U(SA) Docuseries: You Never Thought Hip-Hop Would Take It This Far

DJ SuperNova presents his recent project, U(SA), a seven-episode docuseries that gives an inside look at the growing South African hip-hop scene, and introduces Americans to how artists across the Atlantic are making it their own.

"I knew it was important to document my experiences in the S.A. hip-hop scene because of the level of success these artists were accomplishing," said DJ SuperNova. "Their achievements were an indicator that hip-hop was resonating within the community and creating influence all on its own."

U(SA) jumpstarts the conversation on the influence hip-hop is having in South African culture through the eyes of S.A. artists DJ SuperNova has built relationships with over the last six years.  The series also explores the perspectives of the Bronx-born, Dominican-American who, like many in the U.S, had limited exposure to the diversity of Africans across media platforms.

"During my first visit to S.A. in 2011, I was part of a traveling theater production where I had the opportunity to talk to people and learn their stories. I quickly recognized a commonality in our goals as well as our struggles in life's journey," noted the DJ. "Despite being an American in unfamiliar territory, I could still connect with audiences and provide memorable guest sets at some of the biggest clubs and festivals because of hip-hop."

Part of the connections DJ SuperNova has made has come from the art of blending – a tool DJs use to take the acapella of one song and place it over the instrumental of another. It's a technique the American DJ has used to feature the music of South African Artists, and create a remix of familiar concepts with fresh sounds. Since March 2012, his mixes have been featured regularly on Naked DJ and Lulo Café's radio show on Metro FM, the No. 1 national urban radio station in South Africa.

U(SA) shows that there is an opportunity for greater collaboration between American and South African artists to bridge the gap, cross-pollinate fans and create opportunities for people to learn from one another.

"Ultimately as a DJ, I am in a position to bring people together through music and with projects such as U(SA)," said DJ SuperNova.

"I would like more opportunities to travel and document hip-hop across the globe in places like Tanzania, Japan, Brazil and the United Kingdom. Hip-hop is arguably the greatest cultural influence and we should be exploring its impact around the world."

U(SA) premieres Thursday, September 21 on DJ SuperNova's YouTube channel where viewers can watch new episodes each week.

For a sneak peek, visit iamsupernova.com to watch the official trailer.

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Official Trailer and Episode Clips

Official trailer - http://iamsupernova.com/

Episode clip 1 - https://youtu.be/AglvbyNMou0



Episode clip 2 - https://youtu.be/lcAncTCvbTk



About DJ SuperNova
For more than a decade, DJ SuperNova has consistently brought skill, sophistication and positive energy to his nightclub, festival and college bookings, as well as his events worldwide. He takes great pride in curating memorable sets, whether his clients want Hip-Hop, Top 40, EDM, Latin, Classics or Reggae. The musical adventure that began as a dream during his childhood in the Bronx, NY, would be realized across college campuses, theatrical productions, air waves and international events. To learn more and follow his music, visit http://iamsupernova.com/.

Gunn Pulls Trigger on Quantum Theory

Repertory film company 8 Sided Films proudly announces the attachment of actor Elinor Gunn to a leading role in the $1.04 million science-fiction heist movie Quantum Theory. Director Tennyson E. Stead explains that "plenty of actors in Hollywood will demand tenacity and excellence from themselves when it comes to performance work and audience-building. To lead this ensemble, we need the actor who's been demanding those things from herself for a lifetime already - and that's Elinor Gunn."

Quantum Theory is the story of two women of science who build a prototype with the power to manipulate reality itself, and who must find a way to reclaim that technology when it falls into ruthless hands. Gunn will play the starring role of Gertrude "Roe" Monroe, who she describes as "dry and acerbic and focused as hell." According to Gunn, "She knows what she wants and how to get it, and she is badass by accident. I love her clumsy, socially awkward, loyal self. The fact that she gets to save the world is icing on the cake."

Gunn is an alum of Upright Citizens Brigade, Seattle Shakespeare Company, and Sound Theatre Company, and stars in her first mainstage production as a member of Hollywood's acclaimed Theater of Note, "Hello Stranger" by Sharon Yablon, starting October 19. Tennyson E. Stead is an award-winning writer and director with writing and production credits in feature films, theater, and web content. 8 Sided Films is an independent film company built on the values and practices of repertory theater, including active, mutual accountability for the excellence of a production and for the integrity of a production's community of support.

"I am very excited to be a part of this project and to work with people who really understand the industry, but aren't jaded about it," Gunn reveals. "They have all worked hard on achieving a way to 'do Hollywood' and maintain sanity, integrity, and craft. I absolutely want to be a part of projects that care about their actors, their crew, and their audience."

8 Sided Films: http://www.8sidedfilms.com

Moviegazoo Will Start Promoting Movies Again!

"After watching Facebook and Twitter take credit for the movies we help open, we decided to be a bit more selective on the films we added into our weekly movie rotation.  Plus we shifted more than $150 million worth of ticket sales to our Lifestyles Network. Money that our members would normally spent on tickets. But after watching ticket sales decline over the summer we decided to start promoting films again.

With our Mobile Platform growing at a rapid rate, we believe the time is right to do than just promote a film but partner with a studio in opening a film or investing in a film and then give Moviegazoo Mobile Members the option to see the film before it is released in theaters.  Our Private Screening Platform would permit a Studio to make its investment back with minimum loss!  Meaning by the time a film is released in the theaters, a Studio would have already recouped its original investment, thus limiting it losses in what we call "Bootleg Red Zones" where large amount of Bootleg/Piracy takes place.

When you take a step back and look at the amount of money a major film loses from Bootleg/Piracy, it is mind-blowing!  Take for instance Wonder Woman which came out this year. It lost more than $200 million, and The Fate of the Furious lost more $450 million from illegal downloads.  When a film hits the internet within the first week it's released, the internet suck millions of tickets sales from a film.  Even bad films are being posted online and crushing any hope for ticket sales.  Bootleg/Piracy is not just affecting Hollywood, but Online Streaming and on-Demand Services are feeling the effect.   Netflix and Amazon Prime rank 1 and 2 when it comes to Bootlegged Content.  Within hours of a Series Being released a complete season of a program can end up on the internet for anyone to download… Online Streaming is becoming the new Hollywood when it comes to Bootleg/Piracy.

The amount of money that's being lost is the reason we intend to promote our Private Screening Platform. A more Secure Platform that a Studio can tap into, in order to limit their losses.  So when their film is released in a Bootleg Red Zone, the studio would have already made their investment back!   Moviegazoo's Private Screening Platform will permit us to direct between $200 million and $1.2 billion worth of ticket sales to a film when we are working with a Studio to open their film." said Vince Charles Moulterie II, Founder and Chief Designer of Moviegazoo Mobile.

Moviegazoo Mobile will continue to use its "Bing" App to transfer movie information to its members.  And while Moviegazoo Mobile will start promoting movies again, it will be more selective with the films Moviegazoo Mobile promotes or directs ticket sales to.

Anthony Hornus, Jesse Aragon to helm CDI's next feature, the powerful 'MBF' (Man's Best Friend)

Award-winning journalist, author, actor, director and filmmaker Anthony Hornus knows the human condition and the horrific costs when it comes to war. He's experienced it and seen it first hand. Not as a military veteran, rather as a friend, family member, parent, multi-media professional and story teller about those who have served America from World War II, Korea and Vietnam to Desert Storm, Iraq and his embed with U.S. Forces in Afghanistan.

Lansing (MI)-based production company Collective Development Incorporated, with whom Mr. Hornus has collaborated with for 19 years didn't have to look far in choosing the best, most personally-connected person to direct 'MBF' (formerly 'Man's Best Friend'), CDI's powerful upcoming character study.

Joining Mr. Hornus at the creative helm of 'MBF,' is the incomparable Los Angeles-based Director of Photography, Jesse Aragon. Mr. Aragon, is building an impressive resume, having DP'd CDI's last four films over three years. This includes all three edgy, biblical adventures in 'The Quest Trilogy' ('Forty Nights,' 'Chasing the Star' and 'The Christ Slayer'), and the post-Civil War drama/adventure, 'Wild Faith.'

Mr. Aragon, affectionately nicknamed 'Smooth' by his friends and colleagues at CDI, is becoming well-known to audiences worldwide through CDI-produced films. His eye captures breathtaking and beautiful vistas, gritty as well as burnishing hues and stellar character performances through his lenses.

"Jesse 'Smooth' Aragon has become part of our CDI storytelling tribe and we've all grown from our beautiful collaboration." - DJ Perry, CEO Collective Development Inc.

When Mr. Hornus (prefers Tony or just 'T') graduated high school in a small Michigan town, the war in Southeast Asia was still raging. The anti-war protests and confrontations over racial inequality on the homefront were becoming seemingly evermore violent and deadly (Four dead in O-HI-O, Kent State, 1970).

Mr. Hornus, whose number was 185 in the first year of the Selective Service Lottery, was not drafted. But the death and destruction of the Vietnam War, broadcast into homes nightly on TV, will never leave him.

"I had two good friends who died in Vietnam," explains Tony. "One was a Marine, one was Army Airborne. They didn't have a choice of enlistment or branch like our military does today. They were scared 19-year-olds who yet, when called, had the courage to serve our country in very dark, dangerous, conflicted times. I knew them well. And there were tens of thousands just like Donnie and Dwight who stood up to serve with honor and distinction."

During an illustrious 32-year career in journalism at a Michigan daily newspaper, Tony earned 14 honors from The Associated Press for newswriting excellence in breaking news, opinion/commentary, investigative reporting and human interest profiles.

"Some of the most interesting stories I worked on came from veterans," he enthuses. "World War II vets - guys who were in the Normandy invasion, Battle of the Bulge, Iwo Jima and Okinawa, an uncle who was on a Navy tanker in the Pacific; a soldier who survived a year in a North Korean POW camp; a Vietnam vet who survived the battle of Hue, another who was at the fall of Saigon; stories of those who fought in Desert Storm; and of course, Iraq and Afghanistan. Their stories fascinated me. And you always honor the story. To be across the table from men and women of such character, what a privilege."

On most of CDI's films, Tony, who wrote and co-directed the true crime film, 'An Ordinary Killer,' for CDI (based on his book) is a producer and when the role fits, an actor. He was on the team that helped three young directors – Jesse Low (twice, with 'Forty Nights' and 'Wild Faith'), Bret Miller ('Chasing the Star') and Nathaniel Nose ('The Christ Slayer') – put their creative fingerprint on CDI feature films.

Tony smiled, "Now it's the old man's turn. If you've lived it, crossed paths with and know all the players and types in the story, been a writer and story teller your entire adult life, maybe you've earned the trust to lead a great cast and crew in telling this story.

'MBF'' is tagged as "an engaging tale that draws parallels between the treatment of many wounded military veterans and 'last chance' shelter dogs.

The story touches upon an array of societal issues. From Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and other emotional and psychological challenges; physical wounds and horrific disfigurement of wounded veterans; homelessness/families struggling at the poverty level; abuse and mistreatment of animals (specifically canines); disrespectful, troubled teens; and, the arrogance of 'perceived privilege and entitlement' by those in positions of authority, even in small town America.
The uniqueness of MBF is its redemptive reach for balance. It strives to expose the darkness of man's inhumanity, yet embraces the goodness in the hearts of others.

Tony previously embeded with U.S. Forces in Afghanistan while filming the critically-acclaimed and award-winning documentary 'Outside the Wire: The Forgotten Children of Afghanistan' (2011) and directed the award winning short 'Standing Post' playing military-themed festivals now.

"Whether or not that's just from being around a longtime, our goal with this film is to enlighten, educate, empower and perhaps inspire." - T. Hornus

Casting and other business on MBF continues by CDI producers in the desire of late October-November 'Principal Photography' in mid-Michigan.

Don't Miss The 12th Annual FREAK SHOW Horror Film Festival 2017 October 13th-15th Orlando, Florida

Don't Miss The 12th Annual FREAK SHOW Horror Film Festival 2017, taking place October 13th-15th in Orlando, Florida. Tickets are ON SALE NOW!

Calling all Horror Freaks, Fans, and Filmmakers! Be sure to kickstart your Halloween festivities by attending the original FREAK SHOW Horror Film Festival, presented by Fear Film Studios on Friday, October 13th- 15th, 2017 at the Premiere Cinema Theaters 14 located inside the Fashion Square Mall in Orlando, Florida.

Marking its 12th year showcasing some of the best in independent and international horror; the FREAK SHOW is rapidly gearing up to be another fear-tastic viewing season. Specializing in the debut screenings of a select variety of Super Shorts, Shorts, and Features submitted from around the world and it is not slowing down. In additional to those categories, we're excited to announce the inclusion of Student Shorts to this year's viewing line-up. This new category urged student filmmakers to enter their works of art, vying for a chance to win the coveted "FREAKY" Award.

The original FREAK SHOW Horror Film Festival is Florida's longest running horror fest. Starting out originally as a partner with the well-known Horror Convention Spooky Empire from 2006 until 2014, FREAK SHOW quickly gained its own following. FREAK SHOW eventually grew larger than the convention could host. This provided the opportunity to transition from Spooky Empire, into a proper theater going experience for the fans and filmmakers alike. FREAK SHOW is proud to be partnering with Orlando, Florida's Premiere Cinemas 14.

"This has been the goal of the film festival ever since its inception. Not only is it a great feeling for the filmmakers to see their work on the big screen, but we know our true, long time fans and patrons will also enjoy the whole movie theater experience," says FREAK SHOW Festival Founder and Executive Director Robert J. Massetti.

"We have always catered to being a place where horror fanatics feel at home, A visually visceral experience in which they are seeking a break from what is being turned out by the "big budget production companies". Robert recalls that, "With each year fans have shown their sincerest appreciation for us continuing, stating numerous times that they are looking for something fresh and uniquely different. So many are excited to discover the next Freddy, Jason, Michael, or whatever the next big thing in horror may be. We look to fill that void generously with something for every fan!"

Get your tickets for The FREAK SHOW  Horror Film Festival here:

https://freakshowfilmfest.com/festival-passes-tickets/

Don't miss the Opening Night Screening of "Friday The 13th", get your tickets today for this limited screening!

Check out The FREAK SHOW Horror Film Festival Promo with FREAKO THE CLOWN Here:

https://youtu.be/v0AekIk7ZiA



Festival screens at the PREMIERE CINEMAS 14 near the heart of Downtown Orlando, Florida. For more information, visit www.freakshowfilmfest.com

Follow FREAK SHOW Film Festival on Social Media

• Official Website - http://freakshowfilmfest.com/

• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/freakshowhorrorfest/

• Facebook Event Page - https://www.facebook.com/events/261126684349911/

• Twitter - https://twitter.com/freakshowhorror

• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/freakshowfilmfest/

Zombie Walkers Attack android game creator releases The Secret Princess as it becomes Amazon Video's #1 Bestseller Nollytoons

Known for their popular android game title Zombie Walkers Attack, TransTales Entertainment has done it again this time with a feature animated movie.

Imagine Disney's Frozen with all Black characters; Well the first thing you need to do is to watch The Secret Princess out now on Amazon Movies

With the success of the movie on Kickstater having raised thousands of dollars from fans, there is no second guessing that The Secret Princess is a must see movie. The movie is now the poster image for Nollytoons(African Animation).

The Secret Princess is set to steal the spotlight from Frozen with the all black animated characters and talking animals. The Film created by a British Animation studio TransTales Entertainment (http://transtales.com/) aims to expand the narrative of Children entertainment.

The Secret Princess:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KIEA1lEX0w8



The Secret Princess is adapted from the book with the same title and the movie has such quality that could easily be mistaken for a Disney production. The film is made in 4k resolution which makes it one of the few animated movies with an IMAX standard. It is also in Blu-ray and High-Definition formats which are available to download from the studio's website www.TheSecretPrincess.com

Written and directed by Segun Williams, it stars Desmond Elliot as King Adede and Cuppy Otedola(popular daughter of Billionaire oil magnate) as Princess Sade.

The Secret Princess (http://www.thesecretprincess.com/) is a Tale of a princess that goes through rejection and hence has to live her life in the jungle while in her place a farmer's son lives a luxurious life as the prince. The story brings to the fore front many delicate topics in a subtle way. It also deals with the inferior treatment of female as compared to male child. The Secret Princess is entertaining and educative, a perfect family movie on Amazon.

Stills
https://www.slideshare.net/slideshow/embed_code/key/j0taljWuEj0K3R



Synopsis
A prince falls in love with a mysterious girl unaware she is a real princess switched for him at birth. A king wary of his crown and seeking for a male child to heir the throne led to a secret baby switch by the queen and a farmer's wife. Sade (https://www.amazon.com/Sade-Secret-Princess/dp/1499698623) the secret princess and her adopted mother are accused of being witches after the farmer disappears; they escape to the Jungle as the animals help them.

Vampires Sink Teeth at Atlantic City Cinefest In "Fruit Bat II"

Javahead Productions is proud to announce its acceptance and screening of its latest film “Fruit Bat II” at the tenth annual Atlantic City Cinefest on October 14th. “Fruit Bat II” is the second installation in a digital miniseries directed and written by Alex J. Murphy about vampires, vegetarians, and corpse keg parties.

The short film will be making its big screen debut at Dante Hall Theater, located at 14 North Mississippi Avenue, Atlantic City, NJ at 3:15.

Two vampire brothers, Lenny and Eugene, find themselves attending a vampire house party for the undead. It's here that Lenny quickly learns Eugene's vegetarian ways cannot be masked in social settings.

Vampiric vegetarian Eugene is played by newcomer David J. Marzano, an actor from Scotch Plains, NJ. Opposite is Lenny, played by actor and voiceover extraordinaire Peter Coleman ("Anamnesis"). Jared Vollmann ("Scream Generations"), Reuben E. Natan ("Renaldo the Magician"), and Jenna Moschella ("Vamp Bikers Dos") also star in the film as distinguished blood sucking partygoers.

The film series lives online on Vimeo and YouTube on Javahead Productions' media pages. Tickets for the Atlantic City Cinefest can be purchased online at the festival's official website.

Fruit Bat II (2016, 5 mins.) Writer, Director, Producer: Alex J. Murphy. Editor and Associate Producer: Michael Posner. Director of Photography: Roxy Barrett. Production Designer: Danica Carothers. Javahead Productions.

For more information, contact javaheadproductions@gmail.com, or visit makefriendsnotfeasts.com. 

Phils' blockbuster romance-comedies Finally Found Someone&Kita-kita topbill KBO on TFC

"Love moves in mysteris ways".  This famous line from pop-jazz singer-songwriter Julia Fordham's song of the same title, is perhaps one of most popular love song titles and which holds true in the September offering of Kapamilya Box Office (KBO) on TFC: "Finally Found Someone" and "Kita Kita" airing soon via TFC online (www.TFC.tv) and TFC IPTV starting September 20, in key countries worldwide.

Kapamilya Box Office on TFC offering "Finally Found Someone" is directed by one of the Philippine film industry's fast-rising directors Theodore Boborol and with a story written and developed by Carmi Raymundo and Gilliann Ebreo, marks the much-awaited silver screen reunion of the mega blockbuster tandem of Sarah Geronimo and John Lloyd Cruz.

The power tandem's last team up was the smash hit "It Takes A Man And A Woman" way back in 2013, part of the trilogy that started it all --- "A Very Special Love" and which was followed by "You Changed My Life", both also written by Raymundo and also from Star Cinema.

Four years after the historic and phenomenal third and final installment of the love story of Miggy Montenegro and Laida Magtalas, Cruz and Geronimo breathe life into the characters of Raffy and April –-- two totally different characters in a brand-new story that retains Star Cinema's great tradition of narrating unforgettable romantic comedies.

"Finally Found Someone" is centered on the unexpected romance between Raffy Sandoval (Cruz), a PR hotshot who masterfully crafts lies to excel in his industry, and April Esguerra (Geronimo), an honest-to-goodness girl who has difficulty masking her true emotions. A PR crisis brings the two together, and they discover that they have so much in common in spite of the fact that they are poles apart.  They are kindred souls in a quest for something that will complete their lives.

It will be very interesting to witness Cruz and Geronimo play the roles of Raffy and April --- which Raymundo and Ebreo created for them --- and see how love will fit in the picture in the lives of these two different characters: one, a cutthroat, career-driven overachiever while the other is an honest, sincere, and idealistic girl who believes in the power of true love.

"Finally Found Someone" also stars Joey Marquez, Yayo Aguila, Tetchie Agbayani, Dennis Padilla, Leo Rialp, Alwyn Uytingco, Alexa Ilacad, Christian Babbles, Joj Agpangan, Milo Elmido Jr., Justin Cuyugan, Ruby Ruiz, PJ Endrinal, Lemuel Pelayo, Cara Eriguel, Neggy, Axel Torres, and April Matienzo, with the special participation of Enchong Dee.

Meantime, the independent film "Kita Kita" produced by Spring Films stars the unconventional loveteam of Alessandra de Rossi and Empoy Marquez. Directed and written by Sigrid Andrea Bernardo, the film tells the story of Lea (de Rossi) and Tonyo (Marquez) two Filipinos living in Japan, whose paths will cross after the former suffers from temporary blindness when she finds out that her fiancé is cheating on her. Tonyo, her new neighbor, enters her life after he asks her to tour him around Japan.

As they spend more time together, Lea finds herself falling for Tonyo without the benefit of sight. Now that Lea has finally moved on and her eyesight has come back, will the budding romance between her and Tonyo continue or will it abruptly end?

The film which has become a sleeper hit in the Philippines, was shot in Sapporo, in Hokkaido, Japan, the fifth largest city of the country, popular for its beer products and skiing spots ---must visits for both locals and tourists.

Two stories with interesting story plots, settings and exciting team-ups, come together to complete Kapamilya Box Office's offering this month that has one core message –- love comes in the most unexpected moments and personas in our lives.

Get ready to fall in love with the stories and characters of the films "Finally Found Someone" and "Kita Kita" which will be available starting September 20 via KBO on TFC online (www.TFC.tv) and TFC IPTV in key countries worldwide.

Local Producer Announces Film on 500 Club at Atlantic City Cinefest

Scott Rosenfelt, the producer of “Home Alone”, “Mystic Pizza”, “Teen Wolf” and “Smoke Signals” will announce the first movie ever about the 500 Club at the opening of the 10^th Annual Atlantic City Cinefest on Oct. 13. Mayor Don Guardian will join Rosenfelt and other dignitaries at Dante Hall Theater at 6 p.m. to talk about “The Five.”

Rosenfelt will be writing the script and producing the film. He’s been working with Paulajane D’Amato on the story of her father, Skinny D’Amato, and the famous night club. The script will primarily encompass the time between Skinny’s purchase of the club in the late 1940’s through the Democratic National Convention in 1964.  It will be bookended by the tragic fire that destroyed the 500 Club in 1973.

The filmmaker has enlisted investors from the Atlantic City area for the development of the project and has been doing extensive research in the area.  “This is an important part of the overall process, working with those who know the story and are excited to see it brought to the screen,” Rosenfelt said.  “This project is also a boost to the Atlantic City economy and wonderful for the morale of the area, which has suffered under that loss of jobs emanating from the closure of multiple casinos.”

In addition to a residence in Los Angeles, Rosenfelt has been living in Margate for the past three years with his wife, Victoria Dolceamore, a native of the area, and their three children.  His father graduated from Atlantic City High School in 1941 before heading off to the Army Air Corps in WWII. The filmmaker is currently prepping a movie, “The Big Score”, which he wrote and will be producing and directing.  He expects to be shooting in Taiwan, Toronto, Manila and Los Angeles during the first quarter of 2018.

The 10^th annual Atlantic City Cinefest will present more than 75 feature, short and documentary films, Oct. 13 to 15. The film festival will serve up a mix of comedy, drama, horror and more, many from New Jersey filmmakers.

Tickets are $40 for a weekend pass; $25 for a day pass and $5 for a single block of films. Tickets are available through Stockton University at dantehallstockton.org and at the door. For more information on the festival, visit www.atlanticcitycinefest.org

The Atlantic City Cinefest celebrates the art form of independent moviemaking. The festival has hosted Kevin Smith, Terry Winter, Robert Downey, Sr., Blanche Baker, Scott Rosenfelt, William Forsythe, Dominique Swain and Brian O'Halloran during the first nine years. Presented by Downbeach Film Festival, the Cinefest shows movies at Dante Hall Theater, 14 N. Mississippi Avenue and the Noyes Arts Garage, 2200 Fairmount Avenue. Both venues are managed by Stockton University.

Fantasy Action Film "Protectress" Empowers Women

The end of August marked the online premiere of "Protectress," a dramatic fantasy action short film, and it is already impacting women with its message of female empowerment.

Hailed as "Wonder Woman meets Game of Thrones," the film was written and produced by its star, Joanna Ke. During battle, a healer duels with her mortal enemy in an unsettling form, facing an impossible choice that will forever forge her destiny as a warrior.

Within its first week of premiering online, the film was screened for a group of young women. "I oversee a youth department that works with children and teens who have been victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, teen dating violence, trafficking," says Michelle Linski, lead youth advocate.

"I love alternative coping mechanisms like art, music, and film. A lot of times those girls feel as though they have no power because it was taken away from them. When the girls watched the film, a lot of them were crying at the end of it.

We discussed how it made them feel for about an hour afterwards. They imagined fighting their own demons…After watching the movie they were more confident in their ability to overcome their victimization."

After getting fed up with the roles she was seeing for women in Hollywood, Ke decided to write what she saw the industry was lacking. She has seen her share of vapid female characters as a professional script reader and actor. She runs the twitter account @femcharacters (http://www.twitter.com/femcharacters/) where she highlights the unfortunate way women are often portrayed on screen.

"I firmly believe the world needs more stories in film and television with dynamic women in leading roles. I'm incredibly moved and fulfilled hearing how our film helped these young women heal, and it proves the point that we are impacted by the way women are depicted on screen," Ke says.

Strong women were paramount to the production, both in front of and behind the camera. The production boasts a 50% female crew. Director America Young (http://www.americayoung.com), who brings her experience not only as a director but also as a stunt coordinator and stuntwoman, helms "Protectress." Her years of production experience and geek obsession culminated in Young's recent feature directorial debut with the Stan Lee executive produced pop-culture comedy "The Concessionaires Must Die!!"

Since its release, the feedback Ke and Young have received the most is that audiences want more of "Protectress." They're in luck, since the film is a proof of concept for a feature with series potential, which Ke is currently developing.

The film will be viewable online until the end of October, when "Protectress" will begin a festival run.

Watch it now at www.protectressfilm.com.

Submit Your Film | Sima Awards 2018

DOC MAKERS | CHANGE MAKERS

6TH ANNUAL INTL.  SOCIAL IMPACT MEDIA AWARDS (SIMA)

OPENS FOR ENTRIES

LOS ANGELES (August 14, 2017) – Impact filmmakers and creatives rejoice. For their 6th year, the Social Impact Media Awards (SIMA) will open for entries on September 8, 2017.

Known for bridging the global gap between filmmakers and their audiences and encouraging thoughtful action, the annual SIMA Awards honor the works of content creators who are pushing the boundaries of social and political storytelling.

"In 2017 we marched in some of the largest protests in history, held hands through disaster and recovery, and continue to witness game-changing political, environmental and cultural shifts around the globe. The annual SIMA Awards are here to honor those who capture these moments, bringing us face to face with some of the most thought-provoking perspectives through the power of film. " -Daniela  Kon, Executive Director, Founder SIMA

Through the years, SIMA's work at the intersection of film and activism has brought an international spotlight to some of the world's most pressing social issues through documentary filmmaking with previous winners including: Maisie Crow's JACKSON, taking us behind the scenes of women's reproductive rights in the U.S., Nanfu Wang's HOOLIGAN SPARROW delivers an unprecedented insight into activism in China, and Marc Silver's WHO IS DAYANI CRISTAL?, unveiling the journey of forgotten immigrants found dead near the U.S./Mexico border.

From September 8 to October 27 2017, SIMA is accepting submissions for feature-length and short-format documentaries, virtual reality (VR) films, and impact videos that move, enlighten, and transform our world. Think: mind-blowing social issue and advocacy films with inspirational subjects and blood-pumping storytelling from over 140 countries around the globe.

"Filmmaking is an important tool in the effort to examine issues and raise awareness, as well as make change and positively impact societies around the globe. It's a form of communication that transcends the barriers of language and geography, helping global issues reach an international audience. Blackmagic Design is thrilled to be able to support SIMA and its work around these important initiatives with the SIMA Awards, as well as the many talented creatives who seek to inspire social change through cinema." -Bob Caniglia, Director of Sales Operations, Black Magic Design

ABOUT THE 2018 SIMA AWARDS:

Each year, films from all over the world are invited to compete for honors, cash prizes, industry accolades, media features, distribution opportunities, entry into SIMA's signature film programs. Finalists will be announced on January 9, 2018 and Winners announced on February 7, 2018.

SIMA is looking for original, wise, brave, eye-opening and creative productions that increase the awareness of viewers to local and global issues, to the resilience of humans facing deprivation, to the politics and movements of human rights, environmental and social justice, and to efforts and agents of change worldwide. We seek productions that raise important questions about the state of our contemporary world, and inspire people to reflect on the meaning and potential of social activism and social transformation.

ENTRY CATEGORIES

Feature Documentaries, Short Documentaries, Virtual Reality (VR)/ 360 Films, and Impact Videos: Innovations and Creative Advocacy

DEADLINES

Early Bird (September 8th – September 26th)

Regular (September 27th – October 10th)

Late(October 11th – October 27th)

SUBMIT

Submit your films to  http://bit.ly/SIMA2018 by October 27, 2017.

2017 Atlantic City Cinefest to Showcase Dozens of Films

CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF 
ATLANTIC CITY CINEFEST

            The 10^th annual Atlantic City Cinefest will present more than 75 feature, short and documentary films, Oct. 13 to 15 2017. The film festival will serve up a mix of comedy, drama, horror and more, many from New Jersey filmmakers.

            To celebrate this milestone, we will bring back some of the honorees of the past. Scott Rosenfelt, producer of classics like “Home Alone,” “Mystic Pizza” and “Teen Wolf,” returns. “I’m very, very excited to come back this year and I look forward to seeing everybody at the festival,” he says.

Last year’s honoree, award-winning Blanche Baker, will be back with a film she wrote and directed, a short called “Streetwrite,” about the art of political graffiti. “Cinefest is one of my favorite film festivals,” she says. “It has a great vibe, engaging panel discussions and world class films! A wonderful experience.”

Another honoree from last year, Philadelphia native, Scott L. Schwartz adds “This festival is a great platform for filmmakers who want to be seen.”

And Peter Dobson returns yet again with another film, “Dirty Dead Con Men,” a testament to his belief in the festival. “Without question, the AC Cinefest is one the most important and well run festivals in the country.”

            As with last year, films will be screened in the resort's Arts District at Dante Hall Theater and the Noyes Arts Garage of Stockton University, both on Mississippi Avenue.

            The festival will feature perennial festival filmmakers, many regional: Keith Vaile, Pat Kazanjian, Keith Collins, Sebastian Foxworth, Jack Skyyler, C.J. Cullen, Antoine Allen, Mark Clauberg, Maurice Paramore, Larry Rosen and others. Look for a selection of local films from students of the famed Weist-Barron-Ryan casting agency and acting school. We will also screen a block of films dealing with mental health issues.

            The schedule should be available later in September.  Tickets are $40 for a Weekend Pass; $25 for a day pass and $5 for a single block of films. Tickets are available through Stockton University at dantehallstockton.org and at the door. For more information on the festival, visit atlanticcitycinefest.org

The Atlantic City Cinefest celebrates the art form of independent moviemaking. The festival has hosted Kevin Smith, Terry Winter, Robert Downey, Sr., Blanche Baker, Scott Rosenfelt, William Forsythe, Dominique Swain and Brian O'Halloran during the first eight years. Presented by Downbeach Film Festival, the Cinefest shows movies at Dante Hall Theater, 14 N. Mississippi Avenue and the Noyes Arts Garage, 2200 Fairmount Avenue. Both venues are managed by Stockton University.