The Last Real Showgir l: Diane Chr ist iansen
"BurningBridges& "TheCherry Picker" Screening
OUTShine Film Festival
Miami GEMSFilm Festival
"Our Family Pride"screening
Florida Film Festival
Savoir-faire
INDEPENDENT STREAK MAGAZINE
TheLast Real Showgirl: Diane Christiansen
By Rachel Galvin
The word "showgirl" may have first been used in the 1700sbut did not manifest into what we think of the term until the early 1900swhen the Ziegfeld Folliesgirlshit the stage with elaborate costumescreated by the likesof Erté.The movement had gone from France with itsBelle Epoque to America. And it only grew from there, celebrated in filmsand hitting the stagesin placeslike LasVegas, where showgirlsfound themselvesup on billboards.
When you think of ashowgirl,you think of sky-high headdresses, glittering gownsand plenty of feathers,nudity,high kicks,elegance and extravagance -- a celebration of beauty.
But what isit like to be ashowgirl?That issomething that hasbeen explored alot lately -- from the movie "The Last Showgirl," starring PamelaAnderson,to Taylor Swift'slatest album by the same name. But isany of that reality?A"Time Magazine" article just came out interviewing some of the real showgirlswho shared their experiences. One of those women wasDiane Christiansen,who also
coincidentally just came out with a book about her life aptly tiled "The Last Real Showgirl:My Sequined '70sOnstage." It isa title she came up with long before the movie hit the theaters.
Watching the movie,she saw a lot of discrepancies.It did not tell the whole story.While she appreciated seeing the elaborate costumes used,some of the storylinesdid not fit her experience ...such as someone making their child wait in the car while they did showsor leaving their child,or being unaware what to do after their showgirl career wasover. In her experience,showgirlsdid not stay around in later yearsand all knew what their next step would be far in advance, unlike what isportrayed in the movie. These are just afew of the differencesshe pointsout,although she highly respectsAnderson for taking on the role,and other actresses,such asJamie Lee Curtis,who also did an excellent job.
It isclear in her book that Christiansen lived abit of a gypsy life, coming from asmall town in Illinoisto traveling the world,always being ready to move to the next opportunity and meeting a diverse group of people along the way asshe expanded her horizons.Often,she wastaken advantage of for her naivete, and found herself betrayed by some,but also made lifelong friendships.
She traveled to Montreal, France,the Bahamas,Atlanta,Las Vegasand elsewhere. She was privy to the glamorouslife, being treated like acelebrity and meeting well-known celebrities.She even worked onstage with Siegfried & Roy.
She also saw some of the darknessof living the life, including being strongly encouraged to stay thin and being given diet pillsthat made
her insane to being invited to an opium den. She saw the free love of the '70saround her and engaged in some of the hippy lifestyle while somehow keeping her head on her shoulders and not diving too far down the rabbit hole.
Her perseverance,curiosity,wide eyed optimism,beauty and talent all served her well asshe wasable to not only do very well overall in the career,despite some upsand downs,but to move on to other undertakings.She found herself involved in other creative endeavors, including fashion design,but she wasalwaysan actressat heart. Eventually,she took on a pen name -- DianaMann -- and worked in many feature filmsbefore eventually becoming an acting coach. She worked herself up in that field to becoming the top acting coach in Los Angeles.
She also got married and had two talented children -- Max and Tess, and isnow agrandmother.She haslived quite alife!
She issharing her story with the world,and her timing could not be more perfect.Asked why she decided to write the book now,she said, "I began writing thisbook in 2007 when I attended acast and crew reunion at the Stardust Hotel just before it wasimploded. AsI gazed around the event,attended by 650 dancers,costume designers, choreographersand wardrobe professionals,I realized it wasthe end of an era."
Her book isan easy read,flowing nicely from one experience to another along her journey. The processof gathering together all of her adventuresinto abook form wasnot simple,but she somehoe makesit look easy."I began by writing the storiesfrom my '70s dancing daysworldwide. I dabbled for yearsuntil at last I enrolled in two writing classeswith two different teachersto wrap it up and then worked on aproposal to submit to literary agents.Once I wassigned and my book sold,there were lotsof storiesthat my publisher, Mcfarland Publishing asked me to take out to ensure they would not be sued. There were many more 'tell all' secretsprior to being published In addition,many nameshave been changed They also had me scale it back from 125,000 wordsto 99,000. It wasdifficult to share many childhood storiesof my tumultuouschildhood,yet several of the factsremain."
Besidesher life asa showgirl,she also shed light on her upbringing and revealed some family secretsthat showed how she became the person she ended up becoming.
Asked what she wished she knew then that she knowsnow and how she might have changed her life,she said,"Looking back,I do wish I had known to go with the flow at 18 in thisIndustry a bit more.I wasa strong-willed teenager trying to grow up in an Industry that isless than forgiving.I doubt I could have done thingsdifferently with the knowledge I possessed at that time.I do believe that everything I experienced delivered me to my own evolution,so would I change things?No,probably not."
With all of her life experience, she isa great resource for othersand she shares her wisdom with young actorsevery day.One mistake she constantly seesactors making isnot going to class once they reach
certain level. "I see actorsstop training once they land an agent or manager. That isthe time to really train and master the skillsneeded to not only audition but to compete in afield filled with hard working pros.It'sthe most critical time for actorsto stay in classand stay on top of their craft," she said.
She added,"My advice to actorsisto stay in work mode.Even if you have booked aseriesregular role in something or done a lead role in a feature film,you can't rest on your laurels.You must keep working to feel like aworking actor. If that meansrevert to doing short filmsor low budget work,your own projectsor student films,do it! Also, continue to master your self tapesat home.Keep filming scenesand keep building your mediabank for that casting director that wantsto see 'more footage.' Again,staying in classeswhere the actorsare better than you are helpsyou grow."
For those who have already gotten past the basicsand now want to go to the next step,she saysit isimportant to get yourself in front of people that could help your career and,again,keep learning. "Network. Go to events,industry parties,screenings,gallery openings, book and album launches.You must place yourself in the line of new people who are doing things. Travel.Take classeswith good teachers, keep putting 'light units' in the bank.It will come back to you at the perfect time if you have trust," she advised.
What'snext for Christiansen?"My Management company and I are pitching the dramatic rightsof my book to TVproducersand showrunnerswho are interested in creating a limited seriesof 'The Last Real Showgirl.' Showgirlshave been resurrected recently and we plan to ride the crest of that wave. Although I am sure it would be re-titled since the film 'The Last Showgirl' came out earlier thisyear. It'sjust too similar.Although,my book wastitled 20 yearsago when I began writing it," she said,
While waiting for that seriesto get picked up,Christiansen isstaying busy promoting her book."My management company signed me to do public speaking engagements,promoting my book and presenting variousshowgirl costumesand propsin my presentations," she said. Look for Christiansen at a book signing near you!
If youwouldliketocontact her orhireher asanactingcoach,youcan email Actupdi@gmail.comor visit her websiteat www.thechristiansenactingacademy.com.Youcanalsofindout more about her bookat www.thelastrealshowgirl.com.It isavailableat Amazon.com,Barnes& Nobleandelsewhere.ShealsohasYouTube videosupwithinterviewsabout herlifeandcoachingadvice.She coachesinLosAngelesbut alsoworldwidevia Zoom.
Diane Christiansen now spendsher time with her children,grandchildren and friends,aswell asher many clientsasan acting coach.
The famousRolling Stonessong says, "You can't alwaysget what you want... but you get what you need."
Isn't that the truth?How often doesit happen that we just can't get satisfaction?Our dreamsseem to fall by the wayside.
Or do they?Maybe what we wish for doesnot come true,but maybe something better does.Maybe what we get iscompletely different.
Take real stock in what you have achieved.Even if it isnot what your goal set out to be ... find things that have happened to be grateful for ...Then,renew your ideasfor the future,reassessyour goalsand move forward with a new positivity.Just because that dream hasnot happen,also doesnot mean it will not in the future.
Breaka leg!
Rachel Galvin
Publisher
INDEPENDENT STREAK MAGAZINE
"B u r n i n g B r i d g e s "
& "TheCher ryPicker "
By Rachel Galvin
Ciro Dapagio just doesnot stop. The man is a powerhouse and he keepspumping out films. And he doesnot just throw anything against the wall to see what sticks.Each film ispurposefully crafted and bringstop talent to the screen.Thishasbeen evident with such unforgettable filmsas"The Mob King" and "Silent Partners."
On September 1,he showcased two of his next projects-- "The Cherry Picker " and "Burning Bridges," at Savor Cinemain Ft. Lauderdale,FL. Many of the same cast were seen in these filmsin new roles,aswell asbringing in new ones.
His"The Cherry Picker" isdescribed asa darkly comedic thriller with heavy shadesof satire,set within the brutal,glamorousecosystem of Hollywood power.The story followsCaine Cross,a high-powered show runner who?srisen to fame and influence,until a scandalousdivorce and relentlessPRcrisisbegin to unravel hiscarefully curated persona.
For "Burning Bridges," in which Dapagio playsthe lead character Jack Stacks,he said,"It'sabout an older wrestler who'skind of like Hulk Hogan who'sbeen through it all ...And now he'sout 10 yearsor more and he'sfeeling what it'slike to not be relevant anymore."
Several professional wrestlersand body builderswere involved with the film and had apositive feeling about the end result. Thiswasthe first episode of what Dapagio hopesto turn into a successful TV series. It definitely made you want to see more
Following the screening,everyone could mingle on the patio and take more pictures.All of hiseventsbring out top business professionals.
Ciro & Lola Dapagio
Actor James Bishop, Director Jokes Yanes, actor Frantzy Moreau with professional wrestler Gangrel David
"The Cherry Picker" writer and lead actor James Bishop hangs out with fellow actor James Ferrigno before the screening
Actor Elgin David & actor/ bodybuilder Aaron Reed
Actor Salvatore Grosso, ISfounder Rachel Galvin with Ciro Dapagio
He hasmade these pilotsand will be pitching them hoping they will get picked up.He is already getting attention from big playersin the industry,he said.
He recently flew to Cannes France for MIPCOM,a tradeshow for the television industry,which went very well.
What'snext?Dapagio already is
INDEPENDENT STREAK MAGAZINE
o l l y w o o
F l o r i d a F i l m
F e s t i v a l R e t u r n s
By Rachel Galvin
The Hollywood FloridaFilm Festival wasawhirlwind event September 5-7, awhirling dervish of activity,acarnival of creativity that left onlookersoff balance,unsure what wascoming next.
The event wasthe creation of SimonaLoredanaMuresan,who poured her heart and soul into the endeavor. Her partner Minh Collinswasalso in attendance.
Opening and closing nightswere both held not in Hollywood,but in Weston,at The Park Weston Bonaventure,so that they could have anice sized venue for the soireessince everything wasbooked it seemed in Hollywood.
In between,they had aday and night of non-stop filmsshown in Hollywood at CinemaParadiso with many filmmakersand actorsin attendance Some had come from other statesor countriesto attend.
During the opener,there wasavariety of horsd' oeuvresand an open activities.
Muresan hosted with Sasha Arreguin They announced that the judgeswere not only international,but they were available to speak to the crowd viaZoom. Eventually,they were able to tune in and they each had a chance to speak about the wonderful films they had the chance to watch.
Also,ateam came from Russia,who was introduced and it wasannounced that their music video "Teen Angels- Piecesof a Dream" would be shown on closing night.
Each of the filmmakerswho had afilm showing the next day had the opportunity,if they were present,to share abit about their movie.
She also had afashion show with clothing from designer AlexaDumitru.
The night ended with asurprise aseveryone went out to the lobby Ayoung opera singer, Haojin Mo,who sang with the Florida Grand Opera,sang with apiano player.
People ended the evening taking more photoson the step and repeat
CLOSINGNIGHT
On Closing night,Simonawent all out and proved that her festival wasnot just about film,but also about fashion,dance and other artistic expression. Not only were about 50 awardsannounced and people could enjoy hors d'oeuvresand mingle once again,but there also wasabeautiful dance number by Dan and BIanca,and afashion show by adesigner from Switzerland called Rebel&Freak,including men and women,and even small dogs.The modelswere styled showcasing how an outfit could be transformed in simple ways.
One of the sponsors,Gianluca Matulli,of Matteo'sof Hallandale,spoke and hiswife,Allison,got up and said afew wordsabout being her children'sbook "Your Freedom,Your Power" about free speech
Dr.Carmen Harrajumped up and sang acapellain several languageson the spot.It wasone surprise after another. It wasone of the most unique festivals!
Formoreinformationonthefilmfestival,visit http://filmfreeway.com/hollywoodfloridafilmfestival.
Findmorephotoshereandonthemagazine'sFacebookpagesoon.
Simona Loredana Muresan
On T h e Sc e n e
INDEPENDENT STREAK MAGAZINE
PNR
- 5th Place (tie) - "Uprise" by Reelbonds& "Queen of Hearts" by Andronache Studio Production
Audience Choice Awards:
- Group A?"After This,We?re Done" (Due Cinema)
- Group B?"Harpy" (MadnessMedia)
- Group C?"We?ll Fix It in Post" (Go Fish)
Best Writing: "AStar Isn't Born" by Prize Box
Best Editing:"Uprise" by ReelBonds
Best Directing:"Takeout" by Take 48
Best Cinematography: "Queen of Hearts" by Andronache Studio Production
Best Sound Design: "The Ace of Hearts" by Everlune Visuals
Best Song: "The Steele BrothersBand" by The Blooming Isle
Best Acting in aSupporting Role: "Apartment 12" by That'sThe Shot Productions(IsabellaBobadilla)
"The Lining" by cafe SAD (Rod Sylvestre)
FloridaFilmmaker Showcase & 48 Hour Film Project
By Rachel Galvin
The 3rd Annual ArtsAccelerator Festival,including the Florida Filmmaker Showcase and the 48 Hour Film Project,washeld on September 27 at the Savor Cinema. It wasan all day event with movies, avisual storytelling workshop and an awardsevent. There waseven a raffle with aSony cameraand other prizesto be given away,in addition to abuffet meal. It wasa full day for filmmakersto network and celebrate cinema.
South Florida Filmmaker Showcase Awards
- Best Film Award:"YTu HasHecho," directed by Paolo Cesti
- Audience Choice:"Malabar," directed by Freddy Rodriguez 48 Hour Film Project Awards
- Best Film:"Mobley Mei Zu" ?Phresh New Day Productions
- 2nd place:A"fter ThisWe?re Done "?Due Cinema
- 3rd place:"Go Fish" ?We?ll Fix It in Post
- 4th Place - "The Story Within" by Curbside Productions/Tokayrive
Best Actor: "The Story Within" by Curbside Productions/Tokayrive PNR (Ashmeni)
"Subject 48" by Visualsto go (Behner Barrero)
Best Acting Ensemble:"The Family Secret" by GALOTTI/MARRERO PRODUCTIONS
Best Special Effects:"Mobley Mei Zu" by Phresh New Day Productions
Best Costume Design: "Legend of the Chiki Chika" by Front Yard Puppies
Best Set Design:"Subject 48" by Visualsto go
Best Poster: "Subject 48" by Visualsto go
Best Use of Character: "Finding Hialeah Spider-Man" by Hollywhut!?
Best Use of Prop:"One Last Game" by BAGSSE
Best Use of Line:"After This,We're Done" by Due Cinema
Best Use of Genre:"Too Little Too Late" by Production Prowlers
Best Sound Mixing / Sound Design: "The Lining" by cafe SAD
Moreinformationat www.48hourfilm.com/miami.Morepicscomingsoonon theISFacebookpage.
O n T h e S
INDEPENDENT STREAK MAGAZINE
"Our Family Pride" Private Screening
By Rachel Galvin
There wasaseaof pink and purple on September 28 at Savor Cinema in Fort Lauderdale.People were dressed in the colorsseen on the poster for the new series"Our Family Pride." Thiswasthe night the private friendsand family screening for the pilot,which wascreated by Glen Evelyn,based around histrue story.
The plot followsa man who revealsto hiswife and kidsthat he is really gay and all the difficultiesthat follow,aswell asthe triumphsof afamily trying to figure it all out and support each other the best way they can.There are other plot pointsin the seriesaswell,including a son with sobriety issuesand the father navigating the dating scene, among others.
The response wasvery positive for the pilot,which they are working on getting distribution for. In attendance wasnot only Evelyn,but also the director Dominic Gianetti and many of the cast and crew,who came up for aphoto.After the screening,there wasa party in courtyard,including ared carpet.Morepicstocomesoon!
On T h e Sc e n e
INDEPENDENT STREAK MAGAZINE
Art of Networking 3
By Rachel Galvin
Kenny Ruiz,a.k.a.Magchop Kenny,knowsa lot about alot of thingsand he certainly knowshow to share what he doesthrough networking.He hastaken that particular skill and used it to create a networking event of hisown,which just had itsthird installment. Thisevent washeld at Onzyte Studiosin Plantation on September 20.Set in awarehouse area,from the outside,the space isunassuming,and once inside,it is everything you expect a studio to be... They have office space,asound studio for voice oversand more. It haseverything a production could need.
At thisArt of Networking,Ruiz stepped up hisgame from just providing people a space to mingle to including quick interviewswith some of the people in attendance done by hiswife Noemi. And the people in attendance came from a wide array of artistic fields,including film,fashion,music, dance and more. Noemi,interviewed four people,including Ruiz himself,who was introduced by Heber Flores. Other intervieweesincluded filmmaker Juan Vasquez,music producer Johnny Mars, Onxyte studio'sown Tony Visions,who also can be seen at fashion showsaround the country asafashion designer and event producer himself.Reality star and author Rick Sykeseven stepped in to say afew wordsafter being called up.
The DJ,Tommy T,waspumping out some old school hitsand the bar wasavailable
for those who wanted to buy afew drinks.Khalilah Ali,Muhammed Ali'ssecond wife,even wasin attendance giving autographs,asshe often isinvolved in the scene of many hot industry events.Other filmmakers,music producers,fashion designers,actors,artistsand more were there. Overall,it wasagreat night and many connectionswere made. We all await the fourth installment.
About Kenny Ruiz
Besidesbeing an event producer,Magchop Kenny hasmade a name for himself asan artist with hiscollage art. Hislatest accomplishment--and it isabig one-- washaving hisart displayed at Harrah'sCasino in Pompano Beach,FL.Several friendsand family members attended the ribbon cutting.
In addition to hisart being displayed,there also wasa huge poster with a picture of him and detailed information about hiscareer.
Ruiz may be known best for hisart,but it hasled him to dip into other fieldsaswell, including acting.It started out with just hisart being in filmsand soon they wanted his pretty face in the picturesaswell.It turned out that he not only had the looks,but also the talent,and now he hasbeen seen in many films,with some now streaming on Amazon,etc. He also graced the cover of Creativ Magazine and hasbeen featured in many other publications,including thisone in the past and The Observer Newspaper.
He also took hisart and put it on merchandise,such ascupsand shirts,and found himself making aname for himself also asa fashion designer,gracing runwayswith hisunique looks.
With talent like this,the sky isthe limit for Ruiz.We just have to follow him to know what iscoming up next. It issure to be something you don't want to miss.
INDEPENDENT STREAK MAGAZINE
12th Annual Miami Film Festival GEMS --Oct. 29-Nov. 5
Miami Dade College?s (MDC) hasunveiled the lineup for its12th Miami Film Festival GEMS,which is taking place from Oct.29Nov. 5.GEMSwill feature 40 filmsfrom over 20 countries.
Asapreview to the festival, on October 25,the festival will host aspecial screening of the award-winning film ?Rosemead?with star and producer Lucy Liu in attendance to be presented with the PreciousGem Award during aQ&A following the screening.Liu isacritically acclaimed actressand filmmaker internationally recognized for rolesin filmsincluding ?Kill Bill,??Charlie?s Angels,??Chicago,??Set It Up,??Presence,?and ?Red One ?She earned Emmy nominationsfor ?Ally McBeal?and ?The Pirate Queen?and hasproduced and championed impactful documentariesincluding ?Freedom?sFury?and ?Redlight.?Acelebrated visual artist and longtime UNICEFAmbassador,Liu became only the second Asian American woman in nearly 60 yearsto receive astar on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
The festival openson Monday,Oct.29 with ?No Other Choice,?directed by Park Chan-wook Chan-wook will be presented with the PreciousGEM Master Award at aQ&Afollowing the screening
Based on Donald E.Westlake?snovel ?The Ax,?the film followsMan-su on hisdesperate hunt for anew job after hisabrupt layoff from the paper company he served for 25 years.
Chan-wook isaSouth Korean film director,screenwriter,and producer who isamong the most acclaimed auteursin the world.Known for his
?Vengeance Trilogy,?consisting of ?Sympathy for Mr.Vengeance,??Oldboy,? and ?Sympathy For Lady Vengeance,?he hascontinued to receive worldwide acclaim with filmssuch as?Thirst,?"Stoker," "The Handmaiden," "Decision to Leave," and with the TV series "The Little Drummer Girl" and "The Sympathizer." He hasalso produced ?Snowpiercer?and ?Uprising.?
On Saturday,Nov.1,in honor of the 30th anniversary of ?Clueless,?the festival will host aspecial retrospective screening of the 1995 classic, followed by aPreciousGem Award presentation and extended Q&Awith the film?slegendary costume designer Mona May.May isrecognized for her role asthe costume designer for filmssuch as?Romy and Michele?sHigh School Reunion,??Enchanted,??The Wedding Singer?and ?The House Bunny ?
Closing out the Festival on Wednesday,Nov.5,isNetflix?s?Wake Up Dead Man:AKnivesOut Mystery?written,directed and produced by two-time Academy Award nominee Rian Johnson and starring Daniel Craig,Josh O?Connor,Glenn Close,Josh Brolin,MilaKunis,Jeremy Renner,Kerry Washington,Andrew Scott,Cailee Spaeny,Daryl McCormack and Thomas Haden Church.In the newest installment of the ?KnivesOut?franchise, Benoit Blanc returnsfor hismost dangerouscase yet.
The festival will also be screening ?Canceled: The PaulaDeen Story?with acclaimed Miami director Billy Corben in attendance. ?Canceled?revisitsthe meteoric rise and sudden downfall of one of America?smost iconic celebrity chefs.PaulaDeen built aSouthern culinary empire becoming abeloved TV personality.But in 2013,her admission to using aracial slur in the past ignited amediafirestorm. Without formal investigation or due process,she became one of the first public figuresto face full-blown ?cancellation,? transforming into alightning rod in the emerging culture warsand asymbol of social mediamob justice
These are just afew of the many amazing filmsthat will be shown,bringing plenty of filmmakersand actorswith them from all over the globe.
In addition, Dylan O?Brien will receive the Vanguard Award on Nov.1, Ethan Hawke will receive the Variety Virtuoso Award on Nov.2 and Gus Van Sant will receive the PreciousGem Award on Nov. 3.
Thisyear?sfestival will host screeningsat itsprincipal venue Silverspot CinemaDowntown in addition to MDC?sKoubek Center,Coral GablesArt Cinema,and introducing GEMSscreeningsaswell at Bill Cosford Cinemaand OCinemaMiami Beach.For ticket salesand the complete GEMS2025 lineup and schedule visit www.miamifilmfestival.com.
Formoreinformation,visit miamifilmfestival.comor call 305-237-FILM (3456).
INDEPENDENT STREAK MAGAZINE
2nd Annual Savoir-faire Shorts Film Festival
By popular demand,the Fort International Film Festival and the Broward County Film Society proudly presentsthe 2nd Edition of the Savoir-faire ShortsFilm Festival Nov. 6 through 9 at Savor Cinema in Fort Lauderdale.
Over four exciting days,audienceswill embark on aglobal journey of storytelling with innovative,powerful and entertaining short films from around the world.The spotlight also shineson homegrown talent with more than 43 filmsfeatured in the Made in Broward and Florida Sunshine Celluloid showcases.
"We received an overwhelming response from the community to the February launch of thisyear?sSavoir-faire Short Film Festival,which inspired usto hold a second edition," saysHal Axler,managing director of the Broward County Film Society."These concise,bite-sized films have grown in popularity and proven themselvesaspowerful
storytellers,captivating audienceswith their inventive genresand brevity,leaving lasting impressionsalong the way."
Audienceswill enjoy 16 curated themed programs,spanning awide range of genresincluding animation,comedies,dramas,thrillers,sci-fi, fantasy,documentariesand more.In-person Q&Aswith filmmakers and talent will further enrich the experience.
Below isthe schedule of films,receptionsand a panel discussion.
SCHEDULE
THURSDAY, NOV. 6
5:30 p.m.: Savoir-faire ShortsOpening Night Filmsand Party.The evening beginsin the courtyard with tantalizing appetizers,a cash bar serving cocktails,beer and wine with live music by acclaimed jazz guitarist Randy Bernsen.Then,settle into the theater for an inspired mix of storiesthat will make you laugh,reflect and feel deeply. Films:
? The Right Hand Man ? an animated first-date rom-com with a quirky twist.
? Good Guy ? a sharp comedy-thriller where not everything is what it seems.
? Salt! ? fine dining served with a hilariousedge.
? Upside Down ? a tropical treat gone deliciously wrong.
? N.I.L.ionaires? the rise of fame,fortune,and power,starring former NFLplayersClinton Portisand Phillip Buchanon (who wrote the film).
? The Big Time ? aMiami-made,award-winning dramaabout a family music group whose big break isthreatened by backstage chaos.
? Cats,Why Do We Need Them? - Abeautiful ballet
? Disco Beats? Pepe Sernastarsin atender story of love,dance, and asurprise 60th wedding anniversary gift.
After the films,return to the courtyard for asweet finale featuring delectable desserts,including a chocolate fountain paired with wine and more live music by Bernsen.
8 p.m.Savoir-faire Shorts: The Creeps
Prepare yourself for spine-chilling thrillsfeaturing eight short films that will give you ?The Creeps!?Thiseerie film program takesyou on a journey through psychological thrillers,horror,and fantasy.From haunting storiesto mind-bending twists,these filmswill keep you on the edge of your seat.(Look for "No Sight of Night" featuring IS founder Rachel Galvin in aleading role!)
FRIDAY, NOV. 7
5:30 p.m. Savoir-faire Shorts: Variety Pack #1 -- Athrilling mix of diverse genres,from an intense historical dramato agripping psychological thriller,uproariouscomedy and a spellbinding fantasy, alongside atimely ICEdrama.
7:30 p.m. Savoir-faire Shorts: The Comedy Club -- Laughter takes center stage with The Comedy Club,a side-splitting program featuring seven hilariousshort filmshosted by renowned comedian Wil Shriner. Asan award-winning director Shriner?simpressive creditsinclude episodesof hit showslike "Everybody LovesRaymond,""Frasier" and "Gilmore Girls," and hisacclaimed 2006 film "Hoot," based on Carl Hiaasen?sbestselling book.
8:45 p.m. Savoir-faire Late Night Shorts-- Before diving into this wildly entertaining mix of bite-sized cinema, grab some late-night grub sponsored by Kim Bloom.Thislineup of shortsservesup laugh-out-loud comedies,a sharp-witted dramedy,a swoon-worthy rom-com,agritty crime dramaand a pulse-pounding action thriller.
SATURDAY, NOV. 8
10 a.m. Savoir-faire Shorts: Documentaries-- Thiscollection delves into deeply personal and timely narratives? from the strugglesof substance abuse and mental health,the realitiesof marginalization,to adedicated boxing coach who trainslocal youth to stand tall both inside and outside the ring,and an exploration through a unique lens on the survival of Judaism in space.
11:30 a.m. Docs and Delights: Savor warm wafflesand arich espresso while reflecting upon the thought-provoking short documentaries. FREEwith your ticket.Sponsored by LisaGrigorian and The Mountain Waffle Company.
12 p.m. Savoir-faire Shorts: Variety Pack #2 -- Dive into six electrifying short filmsthat defy genresand expectations,including a clever comedy-romance involving a lonely alien,aslick political thriller,ahigh-stakessheriff?smanhunt and a fading filmmaker
that confrontshistumultuouspast. Actor Sawyer Spielberg starsin a futuristic sci-fi tale asatrucker navigating an automated world and NFLveteran Phillip Buchanon deliversa hard-hitting sportsdrama starring Super Bowl champion Bryant McKinnie.Thisdiverse line-up pushesboundariesand captivatesaudiencesfrom start to finish.
2 p.m Savoir-faire Shorts: Family Ties-- Acompelling seriesof nine filmsthat delve into the intricate tapestry of human connections. From rekindling relationshipsand mothersand daughters,to life changing eventsand fond memories,these storiesexplore the dynamicsof social classesand generational divides,friendshipsand the bondsthat shape our lives.
4 p.m. Savoir-faire Shorts -- Our Shorts / Presented by Our Fund -- A captivating collection of seven bold and emotionally resonant stories that illuminate the many facetsof queer identity and connection. From heartfelt talesof friendship,self image and the complexitiesof coming out,to a striking gender reveal that defiesexpectationsand a real-life event involving aDrag Queen that exposesthe raw impact of homophobia.Enjoy cocktail specialsand light bites. Free with your ticket to Our Shorts.
5:45 p.m. Savoir-faire Shorts: World Cinema #1
7:45 p.m Savoir-faire Shorts: World Cinema #2
Within the two programs,you?ll find storiesof family,love,dating, heartwarming talesand adramatic thriller. In World Cinema #1,visit the people of Germany,Poland,Cyprus,Pakistan and the UK. In World Cinema#2,visit the people of Israel,Iran,Australia,Chinaand Germany.These filmsare sponsored by Teri Patullo. Tickets:$5 general admission / FREEfor FLIFFmembers.
A Taste of Israel Reception: Between World Cinema 1 and World Cinema2,nosh on a Kosher Mediterranean spread of Salads,hummus and more.Sponsored by Jared and Shirley Rosenstein.FREEwith your ticket.
SUNDAY, NOV. 9
1 p.m. Savoir-faire Shorts: Made in Broward 1
Welcome to aprogram of innovative and fascinating,homegrown storytelling straight from the heart of Broward County.From asci-fi coming-of-age story and a supernatural noir inspired by The Twilight Zone,to a lyrical journey of self-discovery,amoving portrait of impending fatherhood,and aheartfelt tribute to Fort Lauderdale jazz legend Jaco Pastorius? these filmsreveal the emotional depth and creative range of Broward?sstorytellers.
2:30 p.m. "Taste of Florida" Reception and Panel Discussion in the Courtyard -- South Floridaand visiting filmmakersare invited to enjoy abuffet of Floridafare,sponsored by Southport Raw Bar & Restaurant prior to adiscussion on how to finance your short film project. The panel featuresMax Geschwind (Creative ArtistsAgency,MediaFinance Department), Janet Ellison (Broward Cultural Division),Christy Andreoni (Film Lauderdale) and moderated by DanaDellaCamera (Arts Accelerator).Each will give their insight on making your vision a reality.The panel discussion and reception are FREE.
Simultaneously, at 2:30pm,the short documentary Fiddler on the Moon,will screen in the auditorium.Featuring Jeffrey Hoffman and JessicaMeir,aswell asastrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson,and various rabbisand researchers,thisdocumentary examinesthe question of how Jewish life,tradition,and faith might continue in space.
3:30 p.m. Savoir-faire Short Film Festival -Sunshine Celluloid #1/ FilmsMade in Florida
5:00 p m Savoir-faire Short Film Festival -Sunshine Celluloid #2 /FilmsMade In Florida
Get ready for acinematic road trip acrossFloridain the Sunshine Celluloid short film program sponsored by BarbaraRyan.
In Showcase One,filmmakersfrom Tallahassee to Fort Lauderdale bring laughter,heart,and inspiration through comedy,drama,and a moving documentary that tellsthe incredible true story of a world-classswimmer born without arms,who defied the oddsto chase hisdream.
Showcase Two takesyou from St. Augustine to Miami Beach with an electrifying mix of comedy,romance,sci-fi and drama.Unravel a mystery,experience the thrill of a teenage crush,amissed chance at love and amind-bending virtual reality. At the heart of it all isthe powerful reminder of how deeply we impact one another.
6:45 p.m. Savoir-faire Shorts: Made in Broward 2
Back for asecond round,Made in Broward 2 turnsup the volume on local storytelling with another powerful lineup of shortsborn right here in Broward County.Bold,deeply personal,and unafraid to tackle the raw edgesof life,the filmsconfront chasing dreams,racing against time and aplan that goesawry. These filmmakersbring voice to the storiesthat often go unheard. Meet the filmmakersbetween Made in Broward programs2 and 3.
8:30 p.m. Savoir-faire Shorts: Made in Broward 3
In the 3rd installment of Made in Broward County,five dynamic local filmmakersbring to life agripping collection of short filmsthat explore drama,romance,athriller and the supernatural. From aman caught between two worlds,to a twisted game of psychological manipulation,a fateful late-night phone call,and a powerful story of choices? each film reflectsthe bold vision and emotional depth of Broward County?srising creative voices.
Location and Parking: Savor Cinema,506 SE6 Street,Ft Lauderdale, FL33301. FREEparking at the Courthouse Garage on SE5th Ave,at the last gated entrance 30 minutesbefore showtimes.
Ticketsare available for purchase in advance at fliff.com.
?Opening Night Film And Party $20 for FLIFFmembersand $30 for non-members.
?With the exception of Opening Night, ShortsProgramsare free for FLIFFMembersand $10 for non members.
?World Cinema 1 and 2 Free for FLIFFmembers/and $5 for non-members
?Filmmakersand film studentscan attend for free by completing a Movie LoversClub membership at www.fliff.com/movielover.
All moviesandeventsaresubject tochange.
Save the Date: The Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival has moved to February 20?28, 2026. This is the 40th year. Details coming soon!
About the Poster: The 2025 Savoir-faire ShortsFestival poster was designed by Laurence Gartel,the internationally acclaimed pioneer of digital art,whose work hasbeen exhibited worldwide.Hehasa film alsoshowingabout hislifeandworkcalled"Digital Titan"at Savor Cinema beforethefest evenbegins,onNovember 2 at 4 p.m.
Closing Night Pizza and Beer Bash: Sponsored by Bill Mountjoy & LindaKnoche.
INDEPENDENT STREAK MAGAZINE
Film Review: "BlueMoon??Word Play,Wit and a Washed Up Genius
By Rachel Galvin
Once in ablue moon,you come across apiece of masterful cinemathat you can? t stop thinking about. The film I just watched wasone of those films? It was the kind of film that leavesyou hanging on every word yet exhausted by the endlessstream of verbiage and aching lack of movement It makesyou sit still with the main character and endure hisinternal struggles,much like those around him in the film.
The movie is"Blue Moon" and the main character isplayed by Ethan Hawke, who delvesso deeply into hisrole that he isunrecognizable in every way.If he isnot nominated for an Oscar,something iswrong.
With hisoversized jacket,huge cigar in hismouth and combover,he isthe very essence of afailing human being,and itsnot just hislooks... it'swhere he isin hislife. Hisbrilliance standsthe test of time,hiswit iswithout question,but some people have run out of patience with hisimposing personality,endlessdrinking and lack of professionalism.
He playslyricist Lorenz Hart,the once partner of the dapper young and confident Richard Rodgers(played by Andrew Scott) who hasat thispoint left him to work with anew partner ?Oscar Hammerstein (Simon Delaney), who seemsabit unsure of himself Of course,those two would go on to be legendsof the American theater,creating playslike "Oklahoma!" "Carousel," "Sound of Music" and many others.They left Lorenz Hart in the dustbin of history with not many remembering he existed.But he did do playslike "A Connecticut Yankee" and "Babesin Arms."
The play takesplace in the 1940sand isall set within atheater bar it seems primarily with Hart unleashing hisevery thought upon the bartender (Bobby Cannavale),who ishesitant to pour him adrink at first,obviously knowing his propensity Hart isdripping with disdain about the new play,which everyone iswatching in the theater? mocking everything from lineslike ?surrey with a fringe on top?to the fact it hasan exclamation point at the end. His remarksare biting and,although in real life the play remainsaclassic,his commentary also ringstrue to aseasoned critic. It isnostalgic for atime
that never existed,he said. He wantsto create something with more substance and humor.
Hisattitude isnot just about being jealousof not being involved with the play,which isgetting huge accolades,but it isabout being tossed aside by hislongtime friend and collaborator ? and also about agirl.
The "girl," Elizabeth,isall of 20 yearsold to his47.She isavision with a wavy bleached blonde bob and shining green eyes,of tall stature and with an intellect and wit to match. He issmitten. He spendsmost of the film pining away by her beauty to anyone who will listen He findsfew takers?the bartender,asoldier who playsthe piano and awriter All the charactersare mere extrasto him. He sucksall the air out of the room.Everyone isacaptive audience,some finally escaping hisendlesstalking.
It isn? t until he talkswith Rodgersthat he meetshismatch,someone who can stand up to him,bat at him back and forth like atennismatch,and Elizabeth (played by Margaret Qualley),whose storytelling lureshim into a trance,like aschoolgirl who goesmum in order to hear more about her friend?sescapades.
The idea of Elizabeth goesbeyond just thisyoung girl It?sabout her vivaciousness,her beauty.She ishisprodigy,at the beginning of her career, while he isat the end. He wantsto suck the marrow from her,wantsto know every aspect of her relationship,to enjoy every morsel of alife he no longer can have.
We know from the beginning that,ultimately,thisstory isatragedy and,by
the end,you see the train wreck hislife hasbecome,the abandonment he feels,the longing for something more,the desperation.He iswashed up,a Willy Loman,unable to change himself enough to move forward,stuck in his sentiments,and in the past,unable to adapt to others?ideas. Hislife has become reminiscing about the good old daysand criticizing everyone else, rather than creating anything new.He isall pie in the sky ideasthat no one findsfeasible anymore
Asthe camerapullsaway,he continuesto do what he probably often does ? listen to himself talk while othersstand by listening the best they can as he pontificateson life,trying to keep them and himself entertained and make himself still feel relevant.
Everything from the size of the flowersin the scene to the quoting of lines from "Casablanca" add to the inadequacy of the character and hisheartbreak
The director,Richard Linklater,isknown for working on filmsthat are focused around dialogue and thisone certainly fitsthe bill. Writer Robert Kaplow isto be commended for hisscript.Every word wascarefully chosen, filled with in depth description,written more like aplay or anovel than a standard film. And many witty linesgained plenty of laughs.
The film isperfection for an actor wanting something meaty to bite into, but it isahard watch for the audience with no attention span used to watching soundbyteson the Internet these daysrather than sitting through a cinematic dramawith zero action Thisisthe essence of what independent cinemaisabout ?not shallow fluff,but in depth character driven dramathat meanssomething.
The film wasshown opening night at the OUTShine Film Festival (October 16) at Savor Cinemain Ft. Lauderdale and can be seen virtually. It will be in theatersOctober 24.
The movie iswell worth seeing,just be prepared for the pace,and see it before awardsseason because it issure to be nominated ?for acting,writing and probably direction,after all,it isLinklater. He hasnot won an Oscar yet, but he hasbeen nominated for five.
The OUTShine Film Festival continued through the 23rd in Broward County and then headsto Miami,until the 26th.You can watch many filmsfrom home virtually aswell.For more information,visit OUTShineFilm.com.
Opening night had apre-party for some filmmmakers,sponsors,etc and then the film wasfollowed with an after party down the street at Masa and More where they had spanakopita shrimp and more.
