Chicago – One of the signature events for Women in Film Chicago (Wifc) is their annual Focus Awards, which will take place on Wednesday, February 22nd, 2017 (for more details and ticket purchasing information, click here). The Wifc will honor four notable women who influence Chicago-area film production, including actress Julia Sweeney, producer/activist Mary Morten, director of photography Tari Segal and CEO (of Lifeway Foods, Inc.) and film producer Julie Smolyansky.
In anticipation of the event, HollywoodChicago.com got the opportunity to interview Ms. Smolyansky. In 2002, she became CEO of Lifeway Foods, which was founded in 1976 by her father, Michael. At the age of 27, she became the youngest female CEO in history to run a publicly traded company. She has since bolstered the company’s signature Kefir yogurt line, and has increased revenues with an expanded distribution network that includes the U.S., Canada, and Great Britain. She is also a film producer of note,...
In anticipation of the event, HollywoodChicago.com got the opportunity to interview Ms. Smolyansky. In 2002, she became CEO of Lifeway Foods, which was founded in 1976 by her father, Michael. At the age of 27, she became the youngest female CEO in history to run a publicly traded company. She has since bolstered the company’s signature Kefir yogurt line, and has increased revenues with an expanded distribution network that includes the U.S., Canada, and Great Britain. She is also a film producer of note,...
- 2/21/2017
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Roopa Jeevaji is the producer of the film "In Search of America, Inshallah.” The film tells the story of a young Pakistani woman who comes to America in search of her husband but finds her emancipation instead. This film also emphasizes on the importance of women's education.
Many women in India, Pakistan, Africa and many other remote villages/ places are deprived of education and are also not aware of its importance. The film hopes to help these woman understand that empowerment through education is vital. It also hopes to be the voice of every woman in these villages/ countries.
The film is being edited by Deepa Bhatia, one of Bollywood's, Mumbai's top editors (“My Name is Khan", "Taare Zameen Par”). Sonu Nigam, composer ("Slumdog Millionaire") is on board as the composer.
Here is a brief interview with producer Roopa Jeevaji
Are you in charge of the marketing and distribution of the film?
I am the actor/ producer of the film. Since this is an independent short film, our producers are working and addressing all tasks on all fronts including marketing and distribution.
When will it be finished?
The film is currently being edited in Mumbai and will be finished by the first week of November.
Do you have a distribution plan?
Basira Cinema which specializes in films about women will screen our film in selected theaters in London.
Talha Hussien who is a well known editor / distributor has agreed to support our film and screen it in Pakistan.
Also the Ep Arati Misro on our project who also heads the Women in Film International has confirmed the screening at Women In Film L.A.
Is there an international sales agent?
Not yet.
What is the marketing strategy?
“Women's Voices Now" has come on board as coproducer and will also screen the film at various avenues.
Deana from Mpac (Muslim Public Affairs Council ) is on board and will help us with the screening at Arclight, Hollywood.
Zainab Zeb from the documentary “Honor Diaries” has come on board as a co-producer and has a large following on social media.
Is there an online/ social networking strategy in place or being planned?
We have been very active on our Facebook page and Twitter with posts and blogs about related stories of women, the importance of education and lastly an updated production status of our film. Several of our actors have a large following from India on Facebook and Twitter. That will help get the word out as well.
How do film festivals fit into your marketing strategy?
Kimberley Browning from ‘Hollywood Shorts’ will strategize with us for festival packages once the film is complete.
We hosted an event in L.A. at the Levantine Cultural Center on Aug 23rd. The Center champions a greater understanding by presenting artistic and educational programs that bridge political and religious divides. The chief guest Consul General of Pakistan unveiled the trailer. Amie Williams, the co-founder of 'Global Girl Media' was one of the guest speakers and writer Sameer Asad Gardez (“Aliens in America”, “Modern Family”, “Mr. Sunshine”, “Outsourced”) who recently won the WGA 'versatile comedy writer' award attended the event.
It has been a team effort with the director Danish Renzu and myself . Since it is his directorial debut (he has directed two other short films prior to this) and since this is my first time producing honestly, (I am an actor primarily) we have wanted to create content that is inspiring and with a message. Hence we have invested a lot of time and effort to get this right and have strategically planned this through . Marketing wise, we just have reached out to all avenues that we thought would like the story and the message we have to deliver. Danish also has many contacts in London and Pakistan and that has helped.
The film is being edited now in Mumbai and will be done in November . Here the trailer.
Here are other relevant articles about the project:
http://womensvoicesnow.org/wvoice/in_search_of_freedom_inshallah
http://www.indiewire.com/article/project-of-the-day-in-search-of-america-inshallah
http://pakistantimesusa.net/epaper/2013/26-12-2013/14.php
http://pakistanlink.org/Community/2014/Jan14/10/06.Htm
http://www.pakistanvoice.net/newissue/newspaper13.html
http://www.apnahub.ca/entertainment-detail/in-search-of-america-inshallah-coming-soon/...
Many women in India, Pakistan, Africa and many other remote villages/ places are deprived of education and are also not aware of its importance. The film hopes to help these woman understand that empowerment through education is vital. It also hopes to be the voice of every woman in these villages/ countries.
The film is being edited by Deepa Bhatia, one of Bollywood's, Mumbai's top editors (“My Name is Khan", "Taare Zameen Par”). Sonu Nigam, composer ("Slumdog Millionaire") is on board as the composer.
Here is a brief interview with producer Roopa Jeevaji
Are you in charge of the marketing and distribution of the film?
I am the actor/ producer of the film. Since this is an independent short film, our producers are working and addressing all tasks on all fronts including marketing and distribution.
When will it be finished?
The film is currently being edited in Mumbai and will be finished by the first week of November.
Do you have a distribution plan?
Basira Cinema which specializes in films about women will screen our film in selected theaters in London.
Talha Hussien who is a well known editor / distributor has agreed to support our film and screen it in Pakistan.
Also the Ep Arati Misro on our project who also heads the Women in Film International has confirmed the screening at Women In Film L.A.
Is there an international sales agent?
Not yet.
What is the marketing strategy?
“Women's Voices Now" has come on board as coproducer and will also screen the film at various avenues.
Deana from Mpac (Muslim Public Affairs Council ) is on board and will help us with the screening at Arclight, Hollywood.
Zainab Zeb from the documentary “Honor Diaries” has come on board as a co-producer and has a large following on social media.
Is there an online/ social networking strategy in place or being planned?
We have been very active on our Facebook page and Twitter with posts and blogs about related stories of women, the importance of education and lastly an updated production status of our film. Several of our actors have a large following from India on Facebook and Twitter. That will help get the word out as well.
How do film festivals fit into your marketing strategy?
Kimberley Browning from ‘Hollywood Shorts’ will strategize with us for festival packages once the film is complete.
We hosted an event in L.A. at the Levantine Cultural Center on Aug 23rd. The Center champions a greater understanding by presenting artistic and educational programs that bridge political and religious divides. The chief guest Consul General of Pakistan unveiled the trailer. Amie Williams, the co-founder of 'Global Girl Media' was one of the guest speakers and writer Sameer Asad Gardez (“Aliens in America”, “Modern Family”, “Mr. Sunshine”, “Outsourced”) who recently won the WGA 'versatile comedy writer' award attended the event.
It has been a team effort with the director Danish Renzu and myself . Since it is his directorial debut (he has directed two other short films prior to this) and since this is my first time producing honestly, (I am an actor primarily) we have wanted to create content that is inspiring and with a message. Hence we have invested a lot of time and effort to get this right and have strategically planned this through . Marketing wise, we just have reached out to all avenues that we thought would like the story and the message we have to deliver. Danish also has many contacts in London and Pakistan and that has helped.
The film is being edited now in Mumbai and will be done in November . Here the trailer.
Here are other relevant articles about the project:
http://womensvoicesnow.org/wvoice/in_search_of_freedom_inshallah
http://www.indiewire.com/article/project-of-the-day-in-search-of-america-inshallah
http://pakistantimesusa.net/epaper/2013/26-12-2013/14.php
http://pakistanlink.org/Community/2014/Jan14/10/06.Htm
http://www.pakistanvoice.net/newissue/newspaper13.html
http://www.apnahub.ca/entertainment-detail/in-search-of-america-inshallah-coming-soon/...
- 9/5/2014
- by Sydney Levine
- Sydney's Buzz
The 2013 St. Louis International Film Festival concluded Sunday night with a party at the Contemporary Art Museum in St. Louis. Sliff announced the audience-choice and juried-competition awards.
Now in its 22nd year, the Whitaker St. Louis International Film Festival is one of the largest international film festivals in the Midwest. This year’s festival was held Nov. 14-24, 2013.
2013 Sliff Film Awards
Best of Fest Audience Choice Awards
Best Documentary Feature: “Harlem Street Singer” directed by Simeon Hutner
Best International Narrative Feature: “Philomena” directed by Stephen Frears
Best Narrative Feature: “One Chance” directed by David Frankel
New Filmmakers Forum Award
“This Is Where We Live” directed by Marc Menchaca and Josh Barrett ($500 cash prize)
St. Louis Film Critics Association Joe Pollack Awards Best Documentary Feature: “Blood Brother” directed by Steve Hoover Special Jury Mention, Documentary Feature: “The Pleasures of Being Out of Step” directed by David Lewis
Best Narrative Feature: “Key...
Now in its 22nd year, the Whitaker St. Louis International Film Festival is one of the largest international film festivals in the Midwest. This year’s festival was held Nov. 14-24, 2013.
2013 Sliff Film Awards
Best of Fest Audience Choice Awards
Best Documentary Feature: “Harlem Street Singer” directed by Simeon Hutner
Best International Narrative Feature: “Philomena” directed by Stephen Frears
Best Narrative Feature: “One Chance” directed by David Frankel
New Filmmakers Forum Award
“This Is Where We Live” directed by Marc Menchaca and Josh Barrett ($500 cash prize)
St. Louis Film Critics Association Joe Pollack Awards Best Documentary Feature: “Blood Brother” directed by Steve Hoover Special Jury Mention, Documentary Feature: “The Pleasures of Being Out of Step” directed by David Lewis
Best Narrative Feature: “Key...
- 11/25/2013
- by Movie Geeks
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Chicago – The issue of women’s rights in Muslim majority countries in the Middle East and elsewhere is often overshadowed by the other back-and-forth circumstances in relationship to Western countries. The documentary “Honor Diaries” is an exposure of the misogyny within the Muslim majority countries, and how it permeates into the entire Islamic culture. The film will be presented on October 15th, before the general release in March of 2014.
The “honor” in the title refers to the justification for oppression of women within the Muslim cultural society. The woman holds all the honor of the family, and must capitulate to arranged marriages and overall harsher treatment because they must uphold these traditions. Extreme practice of protecting this “honor” has led to physical and psychological abuse, all the way up to murder, according to the “Honor Diaries.”
The Documentary ’Honor Diaries’ at the Chicago International Film Festival
Photo credit: Chicago International...
The “honor” in the title refers to the justification for oppression of women within the Muslim cultural society. The woman holds all the honor of the family, and must capitulate to arranged marriages and overall harsher treatment because they must uphold these traditions. Extreme practice of protecting this “honor” has led to physical and psychological abuse, all the way up to murder, according to the “Honor Diaries.”
The Documentary ’Honor Diaries’ at the Chicago International Film Festival
Photo credit: Chicago International...
- 10/15/2013
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Chicago – We’re sure that our loyal readers have been busy at the excellent 49th Chicago International Film Festival but the event is far from over. What should you see in the next three days? What are the highlights of part two of 2013 Ciff? Patrick McDonald and Brian Tallerico guide the way…
The Honor Diaries
Photo credit: Ciff
“The Honor Diaries”
Tuesday, 10/15, 5:30pm
A stark documentary about women in Muslim majority societies, and the misogyny that darken their existence. Director Paula Kweskin focuses on the activists fighting the cir-cumstance of this misogyny, brave and outspoken women who have battled through their own situations in the Muslim patriarchy. This is short but has impact, as example after example of women who disgrace the “honor” of a family – her indentured servitude is somehow tied into a family reputation – are punished for no reason. This film is part of a movement to...
The Honor Diaries
Photo credit: Ciff
“The Honor Diaries”
Tuesday, 10/15, 5:30pm
A stark documentary about women in Muslim majority societies, and the misogyny that darken their existence. Director Paula Kweskin focuses on the activists fighting the cir-cumstance of this misogyny, brave and outspoken women who have battled through their own situations in the Muslim patriarchy. This is short but has impact, as example after example of women who disgrace the “honor” of a family – her indentured servitude is somehow tied into a family reputation – are punished for no reason. This film is part of a movement to...
- 10/15/2013
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
With award season coming fast around the corner, the Chicago International Film Festival has recently revealed their full lineup, which includes a very enticing mix of well-known and new talents. With the Coen Brothers’ Inside Llewyn Davis closing the fest and Alexander Payne’s Nebraska as its centerpiece, the festival includes focus on “After Dark” features, Lgbtq films in their “Out-Look” category, special presentations (like Steve McQueen’s 12 Years a Slave), and more. Below is the press release that fills in the rest:
The 49Th Chicago International Film Festival Announces Films In Competition
Chicago, Il (September 17, 2013) – The 49th Chicago International Film Festival announced today the full lineup of films selected to screen in the International Feature, New Directors, Docufest, After Dark, Q Hugo, and Short Film Competitions. The competitions feature a diverse mix of established and new filmmakers and genres as well as World, North American and Us premieres. Sixteen...
The 49Th Chicago International Film Festival Announces Films In Competition
Chicago, Il (September 17, 2013) – The 49th Chicago International Film Festival announced today the full lineup of films selected to screen in the International Feature, New Directors, Docufest, After Dark, Q Hugo, and Short Film Competitions. The competitions feature a diverse mix of established and new filmmakers and genres as well as World, North American and Us premieres. Sixteen...
- 9/24/2013
- by Nick Allen
- The Scorecard Review
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