StyleWhipped

Letter From the Editor: Golden Door Film Festival

Last week, I told everyone to buy tickets to see the fantastic independent film "Bomber Jackets" premiere at the 2nd Annual Golden Door Film Festival of Jersey City. Well, not only did I get to see that this past Saturday (it was even better on the big screen than it was when I got to see an advance copy in my living room!), but because my brother-in-law, Dino Matis, is one of the stars of "Bomber Jackets," I also got to go to the Friday night red carpet premiere of the headlining "Union Square" starring Mira Sorvino (her father, the great Paul Sorvino, was even there to support the film).

Friday's festivities were held at the incredible Loews Landmark Theater, and the venue was simply spectacular. What I like to think of as "going to the theater" (even if it is a movie), this now-used-as-a-not-for-profit-arts-&-entertainment destination was opulent and ornate and really quite a retro experience. We saw Mira Sorvino's film "Union Square" there that evening (which originally premiered at the Toronto Film Festival last year and was beyond good...), walked the red carpet, and had a great time meeting so many actors and directors involved with the festival's films. And then on Saturday, Art House Productions hosted the "Bomber Jackets" official premiere, shown to a packed house and starring some amazing, should-be-really-proud new actors. 

Check out the photos of Dino and I on the red carpet, as well as some of the stunning Loews Landmark Theater (I think it's a general consensus that we'd all like to just move in there!). And don't forget to look for the next year's 3rd Annual Golden Door Film Festival...you definitely don't want to miss being a part of such a fantastic event!

~ Alison.

Letter From the Editor: "Bomber Jackets"

No, I'm not suggesting we go back to the popular style of the late '80's (but oh man, did I love my dark green suede bomber jacket in 8th grade...). Instead, I am referring to an Official Selection at the Golden Door International Film Festival of Jersey City, called "Bomber Jackets." The festival itself runs this week from October 11th - 14th, and "Bomber Jackets" is premiering on Saturday the 13th at 4pm. I will be there to see it again, even after having the fabulous opportunity to privately pre-screen the film this weekend. Why will I be there? Well, to start, the movie is gritty and gripping, with break-out performances by talented new actors. It also brings a powerful message about acceptance and the fatally damaging effects of hatred...and someone especially close to me is one of the afore-mentioned talented new actors (I'll keep you in suspense and let you guess who it is...). 

A true independent film, "Bomber Jackets" was produced and directed by Rob Santana on a shoe-string budget of a mere $8,000. Filmed 100% on location in urban Jersey City, NJ (right across the river from where I'm sitting now), "Bomber Jackets" was originally an off-Broadway play produced by Miriam Colon in 1996, and brings its audience a disturbing but important lesson in the importance of ending homophobia and violence towards the LBGT community. I don't want to give away the ending, but this is basically the story of an organized group of hatred-filled, homophobic young men in modern-day Jersey City, recognizable by their matching bomber jackets. When a small number of gays start moving into their old-school neighborhood, they become angrier and more violent in their sentiments. That violence escalates into physical attacks when the group's leader can't stand the idea of a cross-dressing gay man living right in their same building. Unbeknownst to him, though, one of his own buddies has fallen for the transvestite and will do anything -- anything -- to come to "her" rescue. To follow is the story of how all of their lives are changed forever.

With especially strong performances from the main character 'Patrick,' played by Robert James Ramirez, 'Tommy,' played by Dino Matis, and 'Patrick's Mom,' played by Kathryn Neville Browne, the ensemble cast has great chemistry and I look forward to seeing many of them in many films to come. Robert James Ramirez and Dino Matis both managed to convey a perfect juxtaposition of anger, frustration, and a secret, introspective softer side that separates them from their peers. And Kathryn Neville Browne brings a character to life you really aren't sure what to make of...in a good way. At only 83 minutes long, I was left wanting to know more about each character's individual story...which I think is a sure sign of an engaging film, especially one that still manages to touch on additional topics like domestic violence, dead-end jobs and infidelity. Which is exactly why you should buy tickets to the official premiere of "Bomber Jackets" at the Golden Door Film Festival. You can purchase them simply by clicking on this link - and at only $10 each, you can spread the word to anyone interested in being moved by the movie's important message...or buy tickets for more than just one of the festival's diverse feature films.

See you at the movies!

~ Alison.

Go See This Movie!

Thanks to the amazing people at Charles David Shoes, I was invited to the Tribeca Film Festival premiere of "My Life in Ruins," an adorable romantic comedy starring Nia Vardalos (of "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" fame), Richard Dreyfuss and SNL alum Rachel Dratch. We had fabulous seats and also went to the fun after party at Pylos, a delicious Greek restaurant in the East Village.

Now, what does Charles David have to do with this movie? Well, Natalie Marciano, the daughter of Charles Malka (the "Charles" in Charles David) was one of the film's producers (alongside Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson). So a big congratulations to Natalie because this is the perfect summer movie...a little humor, a lot of romance, gorgeous scenery (it was filmed on location in Greece), and a welcome return of Nia to the big screen. It's open in theaters as of this past Friday, so definitely go see it!

On May 16th, the Charles David boutique at South Coast Plaza in Los Angeles hosted a lovely party to celebrate the upcoming release of the movie, where shoppers got to mingle with Nia and enjoy Greek food and entertainment (and got 20% off their purchases!)...unfortunately, I didn't make it out to LA, but I wish I did - just look at the pictures below!

~ Alison