NEW YORK, NY - September 29th, 2011: Passport to Nigeria™, a week-long celebration of culture, art, cuisine, fashion, entrepreneurship, music and nightlife will be held from October 1st to October 8th, 2011 in New York City.
“Our newest initiative, Passport to Nigeria, looks to shed light on the beauty that is Africa by highlighting its most famous daughter, Nigeria” says Solo Nnanna, Founder, Passport To Nigeria & Executive Director, Royalty Lifestyle Group. “Through a series of events, we will take our participants on a journey that highlights several aspects of Africa’s rich culture right here in New York City”
Passport To Nigeria’s signature events include a tour of Nigerian/African Art at the Brooklyn Museum, food tasting of authentic Nigerian/African dishes and a celebration of Nigerian/African music & dance at one of New York City’s most exclusive event spaces. “With Passport to Nigeria, we are looking to be more inclusive than divisive” says Mr. Nnanna “Some of our sponsors asked, why JUST Nigeria? Simply put we are tired of having all of Africa referred to as a country so by highlighting different countries we are educating the world and slowly but surely correcting the single story they have of us.”
Passport To Nigeria is produced by Royalty Lifestyle Group, a marketing & event planning firm. Sponsored by Arik Air, Africa.com, DEALS by Africa.com, Applause Africa, Ladybrille Magazine, Amebor Media, Natsumi Lounge, Buka Restaurant & Panla.
For More Information on Passport to Nigeria & for full schedule, please visit: www.passport2nigeria.com
ABOUT PRODUCER, ROYALTY LIFESTYLE: Royalty Lifestyle™ is a boutique marketing and corporate event planning headquartered in New York with scheduled office openings in London, Lagos & Johannesburg. Our primary target is the new African (Young. Professional. Learned) and all our clients are progressive African owned businesses that in essence cater to the lifestyle we promote. While the RL marketing division handles everything from creative development to brand management to distribution, the corporate event planning branch handles the launch parties, exclusive RL events and concerts.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Unwam Oduok Ladybrille Magazine Public Relations pr@ladybrille.com
Hollywood Jeweler Chris Aire Honored as Ladybrille Man of the Month September 2011
Sacramento, CA (September 19th, 2011)- Chris Aire, Hollywood’s renowned Jeweler to the stars, has been named Ladybrille Magazine Man of the Month for its September Fashion Week Edition.
The Ladybrille “Man of the Month” feature celebrates outstanding men, locally and internationally, for their brilliant contributions to their communities at large.
“Chris Aire has contributed a lot to the jewelry and fashion business at large,” said Uduak Oduok Founder of Ladybrille Magazine. “His contributions and accomplishments, especially given his humble beginnings, speak to the power of self-drive and self-belief. I am glad he accepted our invitation to celebrate him and hope he story inspires young entrepreneurs both in the USA and Africa to never give up.”
Aire of Nigerian heritage, made history, in 2006, by being the first designer in the world to create an all-jewelry runway show at New York Fashion Week. Aire also developed, trademarked and made famous the Red Gold® brand in the jewelry industry. In the 2010, he joined forces with Nigeria’s Ministry of Steel in bringing attention to the country’s rich resources of gold and gemstones with the launch of his Hollywood Glamour collection in Los Angeles, incorporating these rich mineral resources.
This 2011, Aire gained even more recognition when he helped bridged the music divide between Africa and the USA by connecting Africa’s leading artist D’Banj with Snoop Dogg for a music video/music remix. D’Banj is now signed to Kanye West’s G.O.O.D Music Label.
“It is an honor and a privilege,” said Aire in addressing what it felt like to be honored as Ladybrille Man of the Month.
Aire joins a list of past Ladybrille Magazine Men of the Months including Fashion Producer Jan Malan, Fashion Photographer Simon Deiner, Supermodel Ngo, Jimmy Jean-Louis, Hollywood Haitian Actor and Humanitarian; Amobi Okoye, NFL Houston Texans Defensive Tackle; and Hollywood Actor Edi Gathegi of X-Men: First Class and Twilight. His interview can be read at the following url: http://www.ladybrillemag.com/2011/09/chris-aire-ladybrille-man-of-the-month-interview-ladybrille-exclusive.html#more-23171
About Ladybrille Magazine Founded in 2007 by fashion model, attorney and journalist Uduak Oduok, Ladybrille® Magazine stands as the authority on African fashion and entertainment for the globally conscious style driven American and European woman.
Breaking the mold and trailblazing a path never traveled before, Ladybrille® Magazine is a fusion of WWD, Vogue and ESSENCE with a very distinct African perspective. The magazine has served as a platform for brilliant exclusive and/in-depth interviews for many brilliant personalities, worldwide.The Magazine’s recognition as a pioneer and relevant authority in its niche market has meant media powerhouse like CNN, consulting giant McKinsey and numerous high profile personalities and individuals have sought and/regularly seek it as the authority on all things “Africhic.”
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Nbeauty Inc.
Media Contact, Eboyné Jackson, Divine Influence PR
eboyne.jackson@divineinfluencepr.com or 917-408-3347
Nbeauty Inc. Presents: “Celebrities for Charity Beauty and Fashion Show” Benefiting School Supplies for Needy Children
Philadelphia, PA—Nbeauty Inc., full-service salon located in the heart of Philly, hailed as the “popular gathering place” for beauty queens and fashionistas alike, has partnered up with 17 Days of Fashion, a high fashion event, to launch its first beauty and fashion extravaganza--Celebrities for Charity Beauty and Fashion Show.
Celebrities for Charity Beauty and Fashion Show sponsored by Indiqué Hair, Celebrity Magazine, Walish Gooshe, and Young, Hip, and Chic will bring out some of the area's best company of celebrities, taste makers, socialites, and humanitarians to celebrate beauty and fashion for a good cause. All proceeds from the event will go towards purchasing necessary school supplies for needy children; ensuring that they start the school year off right. The lavish affair will take place on Thursday, September 1, 2011 at 7 p.m. at hot spot, Club Whispers, (formerly known as Denim,) located on 1712 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA.
Philly’s own celebrity hair stylist, and Nbeauty Inc. founder, Naeemah Johnson, whose past and present clients include Chrisette Michelle, Angela Simmons, and Lil’ Kim is equally as passionate about hair care as she is giving back. With the debut of the Celebrities for Charity Beauty and Fashion Show, Naeemah and her family will launch the Ruby Golden Foundation, in honor of their beloved grandmother, Ruby Golden, a true giver, known for taking in homeless children and the elderly.
Naeemah recounts one of her favorite childhood memories--going back-to-school shopping with her grandmother, thus sparking the inspiration behind the showcase. “Due to the down turn in the economy, many parents may not be able to afford to buy their children school supplies,” Naeemah states. “So I wanted to give back via beauty and fashion, by producing an upscale event that industry taste makers and the entire community could be apart of to make a difference.”
During this high profile event produced by Toni Harrison of the Global Group, beauty and fashion will collide, with the Nbeauty Inc. Glam Team working their magic behind hair, nails, and makeup. A live runway show featuring the premier of Cat Washington’s (Bad Girls Club Season 5,) “Cat Suit” collection, along with the enchanting designs of Walish Gooshe, Lung Pearl, D’angelo Scott, Marco Hall, Punch Line, and Vamp Boutique, will all storm the runway. Live musical performances by Lady Gaga’s background singer, Jazmine GOGO Morrow, and Kartinya, will also grace the stage.
Confirmed and invited celebrity guests include: Jazmine Sullivan, Charlie Baltimore, Ms. Jade, Peedi Crakk, Kharisma Mcilwaine, (CW Philly correspondent,) Cat Washington, Anessa (MTV’s Real World Chicago,) Natasha Williams (One life to live), Jade Alston, celebrity stylist, Giovanni Styles, Ty’ron Perrin of the Marquette Collection, Young, Hip, and Chic, and many more!
On Saturday, September 3, 2011, Nbeauty Inc. will host a special community day at Nbeauty Salon located on 3933 Ridge Avenue, Philadelphia, PA, from 12-5 p.m. Parents can bring their children and pick up their school supplies just in time to go back-to-school.
Celebrities for Charity Beauty and Fashion Show will take place on Thursday, September 1, 2011 at 7 p.m. at Club Whispers, located on 1712 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA. The itinerary for the elegant event will take place as follows:
*Press Check In: 630 P.M.
7:00 p.m.: Red Carpet
7:00 pm –7:45 p.m: VIP/Premiere Reception
7:45 p.m.: Show time
Due to the limited amount of tickets available for this event, advance purchase is suggested; however tickets can be purchased at the door. The following ticket options are available, with all proceeds going towards school supplies for needy children:
Grade School Supply Donation Ticket- $10.00
Middle School Supply Donation Ticket - $15.00
High School Supply Donation Ticket- $20.00
VIP Reception Donation Ticket- $50.00 (includes exclusive VIP reception with complimentary h'orderves, and special premier seating.)
Tickets can be purchased at: celebritiesforcharitybeautyandfashionshow.eventbrite.com
About Naeemah Johnson of N. Beauty Inc.
Naeemah Johnson is an eleven-year veteran, Hair and Image Stylist. Her expertise, magnetic personality, and unsurpassed styling ability has opened many doors and allowed her to work with the some of the best in the entertainment industry; such as R&B Super star, Jazmine Sullivan, Chrisette Michelle, Lil’ Kim, Michelle Williams, Angela Simmons, DJ Beverly Bond of Black Girls Rock, and more; thus earning her the title of "Celebrity Stylist.” Her work has appeared in Essence Magazine, Hype Hair Magazine, and Black Men’s Magazine. She is also the beauty editor for Celebrity Magazine. When she is not busy on the set, you can find working at her salon Nbeauty Inc located in her hometown, Philadelphia, PA.
For more information please visit: nbeauty-inc.com, 17daysoffashion.com, or call: 215-229-9050.
Contact: Unwam Oduok Ladybrille Magazine Public Relations pr@ladybrille.com
Wiz Kid, 21 Year Old Rising Superstar, is Ladybrille Magazine’s Man of the Month August 2011
Sacramento, CA (August 5th, 2011)- Ladybrille Magazine names Wiz Kid, a rising 21year old African music superstar, its Ladybrille Man of the Month for its August 2011 Bloggers’ Edition. The Ladybrille Man of the Month shines the spotlight on men who are contributing positively and significantly to their local and/or global communities.
With over 232,000 fans on Facebook and 65,000 followers on Twitter, Wiz Kid, in two short years of signing to Nigeria’s prominent music label EME Records, has used new media (blogs, Yotube) and social media (facebook, twitter) to breeze to the top of music charts, all while contributing feel good music to keep both Nigeria’s and Africa’s name on the tongues of millions.
“Our Bloggers’ Edition celebrates Bloggers and also seeks to show the business value and power of new media and social media, especially as effective tools for brand building,” said Uduak Oduok Editor-in-Chief of Ladybrille Magazine.
“Wiz Kid was the perfect choice. Since his signing with R&B recording artist Banky W’s EME label in 2009, he has achieved what most emerging artists, worldwide, have a very hard time doing. We can only imagine where he will be at the rate he is going,” adds Oduok.
Contact: Unwam Oduok Ladybrille Magazine Public Relations pr@ladybrille.com
Tiffany Lorde, Fashion Blogger- Beauty is Diverse, is Ladybrille Woman of the Month August 2011
Sacramento, CA (August 5th, 2011)- Tiffany Lorde, a Canadian and owner of the fashion blog Beauty is Diverse, is Ladybrille Magazine’s Woman of the Month for its August 2011 Bloggers’ Edition.
Ladybrille Magazine’s Bloggers' Edition celebrates Fashion & Entertainment Bloggers for their contributions and impact in the industry. The edition provides in-depth features on the business of blogging including how to start a blog, platforms to use, design aesthetics and functionality, pr & marketing, pitching to bloggers and the legal side of blogging – incorporation, copyright and trademark laws.
The edition also shows how influential bloggers are with a feature on Africa’s rising 21year old music star Wiz- Kid, whose career has benefited heavily from the constant features by bloggers.
“I am happy Tiffany Lorde is our Ladybrille Woman of the Month for our August Bloggers’ Edition,” said Uduak Oduok, Editor-in-Chief for Ladybrille Magazine. “Tiffany was the perfect fit for us because she and her blog embody and parallel what we do at Ladybrille, “ continued Oduok. “She also has shown consistency and delivered strong and diverse content that is a shining example of what bloggers and blogger hopefuls should emulate.”
Tiffany Lorde’s interview will be published the week of August 8th-12th, 2011 on the Magazine’s website at www.ladybrilemag.com.
About Ladybrille Magazine Founded in 2007 by fashion model, attorney and journalist Uduak Oduok, Ladybrille® Magazine stands as the authority on African fashion and entertainment for the globally conscious style driven American and European woman.
Breaking the mold and trailblazing a path never traveled before, Ladybrille® Magazine is a fusion of WWD, Vogue and ESSENCE with a very distinct African perspective. The magazine has served as a platform for brilliant exclusive and/in-depth interviews for many brilliant personalities, worldwide.The Magazine’s recognition as a pioneer and relevant authority in its niche market has meant media powerhouse like CNN, consulting giant McKinsey and numerous high profile personalities and individuals have sought and/regularly seek it as the authority on all things “Africhic.”
Contact: Unwam Oduok Ladybrille Magazine Public Relations pr@ladybrille.com
Bunmi Olaye of Bunmi Koko, Michelle Obama Commissioned Designer, is Ladybrille Woman July 2011
Sacramento, CA (July 20th, 2011)- Bunmi Olaye of Bunmi Koko, Michelle Obama Commissioned Designer, is Ladybrille Woman of the month for July 2011.
Ladybrille Magazine, founded in 2007 to de-stigmatize the negative images of Africans by exposing its youthful, urban and explosive fashion and entertainment industries to the Western masses, celebrates a ‘Woman of the Month’ each month for her outstanding contributions, locally and internationally, to her local and/or international community.
“Bunmi Olaye is a relatively new designer and the Bunmi Koko label is also new, yet she and her partner Francis Udom have accomplished so much and made Africa look really good,” said Uduak Oduok a fashion and entertainment attorney and Editor-in-Chief of Ladybrille Magazine. “Those of the kinds of stories we celebrate at Ladybrille.”
The Bunmi Koko label was founded in 2009 by Bunmi Olaye and Francis Udom. In July 2010, Bunmi Olaye won “Emerging Designer of the Year 2010 -International” at the AFI Africa Fashion Awards in South Africa. A month later, August 2010, First Lady Michelle Obama commissioned the label to design a cream colored double breasted coat for her.
In March 2011, the label was the recipient of the Arise Fashion Week Show Lagos, earning a coveted spot to show at New York Fashion Week this September 2011. This past June 2011, the label was finalist at the Scottish Fashion Awards 2011 for the Scottish Retailer of the Year Award. Bunmi Olaye rounded off June 2011 as a commentator for the Kate Middleton & Prince William Wedding.
“It is definitely an honour (to be honored as Ladybrille Woman of the Month) and I just can’t believe how it’s been only 2 years since the establishment of Bunmi Koko Brand ,” said the designer. “I’m very thankful to be getting this recognition while being relatively new in the scene! Thank you very much for this amazing opportunity and hopefully it will inspire some of the young creative entrepreneurs in the industry."
Bunmi’s exclusive interview will be published on the magazine’s website at www.ladybrillemag.com this Friday July 22nd, 2011 on the website.
Bunmi Olaye joins the Ladybrille Alumni list of brilliant Women of the Month(s) including Supermodels Iman and Nana Keita, Saran Kaba Jones (Founder Face Africa), Teresa Clarke (Former Goldman Sachs Executive & Founder of Africa.com) and Currie Lee (Attorney turned Fashion Designer of the popular Asian brand D-Sata).
About Ladybrille Magazine Founded in 2007 by fashion model, attorney and journalist Uduak Oduok, Ladybrille® Magazine stands as the authority on African fashion and entertainment for the globally conscious style driven American and European woman.
Breaking the mold and trailblazing a path never traveled before, Ladybrille® Magazine is a fusion of WWD, Vogue and ESSENCE with a very distinct African perspective. The magazine has served as a platform for brilliant exclusive and/in-depth interviews for many brilliant personalities, worldwide.The Magazine’s recognition as a pioneer and relevant authority in its niche market has meant media powerhouse like CNN, consulting giant McKinsey and numerous high profile personalities and individuals have sought and/regularly seek it as the authority on all things “Africhic.”
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Unwam Oduok Ladybrille Magazine Public Relations pr@ladybrille.com
Ladybrille Magazine Honors Jan Malan, Africa’s Top Fashion Producer as Man of the Month
Sacramento, CA (July 20th, 2011)-Jan Malan, Africa’s foremost Fashion Producer who has changed the lives and careers of many of Africa’s professionals is currently enjoying his spotlight on Ladybrille Magazine this month.
The magazine known as the “#1 Authority on African Fashion & Entertainment for the West” has a monthly feature dubbed “Ladybrille Man of the Month” which celebrates outstanding men, locally and internationally, for their brilliant contributions to their communities at large.
“Jan Malan was a natural fit for us when we prepared our July 2011 Fashion Designer Edition,”said Uduak Oduok Founder of Ladybrille Magazine. “Too many times we focus on those in front of the camera but forget those behind the scenes. The ones creating and molding the fashion super stars we see. Jan Malan has not only made a whole continent look fashionably hot, but he has made stars out of many designers and models alike.”
Malan has staged shows in 19 countries and on 4 continents packaging and presenting African designers and models in the best possible light. Malan discovered Supermodel Oluchi Onweagba-Orlandi in 1998. Malan is also co-founder of Oluchi’s model agency O Models in addition to his company Umzingeli Productions. In 1997, Jan Malan conceptualized the popular Face of Africa model competition for Mnet and has been involved extensively in the show. He has also produced fashion shows, four times, at New York Fashion Week, including the first showing of African designers at New York Fashion Week in 2002 followed by Arise Fashion Show in New York in 2009.
“I am humbled and honored,” said the Fashion Producer in addressing what it felt like to be honored as Ladybrille Man of the Month.
Jan Malan joins a list of past Ladybrille Magazine Men of the Months including Supermodel Ngo, JimmyJean-Louis, Hollywood Haitian Actor and Humanitarian;Amobi Okoye, NFL Houston Texans Defensive Tackle; andHollywood Actor Edi Gathegi of X-Men: First Class and Twilight. His interview is published and can be read at the following url: http://www.ladybrillemag.com/?p=21366
About Ladybrille Magazine Founded in 2007 by fashion model, attorney and journalist Uduak Oduok, Ladybrille® Magazine stands as the authority on African fashion and entertainment for the globally conscious style driven American and European woman.
Breaking the mold and trailblazing a path never traveled before, Ladybrille® Magazine is a fusion of WWD, Vogue and ESSENCE with a very distinct African perspective.The magazine has served as a platform for brilliant exclusive and/in-depth interviews for many brilliant personalities, worldwide.The Magazine’s recognition as a pioneer and relevant authority in its niche market has meant media powerhouse likeCNN, consulting giant McKinseyand numerous high profile personalities and individuals have sought and/regularly seek it as the authority on all things “Africhic.”
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASELadybrille Magazine Contact: Unwam Oduok Public Relations pr@ladybrille.com
Sacramento, CA (May 23rd, 2011)-- A day after Beyoncé, who cites Nigerian Afrobeat pioneer, Fela, as her inspiration for her latest album “4,” received The Billboard Millennium Award at the 2011 Billboard Music Awards, Ladybrille Magazine releases Ladybrille-MI2 The Movie UK Launch Exclusive Interview.
“I recorded more than 60 songs: everything I ever wanted to try, I just did it. I started off being inspired by Fela Kuti. I actually worked with the band from Fela! (the Broadway musical based on his life) for a couple of days … what I learned most from Fela was artistic freedom: he just felt spirit,” said Beyoncé in an interview to Billboard Magazine.
“It is highly significant that a world music influencer like Beyoncé who wins such a significant award cites Fela as her key inspiration in her latest body of work,” said Uduak Oduok, Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Ladybrille Magazine. “This speaks to the powerful influence of Nigerian music and musicians,” continued Oduok.
“Our latest release of the Ladybrille-MI2 The Movie UK Launch Exclusive Interview, a day after the Billboard Awards, is to underscore this point and encourage the new generation of Nigerian and African musicians to work hard to leave the kind of legacy that Fela left for the world. We are very proud to have identified and introduced M.I, exclusively, to the Western masses and hope he is part of inspiring the future generations of Beyonces.”
Signed to Chocolate City music label in Nigeria, Jude Abaga aka Mr. Incredible aka M.I made his official debut, in Nigeria, with his Freshman Album ‘Talk About It,’ which was released on December 11th, 2008. In 2009, Ladybrille Magazine introduced M.I, in an exclusive, on the cover of its February issue, as a future rising star to watch to its Western influential readership. Since then, M.I has gone on to win over 14 Awards including Best Hip-hop and Best New Act at the 2009 MTV MAMA Awards. The rising global African music star has also been nominated nineteen (19) times, since 2009, for numerous awards including his nomination, last year, at the 2010 BET Awards.
Hosted by Ladybrille’s Maria Okanrende, The Ladybrille Magazine MI2 The Movie UK Launch Exclusive Interview features a one-on-one with the rap star on his UK launch event, his career and rising exposure in the US market; including his appearance on the Wendy Williams Show and his nomination at the 2010 BET Awards, and his hope to win a Grammy for his country and for Africa, among many topics.
About Ladybrille Magazine
Founded in 2007 by fashion model, attorney and journalist Uduak Oduok, Ladybrille® Magazine stands as the authority on African fashion and entertainment for the globally conscious style driven American and European woman.
Breaking the mold and trailblazing a path never traveled before, Ladybrille® Magazine is a fusion of WWD, Vogue and ESSENCE with a very distinct African perspective. The magazine has served as a platform for brilliant exclusive and/in-depth interviews for many brilliant personalities, worldwide.The Magazine’s recognition as a pioneer and relevant authority in its niche market has meant media powerhouse like CNN, consulting giant McKinsey and numerous high profile personalities and individuals have sought and/regularly seek it as the authority on all things “Africhic.”
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Unwam Oduok Ladybrille Magazine Public Relations pr@ladybrille.com
Sacramento, CA (May 9th, 2011)—Ladybrille Magazine announces, today, that Kim Allman, Corporate Attorney turned financial expert and America's rising financial guru, is Ladybrille Woman of the Month, for its May 2011 Money Edition. Allman who has been profiled on Forbes.com, Black Enterprise.com and AOL.com has a keen interest and passionate in seeing people take personal control of their monies to live happier and fulfilling lives.
“I am really proud that we can introduce such a brilliant woman like Kim Allman to our audience,” said Uduak Oduok, Editor-of-Ladybrille Magazine. “There are so many myths surrounding money and Kim joins us, this month, in debunking these myths and guide us towards better financial path,” added Oduok.
The “Ladybrille Woman of the Month” is a monthly feature which celebrates outstanding men, locally and internationally, for their brilliant contributions to their communities at large.
"I am so grateful to be the May 2011 Ladybrille Woman of the Month. This is an extremely proud moment for me,” said Allman. “My goal is to educate and empower people with respect to their finances. I'm honored to be able to do that through such a distinguished and cutting edge publication."
Allman joins an alumni list of past Ladybrille Magazine Women of the Months including IMAN. Her interview will be published on the magazine’s website at www.ladybrillemag.com this month.
About Ladybrille Magazine Founded in 2007 by fashion model, attorney and journalist Uduak Oduok, Ladybrille® Magazine stands as the authority on African fashion and entertainment for the globally conscious style driven American and European woman.
Breaking the mold and trailblazing a path never traveled before, Ladybrille® Magazine is a fusion of WWD, Vogue and ESSENCE with a very distinct African perspective. The magazine has served as a platform for brilliant exclusive and/in-depth interviews for many brilliant personalities, worldwide.The Magazine’s recognition as a pioneer and relevant authority in its niche market has meant media powerhouse like CNN, consulting giant McKinsey and numerous high profile personalities and individuals have sought and/regularly seek it as the authority on all things “Africhic.”
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Unwam Oduok Ladybrille Magazine Public Relations pr@ladybrille.com
Sacramento, CA (May 9th, 2011)—Ladybrille Magazine honors Jeremy Jackson, twenty-three year old emerging brilliant photographer, as its Man of the Month for its May 2011 Money Edition. The “Ladybrille Man of the Month” is a monthly feature which celebrates outstanding men, locally and internationally, for their brilliant contributions to their communities at large.
At only twenty-three years old, multi-talented photographer Jeremy Jackson has built a formidable portfolio. He worked for Berliner Studio as a celebrity photographer, assisted the late world renowned American architectural photographer Julius Shulman; and now, his latest gig, is working with famed American celebrity photographer John Russo. Jackson was also one of the Cinematographers for a short documentary on PCI's work in Zambia.
"I am honored to be chosen as Man of the Month so early in my professional career. I am grateful for the recognition of the film, "Voices from the Field," a short documentary I helped make that highlights the achievements of the organization PCI: Positive Community Impact, and shares the voices of the Zambian people.
“Our goal in this edition was to highlight the Ladybrille man in the early stages of his career to show the makings of a leader as he carves out his career path towards success,” says Uduak Oduok, Editor-in-Chief of Ladybrille Magazine. “Jeremy is purposeful and knows what he wants. He is hardworking and an inspiration. We are delighted he is Ladybrille's May 2011 Man of the Month!.”
Jackson joins a list of past Ladybrille Magazine Men of the Months including Jimmy Jean-Louis, Hollywood Haitian Actor and Humanitarian; Amobi Okoye, NFL Houston Texans Defensive Tackle; and Hollywood Actor Edi Gathegi.
About Ladybrille Magazine Founded in 2007 by fashion model, attorney and journalist Uduak Oduok, Ladybrille® Magazine stands as the authority on African fashion and entertainment for the globally conscious style driven American and European woman.
Breaking the mold and trailblazing a path never traveled before, Ladybrille® Magazine is a fusion of WWD, Vogue and ESSENCE with a very distinct African perspective. The magazine has served as a platform for brilliant exclusive and/in-depth interviews for many brilliant personalities, worldwide.The Magazine’s recognition as a pioneer and relevant authority in its niche market has meant media powerhouse like CNN, consulting giant McKinsey and numerous high profile personalities and individuals have sought and/regularly seek it as the authority on all things “Africhic.”
[New York - 2011] The Indo-American Arts Council has announced the feature films that have been selected for the Opening Night, Centerpiece, and Closing Night spots for the highly anticipated New York Indian Film Festival which runs May 4 to May 8 in Manhattan.
Opening the 11th annual edition of the IAAC's popular film festival will be the North American premiere of Disney's critically acclaimed family comedy DO DOONI CHAAR starring the legendary husband-wife acting couple Rishi Kapoor and Neetu Singh. The Habib Faisal-directed film marks the Hollywood studio's first live-action production in India and earned some of the best reviews of any Hindi film in recent years. It is a heart-warming comedy about the dreams and challenges of a middle-class family who take a chaotic journey to fulfill their dream of owning a car discovering the true meaning of family along the way. Special guests Kapoor, Singh, and Faisal will all be attending the red carpet premiere.
"Do Dooni Chaar is a charming and sweet indie film that reflects the realities of a middle-class family in modern day Delhi," says NYIFF Director Aseem Chhabra. "Written and directed by first time filmmaker Habib Faisal, the film is a perfect blend of authentic dialogues, characters and situations, with a touch of Bollywood charm. It is a great example of India's new emerging cinema that has an indie soul, but working within the framework of Bollywood."
The Closing Night selection is Rituparno Ghosh’s NOUKADUBI, an adaptation of Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore’s acclaimed novel, which stars sisters Riya and Raima Sen. Following the May 8 screening will be a special tribute to Tagore who was born 150 years ago on that day. Aparna Sen’s ITI MRINALINI will premiere as the Centerpiece selection. The Bengali film features Sen and her daughter, award-winning actress Konkona Sen Sharma, both playing the same title role at different ages.
"NYIFF energizes New York City’s diversity by presenting amazing independent and diaspora films from the Indian subcontinent while keeping a close watch on Bollywood’s foray into alternate cinema," states Indo-American Arts Council Executive Director Aroon Shivdasani. "The three film highlights of our eleventh annual film festival represent a Hollywood studio’s Indian social cinema, independent cinema, as well as a tribute to Rabindranath Tagore."
New York City's prestigious Paris Theatre will be the home to the star-studded red carpet Opening Night premiere of DO DOONI CHAAR on Wednesday, May 4, followed by a gala benefit dinner at the Jumeirah Essex House. H.E. Meera Shankar, India's Ambassador to the United States, will deliver the welcome address. The Centerpiece selection will screen at Tribeca Cinemas and will be followed by an afterparty at Tribeca Bar. The Closing Night of NYIFF and the Tagore tribute will take place at Asia Society on Sunday, May 8, along with the annual awards ceremony honoring the festival's winners. Directors Sen and Ghosh will be attending the festival as well.
Shivdasani adds "Major American studios partnering with India have flirted with NYIFF in the past – Fox Searchlight, Sony, Miramax, and now Disney’s contribution to our 2011 Opening Night – Do Dooni Chaar. Clearly NYIFF is the best platform for these films to reach their ideal demographic market."
Tickets for the Opening Night of the New York Indian Film Festival go on sale March 20 while tickets for all other screenings and events will be available starting April 10.
Created in 2001 in the wake of the September 11 attacks on New York City, the IAAC's film festival was started to create a better understanding of the people and stories from the Indian subcontinent by bringing the most acclaimed feature films, shorts, and documentaries from that region and its Diaspora to America's biggest and most remarkable city. Mira Nair's 'Monsoon Wedding' closed that year's festival ahead of its worldwide theatrical release and was joined over the years by numerous films such as Deepa Mehta's Oscar-nominated 'Water', Nair's 'The Namesake', the Academy Award-winning 'Born Into Brothels' as well as the New York Premiere of Danny Boyle's 'Slumdog Millionaire' which won eight Oscars. With the help of loyal supporters such as Nair, Mehta, Salman Rushdie, Mani Ratnam, Shyam Benegal, Madhur Jaffrey, Shabana Azmi, Padma Lakshmi, Shashi Tharoor, the Indian Consulate, and the late Ismail Merchant, the IAAC's film festival has been able to bring cinema from one of the world's most vibrant film industries to audiences across New York City.
For the latest news, updates and ticket information about the New York Indian Film Festival, visit www.iaac.us. Images and trailers available upon request.
About the Indo-American Arts Council: The Indo-American Arts Council is a registered 501(c)3 not-for-profit, secular service and resource arts organization charged with the mission of promoting and building the awareness, creation, production, exhibition, publication and performance of Indian and cross-cultural art forms in North America. The IAAC supports all artistic disciplines in the classical, fusion, folk and innovative forms influenced by the arts of India. We work cooperatively with colleagues around the United States to broaden our collective audiences and to create a network for shared information, resources and funding. Our focus is to work with artists and arts organizations in North America as well as to facilitate artists and arts organizations from India to exhibit, perform and produce their works here.
Press Contact: Box Office Guru Gitesh Pandya | gpandya@boxofficeguru.com
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – "Thank You for Your Service" is a one day sports event for 150 wounded, ill or injured Guard and Reserve U.S. Army soldiers who are in the Community Based Warrior Transition Unit. They will participate in wheelchair softball, wheelchair basketball, swimming, scuba, handcycling, tandem cycling, shot put, discus, javelin, and rock climbing on a climbing wall. These soldiers are all working toward recovering and transitioning either back to regular duty or to separate as civilian veterans.
“Thank You for Your Service” is a city sponsored event through the Paralympic Sport Sacramento Club, which includes the City of Sacramento, Department of Parks and Recreation- Paralympic Sport Sacramento Club and four additional Northern California Paralympic Sport Clubs from Lake Tahoe, Bay Area, San Jose, and Mammoth Lakes.
Media are welcome and invited to attend; Warriors will be available to speak with media in between sports sessions.
WHO: 150 Warriors In Transition
Chief Service Officer, Keith Hart will be in attendance to make a brief statement at the opening ceremonies.
WHAT: “Thank You For Your Service” sports event
WHEN: Friday, May 6, 2011 8:30 a.m. – Opening Ceremonies 8:45 a.m. – 4 p.m. Sports program *Please note that there will be a lunch break from 12 – 1 p.m.
WHERE: Samuel C. Pannell Community Center 2450 Meadowview Road Sacramento, CA 95832
New Mother’s Day Gift Idea Transforms Her iPod nano® Into the Perfect Jewelry Gift
The iWatchz iPod nano® watch strap collections make the perfect Mother’s Day gift idea, turning her iPod nano into a luxury watch so she can keep track of time and her favorite tunes while on the go.
April 25, 2011 – Just in time for Mother’s Day, iWatchz has introduced two new iPod nano watch strap collections, Carbon and Timepiece. The new collections join the popular iWatchz Q Collection, featured in the Apple Mother’s Day Gift Guide, on the shelves of North American Apple stores.
The iWatchz iPod nano watch strap is a unique Mother’s Day gift idea that transforms her iPod nano into a stylish watch with three simple steps: Press, Slide, Click. For busy moms on the go, this is the perfect Mother’s Day jewelry gift that can move with her, letting her keep track of time and her favorite tunes no matter where life takes her.
The Q Collection brings together ease of use and chic design with silicone bands available in eight colors: black, red, white, grey, pink, blue, green and orange. The Carbon collection features a stylish black leather wrist strap with a carbon fiber look paired with a black anodized aluminum iWatchz clip system. The Timepiece collection is sleek and fashionable, pairing a luxurious leather wrist strap with a beautiful, polished stainless-steel iWatchz clip system. For extra comfort and durability, the Timepiece band is completed with a high quality stainless-steel deployment buckle.
All three iWatchz iPod nano watch strap collections are available for purchase on www.iWatchz.com, but to get the Carbon or Timepiece in time for Mother’s Day, please visit a local North American Apple Store.
About iWatchz
Founded in September 2010, iWatchz developed and engineered their patent pending clip system, and stylish watch straps, for use with the Apple iPod nano®. Their passion is to design fashionable and functional products for the discerning consumer. For more information, please visit http://www.iwatchz.com.
NEW YORK (March 14, 2011)—The Film Society of Lincoln Center (FSLC) and African Film Festival, Inc. (AFF) will present the 18th New York African Film Festival (NYAFF) in celebration of the United Nations International Year of Peoples of African Descent, which serves as the festival’s guiding theme. This year’s NYAFF will also commemorate the 50th anniversary of independence in both Sierra Leone and Tanzania, countries from which much of the African Diaspora draws its roots. The festival, which will include 15 features and 16 short films by emerging and veteran filmmakers from 24 countries, will commence with a screening of rare archival footage from the Russian State Archives of both Sierra Leone and Tanzania’s 1961 liberation from the United Kingdom. The NYAFF will include classic and contemporary films, as well as presentations by visual and performing artists paying tribute to historic moments and luminary figures who have been influential in the arts and culture of the Diaspora. The NYAFF will run from April 6 through 12 at The Film Society of Lincoln Center, and throughout April and May at the Museum of Arts and Design, Columbia University’s Institute of African Studies, The Big Screen Project, and the Brooklyn Academy of Music’s BAMcinématek.
“This year’s program will offer both a great deal of variety for moviegoers and a great deal of optimism for Africa,” said African Film Festival, Inc. Executive Director and Founder Mahen Bonetti. “From family-oriented films to dark dramas to informative shorts and documentaries, attendees will be immersed in the rich lives of people from across the Diaspora, as filmmakers show their view of Africa—one of pride, determination and hope for the future.”
Film Society of Lincoln Center Program Director Richard Peña agreed, saying, “There is much to be excited about in this year’s program. This year’s selections deliver a vibrant and dynamic group of films from a number of very talented filmmakers who have done a wonderful job of introducing us to a fascinating and sometimes very unexpected view of Africa through the camera’s lens.”
Opening Night features Kinshasa Symphony, the story of Democratic Republic of the Congo’s only symphony orchestra. Directed by Claus Wischmann and Martin Baer, the film follows the determined members of L'Orchestre Symphonique Kimbanguiste (The Kinshasa Symphony Orchestra) as they overcome coups, chaos and war to celebrate life through the power of music—even creating their own instruments. Armand Diangienda, founder and conductor of the orchestra, will be in attendance to introduce the film. On Friday, April 8, Viva Riva, Djo Tunda Wa Munga’s fictional feature about the seductive, vibrant, and lawless underbelly of Kinshasa, will be screened as the festival’s Centerpiece film. Both films, together with director Daniel Cattier’s Kongo – Grand Illusions, examine the Heart of Africa, which the Democratic Republic of the Congo, situated in the center of the African continent, has long been considered. At the crossroads of Northern, Southern, Eastern, and Western Africa, its cultures seem to pulse in time with the heart of the continent.
Additional festival highlights include the following themes and films:
“The Camera – a Filmmaker’s Weapon” featuring those who use the camera to shine light on issues of critical importance to people from across the African Diaspora. Films in this category include One Way, a Tuareg Journey, a child who documents his family’s transition from being nomads of the Sahara to urban Italian residents directed by Fabio Caramaschi and Stolen, unwitting outsiders whose cameras lead them toward a terrible secret about modern-day slavery by directors Violeta Ayala & Daniel Fallshaw.
“Africa – The Next Generation” depicts the resilience of Africa’s youth in the face of adversities—personal and global, large and small. From the simple act of writing a letter to Santa Claus to bravely facing life with AIDS. These films include: Soul Boy, directed by Hawa Essuman; Africa United, directed by Debs Gardner-Paterson; Ousmane (Deweneti), directed by Dyana Gaye; and Thembi, directed by Jo Menell.
The NYAFF will also include the short Bongo Barbershop by legendary filmmaker Charlie Ahern—whose groundbreaking 1983 film Wild Style was the first to capture the nascent phenomenon known as hip hop—and the 2011 Focus Features Africa First Shorts Program. Africa First is a program to support the growth of groundbreaking emerging African filmmakers, now in its third year.
The NYAFF begins with a nod to the dynamic artistic voices of the Diaspora at a special presentation at the Museum of Arts and Design (MAD) on Saturday, April 2. The 3:00 pm event will feature a dynamic panel of international artists, including entertainer and humanitarian Harry Belafonte, textile artist and writer Xenobia Bailey and filmmaker and curator Zina Saro-Wiwa. The panel will be followed by a screening of the 1996 film African Rhythmus, which is about the First World Festival of Negro Arts (now known as the World Festival of Black Arts); African Rhythmus is a visually stunning fifty-minute Soviet survey of the first large-scale exhibition of arts from throughout the Diaspora.
The festival moves to The Film Society of Lincoln Center’s Walter Reade Theater at 165 W. 65th Street, Plaza Level, running from April 6 through 12, then travels to Columbia University on Thursday, April 14 for a daylong free public program in partnership with Columbia University’s Institute of African Studies. On May 20, a co-presentation with The Big Screen Project will bring Africa and the Diaspora into the public sphere through the presentation of short and feature-length films on a giant outdoor LED screen located on Sixth Avenue, between 29th and 30th Street. The festival concludes, as always, at the end of May over Memorial Day Weekend at the Brooklyn Academy of Music BAMcinématek—part of the music, dance, culinary delights and merchandise for purchase that make up the high-energy festivities of DanceAfrica. For details, visit African Film Festival online at www.africanfilmny.org.
The programs of AFF are made possible by the generous support of the National Endowment for the Arts, The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, JPMorgan Chase, New York State Council on the Arts, NYC Department of Cultural Affairs, International Organization of La Francophonie, Divine Chocolate, United Airlines, Domenico Paulon Foundation, New York Foundation for the Arts, American Express, New York Times Community Affairs Department, Bradley Family Foundation , South African Consulate General, The Russian State Documentary Film and Photo Archive at Krasnogorsk , French Cultural Services, Bloomberg, Broadway Cares, Lambent Foundation, Columbia University’s Institute of African Studies and Center for African Education, WNYC, 57 Main St. Wine Company, Putumayo World Music, Websignia, Africa.com, and Omnipak Import Enterprises, Inc.
THE FILM SOCIETY OF LINCOLN CENTER Under the leadership of Rose Kuo, Executive Director, and Richard Peña, Program Director, The Film Society of Lincoln Center offers the best in international, classic and cutting-edge independent cinema. The Film Society presents two film festivals that attract global attention: the New York Film Festival, now in its 47th year, and New Directors/New Films which, since its founding in 1972, has been produced in collaboration with MoMA. The Film Society also publishes the award-winning Film Comment Magazine, and for over three decades has given an annual award—now named "The Chaplin Award"—to a major figure in world cinema. Past recipients of this award include Charlie Chaplin, Alfred Hitchcock, Martin Scorsese, Meryl Streep and Tom Hanks. The Film Society receives generous, year-round support from 42BELOW, American Airlines, GRAFF, Stella Artois, The New York State Council on the Arts, and The National Endowment for the Arts. For more information, visit www.FilmLinc.com.
AFRICAN FILM FESTIVAL, INC. For more than two decades, African Film Festival, Inc. (AFF) has bridged the divide between post-colonial Africa and the American public through the powerful medium of film and video. AFF's unique place in the international arts community is distinguished not only by leadership in festival management, but also by a comprehensive approach to the advocacy of African film and culture. AFF established the New York African Film Festival (NYAFF) in 1993 with The Film Society of Lincoln Center. The New York African Film Festival is presented annually at the Walter Reade Theater by African Film Festival, Inc. and the Film Society of Lincoln Center, in association with Brooklyn Academy of Music. AFF also produces a series of local, national and international programs throughout the year. More information about AFF is found on the Web at www.africanfilmny.org.
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Film Showtimes & Descriptions
Directors and guest speakers will be present during the festival (indicated by an asterisk* before the show time). ALL FILMS IN NON-ENGLISH LANGUAGES WILL BE SUBTITLED IN ENGLISH.
MUSEUM OF ARTS AND DESIGN PANEL & SCREENING
Panel Discussion followed by African Rhythmus Archival Footage - Senegal/USSR, 1966; 50m At the First World Festival of African Art, delegates from 37 counties of the world met. The festival, taking place in the open air rather than in theater halls, created a merry and friendly atmosphere that laid the foundation of new way for people to converge. Apr 2: 3:00 pm
FILM SOCIETY OF LINCOLN CENTER SCREENINGS OPENING NIGHT SELECTION
Kinshasa Symphony Claus Wischmann & Martin Baer, 2010, DRC/Germany; 95m Picture 200 musicians playing Beethoven’s Ninth in the Congo! A fascinating look at the lone Congolese symphony orchestra, which has persevered through war and other crises.
SCREENING WITH Bongo Barbershop Charlie Ahearn, 2005, USA; 8m Original hip hop stylings from the source. Apr 6: 8:00pm*; Apr 8: 3:30pm*
CENTERPIECE SELECTION Viva Riva Djo Tunda Wa Munga, 2010, Democratic Republic of Congo; 96m A small-time operator returns to Kinshasa—a seductively vibrant, lawless, fuel-starved sprawl of shantytowns, gated villas, bordellos and nightclubs—and falls for a gangster’s girl. A Music Box Films release. Apr 8: 8:15pm; Apr 11: 2pm
Africa United Debs Gardner-Paterson, Rwanda/UK, 2010; 90m The extraordinary story of three Rwandan children trying to achieve their lifelong dream: to take part in the opening ceremony of the 2010 Football World Cup in Johannesburg. Apr 10: 8:30pm*
Besouro (co-presented with Cinema Tropical) João Daniel Tikhomiroff, 2004, Brazil; 95m In 1920s Bahia, legendary capoeira fighter Besouro leads an uprising of agricultural workers against their exploitative landowner. Based on a true story! A Shoreline Entertainment release.
SCREENING WITH Ebony Goddess: Queen of Ilê Aiyê Carolina Moraes-Liu, 2010, USA/Brazil; 20m Three women compete to be carnival queen of an Afro-Brazilian group. Apr 7: 3:20pm; Apr 9: 6:45pm*
For the Best and for the Onion Elhadj Magori Sani, Niger, 2008; 52m An engaged couple devise a plan to hasten their wedding before the bride’s father can postpone it once again. An Icarus Films release.
SCREENING WITH Bondo: A Journey Into Kono Womanhood Sunju Ahmadu, Sierra Leone, 2006; 26m The filmmaker reflects on her initiation as a young girl into Bondo, a women’s traditional society. The film delves into issues of cultural pride, women’s power, as well as Western and local views on female circumcision. Apr 9: 4:45pm*
Kongo: Grand Illusions Daniel Cattier, 2011, Congo/Belgium; 52m Through the use of animation and never-before-seen colonial footage, this documentary recounts the extraordinary history of Belgian Congo.
SCREENING WITH Why Are They Here? Chinese Stories in Africa Yara Costa, Mozambique, 2011; 35m Poor Chinese immigrants struggle in Lesotho, Mozambique and Ghana. Apr 8: 1:30pm; Apr 12: 6:15pm*
One Way, a Tuareg Journey Fabio Caramaschi, Italy/Niger, 2010; 52m Caramaschi’s inspirational documentary chronicles a separated family’s slow, fractured, emigration from Niger to Italy, and the adversity and opportunities they find there.
SCREENING WITH Say Grace Before Drowning Nikyatu Jusu, USA, 2010; 17m A boy meets his disturbed refugee mother for the first time. Apr 10: 2:00pm*; Apr 12: 4:30pm
Shooting with Mursi Olisarali Olibui & Ben Young, 2009, Ethiopia; 57m A rare, insightful glimpse of Africa’s most isolated tribes, the Mursi, through the eyes of a member who fears for its survival amidst cultural upheaval.
SCREENING WITH Lezare Zelalem Woldemariam Ezare, 2010, Ethiopia; 14m A beautifully shot short story about a homeless boy in an Ethiopian village. Apr 6: 2:00pm; Apr 11: 6:30pm
Sierra Leone and Tanzania Celebrate Independence USSR, 1963–1977; 70m World Premiere! From the Russian Archives! Never-before-seen footage of African-Soviet relationships: Sierra Leonean parliamentarians meet exchange students in the USSR, Soviet delegates in Tanzania, Julius Nyerere, and more. Apr 6: 6:00pm; Apr 12: 3:00pm
Soul Boy Hawa Essuman, 2010, Kenya/Germany; 60m When his father falls ill, a teenager sets out to find the cure, only to learn that a witch has stolen his father’s soul.
SCREENING WITH Ousmane/Deweneti Dyana Gaye, Senegal/France, 2006; 15m A child beggar decides to write a letter to Santa Claus... Apr 6: 4:00pm; Apr 10: 6:15pm*
Stolen Violeta Ayala & Daniel Fallshaw, 2009, Australia/US; 78m Filmmakers Ayala and Fallshaw uncover modern-day slavery in the Western Sahara while attempting to document family reunions, making for a documentary that plays like a thriller. Apr 8: 6:15pm*; Apr 12: 8:30pm*
Thembi Jo Menell, 2010, South Africa; 48m A gentle and incisive documentary about one-time NPR diarist Thembi, who captivated South Africa when she candidly documented her tragic struggle with HIV. Show producer Joe Richman will also introduce excerpts from Thembi’s broadcasts with photographs. Apr 10: 4:00pm*
A Trip to Algiers/Voyage à Alger (co-presented with ArteEast) Abdelkrim Bahloul, Algeria/France, 2010; 97m In 1962, an Algerian woman and her children are dealing with life after the war for independence, when an emigrating Frenchman offers them his home. Actress Samia Meziane recently won the Best Actress prize at the FESPACO festival. Apr 7: 8:30pm*
An Uncommon Woman Abdoulaye Dao, Burkina Faso, 2009; 101m The chairwoman of a big company decides to take a second husband in a society where polyandry is an unknown practice. Apr 9: 9:30pm*; Apr 11: 4:15pm
The Witches of Gambaga (co-presented with Human Rights Watch Film Festival) Yaba Badoe, 2010, Ghana; 55m An intimate record and disturbing exposé of women condemned to live as witches in Northern Ghana, largely told by its subjects. The film recently won Best Documentary at the FESPACO festival.
SCREENING WITH The Deliverance of Comfort Zina Saro-Wiwa, Nigeria, 2010; 8m A short satirical fable about a “child witch” called Comfort.
SCREENING WITH Taharuki/Suspense Ekwa Msangi-Omari, USA/Kenya, 2011; 12m A tale of underground liberationists set amidst Kenya’s 2007-08 post-election violence..
SCREENING WITH Phyllis Zina Saro-Wiwa, Nigeria, 2010; 14m The Nollywood-style yarn about a psychic vampire. Apr 7: 1:30pm; Apr 11: 8:30pm*
AFRICA FIRST! Shorts Program
Dirty Laundry
Stephen Abbott, South Africa, 2010; 15m
Something strange is happening late at night at The Wishy Washy laundromat!
Umkhungo (The Gift)
Matthew Jankes, South Africa, 2011; 26m
A Johannesburg street thug rescues an child with supernatural powers.
Tinye So
Daouda Coulibaly, Mali, 2010; 25m
Tinye So traces the quest of ancestors struggling to be heard. The film recently won the Bronze Etalon for short feature at the FESPACO festival.
Mwansa the Great
Rungano Nyoni, Zambia/UK, 2011; 23m
An 8-year-old goes on a journey to fix his sister’s mud doll.
Apr 7: 6:00pm*
COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY’S INSTITUTE OF AFRICAN STUDIES SCREENINGS
Check www.africanfilmny.org for updates.
THE BIG SCREEN PROJECT SCREENINGS
Check www.africanfilmny.org for updates.
BAMCINÉMATEK @ BAM ROSE CINEMAS SCREENINGS
AFRICAN SHORTS Dr. Cruel Teco Benson and Jakob Boeskov, Nigeria/USA; 9m This tongue-in-cheek, Scandinavian-Nigerian-American co-production follows the interrogation of a white oil executive in a hideout somewhere in Nigeria. This action–art video borrows from all three cinematic cultures, as well as from the aesthetics of fundamentalist propaganda videos.
SCREENING WITH Freddy Ilanga: Che’s Swahili Translator Katrin Hansing, 2009, South Africa/Cuba/USA; 24m Freddy Ilanga, a fifteen year old Congolese youth, becomes Che Guevara’s personal Swahili teacher and translator during the seven intense months of Che’s mission to train anti-Mobutu rebels in Congo. This film is about displacement, familial relations and the high costs of exile during the Cold War and the Cuban Revolution. It is a story about migration and displacement and the high human costs of exile and family separation.
SCREENING WITH A History of Independence/Il Était une Fois L’independance Daouda Coulibaly, 2009, Senegal/Mali; 21m It is the early 1960s, and Nama and Siré have just gotten married. Nama decides to make his home in a cave, where he will lead a hermit’s life and devote himself to God. One day, God sends an angel to Nama to thank him for being so devoted.
SCREENING WITH Guew Bi – Sabar Dances of Senegal Francoise Bouffault, 1997, Senegal; 30m Senegalese often set up a temporary stage at a street corner. It is the GUEW BI, the dancing circle where a cheerful crowd dressed in beautiful attire slowly gathers. The event is called a SABAR. Soon drummers start playing and one at a time, women and men get up and enter the GUEW BI to perform the most exuberant, breathtaking dances. This film, which introduces us to an astonishing contemporary art form deeply rooted in African tradition, was shot in the streets of Dakar, with the participation of Master Drummer Doudou Ndiaye Rose. May 30: 2, 6:50pm
Beyond the Ocean/Apres L’Ocean Eliane de Latour, 2008, Ivory Coast/France; 106m Cab driver, Otho, and drug dealer, Shad, share dreams of returning to their homeland, Ivory Coast, as triumphant benefactors. A police raid separates their fates, leaving one to find success in Europe, while the other suffers the disappointment of deportation and a dream deferred. May 30: 4:30, 9:15pm
Kirikou and the Wild Beast/Kirikou et les Bãªtes Sauvages Michel Ocelot, 2005, France; 95m Tiny Senegalese hero Kirikou is back in this sumptuous animated follow-up to the universally beloved Kirikou and the Sorceress. Using his wits and speed, brave Kirikou once again sets out to thwart the evil Sorceress Karaba and save his village from supernatural and environmental perils. Comprised of 4 short segments and based on traditional West African folk tales, Kirikou and the Wild Beast shows how the smallest and most valiant of heroes can overcome the fiercest of beasts. May 28: 2, 4:30pm
One Small Step Remi Vaughan-Richards, 2010, Nigeria; 45m Local hairdresser, Grace Fidelis, takes a stand against the corrupt local councilman in a small town in Nigeria to save her community from a health disaster. No-one is bothered by the overflowing refuse on the streets. Not even when there is an outbreak of cholera from the contaminated water does her community take action, since they feel there is nothing they can do. Grace almost loses her son to cholera and decides to take action, but no-one in the community will support her. They are too scared of the local councilman until young Tola loses her newborn child.
SCREENING WITH Pumzi/Air Wanuri Kahiu, 2009, Kenya/South Africa; 33m Pumzi (Air) is set in the East African region, 35 years after World War III, in a world with no water and toxic soil. The story is told through the eyes of Asha, a curator at a virtual natural history museum in the Maitu Community. She receives soil in the mail and decides to plant a seed in it, regardless of her superior’s instructions. May 26: 6:50, 9:15pm
Restless City Andrew Dosunmu, USA/Nigeria, 2011; 80m Restless City tells the story of an Africa immigrant surviving on the fringes of New York City where music is his passion, life is a hustle, and falling in love is his greatest risk.. Djibril is a young African immigrant whose life can only go upward. He has endured many travails by the time he arrives in New York. When he has lived in the City for a while he begins to believe that he can achieve his ample dreams. He wants to be a musician, a pop star and one day return to Africa where his mother and father still toil for a meager living. By day, Djibril sells merchandise on Canal Street for a small income that keeps him going, but he doesn't want to do this forever and continuously seeks to find a way to succeed as a singer. He has made many friends on Canal and one of them is Bekay, a complex man whom Djibril finds difficult to trust. Bekay is a shady character who sells bootlegged CDs to Djibril and also runs a secret brothel. It is at Bekay's brothel that Djibril sees beautiful Trini for the first time. May 29: 6:50pm
A Screaming Man Mahamat-Saleh Haroun, Chad, France, Belgium, 2010; 88m Adam, a former swimming champion in his sixties, is a pool attendant at a hotel in Chad. When the hotel gets taken over by new Chinese owners, he is forced to give up his job to his son, Abdel, leaving Adam humiliated and resentful. Meanwhile the country is in the throes of a civil war. Rebel forces are attacking the government and the authorities demand the people contribute to the "war effort" with money or volunteers old enough to fight. Adam is constantly harassed for his contribution, but he is penniless. In a moment of weakness, Adam makes a decision that he will forever regret. May 27: 2, 6:50pm
Shirley Adams Oliver Hermanus, 2009, South Africa; 92m In this deeply affecting portrait of ordinary courage in present-day South Africa, a single mother—Shirley Adams—struggles to care for her paraplegic teenage son, Donovan, in a depressed district on the outskirts of Cape Town. Wearied but resolute, she desperately clings to him as he withdraws from the world following a suicide attempt, and is hopeful when his spirits are momentarily lifted by the appearance of Tamsin, a pretty but overeager social worker. But when the relationship between Donovan and Tamsin sours, his fragile emotional health declines, and Shirley's faith and perseverance are put to the ultimate test. May 28: 6:50, 9:15pm
Yeelen Souleymane Cisse, France, Burkina Faso, Mali, 1987; 106m Filmed in the African country of Mali, Yeelen (Brightness) weaves several Kenyan folk stories into an engaging framework. The hero is a young boy whose father is an evil magician. Marked for death by his long-absent papa, the boy bids goodbye to his mother and heads for the hills. En route to his kindly uncle, he utilizes his own conjuring skills for the benefit of those less fortunate than himself; he also rescues a king from being deposed. May 27: 4:30, 9:15pm; May 31: 4:30, 6:50, 9:15pm
Ticket Information
Museum of Arts and Design
Museum of Arts and Design Theater @ Museum of Arts and Design is located 2 Columbus Circle in Manhattan. Tickets are: $10 General, $7 MAD Members and Students with Valid ID. The link to purchase tickets is: https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/162998.Tickets can also be purchased over the phone at: 1.800.838.3006 as well as in person during normal museum hours. To get to Museum of Arts and Design Theater @ Museum of Arts and Design take the A, B, C, D or No. 1 to Columbus Circle at 59th Street; N, R, Q or W to 57th Street and 7th Avenue F to 57th Street and 6th Avenue. Buses to the museum include the M5, M7, M10, M20, M30 and M104 to Columbus Circle at 59th Street or 57th Street and 8th Avenue.
The Film Society of Lincoln Center
Single Screening Tickets: $12 General Public, $9 Students, $8 Seniors, $7 Film Society Members.
Weekday Matinee Admission, Mon-Fri before 6pm: $9 General Public, $7 Students, $6 Seniors, $5 Film Society Members.
Tickets for the Opening Night Reception and film on April 6 are $25.00. Information about tickets for Friday night’s Festival Celebration Party and film are available upon request. For information about both events, please email AFF at nyaff@erols.com or call 212-352-1720.
NYAFF Five-Film Pass*: $45 General Public, $35 Students/Seniors, $30 Film Society Members.
*Excludes the 8pm Opening Night screening of Kinshasa Symphony on Wednesday, April 6 & the 8:15pm Gala Night screening of Viva Riva on Friday, April 8.
Purchase Options: FilmLinc.com; Walter Reade Theater Box Office.
The Film Society of Lincoln Center’s Walter Reade Theater and Box Office
165 West 65th Street between Broadway & Amsterdam Avenues, upper level Box Office Hours: Mon-Fri opens at 12:30pm, Sat/Sun opens one half hour before the first screening. Closes every day 15 minutes after the start of the last show. If there are no evening screenings, the box office closes at 6pm. For more information call 212-875-5601.
Transportation Options: 1 train to 66th Street, or the M5, M66 or M104 bus
Contact: Unwam Oduok Ladybrille Magazine Public Relations pr@ladybrille.com
Sacramento, CA (March 3rd, 2011) Ladybrille Magazine, founded in 2007 to de-stigmatize the negative images of Africans by exposing its youthful, urban and explosive fashion and entertainment industries to the Western masses, honors Supermodel IMAN as its Woman of the Month for its March 2011 Spring Fashion Edition. The Ladybrille ‘Woman of the Month’ is a monthly feature on the online magazine which celebrates outstanding women, locally and internationally, for their brilliant contributions to society.
“Iman’s accomplishments and contributions, from IMAN Cosmetics to her humanitarian efforts, are worth celebrating for more than one month,” said Uduak Oduok a fashion and entertainment attorney and Editor-in-Chief of Ladybrille Magazine. “We are honored, especially as the leading voice for Africa’s fashion and entertainment stories in the West, that she accepted our invitation to celebrate her this month.”
Last year, the supermodel was honored by the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) as a fashion icon. As part of the CFDA celebration, Barneys New York creative director Simon Doonan dedicated two of the store’s Madison Avenue window displays to Iman. In February of this year, the Black Entertainment Television (BET) also honored Iman with a service award for her global effort to end violence against women.
“I am honored to be featured as Ladybrille’s Woman of the Month,” said Iman. “It means so much to be recognized not just as a successful business woman, but because I have become so by creating a company that helps women all over the world to feel beautiful. I am inspired every day by the work that I do and feel very lucky. I am proud to say that creating IMAN Cosmetics will be what I will be remembered most for and will be my enduring legacy.”
Iman’s interview will be published on the magazine’s website at www.ladybrillemag.com on Monday March 7th, 2011.
About Ladybrille Magazine Founded in 2007 by fashion model, attorney and journalist Uduak Oduok, Ladybrille® Magazine stands as the authority on African fashion and entertainment for the globally conscious style driven American and European woman.
Breaking the mold and trailblazing a path never traveled before, Ladybrille® Magazine is a fusion of WWD, Vogue and ESSENCE with a very distinct African perspective. The magazine has served as a platform for brilliant exclusive and/in-depth interviews for many brilliant personalities, worldwide.The Magazine’s recognition as a pioneer and relevant authority in its niche market has meant media powerhouse like CNN, consulting giant McKinsey and numerous high profile personalities and individuals have sought and/regularly seek it as the authority on all things “Africhic.”
It’s Christmas in April with Life-Changing Fashions
ahr.es.ihm™ Showcases One-of-a-Kind Fall/Holiday Fashions Exclusively at Charity Fashion Show and Discarded to Divine
SAN FRANCISCO, California – March 2, 2011 — For many years, ahr.es.ihm™ has worked with charitable organizations in creating an atmosphere of health and wellness and positive lifestyle change. Since mid-year 2010, ahr.es.ihm™ has been anxious to participate in two charitable fashion shows for 2011, the Charity Fashion Show and Discarded to Divine.
Both, Charity Fashion Show and Discarded to Divine, were created to bridge the cutting-edge and trendsetting, fashion industry with the powerful impact of non-profit organizations.
"As a brand that puts a woman’s grace and elegance first, I wanted to create a desirable, fun, and wearable collection that offers something for a variety of tastes," the designer (R. Shay Miles), who began her eponymous acronym label in 2009, told SF Indie Fashion. “This is our first event for the Charity Fashion Show and Discarded to Divine, and we hope to make a difference with unique designs that embodies the message and reflects the beauty of each charitable organization.”
Profoundly inspired by grace, elegance, and empowering those who clearly need assistance, ahr.es.ihm™ decided to exclusively launch its Fall/Holiday 2011 Collection at the Charity Fashion Show (http://charityfashionshow.org) on April 2 at the Fort Mason Center in San Francisco. This collection offers ahr.es.ihm’s signature asymmetrical designs with an edgy attitude. The collection will be sold primarily at True Essence Boutique in Piedmont, CA beginning September 10.
Simultaneously, while finalizing the collection, Miles kept Discarded to Divine as a design secret for months. When she found a shower curtain and gold drapes from the St. Vincent de Paul Society’s discard bin, she envisioned an eco-friendly holiday evening gown. Five designs were illustrated, but only one will be unveiled and auctioned at Discarded to Divine (http://discardedtodivine.org/) on April 28 at The Hall at St. Mary’s Cathedral in San Francisco.
"ahr.es.ihm is thrilled to participate in fun and innovative events like the Charity Fashion Show and Discarded to Divine," said Rochelle D. Bridgeman, COO. "We are thrilled to champion charitable concepts like these, which helps to promote cultural diversity, community involvement, and homeless outreach."
While no images of the Fall/Holiday Collection or recycled design have been released, design highlights include festive gold tones, silk, faux fur, feathers, and fluid grandeur.
Besides being available at True Essence Boutique, the collection will be offered later in the year in other California locations like San Francisco, Napa, and Los Altos, visit http://ahresihm.com, click on ‘shop’.
About Charity Fashion Show Charity Fashion Show (CFS) strives towards arts promotion, cultural diversity, community involvement, and global outreach. We believe that the visual arts, fashion particularly, should have a larger stake in the artistic realm of the West Coast, and should work as a vehicle for promoting social change and for promoting social change throughout the Bay Area, across the United States, and around the globe. Moreover, our keystone show in Spring specifically gives to a charity that will have international impact. CFS uses charity and outreach as a means of transforming the world around us into a positive, diverse environment. Charity Fashion Show is an annual event recognized as "the best runway show on the West Coast" by SF Examiner.
About Discarded to Divine Discarded to Divine is a charitable event showcasing the talents of professional and aspiring designers who transform discarded, donated clothing into one-of-a-kind couture creations and exquisite home décor which are auctioned to benefit those overcoming poverty, homelessness and domestic violence.
About ahr.es.ihm™ LLC ahr.es.ihm™ and shay's alter-ego, zena™, divisions of ahr.es.ihm™ LLC, were founded by American fashion designer, R. Shay Miles. Headquartered in San Francisco, California, the company serves as a destination for authentic, luxury fashion apparel. ahr.es.ihm™ LLC offers best-in-class, stylish expressions in the form of contemporary collections, fashion bridal, and haute couture to a sophisticated and polished customer base. ahr.es.ihm's philosophy is centered on contemporary lifestyle partnerships, helping others to excel, and inspiring them to be renewed and be of excellence (b.r.b.e). ahr.es.ihm™ LLC is committed to only release elegant designs that exude excellence, exemplify beauty, and renew the spirit. ("ahr.es.ihm" is pronounced R.S.M)
SHADOW PR has signed some incredible new clients for 2011 and we are looking to hire four available positions in the NY office.
SHADOW PR, a New York-based media relations firm with an office in LA, represents many influential names in luxury products and services, beauty, fashion and retail, nightlife, restaurants, and special events. We are hiring for several positions within the New York office.
SHADOW PR’s clients include French Connection, Treesje, Superdry, NBC, Gramercy Park Hotel, Epic Records, Armani Exchange, SVEDKA Vodka, American Eagle, NYLON Magazine, Southern Hospitality, 1OAK, SL, Abe & Arthur's and many others.
SHADOW PR is looking to hire:
Account Coordinator in Fashion and Lifestyle/Assistant to VP
Account Executive in Fashion
Account Supervisor/Senior Account Executive in Fashion/Lifestyle
Account Supervisor/Senior Account Executive in Food and Hospitality
Account Coordinator in Fashion and Lifestyle/Assistant to VP:
• Client Relations Skills; Computer Savvy; Organized and detail oriented; Must have experience as an intern/assistant at a PR agency in Fashion and/or Lifestyle; Career focus and interest for Fashion/Lifestyle PR; Solid writing skills; Organized and detailed oriented
Account Executive in Fashion:
• Minimum of 3 years of fashion PR experience; Strong contacts with fashion press including long-leads, weeklies, newspapers, onlines and television; Event experience specifically with red carpets, launches and general venue events; Excellent client management skills; Self-starter as well as a team player; Ability to perform within a fast-paced, multi-priority setting and a passion for the PR industry.
Account Supervisor/ Senior Account Executive in the Fashion Division:
• Minimum of 5 years experience managing fashion and accessory brands and large fashion retail companies; Exceptional writing skills for press releases, media alerts, proposals and client communication; Extensive fashion show experience; Extensive relationships across all media platforms including top-tier fashion publications, trade media, local/regional/national dailies and broadcast in addition to high-traffic online outlets; Excellent organizational, presentation and communication skills, allowing one to effectively manage support staff as well as present a persuasive and successful campaign proposal to CEO level clients and potential clients; Self-starter as well as a team player; Ability to perform within a fast-paced, multi-priority setting and a passion for the PR industry.
Account Supervisor/Senior Account Executive in the Food/Hospitality Division:
• Minimum of 5 years experience managing national PR campaigns for restaurants and beverage companies; Exceptional writing skills for press releases, media alerts, proposals and client communication; Extensive experience in opening restaurants and working with reviewers and food media; Extensive relationships across all media platforms including top-tier food and lifestyle publications, trade media, local/regional/national dailies and broadcast in addition to high-traffic online outlets.
SHADOW PR offers a competitive salary with full benefits and unlimited room for growth. We are looking for people to fill these positions immediately. Please email resumes to hr@shadowpr.com.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Unwam Oduok Ladybrille Magazine Public Relations (916) 335-7197 pr@ladybrille.com
Celebrity Blogger SheiFunmi makes the cover of Ladybrille Magazine’s December Holiday Edition as its ‘Man of the Month.’ The edition celebrates the spirit of the Holiday and those who give back to their local and global communities.
In the exclusive interview to be published on Wednesday December 8th, 2010 on the Magazine’s website (Ladybrillemag.com), the nineteen year old rising media personality opens up, for the first time, about being raped by his male cousin when he was only 10years old.
“Being raped by my cousin at ten had a devastating effect on me,” said Funmi. “I have struggled to overcome the emotional pain and kept the devastating experience to myself all these years. But after a friend of mine who went through a similar experience recently committed suicide, I knew I could no longer keep it to myself. I hope to encourage others who have gone through this to realize they are not alone and to seek help,” added Funmi. “The Ladybrille platform because of its credibility and respect for the people it features felt like the safest place to tell my story.”
The Ladybrille ‘Man of the Month’ is a monthly feature on the online magazine which celebrates outstanding men, locally and internationally, for their brilliant contributions to society. Ladybrille magazine was founded in 2007 to de-stigmatize the negative images of Africans by exposing its youthful, urban and explosive fashion and entertainment industries to the Western masses.
The magazine also has a ‘Woman of the Month’ feature with a parallel mission. Making the cut for this month’s ‘Woman of the Month’ is Busie Matsiko-Andan a change agent, co-founder of the popular Fashionindie.com website and an executive at The Global Syndicate non-profit organization.
“It’s an honor, humbling, and very exhilarating to closeout the year as Ladybrille Woman of the month!” said Matsiko-Andan.“I’m thrilled and buoyant that the struggle continues for greater horizons!”
The Holiday Edition also features 15 African Breakout Artists of the Year including Nneka (Nigeria), Ice Prince (Nigeria), X.O Senavoe (Ghana), Jojo (Gabon) , Navio (Uganda) and Diamond (Tanzania), Ladybrille’s Best of the Best New Designers, Accessory designers Yemisii and Adjanie.
About Ladybrille Magazine
Founded in 2007 by fashion model, attorney and journalist Uduak Oduok, Ladybrille® Magazine, a subsidiary of Ladybrille Media Inc., is a fusion of WWD, Vogue and ESSENCE with a very distinct African perspective.
The Magazine, which primarily targets both the contemporary African woman in the West and the fashion and pop-culture globally conscious Western woman, has served as a platform for exclusive and/in-depth interviews for many brilliant personalities worldwide. They include: Project Runway’s Korto Momolu, Singers Ayo, Mariah Carey, Common and D’Banj, Rapper M.I, Breast Cancer Survivor Maimah Karmo, popular Nigerian blogger Uche Eze (both featured on Oprah), Derrick Ashong (Host on Oprah Radio) and Supermodels Iman and Oluchi.
The Magazine’s recognition as a pioneer and relevant authority in its niche market has meant media powerhouse like CNN, consulting giant McKinsey and numerous high profile personalities and individuals have sought and/regularly seek it as the authority on all things “Africhic.”
Yahoo! Inc Lags Behind Ladybrille Media in Spotlighting Korea’s Music Industry
Contact:Unwam Oduok Ladybrille Magazine Public Relations (916) 335-7197 (pr) at ladybrille.com
(SACRAMENTO, Calif., November 8th, 2010) Yahoo! Inc (yahoo.com) the world’s news leader recently put the focus on Korea’s music industry with an article on Korea’s pop stars JYJ titled, “The Biggest Boy Band in The World You’ve Never Heard Of.” The article touched on JYJ’s Guinness World Records for the largest fan clubs and the most photographed celebrities in the world.
While it was good to see Yahoo shine the spotlight on these stars and its music industry, a much smaller media company, Ladybrille Media Group Inc., (Ladybrille) through its subsidiaries, has been spotlighting Korea’s music industry (K-Pop) since 2009.
“Ladybrillemag.com was established in 2007 to fulfill an unmet need for African fashion and entertainment in the West,” said Uduak Oduok, Founder of Ladybrille Media and a California based Fashion and Entertainment Lawyer. “Over time, we also discovered a void and need for Asian pop music in the West. To fill that void, last year, we launched Ladybrillestars.com to spotlight Korea and other Asian music and creative industries. We have since consolidated and now showcase these industries on Ladybrillemag.com to create a true online melting pot that benefits our readers and the artists we feature.”
“Asian traditions and culture i.e. food, fashion and the arts have penetrated and permeate all aspects of Western culture,” observed Oduok. “With music, the results haven’t been as successful. Nevertheless, there is an ongoing cultural evolution and it is only a matter of time before K-pop music becomes mainstream in America.”
Indeed Oduok’s predictions are not far fetched. Last year, in a renewed commitment to globalize Korean music, South Korea’s government pledged $92million dollars in investment in its music industry. Within the past two years, some of the largest Korean record labels have established offices in the USA. This October, Korean American hip-hop group Far East Movement made history as the first Asian group to earn a number one spot on Billboard’s Hot 100 charts with their song ‘like a G6.’ K-pop group 2PM, following suit has just, this month, earned a number13 position on the US Billboard World Charts with their song I’ll Be Back from their new album ‘Still 2:00pm.’ K-pop artists are also collaborating with America’s global pop stars including the latest collaboration of JYJ with Kanye West.
“Timing is everything,” notes Oduok. “There have been many attempts in the past by some of the biggest names in K-pop music to break through mainstream. They were all futile because the timing was not right. Now is the time and the numbers nationwide and online show it.”
Why is Oduok spotlighting K-pop and other Asian stars on a mostly African focused platform? “I’ve never been one to sit back and let things happen while I watch. The biggest deals and innovation in music will and are taking place between the West and Asia. There is no reason Africa should be left out, emphasizes Oduok. ” The Ladybrille platform is strategically positioned to attract K-pop stars and its industry influencers so they can see the immense talent Africa has to offer; and needless to say connect with us to broker and foster relationships with some of the best of the best in Africa’ s music and entertainment industries.”
About Ladybrille Media Group Inc.
Ladybrille Media Group Inc. is a dynamic multi-media company providing local and global niche market coverage to highly relevant hyper-targeted audience in fashion, film, music and the arts. Our passion, commitment to journalistic integrity, corporate social responsibility, brilliant insight and analysis, and ability to accurately forecast global trends continues to position us as a force to be reckoned with.
For more information or interview inquiries contact pr@ladybrille.com or visit www.ladybrille.com
NEW YORK, NY - September 29th, 2011: Passport to Nigeria™, a week-long celebration of culture, art, cuisine, fashion, entrepreneurship, music and nightlife will be held from October 1st to October 8th, 2011 in New York City.
Contact: Unwam Oduok
Contact: Unwam Oduok
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASELadybrille Magazine
