Kirkwood from “The Victim”
audience and press alike to join him and the cast for a party at the Penthouse adult club which also illustrates one of the many reasons why this film festival continues to grow in popularity. The parent company, SF Indiefest has gained notoriety for some of their memorable parties that have been thrown over the life of the film festival. Beyond the The G-string Horror after party,
film goers have enjoyed parties devoted to “The Big Lebowski” and an annual Roller Disco Costume Party that has to be experienced to be believed! 2012 also brought Jennifer Blanc-Biehn who was accompanied by the talented producer and writer sister team of Alyssa and Alana Lobit. They presented the twisted and brilliant psychological horror film en-
titled, “Among Friends” which was another directorial debut this time around for fan favorite actress, Danielle Harris. The film turned out to be one of the highlights of the 2012 edition of the Another Hole in the Head film festival with a passionate
standing ovation given to the Lobit sisters and Jennifer Blanc-Biehn. Another strong and rather shocking entry to the festival was “Day Job” directed by San Francisco bay area based filmmaker by the name of Dave O’Shea. O’Shea dark and disturbing
San Francisco bay area based director, Dave O’Shea and director, producer and actress, Jennifer Blanc-Biehn at the 2012 Another Hole in the Head film festival.
Scantily clad dancers from the now closed Market Street Cinema mingle with the crowd for the showing of “the G-String Horror.”
film left the audience rather speechless and a few were noticeably shaken by this low budget shocker that proves that budget need not limit imagination. Dave O’Shea will once again be part of this year’s edition of the film festival with an entry entitled, “A Day at the Beach.” The year, 2013 had witnessed the festival shifting gears to accommodate the continuing growth of the event. The organizers added a new venue to view films. “The New People’s Theater” located in the Japantown section of San Francisco turned out to be an inspired choice for presenting the docket of that year’s films and shorts. The venue itself is a location used by film companies and directors alike to gauge the reaction of audiences before a film is released to the general public. It is intimate, yet spacious and it is housed within a building that reflects the communities interests including an anime inspired clothing high end clothing store and a maid café that serves tea and pastries in a wonderfully colorful environment. It was this environment that inspired actress and first time director, Jessica Cameron to “drag” another photographer and I for an impromptu and a rather fun photo shoot that featured the actress utilizing the environment playfully. Cameron frolicked with huge teddy bears, crashed an unused private tea room and thrilled shoppers in the anime fashion store with her inspired sense of humor and banter.
Director and actress, Jessica Cameron enjoys an impromptu tea party before the screening of her film, “Truth or Dare.”
Actress and then new first time film director has had a celebrated and much talked about career in sometimes low budget film shockers that display her talent and beauty amidst the horrific happenings that are swirling around whatever character she portrays in a variety of films with titles such as “The Black Dahlia Haunting” and “American Girls.” She impressed many with her directorial debut that she had screened known as “Truth or Dare.” Among those quite impressed with her grasp of the cinema was this columnist who highly recommends the film to the readers of this article as the film is a powerful indictment of what many perceive to be “reality” in the so-called reality show genre. Jessica Cameron also delighted fans with her early Christmas gift for those who had attended in the form of paper bag with goodies so fans who felt the need to lose their lunch over the images that they may witness in her incredible film debut as a director may do so without soiling the New People’s Theater! Once again Jennifer Blanc-Biehn and Michael Biehn were represented at the film festival with the film, “The Night Visitor” which also turned out to be the directorial debut of Jennifer Blanc-Biehn whom appears to be a tireless force in charge of the new production company called Blanc Biehn Productions which was formed by both Jennifer and Michael during the year that “The Victim” was released in 2011. Although neither Jennifer
Gary Cairns, Brianne Davis and Mark Gantt at the 2013 Another Hole in the Head film festival.
nor Michael were able to attend, they did send actress and director, Brianne Davis, actor, writer and producer, Mark Gantt and actor, writer and producer, Gary Cairns. Cairns unfortunately had to leave early, but Davis and Gantt effectively continued the warm reception the audience had towards the film with their impressive knowledge of not only what it takes to create a film on a miniscule, but with tales of how they perceive the future of filmmaking truly might be vis-à-vis crowd funding and different methods of distribution for their films and others. It was enlightening and informative and proved that once again that you need to be more than a pretty face to succeed in the entertainment industry! What is on the docket for this year’s edition of the Another Hole in the Head film festival? The festival will be a mixture of films that range from the gamut from the original silent film, “Nosferatu”(accompanied by live organ music!) to “Dark was the Night”(a 2009 script that was listed on the best unproduced scripts list) and “Call Girl of Cthulu” which appears to be tailor made for the festival! It will be ten days of inspired madness, creativity and no doubt moments that will make the audience cringe in utter revulsion and what more could any true lover of cinema truly want from their motion pictures? The Another Hole in the Head film festival can usually be experienced during the month of December. For more information please follow this link http://sfindie.com/festivals/another-hole-in-the-head-film-festival-2014/
Actress, producer and writer, Debra Lamb enjoys the after party following the Another Hole in the Head film festival!
Introducing:
The fabulous Mister Jonesjones
Who is the Man Behind the Beard? I had the distinct pleasure of shooting with Rob Jones last Summer. We shot in the wilderness of Empire Mine after a brief interaction online. I was breaking several rules. Usually, I have a face-to-face before shooting with a new photographer. Usually, I have team of Make-up, Hair, and a bodyguard. Usually, I don’t meet strangers in the woods to get shot...but something stirred in me when I saw his photos online. The dark side wanted to play. I had no idea what to expect, and the shots that resulted were turned around so fast, I nearly got whiplsh. When I think of Rob, I imagine him as the ringleader of a depraved circus; inviting the audience to witness the macabre, the morbid, the wicked. The imagery uniquely his, my dark side’s buttons lightly pushed, I look forward to another thrilling chase in the woods. Ladies and Gentlemen, I give you 20 Questions with Rob Jonesjones:
1. What kind of photographer are you-do you specialize?
Dark and sexy.
2.
Who is your inspiration when shooting?
Anything beautiful. Life around me inspires everything.
3. What is your favorite format to work in? I like it Raw.
4. Favorite photo editing software and why? Adobe, it has never let me down.
5. Favorite camera gear for stills/motion pictures and why?
I’m a Canon guy and use natural light.
6. What is a day like with Rob Jones?
Model this page and next: Akasha Hepcat
Come find out, just make sure to bring some coffee. Experimenting with blood, gore, bondage and all that jazz.
7. What is your “Dream Gig�?
Traveling the world shooting for National Geographic, or just sitting on the beach not having to worry about a damn thing.
8. What do you love best about shooting?
I like sharing what I see with the world, I also enjoy making people feel better about themselves as well as disturbing others. 9. When editing photos what do you focus on: creating a work of art or keeping it natural?
Creating natural works of art. 10. Hobbies/activities when not shooting?
Travel, food, music, movies, seeking inspiration. Model this page: Akasha Hepcat
11. What is the biggest show you have participated in?
Recently shot the set of a network television series down in Hollywood. 12. Do you have any regrets with your career?
I wish that I would have started sooner, but hindsight is 20/20. 13. Tell us about shooting in Grass Valley?
It’s beautiful in Nevada County, lots of trees. I try to venture out as much as I can... there are hidden gems up here. Model: Lucas James Moore
14. Tell us about your favorite photo in your portfolio? They are all my favorites, each one has its own personality. It’s like asking what is my favorite song or my favorite food, It’s all mood based for me.
15. Do you have a favorite model to shoot? I don’t shoot and tell.
Model this page and next: Akasha Hepcat
16. What are you working on now that you can divulge? I’m developing a horror film that has taken up most my time, this coming year is full of many surprises.
Model this page and next: Brandy Laird
17. Tell us about your dark sidehow does that set you apart?
Feed your demons, don’t try to hide them. My dark side is what fuels my art. I’m not in the business of being concerned if I piss people off, or if they like my art or not. Too many people hold back based off of the opinions of others.
18. Where do you see yourself in 5 years? Model: Samantha Crain
Rob Jones
I can’t even see where I will be next week, let alone 5 years from now.
Model this page and next: Samantha Crain
I always do. Facebook and social media sites aren’t a place that I can share my DARKER forms of art, so a lot of my work is kept aside from it all.
19. Have you ever experienced a limitation in your art?
Model this page and facing: Akasha Hepcat
20. What kind of photographer do you want to become?
I think I have become the photographer that I need to be,
I will be constantly trying to master my craft and sharpen my skills.
“That’s 20 Questions,� I think to myself, but I know there is more to this man than meets the eye. I know some of his work cannot be shown on Facebook and other Social Media channels, so I asked for more. Let the show continue...bring on the dancing horses, the tamed lion, and the sword swallower. Ladies and Gentlemen, more of the Man Behind the Beard.....
Model this page and facing: Akasha Hepcat
21. Tell me about JONESMORE...
JONESMORE is a collaborative art project created by mutant time traveling ninja orphan brothers Robert Jones of Jonesjones and Lucas James Moore of Morelucas. Both are artists and photographers with complimentary styles. This collaboration has been over 10 years in the making and is the culmination and brain trust of their respective experience as artists. We needed to have an outlet for our ideas that was a little too edgy for social networks that stifle artists with censorship. There is a reason Jonesmore doesn’t have a Facebook page. Fuck Facebook. If you want to know what is really going on with the art world, you gotta get in the trenches and hit the street. There is a revolution going on that is not being televised. The JONESMORE approach is cinematic. Quality is paramount, narrative is key. Each photo must stand on its own with an identity, and together the collection must tell a story. This is our standard. Models this page, facing, and next: Akasha Hepcat, Jordan Miller
22. How do you feel when you work in the Hustle of L.A. vs the serenity of Grass Valley?
L.A. is another world. Each city has their own beauty, but L.A. has the variety and energy that keeps me inspired and motivated.
23. One last burning question: Does your beard have super powers?
Obviously.
Rumor has it, this is one week’s growth. Rob’s bearding capabilities are undeniably super.
To book with Rob Jones, please email us at INDIEblush.com Author, Christina Marie as photographed by Rob Jonesjones at Empire Mine, Late Summer, 2014 MUAH and wardrbe, CM
Fashion Inspirations From Film ~Adrielyn Christi
These pages: Ariana Christi channeling Audrey Hepburn in the 1956 film Funny Face Clothing from H&M Photography by Chris Kisela of CMYK Photography Folsom Film Poster by Paramount Films
1940’s and beyond, actors such as Humphrey Bogart in Casablanca and James Cagney in Yankee Doodle Dandy became famous. Filmmakers with the likes of John Huston and Orson Wells, created classic films which would later be considered classic film noir. These would later set the stage for the modern motion picture, as it revolutionized film story telling. Between the 1950’s-1960’s, films were made with iconic screen actresses such as the beautiful Audrey Hepburn. Audrey Hepburn came to be one of America’s most recognizable film and fashion icons, she also created most of her films during Hollywood’s Golden Age. Audrey Hepburn has become ranked as the third greatest female film legend in the American film cinema. Not only was she a female film legend, she has been placed in the International Best Dressed List Hall of Fame and possibly regarded by many as the most naturally
With the Film Festival season starting, we need to remember that movies have always been an intricate part of our lives. From the moment Thomas Edison introduced the Kinetograph in 1889, the first true motion picture camera, movies have made an impact for every aspiring motion picture director. From the first rotating camera to the first film studios in 1897, movies have either made us laugh, cry, or give our minds something to think about. As the 1900’s approached, French and Italian Cinema had made their debut and had been the most desired films during the First World War, but the war brought disastrous disruption to the European film industries. During this disruption, the American film industry had begun it’s rise in which the epicenter became California and from there was named, “Hollywood”. This city had gained it’s position as the film factory for the world; exporting films to the most countries in the world. The 1920’s brought with it the era of Charlie Chaplin, Douglas Fairbanks, and the beautiful Clara Bow. As the years passed from the
beautiful woman of all time. One of Hepburn’s top 10 best films was Funny Face. This was a film to fall in love with fashion. From Hepburn in Givenchy dresses to reverences of noted fashion editor Diana Vreeland and famous photographer Richard Avedon. Funny Face, a film based around the fashion and modeling industry. As the fashion editor and photographer set up a spontaneous fashion shoot at a book store, it brings about a new fashion model discovery in the shop clerk, played by Hepburn. From her role as this shy book clerk who wants nothing to do with the fashion world to being swayed by a trip to Paris; Hepburn’s character eventually softens her attitude and begins to enjoy the work and the world of fashion. What this film brings is the exposure of iconic fashion designers that have helped diversify the world of fashion and bring about an actress that has brought about her fashion sense and share it with the world. Today, her iconic fashion sense and style has been recreated over and over again, and will continue to transition into the future.
As the European film industry started to re-gain steam during the 1950’s, it brought about another beautiful actress by the name of Bridgett Bardot. Bardot a French film actress, also known for singing and modeling became synonymous not only in Europe but in the US as well. She was one of the best known sex symbols of the 1950s and 1960s who, like Hepburn helped shape the way women dressed. Along with fashion, Bardot helped make looks such as the cat eye and her signature bangs. As her acting career started in 1952, she appeared in 16 routine comedy films which had an limited international release. She became world-famous in for her role in the the film “And God Created Woman.” Although this film catapulted her to fame, it brought about controversy as well. A film directed by Roger Vadim, which pushed the boundaries of sexuality in American cinema. Bardot character made no effort to hold back her natural sensuality and high level of sexual energy. Because she disregarded many of the normal social restraints such as nudity and embracing her sexuality, these actions caused a stir and attracted the attention of most of the men around her. The film
Ariana Christi channeling Brigdette Bardot in the 1957 film “And God Created Woman” Clothing from H&M Photography by Chris Kisela
Photo: CMYK Phtography
Ariana Christi channeling Bonnie Parker in the 1967 Bonnie and Clyde film. H&M clothing.
worn by Bonnie Parker that Faye Dunaway made the role of a female bank robber look glamorous. It evoked the 1930’s elegance that had simple cut silhouettes, pencil skirts, knitted sweaters worn with silk printed scarves and cardigans. Costume designer, Theadora Van Runkle won her first Oscar nomination for Bonnie and Clyde. This film has been a constant reference in fashion and has been influencing the catwalks for decades now and to come. So as you attend your favorite Film Festival of 2015, take some time to look at the fashion and see how it influences your next wardrobe purchase.
itself was highly edited to conform to the censor standards of the era. Nonetheless, Bardot is another classic film actress that has brought fashion and style that has followed to this day. With iconic films as the above mentioned and as the years went on in the film industry, we found directors creating films based on history and historic figures. Whether they helped changed the world for a greater cause or for the worst. Several films were created based around the lives of notorious mobsters or gangsters which intrigued filmgoers. One film in general which was based on the lives of an unlikely male and female bank robbers; Bonnie and Clyde, starring Faye Dunaway and Warren Beatty. The movie was made with the love affair of this violent bank robbing couple and their gang. Bonnie and Clyde is considered to be a landmark film, and is regarded as one of the first films of the New Hollywood era.The film received Academy Awards for Best Supporting Actress and Best Cinematography. The costume designs in the movie were exact to the original fashions worn in the 1930’s and by those
Love Horror!!
By David Alvarez Photos courtesy David Alvarez and SHFF. Sacramento showcases several film festivals throughout the year at various venues. Some of the better known festivals include the Sacramento International Film Festival, Sacramento Horror Film Festival, Sacramento Film & Music Festival, Sacramento Jewish Film Festival, Sacramento Asian Pacific Film Festival, and the Sacramento French Film Festival. Needless to say there's a film festival for almost every taste. My taste in film leans toward the macabre and as such I have enjoyed attending the Sacramento Horror Film Festival (SHFF) for the past few years. The Sacramento Horror Film Festival takes place in October and this year celebrated its eighth year at the historic Colonial Theatre. Throughout the year SHFF also holds other events at the Colonial Theatre including shadowcastings of The Rocky Horror Picture Show, Repo! The Genetic Opera, The Devil’s Carnival and this year's festival presented the premier shadowcast of Troll 2. Film entries shown at the festival give filmmakers the opportunity to attend and witness first hand audience response to their films. Some actors from the original films can also be seen at SHFF Q&A sessions. The founder and festival director of SHFF is Tim Meunier who started the festival in 2007. His love for horror is quite evident when he speaks about his passion. I sat with the master of SHFF to ask him a few questions about the festival and what goes into producing this annual event. Meunier also shared insight into the festival, filmmakers, past and present experiences with the festival and what direction it may take in the future.
Q: Where did the concept for Sacramento Horror Film Festival come from? A: It began, let's see I'm going into my ninth year, it began probably almost 10 years ago maybe even 11 years ago. I participated in the very first Sac Music Scene program with the Sac Film & Music Festival here in Sacramento. That particular program involved local musicians and paired them with independent film talent to create music videos of their projects. The big pitch was that all music videos got screened. I was a videographer at the time and part of the process was that you'd listen to the music from each band and you rated them and see what you were willing to do on the project. You would then form a crew and make a music video. I listened to a particular band and a day later Laurie Peaderson, one of the people who was in charge, gave me a call and said, “You're the only one who liked this one particular song.” Back then I only had videographer experience and it was very minimal at that. I had just signed on to be a camera guy. She said “Well you're going to be the director of this thing. We're going to put you down and give you some names of people to assemble your team.” I just kind of sat there and I guess I could have said, “no I won't do it” but I just said, “okay” and then she hung up the phone. I just embraced the task. It was kind of of the best and worst experience ever. I mean the band was awesome but at the same time I also had laser surgery and the surgery got botched so I literally directed this music video blind, I couldn't see what I was doing. I had some assistants with me and stuff like that and my eyes got better by the time the festival was over. Being in that environment, being around other filmmakers was amazing. This was a program in its infancy and when the video was shown the theater was filled up. People were excited and it was quite an experience to see a project of mine on the big screen as well as everybody else's. It was a great experience that I wasn't expecting. The experience was special. Beyond that I reached into my film career and eventually I had this idea to apply my skills and start up something unique and different
in Sacramento in the film scene. I came to a crossroads in my life. I had ditched drugs and alcohol at the time and I needed to find one thing that would make me feel validated and feel like I was doing something purposeful with my life and of course, the thing I always ran into- other than my vices- was film. Film was always there as the positive. So I was like let's see what I can do positive for this horror genre. So I Googled “Is there a horror film festival in Sacramento?” I came across Trash Film Orgy which I was familiar with. They did weekly screening of films that were 20 or 30 years old and it wasn't Independent stuff and so I started asking local film festival actors a lot of questions as well as horror film festival directors across the country. Eventually it just came down to basically two people giving me meaningful information and that was Nathan Schemel from the Sacramento Film and Music Festival and Greg Ropp from the Eerie Horror
Film Festival. They both were extremely giving with their knowledge and very supportive with this venture. Their support and advice gave me all the tools I needed to start and then I just ran with it. Next I went out and got a business license and then I found a venue with the Colonial Theater. I've been with them and I've had almost every single show there unless we do something out of town. I just scheduled a date and then launched the mission and soon began the arduous process of watching anywhere between 250 – 500 films a year in the process. I've thought about giving the festival a cheesy name to give the festival some attention but I just want to let people know that we have genre festival here in their home town and just kept the name simple; Sacramento Horror Film Festival. So that's where the idea came from and that's how it's existed for the past eight years. Going into its ninth year we're making some changes. So, the concept basically started with me wanting to do something with my life, to do something and also give back to the film community and also to give people a platform for the talent in this kind of semi-niche genre. I really wanted to create that haunted house - Elvira experience for people to see something unique and different. I've said it so many times it makes my head spin but it's true that I just wanted to make the film festival a fun experience with horror at the center of it all.
Q: Of all the films you've watched have you seen a horror film, short film or full length that's really scared you? Which one and why? A: You know I've seen films that have stayed with me. I'm so desensitized because I've watched films as a kid and I've seen everything from the most terrifying that doesn't even show an ounce of blood to the shocking, gore filled, push the boundaries of, shall we say call the cops on this director, horrific topics. The films that have stayed with me over the years, as far as feature films? There's Absentia which I think now is on Netflix. The same director, Mike Flanagan , had a movie out last year nationally on Netflix called Oculus. His movie Absentia was very original, it was different and it explored how people go missing and they're just never seen again. I think that because it's based on reality and it's not a subject too often explored in films. You know people are kidnapped, held hostage and stuff like that where you see the creepy guy first person point of view where people go missing. Very few films go into someone disappearing and then just never finding them. That film just stayed with me so that was definitely a different film. There was a great film the first year of the festival called Of Darkness and it was all practical effects. It reminded me of Goonies. It's basically about a group of kids all young actors. When I see kid actors on films you go “oh no” just like seeing dogs in films where you go “oh this is going to be bad.” These kids were on point, every single kid in the film was great. Everything doing with horror you couldn't see- the director did an amazing job with it. It's a film we show in the Best of Shows. It's received the same response every time. People are just silent and then they clap because it's scary and the things that you don't see in the dark. Sometimes not seeing a monster is more frightening than the monster you do see. So off the top of my head: Absentia full length film, Of Darkness short film. Those are two films that have stayed with me or rattled my cage a little bit. Q: In your opinion what ingredients are needed to make a good horror film? A: The films that I've seen or films that explore a
common theme that everyone relates to like missing people or being afraid of the dark those are very popular across the board. To grasp on to something that is extremely relatable and then focus on a piece of it that isn’t or hasn't been explored very much. You then create a very compelling character driven plot that explores that concept. I find that when things are just text driven or if they're just cinematography driven you lack the characters to care about and what you get is a bunch of dead people on the screen that you really don't care about. You just get body counts or you get mood and atmosphere without really involving yourself too much with what you watch. To really involve yourself you have to relate to your characters or you have to relate to a concept (even if it's one or the other that's great), if it's both then you have something tangible. Don't just copy what other people have done. Don't go with the current trend you know. If you find yourself emulating what other horror films have done then you're restricting your own creativity. It's okay to get inspiration from something and it's even okay to pay homage to something but if that's the centerpiece of your whole film people like myself and other horror fans are just going to recognize it as a ripoff. People will recognize it as being too easy and will dismiss you. Now if you're going to do something against the grain or if you just take some risks and you put your own creative signature on it, whether how you film it or the actors you cast or just the brilliance of your script, horror fans will respect and appreciate that and will recommend it to friends. Q: Shadowcasting, what or who inspired it? A: I didn't even know what shadowcasting was until a few years ago going back to 2009. I didn't know the term. In 2009 I was introduced to Repo! The Genetic Opera. I thought that film was fantastic, it blew my mind. I thought it was so weird and different. I hated it then loved it. It pulled me in into both of those directions. I contacted Darren Bousman who directed that film and back then, Myspace was still a thing and I reached out to Darren Bousman and Terrance Zdunich who wrote the film and basically I kind of gushed to them what I thought about the movie. I did that a lot with many of the films I saw and of course never received
a response most of the time or I received kind of a pre-generated copy and paste response like “Thank you for watching it, spread the word, bye.” Darren and Terrance both gave me very different, very I don't want to say personal, but it was obvious not copy and paste and they both expressed a common thread in that they needed the film to be seen more. It seems that they weren't getting much support from the studio. I was going into my third year of the festival and I basically asked them both about screening the film and getting it more exposure at Sacramento Horror Film Fest and they both wrote back they were like “Oh that sounds like a great idea,” and then it stopped there. At that time I kind of made it my mission to get these guys to take me seriously. I actually went down to LA and met them at a convention. I already had flyers made I said I'm going to play this movie and had researched how to get rights for this movie, this and that and I basically approached them with the flyers and said, “Well we're doing this in October you guys should come.” And they were like, “Wow, this guy followed us from Sacramento and had these flyers.” I caught their attention that way and they were stoked about it. Darren (Bousman) didn't make it our first year but Terrance as well as Darren Smith the other co-creator and a few of the actors from the film did. So the shadowcasting idea began when I went on the Repo website and found there was a forum. In the forum there was a bunch of Repo fans who started posting these threads about shadowcasting and costuming. I wondered what is that? I posted “Hey guys I'm doing a screening in Sacramento and a bunch of fans and people that I'm really good friends with now and who are still good friends over the years contacted me and said, “Hey we should do a shadowcasting of this.” I said “Oh that's awesome, what is it?”
My friends referred me to the Rocky Horror Picture Show stuff. Now I admit in 2009 I had never seen Rocky Horror either and I had no idea. I said, “Rocky Horror, I've never seen it. What are you talking about?” At that point I think there was one or two shadowcasts of Repo. I think the first one was in Canada and another was done in Texas or New York I can't remember. So I watched the videos and I was like, “Ah, interesting.” Then of course the competitive nature in me was, “Oh man, I know I can do that better.” So we did a casting call. I had no theater experience I wasn't going to direct it. We had the casting call and a lot of it was comprised of amateur actors, cosplayers and just people who were huge fans of the movie that wanted to be part of it. From there we rehearsed and did a little preview sort of speak that was to occur at that first screening in 2009. We executed the performance during the screening. We had one special scene that we did, the audience really loved it. I got to sit back kind of like with my arms crossed and see exactly how it all played out and I kind of saw that there was a new energy in the theater because they're seeing the film on the screen and there isn't anything to detract from that. They're basically seeing the Repo film honored and celebrated by other people who want to honor it and celebrate the film acting out in costume and people's favorite characters. It becomes an immersive almost interactive experience and after the screening people were taking pictures with people they've actually never met but were just wearing costumes from the movie characters and I think this was special and the filmmakers approved of it and so we decided to do a full out performance and then we did Repo for quite a while. After Repo we had the wheel going and fans actually brought out the idea, “Hey, why don't you do Rocky?” At the time I had an ex-girlfriend who said, “I want you to see Rocky.” After watching Rocky I had almost the same reaction I had with Repo and it was basically, “I hate this.” Then I walked away from it and then came back. I said, “Wait a minute, let me watch this movie again. Then I said, “No, I still hated it.” I was like, “that song was
really good, play that song again.” All of a sudden I just loved the film. So I only want to do shows and things that I have a passion for and I grew a passion for Rocky and went through the same process as with Repo. I started calling directors, finding actors who'd done Rocky Horror in Sacramento from years back and they all wanted to participate again. It's one of our most popular shows now. From there we wanted to try something different. That's where Troll 2 came in. I thought, “That is insane, that is crazy... let's do it.” That was the first time I directed a show. I told myself I wasn't going to find anyone crazy enough to do it. I love Troll 2, unlike the other two films I'd seen, Troll 2 when I was a kid on HBO and I grew up just having a ball with that film. It was kind of comfort viewing for me. I didn't realize as a kid how bad it was until I got older and of course watching it, it's true it's so bad it's good. I've must have watched this film now 300-400 times by now. I really don't know or want to know how many times I've really watched it. These films have charm and they have kind of a tangibility to them. We already had an existing cast who had made Rocky and Repo and said, “Hey guys you want to be part of history and do you want to be in the first to ever to do a Troll 2 shadowcasting?” Some of them just wanted that accolade alone. Repo had already been done before but not very much. Rocky, there's almost 40 years of it now. The Troll 2 shadowcast would be the first ever. A lot of them jumped into the show first and then watched the movie and then they hated me because then they watched the movie almost as many times as I did. They had such a blast doing it I think the audience enjoyed it and I think we added that one special thing. What's cool about shadowcasting is that you're able to sit and invite people from the film out and they're able to be entertained. You're entertaining the entertainer and that is extremely special. I've gone to screenings where -okay we're going to do a screening of XYZ movie and the actor is going to come out and the actor has already probably seen the movie more times than anybody else in that movie theater combined. So they're probably out somewhere getting drunk and by the time they're signing autographs they're being kind of surly, who knows they're just not into it. Actors and filmmakers that we've invited to SHFF who have seen our show, you know, they're invested they're sitting in their seat they're having a great time and for the audience they get to see a 4D experience. The cast is able to perform for people they respect and they're inspired by that and that's kind of the perk I get to do. For me it's great to be able to present that to people in Sacramento. Here's something really weird and crazy and as long as the film rights are available and the filmmakers are cool with it we'd be able to apply this to almost any film that as a group we're passionate about and give people that extra boost, that fun tangible to get their butts back in the theater instead of streaming something at home or via WebBox or Netflix or whatever. If we can do a film that's 20-30 years old can still sell out a movie theater I think that says something about the market. There's still life left in the industry. So there's still something to be said about having a movie screened on a 40 foot movie screen with a bunch of people just like yourself being able to hoot and holler and shout at the screen and not get kicked out for it. I think that it's fun, inspiring and, I've said this before, as long as people keep coming to these shows and it works out for us we'll keep doing it. This year we're bouncing around some show ideas. We're debating about doing Little Shop of Horrors, Devil's Rejects, Evil Dead or possibly Night of the Living Dead it really just depends on movie studios if they're fine with it. Some movie studios don't care while other movie studios are a little fickle with it and their minds can change just like the hours of a day. We invest a lot of time, effort, money and rehearsal time and I mean we take it very seriously to give that theater experience so we have to practice and learn from our mistakes and either rinse and
repeat, or we learn from it and we change things and go on from there.
tract people who will ask “do you know Repo?” It will start a conversation.
Q: Describe how Amber Sweets came about and what inspired it?
So the name is one of those brain farts sort of speak but the marketing of Amber's Sweets is intentional. It's kind of like the bat signal for Repo fans. I never really expected to do much beyond Repo with it and we just branched out to our first theatrical with Dr. Horrible Sing-Along Blog where we did the singing, the dancing and everything with it and we kept the name. Now we're doing something not Repo related under that name.
A: The idea came about because of Repo in 2009 when I acquired a director, a choreographer and we were trying to figure out a name for the troupe because you know in shadowcast land every troupe is identified by their name and it's usually an offshoot of something in that particular film like Rocky Horror has Under Sedation. For Repo there's also The Scalpel Sluts and Sluts is how you say it but it's Salt Lake, Utah. That's a term in the film too.
“I like women characters in film they interest me more than men because their roles are better written”.
We were trying to identify a name for our troupe and we came up with some real awful names. I wanted to focus on a brand name, I like to be focused on the feminine figure but not in a sexual or in an exploitative kind of way. I like women characters in film they interest me more than men because their roles are better written. I thought to myself well Amber Sweet is kind of an interesting character in Repo. Her casting choice was extremely interesting in Paris Hilton. I was never one of those people who hated Paris Hilton and actually enjoyed her performance in the film and I was thinking what if... and one of the themes in the film is narcotics it's the drug zydrate. They're trying to get zydrate to get high on, to numb themselves before surgery which is the whole basis for the film. So I kind of came up with a play on words and said how about we're Amber's Sweets? We're Amber's property and you can define that in multiple different ways and for short we'd call ourselves the Sweets. So it was Amber's Sweets and immediately it would identify us to Repo fans because when you hear Amber and you hear Sweets, for anyone who's ever seen the film knows the title song “Zydrate Anatomy” where it goes “Amber Sweet is addicted to the knife. Addicted to the knife?” Then you will immediately attract eyes and you'll at-
When we got into Rocky there was conversation of maybe picking a different name. So we looked into just rising about the name itself because there are so many things that we as consumers will hear a name but we identify it with something else like Coke, Coca Cola. With Coke, we don't think of the drug, well some people might but most of the time you think of that brown frizzy sugary beverage that gets us fat. There's a lot of things we see and it's kind of we're so used to it that we don't actually realize what it means or what we're saying it's kind of a bunch of words that we identify symbolically with what we're thinking of. That's were I kind of want Amber's Sweets to be. I want people to know that Amber's Sweets is this weird little niche group that does this hybrid movie theatrical performances and they can look us up online and say, “Oh wow, in February they're doing Rocky, June they're doing Clue or October, oh my God, they're doing Evil Dead.” It's something that I want locals to count on something weird and different. It's also something that, I take this from my own experience, that we have tourists asking what's there to do in Sacramento. When they Google it, they'll say, “Wow we have to try this.” So we're hoping tourists will come and support. We're not far from downtown and we have some restaurants in the same building complex as the Colonial. Hopefully they'll spend their money there and they'll be able to see one of Sacramento's
longest standing movie theaters in the Colonial. Hopefully they'll be able to see what they believe is a quality and fun show and brag and recommend it to other people. I know every time I go to a new city I always Google, “What's the weird stuff here? What's the unique, cool, crazy stuff to do.? Is there a haunted house in April?” I'm weird like that. I want to do what the locals do. I think people will gravitate towards that.
Q: I noticed you're expanding to do shows in SF next year is this a new concept? A: The majority of our shows will continue to be at the Colonial. I've done shows at places that don't exist anymore, primarily nightclubs downtown with fundraisers. Last year we did a show in San Francisco at the Clay Theater they brought us out to do Repo. We did Repo on a stage that was insanely tiny and dangerous but it was a fantastic experience. I enjoyed what we did and they invited us to return to do multiple things next year. We're still waiting for the ink to dry on it but once that happens you can expect us to be in San Francisco next year. We have a few things brewing with Stockton as well and possibly Portland. So the Amber's Sweets brand is growing and through that the brand is extending. I've been helping assist other festivals' programming as well. I helped with the East Bay Scream Festival down in Oakland. They asked for some assistance in their program and one of the huge driving forces of the horror fest content is to get filmmakers more exposure and we gave some films to the East Bay Scream Festival that won awards. Not only did filmmakers win accolades but they won cash. I already had some filmmakers' work and asked them if it would you be cool with me giving this other festival the screenings and 99.9% would respond, “Hell yeah. I want to have my film seen by as many people as possible.” That's why they're making them and so for me to email them back and tell them their film won something they're excited about that. Not only that but asking for their address to send a check for winning an award they're happy as well. They're just so tickled and I'm so tickled because I know how hard it is for their film to be seen.
Having been a filmmaker before and witnessing filmmakers coming to these type of festivals can be a rewarding experience. I notice this not only at my festival but other festivals. They put all this love, sweat, tears and money into their projects sometimes you have to pick and choose which festivals to go to.
something back, they're getting accolades and cash.
Just to have your own movie screened you have to pick a festival to attend. To travel there you can spend
A: The process for me now, because I'm perpetuating this from year to year, I really start planning early. I'm
$400-$500 for a flight. Maybe you pay for mom to fly out with you, get a hotel and you have to have spending money for a cab and then to walk in a theater and your movie is screening and you're just there with mom. It can be painful when there's nobody else in there to watch it and you're like, “Oh so this is what it looks like on the big screen.� You're thankful that they screen it but then there's this unreliable point of disappointment when stuff like that happens. It happens everywhere and so some filmmakers can't afford to attend every festival and they can't afford to pay the fees to enter every festival. So if there's opportunities like this for me to work with other festivals and give them extra content for exhibitions it's all a plus in the filmmakers category and like I said 99.9% of them are very grateful for the experience and they're getting
going into the ninth year. My planning for the ninth year started at the same time I started planning for the eighth year. These things kind of go in cycles. At times I might have things planned but they might not work out for whatever reason; scheduling, money, this and that. As long as I'm still committed and I feel alive I'm still planning as I move it into the next season.
Q: So you just finished the 2014 Sacramento Horror Film Festival, what does it take to put on a festival like this? Can you give a synopsis of what you had to go through for this year's process?
As far as films go, we try to launch entries as soon as the current season is completed. So if the festival ends October 12, I want to try and get entries by the first week in November. Usually it takes a while to get the system updated and get finances updated and every year rules change and entry websites change and I need to read everything.
Now, entries are mainly online. Screening compared to people mailing films in is an adjustment for me because I've been so used to getting mailed packages. Now sites like filmfreeway.com and withoutabox.com has made it accessible for filmmakers to submit online. That is a plus and minus in itself. I think that it's a plus because more film makers will have their projects seen. I think some filmmakers run into butting their heads against the wall with logistics. Sometimes they have this movie made and they're trying to meet a deadline for a festival and dammit they can't render it, they can't get it on that DVD they just can't get it physically on a disc. I know so many filmmakers who say eff it and their films just kind of sit there. Now they're just able to upload to these sites just like YouTube and I'll just say this, for me as a filmmaker and as a film festival director I do prefer the disc more because I can put them on my Blu-ray player and watch them on my television instead of viewing on my computer which is a small screen. Film entry is a year round process. I basically accept entries from November to September 1st because the festival is in October. Anywhere between 400-500 entries a year including documentaries, short films, animated films, feature films, foreign films you name it. I welcome every type of film as long as it fits the horror genre. I watch the films as they come in. Sometimes I get inundated with projects and I have to marathon towards the end of the deadline. I try to keep up on it so that I'm not sitting in front of a TV or a computer screen because I do get burned out. I love all the sub genres of horror I'm not one who prefers one over the other, I love it all and I believe that's what separates my festival over other horror film festivals because I have a genuine passion for each kind of film Everything from slasher movies to the bloody gore films to the bloodless thrillers. I love it all. I love watching documentaries about horror. I like music videos with horror content. I love it all. “I Love Horror� that's our mantra and our slogan I guess. For the festival I work on getting hosts who have to keep the audience entertained and is respectful to filmmakers. There's the booking of special guests at the festival. I have to ask myself not only if I'm super excited to have them there but also will fans be excited
to have them there as well. People over the years have expressed interest in having workshops and applying things like a Makeup Workshop or a Gore in Film Making or How to Make a Film that Cost $50 and make it look like it was made on a larger budget. There's a bunch of ideas that we have to keep things educational and keep people involved who might have a passing interest in film making and the horror genre. Other ideas might involve filmmakers who want to make it a career or already have a career and just want to hone their craft and see what else is out there. I also handle all the marketing, branding and stuff like that. I'm at every convention always keeping the name out there. It is a round the year job. People hear that it's an October festival but now we're doing more shows throughout the year which keeps me busy. Even without those shows doing the film festival is a year round job because if you don't remind people that it's out there they will forget. Unless you have a powerhouse sponsor like Coke or someone endorsing the brand out there you have to do everything you can to cross promote. It's not a profession I would recommend anyone to get into unless you really want it. Unless you know you love it and you're okay with the stress and the bruises on your head from banging it against the wall and you're okay with all that. It does make money on occasions but half the time you're lucky to break even. Don't get into it thinking that it's going to be the next George Foreman grill and you're going to make tons of money on it it's not and most film festival directors will agree with me on that. Most film festival directors are also really passionate about what they do so it's like we're all cut from the same cloth in some respects. Q: Have you seen any of the short films you've seen make it to the big screen? A: I remember seeing Oculus as a short film. It was all over the place a year or two ago. I know of people who've made short films and those films lead to something else.
There was one called Excision an amazing short film and I know that film was made into a feature film. They recast everybody but I believe Malcolm McDowell was in it I mean there was some impressive talent in the film and I'm sure it did well in the independent market. I was able to see those films at their core, at their genesis as a short film and able to see it as a feature film and hear people talk about it. Even more exciting was that people got to see it at the fest and then they got to see it on their Blu-ray selection or the recommended list on Netflix it's pretty cool. I know people who've made short films and have gone on I believe director Paul Campion he made Night of the Hell Hamsters which was a huge hit and we played it at several Best of Show and he's gone on. I believe he's made The Devil's Rock which is also on Netflix and he's getting to be a big international horror genre director. So I do see a lot of these guys eventually come back
and say hey that's an SHFF alum and I'll always point that out. We have an eye for talent and is kind of cool to see that it's perpetuated to a legitimate career. I think that's the dream for a lot of people to make this their craft and they're just hoping it will open up that door. For some it does so again I see it happening probably more often in independent horror than any other indie genre. Q: Who or what continues to inspire you? A: Any time I listen to Wes Craven talk, seriously. I don't know why I don't do it more often or why I don't have him on an iPod or something. Usually things happen serendipitous. Anytime that I'm kind of thinking about calling it quits or just hanging it up or just have the need to try something else I'll turn to movies or TV or something and it never fails me it's either Ridley Scott talking or Wes Craven talking and they just kick my ass verbally. It's just their stories, the intelligence in their craft and it's just all of a sudden I puff out my chest and say, “I don't know shit, I don't know anything.� I'm thinking about calling it a day or doing this or just feel like saying eff it and these guys
who are just so eloquent with words and you know I really can't peg anything in particular but they'll say something and it will just kind of wash away everything. It makes me get on that computer and just kind of brainstorm new ideas and how to improve my shows and the events or even just myself in general and come up with new ideas.
means just as much to me and has just as much weight to it than something these legends may say.
So Ridley Scott inspires me I love hearing him talk. Wes Craven, I love hearing him talk.
A: I envision the festival will have a new branding. I feel like I'm close to being successful in Sacramento in understanding how this genre festival works. It's an option for entertainment because of how cities such as San Francisco, Stockton, Portland and beyond contact me wanting to work with me.
You know it's also the cast members of Amber's Sweets. I've been known to be an introvert and so when you're an introvert you begin surrounding yourself with a bunch of extroverts you sometimes can't fight the system they end up pulling you out a little bit and then you start appreciating life in a different way. Through their eyes I've been able to see things that I would never have gotten into. Like anime, or cosplay we have people with an age range in our cast from 18-50 and being able to see all the wide range of interests and how they're different.
I find inspiration in a lot of different places and people. I think the genre itself is pretty inspiring. Q: Where do you see the festival in the next 3-5 years?
I feel that it would be in the
“Every year at the festival company's best interest to go with a name that's not regionwhen I hear a ally restricted and yet something that wherever we go Q&A from a the name can be recognized, and identified with filmmaker or director celebrated great content kind of like Sweets is a beacon for I’ll hear something Amber's Repo fans. I haven’t thought of.” Whatever we choose to brand
We're all linked with the common thread that weaves us all together. It's inspiring because they're choosing to do something with their free time with my business. This was a passion play and they're choosing to share their passion with something that's my passion and that blows me away. It's one of those whoa moments where I just step back, I have nothing intelligent to say except say whoa, that's cool man. They inspire me they make me be a better producer and be smarter with how I produce shows and they reap more benefits from it and I'd be lying to say they're not inspiration. They definitely are, I find, inspirational. Every year at the festival when I hear a Q&A from a filmmaker or director I'll hear something I haven't thought of. I've heard hundreds of Q&As by now and at certain times I'll hear something I haven't heard before and it's kind of like that Ridley Scott or Wes Craven moment. I didn't know this guy before this festival but he said something just as important to me. It
ourselves beyond this point I hope it will be the same. Something recognizable and iconic to quality, inspiration and entertainment. I also hope that not only will we still be doing shadowcasts but I really hope that we're off the ground and doing original theatrical performances. We have a great amount of talent and I'd like to try it out.
I feel it's a good business decision to try something original because then you're not paying movie right to people. I'd still also want to continue doing things that are popular too and attract people. I was inspired a few years ago by a theater troupe in LA and when I saw what they did in such a small space with such a talented bunch of actors in a completely controlled atmosphere I knew that I needed to exercise some energy in that direction and try to give that a go in Sacramento. Hopefully in 3-5 years we'll have either a black box theater or an offshoot of Amber's Sweets or maybe even something bigger.
Q: Anything else you'd like to add? A: Love Horror.
7 Healthy Fruits
By: Kimberly Lucero If you have been struggling with a low sugar diet, or are on a low sugar intake from being diabetic, and you just want some fruits to fill that craving, this article should help you better choose healthy snacks on the go.
of dietary fiber out of the fruits. With them also being a good source of Vitamin C, you're looking at one tasty snack you can't refuse. So next time you are in the mood for something sweet, put down the jelly filled doughnut, and grab a bag of delicious raspberries.
When it comes to fruits, everyone knows that they can be pretty high in sugar. While they taste delicious and are even great for your body and your mental health, they can be a little fattening, and rough if you are on a strict diet. Luckily, there are some good fruits to consume while you are watching your sugar intake, or just looking for a quick, low sugar snack.
Strawberries: Who doesn't like strawberries? They go with so many other dishes, and can really fill that sugary craving. Not to mention they are only 4.8g of sugar per 100g of fruit. So who wouldn't love strawberries! You can indulge in this delectable treat with minimal guilt of cheating in your diet. Not to mention strawberries are an excellent source of Vitamin C and a great source of Manganese. If you were debating which fruits to add to your personal garden this summer, I would put strawberries high on that list!
Raspberries: Raspberries are a great choice with almost no sugar! With a measly 4.4g of sugar to every 100g of fruit, you are getting a lot of sweet snack for no guilty workout later. They are also one of the highest sources
Watermelon: This juicy summer snack is also perfect
for when on a low sugar diet. With only 6.2g of sugar to every 100g of fruit, you are looking at one yummy summer vacation. Watermelon is a great source of Vitamin C, and is about 90% water by weight. But don't let the water fool you, if you are planning on a pure watermelon diet, be warned. Watermelon is known to be a mild diuretic, which means it pulls water out of your system and flushes it out of your body, making you urinate more frequently and causing you to become dehydrated. So be sure to stay properly hydrated with water when indulging in large amounts of this treat. Papaya: Papayas are a great substitute for an apple or an orange in your lunch. With 7.8g of sugar to 100g of fruit, they can make a difference between going over your sugar intake, and eating a full meal at work, and not feeling hungry again in an hour. Papaya have a good source of Magnesium and Potassium, and can be eaten raw or cooked. You could even make a savory jelly with this fruit! Peaches: (and nectarines) peaches are always a tasty alternative to sugary snacks. With about 8g of sugar to every 100g of fruit, you can feel smart and healthy choosing a peach when grocery shopping. Peaches are a good source of Vitamin C and Potassium, while nectarines have a bit more Vitamin C, they are nearly double the amount of Vitamin A and a higher source of Potassium. Peaches also make a great addition to any fruit drink or smoothy. Blueberries: Last and certainly not least, we come to our delicious friend, the blueberry. Blueberries have 9.9g of sugar to 100g of fruit, and they are a good source of Vitamin C and Vitamin K. Blueberries are very versatile, and can be added to all sorts of dishes, from main courses with a blueberry glaze, to desserts such as pies and ice cream topped with them.
Not only are blueberries good for when on a diet, and being delectable on almost everything, they are also found to lower cholesterol. In some research, they are also shown to benefit the brain such as reducing symptoms of depression, boosting memory and learning in older adults, and lowering blood sugar. With so many positive traits, working blueberries into your daily diet is a healthy change you can feel throughout your entire body. So next time you are unsure of what fruits to pick up from the farmers market and add to your diet, look for any of these great choices!
ELEMENTS A New Fashion Experience Presented By:
The administrative team for ELEMENTS would like to thank our Sponsors, Boutiques, Models, Staff, Designers, and Photographers for our December Event. Enjoy these images from the event and please give our supporters your business. We raised just over $1,000 for The #DYSPHORIA Project to fight bullying and to go to Burning Man in 2015
Credits for ELEMENTS: All Make-up 118-145: Maria Noel Bagnulo and Allison Kay of Belissimo Make-up Artistry All Hair 118-145: Trevor Schweitzer, Monice Lopez, Ally Stewart of Nevaeh Boutique, Salon, and Spa Photographers credited on photos used. 118-119: Model: Tamika Michelle Atterberry wearing Latiya Gholar 120: Christie Dastmalchi 122: Charis Hill wearing Annette Humphries Paint 124: Christie Dastmalchi wearing Saul Latvanen 125: Shelby Stepper wearing Latiya Gholar 126: Left, Lukesergio Bellsworth wearing Mirror Mirror Right, Preston Sandbakken wearing Fringe 127: Alexandria Leary wearing Fringe 129: Charis Hill wearing Annette Humphries Paint 131: top, Lukesergio Bellsworth bottom, Michael Foster wearing Mirror Mirror 132: Haley White 133: Bunny Stewart 134: Left; Shelby Stepper wearing Fringe, Top: Tamica Michelle Atterberry wearing Latiya Gholar, Bottom Left: Christie Dastmalchi wearing Mirror Mirror, Bottom Right: Lucy Garcia Robles wearing Saul Latvanen 137: Upper left: Shelby Stepper wearing Latiya Gholar, middle: Charlie B. Good wearing Latiya Gholar, lower right: Ashley Pinkston wearing Latiya Gholar 138: Christa Quinn wearing Christina Marie 140: Emcee April Pirl Potter with Designer Sacha Laurin 142: Upper left: Emcee April Pirl Potter with Designer Christina Marie; upper right: April Pirl Potter and Designer Saul Latvanen; bottom left-to-right: Anthony Sigheti, Designer Annette Humphries, Charis Hill, Jen Smuda 144-145: From left-to -right: Alexandria Leary wearing Christina Marie, Angela Angelidis wearing Nevaeh, Lucy Garcia-Robles wearing Saul Latvanen, Tamika Michelle Atterberry wearing Christina Marie, Damian Chambers wearing Fringe, Bunny Stewart wearing Mikobella Designs, Preston Sandbakken wearing Saul Latvanen
ELEMENTS Designers
Saul Latvanen
was Inspired by his Mother, a hard working woman who worked long hours sewing school uniforms and working for private customers to deliver high-end costume made clothing. Saul is making a mark in the industry delivering unique, high-end costume designs that make men and women that are edgy and like to be on trend and in style with a touch of sophistication that makes people beautiful and confident in his clothing. Pursuing a degree in Fashion Design at American River College he has been recognized for his work by winning awards such as Best in Show, Best Recycled Garment and Most Creative Collection, this award has led him to showcase his designs in many shows in the regions of Sacramento, San Francisco and Los Angeles. As Saul Latvanen’s brand expands, so does his accomplishments and his dreams. In addition he is an illustrator and producer of all of his work and his accomplishments are being regarded highly little by little. He will continue to fulfill his dreams. specializes in one-offs, costuming, and denim. Fashion is simply anotherway she tries to reach people to affect change. This is her debut. For consultations: cowtownfilmpro(at)gmail.com
ELEMENTS Designers Christina Marie
Annette Humphries
My name is Annette Humphreys & my Unique Skin Art services uniquely transform people into art. People are my favorite type of canvas & usually the person mentally takes on the body art & becomes its interpretive form. It liberates some souls to express their heart by stepping outside the box which adds to that unique factor. I am an Esthetician by trade & I offer airbrush makeup, body art & tanning. Airbrushing is another medium that I love to add to the mix that can create so many illusions. My Unique Skin Art is nothing without you as my canvas...let me transform you into my next work of art.
ELEMENTS Boutiques
ELEMENTS Boutiques
ELEMENTS Boutiques
B.E.I Cosmetics has bold colors of lipsticks and lip glosses for women of ALL ages and ALL complexions. B.E.I has brought you colors that are not only unique, but long lasting. Our vivid cream formula glosses, will instantly change your look with vibrant colors that will stand out in any crowd. Our long lasting full coverage matte lipsticks are packed with vitamin E and our hi-def mineral pigments can be used in various forms. Explore any of our products and experience long lasting color all day! Be bold, be adventurous and explore all sides of beauty with B.E.I! We look forward to filling your world with color.
www.beicosmetics.com ELEMENTS Sponsors
All Photos this page:
ELEMENTS Sponsors
Stage Design, Scenic Design, Online Materials, Logo Creation, and video provided by:
“Media that matters.�
ELEMENTS Sponsors
Photography: Kimberly Lucero
Photography: Kimberly Lucero
ELEMENTS Sponsors
Photo Courtesy of CMYK Photography
ELEMENTS Food and Beverage Sponsors: Beach Hut Deli, Many Moons, Kombucha Couture, Zocolo, & Lucy GarciaRobles
Photos Courtesy of CMYK Photography
Stage and Multi-media Sponsors: Monkey Glue Lighting and Confetti
#DYSPHORIA Printingmade possible by:
Torrey Loomis and Final Stage Media
All photos this page and next courtesy of CMYK Photography
a state of unease This is the CONTROVERSERAIL IMAGE
that
started it all.
Craig Fouts, celebrated photographer and master editor, made a bold decision in posing nude in order to empathise more with the subjects he shoots. The story begins when he posted this image on Facebook, baring his soul to his “Friends�. The un-edited excerpt on the next page contans just a few statements made.
dys·pho·ri·a
Psychiatry noun: dysphoria a state of unease or generalized dissatisfaction with life.
Who has Dysphoria? Every day we are marketed and advertised to in a fashion that makes us feel lesser about ourselves so that we will buy a product. These products include (but are not limited to)clothing, cosmetics, dietary supplements, prescription drugs, surgery, food, and beverages.
Brands depend on us having a “problem”, so that they can sell us a “solution”. Quroscuro, CMmedia, and the community partners feel that we are happy just the way we are. We celebrate our bodies. We defy myths. We stand up for change.
The participants in #DYSPHORIA are Euphoric. We are ecstatic to have a platform for education on the 3 main genetic body types. We aim to spread awareness on Body Dysphoria and hope to cut off peer pressure and bullying tactics before any more people obtain Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD).
BDD sufferers are 49% Male and 51% Female. This affects us all.
Alex: Artist to artist. You need to drink more beer and eat! David: THAT IS SICK AND NOT RIGHT. The idiot who posted this is obviously fucked up in the head. I’d rather CHUNKY DUNK any time than go skeleton shagging give me something I know I am cuddling Paula Belfon xxxx David: Nina yes you are right you don’t know me so don’t judge me. Like I haven’t judged you thank you. “FREE SPEECH” and all that fajizzle Ellen: I know everyone is entitled to their own opinions but that was harsh and unnecessary. David: All I’m saying is that skinny female models get slagged off for portraying themselves like that so why is it acceptable for male models to do it? Darren: David, for a man who immediately called my Business Partner “sick and not right” & name called him for posting this image, you’ve got a lot of nerve claiming we can’t respond to your ignorant commentary. Just as you have the “freedom of speech” Son, so do we...it’s a two way freeway. When people utter stupid sh!t like “you don’t know me, so don’t judge me” it is indicative of one of 3 things: 1. You have no valid argument 2 you are too lazy to argue further or 3 you know you are wrong. Funny how you judged the fuck out of Craig, yet you pull that super- hypocritical statement. As far as Neener is concerned, she is waking up on her beachside estate in Hawaii with a big fat grin on her face, lovin her life. I have a similar taste in women that you do David, I love curves on the female I am with....but I don’t rip those with other tastes. David: I’m not hiding from the fact what my point is that there is to much of this wafer thin models showing on tv it gives the wrong impression Darren: True, yet Humans aren’t robots, self esteem is a great thing for individuals to have. Most people realize that not all people have the same taste and become happy with the package they’ve got. Craig eats 3 to 5 meals a day. His Dad didn’t “fill out” til age 40, it’s genetic. His metabolism is off the charts. I’m not a fan of waifs (Kate Moss, etc) I am more of a “baby got back, Sir Mix Alot video” variety. Peace. Noah: Craig Fouts bro you need to eat more habit burger, carls jr, dickys BBQ, etc,etc...you look like an extra on a “Tool” video! Lol Christina Marie: Read through thread again (because it got me going) for those of you judging Craig Fouts, I have this for you: If you think skinny = bad or negative, STOP FUCKING BUYING IT. Turn off your TV, don’t buy the magazines, don’t buy ANY product that uses skinny images to market the product. PERIOD. Then write a letter to the Magazine/Advertiser and simply state I do not and will not purchase anything marketed this way. You can make a difference that way. BUT DON’T rest back on your laurels and judge individuals for simply having a different body type. It’s called being an Ectomorph. GET OVER IT
Enjoy Northern Californ Sierra Starr Tasting Room
Double Oak
Avanguardia Tasting Room Grass Valley Wine Company Sierra Starr
Smith Tasting Room
Lucchesi Tasting Room
Szabo
Szabo Tasting Room
Avanguardia
Indian Springs Nevada City
Coufos Bent Metal Smith Pilot Peak
Solune Lucchesi Montoliva
Sierra Knolls Naggiar
Sierra Knolls Tasting Room
This Map Courtesy of www.Sierravitners.com
nia Wines!
This Map Courtesy of www.davenportz.com
Diverse Reg
This map courtesy of www.napa-vinyards.com
gions, Excellent Wines!
This map courtesy of www.lodiwine.com
Please Save the Date! May 5th, 2015 All donations made on this date will be match funded! The CIC depends on generous people like YOU to keep our regional programs running.
www.CapiotlINDIECollective.org