Independent Streak Magazine -- October 2020

In d ep en d en t

St r eak

M a g a zin e Oct ober 20 20

FLOW Fi lm Festi val & M arket FLIFF 2020 Li ne-Up M i ami / Ft. Lauderdale 48 Hour Fi lm Fest Fi lm Revi ew: "The Glori as" Halloween Fi lm Fests "Gym Shorts " Now on Amazon Talk i ng about "A Doll for Edgar" & M uch M ore!

I NDEPENDENT STREAK M AGAZI NE Oct ober 2020

A re you ready f or FLI FF?

By Rachel Gal vin The Ft. Lauderdale International Film Festival (FLIFF) is just around the corner. And this year will be a little bit different. Due to COVID-19, they have had to make a few adjustments and also get more creative -adding some unique locations and a virtual component to the mix.

They have announced their film highlights and events for the 35th annual event, scheduled Nov. 5 ? Nov. 22. More than 170 American Indie and international narrative features, documentaries and short films representing 37 countries will be premiered during the 18-day event. ?If there has been a silver-lining to come out of the COVID-19 pandemic, it has made us more resourceful and creative. This year, FLIFF has come up with some clever ways to bring the community together yet maintain safety precautions and social distancing,? said Gregory von Hausch, president and CEO of FLIFF. ?I think our film selections and events will be a welcome diversion for everyone.?

So, let's talk locations...In partnership with Coral Ridge Yacht Club in Ft. Lauderdale, the festival will present a boat-in movie on the bay and a drive-in movie at their location for "landlubbers".

FLIFF will be hosting six additional drive-in movie events at other locations yet to be announced.

In addition, FLIFF is serving up Dinner & a Movie at a variety of area restaurants, including Tipsy Boar, Jimmy's Sand Bar, GG's Waterfront in Hollywood, and 1

Westin Ft Lauderdale Beach.

The festival?s two arthouse theaters, where events are always held not only during the festival, but year-round, Savor Cinema (503 SE 6 St., Ft. Lauderdale, FL) and Cinema Paradiso (2008 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, FL), will also present films with limited seating to observe safe social distancing. And the closing night event is at the Museum of Discovery & Science (401 SW 2 St, Ft. Lauderdale, FL).

For those who prefer to stay at home, most films will also be available to view virtually. Filmmaker and celebrity Q&A?s will be live-streamed in all formats, and some will take place in person from local venues.

Robert De Niro in "The Comeback Trail " Phot o by Cl oudburst Ent ert ainment

films, co-wrote "The Comeback Trail" with Josh Posner. His film "Local Color" was shown at FLIFF in 2006, for which he received the Jury award for Best Screenplay.

At the premiere, Katzman will receive the Star on the Horizon award.

Katzman, a Palm Beach County resident and former Miami model studied with Burt Reynolds in his master acting class, and made her debut in "Walt Before Mickey" in 2015. In "The Comeback Trail", Kate portrays Megan Albert, a young female director who convinces the producers that she can do the job.

Up next for Kate is the neo-noir drama "Adverse", opposite Mickey Rourke, Sean Austin, Penelope Ann Miller and Lou Diamond Phillips, to be released in 2021.

"The Comeback Trail", from Cloudburst Entertainment, will be released in theaters nationally on November 13. # TheComebackTrail.

CENTERPIECE OPENING NIGHT FLIFF Kicks-off the fest with the premiere of director George Gallo?s comedy "The Comeback Trail ". Due to COVID-19 social distancing, FLIFF?s opening film and party will be a two night affair, Nov. 5 and Nov. 6, at Savor Cinema (Ft . Lauderdal e, FL) and Cinema Paradiso (Hol l ywood, FL), respect ivel y. After the film, there will be a party at Riverhouse Vegan Village (301 SW 3rd, Ft. Lauderdale).

The film's cast includes Academy Award-winning actors Robert De Niro, Morgan Freeman and Tommy Lee Jones, Golden Globe nominated actor Zach Braff (Scrubs) with co-stars Emile Hirsch, Eddie Griffin and South Florida actress Kate Katzman.

Act ress Kat e Kat zman wil l receive a St ar on t he Horizon award during t he premier of "The Comeback Trail ", which she was in.

Set in 1974 Hollywood, the film features down-on-their-luck movie producers (DeNiro and Braff), who find themselves indebted to a crime boss (Freeman). In need of some fast cash, they set-up an aging movie star (Jones) for an insurance scam to try and save themselves. However, they wind up getting more than they bargained for.

Director George Gallo, known for "Midnight Run" and the "Bad Boys"

FLIFF?s Centerpiece film is the Florida premiere of the documentary film "Francesco". Oscar and Emmy-nominated director Evgeny Afineevsky provides a unique look at Pope Frances. This Oscar and Emmy award-winning director was given "Francesco" Direct or Evegeny Af ineevsky & unprecedented access to Pope Francis the pontiff for this film, which takes a look at some of the most important issues facing the 21st Century.

The director will be present at the premiere and attend the discussion following the film. It will be shown on Friday, Nov. 13, 7:45pm at Savor Cinema Ft . Lauderdal e, FL. A reception follows the Q&A outside in the John Mager Courtyard. (There will also be a second screening on Saturday, Nov. 14 at 6:45 p.m. at Cinema Paradiso Hollywood with a wine and cheese reception after the film).

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Sin Film f est

"An cien t Caves" , t h e closin g n igh t f ilm , w ill be sh ow n on Nov. 22n d at M ODS in FT. Lau der dale.

CLOSING NIGHT The Closing Night film will be the World Premiere of "Ancient Caves", narrated by Bryan Cranston. It will be screened on the AutoNation IMAX 3D screen at the Museum of Discovery and Science (MODS) on Nov. 22 at 1 p.m., 3 p.m. and 5 p.m.

Made for IMAX and giant screens, the film brings science and adventure together. It follows a young paleoclimatologist, Dr. Gina Moseley, on a mission to unlocak the secrets of the planet's climate by investigating below the earth... in caves. She and her team travel the world in search of stalagmite samples hoping they will find clues to what transpired in the earth's climate over the last 500,000 years, and how climate has affected civilization.

Along their journey they travel to some of the most remote caves in the world, including in France, Iceland, the Bahamas, the U.S. and Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula. They venture where few humans have gone before.

Director and Emmy-award winning cinematographer Jonathan Bird will attend this East Coast premiere of the film. He will be available for the audience Q&A for each of the screenings of his film.

Advance t icket s and a compl et e l ist ing of al l of FLIFF's f il ms, Q&As, event s and venues wil l be avail abl e onl ine at www.f l if f .com. (Be aware t hat t hings are al ways subject t o change).

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From Oct . 29 t o Nov.1, the Sin Film Festival will be based at Savor Cinema in Ft. Lauderdale.

They will be showing both feature and short films, and will have an awards ceremony.

The first night kicks off with the 2015 feature film "Occupants", directed by Russell Emanuel, who just won best director at the South Europe International Film Festival. Also, that night, you can see Lou Simon's short "Lilies are red" (pictured left), as well as other short films: "Weight", directed

by Kent G. Meloy; "Perfect", by Jeremiah Kipp; and "Stalkers" by DONGJUN KIM. Halloween night, Oct. 31, there will be a food truck, vendors, a cash bar and a costume contest. All entries must wear a mask for COVID-19.

Wondering what the rest of the weekend has in store? Find out more at https://sinisternights.com/sin/originalsin.

EPS Phot ogr aphy helped act or s On Oct. 9 and 10, the Sunrise-Florida based photography studio called EPS (or Entertainment Photography Specialists) held a special two-day event in which they took free photos for actors. This was their way of giving back during this difficult time of the pandemic.

Owner of EPS Photgraphy, Jonathan Givens knows a lot about the industry. Not only is he a triple threat in the industry and Equity, he also has worked as an IATSE stagehand, designer, stage manager, teacher, and more. He has toured the world working on various productions. Givens has worked with cirque de soleil with various dancers. He even worked building sets for Oprah and won an Emmy for his work. In addition, he has written the only dance photography book to win five 1st place national literary awards, called "Dance Across the USA".

Givens works not only in photography, but also production management, scenic design, rigging design and implementation, carpentry, stage management, electrician and audio work, and more.

Thank you, Jonathan!

For more information on EPS, visit www.eps-photo.com.

I NDEPENDENT STREAK M AGAZI NE Oct ober 2020

Smith's first project. The doll, which acts as a third character, was named Shelly, a name inspired by Eric Draven's wife in the movie "The Crow".

Sims added, "Working alongslide a talented director in Dones and a costar with talent so young ... it felt effortless. For the character, I came from a place of resentment."

In addition to being an actor, Sims currently is a full-time videographer for Titan Fighting Championship and he films for UFC Fight Pass.

The film, which has already received several accolades at film festivals, is available now to watch on the Alter YouTube page: www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Ragz7KV2eU&t=2s

Talking About "A Doll f or Edgar "

By Rachel Gal vin All about minimalism, Florida writer/ director Anthony Dones engages audiences by creating fear through showing less, and letting the viewers use their imagination. This technique is evident in his latest short film "A Doll for Edgar."

This film shows a young boy (Bryce Smith) who has lost his mother and must live with an abusive stepfather (Justin Sims). The boy may think he is all alone, but, could it be that his mother still has his back even from the grave? You must watch to find the answer....

Dones shot this horror short in West Palm Beach in just 12 hours.

About the filming, he said, "The experience was great. I was very glad to have had Omar Sfreddo do custom horror work on Shelly. He had been on the hit TV show "Face Off" and had a great horror portfolio.

The doll looked so terrifying that I had to have the doll's face covered for all the scenes the boy and the doll shared together... I really enjoy making short films that only have one to two actors, one or two lights, all filmed in one location, one day. It really challenges my writing."

Dones added that he had worked with Sims in the past and this was

Just in Sims & Bryce Smit h 4

I NDEPENDENT STREAK M AGAZI NE Oct ober 2020

FLOW Film Fest ival & Mar ket

By Rachel Gal vin

Kimberl y Dougal as, co-f ounder of FLOW Fil m Fest ival & Market

From Sept. 23 through 27, the 1st Annual FLOW FIlm Festval & Market showcased films virtually available worldwide.

They had 110 submissions and award winners received distribution offers. Other films also had the ability to possibly get deals. They reached 2000 people with their fest. They also had workshops and panels virtually.

One of the most unique aspects of the festival was a

virtual after party through the Virbela website in which people could make an avatar for free and walk it around to meet others in a virtual world. They could explore different areas, and even drive a boat and watch videos. It was a fun addition. Also incorporated into the event was a live screening of the award-winning films on the night of the 27th at Savor Cinema. Founders Kimberly Douglas and Tiffany Porter, and their Board members hope for bigger and better next year.

For more information, visit www.flowffm.com/film-market.html.

Persuanah sings.

Singer Kahra Keyes

Cel ine Al va represent ed t he f il m she was in --Mob King.

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Juan Al onso, direct or of "Too Far" speaks f ol l owing his f il m.

Fest ival Exec. Dir. Al exandra Bel l o emceed.

I NDEPENDENT STREAK M AGAZI NE Oct ober 2020

P u b lis h e r 's No t e

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OR We have been experiencing an unprecedented moment in time Get Bonus Cont ent at : with this Coronavirus, but if you look back in history, you will see www.facebook .com/independent st r eak magazine/ that we have suffered similar circumstances in the past. Then, there were plenty of losses and sorrows, but, in the end, humanity prevailed; and it will again this time. There is reason for optimism and hope. Just remember we are Want to adv erti se? not alone. The whole world is battling this.

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I NDEPENDENT STREAK M AGAZI NE Oct ober 2020

The M i ami / Ft. Lauderdale 48 Hour Fi lm Project

By Rachel Gal vin Held from Sept 11 to 13, the Miami/ Ft. Lauderdale 48 Hour Film Project, despite COVID-19, went forward as planned this year bringing in five filmmakers to show their stuff-writing, casting, filming and editing a film within 48 hours. Not only that, but, as always, they had to fall within certain requirements, including keeping to their given genre, using a required line and prop, and including a certain character.

The winner goes on to participate in Filmapalooza 2021 to compete against all other city winners.

Film awards were given out on Miami/ Ft . Lauderdal e 48 Hour Fil m Sept. 30 at Destination Sistrunk in Ft. Project f ounder Lauderdale. In attendance was Philip Cat hl een Dean Dunlap, director of the Broward County Cultural Division. Presenting, along with Cathleen Dean, who runs the event yearly, were judges Rachel Galvin and Alexandra Bello, as well as Bryan Thompson, who attended virtually. Also shown virtually was DJ EchoSlim, who brought in some tunes at the beginning and ending of the event, and Tom Leeman, who said a few words when told the film he produced through Big Foot Productions won a few awards. Leeman has participated many, many times in this event.

The founders of Art Hive Magazine worked behind the scenes to make the filming possible, among others who helped with camera work.

Congrats to all who made this multi-camera live/ virtual event a reality.

Thanks to David I. Muir for his photography and being on hand with Island Origins Magazine.

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Requi red Elements - Character: M anny or M yra Chi llwell, Li feguard - Prop: A bandage - Li ne: "Someti mes you can't be the ni ce guy." OR "Someti mes you cannot be the ni ce guy"" WINNERS 1ST PLACE: BEST FILM OF 2020

Tidin gs by Space Dr eam Pr odu ct ion s

2ND PLACE: BEST FILM OF 2020

Gu ar dian

by JX2 St u dios

AUDIENCE FAVORITE:

Tidin gs by Space Dr eam Pr odu ct ion s

BEST WRITING

Th e En d

by St eady Han d

Film s

BEST EDITING

Gu ar dian

by JX2 St u dios

Awards! (Those at t ending al so received a boxed dinner and a goody bag. Budget Rent al s was one of t he sponsors present ed a $500 check t o t he winner and a goody bag t o runner up).

BEST DIRECTING JX2 Studios picked up a prize for being Runner Up in the best film category, as well as winning for Best Editing, Best Effects & Best Costumes for their film "The Guardian" dealing with a lifeguard's regret over not being able to save certain people and going back in time to try to make things right.

Tidin gs by Space Dr eam

Pr odu ct ion s

BEST CINEM ATOGRAPHY

Th e En d

by St eady Han d Film s

BEST SOUND DESIGN

Gu ar dian

by JX2 St u dios

BEST M USICAL SCORE

Tidin gs by Space Dr eam

Pr odu ct ion s

BEST ACTOR

M at t h ew M ielk e Th e Deat h of M an n y Ch illw ell by Im age Lait eu se BEST ACTRESS

Steady Hand Films won Best cinematography & Best Writing for "The End", which was a poetic film dealing with the end of a romance.

M ar is van der Baan Cor on acat ion by Big Foot

Pr odu ct ion s

BEST GRAPHICS

Cor on acat ion

by Big Foot Pr odu ct ion s

BEST EFFECTS

Gu ar dian

by JX2 St u dios

BEST COSTUM ES

Gu ar dian

by JX2 St u dios

BEST USE OF CHARACTER Cathleen Dean & IS's Rachel Galvin, who helped to judge the event and read some of the winners.

Cor on acat ion

by Big Foot Pr odu ct ion s

BEST USE OF PROP

Tidin gs by Space Dr eam

Pr odu ct ion s

BEST USE OF LINE

Tidin gs by Space Dr eam

Pr odu ct ion s

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SNA PS

(Top, L t o R): Al exandra Bel l o & Cat hl een Dean; t he t eam f rom "The Guardian" picks up anot her win and is present ed wit h a goody bag f rom Budget Rent al ; (bot t om): t he t eam f rom "The End" says goodbye af t er enjoying t he awards event , wit h goody bags in t ow; Al exandra Bel l o & Rachel Gal vin, who bot h judged t he event and hel ped host ; Phil ip Dunl ap , Broward Count y Cul t ural Division Direct or, wit h Cat hl een Dean, who runs t he event yearl y.

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I NDEPENDENT STREAK M AGAZI NE Oct ober 2020

Spooky Em pir e's Hor ror Film Fest ival Due to COVID-19, the usual Spooky Empire convention was canceled for this year (although they are planning a more intimate affair in December --on Dec. 12 & 13 at The Wyndham in Orlando). But they are gearing up to be back in step for 2021 and the Horror Film Festival is planning on holding their festival again too. An announcement will be made soon as to when they will begin to accept submissions... Stay tuned. The convention is slated to be held at the Hyatt Regency Orlando Oct. 22-24 , 2021.

For more details, visit http://spookyempire.com.

On YouTube: I ELECT: Power Ever y Four Year s"

"I Elect" had its world premier on Saturday, Oct. 17 but is still available to watch on YouTube.

"I ELECT: Power Every Four Years" is an electrifying one-act, one woman show that champions the power of voting, created and written by Bill Spring, produced by Jose Lima, directed by Ricky J. Martinez.

On A mazon Pri me Synopsis: In the grip of the 2020 pandemic, just days before the presidential election, a woman in Miami recalls her shock four years ago on that fateful election night of "Gym Shorts" is currently available 2016, with worry about this time around. To snap herself for viewing on Amazon Prime! The out of this downward spiral, she decides to record her series is now up to episode 3. It is feelings on a video message to her fellow voters. She made entirely in South Florida. The decides to give testimony to power -- the power of voting. film follows Kevin, a divorced man The character "Bella" takes a stand against racism and going through a mid life crisis voter suppression. The recollection of that blistering night seeking to change his life by going to as she watched those fateful election results sparks a the gym. He stumbles upon URanUS memory that shatters her nerves, as we witness her working Fitness and the story unfolds. There, he meets quite the cast of characters. This series her way to a revelation of personal power. showcases a lot of personalities that many may encounter in gyms in Florida. Of course, The film is available on some are exaggerated. And that is where the comedy comes in. At URanUS Fitness, you will www.youtube.com/watch?v=8x8pDnL2fUg

Gy m Sho r t s

find plenty of egos, sexual tension, rudeness, cliquishness and more. It really is a fun watch!

It was written by JJ Duffy, a well-known Florida actor who just moved to Los Angeles, and Erick Szot, who is still in SoFLa and is working hard to make more "Gym Shorts" episodes.

Yes, JJ says he will come back to shoot more, as well as the other characters.

They really amped up the creativity from a business standpoint, employing plenty of product placement and other branding opportunities, and even bringing in social media influencers to do cameo roles. Kudos to the whole cast and crew.

For more information, visit https://gymshortscomedy.com. And watch on Amazon Prime!

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I NDEPENDENT STREAK M AGAZI NE Oct ober 2020

Fi l m Rev i ew : " Th e Gl ori as"

By Rachel Gal vin Phot os Court esy of LD Ent ert ainment and Roadside At t ract ions

Gloria Steinem-- you love her, you hate her but you are likely to know her name. The activist who is known for her work in advocating women's rights and beyond, and starting Ms. Magazine, is the topic of this biopic called "The Glorias" based on Steinem's book called "My Life on the Road", and this film, directed by Julie Taymor and Sarah Ruhl, takes you on quite the trip... sometimes it is more like an acid trip... but a trip down memory lane to be sure.

So, the thing about this film is that it jumps ... It jumps between time periods, between different Glorias... well, the same Gloria, but at different age ranges. Each has its own angst and issues with which it finds itself battling. And, sometimes, they talk to each other... in black and white...

And then, there are those acid trip moments when a seemingly normal interaction is happening and then reality falls away and takes us into some rabbit hole we are not sure we will escape. A conversation between Gloria and a chauvinistic interviewer becomes a whirlwind of Glorias and images of a demonic looking wrapped up nun, an enticing Playboy bunny version of Gloria, the other Glorias too... They all watch as the man spins into the air trapped in a tornado out of the "Wizard of Oz", complete with 11 a witch on a broom. If that isn't trippy enough ... What about

Al icia Vikander pl ays one of t he Gl orias (Gl oria St einem), wit h Janel l e Monรกe as Dorot hy Pit man Hughes.

the cover of Ms. Magazine's first issue's Hindu Kali God coming to life in full animation or a younger Gloria suddenly having a man throw knives at her in a circus type atmosphere. These are just a few of the wild asides this film takes you on. It certainly keeps you awake.

It is a fragmented watch for sure. It is as if Gloria wrote about her life on sheets of loose leaf paper, threw it in to the air and someone just showed whichever piece of her life they picked up first, second and so on. Sometimes, it goes back and forth at a good pace; other times you wonder if it will ever return to another Gloria.

But although the format seems a bit unorthodox, it does not mean there are not some gems in there. The story of Gloria at every age is intriguing from her mentally ill neurotic mother to her doting dad, who struggles in his career, to her fellowship to India, to having an abortion, to her start in the women's movement and beyond.

Interestingly, this film's venture into the women's movement and fight for the ERA parallels the story told in "Ms. America", a limited series on Hulu, except that story is told from Phyllis Schlafly's POV, who was against the ERA and many things Steinem was for.

There are certainly plenty of high end actors in this film to watch, including Julianna Moore as the more mature of the Glorias. She fits the character to a tee and Alicia Vikander, who plays a younger version and works hard to try on the character. The other two Glorias are played by Ryan Kiera Armstrong and Lulu Wilson. Bette Midler plays U.S. Representative and headstrong, and sassy, activist Bella Abzug.

Timothy Hutton is great as the dad. Also look for wonderful performances from the likes of Janelle Monรกe as Dorothy Pitman Hughes, Lorraine Toussaint as Flo Kennedy and Monica Sanchez as Dolores Huerta, among others. The various women's roles such as these were much better served in "Ms. America" then in this film where they are relegated to secondary roles to Steinem, much like her face on the cover of Newsweek (talked about in the film)--much to her chagrin. Then again, this movie is about her and not just about the movement.

This movie should really appeal most to women who will find the stories touching and poignant, and applicable to their own lives in one way or another, and also will serve as inspiration.

It also showcases many of the issues that have plagued women through the years and how things have changed, and not changed, since then. Gloria is shown to be not taken seriously as a journalist, propositioned by a boss, harassed for not being married; called a Lesbian, a sex symbol, a feminist and other labels. It shows the stigma of abortion, its dangers and the fight for pro-choice, how women's voices were not heard. It talks about women of all races and their issues as well. It also points out that the ERA was never passed. These are just a few of the many points covered. This film is a great conversation piece to explore these issues further, perhaps between mother and daughter.

(Above): Women unit e: Al icia Vikander as Gl oria St einem, Monica Sanchez as Dol ores Huert a & Janel l e Monรกe as Dorot hy Pit man Hughes.

(Bel ow, L t o R): Lorraine Toussaint as Fl o Kennedy wit h Jul ianne Moore as Gl oria St einem; Moore wit h Bet t e Midl er as Bel l a Abzug.

"The Glorias" is now available on Amazon Prime. For more info., visit www.thegloriasmovie.com/

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I NDEPENDENT STREAK M AGAZI NE Oct ober 2020

M i ami Book Fai r Goes V i rtual This year, the Miami Book Fair is accessible right from your living room no matter where you live... and almost everything is free to watch!

The fair will include plenty of book talks, Q&As and more, and even a virtual book marketplace. The events run Nov. 15 to 22 and will kickoff with Maragret Atwood, author of the well-known "Handmaids tale," which has become a popular show on Hulu.

This time she is focusing on a new book, this one is of poetry. Called "Dearly," In Dearly, it is

There will be a lot of great authors in attendance, including Dean Koontz, Chuck Flink, Lenny Kravitz, Jodi Picoult, Carl Hiaasen, Peter Wartman, Richard Blanco, Roxane Gay, Lee Child, Chuck Palahniuk, Dr. Peniel Joseph, Nikky Finney, Sarah Frey, Bari Weiss, James McBride, Emma Straub, poet Laureate Joy Harjo, Kalynn Bayron, Justin Reynolds, Walter Mosley, Rev. Barber, Fatima Mirza, Claudia Rankine, Chip Kidd, Bill Nye The Science Guy and Erin Brokovitch. Even Natalie Portman will be there with her new book "Natalie Portman's Fables".

Visit www.miamibookfair.com or email wbookfair@mdc.edu.

Nat al ie Port man

her first collection of poetry in over a decade, Atwood addresses themes such as love, loss, the passage of time, the nature of nature and zombies.

The format for this year's event was talked about during a special Zoom happy hour on Oct. 8 in which Lisette Mendez, director of programs, and co-founder Mitchell Kaplan hosted the event and other staff members chimed in, sharing their favorite books and authors. That event also included a musical interlude

by Richie Hell with art by his wife Francisca Oyhanarte.

They also unveiled this year's whimsical poster created bt Dan Santat, who is an award-winning children's book author, illustrator and creator of Disney's animated series "The Replacements." The poster image is also available on cups, shirts and more on the Miami Book Fair website.

Although the site does not really come alive until Nov. 15, starting Nov. 1, people will be able to go on Margaret At wood the website and create their own personal watchlist and complete their profiles based on their interests, so they can be sent reccomendations, and they can begin browsing. But you can go ahead and register for free now.

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Carl Hiaasen

Dave Barry

Erin Brokovit ch

I NDEPENDENT STREAK M AGAZI NE Oct ober 2020

Popcor n Fright s is back ... vir t ually Ready for some spooky fun? Popcorn Frights is hosting their usual frightful fun festival from Oct . 29 t o Nov. 1, but they are doing it virtually this year. They will have 21 film premiers, but they also will have panels and other surprises.

One of the highlights is the film ?Smiley Face Killers,? written by Bret Easton Ellis and directed by Tim Hunter, who reunites with his River's Edge star Crispin Glover. Also look for Paramount's supernatural thriller ?Spell,? starring Omari Hardwick, known from ZachSnyder?s ?Army of the Dead?, as well as the North American premieres of ?Babysitter Must Die?, ?The Retreat?, ?Held?,?They Reach? and?Tales of the Uncanny?, an in-depth documentary about anthology horror that features interviews with Joe Dante, Mick Garris, Roger Corman, Richard Stanley, Ernest Dickerson, Eli Roth and Tom Savini, among others.

Other films slated to premiere at the four-day horror extravaganza include the Florida premieres of the hair-raising chiller ?The Vigil?, ?The Oak Room?, starring RJ Mitte (?Breaking Bad?) and the gory horror "Extravaganzas Butchers", ?Spare Parts?, ?Thirst?, ?Cyst?and ?Benny Loves You?.

To mark the season of fear, on all hallows eve, there will be a special presentation of the Halloween set chillers, ?Bad Candy?and ?For the Sake of Vicious?.

Wicked weekend will also host the Florida premiere of the finally completed, long-lost horror sequel ?Grizzly II: Revenge?, starring George Clooney, Laura Dern, Charlie Sheen, and a killer bear.

In addition to its film-lineup, they will feature several off-film events as part of its Talking Horror program, including the Tracking Terror panel with acclaimed musicians Graham Reznick and Steve Moore, and a conversation with Tibor Takรกcs about his cult classic ?The Gate?, which starred Stephen Dorff in his film debut.

Access to film screenings will be geo-locked to Florida with Wicked Weekend All-Access Passes on sale for $66.60, and individual tickets at $6.66.The Talking Horror program will be available for free to the public.

Film selections will be available to access beginning 10 a.m. EST Oct. 29, and access ends 11:45 p.m. EST the night of Nov. 1.

This year?s Popcorn Frights Wicked Weekend functions as a charitable event benefiting local arthouses that have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

For more information, visit www.popcornfrights.com.

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