WORLD PEACE MARCH
World Heritage Cultural Center is bringing the noise to the World Peace March across the Brooklyn Bridge with drummers, passion, and cultural diversity! Join us for a HISTORIC Event, the very first World Peace March on Earth. Please scroll down to the section of how you can endorse this march and how you can help.
The whole 99,000 ML route of the March is divided into 6 parts:
1. New Zealand -> India
2. India -> Moscow
3. Moscow -> Rome
4. Rome -> New York
5. New York -> San Josè (Costa Rica)
6. San Josè (Costa Rica) -> Punta de Vacas (Argentina)
Why?
Because we can end world hunger with 10% of what is spent on arms. Imagine how life would be if 30-50% of the arms budget went toward improving people’s lives instead of being used for destruction.
Because eliminating wars and violence means leaving human pre-history behind and taking a giant step forward in the evolution of our species.
Because in this aspiration we are accompanied by the strength of the voices of hundreds of prior generations who suffered the consequences of war, and whose echo continues to be heard today in all those places where it continues to leave its sinister trail of dead, disappeared, disabled, refugees and displaced.
Because a “world without wars” is an image that opens the future and seeks to become reality in every corner of the planet, as violence gives way to dialogue.
The moment has come for the voiceless to be heard! Out of agonizing and urgent need, millions of human beings are crying out for an end to wars and violence.
We can make that happen by uniting all the forces of pacifism and active non-violence worldwide.
When?
The World March will begin in New Zealand on October 2, 2009, the anniversary of Gandhi’s birth, declared the “International Day of Non-Violence” by the United Nations. It will conclude in the Andes Mountains (Punta de Vacas, Aconcagua, Argentina) on January 2, 2010.
The March will last 90 days, three long months of travel. It will pass through all climates and seasons, from the hot summer of the tropics and the deserts, to the winter of Siberia.
Who is participating?
The March was initiated by “World Without Wars,” - an international organization launched by the Humanist Movement - that has been working for 15 years in the fields of pacifism and non-violence.
The World March, however, will be created and shaped by everyone. Open to any person, organization, collective, group, political party, business, etc., that shares the same aspirations and sensibility, this project is not something closed. Instead, it is a journey that will be progressively enriched as different initiatives set their contributions in motion.
That is why this is an invitation to anyone and everyone to participate freely. So that wherever the March goes, the local people can contribute their creativity in a great convergence of multiple activities. There’s space for everything the imagination is capable of conceiving.
The possible channels of participation are multiple and diverse, including virtual participation in the March through Internet.
This is a march by and for the people, with hopes of reaching most of the world’s population. For this reason we are asking all media to spread the word about this journey around the world for Peace and Non-violence.
What is going to happen?
As it passes through cities there will be all kinds of forums, conferences and events (sporting, cultural, social, etc.) that will be organised according to the local initiatives that are emerging.
At this time hundreds of projects have already been set in motion by different individuals and organizations.
What are our goals and objectives?
To denounce the dangerous world situation that is leading us closer and closer to nuclear war, which would be the greatest catastrophe in human history – a dead end.
To give a voice to the majority of world citizens who want peace. Although the majority of the human race opposes the arms race, we are not sending out a unified signal. Instead we are letting ourselves be manipulated by a powerful minority and suffering the consequences. The time has come to stand together and show our opposition. Join a multitude of others in sending a clear signal, and your voice will have to be heard!
To achieve: the worldwide eradication of nuclear weapons; the immediate withdrawal of invading troops from occupied territories; the progressive and proportional reduction of conventional weapons; the signing of non-aggression treaties among nations and the renunciation by governments of war as a way to resolve conflicts.
To expose the many other forms of violence (economic, racial, sexual, religious…) that are currently hidden or disguised by their perpetrators; and to provide a way for all who suffer such violence to be heard.
To create global awareness - as has already happened with environmental issues - of the urgent need to condemn of all forms of violence and bring about real Peace.
" WHCC Endorses the World March for Peace and Nonviolence October 2nd, 2009 and January 2nd, 2010. Help us spread the word "
HOW CAN I SUPPORT THE WORLD MARCH?
The March will consist of two parallel initiatives: 1) Between October 2nd, 2009 and January 2nd, 2010, an international team of marchers will cross the planet from New Zealand to Argentina, meeting with heads-of-state, talking to the media, and participating in large marches and rallies in cities on each continent – all the while bringing awareness to the March’s urgent proposals and gathering the stories and wishes of the people with whom they meet.
2) During this same 3-month period, as their journey progresses around the globe, thousands of nonprofit organizations, civic groups, religious congregations, students and university groups, and concerned individuals in towns and cities around the world will do their part by organizing local events that bring the message of the March to their immediate co! mmunities. These events will include local marches and peace walks, art exhibits, concerts, nonviolence workshops, film nights, theater and dance performances, community forums, murals, potluck dinners, sports events, and more. The goal is to produce a converging diversity of voices aimed at raising consciousness of peace and nonviolence and collectively building the path to get there.
It’s not too late to get involved and add your voice to the World March. Here’s how - note all this needs to be done on the worldmarchusa website and not on whcc's website:
1) Endorse the World March as an individual or organization by going to our website: www.worldmarchusa.net
2) Organize an event or action in your neighborhood, workplace, school, or community in support of the March between October 2nd and January! 2nd. We have set aside December 2nd as “World March USA Day” and are aiming to have hundreds of events organized across the country on that day.
3) If you already have an existing event scheduled during this 3-month period, consider designating it “In Support of the World March” and add it to our calendar of events. Your support can be shown by including info on the March in your program, by having a short presentation before or after the event, or by incorporating the themes of the march into the content of your event.
4) Volunteer with efforts to welcome and host the international team of marchers when they visit NY, Washington, Los Angeles and San Francisco. November 30 – December 3. We need people to help with logistics, press, publicity, graphic design, fundraising, and outreach. (info@worldmarchusa.net).
5) Spread the Word! Talk about the march with your family, friends, neighbors, co-workers and fellow students, and refer them to our website:www.worldmarchusa.net.
Thanks for joining us in the largest mobilization for peace and disarmament in history!
Sincerely, WHCC's TEAM
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Thursday, October 15, 2009
WHCC Rocked the Global Beats Stage at the Javit Center in NYC October 2009
For Immediate Release:
Real Travelers Show They are Ready to Get Away
The first major travel show leading into 2010, Adventures in Travel Expo, took place this past weekend in New York City and sent a definitive message that travelers are still buying trips!
Destinations, tour operators and private sector travel providers had one question on their mind prior to show. Will travelers come out to find and book a vacation? The resounding message was “yes” with two key elements to their booking decisions – “value and authenticity.” They want to ensure they are getting great value as they spend their travel dollars, but aren’t willing to sacrifice any of the authentic aspects of their travel experience. In short – they are looking for it all!
“It is a very positive sign for the travel and tourism industry when you see thousands of qualified travelers paying to attend our event to find and book their next trip”, said John Golicz , CEO of Unicomm, organizers of Adventures in Travel Expo and Los Angeles Times Travel and Adventure Show. “As we begin our 2010 show series across the United States – it is clear that travel providers can reap big rewards by meeting qualified travelers face to face.”
Over 10,100 people attended the New York Adventures in Travel Expo this past weekend, including over 1,000 registered travel agents and press. From Europe to Asia, from the Caribbean to Latin America, hundreds of exhibitors and thousands of travel experts interacted with steady high demographic attendees all weekend.
Both returning and new exhibitors were eager to share their views of the event. Overall there was a sense of optimism seeing the audience ATE attracted over the holiday weekend.
“This is our first consumer event in quite some time – and we couldn’t be more pleased with the results this weekend”, said Paul Williams of VBT Bicycling Vacations. “Our team was busy all weekend answering very specific questions from attendees – many of whom were planning tour dates right at our booth. An added bonus was having many solo travelers approach our booth which is a significant growth area for VBT.
“This show was great!” commented Miguel Jeronimo of Brazil . “We had lots of journalists and trade, and the turnout has been fantastic. We're on the radar because of Rio and the Olympics, and there is a lot of interest. Overall, the experience has been very positive.”
A heavy on-site media presence included Fox 5 television which broadcasted live from the expo show floor on Friday morning from 5am -10am to preview the show. Destinations including Brazil , Italy , Costa Rica and Maui were interviewed by Fox 5 TV's Mike Woods and described what was unique about each destination.
Highlights of the show included:
-- The Italian Government Tourism Board’s mobile interactive display brought scores of travel agents throngs of educated travelers to hear their message.
-- The Event’s Global Beats Stage rocked with over 18 cultural performances over two days with standing room only crowds.
-- The National Geographic Adventure Theater and the Destination Theater saw over three thousand attendees listen to over two dozen Travel Luminaries
and World Explorers including: Arthur Frommer, Patricia Schultz, Jon Bowermaster, Holly Morris, and Tony Wheeler.
“ New York was our twenty-third production of the Adventures in Travel Expo series over the past six years,” added Golicz. “It is very satisfying to see the industry embrace our events as not only the leading travel shows in the USA but also the most professionally organized and consistently well attended events. Clearly these events provide travel marketers the ability to reach influential, high caliber, well educated travelers who are booking travel right now!”
Upcoming events include Adventures in Travel Expo Chicago, January 9-10, 2010 ; Washington D.C. , March 6-7, 2010 and the Los Angeles Times Travel & Adventure Show, February 13-14, 2010
Real Travelers Show They are Ready to Get Away
The first major travel show leading into 2010, Adventures in Travel Expo, took place this past weekend in New York City and sent a definitive message that travelers are still buying trips!
Destinations, tour operators and private sector travel providers had one question on their mind prior to show. Will travelers come out to find and book a vacation? The resounding message was “yes” with two key elements to their booking decisions – “value and authenticity.” They want to ensure they are getting great value as they spend their travel dollars, but aren’t willing to sacrifice any of the authentic aspects of their travel experience. In short – they are looking for it all!
“It is a very positive sign for the travel and tourism industry when you see thousands of qualified travelers paying to attend our event to find and book their next trip”, said John Golicz , CEO of Unicomm, organizers of Adventures in Travel Expo and Los Angeles Times Travel and Adventure Show. “As we begin our 2010 show series across the United States – it is clear that travel providers can reap big rewards by meeting qualified travelers face to face.”
Over 10,100 people attended the New York Adventures in Travel Expo this past weekend, including over 1,000 registered travel agents and press. From Europe to Asia, from the Caribbean to Latin America, hundreds of exhibitors and thousands of travel experts interacted with steady high demographic attendees all weekend.
Both returning and new exhibitors were eager to share their views of the event. Overall there was a sense of optimism seeing the audience ATE attracted over the holiday weekend.
“This is our first consumer event in quite some time – and we couldn’t be more pleased with the results this weekend”, said Paul Williams of VBT Bicycling Vacations. “Our team was busy all weekend answering very specific questions from attendees – many of whom were planning tour dates right at our booth. An added bonus was having many solo travelers approach our booth which is a significant growth area for VBT.
“This show was great!” commented Miguel Jeronimo of Brazil . “We had lots of journalists and trade, and the turnout has been fantastic. We're on the radar because of Rio and the Olympics, and there is a lot of interest. Overall, the experience has been very positive.”
A heavy on-site media presence included Fox 5 television which broadcasted live from the expo show floor on Friday morning from 5am -10am to preview the show. Destinations including Brazil , Italy , Costa Rica and Maui were interviewed by Fox 5 TV's Mike Woods and described what was unique about each destination.
Highlights of the show included:
-- The Italian Government Tourism Board’s mobile interactive display brought scores of travel agents throngs of educated travelers to hear their message.
-- The Event’s Global Beats Stage rocked with over 18 cultural performances over two days with standing room only crowds.
-- The National Geographic Adventure Theater and the Destination Theater saw over three thousand attendees listen to over two dozen Travel Luminaries
and World Explorers including: Arthur Frommer, Patricia Schultz, Jon Bowermaster, Holly Morris, and Tony Wheeler.
“ New York was our twenty-third production of the Adventures in Travel Expo series over the past six years,” added Golicz. “It is very satisfying to see the industry embrace our events as not only the leading travel shows in the USA but also the most professionally organized and consistently well attended events. Clearly these events provide travel marketers the ability to reach influential, high caliber, well educated travelers who are booking travel right now!”
Upcoming events include Adventures in Travel Expo Chicago, January 9-10, 2010 ; Washington D.C. , March 6-7, 2010 and the Los Angeles Times Travel & Adventure Show, February 13-14, 2010
Thursday, September 3, 2009
I View Film Festival - article by Sattie Persaud published on BIBIMAGAZINE
BIBIMAGAZINE
An advocate for change
Brings the Red Carpet to you on one of the hottest South-Asian Film Festivals in New York by Engendered.
“Engendered is an annual, New York-based transnational arts and human rights festival that brings together the best in contemporary South Asian cinema, visual arts and performance to explore the complex realities of gender and sexuality in modern South Asia, especially at the intersection of ritual and religion. The festival is designed not only to raise awareness, but also act as a fulcrum to enter public dialogue, break silences and impact perceptions around issues of gendered identities, stereotyping, bias and sexual choice and further, how those issues relate to affirmation or violations of human rights, health rights and women's rights. “
The third annual I View Film Festival was held on August 28th through August 30th 2009, which is becoming one of the most respected film festivals that explores gender and sexuality issues among South-Asians, but not limited to. Starting with the Red Carpet Reception on August 28th, 2009 at the prestigious Lincoln Center – Walter Reads Theatre- BIBIMAGAZINE interviewed some of the hottest stars in Bollywood and international acclaimed writers, directors, and producers. Below, is the list of artists that walked the Red carpet, had their work screened and who were on the panel of discussion at the I View Film Festival…from the eyes of BIBIMAGAZINE to you.
Arriving first, on the red carpet, is the brilliant Devika Urvashi Bhisé . At the age of seventeen, she directed the appraised documentary Hijras: The Third Gender. ” Hijras is a story about the outcastes of Indian society who live on its fringes. These eunuchs (originally only castrated males) were once employed by sultans and maharajas to guard the women in their harems. Now shunned by society, they are treated with less respect than the Dalits, or untouchables. Considered neither men nor women, Hijras have no constitutional rights. Currently, there is an ongoing debate in India regarding whether or not they should be granted the status of a third gender.”
BIBIMAGAZINE: How does it feel to be one of the youngest Directors at the I View Film Festival of 2009? And tell us how and why you choose to do a documentary on Hijras?
Devika: It’s an honor to be here today and I’m very excited. I have been travelling back and forth to India all my life and I was always curious of why people were always scared of Hijras and why they were a scorn to society. I did this short film to create awareness of this segment of society to allow their voices to be heard. I was privileged to share this community’s inner life and have tried to capture its stark reality as a friend rather than a voyeur. The filming took place from June 2008 to September 2008 in various cities and locations in India.
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Mehreen Jabbar is the Pakistani award winning director of numerous TV-films, with her first feature 'Ramchand Pakistani' , which has already been released in Pakistan and India in 2008 and is currently playing in cinemas in the UK to critical and audience acclaim. Beauty Parlour & Tumhari Bina, 2 short films screened at the I View Film Festival. Beauty Parlour: “Four faces, four masks and four short sketches of lives, loves and desires from Pakistan, traced through visits to the beauty parlour. Two friends long for intimacies of a different kind, a to-be-bride longs for another while getting ready for her wedding, the ‘other woman’ struggles to define her existence via her relationship with her married lover and a physically challenged transvestite has dreams of a different kind. This short film explores themes that could not be expressed on mainstream Pakistan television at the time.” Tumhari Bina: This film deals with the desires of an older single woman who lives by herself in the house that she shared with her deceased brother. Her only other companion is her trusted gardener and the pleasures of the internet through which she plays her sinister games.
This film was produced as part of a series called 'Mystery Theatre" that ran on Indus Vision, a Pakistani cable channel.
BIBIMAGAZINE: How does it make you feel knowing that Engendered has created a common place for you to screen a film that explores themes that is not widely accepted in the South-Asian cultures?
Mehreen: It feels great! I’m happy to be here. I’m a very shy person, so bear with me, and I have always felt more comfortable working with middle aged women and that lead to some short films I have done, including Beauty Parlour & Tumhari Bina. When I was born they said I looked like an old soul, maybe that has something to do with it. I always challenge the traditional views of our culture, to bring awareness of the unspoken secrets in our society. I’m very happy that Beauty Parlour & Tumhari Bina will be screened at the I View Film Festival and hope everyone enjoys it.
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MAZHAR-MOIN a talented director, features two shorts at the I View Film Festival: Burnesroad KI Nilofer & Ek Qiamat Aur. Burnesroad KI Nilofer is a short film about Nilofer is a precocious 16-year-old girl who lives with her hassled mother and disciplinarian father and eight younger siblings in a cramped flat in Karachi’s old city. Beguiled by the soaps on television, she dreams of true love but has little chance to go out and find it or even to express herself in the presence of her parents. Her only confidante is a neighbour, a young woman whose wiles her mother does not particularly approve of. When Nilofer falls for the young cable man who visits to fix her television connection, it sets in motion a series of half-com.
Ek Qiamat Aur: This is a tele-film looking at the psyche of a woman who escapes her loveless marriage and the monotony of her everyday life by weaving dreams. Soon the line between real life and dreams get blurry and threatens to jeopardize the equilibrium in her life. ic, half-tragic events that encapsulate the constricting life she lives. Mazhar: I’m very pleased to have my work screened and I View Film Festival and hope its appreciated by the viewers.
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DOSTANA: Dostana is the first Bollywood blockbuster where mainstream, straight
actors play gay characters. Kunal and Sameer (John Abraham and Abhishek Bachan) are two straight guys who pretend to be a gay couple so as to secure a posh Miami apartment. However, the plot takes a hilarious turn when both men fall for their adorable roommate Neha, played by Priyanka Chopra. The New York Times raves the film “irreverently normalizes a topic that has been virtually absent from screens in India.” Accompanied cast of Dostana(Red Carpet and Panelists) were: TARUN MANSUKHANI, director; JOHN ABRAHAM, actor; BOMAN IRANI, actor.
BIBIMAGAZINE with Tarun M: How does it feel to have Dostana as part of the I View Film Festival?
Tarun M: It’s a good start and we are all excited to be here. We were fortunate to have an amazing cast that had great chemistry together and we brought to light a subject that is still behind closed doors, in a fun and universal way.
BIBIMAGAZINE with John A: What was your first reaction when you were approached with the script of Dostana? And what was the experience like playing a gay male and Abhishek’s lover?
John A: I was honored. It was a lot of fun and I have great chemistry with Abhishek. If it wasn’t for him, I wouldn’t have done Dostana. I view myself as an actor and I submerge myself into a character to bring them alive. I do the characters to entertain, not bringing in the social and political aspects of it into the picture.
BIBIMAGAZINE with Bowman I: A versatile actor like yourself, what have you gain from the experience with your character in Dostana ? Also, can you please tell us about your film 99?
BOWMAN I: Dostana was a great experience with a great cast and as an actor I am always a student and I always become a little better with each character I play. I’m very pleased of Dostana being the only blockbuster film at the I View Film Festival. Wow, I can’t believe you are asking my about 99. 99 is inspired by real events. Its about two men in two cities who are bound by a common feeling of always being stuck at '99'. They never make it to a century in life. It small-time crooks, conspiracies, car crashes, a briefcase full of money with a historical controversy in the background.
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Parvez Sharma Director an Indian film director. He is best known for the film A Jihad for Love, on gay and lesbian Muslims. Parvez Sharma is a New York based writer and filmmaker. His first feature, which he directed and produced, "A Jihad for Love" is an international phenomenon with more than one million viewers in 37 nations in the first year of its release. On the Red Carpet and a Panelist at the I View Film Festival,
Parvez Sharma’s highlight was that: “ I can’t wait for Bollywood to produce a gay movie that won’t make me cringe!
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SONALI GULATI
Sonali Gulati is an Assistant Professor at Virginia Commonwealth University’s Department of Photography & Film. She has an MFA in Film & Media Arts from Temple University and a BA in Critical Social Thought from Mount Holyoke College. Ms. Gulati's areas of specialization are film production and experimental filmmaking. She has made several short films that have screened at over two hundred film festivals worldwide including Canada, United States, Europe, Australia, and Asia. She has won awards and grants from foundations such as the Third Wave Foundation and the World Studio Foundation, and recently won the Theresa Pollak Award for Excellence in the Arts in Film.
I AM is a short about what parents do when they find out that their child is gay? Having lost the opportunity to tell her mother that she is a lesbian, a young Indian filmmaker in search of answers, travels across India to meet with parents of other gay and lesbian South Asians. I Am is a personal and revealing feature film that journeys to a landscape where being gay is a criminal and punishable offence. Can this documentary conversation offer any resolution for either the filmmaker or the parents she meets? With courage, determination, and humor, families share untold stories that have thus far remained in the realm of secrecy and silence.
BIBIMAGAZINE: How do you feel about having I AM at the I View Film Festival?
Sonali G: It’s great. I AM is a personal story and I am proud to have it screened at the I View Film Festival and hope it can be a learning experience for the audience.
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RAM MADHVANI
Ram Madhvani directs for Equinox Films Private Limited, amongst the leading production houses in India, in which he is also a partner.
With over a decade's experience in the profession, Ram has worked with every important advertising agency in the country to become one of the fraternity's most respected and sought-after filmmakers.
Lets Talk is a film about a woman, married for 10 years, has an extra-marital affair and gets pregnant. She debates on whether she should tell her husband and plays out various scenarios in her mind about how he will react to her confession. The film unspools from Radhika's mind as she imagines her husband's possible reactions to her predicament. The structure of alternative realities borrows from a traditional musical form, the "Thumri", where a single thought is expressed in a multiplicity of moods. While the setting is urban contemporary Mumbai, its exploration of love is based on the enduring
myths of Lord Krishna, the eternal lover and his beloved Radha, who represents the eternal seeker. Newcomer Maia Katrak and sensational theatre actor Boman Irani provide riveting performances with a realism and truth unsurpassed in modern Indian cinema.
As Ram M skipped the Red Carpet, he contributed his sense of appreciation as a panelist of the I View Film Festival breaking boundaries each year and welcoming change.
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Zoya Akthar (director) and Farhan Akthar(actor) of Luck by Chance. Luck by Chance is a biting satire and insider’s look at gender disparity in India’s highly competitive film industry. This is the story of a struggling actor who arrives in Bollywood to become a movie star. His journey to fame is juxtaposed with that of an actress, who is also his love interest. Because of blatant gender inequity in this particular microcosm of Indian society, the woman is forced to experience everything from the “casting couch” syndrome to losing lead roles because of her age and looks. The New York Times says “it might seem as if Bollywood couldn’t possibly satirize itself …but Zoya Akhtar manages the trick deftly.”
BIBIMAGAZINE with Zoya A & Farhan A: How accomplished do you feel of having Luck By Chance screened at the I View Film Festival?
Zoya A: As a director I’m very honored to have my movie screened here tomorrow and hope everyone enjoys it as much as we enjoyed making it. Thank you.
Farhan A: Its great being here and I feel very accomplished as an actor to have Lucky By Chance at the I View Film Festival.
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AYESHA SOOD
Her introduction to film was through the still camera, and she thinks it armed her with certain skills [and an eye] to apply to this highly visual medium. Somebody once said that there are only six basic tales in the world… everything else depends on how you tell it. She subscribes to this school of thought. She thinks her strength lies in being able to tell a story through her eyes. And as a director that is the most important aspect of film making – How an individual tells a story and how you use the various film making tools [camera, costume, art, dialogue etc...] to enhance the same.
Madhuri Girl Star: is a short film about a young woman, Madhuri, who broke social boundaries as a woman and is elected the youngest woman leader of their village through her determination in doing what is just.
BIBIMAGAZINE: How important is it to you that Madhuri Girl Star is being screened at the I View Film Festival?
Ayesha S: Its great. Madhuri Girl Star is a documentary of mine that brings forth my learning experience so far in Cinema and I’m thankful to be here tonight.
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Mira Nair Accomplished Film Director/Writer/Producer Mira Nair was born in Bhubaneswar, India in 1957. Educated at both Delhi University and Harvard University, Nair began her artistic career as an actor before turning her attention to film. She found incipient success as a documentary filmmaker, winning awards for So Far From India and India Cabaret. In 1988, Nair’s debut feature, Salaam Bombay!, was nominated for an Academy Award, Golden Globe, and BAFTA Award for Best Foreign Language Film. It also won the Camera D'Or (for best first feature) and the Prix du Publique (for most popular entry) at the Cannes Film Festival as well as 25 other international awards.
My Own Country tells the story of an East Indian doctor who settles in Johnson City, Tennessee. The doctor's name is Abraham Verghese, and he specializes in infectious diseases. It's 1985, and AIDS is spreading from the big cities to the rural areas. Abraham takes on the AIDS crisis as his personal crusade and is soon well-known for his compassion and non-judgmental treatment. As he becomes overwhelmed with patients from the surrounding states, his work begins to put a strain on his marriage. The story explores sexuality from a hetero-normative perspective and exposes the myths and biases surrounding the disease in the early years.
BIBIMAGAZINE: From a director’s perspective, what does the accomplishment feel like in being part of a film festival that explores gender and sexuality issues?
Mira N: I don’t see it as gay or lesbian, I see it as form of art, humanizing the subject. All my films are challenging a society that has many secrets and I get high on rejection. If they say I can’t do it, or it will never make it, I do it.
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GHALIB SHIRAZ DHALLA
Los Angeles-based writer Ghalib Shiraz Dhalla was born in Mombasa, Kenya. At 13 years old, the aspiring young novelist published his first article on infertility in a national magazine VIVA. Since then he's written for various publications including Instinct, Genre, Angeleno, Detour and Details and is the Editor of the upscale lifestyle E-zine, IndulgeMagazine.com
An excerpt from Ode to Lata was featured in the award-winning anthology Contours of the Heart: South Asians Map North America (Rutgers), which went on to win the 18th Annual American Book Award. The Los Angeles Times Book Review hailed Dhalla's debut as "an achievement" (Sunday, March 24th, 2002) and Christopher Rice called it "a rare, great novel" (book jacket). Ode to Lata created milestones as the first South Asian gay novel ever to be reviewed by The Los Angeles Times Book Review and to be excerpted by Genre Magazine. It was also the first account of the South Asian gay experience from an author from the African continent. The cultural and academic impact of Dhalla's debut novel was further recognized when it was presented at the Between The Lines Festival at MIT (Boston) in 2004, and added to college syllabuses around the country. Ode to Lata was adapted for the motion picture, The Ode starring Sachin Bhatt, Wilson Cruz, and Sakina Jaffrey. Dhalla wrote the screenplay and is the Associate Producer for the film. The Ode premiered at the Oufest Film Festival on July 17th, 2008 to a sold-out audience. It was called "a beautiful portrait of the American experience for many first and second-generation Indian-Americans" (CineQueer, July 18th, 2008) and a film with performances that are "memorable" and filled with "cinematic intensity" (Planet Homo, July 19th, 2008).
Accompanied casts: Ghalib Shiraz Dhalla (writer); Anil Kumar (actor); Sachin Bhatt (actor).
BIBIMAGAZINE with Ghalib, Anil K, and Sachin B: Ode to Lata already accomplishing so much as a novel, how does it feel to be here today at the I View Film Festival?
Ghalib: Its great being here in NY and I’m always happy to share my work! It’s a personal story and I’m glad to be here with you tonight.
BIBIMAGAZINE with Anil K: It was an amazing experience playing the role I have in Ode, the cast was great and I love Ghalib…my son…for I played his father in the film. Some nights I will go home weeping, and I am very proud that the film is appreciated so much.
BIBIMAGAZINE with Sachin B: this movie was my first feature movie I auditioned for, the first feature length movie I acted in, and I’m honored have this as the starting point of my career! It was a role that opened a part of me that broke a lot of boundaries and took a lot of courage to be part of. I’m very proud to have it at the I View Film Festival.
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POPPY STOCKELL
Born in London in 1977, Poppy began her career at Sydney's 2SER FM whilst completing a degree in zoology at the University of New South Wales. She has since had extensive experience in radio as a freelance producer and program-maker, particularly for the ABC’s national youth station. Poppy made the leap to film and television in 2004, studying cinematography at North Sydney TAFE. Her camera credits since have included Walk Like a Man, Suburban Mayhem and The Silence. Her film credits as writer/director include the short Alight Touch and music video Foolscap and she is regularly commissioned to create travel vodcasts, such as Skiing in Morocco, for Lonely Planet. Most recently, Poppy worked as segment producer on ABC 2’s Good Game.
Searching for Sandeep: Despite living in one of the gay capitals of the world, 28-year-old
Sydneysider Poppy Stockell is forced to go online in her search for love. When she meets 31-year-old Anglo-Indian Sandeep Virdi, she thinks she's found the one. Unfortunately, Sandeep lives at home in the British Midlands with her conservative Sikh parents and three younger
sisters. Oh, and she's not out to any of them. Through raw, incredibly frank footage, Searching for Sandeep follows Poppy and Sandeep's tumultuous relationship across two years and three
continents.
BIBIMAGAZINE: How accomplished does it feel to be part of the I View Film Festival?
Poppy S: Its great being here. It’s a very personal story about me and my partner and we are happy to share it with the world, hoping it will help break the silence in families that are not yet open to having conversations on being gay or lesbian.
***
The entertainment high light of the opening night was the beautiful Nadia Ali, who performed among her new songs the 2001 hit “Rapture” that topped dance charts all over the world.
Engendered has made un-measurable strides once more with three days consisting of Opening Night Celebrations with artists from all over the world and two days of film and documentaries screenings in exploring gender sexuality, not limiting, to societies among South-Asians. The success of the I View Film Festival was contributed to by BIBIMAGAZINE in bringing the spot light on the event.
Article by Sattie I Persaud.
An advocate for change
Brings the Red Carpet to you on one of the hottest South-Asian Film Festivals in New York by Engendered.
“Engendered is an annual, New York-based transnational arts and human rights festival that brings together the best in contemporary South Asian cinema, visual arts and performance to explore the complex realities of gender and sexuality in modern South Asia, especially at the intersection of ritual and religion. The festival is designed not only to raise awareness, but also act as a fulcrum to enter public dialogue, break silences and impact perceptions around issues of gendered identities, stereotyping, bias and sexual choice and further, how those issues relate to affirmation or violations of human rights, health rights and women's rights. “
The third annual I View Film Festival was held on August 28th through August 30th 2009, which is becoming one of the most respected film festivals that explores gender and sexuality issues among South-Asians, but not limited to. Starting with the Red Carpet Reception on August 28th, 2009 at the prestigious Lincoln Center – Walter Reads Theatre- BIBIMAGAZINE interviewed some of the hottest stars in Bollywood and international acclaimed writers, directors, and producers. Below, is the list of artists that walked the Red carpet, had their work screened and who were on the panel of discussion at the I View Film Festival…from the eyes of BIBIMAGAZINE to you.
Arriving first, on the red carpet, is the brilliant Devika Urvashi Bhisé . At the age of seventeen, she directed the appraised documentary Hijras: The Third Gender. ” Hijras is a story about the outcastes of Indian society who live on its fringes. These eunuchs (originally only castrated males) were once employed by sultans and maharajas to guard the women in their harems. Now shunned by society, they are treated with less respect than the Dalits, or untouchables. Considered neither men nor women, Hijras have no constitutional rights. Currently, there is an ongoing debate in India regarding whether or not they should be granted the status of a third gender.”
BIBIMAGAZINE: How does it feel to be one of the youngest Directors at the I View Film Festival of 2009? And tell us how and why you choose to do a documentary on Hijras?
Devika: It’s an honor to be here today and I’m very excited. I have been travelling back and forth to India all my life and I was always curious of why people were always scared of Hijras and why they were a scorn to society. I did this short film to create awareness of this segment of society to allow their voices to be heard. I was privileged to share this community’s inner life and have tried to capture its stark reality as a friend rather than a voyeur. The filming took place from June 2008 to September 2008 in various cities and locations in India.
***
Mehreen Jabbar is the Pakistani award winning director of numerous TV-films, with her first feature 'Ramchand Pakistani' , which has already been released in Pakistan and India in 2008 and is currently playing in cinemas in the UK to critical and audience acclaim. Beauty Parlour & Tumhari Bina, 2 short films screened at the I View Film Festival. Beauty Parlour: “Four faces, four masks and four short sketches of lives, loves and desires from Pakistan, traced through visits to the beauty parlour. Two friends long for intimacies of a different kind, a to-be-bride longs for another while getting ready for her wedding, the ‘other woman’ struggles to define her existence via her relationship with her married lover and a physically challenged transvestite has dreams of a different kind. This short film explores themes that could not be expressed on mainstream Pakistan television at the time.” Tumhari Bina: This film deals with the desires of an older single woman who lives by herself in the house that she shared with her deceased brother. Her only other companion is her trusted gardener and the pleasures of the internet through which she plays her sinister games.
This film was produced as part of a series called 'Mystery Theatre" that ran on Indus Vision, a Pakistani cable channel.
BIBIMAGAZINE: How does it make you feel knowing that Engendered has created a common place for you to screen a film that explores themes that is not widely accepted in the South-Asian cultures?
Mehreen: It feels great! I’m happy to be here. I’m a very shy person, so bear with me, and I have always felt more comfortable working with middle aged women and that lead to some short films I have done, including Beauty Parlour & Tumhari Bina. When I was born they said I looked like an old soul, maybe that has something to do with it. I always challenge the traditional views of our culture, to bring awareness of the unspoken secrets in our society. I’m very happy that Beauty Parlour & Tumhari Bina will be screened at the I View Film Festival and hope everyone enjoys it.
***
MAZHAR-MOIN a talented director, features two shorts at the I View Film Festival: Burnesroad KI Nilofer & Ek Qiamat Aur. Burnesroad KI Nilofer is a short film about Nilofer is a precocious 16-year-old girl who lives with her hassled mother and disciplinarian father and eight younger siblings in a cramped flat in Karachi’s old city. Beguiled by the soaps on television, she dreams of true love but has little chance to go out and find it or even to express herself in the presence of her parents. Her only confidante is a neighbour, a young woman whose wiles her mother does not particularly approve of. When Nilofer falls for the young cable man who visits to fix her television connection, it sets in motion a series of half-com.
Ek Qiamat Aur: This is a tele-film looking at the psyche of a woman who escapes her loveless marriage and the monotony of her everyday life by weaving dreams. Soon the line between real life and dreams get blurry and threatens to jeopardize the equilibrium in her life. ic, half-tragic events that encapsulate the constricting life she lives. Mazhar: I’m very pleased to have my work screened and I View Film Festival and hope its appreciated by the viewers.
***
DOSTANA: Dostana is the first Bollywood blockbuster where mainstream, straight
actors play gay characters. Kunal and Sameer (John Abraham and Abhishek Bachan) are two straight guys who pretend to be a gay couple so as to secure a posh Miami apartment. However, the plot takes a hilarious turn when both men fall for their adorable roommate Neha, played by Priyanka Chopra. The New York Times raves the film “irreverently normalizes a topic that has been virtually absent from screens in India.” Accompanied cast of Dostana(Red Carpet and Panelists) were: TARUN MANSUKHANI, director; JOHN ABRAHAM, actor; BOMAN IRANI, actor.
BIBIMAGAZINE with Tarun M: How does it feel to have Dostana as part of the I View Film Festival?
Tarun M: It’s a good start and we are all excited to be here. We were fortunate to have an amazing cast that had great chemistry together and we brought to light a subject that is still behind closed doors, in a fun and universal way.
BIBIMAGAZINE with John A: What was your first reaction when you were approached with the script of Dostana? And what was the experience like playing a gay male and Abhishek’s lover?
John A: I was honored. It was a lot of fun and I have great chemistry with Abhishek. If it wasn’t for him, I wouldn’t have done Dostana. I view myself as an actor and I submerge myself into a character to bring them alive. I do the characters to entertain, not bringing in the social and political aspects of it into the picture.
BIBIMAGAZINE with Bowman I: A versatile actor like yourself, what have you gain from the experience with your character in Dostana ? Also, can you please tell us about your film 99?
BOWMAN I: Dostana was a great experience with a great cast and as an actor I am always a student and I always become a little better with each character I play. I’m very pleased of Dostana being the only blockbuster film at the I View Film Festival. Wow, I can’t believe you are asking my about 99. 99 is inspired by real events. Its about two men in two cities who are bound by a common feeling of always being stuck at '99'. They never make it to a century in life. It small-time crooks, conspiracies, car crashes, a briefcase full of money with a historical controversy in the background.
***
Parvez Sharma Director an Indian film director. He is best known for the film A Jihad for Love, on gay and lesbian Muslims. Parvez Sharma is a New York based writer and filmmaker. His first feature, which he directed and produced, "A Jihad for Love" is an international phenomenon with more than one million viewers in 37 nations in the first year of its release. On the Red Carpet and a Panelist at the I View Film Festival,
Parvez Sharma’s highlight was that: “ I can’t wait for Bollywood to produce a gay movie that won’t make me cringe!
***
SONALI GULATI
Sonali Gulati is an Assistant Professor at Virginia Commonwealth University’s Department of Photography & Film. She has an MFA in Film & Media Arts from Temple University and a BA in Critical Social Thought from Mount Holyoke College. Ms. Gulati's areas of specialization are film production and experimental filmmaking. She has made several short films that have screened at over two hundred film festivals worldwide including Canada, United States, Europe, Australia, and Asia. She has won awards and grants from foundations such as the Third Wave Foundation and the World Studio Foundation, and recently won the Theresa Pollak Award for Excellence in the Arts in Film.
I AM is a short about what parents do when they find out that their child is gay? Having lost the opportunity to tell her mother that she is a lesbian, a young Indian filmmaker in search of answers, travels across India to meet with parents of other gay and lesbian South Asians. I Am is a personal and revealing feature film that journeys to a landscape where being gay is a criminal and punishable offence. Can this documentary conversation offer any resolution for either the filmmaker or the parents she meets? With courage, determination, and humor, families share untold stories that have thus far remained in the realm of secrecy and silence.
BIBIMAGAZINE: How do you feel about having I AM at the I View Film Festival?
Sonali G: It’s great. I AM is a personal story and I am proud to have it screened at the I View Film Festival and hope it can be a learning experience for the audience.
***
RAM MADHVANI
Ram Madhvani directs for Equinox Films Private Limited, amongst the leading production houses in India, in which he is also a partner.
With over a decade's experience in the profession, Ram has worked with every important advertising agency in the country to become one of the fraternity's most respected and sought-after filmmakers.
Lets Talk is a film about a woman, married for 10 years, has an extra-marital affair and gets pregnant. She debates on whether she should tell her husband and plays out various scenarios in her mind about how he will react to her confession. The film unspools from Radhika's mind as she imagines her husband's possible reactions to her predicament. The structure of alternative realities borrows from a traditional musical form, the "Thumri", where a single thought is expressed in a multiplicity of moods. While the setting is urban contemporary Mumbai, its exploration of love is based on the enduring
myths of Lord Krishna, the eternal lover and his beloved Radha, who represents the eternal seeker. Newcomer Maia Katrak and sensational theatre actor Boman Irani provide riveting performances with a realism and truth unsurpassed in modern Indian cinema.
As Ram M skipped the Red Carpet, he contributed his sense of appreciation as a panelist of the I View Film Festival breaking boundaries each year and welcoming change.
***
Zoya Akthar (director) and Farhan Akthar(actor) of Luck by Chance. Luck by Chance is a biting satire and insider’s look at gender disparity in India’s highly competitive film industry. This is the story of a struggling actor who arrives in Bollywood to become a movie star. His journey to fame is juxtaposed with that of an actress, who is also his love interest. Because of blatant gender inequity in this particular microcosm of Indian society, the woman is forced to experience everything from the “casting couch” syndrome to losing lead roles because of her age and looks. The New York Times says “it might seem as if Bollywood couldn’t possibly satirize itself …but Zoya Akhtar manages the trick deftly.”
BIBIMAGAZINE with Zoya A & Farhan A: How accomplished do you feel of having Luck By Chance screened at the I View Film Festival?
Zoya A: As a director I’m very honored to have my movie screened here tomorrow and hope everyone enjoys it as much as we enjoyed making it. Thank you.
Farhan A: Its great being here and I feel very accomplished as an actor to have Lucky By Chance at the I View Film Festival.
***
AYESHA SOOD
Her introduction to film was through the still camera, and she thinks it armed her with certain skills [and an eye] to apply to this highly visual medium. Somebody once said that there are only six basic tales in the world… everything else depends on how you tell it. She subscribes to this school of thought. She thinks her strength lies in being able to tell a story through her eyes. And as a director that is the most important aspect of film making – How an individual tells a story and how you use the various film making tools [camera, costume, art, dialogue etc...] to enhance the same.
Madhuri Girl Star: is a short film about a young woman, Madhuri, who broke social boundaries as a woman and is elected the youngest woman leader of their village through her determination in doing what is just.
BIBIMAGAZINE: How important is it to you that Madhuri Girl Star is being screened at the I View Film Festival?
Ayesha S: Its great. Madhuri Girl Star is a documentary of mine that brings forth my learning experience so far in Cinema and I’m thankful to be here tonight.
***
Mira Nair Accomplished Film Director/Writer/Producer Mira Nair was born in Bhubaneswar, India in 1957. Educated at both Delhi University and Harvard University, Nair began her artistic career as an actor before turning her attention to film. She found incipient success as a documentary filmmaker, winning awards for So Far From India and India Cabaret. In 1988, Nair’s debut feature, Salaam Bombay!, was nominated for an Academy Award, Golden Globe, and BAFTA Award for Best Foreign Language Film. It also won the Camera D'Or (for best first feature) and the Prix du Publique (for most popular entry) at the Cannes Film Festival as well as 25 other international awards.
My Own Country tells the story of an East Indian doctor who settles in Johnson City, Tennessee. The doctor's name is Abraham Verghese, and he specializes in infectious diseases. It's 1985, and AIDS is spreading from the big cities to the rural areas. Abraham takes on the AIDS crisis as his personal crusade and is soon well-known for his compassion and non-judgmental treatment. As he becomes overwhelmed with patients from the surrounding states, his work begins to put a strain on his marriage. The story explores sexuality from a hetero-normative perspective and exposes the myths and biases surrounding the disease in the early years.
BIBIMAGAZINE: From a director’s perspective, what does the accomplishment feel like in being part of a film festival that explores gender and sexuality issues?
Mira N: I don’t see it as gay or lesbian, I see it as form of art, humanizing the subject. All my films are challenging a society that has many secrets and I get high on rejection. If they say I can’t do it, or it will never make it, I do it.
***
GHALIB SHIRAZ DHALLA
Los Angeles-based writer Ghalib Shiraz Dhalla was born in Mombasa, Kenya. At 13 years old, the aspiring young novelist published his first article on infertility in a national magazine VIVA. Since then he's written for various publications including Instinct, Genre, Angeleno, Detour and Details and is the Editor of the upscale lifestyle E-zine, IndulgeMagazine.com
An excerpt from Ode to Lata was featured in the award-winning anthology Contours of the Heart: South Asians Map North America (Rutgers), which went on to win the 18th Annual American Book Award. The Los Angeles Times Book Review hailed Dhalla's debut as "an achievement" (Sunday, March 24th, 2002) and Christopher Rice called it "a rare, great novel" (book jacket). Ode to Lata created milestones as the first South Asian gay novel ever to be reviewed by The Los Angeles Times Book Review and to be excerpted by Genre Magazine. It was also the first account of the South Asian gay experience from an author from the African continent. The cultural and academic impact of Dhalla's debut novel was further recognized when it was presented at the Between The Lines Festival at MIT (Boston) in 2004, and added to college syllabuses around the country. Ode to Lata was adapted for the motion picture, The Ode starring Sachin Bhatt, Wilson Cruz, and Sakina Jaffrey. Dhalla wrote the screenplay and is the Associate Producer for the film. The Ode premiered at the Oufest Film Festival on July 17th, 2008 to a sold-out audience. It was called "a beautiful portrait of the American experience for many first and second-generation Indian-Americans" (CineQueer, July 18th, 2008) and a film with performances that are "memorable" and filled with "cinematic intensity" (Planet Homo, July 19th, 2008).
Accompanied casts: Ghalib Shiraz Dhalla (writer); Anil Kumar (actor); Sachin Bhatt (actor).
BIBIMAGAZINE with Ghalib, Anil K, and Sachin B: Ode to Lata already accomplishing so much as a novel, how does it feel to be here today at the I View Film Festival?
Ghalib: Its great being here in NY and I’m always happy to share my work! It’s a personal story and I’m glad to be here with you tonight.
BIBIMAGAZINE with Anil K: It was an amazing experience playing the role I have in Ode, the cast was great and I love Ghalib…my son…for I played his father in the film. Some nights I will go home weeping, and I am very proud that the film is appreciated so much.
BIBIMAGAZINE with Sachin B: this movie was my first feature movie I auditioned for, the first feature length movie I acted in, and I’m honored have this as the starting point of my career! It was a role that opened a part of me that broke a lot of boundaries and took a lot of courage to be part of. I’m very proud to have it at the I View Film Festival.
***
POPPY STOCKELL
Born in London in 1977, Poppy began her career at Sydney's 2SER FM whilst completing a degree in zoology at the University of New South Wales. She has since had extensive experience in radio as a freelance producer and program-maker, particularly for the ABC’s national youth station. Poppy made the leap to film and television in 2004, studying cinematography at North Sydney TAFE. Her camera credits since have included Walk Like a Man, Suburban Mayhem and The Silence. Her film credits as writer/director include the short Alight Touch and music video Foolscap and she is regularly commissioned to create travel vodcasts, such as Skiing in Morocco, for Lonely Planet. Most recently, Poppy worked as segment producer on ABC 2’s Good Game.
Searching for Sandeep: Despite living in one of the gay capitals of the world, 28-year-old
Sydneysider Poppy Stockell is forced to go online in her search for love. When she meets 31-year-old Anglo-Indian Sandeep Virdi, she thinks she's found the one. Unfortunately, Sandeep lives at home in the British Midlands with her conservative Sikh parents and three younger
sisters. Oh, and she's not out to any of them. Through raw, incredibly frank footage, Searching for Sandeep follows Poppy and Sandeep's tumultuous relationship across two years and three
continents.
BIBIMAGAZINE: How accomplished does it feel to be part of the I View Film Festival?
Poppy S: Its great being here. It’s a very personal story about me and my partner and we are happy to share it with the world, hoping it will help break the silence in families that are not yet open to having conversations on being gay or lesbian.
***
The entertainment high light of the opening night was the beautiful Nadia Ali, who performed among her new songs the 2001 hit “Rapture” that topped dance charts all over the world.
Engendered has made un-measurable strides once more with three days consisting of Opening Night Celebrations with artists from all over the world and two days of film and documentaries screenings in exploring gender sexuality, not limiting, to societies among South-Asians. The success of the I View Film Festival was contributed to by BIBIMAGAZINE in bringing the spot light on the event.
Article by Sattie I Persaud.
Friday, June 26, 2009
The one and only King of Pop of all time!!!
The World has lost a one of its greatest treasures on Thursday, June 25 2009. Michael Joseph Jackson (August 29, 1958 – June 25, 2009) was and will always remain the King Of Pop. The seventh child of the Jackson family, he made his début to the professional music scene at the age of 11 as a member of The Jackson 5 in 1969, and began a solo career in 1971 while still a member of the group. The King of Pop in subsequent years, his 1982 album Thriller was the world's best-selling record of all time and four other solo studio albums are also among the world's best-selling records: Off the Wall (1979), Bad (1987), Dangerous (1991) and HIStory (1995).
In the early 1980s, MJ became a dominant figure in popular music and the first African American entertainer to amass a strong crossover following on MTV. The popularity of his music videos airing on MTV, such as "Beat It", "Billie Jean" and "Thriller" — widely credited with transforming the music video from a promotional tool into an art form — helped bring the relatively new channel to fame. Videos such as "Black or White" and "Scream" made MJ an enduring staple on MTV in the 1990s. With stage performances and music videos, he popularized a number of physically complicated dance techniques, such as the robot and the moonwalk. His distinctive musical sound and vocal style influenced many hip hop, pop and contemporary R&B artists. While MJ was a member of Generation Jones he had an impact on multiple generations.
MJ donated and raised millions of dollars for beneficial causes through his foundation, charity singles and support of 39 charities. Other aspects of his personal life, including his changing appearance and behavior, generated significant controversy, damaging his public image. Though he was accused of child sexual abuse in 1993, the criminal investigation was closed due to lack of evidence and Jackson was not charged. He married twice and fathered three children In 2005, Michael was tried and acquitted of further sexual abuse allegations and several other charges.
Michael is one of the few artists to have been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice, his other achievements include multiple Guinness World Records—including one for "Most Successful Entertainer of All Time"—13 Grammy Awards, 13 number one singles in his solo career, more than any other male artist in the Hot 100 era, and the sale of 750 million records worldwide.Michael's highly publicized personal life, coupled with his successful career, made him a part of popular culture for almost four decades.
Michael Jackson died on June 25, 2009, aged 50 and was re-born instantly in the hearts of his fan and this day will and the King of Pop will never be forgotten.
May you rest in peace Michael, you will be missed.
Sattie.
In the early 1980s, MJ became a dominant figure in popular music and the first African American entertainer to amass a strong crossover following on MTV. The popularity of his music videos airing on MTV, such as "Beat It", "Billie Jean" and "Thriller" — widely credited with transforming the music video from a promotional tool into an art form — helped bring the relatively new channel to fame. Videos such as "Black or White" and "Scream" made MJ an enduring staple on MTV in the 1990s. With stage performances and music videos, he popularized a number of physically complicated dance techniques, such as the robot and the moonwalk. His distinctive musical sound and vocal style influenced many hip hop, pop and contemporary R&B artists. While MJ was a member of Generation Jones he had an impact on multiple generations.
MJ donated and raised millions of dollars for beneficial causes through his foundation, charity singles and support of 39 charities. Other aspects of his personal life, including his changing appearance and behavior, generated significant controversy, damaging his public image. Though he was accused of child sexual abuse in 1993, the criminal investigation was closed due to lack of evidence and Jackson was not charged. He married twice and fathered three children In 2005, Michael was tried and acquitted of further sexual abuse allegations and several other charges.
Michael is one of the few artists to have been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice, his other achievements include multiple Guinness World Records—including one for "Most Successful Entertainer of All Time"—13 Grammy Awards, 13 number one singles in his solo career, more than any other male artist in the Hot 100 era, and the sale of 750 million records worldwide.Michael's highly publicized personal life, coupled with his successful career, made him a part of popular culture for almost four decades.
Michael Jackson died on June 25, 2009, aged 50 and was re-born instantly in the hearts of his fan and this day will and the King of Pop will never be forgotten.
May you rest in peace Michael, you will be missed.
Sattie.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
June 05, 2009 WORLD OF COLORS
WORLD OF COLORS: A UNIVERSAL CULTURAL EXPERIENCE
23 Different cultural acts of musical and dance performances in the span of 4 hours with a dynamic and versatile group of international and national artists..hosted by the amazing Michael C Williams. Many thanks for Sahara One TV, TV ASIA, PAN DESI for coming out and capturing this magical night of our inaugural event!!
Manoj Rajwani:The WHCC’s World of Colors show was an amazing experience. I was inspired by the talent that performed and I felt like I was part of a very special night. At the end of the night I realized the power of music, dance and the mission of the WHCC. It’s about bringing us all together to appreciate the beauty that is present in all of our cultures.
Jonathan: I attended the show last night and found you and your work to be simply amazing. I was honored to be a part of the event. I find that being a white male in this society I owe it to humanity to help break down culturally barriers any chance I can. We still live in a world where separation of race and culture is dominant however, for the most part is goes unspoken. I would love to be apart of future events please keep me in mind.
Tina Asha: I have been to a lot of events, but nothing this colorful and diverse. I wish everyone could see this amazing show of promoting cultural awareness and if you weren't there, you missed out an a great and special night.
Jessica Oneil: It took us 2 hours to get to the Irvington Theatre, but it was so worth it. I didn’t realize 4 hours went by until the lights came on and the host said - goodnight! What a great host, couldn’t believe such a sweet guy was in the Blair Witch Project..ha! Great show guys and cant wait for your next two upcoming shows. The Masquerade Ball is just simply fascinating and cant wait to be there.
These are just some of the great feedback we got from the audience that contacted us at info@mywhcc.com. We would love to hear from you.
Footage of the show will be on our website shortly as well as pictures!
Hope to see you all at our WORLD FOOD, MUSIC & DANCE FESTIVAL in NYC on August, 22 2009 (rain date August 29)- details coming shortly.
Sincerely,
Sattie I Persaud.
23 Different cultural acts of musical and dance performances in the span of 4 hours with a dynamic and versatile group of international and national artists..hosted by the amazing Michael C Williams. Many thanks for Sahara One TV, TV ASIA, PAN DESI for coming out and capturing this magical night of our inaugural event!!
Manoj Rajwani:The WHCC’s World of Colors show was an amazing experience. I was inspired by the talent that performed and I felt like I was part of a very special night. At the end of the night I realized the power of music, dance and the mission of the WHCC. It’s about bringing us all together to appreciate the beauty that is present in all of our cultures.
Jonathan: I attended the show last night and found you and your work to be simply amazing. I was honored to be a part of the event. I find that being a white male in this society I owe it to humanity to help break down culturally barriers any chance I can. We still live in a world where separation of race and culture is dominant however, for the most part is goes unspoken. I would love to be apart of future events please keep me in mind.
Tina Asha: I have been to a lot of events, but nothing this colorful and diverse. I wish everyone could see this amazing show of promoting cultural awareness and if you weren't there, you missed out an a great and special night.
Jessica Oneil: It took us 2 hours to get to the Irvington Theatre, but it was so worth it. I didn’t realize 4 hours went by until the lights came on and the host said - goodnight! What a great host, couldn’t believe such a sweet guy was in the Blair Witch Project..ha! Great show guys and cant wait for your next two upcoming shows. The Masquerade Ball is just simply fascinating and cant wait to be there.
These are just some of the great feedback we got from the audience that contacted us at info@mywhcc.com. We would love to hear from you.
Footage of the show will be on our website shortly as well as pictures!
Hope to see you all at our WORLD FOOD, MUSIC & DANCE FESTIVAL in NYC on August, 22 2009 (rain date August 29)- details coming shortly.
Sincerely,
Sattie I Persaud.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
May 12th Press Release for WHCC
Contacts: Jessica Rao
Arc Marketing & Public Relations
914-980-4831
jrao@arcmpr.com
For Immediate Release
WORLD HERITAGE CULTURAL CENTER TO
HOST INAUGURAL FUNDRAISING EVENT
WORLD OF COLORS AT IRVINGTON TOWN HALL THEATRE
IRVINGTON, NY – (May 12, 2009) – The World Heritage Cultural Center (WHCC) will host its first fundraising event to raise money for a physical location for the organization. The World of Colors: A Universal Cultural Experience event will take place on Friday, June 5 at 6:30 p.m. at the Irvington Town Hall Theatre.
The multicultural music and dance production will feature a diverse line up of acts including UK-based R&B artist, Raghav, winner of the Asian Achievers Award and the Southern Asian Music Award for Best Artist; the Naach Sensation Dance Company, an original “Bollywood” dance troupe accompanied by energetic percussions; vocalist Eva who has performed at some of New York’s notable venues, including the China Club, Babalu Theater, and CBGB’s Gallery; the multi-talented Tina Sugandh who has won a Sony South Asian Excellence award and recently signed with Jerry Blair; and comedian Vidur Kapur who was selected as NY finalist for NBC “Stand up for Diversity” .
“I’m thrilled to introduce the World Heritage Cultural Center with this fantastic event in which all cultures will show off their colors and shine,” said Sattie Persaud, Founder and President of WHCC.
Ms. Persaud was born in Guyana, raised in Suriname, and came to the U.S. in 1996. She has always been excited by the arts and culture and has been developing the organization and this first fundraising event for two years.
The World of Colors: A Universal Cultural Experience is being sponsored by Sahara One Television, and supported by KTU103.5, K104.7, WBGO, 107.1 The Peak, Deisclub.com, and Natural Awakening Magazine.
To purchase tickets for the World of Colors or for more information, visit www.mywhcc.com, or contact the World Heritage Cultural Center at 914-498-8347 or at info@mywhcc.com.
About World Heritage Cultural Center
World Heritage Cultural Center is a non-for-profit organization whose mission is to promote cultural awareness through the arts and give back to the community through knowledge and charity. WHCC will offer community members courses in the arts in a variety of mediums and cultural traditions. WHCC will also host events celebrating diverse cultures.
Currently, WHCC is raising money to secure a physical location. Once fully established in 2010 in Westchester, New York, WHCC will donate proceeds to charities for women and children, the homeless, and cancer and HIV awareness. In addition, WHCC will house an informational center to guide members to legal, medical and educational resources.
Arc Marketing & Public Relations
914-980-4831
jrao@arcmpr.com
For Immediate Release
WORLD HERITAGE CULTURAL CENTER TO
HOST INAUGURAL FUNDRAISING EVENT
WORLD OF COLORS AT IRVINGTON TOWN HALL THEATRE
IRVINGTON, NY – (May 12, 2009) – The World Heritage Cultural Center (WHCC) will host its first fundraising event to raise money for a physical location for the organization. The World of Colors: A Universal Cultural Experience event will take place on Friday, June 5 at 6:30 p.m. at the Irvington Town Hall Theatre.
The multicultural music and dance production will feature a diverse line up of acts including UK-based R&B artist, Raghav, winner of the Asian Achievers Award and the Southern Asian Music Award for Best Artist; the Naach Sensation Dance Company, an original “Bollywood” dance troupe accompanied by energetic percussions; vocalist Eva who has performed at some of New York’s notable venues, including the China Club, Babalu Theater, and CBGB’s Gallery; the multi-talented Tina Sugandh who has won a Sony South Asian Excellence award and recently signed with Jerry Blair; and comedian Vidur Kapur who was selected as NY finalist for NBC “Stand up for Diversity” .
“I’m thrilled to introduce the World Heritage Cultural Center with this fantastic event in which all cultures will show off their colors and shine,” said Sattie Persaud, Founder and President of WHCC.
Ms. Persaud was born in Guyana, raised in Suriname, and came to the U.S. in 1996. She has always been excited by the arts and culture and has been developing the organization and this first fundraising event for two years.
The World of Colors: A Universal Cultural Experience is being sponsored by Sahara One Television, and supported by KTU103.5, K104.7, WBGO, 107.1 The Peak, Deisclub.com, and Natural Awakening Magazine.
To purchase tickets for the World of Colors or for more information, visit www.mywhcc.com, or contact the World Heritage Cultural Center at 914-498-8347 or at info@mywhcc.com.
About World Heritage Cultural Center
World Heritage Cultural Center is a non-for-profit organization whose mission is to promote cultural awareness through the arts and give back to the community through knowledge and charity. WHCC will offer community members courses in the arts in a variety of mediums and cultural traditions. WHCC will also host events celebrating diverse cultures.
Currently, WHCC is raising money to secure a physical location. Once fully established in 2010 in Westchester, New York, WHCC will donate proceeds to charities for women and children, the homeless, and cancer and HIV awareness. In addition, WHCC will house an informational center to guide members to legal, medical and educational resources.
WORLD OF COLORS: A Universal Cultural Experience - JUNE 05 - www.mywhcc.com
WORLD OF COLORS: A Universal Cultural Experience
The June 05, 2009 event at the Irvington Townhall Theatre has blossomed into an amazing list of talented artists.
Among UK's R&B Sensation Raghav and the nations best under one roof, such as Naach Sensation Dance Company, Tina Sugandh, Vidur Kapur, EVA, Anjela, Sanjay Parsotan, Nitim Mohan, etc -- we have great supporters such as KTU103.5, K104.7, WBGO, The Peek, The Natural Awakening Magazine, Desiclub.com, just to name a few.
I hope to see you there to enjoy this wonderful celebration of launching an organization that is here to make a positve impact on the lives it touches.
Sincerely, Sattie.
The June 05, 2009 event at the Irvington Townhall Theatre has blossomed into an amazing list of talented artists.
Among UK's R&B Sensation Raghav and the nations best under one roof, such as Naach Sensation Dance Company, Tina Sugandh, Vidur Kapur, EVA, Anjela, Sanjay Parsotan, Nitim Mohan, etc -- we have great supporters such as KTU103.5, K104.7, WBGO, The Peek, The Natural Awakening Magazine, Desiclub.com, just to name a few.
I hope to see you there to enjoy this wonderful celebration of launching an organization that is here to make a positve impact on the lives it touches.
Sincerely, Sattie.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
The Cultural Food Fair and Winter Masquerade Ball in 2009
Our upcoming events in August and December 2009
August 2009 - Cultural Food Fair in Westchester, New York (location tbd)
Imagine walking into a park filled with aroma of spices in food from all over the world...okay you may stop imagining, for its coming in August 2009. There will be boots consisting of restaurants and people who just love to cook, to bring the flavors of the world together.
Tickets starting from $15 (children) and $40 (adult). One fee to enter and eat & drink all you want, and enjoy live music from local artists.
December 2009 - Winter Masquerade Ball in Weschester, New York (location tbd)
Have you ever fancied being at a Winter Masquerade Ball, the way they did things back in the 1800's for the noble men? Great, now World Heritage Cultural Center will be holding an Annual Gala Event each winter(December) and what better way to bring in the New Year with an amazing and magical night where people come dressed in customes and masks either relating to cultural wear or simple creativity.
Remember to join our mailing list at http://www.mywhcc.com/ for updated information on these fascinating events to come this year.
August 2009 - Cultural Food Fair in Westchester, New York (location tbd)
Imagine walking into a park filled with aroma of spices in food from all over the world...okay you may stop imagining, for its coming in August 2009. There will be boots consisting of restaurants and people who just love to cook, to bring the flavors of the world together.
Tickets starting from $15 (children) and $40 (adult). One fee to enter and eat & drink all you want, and enjoy live music from local artists.
December 2009 - Winter Masquerade Ball in Weschester, New York (location tbd)
Have you ever fancied being at a Winter Masquerade Ball, the way they did things back in the 1800's for the noble men? Great, now World Heritage Cultural Center will be holding an Annual Gala Event each winter(December) and what better way to bring in the New Year with an amazing and magical night where people come dressed in customes and masks either relating to cultural wear or simple creativity.
Remember to join our mailing list at http://www.mywhcc.com/ for updated information on these fascinating events to come this year.
WHCC's interview with Cindy Vero on KTU 103.5
Hey Guys,
I had the greatest pleasure of being interviewed with Cindy Vero on KTU 103.5 about World Heritage Cultural Center and its 2009 events. The interview will be aired on May 24, 2009. Cindy Vero does a lot of work with different charities in the US (http://mornings.ktu.com/pages/cindy.html?page=1).
In addition to KTU(103.5), K1047, The Peak(107.1), WBGO, Desiclub.com, South-Asian Times, among other organizations are joing the amazing and unstoppable team in getting World Heritage Cultural Center to its feet. A Gracious thank you to our supporters and sponsors!
June 05, 2009 - World Of Colors: A Universal Cultural Experience
is a World Musical (lead by Nitim Mohan & Sanjay Parsotan) and Dance (lead by Sonalee Vyas) production.
A group of talented and exceptional artists are coming together to put this exciting show together for a great cause.
Some artists are as follows: Eva (R&B/Jazz) Naach Sensation Dance Company, ANJELA, Jacqueline Zamora, Bellydance Revolution, Disturbia_Unified Dance Company, among other artist.
Please visit www.mywhcc.com/eventperformers.html for more details.
Event held at the Irvington Townhall Theatre in Irvington NY
Tickets starting from $30, $50, $70, and $100(buyers of $70 to $100 tickets are automatically entered to win a 7day trip in Miami, FL at a 5star Sheraton Resort on the beach).
Come enjoy a show of World Dance and Music and see artist from the tri-state bring the colors of the world alive.
Remember to join our mailing list at http://www.mywhcc.com/ for updated information on these fascinating events to come this year.
I had the greatest pleasure of being interviewed with Cindy Vero on KTU 103.5 about World Heritage Cultural Center and its 2009 events. The interview will be aired on May 24, 2009. Cindy Vero does a lot of work with different charities in the US (http://mornings.ktu.com/pages/cindy.html?page=1).
In addition to KTU(103.5), K1047, The Peak(107.1), WBGO, Desiclub.com, South-Asian Times, among other organizations are joing the amazing and unstoppable team in getting World Heritage Cultural Center to its feet. A Gracious thank you to our supporters and sponsors!
June 05, 2009 - World Of Colors: A Universal Cultural Experience
is a World Musical (lead by Nitim Mohan & Sanjay Parsotan) and Dance (lead by Sonalee Vyas) production.
A group of talented and exceptional artists are coming together to put this exciting show together for a great cause.
Some artists are as follows: Eva (R&B/Jazz) Naach Sensation Dance Company, ANJELA, Jacqueline Zamora, Bellydance Revolution, Disturbia_Unified Dance Company, among other artist.
Please visit www.mywhcc.com/eventperformers.html for more details.
Event held at the Irvington Townhall Theatre in Irvington NY
Tickets starting from $30, $50, $70, and $100(buyers of $70 to $100 tickets are automatically entered to win a 7day trip in Miami, FL at a 5star Sheraton Resort on the beach).
Come enjoy a show of World Dance and Music and see artist from the tri-state bring the colors of the world alive.
Remember to join our mailing list at http://www.mywhcc.com/ for updated information on these fascinating events to come this year.
Monday, April 20, 2009
Kal Penn working for the White House?
Sometimes it's a misconception that most artists can only do what they were trained to do in their field, for example: to act, dance, or to be a musician, etc. But, increasingly, the public is either dismayed or colorfully surprised that their hero or heroin can move from "on screen" to having a real life job...like Kal Penn.
The talented and flavorable actor, Kalpen Suresh Modi , was killed off in April 2009 from his character on "House M.D." (2004) for he asked to be allowed to leave the show in order to work for the Barack Obama Administration as the Associate Director in the White House Office of Public Liaison.
What is an Associate Director in the White House Office of Public Liaison (OPL)?
An OPL is responsible for communicating and interacting with various interest groups. The Obama administration calls the office "the front door to the White House, through which everyone can participate and inform the work of the President. Kal Penn's role is said to include outreach to the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities and the arts community.
It's a bold move and I applaud anyone who has to the courage to believe in themselves to leave a publically accepted "stable job" for something they truly believe.
We wish you all the best, Kal Penn, in the White House ~ from WHCC.
Greetings from World Heritage Cultural Center (NY)
Dear Friends,
I would like to introduce you to an organization that is going to change the way you think about Culture.
World Heritage Cultural Center is a non-for-profit organization whose mission is to promote cultural awareness through the arts and to give back to the community through knowledge and charity.
In this tremendous "patchwork" we call America, our hope at World Heritage Cultural Center is for community members to participate in classes to educate themselves about their native heritage, and strengthen ties to their own culture, as well as learn about the artistic expression of other cultures. World Heritage Cultural Center also seeks to create an atmosphere open to sharing cultural values through the arts by celebrating cultural holidays, festivals, and much more.
Currently, the World Heritage Cultural Center is in the process of raising money to secure a physical location to call home. Our goal is to raise funds for a physical location through our three events in 2009:
World Of Colors: A Universal Cultural Experience - June 05, 2009 at the Irvington Theatre(NY)
Cultural Food Fair - August 2009(NY)
Winter Masquerade Ball - December 2009 (NY)
Once fully established in 2010 in Westchester, New York, World Heritage Cultural Center will begin to donate proceeds to support and create centers for abused women and children, the homeless, cancer and HIV awareness campaigns in the United States and third world countries. In addition, we will house an informational center to guide members to our affiliated legal, medical, and educational resources.
Please visit www.mywhcc.com for more details and contact information.
Sincerely,
Sattie I Persaud
CEO & Founder
I would like to introduce you to an organization that is going to change the way you think about Culture.
World Heritage Cultural Center is a non-for-profit organization whose mission is to promote cultural awareness through the arts and to give back to the community through knowledge and charity.
In this tremendous "patchwork" we call America, our hope at World Heritage Cultural Center is for community members to participate in classes to educate themselves about their native heritage, and strengthen ties to their own culture, as well as learn about the artistic expression of other cultures. World Heritage Cultural Center also seeks to create an atmosphere open to sharing cultural values through the arts by celebrating cultural holidays, festivals, and much more.
Currently, the World Heritage Cultural Center is in the process of raising money to secure a physical location to call home. Our goal is to raise funds for a physical location through our three events in 2009:
World Of Colors: A Universal Cultural Experience - June 05, 2009 at the Irvington Theatre(NY)
Cultural Food Fair - August 2009(NY)
Winter Masquerade Ball - December 2009 (NY)
Once fully established in 2010 in Westchester, New York, World Heritage Cultural Center will begin to donate proceeds to support and create centers for abused women and children, the homeless, cancer and HIV awareness campaigns in the United States and third world countries. In addition, we will house an informational center to guide members to our affiliated legal, medical, and educational resources.
Please visit www.mywhcc.com for more details and contact information.
Sincerely,
Sattie I Persaud
CEO & Founder
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