The 69thBerlinale is shaping up. French Academy Award winning actress Juliette Binoche heads the festival jury starting February 7th2019.
Danish director Lone Scherfigs “The Kindness of Strangers” opens the winter cinema event. According to the press film’s release, the ensemble work stars Zoe Kazan and Bill Nighy as a group living in New York. Lone, a Berlinale regular, is known for character driven films. “An Education”, with Carey Mulligan opened to positive reviews with award nominations.
This is the swan song for Berlinale head Dieter Kosslick. After 18 years of greeting cinema goers on the red carpet, he is hanging up his hat. New head Carlo Chatrian takes over the creative reigns in 2020.
The Golden Glove
Ghost Town Anthology
By the Grace of God
Staying to it’s reputation, the Berlinale showcases independent films and filmmakers with outsider perspectives.
The Competition list of films announced:
The Ground Beneath My Feet by Marie Kreutzer
By The Grace of God byFrancis Ozon
I Was Home, But by Angela Schanelec
A Tale of Three Sisters by Ermin Alper
Ghost Town Anthology by Denis Cote
The Golden Glove by Faith Atkin
Stay Tuned for our Chat Cinema Podcast on the 2019 Berlinale.
The first part of 2019 is busy as busy can get for us. There are so many events: First, Pitti Uomo in Florence, The great menswear show for mens style. Then, Milan Fashion Week Men, Paris Fashion Week Men in January are on the agenda.
Hot Faces from Milan Fashion Week Men
February kicks off with show business glamour. The 69th Berlinale starts the first week of the month. Ten days of cinema from the unusual to Hollywood fare screened until the 17th.
George Clooney at the Berlinale
Fashion starts up again in the middle of the month with women weeks from Milan and Paris, so many runways, so little time.
Etihad Airline Crew
Lastly, March is travel. The world’s biggest travel event comes around, the ITB. All the global destinations spread over 27 halls. A sandy beach to a high mountain top to a five star resort, we report on the latest trends. Stay Tuned.
There is a visceral disapproval to Donald Trump on the world stage. The US President gets people in emotional state. Whenever I meet friends the is a comment about his policy or what he says. The man in the White House is a piece of work, an entitled vestige of the upper one percent class who knows he is one of the most important presence in the room. Europeans look over the Atlantic with feelings of fear and moral superiority. Oh,,,,denial is lifestyle until reality hits the face.
When I first came to Europe there was a sense of optimism. The false sense of European Identity was everywhere. Nationalism at look last was dead. The EU economies were moving forward in the time of prosperity and open borders and soon a single currency. Pax Europa had arrived with Brussels as the capital.
2018, Europe is in crisis with the political class clinging to power by all its finger nails. The political class reacts more out of desperation than inspiration. Greece has been beaten into economic 3rdworld submission by Euro Champions. Immigration is testing even the most liberal societies. Right Wing movements have slowed, but not stopped.
The United Kingdom will leave the EU in one form or another in 2019 if the politicians can stop jockeying out of self interests. May has proven to be a constant humiliated character held with low regard by all. Brexit could have been avoided had pragmatism with imagination been used with a bit of humility. But instead Barnier, Tusk, Juncker, and the Euro Politicians decided on punishment, to show the other countries in the club, “don’t get any ideas”. Reference popular uprisings in Eastern Europe, Eurocrats could soon learn what the Soviets discovered in 1989. The system did not fall because the Communist were tired of ruling.
Champs Elysees on the first day of the Yellow Vest Protest View of the Concorde on the first day of the Yellow Vest Protest
Today, at the time of writing France is gripped by riots that could manifest into full scale civil war. The genie is out of the bottle. Pent up rage has once again exploded on the French streets. When I am in Paris, I marvel at the city, splendor, the charm, the stores, the romantic ideas. But underneath, I often wonder, how do people afford to live here? 8 euros for a cafe in the center, my morning Monster energy drink was 3 euros. I made that one can last for 3 days.
A former banker with the 5.200 euro monthly make up and hair bill was not what he promised. The French believe themselves to be the intellectual class of Europe, a society of sophistication and all things worldly. How could their society get conned by a novice, a media charlatan like the unpolished Americans? A good slogan works, “Together France.”
Electing a former member of the financial circle as head of state then expecting sympathy is a bit naive or desperate. This is familiar to USA in 2016.
Macron’s first legislative act, tax cuts for the wealthy, a few, followed by fuel tax hike, for everyone. Then the standard neoliberal economic phrase, “reform the economy”. This usually means the working class gets less, the corporate class gets more. Like his UK and Brussels elite counterparts, the ambitious leader wants to lead an “Enlighten Europe” with a view from the clouds, out of touch from the mere people who put him in office. Is there any wonder there are violent country wide protests? The Yellow Vest movement has spread to Belgium and The Netherlands.
As I say, it is easier to look out the window than in the mirror. Europe has its high moral plateau made of wet cardboard.
Black and Paper presents Chat Cinema. A podcast involving everything cinema featuring diverse opinions on awards, stars, filmmakers, film history, festivals, and books.
Sponsored by Beyerdynamic
The inspiration behind this project was the need to get more voices heard in regards to the cinema world. I know so many diverse cinephiles, I decided to tap into their skills, knowledge, and experiences to produce a show. Also, whenever we get together the topic of conversation always leads to cinema, why not record it?
Episode 1-Awards Season, contributors Sofia Stavrianidou and Steve Yates give their views on this years competition. What are their predictions? Who deserves to win? Does the Academy dislike a certain actress? Plus, a digression on a film master from the past.
Sofia Stavriandou studied Classics, at the National Kapodistrian University in Athens, Greece and took classes on Film and Communication in Athens and Cologne, Germany, She’s been a film professional for 20 years, specializingin press, publicity and media. Her experience include: working as the Communications Manager at the Thessaloniki International Film Festival and the Thessaloniki Documentary Festival (Greece), additionally, as Press Office Manager at Odeon Film Distribution (the largest distribution company in the Balkans and Greece), as well as a Film Sales and Acquisitions Executive at M-Appeal World Sales (Berlin). Today, her main role is the Head of Communications at Hellas Filmbox Berlin, the Greek-German Film festival in Berlin. As well, she cooperates with re:publica as publicity manager. Sofia has been based in Berlin since 2012.
Steven Yates studied Film and English at Kent University before taking an M.A. at Westminster University in London. Working as a freelance film writer since 1998, he has been published in books for Wallflower Press and in magazines and websites including El Hype, Celluloid, afterimage, Film International and theartsdesk.com. Based in Berlin, Steve is a member of FIPRESCI (The International Federation of Film Critics) and has sat on their jury at numerous international film festivals since 2002. He is also one of the main English language supervisors for the FIPRESCI website (www.fipresci.org).
Montmartre is the romantic Parisian neighborhood on the hill with many local establishments, but what I like are the food stores. The display of goodies of all kinds are heavenly! For me, a casual stroll turns into a wonderland of food spotting, “gastronomic inspiration” through a window S’il vous plait? What is that? I want to try a bit. It looks delicious.
Cheese Store
Asian Food
A small cafe
Fish
Even with a throng of tourist making their way up or down the streets, a rewarding time is to be had for those who love gastronomy.
Making the experience more memorable, I stopped in front of a shop window admiring the prepared delights. I was about to walk away when a patron said, “This is the best bakery in the area. Give it try.” Judging by the line in the small space I had to suppose he was right. The problem. What did I want? Hot or cold? Sweet or savory? I decided on sweet for later with coffee, strawberry pastry with whip cream and of course, some macrons. I am not sure how it happened, but,, the pastry managed to make its way back to my hotel for coffee. The delight did not disappoint. The whipped cream had melted, taking away some aesthetic points, but I enjoyed every sweet bite.
Strawberry Delight
Quiche
Berry, Berry Good
Sadly, I do not know the name of the bakery. If you are on a Rue Lepic, it is on the left side, going down, look for the Moulin Rouge at the bottom on Blvd Clichy. A flower shop and fish store are next door. There is no place to sit, as I said, it is a small, 25 meters, the establishment does not offer cafes, to my shock! Just go in and buy. If you use a credit card, the minimum is 10 euros.
There is always a protest in Paris. Many times while I was in capital something stopped because of industrial action. Protesting is a part of the culture, a counter balance to the power structure.
The Yellow Vest protest in Paris and throughout France is movement against a new gas tax from Macron. I stood in the centre of it at the Concorde. Today, the protest took a turn to the aggressive side with police using water canons on demonstrators.
Do I agree with the movement? I think the President could use more humility and less ambition. A former banker who believes in what type of economic model. Not so hard to figure out. Like President Trump, Macron is learning governing is more than a slogan and an expensive haircut and make up bill. Power is seductive but comes at a cost. Will he have a second term? Based on his sinking poll numbers with growing unpopularity, he is a transitional leader at best.
When I am in the Paris, I cannot help but go into the department store to see what the theme will be for the season.It is always a pleasure to sit at one of the cafes in Glaeries Lafayette to look up at the Christmas Decorations under the dome. I waited for the light show, every 30 minutes, to light up around the tree. It sounds a bit of pop sugar overdose, almost as bad a Marie Osmond, but I could not resist. It did not disappoint. I was enchanted.
2019’s motif is centered around the experience of the aurora borealis. Partnering with Maison Piaget. The Christmas Tree is trimmed with gifts, watch and jewelry designs from the luxury brand.
What’s it like to be handsome, talented, graceful, athletic, and spend day at a prestigious Sporting Event?
Sergei Polunin – the bad boy of ballet and actor – was at this weekend’s Formula 1 2018 VTB Russian Grand Prix. F1 has captured some exclusive, beautifully candid images of Sergei as he enjoyed the build up to today’s race. Saying, “Attending the grand prix in person is an experience I can’t describe – it’s fast, full of action and adrenaline. I’ve really enjoyed the great hospitality and there is so much to see and learn. I’m definitely a fan!”
The artist finds inspiration in the sights and sounds of the grid, ahead of the white knuckle dance of the Formula 1 2018 VTB Russian Grand Prix.
Sergei enjoys the adrenaline-filled atmosphere of the Formula 1 2018 VTB Russian Grand Prix from the Renault Sport Garage to the pits.
All images courtesy of F1 / Alex Const / Eight Agency
Sergei Polunin was born in the Ukraine in 1989. He was the youngest principal dancer at London’s Royal Ballet at age 19. Before making his acting debut in “Murder on the Orient Express”, he modeled for fashion designer Marc Jacobs. His upcoming work will include a role in the Disney feature “The Nutcracker and and the Four Realms” and a modelling project for the prestigious French Fashion House Balmain.
Has the influencer trend come to an end? Not sure, but change is taking place. Influencer marketing earned 1 billion in 2017 but the shine is beginning to tarnish. Marketing survey firm Bazaarvoice released findings concluding consumers are growing tired of staged posts by paid influencers. Many of the surveyed responded the quality of the postingsare turn offs, repetitive posts lacking originality.
Asked, 63 percent felt influence content has become too “materialistic” and “misrepresentsreal life.” Thereis a feeling authenticity has been lost. As well, 49 percentfeel there is a need for tighter regulation of online posts.
Authorities on both side of the Atlantic have now started scrutinizing the influencer field. The United States Government Agency, The Federal Trade Commission has issued issued warning letters concerning paid posts without proper disclosing. no enforcement has been enacted, yet.European Agencies agencies have actively notifiedinfluencers to delete undisclosed post. Many have lostcourt cases
Recently Dior made a social media splash by seeding the brand’s Saddle Bag to fashion influencers.
Dior Saddle Bag Social Media Success but at What Price
The stunt felt cheap. Don’t get me wrong. Iam a fan of the brand. Creative Director Maria GraziaChiuriwon me over after the second collection. Openly giving away a $2000 bag on Instagram then expecting everyone else to pay, TACKY for a prestige fashion brand.
This is Social Media Pandering. Influencers who got the “freebie” did not even try to make good images of gift. Pictures posing with the “trendy item of the season” were laughable, others cringeworthy. To add insult, lacking originality or fashion knowledge, there were plentiful but standard Junior High School Newspaper captions: “So happy to have gottenmy Dior SaddleBag”, “Love mySaddleBag”. An aspirational accessory felt like a retread jacket from H&M. Ihope “Fashion Degradation” does not go lower.
Social Media stars have becomenew celebrities, but if you ask what is their talent or appeal, the answer raises more questions: How does an app filter make astar? How does an app filter make an expert? Ithink we are still lost but going with the flow.
Stepping into the Salvatore Ferragamo Museum in Florence was a dream. American press dubbed Ferragamo “Shoemaker to the stars”. Pickford to Garbo to Crawford wore his creations on screen and off.
Born the eleventh of 14 children in the Southern Italian city of Bonito. After opening his first shop at age 9 in his hometown, Ferragamo left his native Italy in 1915 in a third class berth for United States to learn more about footwear. Opening his store in Hollywood in 1923, the boutique was a patronized by Hollywood Stars. Fame and fortune followed, the quality of his shoes garnered the shoe designer a reputation known for luxury.
1927 was the year of Ferragamo’s First Class return to Italy on board the ocean liner Roma. Returning to his native country a very successful man, settling in Florence, the center of culture, style, and fashion. Purchasing the 13th century Palazzo Spini Feroni on the bank of the Arno River in the Piazza Santa Trinita, this would become the office and atelier of the privately held Ferragamo S.p.A.
I was given a personal tour of the Ferragamo Museum. Studying Cinema Costume in university, I came across the name Ferragamo often. It is a word I associated with the heydays of Hollywood Stars: Harlow, Monroe, Kelly, and Hepburn to name a few. Beyond the beauty of a shoe, I learned Mr. Ferragamo had an intellectual curiosity the body and footwear. He studied at University of Southern California as well as patented 400 inventions concerning shoe design.
The Museo Ferragamo is housed in the basement of the Ferragamo headquarters in Florence.
The museums exhibition is titled “The Return to Italy”. Ninety years ago Salvatore Ferragamo returned after 12 years in the United States. Creating a sense of being on an luxurious ocean cruise, the color palette was blue and white with the details of the ocean and sumptuous nautical travel. The presentation is spread over 8 rooms with each having a central theme. Room 3-Folklore and the Decorative Arts in Italy. Room 4-Italian Women. Room 5- “Industrious Florence of the 1920’s. Room-6 The Italian Home Room 7-The Body in Parts Room 8-The Body and Its Aesthetics. The exhibition is organized by Carlo Sisi.
The Museo Ferragamo is located at Piazza Santa Trinita 5/R Florence, Italy
