It is coming up to that time of year again, February 9th kicks off the Berlinale Film Festival in Berlin. Acclaimed Dutch Filmmaker Paul Verhoeven will be Jury Head. The 67th fest opens Etienne Comar’s debut film Django.
14 films are in competition this year including entries from directors Holland, Veiel, Potter, and Moverman.
Stay tuned for more updates and complete coverage of the Berlinale here at Black and Paper.
We are still in a state of shock of what happened in our home city at the Christmas Market, 12 dead and 48 injured, our heartfelt condolences to the all the victims. The details are still sketchy as to who and why performed this act of violence.
Given its 20th century history, Berlin became a city of tolerance, a place where everyone can come and be themselves, attracting people from all over world who wanted to experience the eccentric charm offered seven days a week, 24 hours a day. Berliners have prided themselves on their city’s openness.
While it has been confirmed the Christmas Market attack, was an act of terrorism there has been no solid evidence it was committed by refugees housed in the city. One man has been detained but there is growing doubt he is not the perpetrator. Whoever committed this crime, we have our fingers crossed he will be brought to justice quickly.
The Spirit of Berlin will continue to move forward after this tragic event.
ICH BIN EIN BERLINER
German Press Days in Berlin for the presentation of the Spring 2017 collections.
Shoes and Sneakers
Menswear
Womenswear
Accessories
I used the new Huawei Nova Smartphone during the presentations. See my upcoming review on the device.
Black and Paper interview with THE ONE Grand Show Star, Valerie Inertie.
Hailing from Quebec, Canada, Valerie is a combination of physical grace and athleticism with a passion for physical expression she has developed during her long career of dance and acrobatics. She has lived in Berlin since 2013. An admitted adrenaline sports enthusiast, she has been doing acrobatics since the age of 3. As a Cyr Wheel Artist she has performed around the world to critical acclaim.
How did you become involve in THE ONE Grand Show?
I was in the Christmas Show 3 years ago at the Friedrichstadt-Palast. I had a good connection with the director, who said I had a strong presence, and he asked me if I would like to get involve in a show he was planning which was The One Grand Show.
How do you feel about wearing the Gaultier Costumes?
They are fantastic! It is an honor to wear them. As an acrobat the challenge is the movements in the costumes. Gaultier asked for my input. We developed a hook-clip quick released.
This is a very physical show for you.
Yes. I had a lot of input for my role, to make it work for me. I have choreography, and aerial performances. I fly on a high speed wench, then an aerial hoop, and the Cyr Wheel. As a dancer the period of movement is longer but as an acrobat the period of movement is shorter but more intense.
The physical staging is woven into the storyline.
Absolutely! There is an artistic link between everything; the dancing and acrobatics. They are a part of narrative not a side story.
What are your future plans?
For 2019, after the run of THE ONE Grand Show I am developing a Cyr Wheel Act then in Switzerland I will take part in the 100th anniversary of circus.
Valerie Inertie can be seen in THE ONE Grand Show in Berlin at the Friedrichstadt-Palast.
Images by Vladimir Sichov.
THE ONE Grand Show
French fashion designer Jean Paul Gaultier has arrived in Berlin collaborating with the Friedrichstadt-Palast for the stage show The ONE Grand Show. Opening October 6, the 11 million euros spectacular show features performers from 26 nations with 500 costumes on the world’s largest stage. Director and writer Roland Welke is the creative force behind “THE ONE Grand Show” employing streams of images in the form of slow motion effects, cross fades, and multi-dimension effects. The show is nothing if not ambitious on all levels from staging to the physical movements and acrobatics of the performers.
Starring German Eurovision Song Contest representative Roman Lob as the young party guest and Brigette Oelke from the musical “We Will Rock You” in the role of the theatre manager THE ONE Grand Show is packed with tunes from Kate Victoria and Gregor Meyle.
I sat for a preview press performance of THE ONE Grand Show in Berlin. The costumes were classic Gaultier albeit a little toned down, with eye catching looks filled with, counter culture sexuality mixed with plaid men’s kilts, conical bras, Breton stripes, panel, nude toned body suits, and iconic corsets. A perfect combination of dancers and Gaultier, the former understood the fluidity and fun of the creations by the Parisian couturier without being dominated by them, not an easy feat but they pulled off.
I admit it. I wanted to see the costumes from Mr. Gaultier and they did disappoint. Androgyny, a wide color palette all infused the stage like a field of butterflies. I would not say the looks were provocative for 2016 but titillating for mainstream audiences, pure eye candy delight. There are so many signature looks it is a bit difficult to include them all but the ones that stood out were: Red conned dress with red hairstyles, the nude tones on the male dancers, colored splashed suit, and of course the feathered outfits. If you are a John Paul Gaultier fan you will not be disappointed.
THE ONE Grand Show is currently at the Friedrichstadt-Palast in Berlin.
Images by Vladimir Sichov.
IFA Highlights
Geneeo
Alex Feriotto is the designer behind the stylish Geneeo Genius Backpack, Italian style designed to be a portable power bank for all recharging needs. Equipped with a 7000 mAh battery the bag can simultaneously charge 3 devices at once using hub ports. The outside battery indicator signals power level. The bag’s external charging cable can be plugged into an electric outlet, making it convenient for multi recharging in one space.
Alex is a graduate of the prestigious IED University of Milan. He wanted to create a bag that is both stylish and practical. Splash proof, made of nylon and rubber details, inside there are three compartments, large enough for a 17 inch laptop.
Illy
Retro. Stylish. Flair. For the twentieth anniversary of the illycaffe, Illy presented new bespoke capsule café machine, the X1 has an eye catching retro design along with colors. Red, Black, and Almond colors are available. If you wish to order a tailored machine, you can go their website. Coffee never looked so good.
Parrot Pot
You never have to worry about watering the plants again when you are away from home. Parrot gives flower loves the best gift, a smart flower pot, plant sitter, that monitors the soil. The pot holds 2.2 liters of water with self-watering capability. An app monitors the plant’s health and gives advice on care. Additionally, there is a database of 8000 plant suggestions.
Lenovo (from Showstoppers)
Lenovo went to the future with a Halo keyboard for the brands sleek, new Yoga Book. Foldable, with Android and Windows versions the new devices is equipped with a stylus pen. The strong Graphic interface means letting the creative juices flow.
Panasonic
Available in 2018. The tech giant will soon release a machine we have all been waiting for, no more folding clothes. The Laundroid will wash, dry, and fold clothes.
Stay tuned for more coverage and check out our Instagram Account.
Acer has an interesting product line up this season from the ailing tech company, the brand introduced devices ranging from interacting toys for pets to a hyped up gaming pc.
The Pawbo is for pets lovers all over the world who feel guilty about their four legged friends alone. An interactive gadget is designed for pet interaction that can be controlled from a smartphone while away from home. It even offers treats.
The Xplova is a smart cycling computer with built in camera. It monitors speed and fitness levels.
Staying to its core strength, the brand introduced a new gaming pc, Predator 21 is with a curve monitor, is impressive.
New gaming technologies include infinite screen, eye tracking technology and intuitive sensing.
High-end home appliance maker Bosch’s theme is “Home Connected”. The man inside the refrigerator now has company, a camera. No more guessing what is on the self. Just check via a smartphone app. All appliances from the brand are locally produced with tight quality control procedures. If you buy a home appliance from the brand in the US. It was produce in the US.
Panasonic is investing in “Future Living” and smart cities as the company has become involved in sustainability eco-friendly services and technology on city size scale. In Berlin there company is involved in building a smart city in the Aldershof District with an emphasis on people and connectivity.
Laundroid is a appliance device that washes, dry, and folds clothing. Available soon!
Samsung proves why it is still the top brand in the android world. The Galaxy 7 smartphone is impressive with pen and user interaction. Very smooth interface and great camera. There is also a retina scan ID feature.
The new Gear 3 smartwatch comes in two styles, one classic, the other is sporty, using Tizan Operating System, has 4GB internal storage with battery life of up to 4 days depending on usage. There are two buttons, the home and back with a rotating bezel for scrolling and navigating applications, also different digital faces with a continuing display. The display/face is 1.3 inches. The casing is a bit thick. There is an option to change bands.
Looking forward to IFA16, the world’s biggest consumer tech show, in Berlin we decided to produce a spontaneous shoot at the NHow Hotel Berlin. Technology is a part of everyday life. How did we survive without it? These are the basic necessities of life.
Images by Gita Kurdpoor shot at the NHow Hotel on a sunny day by the Spree River.
Images and from Postsdamer Platz.
Images and Video by Canon Cameras