HW Vasht Gala Issue

Celebrating Diversity In The Entertainment Industry

MONTHLY

®

Dirt Merchants Motion Picture Company

Sandra Scarlette Building Her Own Legacy

VASHT is the language of movement.

HW interviewed Soha Sharif, Founder and CEO of Vasht and asked her how this word transformed into a very interesting form of art, the Art of Dance & History.

Soha's passion for dance and history led her to conduct in-depth academic research on ancient movements of the Iranian Plateau, as well as a more than 20 year study on Molavi and the spirituality of Persian literature that has led to the creation of Vasht.

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Letter from the Editor

PUBLISHER/EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Prather Jackson VICE PRESIDENT Bernice Harris Michael D. Coxson SENIOR BOOK CURATOR Jane Ubell-Meyer ASSISTANT TO THE PUBLISHER Hailey Ashley CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Alex A. Kecskes Elyce Hastings CREATIVE DIRECTOR Rouland Medina

Our inside stories: • During our 7th Annual Film Festival & Awards Ceremony, our very own Africa Correspondent & Ambassador Egor Efiok came with VIP guests from Nigeria to support for their local film “KHUM’GBOW THE LEGEND” and promote Plateau State in Nigeria.

• The 7th Annual Hollywood Weekly Magazine Film Festival & Awards Ceremony update. Film submissions, winners and screenplays.

• Dirt Merchants Film Series creator Henning Morales talks about how his tribe started and what's ahead in their future.

• Sandra Scarlette is the embodiment of a modern independent woman. As a result of these experiences, she desires to empower women to selfexpress, be acknowledged and guide them towards becoming independent and self-reliant.

• Meet Unfiltered, a dating app that made it their mission to fix everything you ever hated about dating apps.

• 90210 Network. Its mission is to help clients achieve the highest levels of success through Master Life Planning.

• MXQ Lifewater has nutrients that work together to help boost your energy.

• Linda Gray, the woman behind Global Couture Gala (GCG), a unique, first class, cutting edge Couture Fashion Show rooted in diversity and inclusion.

DESIGN & PRODUCTION Denise Chavez

Enjoy!

Jose Beltran wpsevents@gmail.com 562.546.2840

Prather Jackson

Publisher

Hollywood WEEKLY is a publication wholly owned by Prather Jackson HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY MAGAZINE LLC. © 2021 All Rights Reserved. Reproduction of any content without written permisssion of the publisher is expressly prohibited.

Letters to the editor may be sent to: PRATHER@HOLLYWOODWEEKLYMAGAZINE.COM. 8345 Reseda Blvd #117, Northridge, CA 91324.

For advertising inquiries call: (424) 371-9900 2 • HOLLYWOOD MONTHLY

AFRICA CORRESPONDENT & AMBASSADOR Egor Efiok Egorefiok@gmail.com BRAZIL OPERATIONS Fabio Glingani Rico@lapenda.net (310) 567-3333 INDIA OPERATION Ike Sinha Mobile +919599068592 LATIN AMERICA Karla Silva Karla@monarks.Biz 818.254.5505

DISTRIBUTORS CoMag MADER NEWS Call: (424) 371-9900 Email: HollywoodWeekly@gmail.com Instagram: @ hollywoodweekly Twitter: @ hollywoodweekly

MONTHLY

04 PLATEAU STATE 10 HW FILM FESTIVAL 2021 12 VASHT 16 DIRT MERCHANTS 20 SANDRA SCARLETTE 26 MEET UNFILTERED 28 90210 NETWORK 30 32 MXQ LIFEWATER LINDA GRAY 34 HW NEWS

Entertainment & Sports

Home of Peace and Tourism in Nigeria Winners & Screenplays

The Art of Dance & History Film Series

Building Her Own Legacy Your Last Dating App

Delivers Right Connection The Fountain of Youth?

Bridging the Gap...

ROUNDUP

TV & FILM

HBO Documentary STREET GANG: HOW WE GOT TO SESAME STREET STREET GANG: HOW WE GOT TO SESAME STREET will debut on HBO and be available to stream on HBO Max HBO Documentary STREET GANG: HOW WE GOT TO SESAME STREET, debuting MONDAY, DECEMBER 13 (10:00-11:47 p.m. ET/PT), is a rare window into the early days of “Sesame Street,” revealing the creators, artists, writers and educators who together established one of the most influential and enduring children’s programs in television history.

The documentary focuses on the first two experimental and groundbreaking decades of “Sesame Street,” highlighting this visionary “gang” that audaciously interpreted radical changes in society and engaged children in ways that entertained and educated in new and innovative ways.

In the late 1960s, television executive Joan Ganz Cooney and Sesame Workshop co-founder Lloyd Morrisett took on a revolutionary experiment: to harness the burgeoning power of television and create an educational, impactful and entertaining show that could reach children nationwide. Cooney saw the power that advertising had to use music and images to engage audiences and sell products. She sought to harness that kind of creative energy to sell education and drive culture and knew she would need to enlist trailblazing talent to execute.

She recruited visionary Muppets creator Jim Henson and acclaimed children’s television writer and director Jon Stone to craft the iconic and uplifting world of “Sesame Street.” The creative team knew their bold vision would only move the needle if it appealed to both children and their parents.

Inspired by the civil rights movement, Cooney took this one step further, envisioning a program that would not 4 • HOLLYWOOD MONTHLY

Jim Henson with Ernie (Sesame Workshop/HBO)

only entertain and educate children, but specifically reach urban communities with less advantaged children with low socioeconomic status, in an effort to fight the educational gap that racism and poverty created.

This revealing documentary explores how the team incorporated groundbreaking puppetry, clever animation, short films, music, humor and cultural references into each episode, ensuring it was engaging enough to keep children and parents coming back, and never shying away from difficult conversations with children.

STREET GANG: HOW WE GOT TO SESAME STREET, inspired by the New York Times’ bestselling book “Street Gang: The Complete History of Sesame Street” by Michael Davis, features exclusive behind-the-scenes footage and over 20 original cast and creator

interviews. They tell us in their own words about how “the gang” came together, staying committed to their original mission through decades of political and social change, and through it all maintaining a wicked sense of humor and joy.

STREET GANG: HOW WE GOT TO SESAME STREET is directed by Marilyn Agrelo; produced by Trevor Crafts, Ellen Scherer Crafts, Lisa Diamond; executive producers, Brian O’Shea, Nat McCormick, Matthew Helderman, Luke Taylor, Mark Myers, Heather Kenyon; co-executive producer, Michael Davis; editor, Ben Gold.

For HBO: executive producers, Nancy Abraham and Lisa Heller; coordinating producer, Anna Klein.

ROUNDUP

TV & FILM

‘Turning Red’ Introduces Boy Band 4*Town ACCORDING to “Turning Red” director Domee Shi, if you set a 13-year-old girl’s coming-of-age story in the early 2000s, it’s pretty much mandatory to include a boy band. “We needed our character Mei to be obsessed with something that her mom would not approve of,” said Shi. “Boy bands were the first step into the world of boys for a lot of girls that age. The guys were all super pretty, polished, soft and loving, and they had of way of bringing girls and their besties together. Plus, I thought it’d be really cool to create an animated boy band.”

Enter Pixar’s first-ever boy band, 4*Town. Filmmakers called on GRAMMY winning singer-songwriters Billie Eilish and FINNEAS to write the fictional band’s songs—three in total, including the song “Nobody Like U” featured in the new trailer.

Eilish, whose sophomore album, “Happier Than Ever,” debuted at No. 1 in the Billboard 200 in the U.S. and in 19 countries worldwide, made history as the youngest artist to win in all the major categories at the 62nd GRAMMY Awards.

FINNEAS, the youngest ever to win the GRAMMY for producer of the year (nonclassical), built a sterling discography penning and producing smashes for a cadre of superstars. His debut solo album “Optimist” is out now.

GRAMMY, Oscar and Emmy winning Swedish composer Ludwig Göransson (“Black Panther,” “The Mandalorian”) is composing the score for “Turning Red.” Joining previously announced Rosalie Chiang and Sandra Oh, who lend their voices to Mei and her mother Ming, are

Orion Lee as the voice of Mei’s dad, Jin, and Wai Ching Ho as the voice of Grandma.

Mei’s tightknit group of friends are voiced by Ava Morse as Miriam, Maitreyi Ramakrishnan as Priya, and Hyein Park as Abby. Tristan Allerick Chen voices classmate Tyler, and Addie Chandler lends his voice to Mei’s secret crush Devon.

Providing the harmonious voices of the members of 4*Town are Jordan Fisher, Grayson Villanueva, Josh Levi, Topher Ngo and Finneas O’Connell. Rounding out the voice cast are James Hong, Lori Tan Chinn, Lillian Lim, Mia Tagano, Sherry Cola, Sasha Roiz and Lily Sanfelippo.

Disney and Pixar’s “Turning Red” introduces Mei Lee (voice of Rosalie Chiang), a confident, dorky 13-year-old torn between staying her mother’s dutiful daughter and the chaos of adolescence.

Her protective, if not slightly overbearing mother, Ming (voice of Sandra Oh), is never far from her daughter, an unfortunate reality for the teenager. And as if changes to her interests, relationships and body weren’t enough, whenever she gets too excited (which is practically ALWAYS), she “poofs” into a giant red panda! Directed

by Academy Award® winner Domee Shi (Pixar short “Bao”) and produced by Lindsey Collins “Turning Red releases on March 11, 2022.

Miley’s New Year’s Eve Party Hosted

By Miley Cyrus and Pete Davidson NBC rings in 2022 with an all-star celebration hosted by multi-platinum selling recording artist Miley Cyrus and “Saturday Night Live’s” Pete Davidson, alongside a star-studded lineup of special guests and musical performances for a must watch evening. “Saturday Night Live” creator and executive producer Lorne Michaels will executive produce the special for NBC and Peacock.

The special will air live on NBC from Miami, Florida on Friday, December 31 from 10:30pm-12:30amET, and will also be live-streamed on Peacock.

“In what is sure to be an exciting and fun evening, we are looking forward to partnering with Lorne Michaels and ringing in 2022 with a night of incredible entertainment, led by Miley and Pete.”

Said Jen Neal, Executive Vice President, Live Events, Specials and E! News, NBCUniversal.

“Miley’s New Year’s Eve Party Hosted

By Miley Cyrus and Pete Davidson” is executive produced by Lorne Michaels, Miley Cyrus and Lindsay Shookus. It is produced by Den of Thieves with Executive Producers Jesse Ignjatovic, Evan Prager

and Barb Bialkowski. It is also produced

by Hopetown Entertainment, Miley Cyrus’ and Tish Cyrus’s production company. It is directed by Joe DeMaio.

HOLLYWOOD MONTHLY • 5

ROUNDUP

MUSIC

Five Epic Hitmakers Unite for PEPSI Super Bowl LVI Halftime Show Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige and Kendrick Lamar Come Together for Once-in-a-Lifetime Performance PEPSI, the NFL and Roc Nation have assembled a lineup of trailblazing musicians to perform the Pepsi Super Bowl LVI Halftime Show: Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige and Kendrick Lamar will take the world’s biggest stage at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, CA on Sunday, Feb. 13, 2022, airing on NBC. The Pepsi Super Bowl LVI Halftime Show marks the first time these five multi-award-winning artists will perform together on stage, exciting music fans worldwide and holding a special significance for the greater Los Angeles community, as they host the Super Bowl for the first time in nearly 30 years.

Collectively, these artists have been awarded 43 Grammys and have created 22 No. 1 Billboard albums.

Dr. Dre is widely credited with being one of the most influential figures in hip hop culture and a driving force behind its mass popularity. While all five artists have deeply influenced this genre of music, each brings a unique style to the world’s biggest stage for what’s sure to be 12 minutes of unforgettable greatness.

As part of the collaboration around the Pepsi Super Bowl Halftime Show, Pepsi and the NFL have also joined together to support the launch of Regional School #1, a magnet high school in South Los Angeles that is set to open for students next fall as part of the LA Unified School District. The high school is based on the nationally recognized USC Iovine and Young Academy, a program founded by Jimmy Lovine and Andre “Dr. Dre” Young, that will offer a unique educational model focused on the theme of Integrated Design, Technology, and Entrepreneurship.

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In addition to philanthropic support of the project, Pepsi and the NFL will collaborate with the school, its partners and the local community to develop and deliver community inspired applied learning experiences and industry internships. “This effort will help develop and inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs and innovators,” Los Angeles Unified Interim Superintendent Megan K. Reilly said. “We are excited about the additional opportunities this partnership will bring to our students.”

Marking the third year of this collaboration, Pepsi, the NFL and Roc Nation are excited to bring these genre defining artists together for a largerthan-life performance of hits from their deep collective catalog.

The Pepsi Super Bowl LVI Halftime Show telecast will be produced by DPS with Roc Nation and Jesse Collins serving as executive producers, and Hamish Hamilton serving as director.

Roc Nation is also serving as the strategic entertainment advisors of the live performance.

“On February 13, 2022, at the Super Bowl LVI in Inglewood, CA, in the new SoFi Stadium, Dr. Dre, a musical visionary from Compton, Snoop Dogg, an icon from Long Beach and Kendrick Lamar, a young musical pioneer in his own right, also from Compton, will take center field for a performance of a lifetime, said Shawn “JAY-Z” Carter. “They will be joined by the lyrical genius, Eminem and the timeless Queen, Mary J. Blige. This is the Pepsi Super Bowl Halftime Show. This is history in the making.”

The Pepsi Super Bowl Halftime Show is the most-watched musical performance of the year, with nearly 100 million viewers tuning in to last year’s show.

Past halftime performances include The Weeknd, Jennifer Lopez, Shakira, Beyoncé, Justin Timberlake, Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, Bruno Mars, Prince, Madonna and more.

For more information about Super Bowl LVI, visit SuperBowl.com.

ROUNDUP

MUSIC

RECORDING ACADEMY ANNOUNCES NOMINEES FOR “THE 64TH ANNUAL GRAMMY AWARDS” RECORD OF THE YEAR, ALBUM OF THE YEAR, SONG OF THE YEAR EXPANDS FROM EIGHT TO 10 THE Recording Academy has revealed nominees for THE 64TH ANNUAL GRAMMY AWARDS and announced that, for the first time, there will be 10 nominees in each of the general field categories: Record Of The Year, Album Of The Year, Song Of The Year, and Best New Artist. This year’s top nominees include Jon Batiste (11), Justin Bieber (8), Doja Cat (8); H.E.R. (8), Billie Eilish (7) and Olivia Rodrigo (7). As the only peerselected music accolade, the GRAMMY Awards are voted on by the Recording Academy’s voting membership body of music makers, who represent all genres and creative disciplines, including recording artists, songwriters, producers, mixers and engineers.

THE 64TH ANNUAL GRAMMY AWARDS will be broadcast live from Los Angeles Monday, Jan. 31, 2022 (8:00-11:30 PM, live ET/5:00-8:30 PM, live PT) on the CBS Television Network, and available to stream live and on demand on Paramount+*.

“This is an exciting day for music,” said Harvey Mason Jr., CEO of the Recording Academy. “These

nominations beautifully reflect today’s broad and diverse musical landscape.

I congratulate all of the nominees and everyone who submitted work. I’m also so proud of our voters. They voted in record numbers and brought their very best to evaluating the work of their peers, and I thank them on behalf of the entire music community.”

This year’s nominees were voted on by Recording Academy voting members from nearly 22,000 eligible entries and reflect

the wide range of artistic innovation that defined the year in music (Sept. 1, 2020– Sept. 30, 2021). The final round of GRAMMY voting is Dec. 6, 2021–Jan. 5, 2022.

For a complete nominations list, visit www.grammy.com.

Prior to the telecast, the GRAMMY Awards Premiere Ceremony will be held at the Microsoft Theater at 12:30 PM, PT and will be streamed live on GRAMMY. com and the Recording Academy’s YouTube channel.

ROCK & ROLL HALL OF FAME LEGENDS JOURNEY ANNOUNCE FREEDOM TOUR 2022 ONE of the most legendary rock bands of all time, JOURNEY, announces their Freedom Tour 2022, featuring very special guests BILLY IDOL and TOTO. The diamond-selling Rock & Roll Hall of Famers will take the stage in 40 cities across North America with their catalog of global chart-topping hits, including “Don’t Stop Believin”, “Any Way You Want It”, “Faithfully”, “Lights” and more. The tour comes after the band previously announced a brand new six-show Las Vegas residency, running from December 1 to December 11 at the Theater at Virgin Hotels.

Presented by AEG Presents, the Freedom Tour 2022 begins February 22 in Pittsburgh, PA – making stops in Los Angeles, Dallas, Nashville and more – before wrapping May 11 in Hartford, CT. Very special guest and Rock and Roll icon Billy Idol will join JOURNEY on all dates from February 22 through April 5. Very special guest TOTO, who have collectively streamed more than 3.3 billion plays on Spotify alone, will join JOURNEY on all remaining dates beginning in San Diego on April 7.

JOURNEY features founder Neal Schon (lead guitarist), Jonathan Cain (keyboards, backing vocals), Arnel

Pineda (lead vocals) Jason Derlatka (keyboards, backing vocals), and Deen Castranovo (drums, backing vocals).

HOLLYWOOD MONTHLY • 7

ROUNDUP

SPORTS

STAPLES Center RENAMED Iconic venue becomes Crypto.com Arena Starting Christmas Day CRYPTO.COM, the world’s fastestgrowing cryptocurrency platform, and AEG, the world’s leading sports and live entertainment company, have launched a historic, 20-year naming rights agreement that will rename the AEG-owned and operated STAPLES Center, one of the most iconic and globally recognized sports and entertainment arenas in the world.

Effective December 25, the multi-purpose arena, which hosts hundreds of annual marquee events and serves as the official home of the NBA’s Los Angeles Lakers and LA Clippers, the NHL’s LA Kings and the WNBA’s Los Angeles Sparks, will be known as Crypto.com Arena. This agreement also makes Crypto.com an official cryptocurrency platform partner of the Los Angeles Lakers and the LA Kings.

To kick off the partnership, AEG and Crypto.com will unveil the new logo and other branding assets including internal arena signage of the newly named Crypto. com Arena on Christmas Day, when the Los Angeles Lakers host the Brooklyn Nets. All of the venue’s external signage will be replaced by June 2022.

Since opening its doors in 1999, the iconic arena, located in downtown Los Angeles, has served as the backdrop to some of the most memorable and prolific sports and live entertainment moments and events to have taken place in the last 20 years and together, through this partnership, AEG and Crypto.com will help shape the next 20. Each year, the world-class venue hosts over 240 major high-profile events of national and international distinction and over 4 million guests with events ranging from professional sports, concerts, family and award shows, boxing and special events, including the GRAMMY Awards, NBA All-Star Games and NHL All-Star Games among others. It has also hosted some of the biggest headlining names and shows in music and live entertainment performing in concert and during 19 of the last 21 GRAMMY Awards shows.

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This partnership, brokered by AEG Global Partnerships, places the Crypto. com brand at the center of some of the biggest and most important sports and live entertainment moments set to take place over the course of the next two decades. It also underscores the rapidly growing influence and widespread adoption of Crypto.com’s cryptocurrency platform and NFT marketplace worldwide.

As the exclusive naming rights partner, Crypto.com will engage millions of sports and entertainment fans each year through premium branded areas of the arena including a 3,300 sq. ft activation space at the building’s entrance, as well as dedicated activation areas on the main concourse of the arena and throughout the L.A. LIVE campus. Additionally, the new relationship will see Crypto.com featured prominently across the venue with large-scale, premium branding and signage throughout the interior and exterior of the facility.

Crypto.com and AEG are committed to working in the Los Angeles community to prioritize sustainability and community engagement. AEG was one of the first companies to adopt a greenhouse reduction goal that’s based on the 1.5 ̊ C global warming limit recommended by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). Crypto.com committed

to becoming carbon negative by the end of 2022 by offsetting more carbon than is generated by all activities across the organization.

Negotiations were led on behalf of AEG by Nick Baker and Russell Silvers, Co-Chief Operating Officers of AEG Global Partnerships and on behalf of Crypto. com by Steven Kalifowitz, Chief Marketing Officer of Crypto.com and Gilad Rodkin, Senior Vice President of Marketing of Crypto.com. Both sides acknowledge that the process moved quickly to a close due to a mutual understanding of each other’s businesses and a shared desire to collaborate and create something truly unique for the future of Los Angeles and fans around the world.

Crypto.com recently partnered with Matt Damon on its first global campaign to formally introduce the platform to users. The campaign will be integrated across Crypto.com’s portfolio of global brand partnerships including UFC, F1, Paris Saint-Germain, and the NBA’s Philadelphia 76ers, to the NHL’s Montreal Canadiens, esports team Fnatic, and Lega Serie A, the Italian Football league and Twitch Rivals.

Crypto.com continues to lead the industry in sports sponsorships, as the first Official Cryptocurrency Sponsor and NFT Partner of UFC and F1®.

The Way You See Me Now Maury K. Downs A heart-warming sci-fi story of admiration, curiosity, innocence, compassion, and true friendship What would you do if you came across real alien beings from another world?

Would you share what happened?

Would you keep it a secret?

Could you even keep it a secret?

buy it now @

Background image: ESA/Hubble & NASA

HOLLYWOOD MONTHLY • 9

Plateau State Home of Peace and Tourism in nigeria

P

lateau State is one of the 36 states of the Giant of Africa, Nigeria. Home of Peace and Tourism, Plateau State is a state with diversity of religion, of cultures and of ethnicities. The state is endowed with so much natural resources such as the world’s largest known deposits of columbite, tin, which has also been exploited since the 1940s. Smaller quantities of tantalite, wolfram (tungsten), kaolin, zircon, and uranium are also mined. Lead and iron ore are found in eastern and central parts of Plateau State.

In Nigeria, Tourism and a number of Allied industries, from travel to Hospitality, have generated revenues of N1.2 trillion, about 4 million direct jobs, coupled with many more in expanding value chain, which has generated over 10, 000 jobs in ancillary industries. The Tourism and Hospitality sector has made a significant contribution to the gross domestic product of Nigeria. With these potentials, Plateau State Government was poised to draw plans for economic diversification in the state. As such.

Plateau state is aligning with the new economic possibilities unlocked by Digital technology, and Tourism and Hospitality features prominently in those prospects.

The state boasts of a climate that suits

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everyone no matter where you come from around the globe. This and other attributes make Plateau state a perfect destination for tourism and investment opportunities for those who seek business and leisurely adventure from across Africa and from across the globe.

If you are an investor, a venture capitalist and I believer in innovation and would like to be part of history in the making, I introduce to you PLATEAU WONDERLAND, a project set to be the first modular resort in West Africa.

It is Designed using modular energy

efficient technology, while offering quality structures within a breathtaking environment. The overall project encompasses a business model with commercial buildings, sporting complex, a theme Park, film school, a picturesque African Hall of Fame, 5-star hotel with 350 room capacity, a helipad, bus station, a slaughterhouse, greenhouse farm, 500 housing units, a gas station and an aquarium, all powered by a renewable energy source.

This venture is slated to go into development in early 2022 and is projected to be completed by May 2023. Land, license and tax incentives have been proffered by the state government headed by the governor, Governor Simon Bako Lalong and members of his cabinet some of whom are also present here today, to make this venture a viable and attractive opportunity for investors from around the world.

Join us in making history and in the process tapping into the benefits of this great opportunity.

KHUM’GBOW LEGEND

AWARDS & RECOGNITION

Film Screened At The 7th Annual Hollywood Weekly Magazine Film Festival & Awards Ceremony

A

t the recently held 7th Annual Hollywood Weekly Magazine Film Festival & Awards Ceremony, His Excellency Honorable Barrister Simon Lalong, Governor of Plateau State in Nigeria, received the Philanthropy Award, along with Uzodinma Okpechi, Excellence in Cinematic Direction for "The Mystic River" (in Netflix), Charles Novia, Creative Recognition Award for "Teen Africa Television" and Temitope Oshin, Best Director "In Line".

You will find some of Ms Temitope Oshin's films like "In Line", "Up North" and popular TV series, "Castle & Castle", on Netflix. We caught up with her in Dallas and presented the award to her, which she shared on Instagram and tagged Hollywood Weekly.Uzodinma Okpechi's latest film, "The Mystic River", is also on Netflix.

A

ccording to oral tradition from excerpts of the movie titled, “KHUM’GBOW THE LEGEND”, shot in Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria, Queen Amina the warrior, died during a military campaign organised by an emissary to the Sokoto caliphate at the Ganawuri regions of the then Gwash (now Jos), situated within the beauty of the middle belt region of Nigeria.

The director of “The legend of Khum’gbow” highlights the legendary Queen’s conquest and the region she spent years to grapple, especially with the child that was plucked from her and the generation that child sired at the existence of the kwararafa and who “The lost star of the North” generation are presently.

According to the director, Amb Hoom Suk, his portrayal of the film will also showcase the exploits of Queen Amina’s son around the people of Kwararafa kingdom and her vivacious Bori priestesses of old, in subsequent series to be shot with a cast of over 1,500 people and will give a more vigorous definition to the definition of ‘Feminism’ and what it stands for today, creating the perfect balance and opportunities for women to stand up and achieve whatever they desire.

HW Magazine Africa Correspondent & Ambassador Egor Efiok (center) on the red carpet of the 7th Annual Hollywood Weekly Magazine Film Festival & Awards Ceremony at Beverly Hills, California, with Hon. Tamwakat Weli, Plateau State Commissioner For Culture & Tourism, Lady Getrude Longwan, Lady Aisha and Dr Carmen McCain.

HOLLYWOOD MONTHLY • 11

And the winners are...

MAGAZINE

FILM FESTIVAL

2021

7th Hollywood Weekly Magazine Film Festival & AWARDS CEREMONY Best Films are...

BEST DOCUMENTARY GEORGE FLOYD: SAY THEIR NAMES When will the “last” time be the LAST time? Chris Oledude’s single “George Floyd” has now been re-presented in the powerful video, “George Floyd: Say Their Names.” America’s struggle for equality and fairness throughout law enforcement parallels those struggles faced by minority groups in every society where the majority feels empowered to disregard civil and human rights. The pressure for change must continue. No justice? No peace!

BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY LITTLE FRENCH FISH Lea is an artist from an Eastern European Jewish family. Djamil is a young man from the Middle East. They accidentally meet in Paris and fall in love. Their story is filled with passion, romance, and profound tenderness, but it cannot last long as they choose family traditions over their own happiness. One day, when they accidentally spot each other in a dark cinema hall.

BEST PICTURE FOR MOVIE THRILLER

GRAVEL WOUNDS A mother struggles with alcohol addiction tries to put the pieces of her life back together.

BEST HISTORICAL DOCUMENTARY INHERIT THE LAND Inherit the Land, based on the 2006 history Inherit the Land: Jim Crow Meets Miss Maggie’s Will, tells the story from its 19th-century origins to the present.

BEST INSPIRATIONAL - WOMEN XENTASTIC Xenyatta (Xen), is Spencer’s new girlfriend. Spencer really likes her, but her strange behavior worries him. Xen’s ultra-confidential profession is transporting precious gems for insurance companies.

BEST INSPIRATIONAL - YOUTH

VINO ROYALE This musically-charged, women’s empowerment thriller, tells the story of Laurie, a twenty-something law student, who must travel to Italy and face a gang of ruthless mobsters in order to save the life of her true love.

BEST SCIENCE FICTION FUJIYAMA Two futuristic lady cops are on a mission to track down and catch criminals in a world that is driven by gadgets and technology.

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BEST INSPIRATIONAL - LIFE

ECCENTRA The Amassi stones hold extraordinarily eccentric powers. And when placed in the hands of high school teen Melanie Vaughn, she must learn how to handle many different relationships, especially the one with the stones.

BEST HORROR THE LITTLE CHAPEL “The Little Chapel,” focuses on a young girl named Stacy who tries to bring her friend back from the dead after a terrible accident, but unfortunately events take a turn for the worse.

SCREENPLAY REVIEWS MARS IS OURS – CLIFF PARIS When a robotic engineer and unwilling astronaut takes a week-long trip to Mars, he leaves a robot version of himself in his place in an attempt to keep an open line of communication with his family.

Through a multitude of issues, we are left to wonder who will survive, if anyone. With a hint of a love story, and a few laughs in between, we are left wondering is there a greater journey ahead for our species? A fast paced, action-packed sci-fi thriller.

Filled with various story lines and moving parts. Interesting and would most certainly appeal to any robot loving audience.

An interesting take on the final chapter of the human race and leaves you pondering how you would deal with being put in the position of many of the characters.

TOO BAD ABOUT SNOWBALL – PAUL LARSEN A dark comedy about a group of young filmmakers experiencing a financial hardship. They are hired by a pair of shady businessmen making promises that seem too good to be true.

They sign up to create films about saving the environment, but little do they know, they are in for a rude awakening when they realize the true intentions of their shady saviors. An entertaining, humorous take on the serious issue of climate change. The characters are relatable, and the storyline seems to be an easy way to reach a generation of millennial viewers by discussing a subject that has created many conflicting opinions all around the world. A unique form of what seems to be a ‘rom-com’ with a globally recognized, and debated issue intertwined.

FLOCK HERS – JAMES SAMUEL (TV SERIES) A group of young women decide they are done with their nine to fives. They all decide to get plastic surgeries and use social media platforms to get attention from men, and ultimately take anything and everything that’s not given to them, by any means necessary. The struggle to form these relationships without developing real feelings pans out to be difficult, and some of the sticky situations they find themselves in are more difficult to navigate than anticipated. In the world we live in today, many people thrive off appearance which translates into followers and likes. This story takes us on a journey that shows the lengths some women will go to in order to get their designer bags and shoes. The characters are relatable, and the storyline shows how quickly things can go downhill while on the hunt for fame fortune, and materialistic beauty.

GET THA STRAP – JAMES SAMUEL A cautionary tale that takes you inside the world of guns. Buying them, selling them and what they may be used for once they’re out of our hands. In this story, we learn that bullets don’t discriminate. This script really makes you think about the dangers that can happen when discarding or acquiring a gun. It allows us to take a different look and think a little harder about what can happen when a gun gets into the wrong hands, or how terribly wrong your plans can go when you don’t know how to properly use a firearm. Regardless of your beliefs, this eye-opening screenplay opens your mind and takes you by surprise.

THE REVVER – MICHAEL HANSON & KELLY MOOTHART This is a story of a woman who is constantly interrupted from doing her artwork by her noisy neighbor. While he revs his truck and causes commotion, she is set over the edge and decides to take action. A short with a clever spin on women empowerment. With a relatable conflict, she leaves the female viewers giggling, knowing they’ve all wished they could do something similar everyone in a while. Very clever, with a hint of gore and comedy.

MUAY THAI RAINBOW – KULLACHAT JITCAJONWANICH The film stars a man who has surgeries to become a woman and is in a relationship with a professional Muay Thai fighter, who dreams of becoming a world champion. When he falls into the wrong crowd, he gets poisoned, he ends up disabled after losing. It’s then when his partner decides to un-do all of the surgeries and revert back to being a male so that they can carry on their love’s dream of becoming a champion, and fight for him. A very interesting and unique story, unlike one I’ve ever seen. With elements of drama, action, sports and a one-of-a-kind love story, it certainly keeps your interest throughout all the twists and turns.

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SCREENPLAY REVIEWS UNSF RAPETO – ROBIN SCHER This futuristic sci-fi is full of twists, turns & action. The hints of comedy throughout the story are sure to make the audience chuckle and gives lighter moments throughout. An Interesting take on what the future could hold & is sure to be loved amongst sci-fi lovers.

DANCING IN THE WHITE ROOM – DAVID SABBATH In a world where humans use machines, then wear machines, and then the machines gain power. When a message is seen on the walls of the subway 50 years prior, it turns into the battle cry of the anti-techno revolution.

This is a sci-fi tale, which is packed with action and thrill. The lines between human, machine and terror are blurred. This original take on futuristic ‘whatif’s’ leaves you on the edge of your seat.

MONSTERLY – DAMIAN WAMPLER This is a tale of a monster that is killed by human cops. It’s then a suburban family must choose a side when riots between humans and monsters rage across the United States. This story is an excellent mixture of the stigma of monsters, and the choice one family must make to do what they feel is the right thing. It is an actionpacked story unlike one I’ve ever heard. The storyline is extremely clever and leaves the audience with conflicting emotions throughout the entire story.

AT THE MERCY OF FAITH – SAMUEL TAYLOR This is a story of a young preacher who renounces his faith in God after a terrifying and traumatic encounter. After many years, the demons of his past viciously return to wreak havoc on his home and rip out his soul for the god of their hell. This is a tale of faith that takes a turn to horror. The drama filled story gives the audience a different look on the faith we all have, and how some believe we may be punished if that faith is not upheld. An interesting storyline, and action packed screenplay with shocking twists.

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BURMA HELL – THEODORE C. SODERBERG When a sailor brings his family on his ship to save his marriage, it takes a turn for the worst when a horrific explosion turns many into mutants, including the captain and officers. As the sailor, along with his wife and son fight for survival, we learn the shup is rocketing towards the Golden Gate Bridge. A story filled with action, adventure, monsters and a hint of love. Wonderful characters that you want to root for. A unique story that puts the audience through a wave of various emotions throughout.

MURDERESS OF DEMONS – JULIO CESAR CARBALLO In an action-packed horror, a powerful sorceress and her friend confront bandits and demons to save the world. But, when they make the fatal mistake of breaking reality, the create a black hole that destroys the planet. When the sorceress realizes that her dreams become reality, an angel who betrayed God comes from beyond to revive the demons to a keep a promise they once made. This is a fast-paced, action filled, and entertaining storyline. The characters are extremely interesting, and the audience could easily become emotionally attached to them.

MISS HOLLYWOOD – JOHN KESTNER When a small-time actress is lured by an infamous drug dealer, just as the CIA is about to make a bust.

When the drug lord’s teen son becomes obsessed with the actress, things get interesting. This twisted love story is full of action and adventure. An incredible story about an average woman trying to do her best to make it in the entertainment industry but gets taken down the wrong path. A nail-biting tale that leaves you wanting more.

By Hailey Ashley

BEST SCREENPLAYS 2ND DATE – JAIK ANDINO & VINCENT V. SHADE

THE KISS-OFF – GIO FORLENZA

A fabulous, twisted comedy about a pair of friends whose loyalty is put to the test. They will discover how far they are willing to go to find the love of their lives. A dramatic story of hopeless romantics that are desperate to find love in their 30’s. The conflict is, the pair struggles to be with, or without each other. An issue that many people face in the real world makes this story very relatable and hooks the audience in with incredible characters. You truly root for these characters, and root for love to win.

When a disenchanted Brooklyn bagman chooses to help the feisty woman that ripped him off, he defies the family that adopted him in his time of need as an orphan. This actionpacked story leaves you wanting more after each scene. The twisted relationship between the main characters puts a new spin on the lengths we will go for what we truly desire, regardless of any logic.

MOTEL 13 – BRANDON RHINESS While searching for a new husband/father for their twisted family, a clan of temptresses made up of a mother and her two adult daughters lure unexpecting men to Motel 13. They hold them captive at the motel, which they own, with a goal of continuing their family tradition of murder. A one-of-a-kind storyline full of thrilling entertainment and a mystery that left me wanting more. The hilarious characters and ‘family’ dynamic was original, and well thought out. A good mix of horror, gore, humor and mystery.

BLACK COLLAR – JAMES SAMUEL (TV SERIES) With little to no resources, a young African American man figures out a way to make significant amounts of money without violence. He uses his intelligence to find loopholes in the white-collar world to support his unique lifestyle.

This based on real life story is something that I could see on HBO Max one day. With a string of interesting characters, and various relationships between them all, it’s hard not to get fully indulged in the storylines. The possibilities and potential in this series seems to be endless, with the potential to play throughout many seasons.

BAD LOVE STRIKES – KEVIN SCHEWE In this story we enter a masterful world of sci-fi, time travel, and WWII. In a small town in Tennessee, a gang of kids live daring lives filled with action and adventure. When they come across a time machine, they travel back on a deathdefying mission to Nazi-occupied Poland.

Full of danger, excitement and a little love, the kids race to rescue a group of Holocaust prisoners from certain death.

It’s an excellent combination of Goonies meets the Lost Ark & we couldn’t get enough!

A FALL FROM GRACE – DAVID A. SEADER When everyone knows the truth, there’s only one thing to do – survive. This drama filled story grabs your attention within the first few moments. The characters are so relatable, it seems as though you know them in your own life. Through the struggles, the inspirational story shows that we can get through all our hardships, together. A wonderful story that seems to show a glimpse of all the cracks in our mental health system.

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VASHT AWAKENS THE SENSES THROUGH THE MOVEMENT OF DANCE

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asht is the art of movement through dance. And through the art of dance, the fundamental concept that all humankind is equal, regardless of race and ethnicity, is expressed. Ney Naameh is the introduction of Masnavi. This, of course, is the masterpiece of the famous Iranian poet and spiritual maestro, Rumi. Rumi has long enchanted readers with his timeless and profound understanding of life, love and the reason behind existence.

Now, we see Rumi’s knowledge come alive through ancient movements of the Iranian plateau on a stage. On a micro level, Vasht and Ney Naameh are promoting the 7,000 year old art, culture, and literature of the Iranian Plateau.

However, on a macro level, it covers the humanity of the community at-large.

Soha Sharif is the talented founder and CEO of Vasht.

Her passion for dance and history led her to conduct in-depth academic research on ancient movements of the Iranian Plateau, as well as a more than 20 year study on Molavi and the spirituality of Persian literature. Such a unique combination of knowledge and action has led to the creation of Vasht. Vasht is the language of common practice and the art of movement. In fact, it is documented that the 16 • HOLLYWOOD MONTHLY

term ‘Vasht’ has been used in Iran as far back as 2,500 years ago.

Ney Naameh story includes two parts: the first part talks about a story of coming to the earth, and the second is about a human after coming to the earth and how he/she mixes between the truth along with the abstract. Ney Naameh’s production of Vasht focuses on a human’s story of coming to earth. This project is a multimedia production of performing arts that is based on the history, literature, art, culture, and spirituality of the Iranian experience expressed through holistic movement. At Vasht, they believe humans have been created in an equal state of affairs. Hence, all the priceless values in the culture and spirituality of Iranian plateau history that was discovered over 7,000 years ago are applicable for all human nature. They believe everyone, regardless of race or religion, will find meaning and value in our Vasht production.

“The powerful message from VASHT is so productive and profound that the audience has no choice but to grasp the concept behind the scenes and hopefully comprehend the beauty of the lighted universe,” Sharif said.

So what exactly is Vasht dance? It’s multi-layered and hypnotics. Indeed, the most primitive form of human communication has been the use of bodily gestures and signs, through which human beings convey their thoughts, intentions, and meanings. These signs were expressed

Soha Sharif Founder and CEO of Vasht

rhythmically during moments of heightened emotions. Therefore, it was discovered people could communicate with anyone and anything through rhythmic movements from nature’s elements to their Oversoul. To connect to their Oversoul, people engaged in rhythmic movements in groups. From the vastness of the Iranian Plateau, we can find a variety of dances in this area related to folk traditions, rituals, and literature. Some dances are connected to heaven and some to earth. Vasht™ Performing Arts is directed to reviving ancient divine virtues – the mother of all arts – and to save them for future generations. Vasht Performing Arts projects are multi-faceted shows collected from what remains of pure and ancient Iranian plateau cultures. The aim of the organization is to enhance the general understanding and knowledge, through the use of sacred body movements and illustrations, of a region that is one of the oldest civilizations on earth.

The show is compelling as it incorporates ancient music, lost dance movements, and modern technologies, such as animation and visual effects in unison. These storytelling performances are based on folk, traditional, and classic literature of a region between Central Asia and the Middle East. Vasht is an ancient Parsi (Persian) word defined as a series of interpretive movements rooted in spiritual awakening. It is the Vasht director’s belief that Vasht is the spirit’s projection through the vessel of the body. In the Vasht community, we focus on using ancient dance, music, pantomime, animation, and scenography, alongside modern multimedia to help share some of the archetypal virtues.

Founder of Vasht, Soha, has thoroughly researched the ancient movement of the Iranian Plateau, Rumi, and spirituality.

Through all the research, studies, and collections, Soha interprets all her knowledge into the language of “Vasht.” Again, Vasht is the language of movement. And the production team all work together to make the story flow together seamlessly.

For example, Soha choreographed

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characteristics of Ney Naameh’s show based on stories and ancient movements. Next up, we have Hamid Saeedi, a 2018 Grammy winner, who composed pieces of music based on all the dance movements in the show.

Additionally there’s Ramin Barzegar, winner of the Saatchi award, who is the graphist of this stunning show.

The audience will experience an elaborate display of dance, motion art, and high-tech visual FX that will bring the story of Ney Naameh alive. The goal is to design and bring to life a traditional story with a modern production. Ney Naameh is one of the most important and universal stories of Rumi and well-known concepts within Iranzamin and Iranian Plateaus.

The production embarks on a journey to reach euphoria. This dance theater overcomes phalanges during the journey, eventually reaching the final chapter where Rumi reaches his spiritual state. The performers adorn costumes that represent the nature in which the story embarks on its path. This is all in tune with Rumi’s description of the story of Ney Naameh. The choreography

design is based on a combination of ancient movements and Iranian geometrics. And when married together with modern arts, all beautifully illustrate Rumi’s story.

Vasht™ Performing Arts is directed to reviving ancient divine virtues – the mother of all arts – and to save them for future generations. Vasht Performing Arts projects are multi-faceted shows collected from what remains of pure and ancient Iranian plateau cultures. “The aim of our organization is to enhance the general understanding and knowledge, through the use of sacred body movements and illustrations, of a region that is one of the oldest civilizations on earth,” Sharif said.

In the Vasht community, Vasht

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focuses on using ancient dance, music, pantomime, animation, and scenography, alongside modern multimedia to help share some of the archetypal virtues.

Vasht is a non-religious, non-political, and non-profit foundation established in California in 2016 to produce and promote Iranian plateau ancient arts, wisdom, and culture for the benefit of the community at large. To donate and learn more, please visit www.vasht.org or call 818-564-6111 or email at info@vasht.org.

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Dirt Merchants films are based on true stories and real people, movies that feel authentic and are motivational, inspirational and transformational

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few years back we did a cover story on Henning Morales. At that time we dubbed him the Tony Robbins of Hollywood. Well that has come full circle as five years later Henning and his team of ‘gritty, pretty’ filmmakers has produced 11 motion pictures, including 6 feature films.

When we found that out, we decided that this most definitely deserves another cover story.

Henning Morales is the creator of the Dirt Merchants Film Series. He was a premiere motivational and inspirational speaker for well over 10 years during the 1990s and 2000s. He learned the ropes from some of the premiere speakers and sales trainers in the U.S. including Robert

Depew (Jim Rohn’s mentor), Tom Hopkins and many others.

After retiring from the speaking circuit and settling down to raise a family, Henning launched an events production company in Los Angeles which he took public toward the end of the 2000s. During this time he showcased other speakers, filmmakers, music artists and authors in a barrage of red carpet events spanning an additional 10 years. There were well over 500 events including a children’s carnival event to benefit the LA Childrens hospital with 4,000 attendees, featuring Mario Lopez, a music award show at Paramount studios featuring Nick Canon and a world class personal development expo at the Los Angeles Convention Center.

Ray Lerado, LeonWinters & HenningMorales at the set of Destinova

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Henning took the stories that he masterfully told during his years as a speaker and wove them into a novel which was published in 2015. This bestseller has received tremendous attention from schools, mentorship groups and fans clamoring for inspirationally true stories that involve young people coming of age in America.

As a result Henning co-founded the Youth Mentorship Forum at USC and has become a sought after speaker covering topics related to teenagers and young adults.

When encouraged to produce his first movie, Henning was reluctant, to say the least. Through the encouragement of his close friends, many of which are Emmy and Oscar winning producers, directors and music people he produced a short film, Romancery, a 19-minute musicallydriven drama. And since then he has not looked back.

The characters of these movies are two friends – both high school juvenile delinquents. Spencer is based on Henning and the other we shall call Brandon.

At age 17 Spencer meets some high powered motivational masters and turns his life around. He is recruited into a world of street sales and guys motivated out of their gore to sell. It gets him away from his troublemaker friends and sets him up for life lessons he will never forget.

Brandon can’t be bothered with all that positive thinking nonsense and turns to a life of crime. He and his crew became infamous burglars, reportedly

Jeff McGrail, Anita Razzano & Henning Morales at the set of Streetchase

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Left to right: ShaSha Dadier, KathleenValbuena, Henning Morales, Jeff McGrail& Gabija Guzauskaite at the set of Vino Royale

stealing upwards of $100 million in jewelry and cash.

This underlying story born out of the Dirt Merchants novel has spawned dozens of characters and 21 screenplays with the genesis being these two friends.

Henning and Drew Lane, a 22-time platinum music producer, became close friends during the events production days. Drew read Henning’s novel, The Dirt Merchants, and was one of the main professionals in the entertainment

industry to encourage Henning and his team to start making films. Drew decided to come onboard to produce the music. Since then, Henning has become dedicated to making music the core differentiator between these films and many others in this genre.

As Drew told Henning “At times, these films feel like elaborate music videos with intense messages such as Smugglers Blues and Michael Jackson's Thriller music videos, but they tie into it in a much grander vision.”

Henning’s long time business partner, Barbara Lynn and close friend and attorney Jeff McGrail formed a solid backbone for a production company and they were off to the races.

Since then 11 movies have been completed and 8 are earmarked for film festivals, seeking out distribution and possible expansion into television series internationally. Starting in 2021 the Dirt Merchants Tribe, as they call themselves, have begun the submission process and have received several awards to date, including "best thriller", "best female empowerment" and "best teen" categories.

These award-winning films are musically charged action/adventure thrillers based on true stories that don't involve gratuitous violence, or profanity or any form of fantasy.

MARVEL, STAR WARS, DIRT MERCHANTS?

Henning Morales and Austyn Reale at the set of Streetchase

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Dirt Merchants is fast becoming a universe; its own universe like Marvel, Harry Potter or Star Wars, but unlike the others, Dirt Merchants films are based on true stories and real people; movies that feel authentic with motivational, inspirational and transformational messages and underlying story lines.

Hollywood Weekly was fortunate to host the premiere of a brand new Dirt Merchants

movie Vino Royale at its 7th annual film festival. The movie received great reviews and won the coveted best thriller motion picture award from the festival.

Vino Royale was a joint venture production with Italian filmmakers and Henning’s Los Angeles based crew.

Filmed on location in Laguna Beach, Paris and Florence and Crespina in Italy, this visually stunning film is the precursor to the long awaited theatrical release feature Metal Crush, with themes of gangland justice, true love and baseball.

Plans are in motion for Dirt Merchants merchandise, graphic novels, board games and collectible NFT’s featuring the more than fifty characters in the series and back stories galore.

WHAT'S NEXT FOR DIRT MERCHANTS FILMS? "We have 10 more movies to make in the Dirt Merchants franchise and it's gonna keep us busy for the next 6 to 8 years. In the meantime we're going to be releasing movies that are already complete one at a time and building an audience,” said Henning with a big smile. “The fulfilling part of all this is that we know that people are enjoying these movies, our tribe of inspirational and motivational masters

Deily Marrissa Garcia, Henning Morales & Paige Jorgensenat the set of HitterTwist

and way seers, and all around good people, love these movies. We'll continue to share the message of hope and inspiration and build our audience with a fantastic music experience and intense, relevant story lines". Henning continued on to say, "They will come out of it not only being entertained and inspired, but knowing that the messaging that they were receiving in these movies can be shared with others in order to make the

world a better place. These are movies that teenagers and young adults can watch with their parents and older people of all ages and not feel embarrassed".

One of Henning Morales' and the tribe’s goal is to demonstrate to the world that you can make one movie after the next and not use gratuitous violence, extreme imagery, or fantasy in order to build an audience and that makes for a successful movie franchise.

Steve Martin, Henning Morales, William Bajalia & Sophie Tyler Brown at the set of Hitter Twist HOLLYWOOD MONTHLY • 23

RED CARPET

Premiere Night of Dirt Merchants Vino Royale Movie AT THE Hollywood Weekly's 7th Annual Film Festival

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Entrepreneur, FilmMaker and Philanthropist

SANDRA Scarlette SANDRA’S 6000 MILE STORY Born in Paris, Sandra was raised in Tunisia, attending some of the most prestigious schools on the continent of Africa. Following in her family’s educational legacy, she obtained her Bachelors degree in economics and finance, with an emphasis on international trade, from l’ Ecole Superieure de Commerce in Tunis.

At 22, sensing certain limits to her achieving her goals and full potential, she made the difficult decision to leave Tunisia to pursue an elite entrepreneurship program at UCLA. This was the genesis of her business career and helped shape her vision for the future. Armed with a world-class education, a strong work ethic and a positive attitude, Sandra has made a lasting impact on the fashion and jewelry industries, working with some of Hollywood’s most high-profile celebrities.

More recently she has made her entry into the residential real estate industry.

CORE VALUES, INTENSE PASSIONS, IMPORTANT COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT Sandra is extremely close to her family, takes pride in her ‘ambassadorship’ for Tunisia, and is passionate about numerous local Los Angeles nonprofit organizations.

Regarding spirituality, she has an esoteric approach and, having studied the religions of the world, she makes it a practice of harnessing universal spiritual energies to preserve youth and beauty. Sandra teaches the importance of maintaining a balance of masculine and feminine energies to a select boutique clientele.

personal, cultural and business challenges, Sandra is the embodiment of a modern independent woman. As a result of these experiences, she desires to empower women to self-express, be acknowledged and guide them towards becoming independent and self-reliant.

In many parts of the world, women are still considered second class citizens.

Sandra’s core mission is developing positive self-esteem in all women, and spreading empowerment, especially in places where such opportunity and light has not been shed.

In the United States, as in many Western societies, female leaders in society and business are commonplace, however at the same time inequalities still exist. Sandra is committed to continuing to bridge the gap and promote equality for women with their male counterparts and colleagues.

Sandra’s long-term goals are to expand her business interests as an ambassador for select life-changing brands on various global platforms, bridging the gap between continents, connecting leaders, imparting transformational stories through keynote speaking and visual media, and continuing to promote empowerment, leadership and hope as a path to achieving one’s dreams.

In the process, Sandra will develop her own legacy within her personal, business and philanthropic life that incorporates a value system of justice, peace, success, happiness and pride where all voices are heard.

MORE THAN JUST A PAGEANT GIRL Representing Tunisia in the Miss Europe Global competition has already been a valuable platform for furthering Sandra’s worthy goals. She took 2nd runner up in the pageant last November 20th, 2021 at the Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center in Redondo Beach, California.

The most valuable part of the process was connecting with and developing relationships with her sponsors which will provide her with a truly global stage, enabling her to expand her reach and implement her earnest mission.

PRETTY GRITTY FILM PRODUCTION Sandra has teamed up with Dirt Merchants Films to help develop and produce several movies featuring themes of inspiration, motivation and transformation. In one of these films, Sandra will be playing the role of a pure hearted motivational speaker with a ‘classified’ past.

LOOKING DOWN THE ROAD: A LONG TERM MISSION Leaving her family and home country of Tunisia as a young woman, overcoming HOLLYWOOD MONTHLY • 27

You’ve Met Your Match.

Meet UnFiltered.

UnFiltered wants to be the last dating app anyone ever has to use...

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t’s five o’clock on Friday, time to get off, but home is the only place to go. You’re tired of getting tables for one, being the third wheel, ordering Chinese food at home and catching up on an embarrassing amount of Netflix series that you fit in between your busy schedule. You’ve tried dating apps to no avail- so much time wasted on fake accounts, bots...and even worse, the fret of being “catfished” once again. You find a “match” and they seem nice until one of two things happens... the infamous unsolicited pic, you’re stuck in the never-ending loop of messages, or even the eventual request of money.

There is now a dating app that made it their mission to fix everything you ever hated about dating apps.

Transparency is the founding reason behind the creation of the UnFiltered 28 • HOLLYWOOD MONTHLY

Dating app. In fact, co-founder Genesis Assulin believes so strongly in the importance of transparency she made it their name- UnFiltered. Every profile is taken in real time with a date stamp through the in-app camera embedded in the app software prohibiting an upload feature unless part of the lifestyle news feed. Eliminating filters is the foundation of this dating app.

They have created a dating revolution by providing a platform for true genuine connections and by revamping the online dating experience with unique built-in features that promote and cultivate a safe, transparent, UnFiltered environment.

Their users can be the person they were always supposed to be- themselves.

How many times have you walked into a “blind date” or met someone for

the first time from a dating profile only to discover they didn’t look the same as their profile picture. Although looks aren’t everything, trust is important.

UnFiltered’s motto, “Real People. Real Love.” does just that. No more meeting the 10-year alumni version of the college snapshot of your match, UnFiltered secures you are talking to a verified version of their true and current self!

UnFiltered strives to offer a safer community to their users. A deeper dive behind the scenes into the development side of the app includes an integrated technology that uses 8 factors to verify user accounts. Some of these verification methods includes verifying images, emails used to create user profiles, phone number and the user’s location to name a few. This technology,

that was introduced via a partnership with some of the most secure platforms across the globe, is how UnFiltered is able to prevent fake and misleading identities for users. Once authenticated, the verified profile is issued a seal, reassuring the user that they’re messaging a real person.

As if this wasn’t enough to set them apart from every other dating app on the market, other features are integrated into the UnFiltered app to make sure that your virtual dating experience is quality above quantity. Where other competitive apps have the bad reputation of being for “hook-ups”, UnFiltered has introduced limited matches. This allows you to match with up to 5 potential dates at a time, ensuring that you have meaningful connections with focused communication. This feature paired with our In-app communication opportunities (in-app camera and in-pp Video) ensures your private information is protected until you choose to communicate outside the app.

They have also paired with Google to integrate with your calendar and even allows users to use GPS to make the convenience of planning a date with your match simple and convenient. Plan your date, location and date time all within the app! Once the request is accepted, the app sends reminders to your app notifications, updates any changes you or your match makes, directions to get you there on time! Your life may be

busy, but UnFiltered has thought of unique and innovative ways to make dating simple and easy again!

UnFiltered is not just another dating app, in fact, UnFiltered wants to be the last dating app anyone ever has to use by being the conduit for Real People to find Real Love UnFiltered is passionate about its mission statement and that is “To foster a secure community who values the ideals and principles of real love. To live in anticipation, believing that there are more good people that could benefit from a mode of transparency.”

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ABOUT JD LAWRENCE

W

hile this special time of the year is known for Santa Claus checking his list twice for who’s been naughty or nice, chestnuts roasting on an open fire, and Jack Frost nipping at your nose, nothing gets you in the holiday spirit quicker than a funny or great Christmas movie. Therefore, get ready to queue up the drama and laughs in the new holiday Dramedy-Thriller “JD Lawrence’s Sister Scrooge” by multiaward-winning producer, writer, director, creator, and actor JD Lawrence. Many in the entertainment industry consider Lawrence “The King of Dramedy” with a proven track record of successful national stage productions and various television shows on major networks such as Bravo, Aspire, BET, etc. So, there is national excitement at the announcing of his first holiday film JD Lawrence’s Sister Scrooge. The film features a cold-hearted character played by actress Nessa Noel.

She despises Christmas and has no time for sentimentality. As you can imagine, this Scrooge-Etta has similarities to many previous versions of the Ebenezer Scrooge fairy tale. Yet, in this 2021 updated version, JD Lawrence’s Sister Scrooge doesn’t take rejection well at all,

and yes, she’s very naughty and not so nice. The entire film was captured on an iPhone-13 Pro Max (Cinematic Mode) and edited on the new Mac Book Pro (Apple M1 Max chip).

JD Lawrence’s Sister Scrooge’s impressive ensemble combines veteran actors Tony Davis (Manifest, Godfather of Harlem, and Raising Kanan Power Book III), Nessa Noel (BETher/ MakeupXBreakup), and actors from JD Lawrence’s Acting & Improv Workshop on Clubhouse. You won’t find Lawrence in his production for the first time. In JD Lawrence’s Sister Scrooge, he takes the time to concentrate on directing and producing while still managing to push the audience’s buttons to deliver his signature style of Dramedy.

Enjoy the belly of laughs, unapologetic jaw-dropping one-liners, along with unimaginable twists and turns.

JD Lawrence’s Sister Scrooge will premier December 24, 2021, at midnight (eastern), streaming on SisterScroogeTheMovie.Com. Watch the film’s “Official” trailer here vFollow JD Lawrence on all social media platforms at @iamjdlawrence or visit his website at TheKingofDramedy.com.

JD Lawrence is nationally known as a writer, director, and producer of theater, television, and film.

Lawrence Executive Produced and created the docu-series based around his national stage play “Your Husband Is Cheating On Us” for NBC/Universal’s Television Network Bravo. Your Husband Is Cheating On Us television broadcast gained him a tremendous following with Bravo audiences and left a lasting marketing impression with the network executives they now use to promote other shows. Lawrence has executive produced, written, directed, and starred in productions on other networks, such as Aspire, Viacom’s BET, UPtv, TV One, Urban Movie Channel, VH1, GMC, and Up Faith & Family. Amazon, iTunes, YouTube, VUDU, eOne, Sony Home Entertainment, and Momentum Pictures distribute Lawrence’s productions worldwide.

Lawrence, known as “The King of Dramedy,” has mastered the art of improvisation infused with drama, comedy, and music. In 2019, he used those skills in his one-man show, “SKITZophrenia,” where he played 73 characters, surpassing the Guinness World Records holder of 53 characters held since 2001. The Grammy and Emmy Award-Winners’ director has written, directed, and worked with Ashford & Simpson, Jackee’ Harry, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Fred Hammond, Ginuwine, Tony Terry, and El DeBarge, to name a few. The NAACP Legacy Award Winner and multi-hyphenate is a centerfold in EBONY Magazine’s historical four cover issue (Michelle Obama, Tina Turner, Alicia Keys, and Halle Berry). Lawrence is also dubbed as “The Man of Many Faces.” The New York Times says, “Onstage Lawrence is a prodigious theatrical talent.” The Washington Post calls him “A real quick-change artist.”

Lawrence says, "I find joy in making people laugh, family, and serving my Lord and Savior. I take pride in sharpening my acting tools in the performing arts, film, and television at the NYU Tisch School of the Arts.”

HOLLYWOOD MONTHLY • 31

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EVENTS HOLLYWOOD CHRISTMAS PARADE RED CARPET HOST 2021 RED CARPET DANCE - Sept 2021 DAVE & BUSTERS COMMERCIAL December 2021 - airing now FIFA women’s World Cup 2023 December 2021 - airing now TOBACCO FREE CA INTERNATIONAL COMMERCIAL - January 2021 RUN THIS TOWN MOVIE in production THE GIRL SHORT FILM currently submitted to film festivals for 2022 PLANNING MY QUINCE EP 2 May 2021

Cheyenne Hinojosa Photography by Tim Alexander

HOLLYWOOD MONTHLY • 33

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BRIDGING CULTURES, EMBRACING DIVERSITY

The woman behind Global Couture Gala (GCG), a unique, first class, cutting edge Couture Fashion Show rooted in diversity and inclusion

L

inda Gray is the President and CEO of L Gray Image Consulting, LLC (LGI) and the Creator/Executive Producer of the Global Couture Gala (GCG). LGI provides image consultation services to clients, seeking to enhance their personal and professional image from wardrobe styling, makeovers to lifestyle services.

The company helps to ensure the client’s image is consistent with their professional, personal and social roles. The award winning creatively driven entrepreneur gives credence to her mother and aunts who took one’s appearance very seriously.

Today, she has taken her family tradition to a professional level. After mastering the art of style, Linda says, “Your image is all about your lifestyle and cannot be limited to your wardrobe but encompasses who you are from your first impression on how you show up.” Linda is a very passionate and a consummate professional. She has worked in various facets of fashion, image apparel, retail, marketing and entertainment. Driven by her passion for style, color, design, trends and innovative creative expression, she is considered a thought leader who ventures into unchartered waters.

Linda’s career has crossed over into a range of areas. She began as a Fashion Runway Model and Style Professional where she quickly expanded her talents as a Fashion Show Event Producer. She has produced a variety of fashion shows on the East Coast and West Coast at some of the city’s iconic and luxury venues.

The company’s signature event is the Global Couture Gala (GCG), a one of a kind, first class, cutting edge Couture Fashion and Awards Show rooted in diversity and inclusion. The show will be on March 5, 2022 at The Majestic DTLA starting at 5pm. There is a theme each

show every year. The fashion segment features participation of diverse, emerging couture designers within various cultures all around the world. The designers are provided a platform to showcase their exquisite collection on the runway before an elite audience during Los Angeles Fashion Week Season. Some of these designers have styled some of the world’s top celebrities for red carpet looks will hit the runway. The gala commences with star studded red carpet arrivals, an opening cocktail reception, with celebrity emcees, a couture runway show, with live entertainment and after party. In her role as Creator and Executive Producer, she oversees everything from overall creative, strategic direction, event production, budgeting, casting professional models, global designers and contracts.

Various positions held during her career include: Fashion Stylist, Fashion Show Producer, Style Blogger, Home Collections Designer, Bed Linens Manufacturer, Interior Design Specialist, Entertainment Executive, FM Radio Station Professional, Fund Development Officer, Television Producer, Public Relations Officer, Marketing Professional, Magazine Publisher/Editor-In-Chief and a brief stint as a Real Estate Agent.

Some of her career highlights include: Director of Marketing for Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza, the first Regional Shopping Mall built in the country. The mall served the Los Angeles community for several decades as one of the city’s main attractions. Following the mall’s renovation in the late 80’s she increased foot traffic by 65% through innovative marketing and special events. She was responsible for promoting the largest art show in Southern California during Black History Month where the Baldwin

Hills mall was transformed into an art gallery of over 10,000 pieces of art work featured by national, prominent and emerging artists, attended by thousands of art enthusiasts.

Linda has won awards for her creative marketing expertise and for her community programs. She has received awards from marketing organizations, city, county and state officials. Linda was Director of Marketing at WHUR-FM Radio, one of the leading radio stations in the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia area where she was inspirational to growing the station’s listening audience; a Marketing Consultant for LA Fashion Week and Fund Development Officer for African Marketplace where she raised large sponsorship dollars for both organizations. There were three show rooms around the country that featured her luxury designed bedding made of the highest quality fabrics and unique home accent pieces.

Le Gre’ Home Accents showroom was headquartered in downtown Los Angeles. Her brand was represented by top wholesalers in Los Angeles and Dallas, Texas located in the World Trade Center. At her very first trade show, she was caught by surprise with an impressive achievement by winning the Best of Collection Design Award presented by the producers of the Los Angeles California Gift Show. She has been featured in numerous trade publications and magazines, nationally and internationally. She was recognized as one of very few African American female manufactures during the late 1990’s known for designing luxury “top of the bed” linens.

Le Gre’ Home Accents was certified by the National Minority Women’s Business Enterprise Program through the U.S. Small Business Administration.

HOLLYWOOD MONTHLY • 35

In 2010 Linda became Publisher/EditorIn-Chief for the first African American edition of Professional Performance Magazine, a quarterly publication and guide for personal and professional development through inspirational articles written by powerful personalities such as: the former First Lady Michelle Obama, Motivational Speaker Les Brown, Professional Golfer Tiger Woods, former Ambassador Andrew Young, Dr. Benjamin Chavis, Jr., former Executive Director and

Global Couture Gala (GCG) will be held at the beautiful Majestic DTLA. This is an iconic, luxury filming and wedding venue recognized as a historical masterpiece built in 1924.

36 • HOLLYWOOD MONTHLY

CEO of NAACP, Broadcasting Executive and Civil Rights Leader, Xernona Clayton, Author and Businessman, Stedman Graham, and Celebrity Chef G. Garvin among many others.

Linda received business certifications from the City of Los Angeles and the Southern California Regional Purchasing Council, an affiliate of the National Minority Development Council. She served as a Consultant for LA Fashion Week, an Advisory Member of the City Summit and City Gala Host Committee, member of the Business Matchmaker Group, Pacific Coast Regional Small Business Corporation, Fashion Biz, Inc., Exceptional Women in Publishing, CEO Space International, Landmark Forum Education, etc.

Articles and stories about her work has been featured in the following: Interiors of London, Accent of New York, Images, LDB Textiles, Howard University Auricle, The Los Angeles Times, The Sentinel, The Wave Newspaper, The National Marketing Association, The International Council of Shopping Center Development, etc.

Linda has a proclivity to empower entrepreneurs and be supportive of others. Her passion for entrepreneurship, fashion, style, home furnishings and interior design, speaks for itself.

Over the years, she has served on boards and supported many non-profit groups, educational and philanthropic organizations. She continues to be visionary and challenge herself with creative, innovative projects. So much is on the horizon for Linda, you just have to wait and see...

Sponsorships and Advertising Opportunities Available.

Please contact Linda Gray at (310) 654-8792 or email GlobalCoutureGala@gmail.com

#1 VIETNAMESE “DAD I’M SORRY” LIVES UP TO HYPE, FILM PERFECTLY PORTRAYS ASIAN I

t is clear to me why “Bố Già (Dad, I’m Sorry)” became the #1 box office hit of all time in Vietnam and the first Vietnamese film to break $1 million in the US box office, as well as Vietnam’s official entry for the 2022 Oscars. The story, plot twists and turns and endearing characters created an authentic experience that made me laugh, cry and reflect.

Set in small-alley Saigon life in the midst of third world poverty, family dynamics were explored, as well as socioeconomic mobility and how modern phenomena like “youtube influencers” would rock traditional dynamics that stubbornly tried to persist.

The story centers on three generations of a family. The grandfather, Ba Sang, played by Trấn Thành, stole the show. As the story centers around him, his range of emotions as a father, adoptive father to his granddaughter and overall role as the glue that kept his family together, no matter how dysfunctional or unappreciative, was perfectly portrayed.

Between his siblings who take advantage of him to his son, a famous YouTuber, he plays the typical patriarch who quietly sacrifices for those he loves.

His character, though, is not stoic and onedimensional but instead, we are able to see the range, the struggle and the tough decisions he had to make play out. The chemistry between dad and his children and siblings was undeniable. Tear jerking moments around his connection with his sweet 6 year old granddaughter involved humor and real dialogue, and it never went into cheesy territory, which is hard to do with this movie format. Credit to solid writing, editing and casting.

Tuan Tran plays son Woan, a Youtube star, who is nouveau riche enough to provide for his family. He represents a successful younger generation struggling to understand why his father would do certain things so old-fashioned. It becomes a recurring theme throughout

38 • HOLLYWOOD MONTHLY

GENERATIONAL FAMILY DYNAMICS, STRONG CONTENDER FOR 2022 OSCAR

By Marc Ang

the movie, where the audience is able to see both perspectives but can see how situations would put father and son in different camps, whether it is the father’s unwavering loyalty to his abusive siblings, or the son’s desire to spend his money on a luxury apartment instead of a house.

The young daughter’s performance, as well as the father’s love interest and the drunkard and sometimes thief, brother who was shockingly willing to help Ba Sang in his time of need, provided shining moments for the supporting cast. The way the characters, even the bullying siblings, endeared themselves to the audience is a testament to the stellar writing, casting and directing.

While Parasite provided the fast pace Hollywood is used to, Bố Già is superior in its character development and stirring the heart and emotions with its plot and characters. Running at 128 minutes, an edit for the US audience may just create a home run, but that is just a minor critique. After the 45 minute mark, the

movie accelerates and grips you like the best movies do. It is a welcome addition to the Oscars in 2022, where this is Vietnam’s official entry. The premier film academy will be treated with Vietnam’s fine work and debut breakthrough, of sorts, complete with cultural pride but also a universal treatment of emotional dynamics around family that breaks new ground for Asian cinema.

I predict this film will give the consistent hit-producing Korean entertainers a run for their money. Korea has made a name for itself in global and American film, but Vietnam, through this movie, has masterfully depicted the specific complexities of Asian cultures, patriarchy and family obligations in a non-cliche, heartwarming feature film that can grab your attention like the strongest moments of Squid Game. This was a great team effort with Directors Vu Ngoc Dang and Tran Thanh himself, and a great cast - a crown jewel for Vietnam and the foreign and comedy and drama genres.

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