tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11263417217597526132024-03-04T23:32:58.730-08:00Community Art EducationOur aim is to promote worthy arts and arts-in-education programs or projects, which develop community empowerment.NYC News & Analysishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06899988550696097916noreply@blogger.comBlogger14125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1126341721759752613.post-9149138331498103652011-04-29T04:14:00.000-07:002011-04-29T04:57:26.067-07:00Caroline Murphy records a new Music Video to honour St. Vincent's Hospital<p><b><font size="3" color="#FF0000">Caroline Murphy's St. Vincent's Music Video : New Single : ''Waiting This Out'' is a ballad about the community's fight for a new hospital to replace St. Vincent's in New York City.</font></b></p><p>Join us for a <a href="http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=187689321272477" title="Join us on April 30, 2011, for a rally at St. Vincent's Hospital - ''It's not a done deal.''" target="_blank">rally at 2 PM on Saturday, April 30, 2011</a>, to restore a hospital to the Lower West Side of Manhattan. The greedy Rudin family luxury condo conversion is not a done deal, yet. Join us in the struggle to protect the social safety net that is under attack by extremist billionaires.</p><iframe width="400" height="330" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/ijXFj2RcZM8" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><p>With her new song, Ms. Murphy is giving the people impacted by the illegal closing of St. Vincent's Hospital a powerful and artistic voice in their own <b>community empowerment</b>.</p>NYC News & Analysishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06899988550696097916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1126341721759752613.post-67588815345494641222009-04-05T10:15:00.000-07:002009-04-26T14:23:39.993-07:00Rare Live Show By Voguing Legends<p><b><font size="3" color="#FF0000">The Jewish Community Center in Manhattan hosted a special screening of the documentary <em>How Do I Look</em> on March 17, 2009</font></b></p><br /><p>A sold-out crowd attended a special event screening of the award-winning documentary, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000WPFAKI?ie=UTF8&tag=cblgspt-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000WPFAKI">How Do I Look</a>. The screening was co-sponsored by <strong>Out Professionals</strong> and the <strong>Jewish Community Center</strong> in Manhattan.</p><br /><p> Held at the <strong>Goldman-Sonnenfeldt Auditorium</strong> of the JCC in Manhattan, the screening was part of the Winter/Spring 2009 programming of the JCC's LGBTQ department. </p><br /><p><HR WIDTH="75%" COLOR="#FF0000" ALIGN="Center" NOSHADE alt="No Shade"> </p><br /><p><a href="http://s203.photobucket.com/albums/aa235/maslow25/?action=view¤t=Vladich-Lacks-DavidGordonPhotograph.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i203.photobucket.com/albums/aa235/maslow25/Vladich-Lacks-DavidGordonPhotograph.jpg" border="0" alt="OP Admin Dir Ed Vladich and JCC's Sarah-Kay Lacks address the crowd."></a></p><br /><p>OutProfessionals' Administrative Director <b>Ed Vladich</b> and JCC's <b>Sarah-Kay Lacks</b> address the crowd. Photo Copyright 2009 David Gordon Photography. <a href="http://www.dgordonphoto.com" title="David Gordon Photography" target="_blank">David Gordon Photography</a>. Used with Permission. All Rights Reserved.</p><br /><p><HR WIDTH="75%" COLOR="#FF0000" ALIGN="Center" NOSHADE alt="No Shade"> </p><br /><p><a href="http://s203.photobucket.com/albums/aa235/maslow25/?action=view¤t=Panel-DavidGordonPhotographyJCCScre.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i203.photobucket.com/albums/aa235/maslow25/Panel-DavidGordonPhotographyJCCScre.jpg" border="0" alt="Q and A with Benny Ninja, Film Asst Director Kevin Omni, Film Director Wolfgang Busch and interviewer Brandon Judell."></a></p><br /><p>Q&A with <b>Benny Ninja</b>, Film Assistant Director <b>Kevin Omni</b>, Film Director <b>Wolfgang Busch</b> and interviewer <b>Brandon Judell</b>. Photo Copyright 2009 <a href="http://www.dgordonphoto.com" title="David Gordon Photography" target="_blank">David Gordon Photography</a>. Used with Permission. All Rights Reserved. </p><br /><p><HR WIDTH="75%" COLOR="#FF0000" ALIGN="Center" NOSHADE alt="No Shade"> </p><br /><p><a href="http://s203.photobucket.com/albums/aa235/maslow25/?action=view¤t=Busch-Vladich-DavidGordonPhotograph.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i203.photobucket.com/albums/aa235/maslow25/Busch-Vladich-DavidGordonPhotograph.jpg" border="0" alt="Wofgang Busch with Ed Vladich, who is accepting the Art From the Heart Award on behalf of Out Professionals."></a></p><br /><p><b>Wofgang Busch</b> with <b>Ed Vladich</b>, who is accepting the Art From the Heart Award on behalf of Out Professionals. Photo Copyright 2009 David Gordon Photography. <a href="http://www.dgordonphoto.com" title="David Gordon Photography" target="_blank">David Gordon Photography</a>. Used with Permission. All Rights Reserved. </p><br /><p><HR WIDTH="75%" COLOR="#FF0000" ALIGN="Center" NOSHADE alt="No Shade"> </p><br /><p><a href="http://s203.photobucket.com/albums/aa235/maslow25/?action=view¤t=BennyNinjaacceptingAFTHAwardcJamesA.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i203.photobucket.com/albums/aa235/maslow25/BennyNinjaacceptingAFTHAwardcJamesA.jpg" border="0" alt="Benny Ninja, accepting a 2009 Art From The Heart Award."></a></p><br /><p>Accepting a 2009 Art From The Heart Award on behalf of the <strong>House of Ninja</strong> was <strong>Benny Ninja</strong>. Photo Copyright 2009 James Applewhite. Used by permission. All Rights Reserved. </p><br /><p><HR WIDTH="75%" COLOR="#FF0000" ALIGN="Center" NOSHADE alt="No Shade"> </p><br /><p><a href="http://s203.photobucket.com/albums/aa235/maslow25/?action=view¤t=HouseofNinja-DavidGordonPhotography.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i203.photobucket.com/albums/aa235/maslow25/HouseofNinja-DavidGordonPhotography.jpg" border="0" alt="House of Ninja voguing for the crowd!"></a></p><br /><p>The <b>House of Ninja</b> voguing for the crowd! Photo Copyright 2009 David Gordon Photography. <a href="http://www.dgordonphoto.com" title="David Gordon Photography" target="_blank">David Gordon Photography</a>. Used with Permission. All Rights Reserved. </p><br /><p><HR WIDTH="75%" COLOR="#FF0000" ALIGN="Center" NOSHADE alt="No Shade"> </p><br /><p>The <a href="http://www.jccmanhattan.org/" target="_blank" title="The Jewish Community Center of New York offers a variety of membership packages to suit every interest.">Jewish Community Center</a> in Manhattan has something to offer everyone. From classes, to creative arts, to Jewish learning and spirituality, the JCC is a vibrant cultural and recreational center, offering several programs, and welcoming all people, regardless of religious affiliation and practice. Other LGBTQ programs at the JCC include monthly groups targeting Queer Youth, Yeshiva Alum, those seeking a spiritual connection, and men over 40 with special events celebrating Gay Pride, Jewish and Secular holidays. </p><br /><p><a href="http://www.outprofessionals.org/" target="_blank" title="Out Professionals regularly sponsors events focused on career development, culture, and community; programs are open to both members and the general public.">Out Professionals</a> is the nation's leading social and business networking organization for gay men and lesbians.</p><br /><a href="http://digg.com/submit?phase=2&url=http://communityarteducation.blogspot.com/2009/04/rare-live-show-by-voguing-legends.html&title=Live Show By Voguing Legends&topic="><br /><img src="http://digg.com/img/badges/91x17-digg-button-alt.gif" width="91" height="17" alt="Digg!" /></a><br><br> <a href="http://technorati.com/faves?sub=addfavbtn&add=http://communityarteducation.blogspot.com"><img src="http://static.technorati.com/pix/fave/btn-fave2.png" alt="Add to Technorati Favorites" /></a><br><br> <a title="Save to del.icio.us so others can read this." href="http://del.icio.us/post" onclick="window.open(' http://del.icio.us/post?v=4&noui&jump=close&url='+encodeURIComponent(location.href)+'&title='+encodeURIComponent(document.title), 'delicious','toolbar=no,width=700,height=400'); return false;"> Save to del.icio.us</a>NYC News & Analysishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06899988550696097916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1126341721759752613.post-52036637554872530832008-12-15T19:39:00.000-08:002008-12-15T20:27:34.575-08:00Robert Urban: a source of inspiration for the LGBT community<p><b><font size="3" color="#FF0000">" Deep down inside, there's a guidar-strumming protest folk singer in all us rockers. "</font></b></p><p>This is Part Two of our three-part interview with <i><b><a href="http://www.roberturban.com/" target="_blank" title="Robert Urban" alt="URBAN PRODUCTIONS">Robert Urban</a></b>, the New York based musician and songwriter. Mr. Urban has been involved with a multitude of artistic and charitable events at the LGBT Community Center in Manhattan. In this part of our interview, Mr. Urban shares with us the important role that the <a href="http://www.gaycenter.org/" target="_blank" title="The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center provides a home for the birth, nurture and celebration of our organizations, institutions and culture; cares for our individuals and groups in need; educates the public and our community; and empowers our individuals and groups to achieve their fullest potential.">LGBT Community Center</a> in New York plays in the lives of so many New Yorkers.</p></i><br /><p><a href="http://www.roberturban.com/" target="_blank" title="Robert Urban" alt="URBAN PRODUCTIONS"><img src="http://i203.photobucket.com/albums/aa235/maslow25/Robert-Urban-URBAN2006PB.jpg" border="0" alt="Robert Urban"></a></p><hr WIDTH="75%" COLOR="#FF0000" ALIGN="Center" NOSHADE alt="No Shade"><p></p><p><b><font size="3" color="#FF0000">Q.</font></b> I am grateful to you for agreeing to this interview. You have worked with the filmmaker and activist, Wolfgang Busch. Mr. Busch has an altruistic approach to using arts as a way to empower communities; how do you share in this philosophy?</p><p><b><font size="3" color="#FF0000">A.</font></b> I have been recording and teaching; producing live music concerts, poetry readings and open mics for indie artists and LGBT artists for over 10 years now. I generally leave politics and preaching to politicians and preachers, and instead focus on the arts. It’s been my experience that if I can provide opportunities for artists to express themselves – to help them discover their artistic selves - they become empowered in an overall healthy way, and all the other “out” stuff in their lives falls into line. </p><p>I have learned that creative artists – including queer artists – are often odd, alienated, socially aloof types. This is ok and natural. They are often more comfortable and adept at expressing themselves artistically (way better than regular people – that’s why we turn to them for inspiration and entertainment) than they are socially and politically. I personally don’t expect political correctness or social responsibility from artists. I search for inspiration, originality, talent and fire.</p><p><b><font size="3" color="#FF0000">Q.</font></b> You have a background in promoting queer musicians and entertainers. Do you feel that you are an "activist" in the sense that you are trying to help the LGBT community?</p><p><b><font size="3" color="#FF0000">A.</font></b> I guess it could be seen as activism from the viewpoint of mainstream hetero culture. Straights often don’t take openly LGBT artists seriously.</p><p>Oddly, it is also activism from within the gay establishment itself. In our struggle, we in LGBT culture come from such a ghettoized self-conception of ourselves. Gay men for so long idolized hetero female divas – lip synched to them, dressed like them, and danced only to canned disco & computer music. It’s been a real challenge to present genuinely talented, openly queer musicians to gay audiences. It’s like gay men never dreamed that a gay guy could wield an electric guitar along with the best of straight players.</p><p><b><font size="3" color="#FF0000">Q.</font></b> Have you ever been involved with any musical events or concerts that are used as benefits for community programs?</p><p><b><font size="3" color="#FF0000">A.</font></b> Yes. Many times. For example, in 2006 I produced, hosted, and performed at a benefit concert for <b>S.A.G.E.</b> at the NYC LGBT Community Center (with sound by Wolfgang!); I’ve been guest speaker and have presented papers at University Hip-Hop conferences – lecturing on the subject of LGBT hip-hop artists; in 2005 I produced, hosted and performed at the <b>FESTIVAL OF HOPE</b> Benefit for Pancreatic Cancer for <a href="http://www.lustgarten.org/LUS/CDA/HomePage.jsp" target="_blank" title="The mission of The Lustgarten Foundation is to advance the scientific and medical research related to the diagnosis, treatment, cure and prevention of pancreatic cancer.">Lustgarten Foundation</a> of Long Island; in 2004 I produced, hosted and performed at the "RIDE ON!" Concert Benefiting <a href="http://www.brakingthecycle.org/" target="_blank" title="The next 275 miles cycle takes place from Boston to New York City over 3 days in September 2009.">BRAKING THE CYCLE</a> AIDS Bike Ride at the NYC LGBT Community Center. </p><p>In 2003, I created a show for PRIDE AT THE POLLS benefiting the <b>National Democratic Committee</b> to get out the LGBT vote and held at <b>Rainbow Mountain Lodge</b> in Pennsylvania. In 2004 I performed for the benefit of The <b>Radical Faeries</b> at their sold-out “Krazy Kwilt” benefit held at the LGBT Community Center here in NYC. The list goes on and on...</p><p><b><font size="3" color="#FF0000">Q.</font></b> Why do you think artists, producers, or filmmakers should take any role in helping the community? Why should entertainers give back to the community?</p><p><b><font size="3" color="#FF0000">A.</font></b> It’s funny – I don’t exactly think of it as “giving back” or even as “community” type social work. In my mind, I like to show our LGBT community what great talent it has within its own ranks. I feel it is empowering to both LGBT performers and LGBT audiences. I am so proud of the talent within the queer world – I love to show it off any chance I get. It’s kind of like being a child and wanting to show off the mud pies I made at the beach. “Look what I did!”</p><p><b><font size="3" color="#FF0000">Q.</font></b> Wolfgang has a long association with the LGBT Community Center in the West Village. As a writer, musician, and producer, what does it mean to you to have access to the LGBT Community Center (in relation to artistic events that are hosted there)?</p><p><b><font size="3" color="#FF0000">A.</font></b> The Center is a very special place. Over the years I have been involved there in so many different capacities - is too many to recall. I have attended many great seminars, lectures, various self-help group meetings, and many, many musical events there. My first Center-related performance was back in the 1990s. (way back when “out” rock musicians were a rare thing) My band was invited to perform for the Center’s 5th annual “Night of Music & Comedy” benefit held at Club Life and co-starring <b>Harvey Fierstein</b>. It was one of my very first performances as an openly-gay musician for an entirely openly gay audience. I was so nervous.</p><p>My one great wish for the Center is that they could have a real stage/real theater with audience style seating within the building. Sigh...one day.</p><p><b><font size="3" color="#FF0000">Q.</font></b> How do you feel about being involved in two documentaries (<b><i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000WPFAKI?ie=UTF8&tag=cblgspt-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000WPFAKI">How Do I Look</a></b></i> and <b><i>A True Lesson in Humanity</b></i>) that have a socially-conscious message? </p><p><b><font size="3" color="#FF0000">A.</font></b> It feels great. It reaches a wider audience than just the usual rock club-crowd. Also, deep down inside there’s a guitar-strumming protest folk singer in all us rockers – and to be affiliated with kindred spirit, socially conscious endeavors is very rewarding. </p><p><b><font size="3" color="#FF0000">Q.</font></b> Is there a fine line that one must adhear to, if you are trying to create an artistic work that is trying to be both entertaining and "empowering"?</p><p><b><font size="3" color="#FF0000">A.</font></b> I think if it is entertaining – it will be empowering. As they say, one catches more flies with honey than with vinegar. “Preachy” things are best left to preachers. If you want to get a message across artistically, is best to have your message be also entertaining.</p><p></p><hr WIDTH="75%" COLOR="#FF0000" ALIGN="Center" NOSHADE alt="No Shade"><br /><p><font size="2"><i>In addition to his own 4 CDs (the album </i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00004C4RZ?ie=UTF8&tag=literarymedia-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00004C4RZ">"godless"</a><i> is available on </i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00004C4RZ?ie=UTF8&tag=literarymedia-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00004C4RZ">Amazon.com</a>)<i>, Robert Urban's work (especially as guitarist) can be heard on the recordings of many other musical artists. Mr. Urban is also an accompanist, session-musician, arranger/sound engineer and private music teacher. He supports the GLBT music community through producing/hosting <b>Urban Productions BOLDLY Presents</b>, the all-GLBT multi-artist live-in-concert music series (now in its 6th year). Mr. Urban is the author of a poetry collection <b><i>Abominations</b></i> and founder of Gay Guitarists Worldwide. </p><p>For the first part of our exclusive interview with the musician and songwriter, <b>Robert Urban</b>, please visit the <a href="http://danceontherunway.blogspot.com/2008/12/soundtrack-and-score-robert-urban.html" target="_blank" title="Soundtrack and Score: Robert Urban">Dance on the Runway</a> blog. </font></p></i><br /><p></p><a href="http://digg.com/submit?phase=2&url=http://communityarteducation.blogspot.com/2008/12/robert-urban-source-of-inspiration-for.html&title=Inspiration for LGBT Community&topic="><br /><img src="http://digg.com/img/badges/91x17-digg-button-alt.gif" width="91" height="17" alt="Digg!" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://technorati.com/faves?sub=addfavbtn&add=http://communityarteducation.blogspot.com"><img src="http://static.technorati.com/pix/fave/btn-fave2.png" alt="Add to Technorati Favorites" /></a><br /><br /><a title="Save to del.icio.us so others can read this." href="http://del.icio.us/post" onclick="window.open(' http://del.icio.us/post?v=4&noui&jump=close&url='+encodeURIComponent(location.href)+'&title='+encodeURIComponent(document.title), 'delicious','toolbar=no,width=700,height=400'); return false;"> Save to del.icio.us</a>NYC News & Analysishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06899988550696097916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1126341721759752613.post-39919142183021350372008-02-18T16:01:00.000-08:002008-02-18T17:04:30.984-08:00New Black History Month Screening of 'How Do I Look' documentary<p>The <b>Jersey City Lesbian & Gay Outreach</b>, the voice of the Jersey City LGBT community, has announced its schedule of <a href="http://www.jclgo.org/events/bhm/bhm08.htm" target="_blank"><b>Black History Month</b> events</a>.</p><br /><p><a href="http://www.jclgo.org/events/bhm/bhm08.htm" target="_blank"><img src="http://i203.photobucket.com/albums/aa235/maslow25/JCLGO.jpg" border="0" alt="The 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 24 screening of the 'How Do I Look' documentary is being sponsored by Jersey City Lesbian and Gay Outreach."></a></p><br /><p>On Sunday, February 24, Jersey City Lesbian & Gay Outreach is sponsoring a special screening of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000WPFAKI?ie=UTF8&tag=cblgspt-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000WPFAKI">How Do I Look</a> to coincide with Black History Month.</p><br /><p>The screening, set to begin at 4 p.m., is free to the public. </p><br /><p>For directions to Art House Productions, please visit their website: <a href="http://www.arthouseproductions.org/directions.html" target="_blank">www.arthouseproductions.org</a>. </p><br /><a href="http://digg.com/submit?phase=2&url=http://communityarteducation.blogspot.com/2008/02/new-black-history-screening-of-how-do-i.html&title=Black History Month screening of 'How Do I Look'&topic="><br /><img src="http://digg.com/img/badges/91x17-digg-button-alt.gif" width="91" height="17" alt="Digg!" /></a><br><br> <a href="http://technorati.com/faves?sub=addfavbtn&add=http://communityarteducation.blogspot.com"><img src="http://static.technorati.com/pix/fave/btn-fave2.png" alt="Add to Technorati Favorites" /></a><br><br> <a title="Save to del.icio.us so others can read this." href="http://del.icio.us/post" onclick="window.open(' http://del.icio.us/post?v=4&noui&jump=close&url='+encodeURIComponent(location.href)+'&title='+encodeURIComponent(document.title), 'delicious','toolbar=no,width=700,height=400'); return false;"> Save to del.icio.us</a>NYC News & Analysishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06899988550696097916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1126341721759752613.post-21162710676703417942008-01-22T17:34:00.000-08:002008-01-26T10:28:58.020-08:00New college screening of 'How Do I Look' to coincide with Black History Month<p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000WPFAKI?ie=UTF8&tag=cblgspt-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000WPFAKI" target="_blank"><img src="http://i203.photobucket.com/albums/aa235/maslow25/blackhistorymonth_2.gif" border="0" height="333" width="300" alt="Black History Month logo design source and credit: http://www.havering.gov.uk/"></a></p><br /><p>In February 2008, the documentary <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000WPFAKI?ie=UTF8&tag=cblgspt-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000WPFAKI">How Do I Look</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=cblgspt-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000WPFAKI" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="How Do I Look" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;"/> will be screened at <b>Ithaca College</b> in New York during <b>Black History Month</b>. </p><br /><p> <i>How Do I Look</i> is a showcase of the artistic contributions made by the African-Americans and Hispanics of the Harlem Ball community in the areas of dance, fashion, runway, and performance. By having selected <i>How Do I Look</i> for an on-campus screening, Ithaca College joins other universities which have screened this documentary as part of their <a href="http://communityarteducation.blogspot.com/2007/12/academic-tour-of-how-do-i-look.html" target="_blank">arts-in-education programming</a>.</p><br /><p><b><font size="3" color="#FF0000">Ithaca College's Spring Film Series</font></b></p><br />Tuesday, February 19, Textor 102, 7pm<br /><i>How Do I Look</i> <br><br /><p><blockquote>The follow-up film to the acclaimed <i>Paris is Burning</i> about New York's African-American, Latino, and transgender drag Ball community returns for an updated look at familiar faces, new performers, and the inheritors of the Houses that continue to help shape this art form. The film is an uplifting and life-affirming celebration of a NYC artistic tradition.</blockquote></p><br /><p>For a listing of other films to be screened at Ithaca College, please visit their <a href="" target="_blank">Spring Film Series</a> page on their website. For more information, call Ithaca College at: (607) 274-7394. This screening of <i>How Do I Look</i> is open to the public. </p>NYC News & Analysishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06899988550696097916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1126341721759752613.post-68239509731875946512008-01-01T14:10:00.000-08:002008-01-26T10:30:54.979-08:00Kevin Ultra Omni discusses the community approach in the development of the 'How Do I Look' documentary<p><b>Kevin Ultra Omni</b>, one of the assistant directors of the documentary <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000WPFAKI?ie=UTF8&tag=cblgspt-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000WPFAKI">How Do I Look</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=cblgspt-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000WPFAKI" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" />, was interviewed by <a href="http://youtube.com/watch?v=TsbarEG2Css" target="_blank">CBS News on LOGO</a>. During the interview, Kevin Ultra Omni discussed the community approach to the development of the documentary <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000WPFAKI?ie=UTF8&tag=cblgspt-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000WPFAKI">How Do I Look</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=cblgspt-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000WPFAKI" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" />. "Ball" performers, artsists, and leaders came together as a community to collaborate in a documentary about their talents and contributions to the arts of dancing, fashion, and runway. You can watch the complete interview below:</p><br /><p><object width="399" height="333"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/TsbarEG2Css&rel=1"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/TsbarEG2Css&rel=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="399" height="333"></embed></object></p><br /><a href="http://www.digg.com"><br /><img src="http://digg.com/img/badges/91x17-digg-button-alt.gif" width="91" height="17" alt="Digg!" /></a><br><br> <a href="http://technorati.com/faves?sub=addfavbtn&add=http://blogmoviejunket.blogspot.com"><img src="http://static.technorati.com/pix/fave/btn-fave2.png" alt="Add to Technorati Favorites" /></a><br><br> <a title="Save to del.icio.us so others can read this." href="http://del.icio.us/post" onclick="window.open(' http://del.icio.us/post?v=4&noui&jump=close&url='+encodeURIComponent(location.href)+'&title='+encodeURIComponent(document.title), 'delicious','toolbar=no,width=700,height=400'); return false;"> Save to del.icio.us</a>NYC News & Analysishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06899988550696097916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1126341721759752613.post-54912962035500342452007-12-16T13:34:00.000-08:002008-02-18T16:59:43.093-08:00The Academic Tour of the “How Do I Look” documentary<p>The documentary <b><i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000WPFAKI?ie=UTF8&tag=literarymedia-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000WPFAKI">How Do I Look</a></b></i> has been screened at various colleges and universities as part of its mission to increase education about the <a href=”http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ball_culture” alt=”The underground LGBT subculture in the United States in which people compete for trophies and prizes at events known as balls.”>Harlem “Ball” community</a>. This academic tour has inspired many students to begin to examine the film for its contribution to LGBT, sociology, and cultural studies.</p><br /><p>For example, Jon Freeman, who studied at New York University, wrote in the Fall 2006 a <b>thesis paper</b> about the <a href=”http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vogue_%28dance%29”>Vogue</a> dance style. Entitled, "<a href="http://homepages.nyu.edu/~jbf285/voguing.pdf">Voguing: Queer, Critical, and in Motion: Towards Fabulous Queer Worlds</a>," Jon sets out to seek "fierceness" in dance spaces.</p><br /><p>A partial listing of the academic tour of <b><i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000WPFAKI?ie=UTF8&tag=cblgspt-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000WPFAKI">How Do I Look</a></b></i> follows below: </p><br /><p><b><u>Sarah Lawrence College</b></u>. In 2006, <b><i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000WPFAKI?ie=UTF8&tag=cblgspt-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000WPFAKI">How Do I Look</a></b></i> was screened in connection with the college’s 4th Annual <a href="http://www.slc.edu/alumnae/events/campus-fall/index.php?tid=48">Queer Film Festival</a>. Sponsored by LGBT Studies, the Office of Student Affairs, the Office of Racial and Ethnic Diversity, Campus Engagement, the Programming Board, SLC ACTS UP, QVC and Student Senate, the screening was followed by a Q&A session and dance performances. <p/><br /><p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000WPFAKI?ie=UTF8&tag=cblgspt-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000WPFAKI" target="_blank"><img src="http://i203.photobucket.com/albums/aa235/maslow25/2006_SarahLawrence_NicoleJoseWolfga.jpg" border="0" width="403" height="302" alt="The director Wolfgang Busch, center, flanked by performers from the House of Xtravaganza: Nicole, Jose, Rico, and Giselle."></a></p><br /><p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000WPFAKI?ie=UTF8&tag=cblgspt-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000WPFAKI" target="_blank"><img src="http://i203.photobucket.com/albums/aa235/maslow25/2006_SarahLawrence_JoseX.jpg" border="0" alt="Famed dancer and choreographer Jose Xtravaganza at the 2006 Sarah Lawrence screening and lecture of the ‘How Do I Look’ documentary."></a></p><br /><p><b><u>Oberlin College</b></u>. On April 1, 2003, <b><i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000WPFAKI?ie=UTF8&tag=cblgspt-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000WPFAKI">How Do I Look</a></b></i> was screened in Cleveland, OH. </p><br /><p><b><u>University of Detroit</b></u>. On December 4, 2003, <b><i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000WPFAKI?ie=UTF8&tag=cblgspt-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000WPFAKI">How Do I Look</a></b></i> was screened in Mercy, MI. The screening, which was sponsored by the Women’s Study Program, attracted a full-capacity crowd of 100 people.</p><br /><p><b><u>New York University</b></u>. On February 10th, 2003, <b><i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000WPFAKI?ie=UTF8&tag=cblgspt-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000WPFAKI">How Do I Look</a></b></i> was screened at NYU. This screening, which was sponsored by SHADES, attracted a full-capacity crowd of 110 people. It was followed by a speaking engagement. The speakers included Octavia Manolo Blahnik, Luna Khan, and the director Wolfgang Busch. A second screening at NYU later took place in connection with <b>Black History Month</b>, on February 17, 2004. Speakers: Tracy Africa, Willi Ninja, Kenny Ebony, Luna Khan, Wolfgang Busch. Again sponsored by SHADES from NYU, approximately 100 people attended. </p><br /><p><b><u>Harvey Milk High School</b></u>. Set to coincide with <b>World AIDS Day</b> on December 1, 2003, <b><i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000WPFAKI?ie=UTF8&tag=cblgspt-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000WPFAKI">How Do I Look</a></b></i> was screened at the Harvey Milk High School in NYC. Sponsored by the Hetrick Martin Institute, a full-capacity crowd of 80 people attended this special screening.</p><br /><p><b><u>Yale University</b></u>. October 18, 2004, <b><i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000WPFAKI?ie=UTF8&tag=cblgspt-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000WPFAKI">How Do I Look</a></b></i> was screened in New Haven, CT. At this event, the speakers included: the late Willi Ninja, Jazmine Manolo Blahnik, Jack Givenchy, Luna Khan, Wolfgang Busch, Frank Givenchy. This special screening event was sponsored by: The Office of Diversity and Equal Opportunity, the Larry Kramer Initiative for Gay and Lesbian Studies, and the McDougal Center at Yale University. Eight-five people attended this event.</p><br /><p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000WPFAKI?ie=UTF8&tag=cblgspt-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000WPFAKI" target="_blank"><img src="http://i203.photobucket.com/albums/aa235/maslow25/Yalescreeningwlecture-WB-Uri-LunaKh.jpg" height="297" width="396" border="0" alt="Wolfgang Busch at Yale University in 2004 with, from left to right, Uri, Luna Khan, a friend, Jazmine Blahnik, Jack Mizrahi, and Willi Ninja."></a></p><br /><p>More information about the academic tour, please visit the <a href="http://www.howdoilooknyc.org/workinprogress.html" alt="Work-In Progress screenings of the ‘How Do I Look’ documentary.">work-in-progress screenings</a> page of the film’s official website.</p>NYC News & Analysishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06899988550696097916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1126341721759752613.post-90743233524477510022007-12-09T13:05:00.000-08:002007-12-09T15:27:17.473-08:00Body Positive Magazine Feature: How Do I Look<p><b><i><a href="http://www.thebody.com/content/art30605.html">Body Positive</a></b></i> magazine published an article about the documentary <b><i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000WPFAKI?ie=UTF8&tag=literarymedia-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000WPFAKI">How Do I Look</a></b></i>. The article focused on the <b>community arts program</b> aspect of this documentary, touching upon the potential <b>educational effectiveness</b> of <b>community outreach programs</b> such as the <b><i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000WPFAKI?ie=UTF8&tag=literarymedia-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000WPFAKI">How Do I Look</a></b></i> project. The article also featured first-person narratives by activist <b>Luna Khan</b> (<b>Luna Luis Ortiz</b>) and dancer <b>Octavia St. Laurent</b>.</p><br /><blockquote>The message in <b><i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000WPFAKI?ie=UTF8&tag=literarymedia-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000WPFAKI">How Do I Look</a></b></i> is that the members of the Ballroom community are creative and professional people making contributions to society by sending strong HIV/AIDS awareness messages through entertainment. The <b><i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000WPFAKI?ie=UTF8&tag=literarymedia-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000WPFAKI">How Do I Look</a></b></i> project is being called an EduTainment/DocuFeature film because of the complexity of this project and all the elements that it ties together. By educating through entertainment, the producers believe that they can reach youth of all races in many countries through this film by documenting this exciting artistic Ballroom community (Read the entire article about the <b><i>How Do I Look</b></i> documentary in <b><i><a href="http://www.thebody.com/content/art30605.html">Body Positive</a></b></i> magazine). </blockquote><br /><p><b>General Disclaimer</b>: <a href="http://www.thebody.com/hiv-aids.html">The Body</a> is designed for educational purposes only and is not engaged in rendering medical advice or professional services. The information provided through The Body should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or a disease. It is not a substitute for professional care. If you have or suspect you may have a health problem, consult your healthcare provider.</p>NYC News & Analysishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06899988550696097916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1126341721759752613.post-48098391458934314812007-12-07T17:59:00.000-08:002008-02-05T19:04:45.316-08:00Out at the Center: the LGBT Community Center's monthly TV Show<p>The <a href="http://www.gaycenter.org/news/out/watch/2007mar">March 2007 episode</a> of <b><i><a href="http://www.gaycenter.org/news/out">Out at the Center</a></b></i> was hosted by <b>Mimi Gonzalez</b> and features:</p><br /><p>* We Met at the Center – interviews with couples who hit it off at 208 West 13th Street; </p><br /><p>* a visit with the women behind Lesbian Cinema Arts; </p><br /><p>* a look at the <b>Harlem Ball community</b> through the work of documentary filmmaker <b>Wolfgang Busch</b>’s <b><i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000WPFAKI?ie=UTF8&tag=literarymedia-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000WPFAKI">How Do I Look</a></b></i>; </p><br /><p>* a conversation and reading with <b>T.J. Parsell</b>, author of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0786720379?ie=UTF8&tag=literarymedia-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0786720379">Fish: A Memoir of a Boy in a Man's Prison</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=literarymedia-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0786720379" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" />; </p><br /><p>* a tour of the Center with <b>Julia Noel Goldman</b> and <b>Robert Woodworth</b> reminiscing; and </p><br /><p>* a recap of the <b>Winter Art Exhibitions</b> of 2007.</p><br /><p>The <b>Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Community Center</b> of New York City makes available on its website the video of the <a href="http://www.gaycenter.org/news/out/watch/2007mar">March 2007 episode</a>.</p><br /><p>Here is the segment dedicated to <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000WPFAKI?ie=UTF8&tag=cblgspt-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000WPFAKI">How Do I Look</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=cblgspt-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000WPFAKI" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" />:</p><br /><p><object width="399" height="333"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/_6H2-5T3xWM&rel=1"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/_6H2-5T3xWM&rel=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="399" height="333"></embed></object></p><br /><p><b><i><a href="http://www.gaycenter.org/news/out">Out at the Center</a></b></i> is a monthly half-hour TV show produced by the LGBT Community Center. <b><i><a href="http://www.gaycenter.org/news/out">Out at the Center</a></b></i> airs on the fourth Thursday of every month at 10 p.m. on Manhattan Neighborhood Network on Time Warner Cable channels 34 and 78 (digital), as well as on RCN channels 107 and 83 (digital). The LGBT Community Center offers volunteers the opportunity to learn valuable production skills, have fun while working on a TV crew with other volunteers, and give back to your community by allowing the LGBT Community Center to reach a broader audience. For more information about becoming a volunteer with Center Media, <a href="http://www.gaycenter.org/news/out/volunteer">visit our volunteer page</a>. For information about internships with Center, <a href="http://www.gaycenter.org/news/out/internships">visit the internships page</a>.</p>NYC News & Analysishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06899988550696097916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1126341721759752613.post-70001410859427875542007-12-06T03:15:00.000-08:002007-12-06T03:58:17.797-08:00Miss Universe makes dual New York appearances on World AIDS Day<p><b>Miss Universe Riyo Mori</b> made two important community appearances in New York on World AIDS Day on December 1, 2007. First, Miss Universe visited the offices of the <b>Latino Commission on AIDS</b>, then she attended a gala event in connection with the Fifth Annual <b>New York AIDS Film Festival</b>. Miss Universe, whose platform is HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention, is using her celebrity to focus public attention on World AIDS Day.</p><br /><p>In a press release issued by the New York agency <b>Latino Commission on AIDS</b>, Miss Universe Riyo Mori stated, "It is important to me and the <b>Miss Universe Organization</b> to show our commitment and solidarity with those impacted by HIV/AIDS, especially on World AIDS Day, today I took the HIV test to encourage all communities that it is better to know your status." </p><br /><p>Also in its statement, the Commissions leader had this to say: "The fight against HIV and AIDS and the health care needs facing our community get more challenging every year," said <b>Dennis deLeon</b>, President of the Latino Commission on AIDS. "I applaud Miss Universe Riyo Mori for taking this action to join our cause and promote the HIV test as an important step in the area of prevention and education. She joins a group of vital supporters, all of whom are beacons of hope for a future without AIDS." </p><br /><p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000WPFAKI?ie=UTF8&tag=literarymedia-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000WPFAKI" target="_blank"><img src="http://i203.photobucket.com/albums/aa235/maslow25/WolfgangBuschandMissUniverseRiyoMor.jpg" border="0" alt="Miss Universe Riyo Mori holding up a copy of the DVD for the 'How Do I Look' documentary, pictured with the filmmaker and activist Wolfgang Busch on World AIDS Day 2007."></a></p><br /><p>Also on World AIDS Day, Miss Universe also attended the <b>Red Ball</b> gala event of the Fifth Annual <b>New York AIDS Film Festival</b>. Pictured above, Miss Universe posed with <b>Wolfgang Busch</b>, director of the independent documentary, <b><i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000WPFAKI?ie=UTF8&tag=literarymedia-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000WPFAKI">How Do I Look</a></b></i>.</p><br /><p>The Latino Commission on AIDS is a nonprofit agency dedicated to fighting the spread of HIV/AIDS in the Latino/Hispanic communities. The Commission coordinates National Latino AIDS Awareness Day and other prevention and advocacy programs in more than 40 States and Puerto Rico. For more information visit <a href="http://www.latinoaids.org">www.latinoaids.org</a> or <a href="http://www.nlaad.org">www.nlaad.org</a>. </p><br /><p>The MISS UNIVERSE®, MISS USA® and MISS TEEN USA® Pageants are a <b>Donald J. Trump</b> and <b>NBC Universal</b> partnership. Utilizing its nationwide grass roots infrastructure, the Miss Universe Organization is committed to increasing HIV/AIDS awareness by focusing on women's health and reproductive issues. By forging relationships with organizations committed to research and education such as the <b>Latino Commission on AIDS</b>, <b>God’s Love We Deliver</b>, <b>APICHA</b> and <b>Gay Men’s Health Crisis</b>, Miss Universe is improving the lives of women today. For more information visit: <a href="http://www.missuniverse.com">www.missuniverse.com</a>.</p>NYC News & Analysishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06899988550696097916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1126341721759752613.post-26540781484304134272007-12-01T03:28:00.000-08:002007-12-01T03:53:33.134-08:00What we commemorate on World AIDS Day<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZlGepnOBUCDAO5BGeUd2tsofJbco7Y0-NognrzwQMVkqdEVEtSMAhLemUpg4xEda_mNep0PAaqXXLnVpGdqQnrI_O6Rnffm-3Ky9-B0Q1xDHPxxWns8A3EEXH7364n2UOHcRCxyu5xvE/s1600-r/sm_aids_ribbon.gif"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF1BCwtjwM8x64nlUT5HRcpuhdqKD1kgDKfZTZNDRWY0L3SV0kScFH567fxPPhFlvUqEDlAbT2f8VsgdoNyal5WbzYjVXFxu-4iyOiTQjyM64NmZWjlzI9AZOCntPCkEY1947lECrJKU4/s400/sm_aids_ribbon.gif" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5138966330606302802" /></a><br /><p></p><br /><p>On this <b>World AIDS Day</b> of 2007, I am starting this post, which I will retroactively edit. I promise to make this post a full listing of artistic events that promised to increase the public's education and awareness of AIDS. To start out, I may only focus on the events which are to and which took place in <b>New York City</b>. And most of all, I wish to touch upon the artistic programs in which people <b>commemorated</b> -- and possibly even <b>celebrated</b> -- World AIDS Day. What can there be about artistic programs or artistic projects that focus on positive aspects about AIDS? What could there be to celebrate on a day that brings attention to this deadly global pandemic?</p><br /><p>* In New York City, an activist and civil leader named <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suzanne_Engo">Suzanne Engo</a> is founder and Executive Director of the <b>New York AIDS Film Festival</b>. Can you imagine a film festival completly designed around visual media dedicated to the AIDS pandemic? Well, in New York, we are fortunate to have such an arts project that aims to have a positive impact. On the occassion of the debut of the New York AIDS Film Festival, Ms. Engo said, "I know that the media can be used as a tool for social change" (See <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suzanne_Engo">Ms. Engo's Wikipedia page</a>). </p><br /><p>* In connection with the 5th Annual New York AIDS Film Festival in 2007, the director Wolfgang Busch screen a special segment from his documentary, <b><i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000WPFAKI?ie=UTF8&tag=literarymedia-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000WPFAKI">How Do I Look</a></b></i>. (Disclosure: <b><i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000WPFAKI?ie=UTF8&tag=literarymedia-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000WPFAKI">How Do I Look</a></b></i> is an arts-in-education project which this blog is promoting.) </p><br /><p>* To learn more about AIDS, please read the <a href="http://www.aidsdaynyc.org/2007/factsheet.htm">HIV/AIDS in Our World Today</a> factsheet made available online by <a href="http://www.aidsdaynyc.org/">aidsdaynyc.org</a>.</p><br /><p>* To learn more about this important day, you can click here and run an instant Google search for the term <a href="http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=World+AIDS+Day">World AID Day</a>.</p>NYC News & Analysishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06899988550696097916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1126341721759752613.post-41295953156228255992007-11-24T11:56:00.000-08:002007-11-24T12:28:15.023-08:00"How Do I Look" documentary to be featured in the 2007 New York AIDS Film Festival<p>Although only in its fifth year, the <b>New York AIDS Film Festival</b> has developed a high standard of acknowledging the importance of education and empowerment in the arts. In 2004, <b>Meryl Streep</b> presented the Festival’s highest honor to HBO’s <b><i>Angels in America</b></i> director, <b>Mike Nichols</b>, in recognition for his film about the heartbreak of HIV/AIDS. In 2006, the New York AIDS Film Festival commemorated the 25th Anniversary of the first diagnosed case of AIDS.</p> <br /><p>Now, in connection with the Fifth Annual New York AIDS Film Festival, New York University is hosting a special World AIDS Day screening of <b><i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000WPFAKI?ie=UTF8&tag=literarymedia-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000WPFAKI">How Do I Look</a></b></i> directed by <b>Wolfgang Busch</b>, on Saturday, December 1, 2007. A Q&A session with the documentary’s director will follow the screening. </p><br /><p> <b><i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000WPFAKI?ie=UTF8&tag=literarymedia-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000WPFAKI">How Do I Look</a></b></i> is an award-winning documentary about the Harlem <b>“Ball” community</b>. This documentary feature originated as a community empowerment project for dancers and artists in the Ball community; it was directed by <b>Wolfgang Busch</b> in collaboration with assistant directors from the “Ball” community: <b>Kevin Omni</b> and <b>Luna Khan</b>. Since its early production, <b><i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000WPFAKI?ie=UTF8&tag=literarymedia-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000WPFAKI">How Do I Look</a></b></i> has been screened as a work-in-progress film at many prestigious American universities, such as Yale University, New York University, and Sarah Lawrence College, as part of academic curricula and student-run programs. Because the “Ball” community has been hit hard by the AIDS pandemic, from the outset Mr. Busch included in the final version of <b><i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000WPFAKI?ie=UTF8&tag=literarymedia-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000WPFAKI">How Do I Look</a></b></i> important messages from dancers and artists about HIV/AIDS prevention and care. As part of the New York AIDS Film Festival, a special 10-minute segment will be screened from <b><i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000WPFAKI?ie=UTF8&tag=literarymedia-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000WPFAKI">How Do I Look</a></b></i>, addressing HIV/AIDS. Featured in the HIV excerpt from the <b><i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000WPFAKI?ie=UTF8&tag=literarymedia-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000WPFAKI">How Do I Look</a></b></i> documentary are: Octavia St. Laurent, Kevin Omni, Jose Xtravaganza, Carmen Xtravaganza, Harmonica Sunbeam, Luna Khan, Kevin Aviance, Kenny Ebony, Darryck LaBeija, and Marcel Christian. Unfortunately, the “Ball” community has been devastated by the AIDS pandemic, resulting in the loss of the community’s leadership. As a community, the dancers and artists from the “Ball” scene continue to fight an uphill battle for artistic and social empowerment. </p><br /><p>The free screening of <b><i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000WPFAKI?ie=UTF8&tag=literarymedia-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000WPFAKI">How Do I Look</a></b></i> will take place on Saturday, December 1, 2007, from 11 am to 12 pm at New York University at the King Juan Carlos I of Spain Center, 53 Washington Square South, New York City. Admission to attend this special screening is free. Complimentary refreshments will be served. </p><br /><p>For more information, please contact the director Wolfgang Busch at: Art From The Heart Films, 718-726-0831 or WolfgangBusch@earthlink.net, <a href="http://www.howdoilooknyc.org/" alt="Visit the official website for the HOW DO I LOOK documentary.">www.HowDoILookNYC.org</a>.</p><br /><p>Founded in 2003 by <b><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suzanne_Engo" alt="Learn more about the film festival’s founder Suzanne Engo.">Suzanne Engo</a></b>, the <b>New York AIDS Film Festival</b> (NYAFF) provides a series of HIV- and AIDS-related film screenings, panel discussions, and special events. At the time of its launch, Ms. Engo said, “I know that the media can be used as a tool for social change.” Its mission is to provide the public with information about the disease by sponsoring the screenings of visual media. The New York AIDS Film Festival features diverse works, which serve as educational material about HIV/AIDS. These programs aim to promote social action in the fight against the global AIDS pandemic. Besides featuring noteworthy visual media by filmmakers and AIDS activists, the Festival also creates events to raise money for organizations whose missions include education and social activism through film. </p>NYC News & Analysishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06899988550696097916noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1126341721759752613.post-71798016577576452972007-11-02T05:32:00.000-07:002007-11-02T05:37:29.707-07:00Slideshow of Cast and Director of "How Do I Look"<div><embed src="http://goodwidgets.com/widgets/slider.swf" name="gw35116" FlashVars="gW=35116&bC=000000&aC=d20039&v=1.2" quality="best" allowScriptAccess="always" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="394" height="165"></embed><br/><a style="color:#d20039; text-decoration:none; font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:9px;" href="http://www.goodwidgets.com" target="_blank">Powered by GoodWidgets.com</a></div>NYC News & Analysishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06899988550696097916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1126341721759752613.post-13975730977168677832007-10-11T18:08:00.000-07:002007-11-17T06:56:53.277-08:00"How Do I Look"Directed by Wolfgang Busch<p>A&U Magazine<br> December 2006</p><br /><p><b><font size="4" color="#FF0000">Have a Ball!</font></b><br><b><font size="3" color="#FF0000"> Wolfgang Busch, Director and Producer of <br><b><i>How Do I Look</b></i>, Showcases the <br><b>Ball Community</b> and its HIV Outreach </font></b> </p><br /><p>by Alina Oswald</p><br /><p>From <b>Madonna</b>'s "<b>Vogue</b>" video to films like <b><i>Paris is Burning</b></i>, the <b>Harlem ballroom community</b> has always been a playground where young, talented gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered people can build their self-esteem by competing in categories like fashion or dance as an art form. The "illusion of a runway" that ball events provide for performing members don't only allow them to live out their fantasies, but also to freely express themselves artistically. Organized in "houses" with an (usually) elected "mother" and "father," the ballroom (or ball) community looks after its members and nurtures their talents. </p><br /><p>"Some houses are like gangs," artistic activist <b>Wolfgang Busch</b> explains during our phone interview about his new film on the New York City ball community, "in the bad sense." <b><i>Paris is Burning</b></i>, a film about the house with the same name, has been criticized as exploiting these negative aspects of the ball community. That's why, in his new documentary, German-American filmmaker Wolfgang Busch offers a fresh image of the ball community, concentrating on houses that make a positive difference in the lives of their members. <b><i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000WPFAKI?ie=UTF8&tag=literarymedia-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000WPFAKI">How Do I Look</a></b></i>, which took ten years to produce filming and interviewing community members at various ball events, focuses on educating the upcoming "ball" generation in the positive assets of houses dedicated to helping their members to get an education and a job. These houses also organize balls specifically dealing with HIV/AIDS prevention, education, and outreach. <b><i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000WPFAKI?ie=UTF8&tag=literarymedia-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000WPFAKI">How Do I Look</a></b></i> also focuses on members of the ball community who, while socially marginalized by racism, perform in the balls for fashion and artistic awards, thus creating their own arenas of standards and success. Many of them, like <b>Tracy Africa</b>, <b>Willi Ninja</b>, or <b>Jose Xtravaganza</b> took their runway walks to a professional level. </p><br /><p>"What I respect so much about the ball community is its inclusiveness," he says, commenting on what he considers its most important quality. "No matter if you work on Fourteenth Street or as a fashion designer or [if you are a] celebrity, everybody can walk a ball: People of all shapes and forms have a place to compete." </p><br /><p>Busch takes the knowledge that the ball community is all about fashion and glamour and how its members look a step further in his documentary, using <b><i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000WPFAKI?ie=UTF8&tag=literarymedia-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000WPFAKI">How Do I Look</a></b></i> to show how ball community members look on the inside, because it's obvious that they look "fabulous" on the outside. </p><br /><p>Looks are important for one's self-esteem, especially for male-to-female transsexuals who transition and sometimes do not look as "feminine" as they would like. For them it's important to get accepted in real life, in their community. So, being part of various ball events and competing for various awards pull them through the hard times. </p><br /><p>Wolfgang Busch's first contact with the ball community was an actual ball at a club called Tracks, in 1987. Yet it wasn't until 1989 through a fundraiser for the Gay Games in Vancouver, when he met assistant director and lifetime achiever in the ball community, <b>Kevin Omni</b>. </p><br /><p>As a cultural gay activist, Busch has dedicated his life to empower LGBT artists. He plans a meeting with <b>Al Sharpton</b> and <b>Russell Simmons</b>, both very outspoken in the arts and its role in the political arena because the artistic community is "the most powerful community on the planet," because the "stars," when they unite, can determine major changes in most aspects of our life. </p><br /><p>When it comes to HIV/AIDS, the ball community was maybe the most hit by the pandemic. In 1998 the ball community lost <b>Fila Omni</b> to AIDS. Since 2001, the ball community has also lost <b>Gerald Dupree Labeija</b>, <b>Kenny Ebody</b>, <b>Eriq Christian Bazaar</b>, and <b>Marcel Christian</b> to AIDS, and <b>Pepper Labeija</b> to diabetes. </p><br /><p>"I think [that's] a scary statistic. That's a really alarming number," Wolfgang Busch comments. That's the reason why he's focusing on houses and balls that make HIV/AIDS prevention, education and awareness their priority. </p><br /><p>For more information about <b><i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000WPFAKI?ie=UTF8&tag=literarymedia-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000WPFAKI">How Do I Look</a></b></i> or to contact director Wolfgang Busch, log on to www.howdoilooknyc.org. </p>NYC News & Analysishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06899988550696097916noreply@blogger.com1