The ongoing roundup, torture, and murder of LGBT people in Chechnya is a horrifying disgrace in the 21th century.
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Tag: LGBT
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Berlinale-God’s Own Country
Black and Paper interview with God’s Own Country stars Josh O’Connor and Alec Secareanu at the 67th Berlinale.
God’s Own Country has received acclaimed on many fronts. One of the main ingredients for the well-received film has been the chemistry of the lead actors, new comers who have given note-worthy performances.
What is your acting background?
Alec-Acting in Romania, theater, shorts. This is my first lead role in a film.
Josh-I have been acting for 6 years. I have been doing theater, parts in films and television. This is my second lead role.
Certain scenes of the film were a bit more “open” than others, how did you prepare for these scenes?
We knew about it when we read the script. Some scenes were “open” but after meeting Francis, he knew what he wanted. It was not gratuitous. We rehearsed, choreographed, like a dance routine. Those scenes were a part of the story.
The movie depended on your relationship with each other, were you comfortable working with each other at the beginning?
We shot the movie in chronological order. The production was a 6 week shoot. We rehearsed but stayed cleared each other. We trained on different farms, working 8 hours a day. We came together after the first week of production. During the filming we became friends.
The movie evolved from contempt to affection.
Yeah, Gheorghe changes Johnny. At the beginning of the film he is stooped over, closed off from everyone. His outlook changes during the relationship.
How have you handled the critical acclaim?
We are proud of our work with the reviews from Sundance and the Berlinale.
Josh-It is a film about optimism. What is happening in the UK now, Brexit, I think it is important message.
The other film with LGBT theme at Sundance was Call Me By Your Name but our film is not about sexuality.
What did your family think when they saw the film?
Alec- My family has been supportive, Romania does not have a tradition of rights for LGTB. I hope this film will help with a better understanding of LGBT people.
You had an incident not related to the film, but because of your background?
Alec-While I was in Yorkshire I went to buy a beer in a convenience store. The cashier asked to see my ID, when he I showed him it to him, Romania, he refused to sell me anything.
Josh-My family has not seen it.
What is next for you guys?
Alec- I want to work more in English Language films.
Josh-I am attached to a big indie film, a love story.
Black and Paper recommends God’s Own Country. A poignant film about life, love gained, and consequences when the unexpected occurs.
God’s Own Country was screened at the 67th Berlinale in Panorama Section.
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Black and Paper Christmas List 2016 Travel
It was not easy choosing a destination this Christmas Season. There were so many factors regarding the decision, ranging from safety to geopolitics to experiencing the new and undiscovered or the adventure.
Tel Aviv, Israel and Colombia stood out because each one possesses so many unique qualities that reward a traveler. I know, one is a city in the Middle and the other is a country in South America. What they had in common is: Expectation. What would a traveler find in these locations? As a seasoned traveler when I think of these places I am not sure what to expect: A liberal oasis in the Middle East, the other a vast country in the process of healing after years of multiple destructive conflicts.
A metropolis that offers so much, Tel Aviv seems to go by the beat of its own music. Regardless of what happens around it, this is a city with vitality for life, I would describe it as vivacious. Beach life, cultural, LBGT, and music festivals are only some of myriad of options. An “enjoy today” confidence and attitude that radiates in all directions.
An exotic destination ready for those willing to be rewarded with an adventure of a lifetime, Colombia, after decades of civil war and the War on Drugs one would think this country is not ready to be explored; I think it is the opposite. With peace at hand, this South American country has a lot offer: cultural diversity, miles and miles of tranquil coastal beaches, islands, and mountain and jungle terrains all authentic not spoiled by mass tourism.
For more information you can visit the following websites:
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THAT’S ENTERTAINMENT!
Berlin CSD is coming up. There have been many events in the run up to Saturday’s parade. Black and Paper chronicled Perfromer Ruda Puda during a stage performance with colleagues at Potsdamer Platz for Berlin Queer Days.
Choosing and Getting the Looks Together. Two costumes in particular were very elaborate with feathers giving the effect of a Las Vegas Stage Show.
THE PERFORMANCES!
Images by Vlad Sichov.
Sin Dee, a transgender prostitute, was released from a short stay in prison. Learning her Boyfriend/Pimp was not faithful during her incarceration, Sinn Dee (Kitana Rodriguez) embarks on a Christmas Eve journey through the sub-cultures of Los Angeles with her best friend Alexandre (Mia Taylor). Director-Writer Sean Baker’s Tangerine shows the underbelly of the city focusing on eccentric characters seldom seen in cinema.
Director of Photography Radium Chung shot the film using iPhones 5S equipped with an anamorphic lens giving Tangerine a strong grainy look with an added edgy feel.
Tangerine has been nominated for Best Picture by the Independent Spirit Award.