Indie Entertainment Media - Sundance 2022 Special Edition by gotham ch

ind e // j a n u a r y 2 0 2 2

ENTERTAINMENT MEDIA

ind e i

ENTERTAINMENT MEDIA

PUBLISHERS

Gotham Chandna Nicole Goesseringer Muj

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF | MANAGING EDITOR

Nicole Goesseringer Muj

CHIEF DIGITAL EDITOR

Gotham Chandna

CONTRIBUTORS

Lena Basse Claude Brickell Nicole Goesseringer Muj Eric Minh Swenson Dr. Laura Wilhelm

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT

Rachael Fisher

EDITORIAL DESIGN

Viktoria Bocharova

Photos Courtesy of: EMS Gallery, HFPA, Movie Stills DB, WikiCommons.

©2022 | Indie Entertainment Media No part of the Indie Entertainment Media may be reproduced in any form without written consent from the publisher. Indie Entertainment Media liability in the event of an error is limited to a printed correction.

5th Annual Indie Entertainment Showcase 2022 4

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Ali M. Aksu is an international film producer, director and entrepreneur. He is the executive producer of several groundbreaking projects, including the first-ever Hollywood feature film to cast digital media talent, that was distributed by Universal Studios. He is the founder of FilmCapital.io, a community-focused Hollywood crowdfunding platform that was incubated at Singularity University, and Auteur Academy, an educational platform to empower independent filmmakers.

Ali Mahir Aksu

Mr. Aksu is the Southern California Young Professionals Ambassador at the United Nations Association of America. He is an MBA candidate at Chicago Booth School of Business. He holds a B.A. in economics, with a minor in film, TV and digital media from UCLA, and earned executive-level degrees from MIT, Wharton and Singularity University.

Founder, FilmCapital.io and Amateur Academy

Bobbie Dyer is the Executive Producer and Co-Creator of Breakthrough: A Mental Health Journey. Scheduled for release in 2022, the documentary follows five mental health stories, including her only child Spencer, who struggled with mental health and died in 2019.

Bobbie Dyer Ecxecutive Producer/ Co-Creator Breakthrough: A Mental Health Journey

With over 30 year’s mortgage banking and real estate experience, Ms. Dyer is currently President of Dyer Mortgage, a boutique mortgage company providing home loans throughout Florida. Dyer has closed over 10,000 loans and is one of the leading home mortgage experts in the country. She has been the recipient of dozens of awards for production, management and leadership. She has over 20 years’ experience as a published author and writer of dozens of articles for numerous publications including USA Today, Brevard Business News, Space Coast Living, Florida Today, Space Coast Business and industry publications. Dyer’s column primarily focuses on consumer finance, real estate, and credit. Her 2021 column on men’s golf (British Open) was published worldwide. She has also written more than a dozen articles on food, wine, community involvement and business. Since 2018, she has served on the Federal Reserve REIN committee (Southeast US/Atlanta Fed) and is a Florida Tech University Trustee. She has received more than 50 awards for community involvement, loan production, customer service, and leadership. 5

Anna Fishbeyn, Founder and President of XOFeminist Productions and Anteriya Films is an award-winning star of stage and screen, a filmmaker, director, author and actress. Her movie Galaxy 360: A Woman’s Playground, which she wrote, directed and stars in, had its red carpet, world premiere during AFM 2021. The pre-release version of the film screened to a packed house at the Cannes and Big Apple film festivals and was a finalist of the Sundance New Frontier Exhibition.

Anna Fishbeyn Founder and President of XOFeminist Productions and Anteriya Films

Ms. Fishbeyn’s first play Sex in Mommyville premiered in New York City and was recommended by Bloomberg News, while CBS Radio pronounced her "a comic genius.” Her second play My Stubborn Tongue played off-Broadway at NYC’s New Ohio Theatre and went on tour to the West End in London at the Soho Theatre. Her solo cabaret show at the Metropolitan Room in NYC Anna on Fire and Uncensored was recommended by CBS News New York, Jewish Week, and NiteLife NYC. Ms. Fishbeyn wrote and starred in the award-winning web series Happy Hour Feminism and directed and starred in Invisible Alice, a short musical film is currently on the festival circuit. Pre-production has begun on her next movie How To Seduce Your Dinner Guest, as well as two optioned pilots for television, the comedy Healthy Nuts and the drama Infidelity Club. Filipino/Italian American, Angelo Reyes began his professional life as a creative designer in the advertising industry. Later, he decided to explore the television industry by hosting and co-producing the motorsports show Street Vision Garage. He then studied with Lynette Sheldon at the LS Acting Studio in New York and soon relocated to Los Angeles to pursue his aspirations as an actor. He has appeared in the 2020 Netflix film Hill Billy Elegy, the 2010 comedy-crime-drama The Bill Collector, HBO’s The Outsider, the 2013 drama-thriller Killing Kennedy, and others. After achieving success in the acting realm, he decided to explore his talent as a director. In 2015, he produced his first short film titled Heartless. In 2018, he was recognized with the Rising Star Award at Westfield International Film Festival for Groomed, a short about human trafficking that he both produced and directed.

Angelo Reyes

Award-wining Filmmaker 6

His latest project, 21st & Colonial is based on a true story about a young Black man struggling to support his family crosses paths with an overworked police officer with PTSD. The short, which he co-wrote, directed, and stars in, won a REMI Award at the 54th Worldfest International Film Festival and has been named an official selection at several festivals. Mr. Reyes plans to develop the story into a feature film. Deeply in touch with his Filipino and Italian roots, Mr. Reyes is dedicated to creating films that explore the intricacies of different cultures and promote tolerance, diversity and inclusion.

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Award-winning actress Wendy Morgan's international career spans 43 years, working alongside some of the most renowned names in the industry. She recently made her directorial debut with the powerful docudrama titled Mercy. In the film, she unveils the truth behind the devastation caused by animal agriculture, told though the eyes of a pig named Mercy and those involved with and trapped in the factory farming industry.

Wendy Morgan Actress/Director Mercy

Her film work includes the role of Mollie in John Schlesinger's Yanks (Richard Gere) for which she received the Evening Standard Most Promising Newcomer Award; Mrs. Lowry and Son (Vanessa Redgrave); The Reverend and Mrs. Simpson (Julian Glover, Game of Thrones - set for release in 2022); 84 Charing X Road (Anthony Hopkins); Edie (Dame Sheila Hancock); The Mirror Crack'd (Elizabeth Taylor, Angela Landsbury, Tony Curtis); and Birth of the Beatles. Wendy’s TV work includes The Jewel in the Crown (Charles Dance); Fingersmith (Sally Hawkins); Pictures; Shine on Harvey Moon; The Commander; Midsomer Murders; Doctors, Emmerdale; Wire in the Blood; The Other Wife (Rupert Everett); and Full Stretch. Her theatre work includes The National Theatre: Streetcar Named Desire (Glenn Close); Phedre (Dame Helen Mirren); N.T. Sir Peter Hall Company: Coriolanus (Sir Ian McKellen); Yonadab (Sir Patrick Stewart; Anthony Head; Sir Alan Bates); Martine (Laurence Olivier & Standard Best Actress Nominations); Animal Farm; Hatched and Dispatched (Best Supporting Actress, The Offies); and Henry IV (parts I & II). Recent online Shakespearean work includes Puck in Jenny Hall's Midsummer Night’s Dream (Rebecca Hall, Dan Stevens); and TSMGO's: Queen Margaret in Richard III (Best Supporting Actress Online Awards). She is represented by London agency Jo Hole Associates.

Moderator Rehna Azim is a London-based practicing lawyer and freelance journalist who writes mainly about film and lifestyle topics. She was previously the editor of a glossy women's magazine and is currently awards editor at www.moviemarker.co.uk. Her site www.itsalawyerslife. com is a lifestyle and wellbeing blog for lawyers by lawyers. She has written and produced four short legal dramas.

Rehna Azim Lawyer & Journalist | Moderator

MAGIC INTERRUPTED

Jean-Marc Vallée 8

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Lena Basse Hollywood Foreign Press Association

The death of the Canadian director at the age of only 58 on Christmas Day shocked the international film industry. Remembering his work distinguished by its unique esthetic style it is impossible not to imagine about his unfulfilled ideas. – So, this is Christmas and what have you done? Another year over, a new one just begun. In the year of 2021, we said goodbye to a lot of people who helped shape our world and touched our hearts. Among them are a lot of filmmakers who have already become legends such as Betty White, Sonny Chiba, Robert Downey Sr., and Cicely Tyson. Regardless of age, it seems that the news of somebody’s death always comes abruptly and brings a lot of sorrow. Even though, the death of the 58 year old director Jean-Marc Vallée sent shock waves through the international film community. The idea to say “Vale!” to such a talented artist on such a joyful holiday seemed unreal for many of us, myself included. I was privileged to speak with him many times, through interviews, press-conferences, and small talks at different events. And every time I was struck by how approachable and sincere he was. Being a truly sophisticated artist, he never pretended to be somebody else, giving the main credit to his success to a love of cinema.

“I am not from an art family and art wasn't part of our lives. We didn’t go to museums, and we didn't have money. It was about popular art, which was cinema and music. When I was 18 or 19, this is where I got the appeal because of a teacher and I said ‘oh, I think I’m going to try to do this.’ And since my parents were poor, I was trying to find something to do differently, to not have the lives they had. They were good parents, and they gave to their kids. So, I saw the possibility of this job breaking out.” A native of Montreal, Jean-Marc Vallée had been working in Los Angeles since the mid-90s, where he was invited soon after the success of his debut film - Black List. And although the director never broke ties with his native Canada, he nevertheless gained worldwide fame after the release of such films as Dallas Buyers Club and Wild. The performers of the main roles, Matthew McConaughey and Reese Witherspoon, in these films garnered prestigious awards and nominations. Later, he was invited to direct TV shows Big Little Lies →

2018 Golden Globe Awards

and Sharp Objects, which received critical acclaim. He was an actor’s director, and he was proud of it. “I love the actors and actresses that I meet and that I have to work with. So, at that level, I'm like, it's beyond what I imagined. And Amy {Adams, LB} said it, all these accolades and nominations, it helps a career. It put me out there, and then actors know my name, and they send me stuff, more than studios and producers. I get offers from mainly actors and they know that I am all about that. And when I'm under the set, it's all about them. I don't care about music, well I care about it, but I care about what they're doing, and I don't want to interfere with a dolly and marks and watching and light. It's all about creating a space of freedom and that's your show and they're humble. I'm going to capture magic and I am all about that.” It’s no wonder that many Hollywood actors considered it an honor to be filmed by JeanMarc Vallée, an acclaimed master of visualization. Talking about his unique style, the Canadian Frenchman claims that he never did anything specifically for it. When I asked him where it came from, he answered: 10

“I guess it became my thing, but I didn't force it. And then I have precious collaborators that are with me from the beginning up to now, so the DPs shooting style and lighting with natural light. I built myself a team of editors that work with John Paino, the production designer, all the time. And we love doing it this way, and we created this sort of grammar or language, and we love telling stories like this. So, as I'm the captain of the ship, people tell me that I got this signature, but it's done with collaborators, and I don't want to take the credit by myself.” Also, music has always played a very important role in his films. For the French-language film C.R.A.Z.Y., he spent a huge chunk of his budget acquiring the rights to famous musical compositions for the film. The songs of his favorite musicians, Pink Floyd, The Rolling Stones and David Bowie, were very important to the director. “All these years of dreaming are in C.R.A.Z.Y, from 12 to 40, and I directed C.R.A.Z.Y at 40. I had 28 years of dreaming with this music that brought me to C.R.A.Z.Y. And so, I tell journalists and people with C.R.A.Z.Y, it was not just choosing tracks like this, it's about a kid who wants to tell how we rise, gave him some wings to fly.” By the way, the logo of his production company "Crazy Roze,” created together with his partners, depicts the same triangle as on the Pink Floyd album Dark Side Of the Moon. At that time, when this album came out in 1973, the future director was only ten years old, but he carried his love for rock and roll throughout his life. However, family education also played an important role in this love of music.

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“My dad was a DJ on the radio, so that's why music was part of our lives because there they weren't intellectuals, they were music persons. And since he was working in radio as a DJ, he had a lot of records. We had more records than books. We had a Bible and we had 4,000 records. So, he was playing popular French, American, French-Canadian, and he was playing Engelbert Humperdinck, all these crooners.” Fortunately, Jean-Marc has kept his father's entire collection. Maybe that's why he was a master in selecting music for any scene. “I’m really a director-slash-DJ and I'm very selective, very meticulous on the choice of music and what's in the story. It's not a director playing music for fun, it’s a director choosing music to put it in their life.” Last time that I spoke to him was on the red carpet of the Golden Globes in January 2020. And although that year he was not among the nominees for the Golden Globes, he was invited by HBO as an honored guest. Dressed in a stylish black suit

and black trainers, he looked quite youthful despite the grayish beard he had grown. Therefore, the Canadian could even be mistaken for Todd Phillips' older brother. After previously answering some questions for Ukrainian TV at the red carpet, Jean-Marc seemed to be very eager to share in private conversation his plans for this year. Perhaps he just couldn't wait to tell what he was working on right now, a film about John Lennon and Yoko Ono. "I love music, you know?" Of course, I remembered how he once shared his preference about Fab Four, saying “even though I love the Beatles, but I am a John Lennon guy. So, John is my guy.” It turned out that by that time Jean-Marc had been working on the script for this picture for more than three years. As a big John Lennon fan, myself I could not help but to ask him the question of where the legendary musician who died almost forty years ago from five shots in the back was buried. Jean-Marc seemed to be surprised by it. “This is a good question. The next time I meet, I will definitely ask Yoko Ono about it. " And he added, "Besides, that would be a good ending to the picture."

Lena Basse and JeanMarc Vallée

One can only guess how the film about John Lennon and Yoko Ono that Jean-Marc was about to start filming could have turned out, if the “director-slash-DJ” would have been able to capture the magic one more time. We can only say that there are unfortunately no more chances for a good ending.

Eric Minh Swenson

photojournalist | filmmaker founder, EMS.ART.SCENE Las Vegas 2022 It came to pass, 2022 alas. I made my way to Las Vegas and there were new places that recently opened like Circa in Fremont Street and Resort World across from the Wynn. There were new murals around town mixed in with the old. In all told, Vegas was starting anew despite the news and from where I stand, there will always be something to do. Stay safe. Have fun.

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Cyrano Sings! Dr. Laura Wilhelm LauraWil Intercultural

"I may climb perhaps to no great heights, but I will climb alone." —Cyrano de Bergerac Cyrano is likely to be one of the smash hit films of 2022 following its release in January. This all-new musical adaptation of Edmond Rostand's 1897 drama in verse has already garnered Golden Globe nominations for the film and its diminutive star, Peter Dinklage. 16

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The charismatic actor's small size becomes Cyrano de Bergerac's fatal flaw rather than an extra-long nose. The substitution works since little people just like Dinklage often amused the royal elite of seventeenth-century France where Cyrano is set. Haley Bennett and Kelvin Harrison, Jr. round out Cyrano's tragic love triangle in the roles of Roxanne and Christian. The distinguished Australian actor Ben Mendelsohn does a showy turn as the villainous Count de Guiche. The multitalented Ms. Bennett should break out in this role after strong performances in unusual films such as Swallow, The Devil All The Time, and Hillbilly Elegy. Her youthful luminosity and innocence befit the film's elegant setting even as she sings pro-feminist passages such as, "I'm nobody's pet/No one's wife/No one's woman."

Peter Dinklage

Mr. Harrison makes an unusually sympathetic Christian, the inarticulate but impassioned soldier who wins Roxanne's heart with Cyrano's words. His simple longing sometimes makes Cyrano and Roxanne's more cerebral approach to love seem much too mannered. But it is Mr. Dinklage who carries the day as the individualistic Cyrano, who commands immediate respect by standing up for himself exactly as he is. The actor's lesser singing abilities in fact work to his advantage as they underscore the vulnerability beneath all the bravado. Dinklage's real-life Roxanne, screenwriter Erica Schmidt, scripted all of her husband's lines with compassionate understanding of Cyrano's plight as a big personality trapped inside a small body. The film is based upon the staged version of Cyrano first performed by Goodspeed Musicals

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in Connecticut. The soulful soundtrack was written and composed by Bryce and Aaron Dessner of Grammy-winning American rock band The National with lyrics from the band's Matt Benninger and composer Carin Besser. Cyrano was produced by Working Title Films, an independent British film and television company owned by Universal Pictures that was founded in 1983.

With offices in both London and Los Angeles, Working Title Films has carved out a niche for itself in an international movie industry dominated by the United States. It has managed to secure financing and distribution through the American system yet maintain complete independence with regard to creative content. Sounds like the best of both worlds, and innovative films like Cyrano are testament to the success of this hybrid model! Kelvin Harrison Jr.

Haley Bennett and Peter Dinklage

In Memoriam

Betty White January 17, 1922 - December 31, 2021

The truth is that I only wrote a book about the woman. She wasn’t my mother. She wasn’t a friend. But I spent so much time researching her life and career and interviewing people who knew her well that it felt like we were best buddies. I came to love her simply from learning how truly wonderful Betty White was. She was precisely as phenomenal as we wish our heroes would be and so rarely are. No one ever had a bad word to say about Betty, who will go down as perhaps the most beloved entertainer in American history. In that sense, it was an honor to write a book about her and share in the glory that was her time on earth. I’m sad tonight, but not terribly. She didn’t quite make it to the magic milestone we equate with the

upper reaches of human longevity, but we can also take from that that Betty kept us guessing to the end. This is not a tragedy. Think about someone coming to you with the following deal: you can be rich, famous, beloved, and mentally sharp to the end, but you’ll fall 17 days short of 100. I’d take that in a second. So would you. Goodnight sweet, saucy, sassy Betty. You weren’t just one of the great ones. You were the best there ever was.

Ray Richmond, Author of Betty White: 100 Remarkable Moments In An Extraordinary Life

In Memoriam

Sidney Poitier February 20, 1927 - January 6, 2022

Sidney Poitier defined and represented an entire generation. It takes courage to stand for something when standing for something is at its most impossible. He had considerable gifts as an actor and his extraordinary persona helped to create change in our culture. My husband, Stanley Kramer and Sidney had a long and enduring collaboration and loving friendship. They made groundbreaking films together. They were fierce and passionate in advocating for civil rights. Sidney changed the game of the film industry - not

to mention - the world considerably. The essence of Sidney and his extraordinary gifts - actor, director, writer, visionary, family man and friend - all which added to his remarkable life. Sidney Poitier will continue to raise the bar higher and even higher yet - to levels that will forever enrich the future and the art of acting and filmmakers worldwide. Karen Kramer & family

Dramatic Structure for Film Claude Brickell Writer/Filmmaker

Bonnie and Clyde

In an earlier entry for this magazine, I wrote about how film story evolved from the classic dramatic structure laid down thousands of years ago, titled “A Great Film begins with a Great Script!” Now, we are going to address film story structure, itself. Film producers may not always know film story structure but they know 22

a good script when they see one. Why? Because the story works as a film. Your task as a screenwriter or filmmaker is to provide them with a script that, after reading it, they are dying to make as their next picture. This means you have to know standard dramatic structure for film even if they do not. It’s that simple.

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Why is structure so important to film? Because the industry has learned over the past ninety some-odd years of its existence that standard dramatic structure is the most effective way to tell a film story. And it is utilized in film throughout the world, especially in the Hollywood film industry. Well over ninety percent of scripts submitted to literary agents and producers end up in the trash (meaning they are rejected after reading the first ten to twenty pages). This is because the standard dramatic structure is not there. This is particularly true for scripts submitted by novice writers, termed amateurs in the business. These novice writers hang around the industry for years never breaking in and are clueless about why their scripts are never accepted. They have simply failed to take the time to learn film story structure. And they fail to grasp that screenwriting is not an art form, it is a technical form. The directors, cinematographers and talent will be the ones to breathe life into the story and then, and only then, does it become an art form which we call a film. Understanding the technical points of film story will give you an idea of what you should be aiming for with your scripts. In my book Screenwriting: How to Write a Professional Screenplay and Sell it to Hollywood! (Amazon), I go into detail about the origins of storytelling and the essential elements of dramatic structure for film today. Following are the key points any good script should have: A film story is most effective when it is about a single individual to whom we can relate, called the hero. Now, let us build on that character with his or her goal, not any goal but one the hero is

passionate about and willing to risk his or her life to reach. The moment in the story when the hero becomes aware of the goal and is driven to achieve it is called the inciting incident. The hero’s pursuit of the goal is not lifelong but immediate. This is why most biographical films are never successful. They rob the drama of the immediate and are best left to documentaries. And this awareness must occur at a key moment in the character’s life when he or she is ready to make a universal growth step. The story is not just about achieving a goal, but about an individual who, through his or her experiences, makes a growth step from emotional weakness to emotional strength, which we call the hero’s arc of slavery to freedom. And to best illustrate this, we give the hero a flaw. Not just any flaw but one that, at first, does not appear to hinder the hero in life nor in the lives of others, like extreme arrogance or a self-inflicted addiction, but one that will eventually impede the hero’s ability to overcome the obstacle standing in the way of the hero achieving the goal, which we call the opponent. The opponent in a film story is an individual who is as powerful, or more powerful, than the hero, and is the one in the story most capable of standing in the way of the hero and the goal. To make the drama even more competitive is to make the opponent want the same goal as the hero. Because the hero does not live in a vacuum, the story must contain other characters which we call allies of the hero and allies of the opponent. In the case of the hero, the allies are friends or individuals who have the hero’s best interest at heart. They will play a critical role in making the hero aware of the flaw and the necessity of dealing with it if he or she is serious about obtaining the goal. →

House of Gucci

And a film story must have confrontations. Without them, there is no drama. And a film story must have three which we refer to as battles. These battles occur directly with the opponent and each serves a specific purpose. The first tells the hero just how powerful the opponent is which leads the hero to then seek strength through preparation in order to overcome the opponent in any further confrontation. The second battle literally brings the hero to his or her knees, so to speak, despite all the preparation the hero has made. This wields a critical blow to the hero’s self-esteem (the surprising power of the opponent), and the hero plunges into a state of self-pity called the gauntlet, resulting in the hero’s feeling of worthlessness called the hero’s descent into the underworld, a metaphor for self-defeat. All the while, the hero continues to ignore the fact that the flaw has nothing to do with his or her failure but the superiority of the opponent. The hero is now ready to throw in the 24

towel. (“I’m not up for this!” or “I didn’t want this goal that bad, anyway.”) At this point, our hero needs help. And, as a storyteller, we give the hero new information. And this information gives the hero hope. It is a spark that ignites in the character renewed determination to rise above his or her worthlessness to a feeling of strength. And how the hero uses this renewed strength will determine whether the hero becomes a true hero or an anti-hero. The third battle is the one that settles the score once and for all with the hero prevailing. This transformation in the hero’s character is what we call the self-revelation. And, for the hero, he or she has now evolved to a new equilibrium. This is what filmgoers are hoping for. They have personally related to the hero with his or her flaw (everyone has weaknesses), have become invested in the character’s quest (everyone has dreams) and the hero’s

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passionate pursuit of the goal is what keeps them on the edge of their seats praying the hero gets his or her act together and forges ahead for the goal. This growth step in the hero’s character is what the viewers want most to see and what they go to the movies for, the chance to live through the experiences of others and to witness that character’s arc of slavery to freedom. Anti-hero stories where the hero does not make that growth step are usually unfulfilling, for example Bonnie and Clyde, relying instead on excellent screenwriting and brilliant acting and directing. Most gangster films end that way with stories where the heroes never rise to the occasion. This includes most comedies. Every film story has three acts and we call these acts ‘hero vs. opponent,’ ‘hero vs. allies’ and ‘hero vs. self.’ In the new film House of Gucci, we see a young woman (our hero) who has a passionate goal (to marry the man of her dreams and live a lifetime of love with him). And to make that dream come true, she works incessantly to make his family business super successful even though she is chastised by him for not being a blood family member. But this excessiveness to succeed with her goal only drives him away and into the arms of another woman. Her final confrontation, though, culminates in her arranging his murder: “If I cannot have him, no other woman will!” And, in the end, she brings about her own downfall as an anti-hero. An excellent screenplay hitting every dramatic point, classic performances by top talent and brilliant directing by Ridley Scott.

Hoffman’s script submissions. He then moved up the development ladder working for Phil Feldman (A Star is Born) at First Artists Productions, developing projects for stars Hoffman, Barbra Streisand, Paul Newman and Steve McQueen, on the Burbank lot. He then served as executive story editor for Jay Weston (Lady Sings the Blues) overseeing development of all script submissions, on the MGM lot. In France, Brickell served as Hollywood representative for France’s third largest film studio helping to bring 20th Century Fox’s The Jewel of the Nile with Michael Douglas, Warner Bros.’s Under the Cherry Moon with Prince and director John Frankenheimer’s miniseries Riviera to the South of France lot. As a writer/director, Brickell’s feature film That Summer was an official selection at the Montreal World Film Festival and his feature Havana-Habana was an official selection at the Rome Independent Film Festival in Italy. He has also taught film acting at the Lee Strasberg Film and Theater Institute in both LA and NY, as well as screenwriting at New York University.

ABOUT THE WRITER After film school, Claude Brickell landed his first assignment in the industry working for Dustin Hoffman, reading and evaluating 25

Award-Winning Director

Mai Thu Huyên 26

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Official Poster Kiêu

Nicole Muj Managing Editor, IEM

Vietnamese-born Mai Thu Huyên is an award-winning director, producer, actress, model, TV host, and entrepreneur. The 2021 feature film Kiêu marks her directorial debut. Previously, she produced and starred in the feature films Lạc Giới (Paradise in Heart) and Giấc Mơ Mỹ (American Dream). She was awarded the Ngôi Sao Xanh (Rising Star) and Best Actress Award by the HCM City Film Association for her role as “Thanh Trúc” in Những Ngọn Nến Trong Đêm (Candles at Night). She is the Founder & CEO of Tincom Media.

Nicole Muj: Can you tell us about your background? Mai Thu Huyên: I was born in a family with artistic traditions (my father and uncle are cameramen and my aunts are actresses, singers and circus performers). I've been acting since the age of 16 and have appeared in more than 30 leading roles in film and TV. I have also produced 15 films and just finished Kiêu, my feature film directorial debut. I am the Founder & CEO of Tincom Media company, which operates in three main areas: film production, TV production and event management. 2021 is the 10th anniversary of the establishment of my company. I am also married and have two children, a daughter and a son, both currently studying in the US. Can you share a story with us about what brought you to this specific career path? →

left the deepest impression on the audience, which is the character “Truc” in the film Candles in the Night. When the film first aired in 2002, it was so popular that wherever I went, the audience called me by my character's name ("Truc") and many women even sewed and wore the same clothing style I wore in the film, making it into a fashion trend. More than 10 years later, the audience was still talking about this film and they continued to call me "Truc". Therefore, in 2015, I decided to produce a Part Two, and that film went on to win five awards, two of which I won for Best Actress and Favorite Actress. Please share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting and what lesson you learned?

Mai Thu Huyên

MTH: When I was 15, I placed first in my city's pageant show for high school students. After that, I was widely noticed by the press and was invited to be a model for magazines and runway. Then, I was invited by directors to audition and landed my first leading role at the age of 16. Following that, I studied at The Institute for International Relations, but continued to act in films if the role was suitable. In 2009, I started working as an Executive Producer for many films and TV shows. My main roles now are Producer, Director, Actress and Host of TV shows. MTH: Among the more than 30 roles that I’ve taken on, there is one role in particular that 28

MTH: In a movie I starred in when I was 19, there was a scene in which four people sat in a Jeep, heading for a mountain high picnic. It was very foggy that day, so the male driver immediately crashed into a concrete slab. Fortunately, I was wearing a seat belt at the time and didn't fall out of the car, instead I just hit my head on the window. Thankfully, all four actors in the car were safe. I have since learned from that experience to always pay attention to the safety factor in dangerous scenes. Is there a particular person to whom you are grateful, who helped get you to where you are today? MTH: In the field of filmmaking, the person I am most grateful to is Director Phi Tien Son. The first time we worked together was in 1997 when he was the cameraman and I was the lead actress in the film Marriage Without Wedlock. Since 2009, we have had the opportunity to work together on many other film projects. The most memorable collaboration was in 2014 for the film Paradise in

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Heart about the love of LGBT people, of which he was the screenwriter and director, and I was the producer and lead actress. The film has been honored with eight awards, including Best Film and Best Actors, and was officially selected for competition in the FICAT film festival in France. Then in 2020, for the film Kiêu, which I directed, produced and have a role in, Phi Tien Son wrote the screenplay and was the Director of Photography. Kiêu was the officially selected Vietnamese Spotlight film of the 22nd annual Newport Beach Film Festival and won "The Most Outstanding Film of the Year" award at this year’s inaugural "Once Upon Vietnam", a sanctioned event of the Asian World Film Festival. He is really a respected teacher who has guided me a lot in my career and I'm really grateful to him. Do you have any words of advice for others who may want to embark on a career in film, but seem daunted by the prospect of failure?

MTH: I think in any job, if we want to be successful, we need to have passion and perseverance in addition to our ability. In art, this is even more necessary because filmmaking is an extremely hard job, so if we are not really passionate about it, it is difficult to achieve success. I always think, "even if you don't find success, you will find yourself," so I'm never afraid of failure. The failure will give us valuable lessons in our life. What drives you to get up every day to work in TV and film? What change would you like to see in the industry going forward? MTH: Film is life, so through film, I want to reflect all aspects of life, from which to draw lessons for myself and for the audiences. I hope more and more Vietnamese films can reach audiences worldwide, for people to know more about our country, culture and the people of Vietnam. →

Mai Thu Huyên on set

Mai Thu Huyên

Whether the result is success or failure, I will never regret it What are some of your most interesting or exciting upcoming projects?

community in the US and maybe in the near future I will make a TV series on this topic.

MTH: One of the topics I really like is making films about the overseas Vietnamese community. In 2017, I produced and starred in the film The American Dream about Vietnamese doctors living in the US. The film was shot 50% in the US and 50% in Vietnam and was released in Vietnam, the US and Canada. Currently, I am continuing to search for scripts about the Vietnamese

Can you share three reasons why you think it's important to have diversity represented in film and television? How can this potentially affect our culture and our youth growing up today?

MTH: I think film and television need diversity for the following reasons: Firstly, Diversity of genres: to reflect a prob-

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lem in life, we can use many different genres to implement the producer's ideas, and at the same time serve the diverse needs of the audiences. For example, some people like to watch films, while others like TV shows. Particularly in the field of films, there are many genres such as: drama, comedy, action, horror... Or TV programs also have many genres such as: game show, talk show, reality show... to meet the different needs of the audiences. Secondly, Diversity of topics: Life has many facets, so we can also explore many different topics to reflect all aspects of life. Thirdly, Diversity of audience: Every person, young or old, woman or man, has entertainment needs and each person will choose different genres and topics depending on their gender, age and interests. Therefore, producers always define their audiences before producing any films and TV shows. Can you share with our readers any selfcare routines, practices or treatments that you do to help your body, mind or heart to thrive? MTH: Every day I always try to spend about 1 hour to do one of my favorite exercises, such as yoga, swimming or walking. As for entertainment, I like watching films the most, especially Vietnamese films. Almost every day I have to watch a TV-series episode, and once a week, go to the cinema to watch movies, if the cinemas are not closed due to Covid-19.

what I have done. Whether the result is success or failure, I will never regret it because I already lived happily with the journey for a long time. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? MTH: Currently, I am the Founder and President of two clubs belonging to the Women Leaders International Networking WLIN Stars Vietnam and WLIN Passion USA+, bringing together Vietnamese businesswomen living in countries around the world. Every week, we have Zoom meetings to exchange, connect business and share skills and experiences in business management and life secrets. Is there a person in the world whom you would love to have lunch with, and why? MTH: I would love to have lunch with Angelina Jolie because she is also an actress, director and producer like myself. She is a role model whom I admire and look up to. How can we follow you online? MTH: Readers can follow me on my social media as follows:

🎬 https://youtube.com/Maithuhuyenofficial 🗣 https://facebook.com/huyenmt 🎥 https://tiktok.com/@maithuhuyenofficial 📸 https://instagram.com/mai_thu_huyen

What is your favorite "Life Lesson Quote"? MTH: My favorite quote is: "Happiness is not a destination but a journey," so I never regret

Artist Spotlight

Cindy Shaoul 32

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Nicole Muj Managing Editor, IEM

Inspired by whimsey and purity of the feminine form, New Yorkbased artist Cindy Shaoul is known for her impressionistic and abstract style. She is best recognized for her series ‘Brides,’ ‘Dripping Dots’ and ‘Hearts’, as well as her ‘Plein-Air’ street scenes of quintessential New York locations. Shaoul’s works can be found in hundreds of private and corporate collections worldwide. Since her first group show at Parsons School of Design in 2009, her work has been showcased internationally, from Italy to South Korea, and has been shown at various art fairs nationwide including Miami, Palm Beach, Dallas, and New York. Shaoul has had numerous solo exhibitions and has garnered the attention of notable celebrities such as Emma Roberts, Lily Collins, Ashley Park, Catherine Deneuve and John Malkovich. Her love of painting began at the age of 18 when she was on Thanksgiving break from college. She painted a nine-foot colorful, abstract mural in her mother’s art studio and has been painting ever since. Shaoul later traveled to Israel and Hungary and studied abroad for two years at the Budai Art Institute, which created lifelong experiences that still influence her art today. Upon her return to New York City, she continued her artistic education at the Art Students

League, working under the tutelage of Joseph Peller, Gregg Kreutz, and Tom Torak, where she learned techniques from the great masters of Impressionism. But it wasn’t until she met renowned street artist LA II (Angel Oritz), who previously worked with Keith Haring, that her work would become strongly influenced by street art and graffiti, propelling her reputation and pushing her into the city’s explosive urban art scene. Shaoul and LA II worked on a collection that was an homage to New York’s streets, where Ortiz and Haring began collaborating when they first met. This style of creation heavily impacted Shaoul’s technique, expanding her voice of discovery and moving her hand, not only from impressionism, but to boundary-free expressions in the abstract world. In 2011, Shaoul began her journey as a singer and songwriter, creating music alongside painting. In 2021, she was invited by the founders of the French Riviera Film Festival to create the original artwork titled “Girl On The French Riviera” for the fest’s 2022 official poster. IEM had the exclusive opportunity to interview Shaoul about her art, her inspiration and her latest works. Nicole Muj: Can you tell me about your backstory? Cindy Shaoul: I began painting at 18 when I was on Thanksgiving break from college. I painted a nine foot colorful abstract mural in my mother’s art studio and never stopped after that. I didn’t have any direction at first, just a passion for color and oils. I mainly focused on → 33

Abstract Expressionism and painted from my emotions. I later traveled to Israel and Hungary and picked up a lot of inspiration while studying abroad. Those experiences formed lifelong impressions. But it wasn’t until I enrolled at the Art Students League that I focused on what I was passionate about: Impressionism. I studied under Joseph Peller, Gregg Kreutz, and Tom Torak who taught me the techniques from the great masters of Impressionism. Learning how to mix the paint like the masters from the early 20th century like Monet, Renoir, and Degas set me on a path to be able to execute subjects that I feel connected to today. You say that you favor subjects that have meaning for you personally? Can you elaborate on this with regard to some of your works - The Brides, Dripping Dots, Plein-Air scenes...? CS: I gravitate towards painting subjects that I am passionate about and that make me feel good. I love Impressionism, but there will always be a side of me that loves Abstract Expressionism (since this is how I first started to paint when I began), so fusing the two worlds makes me beyond happy. This is how I started the Brides - I wanted to create a series that would celebrate women and the bright future that lay ahead for them, along with the whirlwind of colors and emotions that are felt on this very special day. I also wanted to incorporate elegance from the days of Audrey Hepburn, because a huge part of me is influenced by icons, such as Audrey, and the feelings of haute couture in the fashion capital of the world - Paris. All of these elements are part of me and I aim to provoke these feelings in this series. The Dripping Dots series began while I was attending the Art Students League. In my studio, I would clean my brushes and leftover paint from my 34

pallet onto a new canvas, not to waste the leftover oils, and soon, the motion of cleaning turned into dots on the canvas. I began connecting the dots with linseed oil and this is how the motif of dripping was imprinted. The experience of discovery with color and emotion in the brushwork became very cathartic and felt familiar from the times I would collaborate with LA II. And, again, it was my love for Abstract Expressionism finding its way out and how this series communicates my love for travel strongly. The Dripping Dots are named after different locations around the world. I love quintessential New York, like my favorite brunch spots or bakery, so being able to paint a plein-air scene of these places makes me truly happy. I set up my easel and take in the energy of my surroundings and interpret the scene from life. The energy of people around is also part of the experience. Having passers-by take a look and talk while painting is also part of the process which I love. New York will always hold a special place in my heart and I love to capture it. France is a major theme in many of your works. What is it about Paris and the French Riviera that’s so inspiring for you? CS: Paris is the city of lights and love, while the French Riviera is all about chic simplicity. I am drawn and inspired by places and subjects that create nostalgia for these phenomenons. Being able to create intimate atmospheres while combining powers of femininity and whimseys, is what anchors my work in the stories I aim to tell, and France is always the cornerstone of where these dreams come alive. Can you tell us a little more about the poster art you created for the French Riviera Film Festival?

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CS: I wanted to create a painting that would exemplify relaxed living on the Riviera - a story in one image. What every person dreams of while thinking of this majestic destination. Mysterious, yet captivating, while the lights flicker in the distance. We can only imagine who she is, where she has come from and where she is going. How have the great French artists like Monet and Degas influenced you?

CS: These great artists have taught me to be boundary free in my expression, to soak in my environment and externalize the feelings I have for my subject with a bold use of color and movement. But most of all, to be in love with the story I want to tell and to tell it in the most authentic way possible. How did meeting LA II (Angel Oritz) influence your future work? →

I wanted to create a painting that would exemplify relaxed living on the Riviera - a story in one image. Girl on the French Riviera

CS: Working with LA II helped me better understand that even if you’re going to school and learning the technical aspects of painting, it is still okay to express yourself freely. LA was all about free expression and boundary-free thinking, so being around his mentality helped me better ground my love for Expressionism and be able to link it as well to the technical aspects of painting. A lot of famous names enjoy and admire your work. Can you name a few or share any stories? CS: While watching Emily in Paris, I literally paused a clip from a scene with Lily Collins and Ashley Park talking in a café. I took a picture on my phone and used it as a subject. I posted it to Instagram and it got noticed by both actresses. Ashley reached out and acquired the piece and just last month commissioned me to do a wedding gift to Lily and Charlie titled "Lily and Charlie in Paris". That was truly such a beautiful experience. I also posted a reel of Emma Roberts in Maison Valentino at Book Soup in West Hollywood and she reposted the painting to her feed. John Malkovich was the first to collect three pieces from my Old Hollywood series and NY Flatiron of impressionist scenes of old Hollywood and the times of Audrey Hepburn. How did the pandemic affect your "creativity" and your "creative process"? CS: I got more home time in my studio which immersed me in painting every day for longer sessions. This led me to focus on styles and develop my aesthetic a bit further. I dove into more textures and also started a new series called Girl with Balloons, which is inspired by hope and optimism. I wanted to create a series with a light heart, blending my love for whimsey and also translate a 36

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Paris in Spring

message. Since balloons in Spanish mean “globos” I wanted the balloons to represent global unity. It is a representation of how we can float and rise to the occasion and we certainly have all been doing this, together during such a challenging time. Who or what inspires you these days? CS: Currently, I am inspired by gold leaf. I find it adds another dimension to the paint and I want to incorporate it as much as possible. Moreover, gold symbolizes compassion and prestige but it is also uplifting and inspires us to have the confidence to reach our potential. I want to take those feelings and connect this sentiment as much as possible in my work. So, for me, gold leaf is just that - it adds a little extra something that truly uplifts the piece in a spiritual and motivational way. What's next on the horizon for you? CS: I am preparing for my next show with Lilac Gallery at Art Expo at Pier 36 in New York City. I’m excited because I will be showing alongside world-renowned artist Hunt Slonem, who is one of the most influential artists of our times today, and who I truly admire and look up to.

My Chocolate Raspberry Heart

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Après Ski 2022 – The Ultimate Guide

Nicole Muj Managing Editor, IEM

With Sundance Film Festival going online for another year, let’s divert our focus on the second most popular activity enjoyed by visitors to Park City, Utah each January. That is, skiing, and of course, the après! IEM has compiled some of our latest finds in the areas of fashion, technology, wellness, home, and food & beverage to help enhance our time off the hills.

Spyder recently joined forces with world-renowned artist and designer Eric Haze on the design of the U.S. Alpine Ski, Freestyle Ski and Freeski Teams’ uniforms for the 2022 Olympic Winter Games in Beijing. Additionally, Haze and Spyder partnered with Dragon to launch a signature design of their NFX goggle, including those for Olympic team member Alex Hall, featuring patented frameless technology, Lumalens color optimized technology, armored venting, and super anti-fog coating.

SPYDER Eyewear

For the Olympians during their time off the slopes, Spyder has also unveiled two new sporty sunglass styles, featuring unique color details, ion mirrored lenses and 100% UV production. →

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Serengeti Amboy

Also on the radar is Serengeti Eyewear, offering styles for those who crave the open road and have a thirst for adventure and freedom. The latest styles Amboy and Vinita are reminiscent of those worn by 1960s Hollywood icons…. think Steve McQueen.

1215 Diamonds Initial Pendant

Welcome the new year with fine jewelry by 1215 Diamonds made with ethically sourced metals and stones. The line’s dainty but striking diamond initial pendant provides just enough bling to make an impression.

03 Rachel Brosnahan wears ic! berlin sunglasses at Sundance 2020

And we must once again place the spotlight on a past festival favorite, Germany’s ic! berlin. The brand’s classic collection combines reinterpreted standards with modern design, and is made for purists seeking unique, understated eyewear named after authentic Berlin faces and places.

SportsChic

05 A perfect travel accessory is a vegan backpack by SportsChic, available in multiple colors. The Scandinavian-designed, multi-functional, eco-friendly backpacks are waterproof, easy to sanitize with a plethora of pockets and compartments to store your essentials.

06 07

To set the atmosphere in your lodgings, light a premium scented candle by Getaway Candle Co., crafted to evoke scents inspired by iconic travel destinations. The Zermatt candle is inspired by the scent of mulled wine by the fireplace of a winter chalet. The candles are hand-poured in the USA and made with a coconut/soy/apricot wax blend and clean, phthalate-free fragrance oils.

Getaway Zermatt Candle

St. Brown & Co.

Or why not treat yourself to a candle by modern, luxury brand St. Brown & Co.? The elegant candles create an elevated experience brought about through chic design, intoxicating fragrance, and charming sound of a crackling wooden wick. The brand’s Spiced Pear and Whiskey is a perfect choice for those cozy after hours get-togethers.

Speaqua The Barnacle Vibe 2.0

Don’t forget to pack your Speaqua Speakers. The Cruiser H2.0, Barnacle Pro and Barnacle Vibe 2.0 waterproof, shock proof speakers allow you to take your favorite tunes on the road, literally anywhere. The speakers have a five to eight hour battery life and can store up to 2,000 songs, so there’s no need for WiFi or a smartphone. Continues

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08 Saatva Cotton Channel Quilt

Loom & Table

Saatva's Cotton Channel Quilt is the perfect item for huddling around the firepit or fireplace after a day of skiing. The silky soft, all-season quilt made with a 300 thread count sateen weave is designed to layer in colder, winter months, but is light and breathable to use on its own in warmer months. Now for our post-sports wellness, to the rescue is Bright Health Therapy, a non-invasive, drug-free, way to relieve foot and leg pain with infrared light therapy via the highest quality medical grade LED lamps. The class two medical device helps to alleviate chronic pain and enhances recovery from injury or exercise. Unlike a heating pad, it works below the skin’s surface to stimulate cells, oxygenate, and increase circulation. Simply rest feet on the unit for 20 minutes, up to three times per day, and you’ll feel the results. The device is quite compact and light, so great for travel. 42

You can be the perfect host or hostess, even while away from home. Create a beautiful table setting with linens from Loom & Table. Tablecloths, napkins and runners are available in a wide variety of styles in classic colors, unique textures, and bold prints - something for every taste.

10 Bright Health Therapy

Bella Schneider Beauty Tissue Repair Oil

Without question, wintry weather can be harsh on the skin. Beauty pioneer Bella Schneider has the answers with BSB Tissue Repair Oil with Seabuckthorn, a concentrated, nourishing oil that’s ideal on its own or as a revitalizing add-in to your moisturizer. BSB Lumipele Moisture Lift is a rich, moisturizing cream that combines jojoba oil and betaines to lift skin and combat wrinkles, while providing broad protection against UVA/UVB rays. For those chapped lips, the brand’s BSB Lip Salvation, an ultra-hydrating, aloe-citrus balm keeps you smiling.

13 ESPA Muscle Rescue Balm

Add to the mix, ESPA’s Muscle Rescue Balm, an invigorating balm, ideal for hard-working and tired muscles all over the body. Refreshing peppermint and eucalyptus combined with warming clove bud helps to recharge and restore body and mind.

12 Dr. J's Natural PCA Face Mist Toner

One item that should join us on all of our journeys is the PCA Face Mist Toner by Dr. J’s Natural. The refreshing facial mist not only is great for your skin, the PCA (protocatechuic acid) ingredient has the potential to fight microbes in one’s environment for up to 24 hours.

Midunu Chocolates

14 Celebrate the culinary heritage of Africa, Midunu Chocolates creates mouthwatering handcrafted chocolate truffles, hot chocolate, and more, made by internationally acclaimed Chef Selassie Atadika. Warm up with a cup of the delicious, award-winning Adwoa drinking chocolate that contains a blend of spices from West Africa. Continues

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Surreal Brewing

With many of us are detoxing and participating in ‘Dry January’ this year, some alcohol alternatives should be on the menu! Surreal Brewing Company is a health-minded, non-alcoholic craft beer with significantly fewer calories than regular beer, low carbs, and all-natural nonGMO ingredients. The brand has zero sugar and gluten-reduced options. A favorite is the Natural Bridges Kolsch Style for a soft malt with hints of honeydew. Skiklubben Aquavit

16 Jukes Cordialities

For the wine lover, Jukes Cordialities, created by acclaimed UK-based wine writer Matthew Jukes, is a new series of sophisticated premium, non-alcoholic beverages for discerning adults. Handmade in London, Jukes is a low-calorie, low-sugar, vegan and alcohol-free beverage that supports a thoughtful lifestyle and is now available in the United States in three delicious varieties: Jukes 1 – The White, Jukes 6 – The Red and Jukes 8 – the Rosé.

And finaly, For those of us in the Nordic-set seeking something a little more traditional, Tamworth Distilling’s celebrated Skiklubben Aquavit, a complex Scandinavian-inspired spirit made in honor of the oldest ski club in America (the Nansen Ski Club in Berlin, New Hampshire), should definitely be on your list. Available to ship nationwide at Seelbachs. com, Tamworth’s version includes a ginger twist for a floral piquant along with cardamom, star anise, and pink peppercorn. The flavorful shot is the perfect winter sipper and can also be used as a seasonal twist on a classic cocktail.