Douglas Vermeeren

Letter From The Editor

THIS MONTH we are excited to have had the opportunity to catch up with a Hollywood Weekly Magazine favorite, Doug Vermeeren. Last time we spoke with Doug he was staying busy working on various projects including ‘Operation Broken Sniper’, as well as horror films ‘Bring Me a Skin for Dancing in’, and ‘The Video Tape’. In true Doug fashion, he is continuing to stay busy and even took time out of his cruise to the Bahamas to tell us about the new and exciting projects he is working on, and we can’t wait to share the details!

Dame Munni Irone Founder of Arts 4 Peace Awards has joined the legions of Light Bearers worldwide. These are souls seeking to make the world a better place by promoting peace and love. Dame Munni Irone awoke with a dream which planted a seed which has been watered with her passion and determination to make a difference. Dame Munni Irone is thankful to Prince Dr. Gershom Sikaala, Founder of PureKonect to assist in the production of the 11th Arts 4 Peace Awards 2022.

Enjoy!

Prather Jackson Publisher

THE 80TH ANNUAL GOLDEN GLOBE AWARDS winners and nominees

BEST MOTION PICTURE – DRAMA

AVATAR: THE WAY OF WATER (Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures)

ELVIS (Warner Bros)

*THE FABELMANS (Universal Pictures)

TÁR (Focus Features)

TOP GUN: MAVERICK (Paramount Pictures)

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A MOTION PICTURE – DRAMA

*CATE BLANCHETT TÁR

OLIVIA COLMAN EMPIRE OF LIGHT

VIOLA DAVIS THE WOMAN KING

ANA DE ARMAS BLONDE

MICHELLE WILLIAMS THE FABELMANS

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A MOTION PICTURE – DRAMA

*AUSTIN BUTLER ELVIS

BRENDAN FRASER THE WHALE

HUGH JACKMAN THE SON

BILL NIGHY LIVING

JEREMY POPE THE INSPECTION

BEST MOTION PICTURE – MUSICAL or COMEDY

BABYLON (Paramount Pictures)

*THE BANSHEES OF INISHERIN (Searchlight Pictures)

EVERYTHING EVERYWHERE ALL AT ONCE (A24)

GLASS ONION: A KNIVES OUT MYSTERY (Netflix)

TRIANGLE OF SADNESS (Neon)

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A MOTION PICTURE – MUSICAL OR COMEDY

LESLEY MANVILLE MRS. HARRIS GOES TO PARIS

MARGOT ROBBIE BABYLON

ANYA TAYLOR-JOY THE MENU

EMMA THOMPSON GOOD LUCK TO YOU, LEO GRANDE

*MICHELLE YEOH EVERYTHING

EVERYWHERE ALL AT ONCE

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A MOTION PICTURE – MUSICAL or COMEDY

DIEGO CALVA BABYLON

DANIEL CRAIG GLASS ONION: A KNIVES OUT MYSTERY

ADAM DRIVER WHITE NOISE

*COLIN FARRELL THE BANSHEES OF INISHERIN

RALPH FIENNES THE MENU

BEST MOTION PICTURE – ANIMATED

*GUILLERMO DEL TORO'S PINOCCHIO (Netflix)

INU-OH (GKIDS)

MARCEL THE SHELL WITH SHOES ON (A24)

PUSS IN BOOTS: THE LAST WISH (Universal Pictures)

TURNING RED (Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures)

BEST MOTION PICTURE – NON-ENGLISH ALL QUIET ON THE WESTERN FRONT (GERMANY) (Netflix)

*ARGENTINA, 1985 (ARGENTINA) (Amazon Prime Video)

CLOSE (BELGIUM / FRANCE / NETHERLANDS) (A24)

DECISION TO LEAVE (SOUTH KOREA) (MUBI)

RRR (INDIA) (Variance Films)

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE IN ANY MOTION PICTURE

*ANGELA BASSETT BLACK PANTHER: WAKANDA FOREVER

KERRY CONDON THE BANSHEES OF INISHERIN

JAMIE LEE CURTIS EVERYTHING EVERYWHERE ALL AT ONCE

DOLLY DE LEON TRIANGLE OF SADNESS

CAREY MULLIGAN SHE SAID

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE IN ANY MOTION PICTURE

BRENDAN GLEESON THE BANSHEES OF INISHERIN

BARRY KEOGHAN THE BANSHEES OF INISHERIN

BRAD PITT BABYLON

*KE HUY QUAN EVERYTHING EVERYWHERE ALL AT ONCE

EDDIE REDMAYNE THE GOOD NURSE

BEST DIRECTOR – MOTION PICTURE

JAMES CAMERON AVATAR: THE WAY OF WATER

DANIEL KWAN, DANIEL SCHEINERT EVERYTHING EVERYWHERE ALL AT ONCE

The Fabelmans

BAZ LUHRMANN ELVIS

MARTIN MCDONAGH THE BANSHEES OF INISHERIN

*STEVEN SPIELBERG THE FABELMANS

BEST SCREENPLAY – MOTION PICTURE TODD FIELD TÁR

DANIEL KWAN, DANIEL SCHEINERT EVERYTHING EVERYWHERE ALL AT ONCE

*MARTIN MCDONAGH THE BANSHEES OF INISHERIN

SARAH POLLEY WOMEN TALKING

STEVEN SPIELBERG, TONY KUSHNER THE FABELMANS

BEST ORIGINAL SCORE – MOTION PICTURE

CARTER BURWELL THE BANSHEES OF INISHERIN ALEXANDRE DESPLAT GUILLERMO DEL TORO'S PINOCCHIO

HILDUR GUÐNADÓTTIR WOMEN

TALKING

*JUSTIN HURWITZ BABYLON JOHN WILLIAMS THE FABELMANS

BEST ORIGINAL SONG – MOTION PICTURE “CAROLINA” — WHERE THE CRAWDADS

SING

Music by: Taylor Swift

Lyrics by: Taylor Swift

“CIAO PAPA” — GUILLERMO DEL TORO'S PINOCCHIO

Music by: Alexandre Desplat

Lyrics by: Roeban Katz, Guillermo del Toro

“HOLD MY HAND” — TOP GUN: MAVERICK

Music by: Lady Gaga, BloodPop, Benjamin Rice

Lyrics by: Lady Gaga, BloodPop

“LIFT ME UP” — BLACK PANTHER: WAKANDA FOREVER

Music by: Tems, Rihanna, Ryan Coogler, Ludwig Göransson

Lyrics by: Tems, Rihanna, Ryan Coogler, Ludwig Göransson

*“NAATU NAATU” — RRR

Music by: M.M. Keeravani

Lyrics by: Chandrabose

BEST TELEVISION SERIES – DRAMA

BETTER CALL SAUL AMC+/AMC

THE CROWN NETFLIX

*HOUSE OF THE DRAGON HBO MAX

OZARK NETFLIX

SEVERANCE APPLE TV+

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A TELEVISION SERIES – DRAMA

EMMA D'ARCY HOUSE OF THE DRAGON

LAURA LINNEY OZARK

IMELDA STAUNTON THE CROWN

HILARY SWANK ALASKA DAILY *ZENDAYA EUPHORIA

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A TELEVISION SERIES – DRAMA

JEFF BRIDGES THE OLD MAN

*KEVIN COSTNER YELLOWSTONE

DIEGO LUNA ANDOR

BOB ODENKIRK BETTER CALL SAUL ADAM SCOTT SEVERANCE

BEST TELEVISION SERIES – MUSICAL OR COMEDY

*ABBOTT ELEMENTARY ABC

THE BEAR FX

HACKS HBO MAX

ONLY MURDERS IN THE BUILDING

HULU

WEDNESDAY NETFLIX

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A TELEVISION SERIES – MUSICAL OR COMEDY

*QUINTA BRUNSON ABBOTT

ELEMENTARY

KALEY CUOCO THE FLIGHT ATTENDANT

SELENA GOMEZ ONLY MURDERS IN THE BUILDING

JENNA ORTEGA WEDNESDAY

JEAN SMART HACKS

Guillermo del Toro and the Pinocchio team

Michelle Yeoh

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A TELEVISION SERIES – MUSICAL OR COMEDY

DONALD GLOVER ATLANTA

BILL HADER BARRY

STEVE MARTIN ONLY MURDERS IN THE BUILDING

MARTIN SHORT ONLY MURDERS IN THE BUILDING

*JEREMY ALLEN WHITE THE BEAR

BEST TELEVISION LIMITED SERIES, ANTHOLOGY SERIES OR MOTION PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION

BLACK BIRD APPLE TV+

DAHMER - MONSTER: THE JEFFREY DAHMER STORY NETFLIX

THE DROPOUT HULU

PAM & TOMMY HULU

*THE WHITE LOTUS HBO MAX

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A LIMITED SERIES, ANTHOLOGY SERIES, OR A MOTION PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION

TARON EGERTON BLACK BIRD COLIN FIRTH THE STAIRCASE

ANDREW GARFIELD UNDER THE BANNER OF HEAVEN

*EVAN PETERS DAHMER - MONSTER: THE JEFFREY DAHMER STORY

SEBASTIAN STAN PAM & TOMMY

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE IN A LIMITED SERIES, ANTHOLOGY SERIES OR MOTION PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION

F. MURRAY ABRAHAM THE WHITE LOTUS

DOMHNALL GLEESON THE PATIENT

*PAUL WALTER HAUSER BLACK BIRD RICHARD JENKINS DAHMERMONSTER: THE JEFFREY DAHMER

STORY

SETH ROGEN PAM & TOMMY

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A LIMITED SERIES, ANTHOLOGY SERIES, OR A MOTION PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION

JESSICA CHASTAIN GEORGE & TAMMY

JULIA GARNER INVENTING ANNA

LILY JAMES PAM & TOMMY

JULIA ROBERTS GASLIT

*AMANDA SEYFRIED THE DROPOUT

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE IN A LIMITED SERIES, ANTHOLOGY SERIES OR MOTION PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION

*JENNIFER COOLIDGE THE WHITE LOTUS

CLAIRE DANES FLEISHMAN IS IN TROUBLE

DAISY EDGAR-JONES UNDER THE BANNER OF HEAVEN

NIECY NASH - DAHMER- MONSTER

AUBREY PLAZA THE WHITE LOTUS

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE IN A MUSICALCOMEDY OR DRAMA TELEVISION SERIES

ELIZABETH DEBICKI THE CROWN

HANNAH EINBINDER HACKS

*JULIA GARNER OZARK

JANELLE JAMES ABBOTT ELEMENTARY SHERYL LEE RALPH ABBOTT

ELEMENTARY

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE IN A MUSICALCOMEDY OR DRAMA TELEVISION SERIES

JOHN LITHGOW THE OLD MAN

JONATHAN PRYCE THE CROWN

JOHN TURTURRO SEVERANCE

*TYLER JAMES WILLIAMS ABBOTT

ELEMENTARY

HENRY WINKLER BARRY

Amanda Seyfried

Evan Peters

The White Lotus

Julia Garner

Nicolas Cage Portrays Dracula in Renfield

WATCHING Academy Award winner

Nicolas Cage as Count Dracula is by far the biggest selling point for Renfield. But the actor likely won’t be portraying the legendary character in the way that you’d expect. Director Chris McKay offered some insight into what Cage’s Dracula will be like saying, “We’re doing something different. It’s going far away from what you would typically think of a Dracula movie: it’s modern, and it’s through the lens of Dracula as a sh*tty boss.”

The filmmaker continued, revealing that Renfield will be a little more than just a straight-up comedy. “[It’s] not a straightup comedy,” he added. “There is definitely a tongue-in-cheek premise — what if your boss was literally the boss from hell? — but it’s also got action, it’s got a lot of heart, it’s not without menace.”

Meanwhile, Cage’s co-star Nicholas Hoult has heaped praise on what the

Face/Off star is doing with the role of Dracula. “But to get to work with him whilst he was playing Dracula, I don’t think there’s two more iconic things than Dracula and Nic Cage,” he said. “So, to put those together and be in scenes with him and just watch all the inspiration and all the things that he brings to the character, the fun of it, the dedication, his love for acting, I just loved every single moment.”

Hoult has further teased what Cage will bring to the iconic role saying, “As a person, he’s such a pure soul to be around, and I’m excited for people to see what he’s done. It’s original, but it’s steeped in a lot of history, Dracula history and folklore. So it’s exciting, even though it’s a very bizarre, elevated tone for an action-comedy. So I’m excited for it.”

Renfield is scheduled to be released on April 14, 2023, by Universal Pictures.

IN MEMORIAM Lisa Marie Presley 1968-2023

LISA Marie Presley passed away from cardiac arrest at age 54. The daughter of Elvis Presley and Priscilla Presley was rushed to the hospital after paramedics performed CPR at her home. Later that Thursday night, her mother shared the sad news.

“It is with a heavy heart that I must share the devastating news that my beautiful daughter Lisa Marie has left us,” Priscilla Presley confirmed in a statement to People magazine. “She was the most passionate strong and loving woman I have ever known. We ask for privacy as we try to deal with this profound loss. Thank you for the love and prayers. At this time there will be no further comment.”

Lisa Marie Presley made a January 8 public appearance at Graceland, celebrating what would have been Elvis’s 88th birthday. But her last memorable and very public appearance took place on January 10 at the Golden Globe Awards, where she was also seen on the NBC broadcast of the show, after Austin Butler thanked her and Priscilla from the stage, and she tapped her heart in response to him across the room as she and her mother wiped away tears.

(Left) Dracula (Nicolas Cage) and Renfield (Nicholas Hoult) in Renfield, directed by Chris McKay.

Photo Credit: Michele K. Short/Universal Pictures

M3GAN

SHE’S MORE THAN JUST A TOY. SHE’S PART OF THE FAMILY.

FROM the most prolific minds in horror— James Wan, the filmmaker behind the Saw, Insidious and The Conjuring franchises, and Blumhouse, the producer of the Halloween films, The Black Phone and The Invisible Man—comes a fresh new face in terror.

M3GAN is a marvel of artificial intelligence, a life-like doll programmed to be a child’s greatest companion

and a parent’s greatest ally. Designed by brilliant toy-company roboticist Gemma (Get Out’s Allison Williams), M3GAN can listen and watch and learn as she becomes friend and teacher, playmate and protector, for the child she is bonded to.

A Man Called Otto

BASED on the # 1 New York Times bestseller “A Man Called Ove,” A Man Called Otto tells the story of Otto Anderson (Tom Hanks), a grump who no longer sees purpose in his life following the loss of his wife. Otto is ready to end it all, but his plans are interrupted when a lively young family moves in next door, and he meets his match in quick-witted Marisol. She challenges him to see life differently, leading to an unlikely friendship that turns his world around. A heartwarming and funny story about love, loss, and life, A Man Called Otto shows that family can sometimes be found in the most unexpected places.

Directed by Marc Forster (Finding Neverland), A Man Called Otto stars Tom Hanks (Philadelphia, Forrest Gump, Cast Away), Mariana Treviño (Club de Cuervos), Rachel Keller (Fargo), Manuel Garcia-Rulfo (The Magnificent Seven), Truman Hanks and Mike Birbiglia (Trainwreck). The screenplay is written by Academy Award® nominee David Magee (Best Adapted Screenplay, Life of Pi, 2012; Best Adapted Screenplay, Finding Neverland, 2004) based upon the best-selling novel “A Man Called Ove” by Fredrik Backman, and the film A Man Called Ove by Hannes Holm.

When Gemma suddenly becomes the caretaker of her orphaned 8-yearold niece, Cady (Violet McGraw, The Haunting of Hill House), Gemma’s unsure and unprepared to be a parent. Under intense pressure at work, Gemma decides to pair her M3GAN prototype with Cady in an attempt to resolve both problems—a decision that will have unimaginable consequences.

Produced by Jason Blum and James Wan, M3GAN is directed by awardwinning filmmaker Gerard Johnstone (Housebound), from a screenplay by Akela Cooper (Malignant, The Nun 2) based on a story by Akela Cooper and James Wan.

The film also stars Ronny Chieng (Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings), Brian Jordan Alvarez (Will & Grace), Jen Van Epps (Cowboy Bebop), Lori Dungey (The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, extended edition) and Stephane GarneauMonten (Straight Forward).

Universal Pictures and Blumhouse present an Atomic Monster production in association with Divide/Conquer. The film’s executive producers are Allison Williams, Mark Katchur, Ryan Turek, Michael Clear, Judson Scott, Adam Hendricks and Greg Gilreath.

The film is being produced by Fredrik Wikström Nicastro, Rita Wilson, Tom Hanks, and Gary Goetzman.

Douglas Vermeeren KEEPING UP WITH

WE ARE EXCITED to have had the opportunity to catch up with a Hollywood Weekly Magazine favorite, Doug Vermeeren. Last time we spoke with Doug he was staying busy working on various projects including ‘Operation Broken Sniper’, as well as horror films ‘Bring Me a Skin for Dancing in’, and ‘The Video Tape’. In true Doug fashion, he is continuing to stay busy and even took time out of his cruise to the Bahamas to tell us about the new and exciting projects he is working on, and we can’t wait to share the details!

If I were to truly tell our readers about every individual project Doug has his hand in, I’m fairly sure I would run out of space on the page. With his

vastly diverse skillset, it seems Doug has yet to turn down a challenge and continues to break barriers within the entertainment industry. From acting, producing, and stunt work, to public speaking, podcasts and directing, I am left wondering, is there anything he can’t do?

Each time we speak with Doug, he greets us with his warm, inviting energy. His positive energy and cando attitude are simply contagious. But what stands out most about Doug, and always has, is his genuine passion for what he does. He not only puts his time and energy into these projects, but he really does put his love in first and foremost, and it’s abundantly clear. I believe that truly

is what continues to separate Doug from the rest, and if I had to guess, it may be a part of his secret to success.

Per usual, there are so many great new things he’s working on. One of the projects Doug is excited to be a part of is called ‘Recreating 1912’, which is extremely unique and intriguing. This project attempts to use modern day technology to create a film from the silent film era. Meaning all stunts, props, filming methods, etc., will be used in an effort to re-create and re-capture the early history of film. With Doug’s lifelong love of films, I am personally beyond excited to see what he does with this one, and I am sure he won’t disappoint. You can look out for this

one around April of next year.

Doug’s busy schedule also includes an action thriller titled ‘A Bullet with Her Name on it’, which he begins shooting in March. The 2023 summer film takes us on a journey of a hitman hired by the government to hunt down and murder a very surprising, and unlikely target. The edge-ofyour-seat, action packed thriller is a perfect fit for Doug, and there’s no doubt his rugged side, and raw talent will shine through in this role.

He is also excited to share with us that he will be featured in the film ‘Bullets, Blades and Blood’. Which is a story of revenge, featuring an excovert military operator who goes out on a personal mission when his family

is kidnapped, and possibly murdered.

Doug shares with us “I’m excited for all of the projects that I’m involved in for many different reasons, and in many different ways.” He continues “One of the things I am most thankful for, is just being able to work again since the COVID-19 restrictions have bene lifted. I am also extremely excited about being able to work with and be surrounded by so many incredibly talented people who love what they do and are great at it”.

When we asked Doug what challenges he’s facing with these projects, he said “Honestly, this is a difficult question to answer, I am not experiencing any specific difficulties on any of the projects”. He goes on to share “I think one of my biggest challenges in general is just keeping my schedule sorted. I have an amazing team that helps keep me on track, and I am extremely thankful for them.” He continues by telling us “I think for most actors it’s all about finding the balance where you can be doing a fantastic job on your current project, while also being able to spend time and energy looking at future projects. I am beyond grateful that so many filmmakers are considering me for their projects right now. It’s not always like that and I’m sure that most actors can relate.”

Doug also opens up and digs a little deeper with us when we asked about what’s going on in his personal life. He shares with us “Professionally, I have a lot of great upcoming opportunities over the next two years. These are all projects I am really excited about, and I am looking forward to what will come next. Personally though, it can be a bit complicated. I have great family and friends, and I’m staying busy. However, right now I’m single so we will see what happens next in that department…”

Although Doug’s raw talent and true passion for what he does have given him so much success, he also shares “There are so many people that helped me with the success that I have been experiencing. I am lucky enough to have the support of so many great family members and friends. But there are also people

within the industry who have been so helpful and kind to me”. He goes on to tell us “Those people have given me great advice, as well as helped open doors for me. But most importantly, they helped me see where I was lacking, and allowed me to be aware of my weaknesses.” He continues by saying “Those conversations haven’t always been easy to hear, but they have been crucial in my growth. Of course, no one likes to hear about their deficiencies. It can even be painful to hear, but oftentimes those conversations have ended up being powerful opportunities for me.”

Coming so far from the little boy messing around with his grandfather’s 8mm video camera, we asked Doug what he would say to his childhood self if he could go back, and his answer is surprising “Most of the time when people ask this question, it comes with the idea that you would go back and tell yourself something that would change your present or future. The reality is, I love my life. I love what’s happening and I love where things are going.” He continues by sharing with us “So, I don’t know if I would give myself much advice. I would simply say ‘Just keep going, believe in yourself, try your best and have fun’.” His answer isn’t one I’ve ever heard be for and left me feeling that if only we could all be so easy on our past selves, I believe the world would be a much lighter place.

You can keep an eye out for Doug’s new project, Awakening the Orbs Archive, which starts shooting this month. The film is being directed by award winning director Aaron Glanfield, and Doug is really looking forward to being a part of it. The feature film which takes place in post-apocalyptic earth, tells a story of humanity fighting for its survival, while at the same time trying to track down and protect a magical power it desperately needs. There is no release date as of today, but Doug promises to keep us updated.

Recently, Doug has also landed a spot on the TV series ‘Operation Majestic’ which will premier this summer on CTV in Canada. The series tells a story of a UFO conspiracy and a secret organization called Majestic, who exhaust all their efforts trying to hide information from the public.

Doug plays a character by the name of Nick Tyler who is torn between loyalty to his agency, and a dangerous truth that must be exposed. The show gives an early 90’s X-files vibe, and Doug tells us he is really looking forward to start shooting in the spring.

It seems there’s never a dull moment in Doug’s life. Whenever we get to steal a few moments of his time, he always has new, and incredibly exciting projects to discuss with us. It left me curious, what’s his dream role?

Doug lets us in a bit more, and shares with us “There are a few dream projects that I would love to be a part of. I am a huge James Bond fan and have been since I was a kid. So, I would be thrilled to do anything they asked me to do in the James Bond series.” He continues by telling us, “I would also love to do something for

Marvel, or Star Wars. I have always been a massive fan of both of those franchises as well, and I would be incredibly honored to be a part of a legacy like that in some way.”

Although Doug possesses a generally quiet and shy demeanor - to me, these big dream answers are no surprise. His success up until now speaks for itself, and really shows that his ability to continue dreaming big and shoot for the moon is destined to land him amongst the stars.

If you would like to contact Doug for future projects, you can find him directly on his website, www. DouglasVermeeren.com on Facebook @Douglas Vermeeren, on Instagram @douglasvermeeren, search for him on IMDB, or go directly to his blog www.douglasvermeerem.com/blog.

8TH ANNUAL MAGAZINE FILM FESTIVAL REVIEW

CATEGORY – SHORT FILMS

Winner: Phoenix 2021/A Survival Guide

DISTANCE

SHORT FILM

A suspenseful, mysterious short film that is based on a planet parallel with Earth, that has been ravished by a virus. The characters take us through the journey of a confrontation in the woods that begins innocently, but then takes a turn.

PHOENIX 2021/A SURVIVAL GUIDE SHORT FILM

An intriguing short film that says so much. Telling a story of mental health, and a girl striving for perfection. With a topic so many people can relate to, the film draws out emotion, and uncomfortableness in the best way possible. Shot well, I thoroughly enjoyed.

A SILENT CALL: CAN ANYONE HEAR ME?

SHORT FILM

This short film takes us through the personal struggles of addiction, therapy, family trauma and identity crisis. The story line was enjoyable, and the characters were relatable. The story shows the modern-day family struggles that so many of us go through, but don’t care to discuss.

CATEGORY – FULL LENGTH FILMS

Winner: La Lucha – Getting Schooled in America

LA LUCHA: GETTING SCHOOLED IN AMERICA FULL LENGTH FILM

Incredible film, extremely raw, and emotional. A story of gang violence, trauma and sadly, the reality so many kids in Los Angeles are affected by, all on top of everyday teenage struggles. I couldn’t take my eyes off the screen, it was shocking, sad, sometimes unbelievable, inspiring, and most importantly a story that needs to be told. The film is also educational, and greatly insightful.

GUNRUCK: ELEGY PROFESSIONAL FULL LENGTH FILM

A dramatic and twisted story about a girl who’s traumatic past lands her in a less than ideal situation. The film was suspenseful, intriguing and kept me interested throughout the entirety of it. The cast was believable, relatable and overall enjoyable to watch. An interesting storyline, looking at the relationship between predator and prey that makes the mind wander.

CATEGORY – SCREENPLAYS Winner: Amy and Angel

AMY AND ANGEL SCREENPLAY

An uplifting, inspiring story based on true events that pulls on your heartstrings all the way through. Shining a light on bullying, being different and finding a way to embrace that even when the world has been unkind. Showing how finding love and acceptance in unexpected places in sometimes exactly what we need to find our inner strength and go to greater lengths than ever imagined.

FLECKERI SCREENPLAY

An interesting sci-fi story with many twists and turns. Very imaginative, with well thought out characters, and character development. Taking place in post-war Afghanistan, two super soldiers are simply fighting to stay alive until the government beings to rely on them to save their lives. A unique story that includes action, sci-fi and drama.

MURDERESS OF DEMONS SCREENPLAY

A story with mystery, demons, black holes & dreams turning to reality. With twists and turns around every corner, this screenplay takes you on a journey in a crooked reality where sometimes you’re not sure what is real and what’s a dream. Interesting, strong characters that are easy to follow along with.

GOLDLIVERY SCREENPLAY

A very interesting and entertaining story of delivery drivers from all around the world come together in Italy and engage in a competition for $1 million dollars to determine who the best delivery driver in the world is. An extremely unique plot and storyline, that kept my attention. Very diverse characters with the right amount of conflict and feel-good moments.

VODUN SCREENPLAY

An intriguing story where the very traditional Catholic Church crosses paths with East African tradition and the cult of Vodun. Focusing on a clash of cultures, with the added opposition of the cult makes for an extreme contrast in human belief systems. A blend of drama, and some mystery the characters develop well and the story builds in a way that keeps you interested in finding out what comes next.

01 Phoenix 2021/A Survival Guide (Short Films) 02 La Lucha – Getting Schooled in America (Full length Films)

03 Amy and Angel (Screenplays)

Arts 4 The Spectacular

Peace AWARDS

Article by Carmelita Pittman

DAME MUNNI IRONE Founder of Arts 4 Peace Awards has joined the legions of Light Bearers worldwide. These are souls seeking to make the world a better place by promoting peace and love. Dame Munni Irone awoke with a dream which planted a seed which has been watered with her passion and determination to make a difference. Dame Munni Irone is thankful to Prince Dr. Gershom Sikaala, Founder of PureKonect to assist in the production of the 11th Arts 4 Peace Awards 2022.

It was a three day International Peace Summit and gala which began Nov 10. The Tree Planting ceremony was held in Beverly Hills to symbolize the planting of Peace. Although political individuals are involved Dame Munni Irone who is not a politician aims to direct world leaders to use their conscience to improve the lives of their followers. She knows that everyone has a conscience and that with proper guidance can be directed to improve lives. Economic development and wellness has also been her focus.

Dame Munni Irone welcomed and personally received dignitaries including royalty representing at least 33 countries. Each guest received a pearl garland. It is her tradition to make people feel special. The first group of 18 delegates arrived direct from the airport to her home in Beverly Hills where she served breakfast and lunch. A gold limousine sponsored by Rabbi David Baron took them to the tree planting.

Nov 11 at the Saban theatre Dame Munni held a large meeting to give Honorary Doctorate degrees to individuals such as Javid Pymanee, Dr. Liston Bouchette, Rajbir Singh Husson, Dr. Amb Pst, Verona V. Broomes, Dr. Amb Andrew A. Broomes, Dr. Amb Denise Zoubert, Charles Quainoo, Dr. Amb Patrick Noland, Dr.Amb Taré Porbeni, Dr. Amb Ann Marie Wright, Dr. Amb

Pst, Christopher A. Pusey, Dr. Amb Pst Grace M. Morgan, Dr. Amb Pst Andrea L. Thompson and Dr. Amb Georgia Reynolds. Rocky Peter, Prince Dr. Greshom Sakaala. Dame Annie Pirmordi.

The crowning of Sandip Soparrkar as King and Alma Dang as Queen of Art 4 Peace Awards also took place at the Saban and flags representing the countries were held up. That evening at 5:00 p.m. a reconnection was made for the business world inclusive of cultures. The following day Nov 12 unfolded with the huge red carpet upon which elegant individuals in colorful attire walked at the W Hotel in Hollywood. An arch way was formed by holding up banners by willing hands under which the 4 soldiers which included Mark Hill entered followed by a procession. Once inside the W Hotel another 22 ft of step and repeat areas attracted dignitaries, royalties and celebrities who enjoyed the attention of Beverly Hills /Hollywood photographers. An unannounced Prime Minister and entourage arrived. They have been enjoying the event since 2015. They love the freedom, security and privacy Dame Munni has provided them. She booked all the media and sold out the event two weeks in advance. She is a unique brand who can pull off these events. Her 40 years of service has been reflected with the love she has generated amongst the media and community.

The work of Dame Munni in Haiti is supported by Presidential candidate Mr. Jude Elie and former Beverly Hills Mayor John A. Mirisch, Dr. Liston Bouchette the Mayor of Fort Myer and Michael Vo the Mayor of Fountain Valley and Rabbi David Baron. At the W Hotel a Four US soldier salute took place. The shofar was blown by Guddu the folk singer who flew in from

India. His Majesty King Mana Ali’i Nui Aleka Alpoalani and his wife and Dame Munni Irone walked the red carpet with royal court entourage plus King Sandeep Suparker and royal Queen Alma Dang and Samrin Ahuja the youth leader, entered with her entourage.

At the entrance was The Hollywood Weekly table hosted by publisher Prather Jackson, Marvin, Carmelita Pittman staff writer. On the carpet was fashion designer Azeezat Abiola Amusat whose clients include Beyonce, Congressional candidate Jan Perry, Larry (Earth, Wind & Fire) & Luisa Dunn. Roky Peter, Josh Moreland, NBA Wesely Fluellen, Peace Ambassador April Sutton, Peace Ambassador Carmelita Pittman, Bruce Hablutzel. Also present was Sheldon Reynolds (Earth Wind & Fire). Hana is chief of staff of Worldwide Youth Congress.

INDIAN DELEGATES INCLUDED:

01 Prof (Dr) Vijay Srivastava - Vice Chancellor MSU Baroda

02 Dr. Sangeeta Nehra Director Ayush Haryana.

03 Dr Amitabh Shrivastav ( founder Confluence & Visual artist)

05 Dr Kanwarjeet Singh Kochhar ( MD Taurus Hotels )

06 Pramod bhagat (Founder - World peace & health Foundation)

07 Dr. Shiv Agarwal (co- founder - world peace & health foundation)

08 Dr. Smita shrivastav ( founder Confluence)

09 Acharya Dr Jeetu singh ( Vedic astrologer)

10 Reena Dhaka Sharma ( fashion designer)

11 Mukesh Modi (Film maker )

12 Reshu Kumar (Beauty Therapist)

13 Shagum Gupta

Inside the ballroom area were dozens of decorated round dinner tables with beautiful center pieces. as well as a display table showing collections of jewelry from India and accessories.

The program opened with National Anthem of the U.S.A. India, Israel, Haiti with a Peace Candle Lighting ceremony. Prince Dr. Gershom Sikaala delivered a strong presentation urging peace and love. A prince born in Zambia, humanitarian, global speaker, and also a business man, he is a recipient of the Royal Peace Award.

The beautiful hostess Simran Ahuya who held together the gathering as MC at the Saban also played a major role in not only hosting but modeling in the fashion line-up and doing an electrifying dance in colorful attire. She entered from the rear of the room and made her way up to the stage. The entertainment portion of the event opened with Josh Moreland who energized

the audience. His credits include performances in concerts overseas with Stevie Wonder. A trio of colorful folk music performers of India were a feast for the eyes. The legendary Mr. Alston Koch from Australia was honored and also performed. James Koch sang and played guitar. Sir Kaya Redford, and Bobby Chance were also on hand to MC.

In between the presentations to honorees the entertainment included a spectacular fashion show with garments created by Ms Rina Dhaka and Bollywood choreographer Sandip Soparrkar. Queen Nak made her grand entrance with two handsome gentlemen who held up her long train as she made her way to the stage. Her proud mama Ms Isatu N. Timbo also joined her on stage momentarily. Under the Queen Nak’s cape was a very revealing costume covered with jewels. Her 4 dancers joined her as she did a performance that would make Beyonce blush and which titulated the appreciative audience. More

included a singer from Miami that gave a Latin flair as well as the lovely Victoria Martin of Mexico. Pepe Reyes Torres wearing his traditional Mariachi hat delivered as well. The sounds from the large seashell by a large performer who wore a strange and unique head dress and costume welcomed the Polynesian King Aki Nui’i whose face was covered in tattoo designs recognizing the ancestors.

More presentations included award recipients such as the former Mayor of Beverly Hills John Mirisch, Ambassador April Sutton and Bobby Chance. His Eminence Dr. Madhu Krishna, Honorary Dr. Michael Vo, Liam O’Connor, Dr. Amb Pst Verona V Broomes, Dr. Amb Andrew A. Broomes, Dr. Amb Denise Zoubert, Charles Quainoo, Dr. Amb Patrick Nolan, Dr. Amb Taré Porbeni, Dr. Amb Ann Marie Wright, Dr. Amb Pst, Christopher A. Pusey, Dr. Amb Pst Grace . Morgan, Dr. Amb Pst Andrea L. Thompson, Dr. Amb Georgia Reynolds, Dr. Listen Bouchette, Amitab Shrivastav, Dr. Bonzie William, Sir Gary Kong, Dame Annie Pirmoradi, Mr. Navin Gunerantne from Sri Lanka. Mame Toucouleur Mbaye Honorary consul of Senegal. Also present was Philanthropist David Allan Keil Chairman of Project One Earth which is building school computer labs and water towers for the underprivileged. Star Bucks has been a proud sponsor.

A line-up of many more recipients received lovely awards and certificates including Hovhannes John Babakhanyan , a big supporter. Art 4 peace awards certificates are designed by the royal employee of England. They are original and beautiful and only presented to the deserving.

At the end of the event Dame Munni Irone has expressed gratitude to the CIA, FBI and Security for keeping all participants safe.

The Beginnings:

Tracing back to 400,000 years ago there stood the beginnings of human kind known as the Peking Man (Homo erectus pekinensis) which inhabited the Zhoukoudian Cave also known as Dragon Bone Hill in Northern China. This area is South-west of Beijing at the juncture of the North China Plain and the Yanshan mountains.

Peking was the original name used by Jesuit missionary Martino Martin. Beijing originated with the French missionaries four hundred years ago and means Northern China. The area has a colorful history including invaders such as Genghis Khan and his Mongolian army. The area also experienced invading nomadic tribes which caused the construction of the Great Wall of China to be built to keep them out. It was built on rugged land as part of the defense.

Several dynasties existed ruled by emperors. Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang was the founding emperor of the Ming dynasty 1368 - 1398. The Imperial palace was named the Forbidden City and became the residence of 24 emperors, their families and servants through the Qing dynasty which ended 1911 Beijing is renowned for its opulent palaces, temples, parks,gardens, tombs walls and gates. The natives speak a Beijing dialect which is a version of Mandarin. Amongst the city's attractions are the remarkable architectural wonders. The Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace, the Palace Museum, National Stadium, Lama Temple, Beihai Park, Jingshan Park and more. The city also proudly hosted both the Summer and Winter Olympic Games.

The City is amongst the most populated in the world with a count of over 21 million residents. It is one of the world's leading centers for cultural achievements in the arts and music, politics, science and technology, tourism, education, research, and houses the largest number of Fortune Global 500 companies, plus boasts an amazing number of billionaires. Amongst its proudest achievements is Beijing Daxing International Airport, the largest single structure airport terminal in the world.

It was built after 3 individuals who were born in Beijing made their way to America. They came equipped with dreams of success in the film industry. Their names are Chris Bixi Li, Ruijia Wang, and Jiaqing "Vincent" Ge. They represent the youth of today. Their story begins at a meeting at Starbucks in Burbank, California where they made plans to launch their upcoming movie entitled, "HIDE".

Article by Carmelita Pittman

Jiaqing "Vincent" Ge

Jiaqing Vincent Ge's parents, both engineers, gave him a strong foundation. On his father's side was a heritage of the military.

Vincent states that he was the black sheep of the family because his aspirations took him from a conservative point of view to the wildly imaginative road of entertainment. Yet both his parents were tolerant and lent their full support behind his dreams. They believed that an individual would succeed doing what they love. They helped pay for Vincent's education. They were very wise indeed.

Vincent enjoyed watching movies. His eyes were opened by the Harry Potter film, an imaginary world and huge commercial success, which became a world of its own with passionate followers. Avid fans have lined up to get the latest book or even camped out on the street to see the latest episode in the theater. Vincent thought Harry Potter was cool and his imagination was sparked which landed him in America as an upcoming film maker.

Chris Bixi Li

Chris discovered and became enamored of short films when she was in high school. She managed to achieve producing one of her own during that time entitled "Suddenly Like a Dream". In addition she directed 8 short projects during undergraduate school and 7 short projects during graduate school. Her experience includes freelance screenwriter in story developing and screenplay writing for various companies. Soundfirm Beijing is a post-production company she worked with. She has also assisted to IO and DIT and color grading in the post production for feature films. In addition she served as the interpreter and coordinator with post-sound engineers from the headquarter in Australia online.

Able to handle multiple assignments she also engaged the 2nd season of Top Funny Comedian in Shanghai Dragon TV. She discussed scripts and preproductions, assisted agents with actors' daily management needs and publicity. Equipped with all of this experience under her belt she built a foundation which she transferred to America where she landed in New York and studied at the New York Film Academy. The East coast proved to be a fertile launching ground for her imagination when she began the writing of "HIDE" 2019.

Ruijia Wang

Ruijia Wang was born and raised in an artistic family. Her mom was a housewife and her dad produced commercials. Her grandmother was a photographer. As an only child she received the benefit of her family's full attention and by the 3rd grade she was already an actress in Beijing. She wanted to be a producer however. For a time she lived at Beijing New Talent Academy. Her quest led her to the New York Film Academy where she obtained a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. She took her training and experience to California. Her credits include 50 short films and 10 music videos. Her experience includes handling a number of assignments for film production including break down of the script, scouting for and securing locations, getting permits, generating budget, completion of paperwork, posting casting calls and completing SAG-AFTRA requirements, creating call sheets, recruiting and contacting the crew, holding casting sessions and rehearsals, anticipating and solving any issues on the set. She makes the job for the producer and director and client easier by handling and fulfilling any needs. Her titles have included Line Producer, First Assistant Director. She also holds a Producing Certificate obtained from UCLA Extension.

Although he had preparation in Beijing during his high school years in summer camp, and spent 3 years in high school, he enriched his studies after transferring to an international school where he studied chemistry from Spain, statistics from Nepal, economics from Canada.

Vincent has acquired an impressive amount of credits in the film industry which includes title as First Assistant Director. He has worked on over 30 short films as well as 6 feature films and 1 TV series. He has broken down scripts and generated shooting schedules, created call sheets, scouted and scheduled locations, recruited and contacted the crew and held casting sessions and rehearsals. Part of his duties has been to trouble shoot to keep production running smoothly. He has insured that productions run on time by communicating between the crew and talents.

Global Genesis Group Seven Days Alive, TV series is in his pocket of credits. During that time his language heritage was a premium in alleviating language barriers between a Mandarin speaking director and English speaking crew. He translated 24 episodes of the TV series scripts from Chinese to English, including formatting the screenplay. He also provided feedback to the writer to assist in getting the correct information for delivery onto the screenplay. The highly revered Rose Parade is an international treasure. Vincent directed a commercial with a 40+ crew connected to the Rose Parade. With all of this behind him, Vincent is excited to bring his cultural background to the growing international market in L.A.

HIDE

In the deep dark chambers of a green forest on the West Coast of the USA there stood tall vertical trees reaching towards the sky. The dank smell of a nearby pond filled the air with its aroma. There stood a wooden weather worn shack, small but large enough to accommodate its occupant, the unsightly Jekyll. His skin was moist with the dew, yet wrinkled. Part of his face was missing. He was frightening in appearance. His years on earth revealed his elderly state, old and withered. How did he come to be this way? Originally from the East Coast during his youth he became involved in an underground activist group of thirty members. Their quest was to make the world a better place. They felt that the world was kind of messed up. They tried many ways to get positive recognition but soon came to their own conclusion that violence is what captures attention. Unfortunately they planted a bomb under his guidance and the result was an explosion which left Jekyll badly marred for life. He was betrayed by the group's leaders. His physical state left him resentful and vengeful. He re-located to the West Coast to get away. Disfigured, he hid himself away as a hermit in the woods and used survival skills. Jekyll was mysterious and gradually became a sociopath and tumor to society. He will face the consequence of his actions.

Nearby was an isolated small town where a youngster who was fourteen years of age named Joey happened to meet Jekyll in a general store. Joey was blond and attractive in appearance. The old man mysteriously told Joey"I know what you did." Joey sensed something unusual about this old man. It seemed that Jekyll had some kind of psychic powers. Unbeknownst to anyone else, Joey had committed some crimes. Somehow he had managed to hide that side of his personality even from his abusive single mom, Helen, who was also blond, or his friend Natalie whose hair was brown of medium length.

In spite of Joey's questionable activities he wanted himself and things to be better. Unfortunately he had been bullied when he was even younger and became a misfit. He has a hunger for getting power

and becoming a real "man". Both he and Jekyll are wanting to fight for fairness. He falls into Jekyll's hands however which misguide him. The more times he meets with Jekyll, the more serious mistakes Joey has made "accidentally".

Somehow Jekyll became increasingly involved in Joey's life, manipulated him and took over Joey's consciousness.

About the Project Behind the Scenes

Chris Bixi Li who conceived this film project has collaborated with Ruijia Wang and Jiaqing Vincent Ge. The film is currently in post production and expected to make its debut 2023. Along the way although there have been challenges, the project has maintained its mobility. The first major hurdle was dealing with the worldwide Pandemic which basically froze everything in its path. Masks became part of the wardrobe hiding everyone's presence. So many of the photographs during that time are actually hiding the participants. Interesting that the title of the project is HIDE.

Production depended on everyone's availability so the production worked

around everyone's schedules. That factor slowed progress a bit.

Major decisions had to be made. One consideration was out of state production. However it is more difficult to control the production costs as well as unexpected expenses which can be incurred. That could also impact control of the quality of the film since it costs more to produce out of state.

Staying in L.A. also has proved to be a benefit since there are more personal contacts available. Although this film is a labor of love, favors available or exchanged were a plus.

About the Actors

Jason Hahn drove up from Idaho. He is blond, attractive and fourteen years of age and is playing the role of Joey Price. This is his film debut. Eric Ross Gilliatt, a dramatic actor of film, stage and screen, is from the Ukraine and plays the role of Jekyll. His experience spans 30 years. He has been through a lot of experiences because he had to flee from the Ukraine to Poland. Eric's role as Jekyll also involves sitting for a minimum of 2 hours for makeup to show disfigurement and at least 45 minutes for make-up removal.

Credits

Title: HIDE

Writer, Producer, Director: Chris Bixi Li

Script Consultant: Travis Seppala

Producer: Ruijia Wang 1st Assistant Director and Co-Producer: Jiaqing "Vincent" Ge

Genre: thriller, crime, drama • Tone: dark, mysterious, suspenseful, sullen

Length: around 93 minutes

Project Status: post-production

Stars: Eric Ross Gilliatt as Jekyll, Jason Hahn as Joey Price, Fay Gauthier as Helen, Josie Hull as Natalie

Additional Cast: Jackson Ark, Dexter Farren Haag, Clayton Gorman, Prince Udeh, Justin Stapleton, Dean Simone

Director of Photography: Evan Butka,

Photographers: Tiancong Zheng, Yuxi Liang

Rating: R

NOMINEES ANNOUNCED FOR THE "54TH NAACP IMAGE AWARDS"

Today, NAACP unveiled the full list of “54th NAACP Image Awards” nominees with ABC and Netflix leading the pack with 28 and 15 nominations respectively. The winners will be revealed during the two-hour LIVE TV special, airing Saturday, February 25th, 2023 at 8:00 PM ET on BET and 8:00 PM PT on delay. The show will be in front of an audience for the first time in three years.

Netflix and Black Panther: Wakanda Forever lead nominations across the motion picture categories with 15 and 12 nominations respectively. ABC and Abbott Elementary received the most nominations in the television + streaming categories with 28 and nine nominations respectively. Beyoncé and Kendrick Lamar are tied for the most nominations in the music recording categories (5 respectively). RCA Records / RCA Inspiration received the most nominations across record labels (11). Penguin Random House and Harper Collins lead nominations across literary categories (9).

“This year’s nominees have conveyed a wide range of authentic stories and diverse experiences that have resonated with many in our community, and we’re proud to recognize their outstanding achievements

and performances,” said Derrick Johnson, President and CEO of the NAACP.

“We take pride in recognizing the trailblazing achievements and artistry of this year’s esteemed nominees and celebrating the powerful legacy of the NAACP,” said Connie Orlando, EVP of Specials, Music Programming & Music Strategy, BET. “We look forward to bringing the Image Awards back to Pasadena in front of a live audience and delivering unforgettable moments that epitomize the brilliance of the Black community.”

The public can vote to determine the winners of the “54th NAACP Image Awards” by visiting www.naacpimageawards.net. Voting closes on February 10, 2023. Winners will be revealed during the “54th NAACP Image Awards” telecast on February 25, 2023, on BET. NAACP will also recognize winners in non-televised Image Awards categories February 20-24, which will stream on www.naacpimageawards.net. For all information and the latest news, please follow NAACP Image Awards on Instagram @ NAACPImageAwards.

Globally recognized as one of the most distinguished multicultural awards shows, the “54th NAACP Image Awards” will continue

a tradition of excellence, uplifting values that inspire equality, justice, and progressive change, and highlighting artists committed to that purpose.

One of the most iconic annual celebrations of Black excellence, the NAACP Image Awards draws the biggest and brightest stars in Hollywood. Previous years’ attendees and winners include Samuel L. Jackson, Jennifer Hudson, Rihanna, Wizkid, Lizzo, Beyoncé, Jay-Z, Michael B. Jordan, Oprah Winfrey, Prince Harry & Meghan Markle, Jamie Foxx, Chloe x Halle, Regé-Jean Page, Daniel Kaluuya, Michaela Coel, Cliff “Method Man” Smith, Blair Underwood, Will Smith, Taraji P. Henson, Marsai Martin, Viola Davis, Gabrielle Union, Kerry Washington, Anthony Anderson, Sterling K. Brown, Loni Love, Sheryl Underwood, Halle Berry, Common, Dwayne Johnson, Audra Day, John Legend, Lena Waithe, Tracee Ellis Ross, David Oyelowo, Laverne Cox, Octavia Spencer, Issa Rae, Trevor Noah, Yara Shahidi, Danai Gurira, Jacob Latimore, Jill Scott, H.E.R., Jay Pharoah, Jemele Hill, Loretta Devine, Sylvester Stallone, Meta Golding, Michael Smith, Tyler James Williams, Ava DuVernay, the late Chadwick Boseman, and many more.

65th Annual Grammy Awards

Photo Credits: www.paramountpressexpress.com

FREDERICO LAPENDA,

co-creator of Stan Lee's Allies of the Amazon, and Rob Minkoff, The Lion King director, were honored at the

WORLD FILM INDUSTRY CONFERENCE.

by Emma Pan | Photos by Yifan Wang

FROM DECEMBER 11th to December 12th, the first World Film Industry Conference was held at the Loews Hotel in Santa Monica, Los Angeles. The World Film Conference was created by Chairman Haige Wang with the goal of promoting international co-production and communication in the film industry. It is an independent international body that brings together leading figures to converse and discuss essential modern topics in the film industry. Panels with topics such as "Impact of Biden-Xi Meeting: Opportunities and Challenges of U.S.-China Cultural Communication," "Post-epidemic Film Industry," and "Opportunities and Challenges for Film Education" were discussed in the conference.

Among others, tributes were paid to Frederico Lapenda, co-creator of Stan Lee's Allies of the Amazon, along with Rob Minkoff, co-director of The Lion King. Filmmaker Frederico Lapenda received the "Outstanding Achievement" award in the "Sports Entertainment" category and Rob Minkoff the "Best Producer" award. Other speakers at the conference include American film producer and CEO of Pandemonium Films Bill Mechanic, seven-time Grammy Award winner Gordon Williams, Hollywood actor and producer Omar Kaczmarczyk, and previous president/CEO of BBC America Bill Hilary, Chinese film producer Sherwood Wu, etc.

Filmmaker Frederico Lapenda has been involved in the world of sports since 1993, when the first "Ultimate Fighting Championship" (UFC) was created, being considered by specialized magazines as one of its creators. Incidentally, he introduced the world's first Mixed Martial Arts fighter, Marco Ruas, in 1995. Lapenda was also the first non-Japanese producer to promote a fighting event in Japan - "World Vale Tudo Championship WVC." He was also a pioneer in the production of events for American Pay-per-view (PPV) and was responsible for the first Brazilian PPV in 1997 and on Youtube in 2011. Lapenda also produced two video games, Fight Game Rivals for XBOX Microsoft and Fight Game Heroes by Sony Ericsson. He was one of the first to spread this sport around the

world, being considered, along with Art Davie, as one of those responsible for the globalization of the sport and UFC. Director Robert Ralph "Rob" Minkoff is an American director, screenwriter, producer, and animator. He is known for directing the Academy Award–winning animated feature, The Lion King, along with Roger Allers. Outside of Disney, he directed the family film Stuart Little as well as its sequel and the Dream Works adaptation of Mr. Peabody and Sherman. Minkoff co-created (alongside Shane Morris, Tim Mansfield, and Elise Allen) the Nick Jr. animated series Rainbow Rangers. In 2010, Minkoff was attached to direct the fantasy action adventure Chinese Odyssey. Minkoff served as a director on the 2018 animated Netflix original animated series of the late Anna Dewdney picture book franchise Llama Llama, overseeing all aspects of production.

The panel, "World Audiovisual Technology Forum," featured Frederico Lapenda, Bill Hilary, Gordon Williams, and Haige Wang. They discussed the impact of technological innovation on the film industry. The discussion on Web 3 and the use of AI in the film industry was frequently brought up. Lapenda specifically talked about his experience with technology. He said, "In 1990, I was studying film in the U.S., and I was trying to figure out how I was going to be able to film. At the time, films were shot on 35mm which were very expensive. I realized

that you need money to make films, so I had a commercial understanding of the filmmaking process. In school, I learned about pay-per-view. It was fascinating to me the thought that you can produce an event and get your money back in ninety days, unlike the two years you need with a movie. I felt that this is easier to sell. The return on investment is much faster. That's how I started to examine the industry and got into sports entertainment. I began to think that someday everyone in the world would have pay-per-view. In 2011, I was able to do a payper-view on youtube. Technology has helped me a lot with my career."

In "6th Sino-U.S. Cultural Industry Summit", featuring Frederico Lapenda, Sherwood Hu, Rob Minkoff, Bill Hilary, Gordon Williams, and Haige Wang, the panelists talked about the impact of the Biden-Xi meeting and the opportunities and challenges of U.S.-China communication. Minkoff spoke about how it is essential to create stories that find commonality in humanity. He suggests that we should focus on this aspect despite the transitional political climate. He stressed that there are always going to be people interested in good stories. Additionally, he talked about his experience traveling to China for the first time. He said, "it opened up a world to me because the reality of China was far different from what I had imagined growing up." Lapenda engaged in this topic by talking about

his view on the relationship between China and the U.S. He suggests that even if the government sees things differently sometimes, the people see things in similar ways. He believes that the future for international co-production is bright.

Other panels in the conference engaged in many different topics, such as pursuing higher education in film production, featured Elizabeth Daley, Dean of the USC School of Cinematic Arts, Brian Kite, Interim Dean at UCLA, and Susan Ruskin, the Dean & Executive Vice President at the American Film Institute. They discussed the importance of including international students in film schools to promote cross-cultural productions. They stressed the bonding effect of gathering a diverse group of young people and how that creates the future of international co-production.

The World Film Industry Conference promoted the discussion of international aspects of the film industry. Speakers from all over the world talked about their understanding of the shifting film industry. Filmmaker Frederico Lapenda and director Rob Minkoff's engagement sparked insightful conversations on the relationship between the entertainment industry between the U.S. and China and filmmaking in the digital age. They are awarded for their excellent work and contributions to the international section of the film industry. Hopefully, this conference will give filmmakers and audiences a new perspective on the future of international film productions.

CONGRATULATIONS EgorKelly

CONGRATULATIONS to Hollywood Weekly Magazine's Africa

Correspondent & Ambassador, Egor Kelly (fka Egor Efiok), who recently wedded her heartthrob, Kelly Okpa Odock, amidst pomp and pageantry, at The Transforming Church (TTC), in the city of Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria. Egor met Kelly in April 2020, when she visited Nigeria and got locked down there with him in the city of Calabar.

Egor Kelly (nicknamed LadyBoss), who is also the CEO/founder of E4PR and a multi-award-winning British/ Nigerian film producer and writer, joined Hollywood Weekly in May 2012. An invaluable member of our team, Egor leverages Hollywood Weekly's platform to create meaningful collaborations between Hollywood and Nollywood, and within the Nigerian Tourism and Filmmaking Industries; Additionally, Egor is an accredited sales agent at international film markets, to sell and secure world distribution rights.

Born in Liverpool, England, a precocious child, Egor Kelly is an Education Studies graduate from the University Of Greenwich in London. Her parents are of Nigerian descent. Egor was also a teacher in London for eight years before returning to her first love of writing, acting and filmmaking.

Between May 2016 - 2018, Egor served as a government official in Cross River State, Nigeria; She is the immediate past Director General (DG) of the film industry in the state, Callywood. She is also the president of Professional Filmmakers Of Nigeria (PFN) and the Matron of Ambassadors For Enterprise (AFE).

Egor's last script, "The Dark Passage Home" won, respectively, "Most Outstanding Screenplay 2018" at the US Hollywood Golden Screen Award and the GOLD award at the International Independent Film Awards 2019. The script was also a finalist at the 2019 Mallorca Film Festival.

Egor, who is also an avid advocate of Women Empowerment and Individuals With Autism Empowerment, respectively, is currently in pre-production of her proposed latest film, "Against All Odds (Autism Positivity)". Inspired by true events, the film aims to highlight Autism Awareness, especially in Africa, where a lot of people ignorantly believe that autistic people are "possessed" and usually make the lives of these special people a living hell, as they force them to undergo "deliverance", "exorcism" and all manners of uncouth practices. By the end of the film, Egor hopes to bring awareness to the positives of autism.

CONTACT EGOR ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Email: egorefiok@gmail.com

Instagram: @egorkellyladyboss

Twitter: @CEOLadyBossE4PR

Facebook: Egor Kelly

LinkedIn: Egor Efiok

MARTHA MILLAN

On the The Cleaning Lady, Acting

By Alex A. Kecskes

and Life

Australian-Filipino actress Martha Millan is best known for her work in The OA, Succession, Entourage, Madam Secretary, and Strong Medicine. She also appeared in The Great New Wonderful, in all three primary shows of Law & Order, and the indie film The Drummer

Born in the Philippines and raised in Sydney, Australia, Martha graduated from the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. She was an acting teacher for children and previously taught extracurricular and after-school programs in Brooklyn public schools. When COVID hit, she created her own global online drama education program for children in Brazil, Portugal, Israel, and the US. An advocate for diversity in the entertainment industry, Martha is proud to be starring in a series portraying Filipinos.

In the hit drama series The Cleaning Lady, which returned for its second season on FOX, Millan plays Fiona, a fun, emotionally volatile, and chaotic Filipina sister-in-law. As a cleaning lady and undocumented single mother, Fiona struggles to raise her children amidst the strife and turmoil created by fellow cleaning lady Thony, played by Elodie Yung. Thony, a doctor who comes to the US for medical treatment to save her ailing son, becomes a cleaning lady for the mob and starts playing the game by her own rules.

Thank you for taking the time for this interview. What drew you to this series and the character of Fiona?

Martha Millan: I was just so blessed with such an incredible, emotionally challenging role. The show tackles several very socially relevant issues while providing some real entertainment.

Many actors have a love-hate relationship with auditions. Did you audition for the role?

Martha: Of course. I’m not at the level where producers just hand me roles. Most of the auditions were self-taped. I was in New York with very tight spaces and I taped my audition in my bathroom (laughs) because there was so much noise outside. I had to be creative.

How did you prepare for the role of an undocumented mother trying to raise her children?

Martha: I wanted to portray an undocumented mother and worker with authenticity and the issues they face every day. I watched a documentary about the real lives of undocumented people and their constant fear of losing everything at any moment. It was just so unsettling that there is no stability on any day for them. And that's something that I wanted to capture. But foremost was being a mother, which I'm not. So I wanted to be authentic in portraying the real relationship Fiona had with her children.

Elodie Yung is amazing and the chemistry between Fiona and Thony helps ground the character of Fiona.

I do love the chemistry between Fiona and Thony—the panic, the anger, the screaming.

Martha: Yes (laughs). It’s funny because we are really very close. I have so much respect for Elodie. She guided me in many ways. Our friendship really blossomed during the pilot and the pandemic. I was so fortunate to have such a wonderful relationship off the set. I think that definitely helps with our on-screen chemistry.

The series is chaotic, heartbreaking, and laugh-out-loud funny at times. You ride a roller coaster of emotions watching each episode.

Martha: That’s a testament to the writers and creators—Miranda Kwok and Melissa Carter— who balanced the show beautifully in such a way that it does include all those elements. It's such a roller coaster ride, especially for every actor. We never know what's going to happen in the next episode. We only get the scripts right before we start shooting the next day. It's kind of like life, for as an actor, it's better not to anticipate too much.

Do you have a favorite scene or scenes?

Martha: For me, it would be with Thony in season one, episode six where I just found out that she was working with the FBI. That confrontation really brought out the reality between us. We're trying to protect each other but at what cost? And how will it affect the rest of the family with the choices we make? I think that scene really brought things home between Thony and Fiona. That was a really important scene for me.

What did you find most challenging about playing Fiona?

Martha: Her intensity. The funny thing is I used to think I wasn’t very similar to Fiona but in some moments, I do see Martha in Fiona, which is quite scary (laughs). It’s basically Martha’s amplified version of a heightened state. Emotionally, it’s exhausting but for an actor, it’s so gratifying because you’re going through those heightened moments. And to keep it real and believable is always a challenge.

How do you calm down after those screaming matches with Thony?

Martha: (laughs) Most of the time, once we cut, I’m laughing and making fun of how intense Fiona is. I think that’s necessary. As an actor, it's important to find that balance between when you're acting and when you can just relax and be yourself. Because as Martha, I'd lose my mind if I was intense like that all the time. So I go running a lot and have a drink after.

You previously taught acting for extracurricular and after-school programs in Brooklyn public schools. Tell us about your global online drama education program for children.

Martha: I was doing that during Covid. But with the show’s busy schedule, I've been unable to maintain that. I will pick it up again once we wrap season two. It was such a great opportunity for me, especially when there were no auditions or productions. I wanted to do something creative and it was quite satisfying to give back. But the children definitely schooled me in many ways, bringing me back to the basics of acting. It's a quick three-week course. As an actor, it’s important to be strong and to really connect to the basics so you can start building a foundation for truth in your acting. Seeing that in the children was wonderful.

You're an advocate for diversity in the entertainment industry and proudly starring in a series portraying Filipinos. Can you go into your goals in those endeavors?

Martha: I love that people say I’m an advocate. It’s about being included in the industry. It’s something that I appreciate and fully embrace. I love that this show is groundbreaking on so many levels where the representation includes the writers, directors, and producers. It just

shows what can be created on a level that everyone can relate to. Not just different ethnic cultures but the world is so global now and to ignore that can be quite a disadvantage for a lot of companies. I think people are very aware of how global we are. It’s wonderful and I think moving forward, we should not make it such an issue that we’re being diverse. It should be considered normal.

What have you learned about working in this industry that surprised you?

Martha: I think it’s learning how much it takes to make a TV show. As actors, we come on set and learn our lines. But I have to give credit to the crew, the producers, and those behind the scenes. To facilitate just three minutes of what you see on TV takes a whole other world and machine to produce. I’ve learned that it’s not just about the actors but a collaborative experience of peoples’ creativity—from the writers to the DPs and crew. Even the decisions that FOX and Warner Brothers make. It's just such a huge world that creates that tiny moment of beauty that people gravitate toward.

Any advice for young actors trying to break into the field?

Martha: Never lose your fearlessness. When I was young, nothing was going to stop me. I think that's the key. While you are tainted by many experiences, you should never lose your fearlessness. It helped me over the years. Hold on to that feeling that nothing can stop you. I've been in this industry for 20 years and I've found my sense of stability and recognition. My ethnicity, my age, I've gone through the gamut so that sense of fearlessness will pay off.

What were you like in high school? The girl most likely to…?

Martha: The girl most likely to have too much fun (laughs). For me, it’s always been about having fun, which is how I’m on set today.

Gabrielle Ruiz

BROADWAY STAR, singer, actress, and dancer Gabrielle Ruiz established a name for herself playing Valencia Perez on the CW’s Golden Globe and Emmy Award-winning musical comedy series My Crazy Ex-Girlfriend. Now, the Texas-born Latina is adding recording artist to her title, with the release of her first original holiday spiritual single, Twinkle, Twinkle. Ruiz has also made the jump to the world of sci-fi and comics, lending her voice as the Vulcan T’lyn in the animated series Star Trek: Lower Decks and as Rio in the series Spidey and His Amazing Friends.

Ruiz got her start on Broadway, starring in the musical If/Then opposite Idina Menzel, then in Evita with Ricky Martin, and In The Heights with LinManuel Miranda. Ruiz is also the co-host of the popular podcast What are Friends For alongside Pallavi Sastry, where they delve into joyful, meaningful, and uncomfortable conversations about platonic love in a socially distanced world. They have featured interviews with notable talent including Jaime Camil, Melissa Fumero, Danielle Bayard Jackson, Anjelah Johnson-Reyes, and Megan Hilty, to name a few.

Ruiz hails from Edinburg, Texas where she grew up developing dance as her primary passion. She trained at Melba’s School of Dance under Melba Huber and Anne Bowling. To further her education, Ruiz received a ballet scholarship to attend the Texas Association for Teachers of Dance summer convention. She began vocal lessons early on and was classically trained by the late David Custer of San Antonio, Texas. Gabrielle attended Oklahoma City University’s Ann Lacy School of Dance and Arts Management where she received a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance Performance. After college, Ruiz moved to New York where she dove headfirst into the theatre world.

ON VALENCIA PEREZ AND LA VIDA LOCA OF SHOW BUSINESS

By Alex A. Kecskes

Thank you for taking the time for this interview. So you initially trained as a dancer but you got your start in theatre. What was that like?

Gabrielle Ruiz: I think it was a combination of telling a story using my body and my voice. I trained vocally in a public school and performed in the Texas all-state choir. Combining that with my dance training made absolute sense. In the summer of my college years, I performed in an ensemble in their summer stock. But I think what really made it click for me was getting a paycheck for it (laughs).

You then went on to play Tina in Law & Order SVU. Was that a learning experience, transitioning from theatre to a TV police drama?

Gabrielle: It was pretty cool and completely different from the momentum where you get everything done in one day. The director and crew were fantastic to let me learn on the job. It was also a different schedule. In TV, you shoot out of order; on a live stage, it’s in order. It was a challenge, but it made sense to me.

Did you have detective consultants to advise you on procedures?

Gabrielle: There are firearm consultants who make sure you understand the safety, logistics, and what level of firearms

education you have—be it security guard, detective, or military.

After that, it was a string of TV appearances—from the romance drama Sex Love & Salsa to the comedy Alone Together. Were you thinking, okay, I’m just a one-episode actor now?

Gabrielle: That’s a good question. The theatre auditions were coming more frequently because I’d told my agent it was what I wanted. So that was going well. But we would just dabble here and there on TV to see where I fit. When it comes to TV, I don’t feel I’m raw talent but more of a student. So I took some TV acting classes. The auditions are different for TV but I found a manager who helped me with that. It sounds so funny but with TV you have a weekend, with Broadway, you don’t.

Then came your big break in My Crazy Ex-Girlfriend. What attracted you to the role of Valencia Perez?

Gabrielle: It’s so much fun. The creators--Rachel Bloom and Aline McKenna--the magic they have with the show. One of the things I like to point out about the four seasons is that in season one, all the principals had solos with professional dancers behind them. But by the time you get to season four, you

see the evolution of the cast as a family to the point where we’re supporting and dancing behind David Hull in Love is Not a Game. We’re all the ensemble and we all have featured moments. And that’s when rehearsals were even more fun with Kathryn Burns. So Crazy Ex-Girlfriend was the first big show that moved me and my husband to Los Angeles. It’s my first family here in L.A.

Finally, a show that lets you tap into all your dance training and voice talent.

Gabrielle: I was very lucky, we were lucky to have a choreographer to help us explore all the genres, styles, parodies, angles, and jokes. And there’s a lot of trust because there were moments, as in Friendtopia where we weren’t quite sure where we were going (laughs) but it worked.

How do you prepare for the role of Valencia? Do you have friends that are like Valencia? Or is there a Valencia trying to break out of you?

Gabrielle: (Laughs) Vella Lovell says I roll my eyes a lot and I think it’s because of Valencia. One of her first lines was “Oh, you made a joke. I don’t like humor,” which is a nod to my sister. She sometimes doesn’t get my jokes. And when I ask her, she’ll say, “okay.” Her intensity, her actions, and demeanor definitely inspired Valencia. I hope she takes that as a compliment. My sister is very fierce with her love and so is Valencia. So I discovered the Valencia in myself.

What inspired you to create the holiday spiritual single, Twinkle, Twinkle?

Gabrielle: Well, I definitely didn’t come to Hollywood to get into the music industry. But I love to sing and create. And I had this desire to get creative with spirituality and make music with friends. I worked with Chensiang Tiow, a poet/ mathematician, and Charlie Malcolm, a talented composer to create this lovely song and video. I loved the poems that Chen created during the holidays. So I asked him if we could do something with his poem Twinkle, Twinkle.

What do you find challenging about your voicework in Star Trek: Lower Decks and as ‘Rio’ in the series Spidey and His Amazing Friends?

Gabrielle: It’s a blast. It lets me hone in on my vocal and music skills. There’s rhythm, cantor, and waiting and stopping and speeding up how you speak. The pressure’s off when it comes to memorizing because the script’s in front of you but there’s a different kind of pressure with timing. When you’re recording your lines—even during the audition—there’s a lot of darkness of not knowing the whole picture because the actors are not with you. You’re all by yourself in a studio. But it’s imagination with reckless abandonment because you can do a voiceover without setting up lights, cameras, makeup, or hair. You learn the timing and style and just run with it. So I love that style of auditioning, you skip a lot of steps.

Tell us a bit about the popular podcast What are Friends For.

Gabrielle: I needed a project that was not about acting or the entertainment industry. I just wanted to talk about something else with my best friends. It’s about friendship, adulting, platonic love, and how to manage skills as an adult who isn’t in a romantic relationship. We also have pop culture conversations where we talk about movies and TV shows.

Are you now content with the idea that acting is my life? That you won’t do anything else?

Gabrielle: That’s a really good question. It goes back and forth all the time (laughs). I feel that during the pandemic, a lot of people paused to reflect and maybe thought about trying other things. I recently had a baby so now I challenge my life and my lifestyle every day. I do love and will continue to pursue acting, choreography, and podcasting.

If not acting, what career path would you have chosen?

Gabrielle: I’m my alternate universe, I’d be a child psychologist. I teach dance and my favorite age spectrum is young

children who are learning motor skills and dance.

What have you learned about working in entertainment that surprised you?

Gabrielle: Well, right now, I’m shooting a movie and the role is everything that I want and nothing that I trained for.

When my manager called and said, “You have 48 hours,” I said, “I don’t have any experience for a role like this. Do I audition for it?” And he said, “No, I just sent them your stuff.” And I said, “What stuff?” So I took a full-on crash course in the skills I’d need for the job. And what I learned is to not assume in any way where your career will take you.

Just go for it and let go. Stay sane while you do it and make sure you can pay the bills (laughs). Every audition is so unpredictable.

What advice would you give to a young Latina eager to get into acting?

Gabrielle: Anthony Wayne is a good friend of mine. The best advice he gave

me was, Gabrielle, get your water, get your rest, and save your coins. It’s basic and makes complete sense but can be hard to follow.

What were you like in high school? The girl most likely to….?

Gabrielle: I actually was listed as something in my senior yearbook. I think to be famous (laughs). My class was 2003. Go Cougars!