One World Cinema

I am “Yogawoman,” hear me Om!  As strange as this may seem, until fairly recently, the ancient Indian tradition of yoga, was practiced only by men.  It has been written in Indian scripture, that women were thought of as obstacles to enlightenment and were not invited to participate.  Today, out of the 20 million people who practice in the US alone, 85% of them, are women. This physical, mental, and spiritual philosophy has helped many people find purpose in their lives, overcome obstacles, and alleviate pain and suffering. Yoga is so mainstream nowadays, it can be found in gyms, retreat centers, spas, schools, hospitals, prisons, and churches. It is a multi-billion dollar industry.

In modern day society, women face constant societal pressures to be everything to everyone, and are overwhelmed with trying to balance work, family, and friends, all while trying to maintain a sense of identity and youth. An alarming 90% are dissatisfied with their appearances. Yoga helps us to get in tune with our bodies, and has been structured for women at every stage of their lives.  There are now classes offered  centering around pregnancy, menstruation, menopause, obesity, children, teens, and disease-stricken. Programs such as ‘Off the Mat, and Into The World’,  have also used yoga on a global level, and have helped improve rural villages in Africa. Giving back while improving lives, they have built community and birthing centers that will be used for generations to come.

My grandfather practiced yoga religiously everyday from the late 1960’s until his recent pleasant passing in his sleep in New Mexico. He lived to be 93 years old.  As a former gymnast and a yogi myself, I have been blessed to have studied with Enlightened Masters, Sri Swami Satchidananda (1914-2002), Satguru Shri Mahayogi Paramahansa, and Sri Dharma Mittra.

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Photos complimentary of Shadow Distribution

“Yogawoman” opens in NYC October 19th, and in LA on October 26th.

Article by Sharon Abella

Editor of http://www.1worldcinema.com

How he got bypassed and remained an unknown in the US during the early 70’s, one can only wonder. Luckily, South Africans were more astute, and gave him the respect he deserved.  From a middle-class Mexican family living in Detroit, MI, Sixto Diaz Rodriguez, spoke to those living in South Africa during apartheid, and to the working class people.

Article by Sharon Abella

‘Brush with Hope,’ a project hosted by ‘Mtree,’ is an internationally-minded, non-profit charity that brings young professionals from New York City, Paris, and Seoul together, to teach art classes to children in Africa.  Founder of ‘Brush with Hope,’ Young Hwan Choi explained, “We want to showcase the striking talents, hope, and innocence of these African children, because we see art as a powerful means to support the students for the long term. Using our talents, education, and job experience, we want to help these children find hope and fulfill their dreams in the midst of any dark situation they may face.”

On July 29, 2011, 21 well-trained artists and teachers affiliated with “Brush with Hope,” set out on a twelve day assignment in Dangbo, Ifangni, and Djeregbe, Benin, West Africa, a country with a population of 9 million. Each of the three villages had approximately 100 students participate in eight, 3 hour long art classes, where many of the students had never even seen a paint brush before that day.  After a short lesson learning basic art techniques, the students were asked to express what hope is on canvas and paper.  As can be imagined, the students were reluctant at first, scared that they might make a mistake, but as they became more comfortable, they were able to express themselves more freely, and the artwork came to life. In one project, the children listened to live music while painting. Based on the outcomes of the creations, experts wondered, where did they find such great inspiration from, as the results were astounding. The children admitted that the ‘Brush with Hope’ experience allowed them to “connect emotions to life,” and “helped to find color in my life.” The teachers came to Benin to teach art technique, however, they were rewarded with countless acts of love, in return. Jeemin Kim, who received her Master’s in Art Education stated, “It is amazing how these lively paintings are filled with stories and candid feelings from the children.”

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“Celebrate the talents of 300 Beninese children (age 7-12), as they create paintings and drawings in a wide range of subjects derived from the children’s personal experiences, everyday life, thoughts and interests. Evoking the masterpieces of abstract expressionism or minimalism, the children’s works are vivacious and extraordinary in their native aesthetic sensibilities. Their visual narrative and story telling solely originate from the children’s playfulness, originality, and innocence.”

Everyone can take part in the ‘Brush with Hope,’ project and help even more children become familiar with art so that they may sculpt their identities and express their individuality!  Everyone can help the students improve their lives, and their futures by  donating art supplies, volunteering as an art teacher, purchasing a beautifully framed painting made by one of the students, or donating money directly to the cause.  This year, “Brush with Hope,” is hoping to travel to Benin and Kenya with 70 teachers, to teach art to over 600 students, and is looking to raise $50,000 USD in order to accomplish this goal.

brushwithhope.org

“All children are artists. The problem is how to remain an artist once s/he grows up.” ~ Pablo Picasso

Article by Sharon Abella

http://www.1worldcinema.com

Other films from the Tribeca Film Festival 2012 that are worth watching.

Booker’s Place

Una Noche

Death of a Superhero

Town of Runners

“Babygirl,” “High Tech, Low Life,” “Broke,” and “Burn.”

TRIBECAFILM.COM/SOCCERDAY

Article by Sharon Abella

http://www.1worldcinema.com

Martellus Bennett, tight end, NY Giants

Martellus Bennett, tight end, NY Giants

As part of the Tribeca/ESPN Sports Film Festival, “Benji,” is the story of an up and coming Chicago basketball player, Ben Wilson, who died too soon, leaving his fans to wonder, had this tragedy not occurred, where would this superstar with heart be today?

Sat  4/28  9:30PM   Tribeca Cinemas Theater 1 Note   RUSH TICKETS

http://www.1worldcinema.com

“Don’t Stop Believin’: Everyman’s Journey”

Arnel Pineda, was living in poverty in Manila, Philippines, when his friend believed in his singing abilities so much that he posted videos of Arnel singing classic hits like Journey and Rush on YouTube.

The American rock band, originally from San Francisco, Journey,  is known for their hits, “Open Arms,” “Who’s Cryin’ Now,” “Faithfully,” and “Don’t Stop Believin,'” sung by their former lead singers Steve Perry (1977-1987 and 1995-1998) and Steve Augeri (1998-2006).  In 2007, the band was looking for a NEW lead singer, and Journey’s guitarist, Neal Schon, spent hours on the internet looking for someone who could fill the shoes.  He stated in his eleventh hour online, right when he was about to give up, he found him, Arnel Pineda.  Cast with doubts, Jonathan Cain and Neal Schon, were wondering if Arnel was too far away to contact, if he could speak English, and if he would  be able to handle the emotional wear and tear and rigorous touring lifestyle.  They decided to contact him and fly him to the States for an audition.

When Arnel’s friend read the email that stated, “Do you want to sing with Journey?” he stated, “I think this is the break we have been waiting for.”  Cast with doubts, Arnel thought it was a hoax, and that if it were real, he would have to prove himself to all the haters, the admirers of Steve Perry, and Arnel’s homeland. Having to sing for his visa to audition in the States, Arnel, was granted permission, made the cut, and the rest is history for this, “David Lee Roth/Bruce Lee/Elvis from the Phillipines.”

Sat 4/21 2:30PM AMC Loews Village 7 – 3 RUSH TICKETS

Fri 4/27 8:30PM AMC Loews Village 7 – 3 RUSH TICKETS

Sat 4/28 9:30PM SVA Theater 1 Silas BUY TICKETS

And away we go!!!  The films just keep getting better and better at  The Tribeca Film Festival, that I’ll just let you see for yourself.

Tribeca Film Festival 2012

In theaters April 27, 2012!

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Photos in slideshow by Sharon M. Abella, http://www.1worldcinema.com

Where do you begin with a legendary band like Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band?  Bruce Springsteen remains as vibrant and creative today, as he did when he first set out.  With a nice mix of old and new, the setlist at MSG, on 4/6/2012, did not disappoint, and each song transitioned into one another effortlessly.  He is known for his audience participation, but this time stopped to drink a beer with the crowd before being carried back up on stage by his fans.

Bruce compared NY to NJ, reminding us that the Giants are a NY team who play in NJ:

“There are so many things to appreciate about New York. There’s the Statue of Liberty, which we learned is actually in New Jersey. There is the greatest theme song ever written about a city, which is sung by a man from New Jersey, and there is a World Championship football team, who come to think of it, play in New Jersey!”

Bruce also paid recognition to America, the Occupy Wall Street Movement, and without actually saying his name, to Trayvon Martin; during a song called, “American Skin (41 Shots),” which was originally inspired by the police shooting death of Amadou Diallo, however, in tonight’s show, the lyrics, “You get killed just by living in your American skin,” could be implied to Trayvon Martin. 

Adele, Bruce’s mom, was present in the audience at last night’s show, and was brought up on stage, along with Bruce’s little niece, to dance to “Dancing in the Dark.”  He stated that his mom taught him all about hard work. “Right back at you, mom.”

Right back at you Bruce!  I’ll never understand how you can play for 2:53 minutes straight in a different city every other night, and not get tired, but here’s to you.

1. Badlands
2. We Take Care Of Our Own
3. Wrecking Ball
4. Out In the Street
5. Death to My Hometown
6. My City of Ruins
7. Murder Incorporated
8. Johnny 99
9. Jack of All Trades
10. Shackled and Drawn
11. Lion’s Den
    (TourPremiere)
12. Easy Money
13. Waitin’ on a Sunny Day
14. The Promised Land
15. Apollo Medley
16. American Skin (41 Shots)
17. Lonesome Day
18. The Rising
19. We Are Alive
20. Thunder Road
21. Encore:
22. Rocky Ground
    (With Michelle Moore)
23. Kitty’s Back
24. Born to Run
25. Dancing in the Dark
26. Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out
    ( Showed Images Of Clarence On Video Screens)
    Catch the next show at MSG in NYC on Monday, 4/9/2012.  Happy Holidaze!  
    
    Article by Sharon Abella
    http://www.1worldcinema.com

Just when you thought films couldn’t get any better,  MARLEY is 145 minutes of pure perfection!!!

So you think you know all there is to about the life of  the “Legend”ary Rastafarian roots, rock, reggae performer from Jamaica, but I guarantee you, you will learn a lot about the man and the music that you did not already know.   The film starts off in Elmina, Ghana, West Africa, at the infamous Castle of St. George d’Elmina, where during the slave trade in the late 1400s, military forts were holding places for captured Africans, who would then later walk through “the door of no return,” to set sail for Europe and the Americas on slave ships. Today, more than 25 of the forts remain, and Elmina and Cape Coast Castle, have been designated World Heritage Sites by the U.N.  Much like Rome, Mecca, and Jerusalem, African-Americans make cultural pilgrimages to Elmina, to learn more about the area.

From the dark history in Ghana, the film cuts to a musical montage of a long dreadlocked, Bob Marley performing and going wild on stage, to aerial shots over the green, rolling mountains in Jamaica.

You will start to feel irie, and venture off on a musical, cultural, and spiritual crusade.

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Robert Nesta ‘Bob’ Marley was born in Nine Mile, a small village in St Ann Parish, set in the countryside of Jamaica. His father was a Caucasian British Army Captain, while his mother was a black local. Bob never felt like he fit in. “A real key for me,” says Director, Kevin Macdonald, “was trying to understand the importance to Bob’s life. He was of mixed race. It’s hard for some of us in Europe and America to understand the stigma that is attached to that. Bob came from the deep countryside, one of the truly black parts of Jamaica. He felt that stigma attached to being of mixed race, and not just from the white side of the island, but from the black side also.”

The living conditions were substandard,  so Bob Marley turned to his music. He saw the guitar as a way out to a better life.  Humble, shy, and quiet, Bob, had a seriousness about him, a passion for faith, for music, and for people, sharing his feelings about racial oppression through his lyrics, while reaching out for love.

Kevin Macdonald’s summation of MARLEY is a testament to the deeper insight he has achieved: “I feel that one of the reasons Bob has lived on is because he speaks to the oppressed people of the world, be they in the United States, or Britain, or Germany, but more than anything else, he speaks to people in the developing world who feel like they’ve been given a bum deal, who feel they’ve been hopped over by the West, or whatever. And here’s a voice telling them, ‘Your turn will come. You’re down now, but you’re going to get up there.'”

Release date: 4/20 simultaneously in theaters, digitally, and through video on demand.

Photos courtesy of Magnolia Pictures

http://www.1worldcinema.com