Hazel Heart
Interview and Photos by Jorge Lara
Vim Magazine returns in 2025 with our interview with Adult film actress Hazel Heart where we also got to cover for the first time the AVN Adult Film Convention in Las Vegas.
We discuss about how she became involved in the adult film industry, navigating the balance between their professional persona and personal life, how the industry addresses issues like consent, safety, and mental health for performers, the future of pornography and more.
It was also Hazel’s first time attending the convention and she was enthusiastic about getting to experience the event and getting to interact with her fans.
1. Personal Journey and Career
VIM: How did you first become involved in the adult entertainment industry, and what inspired you to pursue this path?
HAZEL HEART: I first became a part of the adult entertainment industry by getting a sugar daddy! I've always been a pretty sexual person so before I got into the industry I had done a lot of hookups however they weren't fulfilling to me so I decided to go get a sugar daddy off of my friend’s suggestion and I really enjoyed it! I was treated as a princess and got comfortable in my body which later lead me down to mainstream porn.
VIM: What has been the most rewarding aspect of your career in this industry?
HAZEL HEART: The most rewarding aspect of my career would be the fact that it's so flexible! I'm a pretty spontaneous person and this career allows me to do anything I want whenever I want! It's also helped me a lot in hitting goals that I've set for myself like buying a house at 21! I feel like without my career i definitely wouldn’t be as blessed as i am now and a definitely owe it to my fans!~
“‘I’m a pretty spontaneous person and this career allows me to do anything I want whenever I want! It’s also helped me a lot in hitting goals that I’ve set for myself like buying a house at 21! ”
VIM: Have there been any significant challenges you've faced along the way, and how have you overcome them?
HAZEL HEART: I personally feel like I haven't had any significant challenges, at least anything big enough to note but if I had to choose one it would be sitting down and talking to my wife to figure out if this is what I wanted to do as a career. It's a lot of work to choose this as a career and requires you to be online a lot which I'm horrible at but it's getting better little by little!
VIM: How do you navigate the balance between your professional persona and your personal life?
HAZEL HEART: Funny enough my professional persona is pretty much how I am as a person. I don't usually post every day on social media so I feel like that in itself helps balance my professional and my personal life! But I do pride myself in not putting a professional persona up so that fans can see me at my true self!~
2. Industry Insight and Work Environment
VIM: How do you view the current state of the adult entertainment industry, especially in terms of changes in technology and audience expectations?
HAZEL HEART: I feel like the current state of the adult entertainment industry is in the works like it's changing but we're in the middle of it changing. It's expanded so much in the last couple years in both technology to where it's really easy to upload your work to a site and directly to fans. As for audience expectations there's a market for everything now you've just got to find your niche! So in my brain if you don't like the expectations you can go find someone else that will like what you put out.
VIM: How has the rise of platforms like OnlyFans or subscription-based content affected your career or the industry as a whole?
HAZEL HEART: In my eyes the rise of OnlyFans / subscription based content has changed the industry by giving others more direct control over their careers! For me personally and I’m sure many others, these platforms have given us the opportunity for financial freedom and a way to talk directly with our fans!~ They’ve also allowed for more creative freedom on what we shoot and the ability to not have to be somewhere in person you can film a video or take a picture anywhere and upload it directly to fans!
VIM: How does the industry address issues like consent, safety, and mental health for performers?
HAZEL HEART: They’re actually really good with that stuff! Consent is a huge deal! Nothing happens unless everyone’s 100% on the same page and communication is super open! We always have a talk about yes’s and no’s! We also go over what is going to happen on set beforehand so that makes me more assured! Safety is a big priority too, with lots of talks and safe words to make sure everything stays professional and comfortable. Mental health might be the area that needs the most improvement, but honestly, it’s not something that’s widely talked about in society as a whole, even today. That said, I know the people around me would absolutely support me if I were facing any mental health challenges, and I think many others in the industry could say the same.
“The biggest misconception I’d love to clear up is that the adult industry is just an easy way to make money or that it’s not a ‘real’ job. It’s definitely a legit profession that takes so much emotional labor, effort, creativity, consistency, and business smarts! ”
VIM: Are there any common misconceptions about working in adult entertainment that you'd like to clear up?
HAZEL HEART: The biggest misconception I’d love to clear up is that the adult industry is just an easy way to make money or that it’s not a ‘real’ job. It’s definitely a legit profession that takes so much emotional labor, effort, creativity, consistency, and business smarts! Most performers are out here managing their own branding, marketing, and finances—basically running their own business, just like any other entrepreneur.
And honestly, that’s just the starting point! To actually be successful, you’ve got to create content consistently and juggle relationships with tens to hundreds (sometimes thousands!) of fans. It’s a lot more work than people realize!
3. Representation and Diversity
VIM: How do you see the industry evolving in terms of diversity and inclusion? Are there positive changes happening in this regard?
HAZEL HEART: I think the industry is already evolving in terms of diversity and inclusion! When I first started they said girls with tattoos wouldn't be able to be successful in the industry but now we have some huge names that are pretty tatted! So it’s definitely evolving in my eyes slowly but surely. We are also getting a lot more people from different cultures joining but I think a little more representation for roles outside of the standard teen, milf, and sexy would be nice!
VIM: Do you feel that performers are given enough control over their own narrative and image, or do you think the industry can improve in this area?
HAZEL HEART: I do think that performers are given control over their own narrative however starting out in the industry can be very intimidating so I've noticed a lot of these girls that come in don't know what's going to sell so they look to their agent for advice. Then over time they don't want to be that specific image anymore but they feel like they have to because that's what’s going to sell the most. So they kind of create this box and keep themselves in the box but they're more than welcome to leave the box whenever they want if that makes sense. So what I'm getting at is you can do whatever you want but there are certain things that will sell better. So it's up to the person if they want to stay true to themselves or if they want to fit a role to sell better.
“I think that sexuality is something of self discovery and it’s a big responsibility to expect the adult industry to be the main source of helping individuals find their sexuality! ”
VIM: What role do you think adult entertainment should play in promoting positive, realistic depictions of sexuality?
HAZEL HEART: I think that sexuality is something of self discovery and it's a big responsibility to expect the adult industry to be the main source of helping individuals find their sexuality! I definitely think it would help if there were more realistic depictions of what sexuality can look like but at the end of the day what we do is all fantasy! Most of our positions are very uncomfortable and would not be as enjoyable if done in personal lives. Some people mostly act for their scenes, others enjoy the act and our shoot days are an average of six hours of intercourse which is obviously not the standard. So I don't think in its current state it does a good job but I do think If the industry provided a couple videos where it was more realistic than people would understand that what we're doing right now is a fantasy and to not expect that in their personal sex lives.
4. Public Perception and Stigma
VIM: How do you handle the public perception and stigma that often surrounds the adult entertainment industry?
HAZEL HEART: I'm a pretty unique case in the way that those things have never really affected me yet. My family was very accepting when they found out and I keep a pretty small circle that also accepts me. As for the people that may recognize me in public they're always excited to see me and as for the rest of the population no one knows what I do so I fly under the radar really well. If I do get some attention online negatively I usually tell the person that they hurt my feelings if they did and then they usually stop commenting negative things or apologize.
VIM: Do you think the industry is becoming more accepted in mainstream culture, or is there still a lot of judgment to overcome?
HAZEL HEART: I think the industry is definitely becoming more accepted especially with the rise of OnlyFans. It's become I dare I say normalized and something that I'm praised for quite a bit. I can't speak on anyone else's experience but mine have always been positive.
VIM: How do you respond to critics who argue that the porn industry exploits its performers?
HAZEL HEART: I would say that it's not true! Everyone knows what they sign up for beforehand, like what you need to bring to a shoot, how much you're getting paid and there's always talks about consent in everything beforehand so I feel like it's very open. However and this is just my personal opinion, I think that performers should get paid a little more because there are so many hidden costs to do a shoot (nails, wardrobe, testing, etc.)! However that's coming from a performer's perspective without knowing the inner workings of what goes on with budgeting and whatnot! Ohh but I totally forgot you could also negotiate for pay too but the industry is very competitive so it’s completely up to the person!
5. The Future of Pornography
VIM: Where do you see the adult entertainment industry heading in the next 5 to 10 years?
HAZEL HEART: I definitely think it's gonna balance out in the future. I don’t think it will ever be as big as it was in the 80’s to early 2000’s but I think it will find a way to adapt. I don't think subscription based websites are gonna go anywhere. They are going to stay and be a lot more prevalent in the next couple years in my opinion! Oh and I think VR is going to be very big as well! If you haven’t seen a VR scene or trailer it’s crazy how realistic it feels!
VIM: How do you feel about the potential of virtual reality, AI, and other new technologies in the industry?
HAZEL HEART: As I said in my previous question I think virtual reality is going to explode in the next five years just because I've seen a couple of the scenes with the headset and it feels so real I genuinely jumped back while watching a video before. I'm not too educated on the AI scene so I can't speak on that but I've definitely seen a lot more AI ads lately so I think that will also come into the space but how it will affect the industry I'm not sure.
VIM: Do you think the conversation around pornography and its impact on society is shifting, and if so, in what ways?
HAZEL HEART: It feels like people are moving past the simple "porn is good" or "porn is bad" debate and diving into a deeper discussion about how it affects society, personal lives, and culture. This shift is getting people to think more about ethical practices, encouraging a healthier relationship with their sexuality and to be mindful of media use. I think if people continue to look at our industry with an open mind it will continue to impact our industry in a positive way but I still think there are a couple things we need to tackle to keep moving in a positive direction!
6. Personal Reflections and Advice
VIM: What advice would you give to someone who is considering entering the adult entertainment industry?
HAZEL HEART: My main piece of advice is make sure it's something you want to do and understand that everyone including your family will find out eventually. There's no avoiding it so before you join just make sure you're completely okay with that and maybe falling out with people who find out because you can never predict how someone will react.
VIM: How do you stay mentally and emotionally healthy in an industry that can sometimes be draining or stigmatized?
HAZEL HEART: I am very blessed because I have my wife! She is a main factor in keeping me mentally and emotionally happy while having a career like this. Since she was also in the industry, she truly understands what I do each day. If I have a particularly mentally or emotionally draining day I know I'm always supported by her to the fullest extent and at the end of the day this is work. Anything that happened that day doesn't have to follow me home, I can leave it all behind when I’m with her to just be me.
VIM: What would you want your legacy in the industry to be, both for your career and for the broader community of performers?
HAZEL HEART: I want my legacy to be that I was a great performer that loved her job especially when it came to the oral department!~ Who was always nice, bubbly, on time, well prepared and overall a joy to be around or have on set. If I accomplished that then I would be satisfied but if I wanted a little bit more I would like to be nominated for an award next year!~ As for the community I would like the legacy to be that yes although we have intercourse on camera that we're just people who are doing our jobs like anyone else and that we try to help society in a different way. I know it seems unconventional but when you do want to explore new things I think our industry and proper research help thousands of people explore in a safe way.
Hollie Winnard
Interview and Photos by Jorge Lara
To conclude the year here at VIM Magazine we are sharing an interview with social activist, television star, photographer, and model Hollie Winnard. Hollie grew up in the New England area where she studied theater and art and which prepared her for a career in television and movies, featuring in shows such as Rules of Engagement, Beauty And The Geek, and How I Met Your Mother.
We catch up with what’s she been up to, talk about what she thinks about production studios moving to Vegas and ponder about the past year in politics.
VIM: Hello! You were one of our first interviews for VIM Magazine. It’s been awhile since our last interview. What have you been up to since?
HOLLIE: Since our last interview, I’ve been staying busy with a mix of activism and personal growth. It’s interesting to look back and see how relevant our previous discussion still is today. I’ve deepened my involvement in activism, even traveling abroad to gain a broader perspective on what our country is getting wrong and how we might work toward solutions. On the professional side, I’ve also been growing my photography business, which has been an exciting and rewarding journey.
“Since our last interview, I’ve been staying busy with a mix of activism and personal growth. It’s interesting to look back and see how relevant our previous discussion still is today.”
VIM: I just got back from the 9th Annual Eccentric Artists Shameless Plug Art Festival where they they had a filmmaker panel featuring Noel Calizo of SPCKRFT, Danette Tull of the Nevada Film Office and other local luminaries. What do you think about Warner Bros opening a production studio here?
HOLLIE: Is it really happening? If so, I think it’s an exciting development! As an actress living in Las Vegas, the idea of a movie studio moving here feels like a game-changer. It could bring incredible opportunities for local talent, like more auditions and networking right in our backyard. Vegas has so much untapped potential when it comes to the entertainment industry, and having a studio here could really put the city on the map in a new way. I’m looking forward to seeing how it might transform the creative scene and open up doors for myself and others in the industry.
“As an actress living in Las Vegas, the idea of a movie studio moving here feels like a game-changer. ”
VIM: It’s been quite a month, politically speaking. Our last interview was when Bernie Sanders was running to be on the Democratic ticket for president and we all learned how that went. Seems like the Democratic Party has not learned from their past mistakes. Whatever happened to having a primary?
HOLLIE: Honestly, I don’t like saying “I told you so,” but it’s frustrating to see where we are now. The last eight years—and likely the next four—could have been so different if we weren’t dealing with a corrupt system. Sanders having the election essentially stolen from him in 2016 set the tone for so much of what we’re dealing with today. While I think it’s good that more people are finally acknowledging what happened, it feels too little, too late.
What’s even more disheartening is how the Democratic Party hasn’t learned from their mistakes. Instead of addressing the systemic issues that alienate voters, they’ve doubled down on the same practices that led to this mess in the first place. Not having a primary in 2024 is just another glaring example of how broken and corrupt the system has become. We’ve moved so far away from a true democracy.
I’m especially disappointed that Nevada rejected ranked-choice voting. It was such a missed opportunity to empower voters and help fix a system that’s failing the people. If we keep ignoring these necessary changes, the cycle of frustration and disillusionment will only continue.
Check out our past interview with Hollie here: https://www.vimmag.com/blog-1/2016/4/10/holly-winnard
Jill Avilez And Vato Bunny Return
PHOTOS AND INTERVIEWS BY JORGE LARA
This Saturday, September 28 from 11-6pm at the Clark County Amphitheater Jill Avilez is debuting her third issue of Vato Bunny at the Alternate Reality Comics, Las Vegas booth.
Jill Avilez will be there to sign your purchase of the comic and there will be lots of vegan food set ups as well.
VIM Magazine Editor In Chief Jorge Lara got the opportunity to photograph both Jill Avilez and her creation Vato Bunny before the debut of the third comic book issue of the Vato Bunny series.
INTERVIEW WITH JILL AVILEZ
VIM: We interviewed Vato Bunny about his third comic book in the series, what do you think of Vato Bunny and his next adventure?
JILL AVILEZ: Vato Bunny is just trying to make some tacos and keeps getting caught up in shenanigans. We finally get to meet more of the quirky wildlife in Easter LA and they really do love their tacos.
Jill Avilez and Vato Bunny photo by Jorge Lara
VIM: What comic books inspired you growing up?
JILL AVILEZ: Mostly Archie because they were sold next to the TV Guide in the grocery store. And Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles because they sold it at our liquor store. I never went to a comic book shop as a kid but my parents did get me a bunch of Disney art books. On the darker side, I also found Robert Crumb books and Fritz the Cat pretty young too. I just loved cartoons and pretty much learned to draw watching all the animations.
VIM: Any plans for Halloween?
JILL AVILEZ: For me, it’s always Halloween, baby. But I hopefully want to catch a Rocky Horror showing.
Jill Avilez photo by Jorge Lara
“For me, it’s always Halloween, baby. But I hopefully want to catch a Rocky Horror showing.”
VIM: Any plans to go back to your music origins?
JILL AVILEZ: The music is always within me. Right now, I’m enjoying the silence and meditative sounds of my pens on paper interrupted by the laughter of my own stupid jokes.
VIM: What’s next for you?
JILL AVILEZ: I’m challenging Vato Bunny and his friends on their next adventure in Easter LA.
Jill Avilez photo by Jorge Lara
Jill Avilez photo by Jorge Lara
INTERVIEW WITH VATO BUNNY
VIM: What do you think of your creator, Jill Avilez as she releases the third book in your series?
VATO BUNNY: Ay man, dat Hyna is pretty firme pero why she gotta do me like dat? I was cruising in my lowbunrider down da BUNNO1 just trying to go home and make some tacos then she just snatched me up. Now errybody wanna fight over Taco Tuesday. Half da time, I donno what da fluff is going on?! ¡Híjole!
VIM: What can we expect from your third comic book?
VATO BUNNY: Deez cats think they run this street taco turf? Dey just jelly cuz we got dat GOOD LECHUGA.
VIM: What were your influences growing up?
VATO BUNNY: The Streets of Easter LA taught me to be Firme. Ayy… respect to mi padre, Dizzy Bunny. A great Jazz bunny. He taught me to be strong and how to slang a good taco.
“The Streets of Easter LA taught me to be Firme. Ayy… respect to mi padre, Dizzy Bunny”
VIM: How does a bunny like you plan for Halloween?
VATO BUNNY: ¡Híjole! Have ju seen mi hija? Gothic Bunny? When is it not Halloween when she brings random stray ghosts home all da time?!
VIM: What’s next for you Vato?
VATO BUNNY: I’m… just… trying… to make some tacos.
More Vato Bunny: www.vatobunny.com
First Issue of Vato Bunny
Las Vegas Musician Jill Avilez Unveils Comic Book ‘Vato Bunny’
Local Las Vegas musician, Jill Avilez (aka Mizz Absurd) releases their first self-published comic book, ‘Vato Bunny’ Taco Tuesday, March 5th, 2024 at www.vatobunny.com. With an in-store release and signing at Alternate Reality Comics, 5300 S. Eastern Ave, Las Vegas, on Sat. March 9th, 2024 12pm-2pm.
‘Vato Bunny’ brings Avilez back to her roots growing up in East LA/ Hollywood, California showcasing her comedic “Spanglish” culture. Dedicated to her mixed Mexican/Jewish “Jewxican” heritage, unique friendships and inspired by Cheech Marin’s “Born in East LA” film. Jill Avilez says, ‘Bunnies are awesome.’
The Adventures of Vato Bunny Issue #1- Taco Tuesday comic book is the story of Vato Bunny heading home on Taco Tuesday through the trac of colorful wildlife in Easter LA. Original art and story by Jill Avilez. 1st Edition $10 including poster and sticker. 95 total available. “Taco Tuesday” the music single by ‘Vato Bunny and Friends’ featuring Lonnie Marshall (Weapon of Choice), Jack Keller and Jill Avilez is now streaming on all music platforms.
Jill Avilez is a Las Vegas artist, entertainer and obsessed with bunnies. Social Media: @vatobunny
BREON JENAY | THE VIM INTERVIEW
Interview and Photos by VIM Magazines Editor In Chief Jorge Lara
Recently had the opportunity to interview and photograph Breon Jenay for VIM Magazine where we got to talk about being an actor in Las Vegas, her past performances, aerial hoops, and her new role in the new production of play ‘X’
VIM MAGAZINE: Your new play ‘X’ by Alistair McDowall debuts in February at A Public Fit, a Las Vegas theatre company. What can you tell us about it?
BREON JENAY: I'm so glad you asked! I became intrigued with English playwright Alistair McDowall's work in 2020. After being introduced to one of McDowall's plays ("Pomona") by my friend and fellow actor, Jamie Carvelli, I decided I had to read any and all of his plays that I could get my hands on. I fell in love with "X" immediately, and it has been a dream come true to be able to participate in the making of the Las Vegas premiere performance of such an exciting work. "X" Originally premiered at the Royal Court in London in 2016, and tells the story of a group of scientists on a lone research base on Pluto, in a future where the Earth is now hardly able to sustain life. When the group loses contact with Earth, and time itself begins to distort, chaos ensues. "X" deals with themes of isolation, loneliness, memory loss, love, grief, hopelessness, despair, climate change, human connection, and identity. It is simultaneously terrifying, hilarious, and heartwarming. I love this play and I've never been more excited to share a piece of work with an audience.
VIM MAGAZINE: A lot of people know you as the wedding officiant at Lucky Little Chapel. How has that been and how did you get started in it?
BREON JENAY: I became a marriage officiant over a decade ago, but it took a while before I was able to start performing ceremonies at Chapels. I found it quite difficult to break into the wedding industry, and had almost given up hope of becoming an officiant until the Summer of 2015 when same-sex marriage was finally legalized. After that, a lot of the "old guard" needed to be replaced as they would refuse to preside over the ceremonies of same-sex couples. Since then I've done ceremonies all over Vegas, including helicopter and hot air balloon weddings. I started working at Lucky Little Chapel in the Summer of 2020, it's a family owned business and it's been a delight working for them!
VIM MAGAZINE: Some of your past acting performances include APF’s Heroes of the Fourth Turning and Lobby Hero, Pomona at the Playhouse, TSTMRKT at Vegas Theater Company, and Cat on a Hot Tin Roof at Majestic Repertory Theater.
I remember seeing you in a production of Closer, which was based on a 2004 American romantic drama film directed and produced by Mike Nichols and written by Patrick Marber and based on the award-winning 1997 play of the same name. It starred Julia Roberts, Jude Law, Natalie Portman, and Clive Owen.
Which character has been your favorite to play so far?
BREON JENAY: Ahhhh man, this is a tough one. It would have to be when I played the titular role in "The Little Prince" with Insurgo back in 2010. There was something truly magical about that show, and performing as a character that is so far away from who I actually am was really liberating. There were often children in the audience and captivating their imaginations with the words of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry was a once in a lifetime experience.
“Mostly I’m attracted to scripts that have a darkness to them, and X is definitely scratching that itch for me at the moment. ”
VIM MAGAZINE: Your IMDB shows that you were in Secret Identity Show in 2016. What was that about?
BREON JENAY: Secret Identity Show was a comedy web series written, directed, and produced by my personal friend and fellow artist, Jillian Austin. It followed a group of young street buskers who dressed up as super heroes to pay the bills in Downtown Vegas. I played Katie Steele, your girl-next-door comic book nerd type, with a penchant for Spider Man and illicit substances. It was a labor of love that introduced me to a lot of new friends and I look back at those days with a sincere fondness.
VIM MAGAZINE: You collaborated for many years with Ernest Hemmings with TSTMRKT. I remember seeing those performances and the two of you have great comedic timing and chops. Do you prefer to do more comedic or dramatic roles. How was it working with Ernest?
BREON JENAY: Recently I've been more attracted to dramatic roles, but that could change. I spent a long time doing mostly comedy and it's still a huge part of my heart, but I think it's important to be able to balance many genres as an actor. Mostly I'm attracted to scripts that have a darkness to them, and X is definitely scratching that itch for me at the moment.
Working with Ernest has been one of the highlights of my career. The man is a genius, one of the funniest people I've ever met, and he makes a damn good quiche. I can't say for certain that I'm done with TSTMRKT forever, but I've been thrilled watching Ernest thrive as a solo performer. I'm proud to call him my friend and I can't wait to see what he does next.
VIM MAGAZINE: What do you have in store for 2024? Any production you would like to be a part of?
BREON JENAY: I anticipate that I'll be reading a lot of plays in 2024. I'm at a time in my life where I no longer have the stamina to take on every project that comes my way, but instead choose to pour my whole self in to one or two projects that I've fallen in love with per year. So I spend a good chunk of time looking for plays that resonate with me. My husband, Jake Staley, is a tremendously talented actor and it's my goal to play a role opposite him someday.
I've also been practicing aerial hoop for the last year and a half or so, and I'd love to perform for an audience at some point in 2024.
Thanks so much for your questions, Jorge, and for the beautiful photos! Keep up the great work.
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"X" is directed by Jake Staley, produced by A Public Fit, and runs February 9th-March 5th at Super Summer Theatre Studios, 4340 S Valley View Blvd #208, Las Vegas, NV 89103
For tickets visit apublicfit.org
VIM MAGAZINE EDITOR IN CHIEF JORGE LARA AT 48
Jorge Lara, at 48, exploring the possibilities, collaborating with two fellow eclectic bright souls, building new connections while keeping at pace with his soul. To new reveries, the future imperfect, a mantra to live by and enjoying the journey.
VIM: You started VIM Magazine way back in 2005 and you have your first collaboration with SPCKRFT coming in November. How has the magazine evolved and changed?
JORGE LARA: It’s wanting to change the world and one’s own view of the world, a piece of art at a time. That feeling, that sense of purpose, is the same, it’s just the approach that has evolved through the years that has changed. We are focusing more this year on the fashion and music scene while still exploring the artists and creators that make all the magic come to live.
Adapting to the age of video, reels that capture the spirit of the creator and their imagination. Finding new ways to stand out. You have technological tools at your disposal, everyone does. It’s how you use those tools that makes for a treat to the heart and senses. Been photographing , capturing people and places for over 15 years now. I can only hope that my perseverance has paid off. I try to hone my craft and learn new ways to approach each photo and I edit nonstop. I think I’ve gotten it down to a formula. You just have to keep an open mind to what you can create. Also helps to listen to who you are collaborating with. It’s not science to show empathy and to include their own needs and wants.
Photoshoot with Model Aleks (@hellion_prince)
I thoroughly enjoy the art of the zine. Whether it’s from the hands of one individual or a collective. You have Andy Warhol on one side that created Interview Magazine and on the other side you have RAYGUN Magazine, and you add in years of wanting to expand your knowledge and ways to explore experiences in a new light. The zine, the magazine, it’s a work of art all on its own.
Downtown Las Vegas with Jorge Lara
VIM: You are collaborating with Noel and Michelle Calizo of SPCKRFT. How has that been?
JORGE LARA: I think of Noel and Michelle as two fellow eclectic bright souls. We are all on a mission to make a difference in this world. They wear their hearts on their sleeves and are truly passionate about the work they put out into the world. Whether it is in production, photography, video, or in Michelle’s case, the candles and soaps she also creates. It all comes from a place of wanting to challenge yourself and bringing into fruition something wholly beautiful. We’ve talked about creating nonprofits to help us bring more art and purpose into people’s lives.
VIM recently featured Michelle’s photo series ‘Behind Every Barbie’ which spotlighted a remarkable set of individuals, each on their own personal journey and who shared a mutual bond by exploring how they see themselves and the world around them. She captured a reflection of themselves that I think helped to inspire them to continue to do what they were meant to do.
My first three collaborations with SPCKRFT will bring to light the wonderful art of photography and fashion we have in Las Vegas. Premiering on November 2nd in collaboration with Nevada Humanities we have ‘Performing In The Dark.’ Later in November we will be celebrating Sin Amor Studios 2 year anniversary with a fashion show. And in February 2024 we have the amazing film and photography work of Shahab Zargari in his first solo exhibition.
Shahab Zargari’s first solo exhibition at SPCRFT
VIM: What connections through the years have inspired you the most?
JORGE LARA: First thing that comes to mind is family. My mom and stepdad came down to Vegas to help celebrate my birthday. My mom has continued to be an inspiration in all that I do. She has worked hard all her life and has helped many of our relatives find their place in this world. She’s been a catalyst for change and her determination has been a key influence in how I approach life in general. I do enjoy seeing her get to travel and just get to enjoy her family now, my nieces and nephew and their families. She’s never lost hope despite all the obstacles life can throw at you.
Downtown photoshoot with Jorge Lara
“The future imperfect as it is has a beauty all its own. I don’t regret the journey. Nor the difficulties. I’m always hopeful.”
I share my birthday today with my brother Johnny (Stitches) who I have to thank for coming up with the current VIM Magazine logo. A logo that has been with the magazine since the early 2000’s. We share a lot of the same likes and dislikes and passions for photography and creating. I think we inspire each other to keep going, even though Vegas can be tough at times. The city was meant to be an amalgamation of imaginations and dreams. I love watching what people come up with.
I think I’ve connected with the right people throughout my life. They’ve shown me which path to take. As I’ve gotten older, there are times that I don’t want to admit to myself that I have to slow down and make some time for my own well-being and health. These past couple of weeks have been challenging as I come to grips with some ailments and medical issues. The future imperfect as it is has a beauty all its own. I don’t regret the journey. Nor the difficulties. I’m always hopeful.
VIM Magazine MAGIC Fashion Issue with Model Sydney Webb
“It’s all about what we can imagine and put into focus. You have all these different voices bringing their own aspirations into the world.”
VIM: What’s next for you and the magazine?
JORGE LARA: These past two months I’ve photographed and collected images of some amazing talented people that we will be interviewing come later this month. We have interviews with an award-winning music composer, a lifestyle photographer and content writer, a punk rocker and music label owner, and a fashion boutique owner and fashion maven. And a few more surprises in stored.
It’s all about what we can imagine and put into focus. You have all these different voices bringing their own aspirations into the world.
I thoroughly enjoy the Q and A format and how it allows each individual to stand on their own and broadcast their mission in life with their own words. It’s the beauty of revelations, of revealing a side of people you’ve never seen that gets me excited to do the next interview.
We all live by our own mantra, we make the world what it is. I haven’t fully finished exploring what is out there. I want to sometimes make sense of it all. How we articulate every precise moment. The way of the world, the way it all transpires, the life we permeate and the people we love along the way. All while remaining focus on what really matters. Our mind at peace and at peace with ourselves.
JOSH MOLINA OF MAKERS AND FINDERS
Photos and Interview by Jorge Lara
VIM Magazine Editor In Chief Jorge Lara recently interviewed and photographed Las Vegas entrepreneur Josh Molina, CEO of Makers and Finders, which recently launched a new Henderson location and Take It Easy Roasters which is celebrating its 3 year anniversary. Both Las Vegas cultural mainstays as Makers and Finders helped introduce one of the first fine dining experiences on Main Street and the Las Vegas Arts District.
VIM: You launched Makers and Finders in 2011 2014 and will soon be launching a new location in Henderson. How has it been preparing for the launch of this new location? What can we expect from this new location?
JOSH MOLINA: The preparation for the new Henderson location most definitely has its challenges, but overall I have enjoyed the experience. It does feel different this time around, having built 3 restaurants/cafes before, it feels like those experiences have produced a confidence and know-how of how to create, build and open a full service restaurant. Having been an entrepreneur for 8 years now, I finally feel I have a deep understanding of what and how to do what I do.
This location will be the biggest Makers & Finders location yet! We are adding a new, custom patio with a beautiful pergola giving us a total of 120 seats. That is almost double the seating capacity of our other locations! Additionally, this location will have a full bar that will have 16 bar seats making it our largest bar from all of our locations. The bar will form an "L" that leads into our open kitchen, therefore allowing you to watch the magic behind the beverage bar or watching our chefs make all of our dishes from scratch.
We are introducing a carefully curated Tequila Flight program with 18 expressions of Tequila that are organized by 3 pricing tiers -- Premium, Super Premium and Rare. I am very excited for this addition, as I am an avid Tequila enjoyer and have always felt this can add tremendously to our already dynamic beverage program.
VIM: Along with Makers and Finders you are also the founder of Take It Easy Roasters. How did the idea for that business come about?
JOSH MOLINA: Take It Easy Roasters originated as a location to roast coffee beans for Makers & Finders. That idea developed and grew into so much more. The way I chose the name and concept for this space was created during a visit to my imagionational world that led me to a self-recognition in the process. Makers & Finders is very much an energetic and fast-paced concept that is very much aligned with my personality type. As a Type-A person, my lifestyle is very rapid and my mind is constantly racing. During this era of my life, there was a strong calling to explore other speeds and personality spaces. My Father, Omar, is the only Type-B personality in my immediate family and one night over dinner he said an expression that he has said to my mom my entire life. "Take It Easy, Martucha! (mom's nickname)"
That was my "aha" moment. I realized that this new concept needs to be a counter balance to M&F. The energy, design, branding, colors must all be a completely different look. This is when I settled on the name Take It Easy Roasters and began to develop and nurture the concept and brought it to life.
Take It Easy Roasters has grown significantly since it opened in 2020. The space is now a fully operating production house that operates as a commissary kitchen and a full scale coffee roastery. We also purchased a commercial empanada equipment with custom molds where we make over 60,000 empanadas annually that gets distributed to all Makers & Finders locations. This concept has truly taught me a great deal. My strong suite and natural abilities are fitted for sales and retail - so Makers & Finders was a natural fit. Warehouse management, distribution and production are avenues I had little to no experience in. I have been able to grow and learn an incredible amount from Take It Easy Roasters.
VIM: In 2022 you were invited to the Top Financial Advisors Conference held by Forbes. How was that experience for you and what did you learn coming out of it?
JOSH MOLINA: This honor was actually held by my younger brother, Omar Molina, a successful Financial Advisor for Merril Lynch. Omar is also an investor and owner of Makers & Finders. I am extremely proud of him and can speak to how impactful the conference was for him.
I did have the honor of being an honoree of the 2018 Class of Vegas Inc 40 Under 40. Then in October 2021 I was named Alumnus of the Year for the College of Liberal Arts at UNLV, being honored alongside other Rebels such as Guy Fieri.
These moments of recognition were incredibly gratifying and humbling. As an entrepreneur, the losses are consistent and gut-wrenching. The victories are few and far between. Being honored by colleagues and other community leaders helped me on a personal level by giving me strength to continue fighting in the business world.
VIM: Tell us a bit about your background and what led you to decide on becoming an entrepreneur. What’s the one lesson you have learned after all these years.
JOSH MOLINA:
Pulled the below from my Bio:
A first generation Colombian-American raised in Las Vegas, he is a driven & creative individual with a knack for successful multi-unit operations, leadership and scaling. At 17 he had his first experience at entrepreneurship by creating an online store selling used old-edition textbooks that his dad, a groundskeeper for UNLV, would collect at the end of every semester after they were disposed of. After graduating with 50+ college credits from the local charter school, Nevada State High School, he transferred to UNLV and graduated in 2010 with a BA in Experimental Psychology. He was the first in his immediate family to earn a college degree.
During college he excelled in the insurance industry while saving up his money for an eventual opportunity. He turned down an offer to open his own insurance agency to instead pursue opening a café. In 2013, he worked on coffee fields for a month in the countries of Colombia, Peru & Brazil and gained vast experience in specialty coffee and its dynamic process.
Energized by his life-changing trip, he became the co-founder of Makers & Finders in the Arts District in late 2014. His sophomore effort came in 2017 when he successfully opened a second location in Downtown Summerlin. In 2020, he created Take It Easy Roasters in Chinatown Las Vegas. At this location, he and his team roasts coffee, bakes goods and exports over 60,000 empanadas annually for all Makers & Finders locations. During the summer of 2021 he opened a satellite Makers & Finders location at AREA15, serving coffee, tea and small bites. The combined revenue of his operations exceed 5 million dollars annually. Currently, he is putting the final touches to his fifth location in Henderson, NV which opens this Spring on Valle Verde & the 215. He plans to continue growing Makers & Finders to other cities and bringing empanadas and coffee to retail shelves nationwide.
Throughout all of the experiences above, the one lesson I learned was to trust myself. Draw close to your imagination and gut, and learn to create a healthy self-dialogue that breed self-exploration. The more you talk to yourself, the better you understand yourself. The moment I recognized this lesson and truly applied it, it changed me from the inside and out. I had become a force of nature.
VIM: What’s next for yourself and the companies you helped get started?
'JOSH MOLINA: My goal is to continue developing my workflow to be able to manage sustainable growth for Makers & Finders in Las Vegas and beyond. There are plans to expand outside of Las Vegas in 2024. Additionally, we are working on product development to compete in the retail space with our most beloved products.
Personally, I am motivated to become the best father to my son Hudson, a better partner, son, grand son, brother and community leader. I take great pride in the experiences and challenges I have faced because of the learning opportunities they presented me. I feel wiser, experienced and reinvigorated. It is important to me to sustain these feelings while continuing to pursue the company goals.
PIECING IT TOGETHER PODCAST At MAYA CINEMAS FOR COCAINE BEAR FEB 23
David Rosen’s Piecing It Together Podcast will be live at Maya Cinemas for the film Cocaine Bear on February 23. Joining him will be Comedians Jason Harris (@jasonharriscomedy) and Luella Chavez (@luella.chavez) and Film Director Michael Keene (@mbkeene).
“I've got three great guests for the show, all people who have been guests on regular episodes of Piecing It Together before,” David Rosen says, “Jason Harris is a comedian as well as a filmmaker and is a regular on my show. I also produced his movie podcast Awesome Movie Year, so it's awesome to be able to have him on this live episode. Luella Chavez was one of the earliest guests I had on my podcast back when I was just getting started and connecting with other local podcasters. She is a podcaster, an actress and a stand-up comedian. Michael Keene was actually the director of the first movie that I ever did a live podcast on, The Head, back at 2019's Sin City Horror Fest. Since then I've had him on my podcast a couple of other times, and he's launched a successful YouTube review channel of his own, along with continuing to make films.”
David Rosen says he hopes this will be the first of many live podcasts to coincide with special screenings and film festivals.
“I've always thought since they opened right before the pandemic that Maya Cinemas would be an awesome venue to do a live episode of the podcast at, David said, “It just so happened that some of the partners that are helping me get this live show going had done some work with them before so it made for a perfect opportunity to finally do it. I would love to do shows at other theaters too (I did one last year in California too and am looking forward to doing them all over), but Maya is a great place and I hope to do plenty more there.”
The dark, R-rated action-comedy is loosely based on the true story of a 175-pound black bear living in the Chattahoochee National Forest in Georgia that, in the mid-1980s, gorged itself on 70 pounds of cocaine dropped in an aerial drug run gone bad.
The movie directed by Elizabeth Banks features an ensemble cast that includes Keri Russell, O'Shea Jackson Jr., Christian Convery, Alden Ehrenreich, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Brooklynn Prince, Isiah Whitlock Jr., Kristofer Hivju, Hannah Hoekstra, Margo Martindale, and Ray Liotta in one of his final performances before his death.
David Rosen’s music video for the song "Blacklight" from his new album MORE CONTENT is forthcoming.
#cocainebear #moviepodcast #lasvegas #podcastersofinstagram #podcasts
More info: Piecing It Together Podcast
BMI HOSTS RECEPTION TO INTRODUCE 2023 SPRING FELLOWS
The Beverly Rogers, Carol C. Harter Black Mountain Institute (BMI) introduced their 2023 Spring Fellows on Thursday, January 19 at a reception held at The Doyle in Las Vegas. BMI brings writers and the literary imagination into the heart of public life through live experiences, fellowships, innovative media, and literary activism.
Visiting fellows join a community of creative writers and scholars in a a thriving literary scene in Las Vegas and on the campus of UNLV. Current fellows include Fakhria Rasikh, Melissa Febos, Nabila Lovelace, Jaquira Diaz, Anna Qu, Ahmed Naji, and Amanda Fortini.
BMI Spring 2023 Fellows book were available for purchase courtesy of The Writer’s Block
Coming up next for BMI is the Breakout Writers Series with Raquel Gutiérrez on January 25 at the Barrick Museum of Art. The program will be introduced by Tanya Shirazi, writer and PhD candidate from UNLV’s Creative Writing International Program.
Raquel Gutiérrez is an arts critic/writer, poet and educator. Born and raised in Los Angeles, Gutiérrez credits the queer and feminist DIY post-punk ‘zine culture of the 1990s plus Los Angeles County and Getty paid arts internships with introducing her/them to the various vibrant art & music scenes and communities throughout Southern California. Gutiérrez is a 2021 recipient of the Rabkin Prize in Arts Journalism, as well as a 2017 recipient of the The Andy Warhol Foundation Arts Writers Grant. Her/Their writing has recently appeared in Art In America, NPR Music, Places Journal, and High Country News. Gutiérrez teaches in the Oregon State University-Cascades Low Residency Creative Writing MFA Program. Her/Their first book of prose, “Brown Neon,” is an ekphrastic memoir that considers what it means to be a Latinx artist during the Trump era. It is out now from Coffee House Press.
Colette LaBouff, Executive Director of Black Mountain Institute speaking at the BMI Spring 2023 Fellows Reception
Charlotte Wyatt, Executive Director of Black Mountain Institute speaking at the BMI Spring 2023 Fellows Reception.
More info: Black Mountain Institute, The Writer’s Block
ARTIST MICHELLE GRAVES EXAMINES THE CONCEPT OF RESISTANCE IN NEW WORK
Core Contemporary latest exhibition “The Alchemy of Resistance”, a solo art exhibition featuring Core Arts Concord's current Artist-in-Residence, Michelle Graves is having an opening reception on Friday, January 13 at 6pm.
The exhibition will be an immersive multi-disciplinary experience of sculpture, paintings, drawings and special interactive installations showcasing the unique body of work Graves created on-site in the nonprofit studio during a 5-week period beginning in early December.
From Michelle Grave’s ‘The Alchemy of Resistance’ Exhibition
“Since moving to Las Vegas from Chicago in January 2021, I’ve been pretty consistent in going to art exhibits and reaching out to build a network within the art community here, Artist Michelle Graves states, “As a still fairly new transplant, I’m looking forward to seeing friends I’ve made, acquaintances, the network of the gallery and anyone interested in art/science concepts in attendance of “The Alchemy of Resistance.” I was deeply rooted in the art scene in Chicago and this opening reception will be a good introduction of my art practice to this community.”
“I was deeply rooted in the art scene in Chicago and this opening reception will be a good introduction of my art practice to this community.””
“My experience as the Core Arts Concord resident artist has been intense and needed,” Graves added, “There’s nothing like having a dedicated work space and an allotted amount of time to come up with a concept and make new work. I am grateful for having met Nancy Good of Core Arts Concord and Core Contemporary Gallery. The opportunity and platform she provides to the Las Vegas art community and the work she chooses to present in her gallery is invaluable to the scene.”
More info: gravesmichelle.com
POLY SCHMITT BRINGS THE CHURCH OF JOHN WATERS BOOK CLUB TO AVANTPOP
A young Director John Waters
VIM Magazine is bringing back its interview series after a several year hiatus. The interview series in the past highlighted luminaries in the contemporary arts, music, and fashion scene. Other notable interviews include Boz Boorer from Morrissey, Polecats, Adam Ant fame and Naoko Yamano, lead singer of Shonen Knife. This week VIM Magazine Editor In Chief Jorge Lara interviewed Poly Schmitt, who sells vintage homes in the Las Vegas downtown area. She is bringing a book club dedicated to the bibliography of John Waters to Avantpop Books in Las Vegas.
VIM MAGAZINE: What was your interest in starting the book club at Avantpop or how did the idea come about?
POLY SCHMITT: I posted some John Waters-worthy $3 Moonshine at XO Liquor in the Commercial Center to my Downtown neighborhood FB page. The comment section went wildddd. People are moving here from Portland, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, etc. They're looking for cultural meeting points, both low-brow and high-brow. Plus, Vegas locals want to find and meet other weirdos – they just don't know where or how. The Church of John Waters (a very trashy book club) provides an easy (and loose!) way to find each other. I'm also a huge believer in creating your own universe. If it doesn't exist, make it happen.
““John Waters is the Patron Saint of being trashy. We need to embrace that part of ourselves here in Sin City.”
VIM MAGAZINE: I love that this book club encourages people to read a book. Why was Director John Waters picked as the focus? I saw the bookstore has a dedicated John Waters section.
POLY SCHMITT: John Waters is the Patron Saint of being trashy. We need to embrace that side of ourselves here in Sin City. Waters is the focus because his movies and books are irreverent and disgusting. He doesn't give a f*ck and we shouldn't either. Book clubs are too serious, so we want this book club to be a little fun AND a little trashy. We may not be the best book club around, but we will be the most talked about. And, we like it that way.
VIM MAGAZINE: For those who haven't been to the Avantpop Bookstore, how would you describe the place?
POLY SCHMITT: Oh, Avantpop Bookstore is very Baltimore with a dedicated John Waters section already in place. It's practically perfect – an indie bookstore smack dab in the middle of a sex club (The Green Door) and a gay bathhouse (Entourage). The bookstore has a little cart outside with bargain books. Inside, you'll find an old-fashioned glass counter checkout, rows of tall bookshelves, an open space for meetings, and a cultural hub of flyers and zines and stickers. It feels like home.The owners are friendlyAF, too.
VIM MAGAZINE: What can members expect from future book club meetings?
POLY SCHMITT: A whole lot of trash talk, an occasional hustler, an outburst or two, tons of profanity, lewd commentary, junk food, John Waters prizes, and some semblance of a discussion on the book, day drinking after with new friends who are wild and weird.
VIM MAGAZINE: So tell us your backstory? Are you an avid reader? What's your favorite book or author?
POLY SCHMITT: I moved here 18 years ago from Los Angeles and I sell vintage homes in our oldest and most cherished Las Vegas neighborhoods. I read everything from the back of a cereal box to art manifestos to shitty Facebook posts. My favorite book is related to John Waters written by one of his protégés, Cookie Mueller. It's called Walking Through Clear Water in a Pool Painted Black.
VIM MAGAZINE: I love the description for the event on Facebook. Pretty chill. What advice would you give people wanting to be more avid readers in the new year?
POLY SCHMITT: There are no rules in life. Wipe off your dirty readers, and dive straight into the gutter with a trashy read. It doesn't have to be a literary masterpiece because anything you read will make you infinitely sexier.
VIM PHOTOGRAPHER CAMILA QUINECHE AT TAVERNA COSTERA
VIM Magazine Photographer Camila Quineche, a Peruvian born aspiring photographer and filmmaker will have their work featured at Taverna Costera’s photo wall (located on the second floor) for August 2022.
“I've been lucky to have traveled around the world to meet lots of different people in lots of different places.” Camila says about her photography, “I'm naturally curious and so learning new things is my biggest pleasure!”
“As a photographer I love experimenting and trying out new things, as well as connecting with other creatives and learning from them.” Camila adds.
Camila’s first assignment for VIM will be documenting this year’s MAGIC fashion convention in Las Vegas which will launch on August 8.
You can reach Camila at email: camila@vimmag.com
More info: Camila Quineche
MAGIC LAS VEGAS 2022 ANNOUNCES FASHION CELEBRITY SPEAKERS
by Jorge Lara
LAS VEGAS- Leading global fashion industry connector, Informa Markets Fashion, organizer of MAGIC, PROJECT, and SOURCING at MAGIC Las Vegas, revealed celebrity-studded and trend-focused agenda for the August 8-10, 2022, edition slated to be held at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Retailers from around the world attend the bi-annual event to discover the hottest new trends, buy product, discover new brands, and learn from fashion moguls and industry experts. Register here to attend.
“For decades, MAGIC, PROJECT, and SOURCING at MAGIC Las Vegas has served as the industry’s meeting place for our industry to connect and do business”
MAGIC, PROJECT, and SOURCING at MAGIC Las Vegas is the must-attend meeting place for the fashion industry, serving as a springboard for designer and retailer business connections, with a world-class lineup of brands, speakers, and partners confirmed to date. Notable fashion celebrity speakers include Katy Perry, Kristin Cavallari, Lala Kent, and Ashley Stock, among others.
The industry’s premier co-located fashion wholesale event is strategically designed to cover all facets of fashion – from the largest selection of men’s and women’s trend-driven and contemporary apparel, footwear, and accessories, to sourcing materials and supply chain – attracting thousands of big-box, online, specialty chain, and boutique retailers for three days of discovery, order-writing, networking, inspiration, and education.
The August 2022 Las Vegas edition offers complimentary workshops and panels for all buyers by Industry experts from HighSnobiety, The McCord List, BoutiqueHub, Sourcing Journal, The Interline, Hey Social Good, and many more.
“For decades, MAGIC, PROJECT, and SOURCING at MAGIC Las Vegas has served as the industry’s meeting place for our industry to connect and do business,” said Kelly Helfman, President of Informa Markets Fashion. “It’s crucial to us as the organizers that the event reflects what’s happening in the industry and serves as a springboard for new trends and retailer-to-brand discovery.”
Helfman continued, “It’s not often you have the opportunity to learn from Katy Perry, Kristin Cavallari, and Lala Kent, three remarkable women leading various corners of the fashion industry, combined with a robust lineup of brands and premium denim from Levi’s, Hudson Jeans, and Joe’s Jeans. In addition to highlighting emergent brands, paired with respected and established brands, our upcoming event brings attention to the circular fashion landscape, from seed to shelf and everything in between – a true representation of today’s fashion ecosystem.”
Select sessions confirmed for the August 2022 event include:
August 8 – Lala Kent at 1:00 p.m. in MAGIC, West Hall
Lala Kent is a social media maven, actress, writer, and entrepreneur. Follow along as she discusses social media trends for 2023 and step up your social media game and learn how to scale your business and brand with our panel of fashion and social media experts. Key takeaways include how to engage celebrities to transform your marketing efforts and strategies to think outside of the box with engaging social media campaigns.
August 9 – Katy Perry at 9:00 a.m. on the N:OW Stage in Project, North Hall
PROJECT Las Vegas will feature Katy Perry as the opening keynote speaker in an unforgettable conversation where she will share her perspective on entrepreneurship, her unique sense of design, and her sources of creative inspiration. Afterward, join Katy in the Katy Perry Collections booth at PROJECT to view her new collection. Katy Perry Collections features shoes that turn heads, stop traffic, and start conversations. Designed for women seeking bold, glamorous style at affordable prices, Katy Perry Collections brings the global popstar’s creative visions and stand-out style to life in a line that ranges from casual sandals and colorful sneakers to playful stilettos and sophisticated pumps.
August 9 – Kristin Cavallari at 1:00 p.m. in MAGIC, West Hall
Lifestyle entrepreneur, TV personality, and The New York Times Bestselling author Kristin Cavallari is taking the MAGIC stage with our host and founder of The McCord List, Rachel McCord, to share all about her journey to entrepreneurship, building a successful brand and business, and valuable insight on making it all work. Kristin will also be sharing her journey to building a successful brand and balancing life as a mompreneur in her session titled “Uncommon Advice.”
The Fall event’s educational and experiential agenda is a true reflection of the latest industry happenings and forecasted trends, making it the must-attend event for a sneak peek into next season’s must-have brands and designs, plus to garner insights on how to build a fashion business and navigate current challenges. Select educational sessions include:
Vegas 101: How and what to shop at MAGIC Las Vegas with Kelly Helfman, President, Informa Markets Fashion.
Trend Alerts: What's Hot, Happening and On-trend: What the MAGIC customer is wearing and where to find it, hosted by celebrity host, Rachel McCord.
Future-Proofing Your Retail Business with Dane Cohen, Business Development Manager, Management One.
Social Media Sit down: Preview social media trends for 2023 moderated by Rachel McCord and featuring Lala Kent, Milton Hernandez, Director of Content and Community at Informa Markets Fashion, Brandi Fowler, fashion and lifestyle host, editor, and writer for InStyle and Cosmopolitan.
The Circular Fashion Wheel: Designers, brands, and retailers are a part of the new circular movement working with new fibers and fabrics to decrease pollution by upcycling and reusing garments, rethinking packaging, and bringing fashion into a new and exciting decade. Join the discussion with fashion experts Steven Millman Chief Brand Officer, Bella Dahl, Daren Abney, Senior Business Development Manager, Lenzing Group, and Jessica Schreiber Founder & CEO, FABSCRAP.
Trade Policy Issues Affecting Textiles and Apparel Trade: A Conversation with USTR and the Department of Commerce: the US Trade Representative’s Office and the US Dept of Commerce shares an update on current and future trade policy issues affecting our industry.
The expo floor, featuring hundreds of brands across the three co-located events, provides retailers with a cross-category representation of designers in the women’s and men’s markets, plus the manufacturing and sourcing side of the business. Many new and returning brands have already confirmed participation at the 2022 edition of MAGIC, PROJECT, and SOURCING at MAGIC Las Vegas, with more signing up daily.
MAGIC Las Vegas
Discover over 700 brands showcasing their upcoming collections in the women’s categories of trend, young contemporary, sportswear, footwear, and accessories at MAGIC Las Vegas, including new and established brands like En Saison, Articles of Society, Lost + Wander, Chinese Laundry, MIA, Gruppo Bravo, Rare London, and DIFF Eyewear. MAGIC Las Vegas also features a strong lineup of home, gift, and beauty from Midnight Paloma, Flicker + Flame Candle Co., and Makeup Eraser. Shop the new trends alongside key retailers expected attendees from Asos, Altar’d State, Buckle, Free People, Zappos, Princess Cruises, Aldo, and Quarate.
PROJECT Las Vegas
Connecting fashion and culture, PROJECT Las Vegas represents what is new, now, and next in men’s and women’s contemporary apparel, footwear and accessories with fashion-forward brands exhibiting from Levi’s, Polo Ralph Lauren, Inmigo Clothing, Hudson Jeans, Pas Une Marque, Calvin Klein, Dolce Vita, LOCI, Amuse Society, Johnny Was Bishop + Young, Joe’s Jeans, Sam Edelman, and Frye. Registered domestic and international buyers from Nordstrom, Bloomingdale’s, Complex, 1 Hotels, Macy’s, DTLR, Dillard’s, and Alchemy123 will discover high-end contemporary styles and culturally relevant mid-market labels.
SOURCING at MAGIC
This year SOURCING at MAGIC will be available as a hybrid experience, representing over 20 countries from across the globe. Attendees have the opportunity to preview products online both before and after the live show. SOURCING at MAGIC will continue its path to creating a more earth-conscious fashion landscape by showcasing certified sustainable manufacturers and suppliers verified by Hey Social Good and highlighting brands Made in the USA.
Visit here for a complete list of educational sessions available at the August 2022 edition of MAGIC, PROJECT, and SOURCING at MAGIC Las Vegas.
Industry press are encouraged to attend for the chance to meet with designers and speakers of interest – Register Herefor a press pass for complimentary access to all three events.
Follow Informa Markets Fashion on social and join the conversation with:
#MAGICLV
#PROJECTLV
#SOURCINGatMAGIC LV
ABOUT INFORMA MARKETS FASHION
Informa Markets Fashion connects and inspires the global fashion community through online experiences, industry insights, and worldwide fashion trade events, including MAGIC, COTERIE, PROJECT, and SOURCING at MAGIC. From more effective manufacturing and supply chain opportunities to creative design inspiration and retail on the wholesale floor, Informa Markets Fashion’s diverse portfolio supports the entire fashion ecosystem - fostering innovation and driving creativity year-round. For more information on upcoming events, please visit: www.findfashionevents.com
Contacts
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Kristin Borland
Informa Markets Fashion
Kristin.borland@informa.com
Joe Yang
Agentry PR
joe@agentrypr.com
INFORMA MARKETS FASHION
Social Media Profiles
IN MOTION: PERFORMANCES INSPIRED BY ANA MENDIETA
Photo of Clarice Tara Cuda by Amanda Keating
The Marjorie Barrick Museum of Art will be celebrating the life of Ana Mendieta with an evening of performances inspired by two films from her Silueta and Rupestrian Sculpture series on July 15.
Ana Mendieta (November 18, 1948 – September 8, 1985) was a Cuban-American performance artist, sculptor, painter and video artist who is best known for her "earth-body" artwork. Born in Havana, Mendieta left for the United States in 1961. In the course of her career, Mendieta created work in Cuba, Mexico, Italy, and the United States. Her work was somewhat autobiographical, drawing from her history of being displaced from her native Cuba, and focused on themes including feminism, violence, life, death, identity, place and belonging. Her works are generally associated with the four basic elements of nature. In 1983, Mendieta was awarded the Rome Prize by the American Academy in Rome.
Five local performers - Adriana Chavez, Yasmina Chavez, Clarice Tara Cuda, Amanda Guardado, and Javier Sanchez - will explore ideas centered around migration, loss, self-discovery, and the physicality of belonging. The night will be lead by fellow performance artist, Brent Holmes. You're invited to watch the performances and consider your own experiences of being in the world.
In Motion will take place at the Marjorie Barrick Museum of Art at 6:30 pm on Friday, July 15, 2022. Entry is free. Parking on the UNLV campus will be free after 1 pm. Wearing masks indoors is recommended. This event will not be suitable for all ages as some of the performances will include adult themes.
This event has been organized with support from the Art Bridges Foundation.
PERFORMERS
Adriana Chavez is a Las Vegas-based artist whose practice incorporates theatre, mask making, mask performance, collage, assemblage, movement, and sculptural installation. They have performed in venues throughout the United States, including Dell’arte Company (Blue Lake, CA), Elke Rindfleisch Dance (NYC), and the NYC Clown Theater Festival, and Naked Empire Bouffon Company (San Francisco/Boston). In June 2022 they represented Las Vegas in the inaugural Live in America Festival hosted by The Momentary (AR).
Yasmina Chavez is a time-based media artist, curator, teacher, and award-winning photojournalist based in Las Vegas. She received her MFA in Electronic Integrated Arts from Alfred University (NY) in 2016. Chavez has exhibited nationally and internationally and has been a featured artist in various media and performance based festivals including the Bullfrog Biennial (NV), Vibrant Digit (Shenyang, China), the Life Is Beautiful Festival (NV), and the Off the Strip New Genres Festival (NV). Recently she unveiled Emergent, a public sculpture created in collaboration with Javier Sanchez.
Clarice Tara Cuda is a multidisciplinary artist who uses drawing, painting, sculpture, installation, and performance to blur the boundaries of art and experience. She received her BFA from UNLV in 2017. Her works have been performed and exhibited in venues throughout Las Vegas, including Sin City Gallery, Recycled Propaganda, Core Contemporary, and the Life is Beautiful Festival. In 2018 she performed at Art Basel Miami Beach (FL) in collaboration with fellow Las Vegas artist Amanda Keating.
Amanda Guardado (@is a Las Vegas-based Cuban-American actor with a BFA from UNLV’s Department of Theater. She has appeared in numerous productions throughout the city including Nevada Conservatory Theatre’s Blood Wedding, The Asylum Theatre’s Scherzo (Dialogue with a Statue), and Majestic Repertory Theatre’s Our Town and Empanada Loca. In 2020 she took part in Traces of Us, an experimental Ana Mendieta-themed performance project supported by Pervasive Media Studio (Bristol, UK).
Originally from Mexico City, Mexico, Javier Sanchez is a multidisciplinary artist based in Las Vegas. His work asks viewers to negotiate between perceptions shaped by mass media and the inherent authenticity of the artist. Sanchez received a MFA in 2017 from SUNY, Buffalo. His work has been featured locally at the Government Center Rotunda Gallery, Marjorie Barrick Museum of Art, the Life Is Beautiful Festival, and other venues. Nationally, his work has been exhibited at the Torrance Art Museum (CA), Buffalo Art Studios (NY), Big Orbit Gallery (TX), and CASP Studio 1 (TX).
More info: Barrick Museum
Nevada Women's Film Festival Returns In-Person for 2022
Movie still from “Move Me No Mountain,’ directed by Nevada Filmmaker of the Year Deborah Richards
The 8th Annual Nevada Women’s Film Festival returns in-person to Las Vegas, June 23 – 26, 2022. Festivities kick off on Thursday evening at MEET Las Vegas downtown. The diverse international lineup includes 63 films from 13 countries, representing a wide variety of genres and filmmakers, ranging from seasoned professionals to students and local talent.
“People should expect to be entertained, inspired, and enlightened by some of the most creative women in the world,” Nikki Corda, Executive Director & Founder of the Nevada Women’s Film Festival told VIM Magazine.
Some of the films featuring this year include ‘Move Me No Mountain,’ directed by Nevada Filmmaker of the Year Deborah Richards and Vanguard Award Recipient film ‘Nuclear Family,’ directed by Ry-Russo Young. ‘Move Me No Mountain’ tells the story of a successful real estate agent that can no longer deal with the crushing guilt of her daughter’s death, so she voluntarily walks out of society to live a life of sleeping rough on the streets of sin city Las Vegas. Another notable film includes ‘The Creative High,’ a documentary directed by Adriana Marchione featuring nine artists in recovery from addiction who are transformed by creativity in their turbulent search for identity and freedom. VIM Magazine will be previewing and highlighting the films before the festival and officially covering the festival each day.
The festival is supported, in part, by the Nevada Arts Council, a state agency, which receives support from the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency. This festival is made possible by support from Nevada Humanities and the National Endowment for the Humanities.
NWFFest is a FilmFreeway Gold Festival and is IMDb-qualifying.
More info: Nevada Women’s Film Festival
Check out the official trailer for this year’s festival below:
THE DAM SHORT FILM FESTIVAL 2022 RETURNS AS VIRTUAL EVENT
The 2022 Dam Short Film Festival returns once again as a virtual event using the Eventive platform with live Q&As and other livestreaming events.
With more than 140 films programmed, you will be able to network with filmmakers and film fans alike. The schedule of events includes live Filmmaker Q&A Sessions, live special events, a virtual filmmaker lounge and more.
The festival includes 20+ thematic 60- to 90-minute program blocks with categories including Animation, Comedy, Documentary, Drama, Horror, International, Music Video, Nevada, Sci-Fi and Underground – all available on-demand.
More info: Dam Short Film Festival
DAM SHORT FILM FESTIVAL VIRTUAL SCREENING AWARD WINNING NEVADA FILMMAKERS
The Dam Short Film Festival is offering virtual screenings of 11 award-winning fan favorites by Nevada Filmmakers. The festival has decided to do an off-season showcase of some top-short films virtually. Drama, comedy, documentaries, and even music videos are all available to stream on-demand right now through the end of the month. Tickets for the virtual screening are $10 and can be purchased on the festival’s website (Dam Short Film).
The 18th annual Dam Short Film Festival is Feb 10-14 at the historic Boulder Theater.
We Are One: A Free Global Film Festival Premieres Today
We Are One: A Global Film Festival is a free 10-day online festival, exclusively on YouTube, born out of the idea that the film community can come together in times of crises - both in celebration of films and in support by providing much needed relief for COVID-19 efforts.
The 10-day online festival is from May 29 - June 7 on www.youtube.com/weareone. Each film or program will have a first screening at a scheduled time. Many of the films will be available on VOD to watch through the course of the festival.
All the films and programs are made available for free during this limited time to raise funds for COVID-19 relief.
Participating festivals include: Annecy International Animation Film Festival, Berlin International Film Festival, BFI London Film Festival, Cannes Film Festival, Guadalajara International Film Festival, International Film Festival & Awards Macao (IFFAM), International Film Festival Rotterdam, Jerusalem Film Festival, Mumbai Film Festival (MAMI), Karlovy Vary International Film Festival, Locarno Film Festival, Marrakech International Film Festival, New York Film Festival, San Sebastian International Film Festival, Sarajevo Film Festival, Sundance Film Festival, Sydney Film Festival, Tokyo International Film Festival, Toronto International Film Festival, Tribeca Film Festival, and Venice Film Festival.
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Cyber Shorts Film Festival Announces Schedule and Official Selections
The Cyber Shorts Film Festival has announced its schedule and official movie selections. Among those selections are Jesse Pino’s “Not Your Bible” directed by Georgia Harter and Sonia Barcelona’s “Violent Water” Directed by Danny Chandia.
The June 6 screening is free and open to the public. RSVP on AltSpaceVR.
Cyber Shorts: A VR Film Festival is one of the first film festivals ever to be conceived of specifically for and hosted on a Virtual Reality platform. Festival Directors Darryl A. Armstrong and Shahab Zargari developed the idea to launch a film festival using Microsoft’s AltspaceVR platform after hosting a successful event on it for author Matt Ruff (Lovecraft Country, 88 Names).
The festival will be held on Saturday, June 6 from 11:30am-3:00pm Pacific time on the AltspaceVR platform and will include two hours of films along with a Q&A session with filmmakers.
NOTE: You do not need a VR headset to join the screening. All you would need is to download and boot up the AltSpace VR app on PC to access 2D mode.
SCHEDULE
All times listed are in Pacific Standard Time and approximate.
11:30am Doors open
11:35 All Attendees muted
11:40 Trailers, Salutations, First block begins
Dreams Aren’t Made by the Wind
Director Elvert Bañares
“Not Your Bible” by Jesse Pino
Director Georgia Harter
Balance
Director Barzan Rostami
NO
Director Roudi Boroumand
Rabbit
Director Grayson Orr
The Invitation
Director Meltem Cemiloglu
DUDS – A Fiddlefaddle Fable
Director Jeff Zampino
Toro Toro Toro!
Director Shahab Zargari
12:45pm Intermission begins, All attendees unmuted during break
12:55 All Attendees muted
1:00 Second block begins
Always
Director Sam Zapiain
Emunah
Director Michael Yosef
The Water Runs Red
Director Nicolle Peterson
Nicole
Director Grayson Orr
CoronaVegas
Director Michael Tushaus
Multiply
Director Tobias Steiner
“Ideas” by Bad Phantom
Director Georgia Harter
Delete
Director Mason Greer
Swing
Director Mari Jaye Blanchard
Angel Food Cake of Doom
Director Tiffany Warren
Charlie
Director Sterling Hampton
Violent Water
Director Danny Chandia
2:20 Award winners announced followed by filmmaker Q&A – Raise your hand, moderators will call on you.
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Help Design Dam Short Film Festival's 2021 Poster
Would you like to help design the Dam Short Film Festival’s 2021 poster? The Dam Short Film Society board of directors will select a winning design from the entries. The first place winning poster design will also be used for other promotional materials such as tickets, passes, T-shirts, pins, magnets, stickers, hats, web banners, and printed advertisements. If you submit a design, you warrant that you own all rights to the design. First place winner will be asked to sign a release allowing the Dam Short Film Society to use the design in perpetuity. Submitters retain the copyright to their respective designs. All submitted designs will be featured in a poster art show in Boulder City (location and date to be announced - photos from last year's event: https://www.facebook.com/pg/damshortfilm/photos/?tab=album&album_id=2702472019840242).
To Submit: Between March 1st and June 1st, 2020, send a digital copy of the design to admin@damshortfilm.org. Include POSTER ENTRY in subject line. The copy can be a flattened PNG or JPG file. However, winner will be asked to submit an original PSD file with separate layers for text and background (the more layers, the better!). The original file must be 12×18″ at 300 DPI. To see past designs, check out last year’s entries: https://damshortfilm.org/2020-poster-contest/.
Prizes include:
1st Place: $500 Cash, 2 2021 VIP Passes, and Festival Swag
2nd Place: 2 2021 VIP Passes and Festival swag
3rd Place: 1 2021 VIP Pass
All Other Submitters: 2 2021 Program Tickets
More info: https://damshortfilm.org/2021-festival/
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Episode Three of Experimental Video Series "Long Distance RADAR" Now Online
Episode Three of Experimental Video Series “Long Distance RADAR” is now online. The series, an uncharted collection of video works received from artists around the world is brought to you by RADAR, a “community based group action focused on anti-hierarchical and un-curated performative work'‘.
R.A.D.A.R. states they strive to create a safe and constructive platform for the live exploration of artworks based in and around the body, time and space. As a response to the restrictions imposed by a worldwide pandemic, they created an experimental Long Distance version of R.A.D.A.R. organized into a full length work by “a team of Enfants Terribles home based in Las Vegas, NV.”
The episode, part of a four part series features artists: Terbo Ted / Brent Holmes / Ang Kerfoot / cult 33 / Keeva D. Lough / Andy R / Rebecca Gabrielle / Jessica Borusky / Saladboibookclub / Emily Windler Kuwabara / Adriana Chavez / John McVay / Aaron Cowan / Ben Charles
The final episode will be released on Wednesday, May 27th across multiple platforms.
You can find the full episodes on their Youtube channel RADARlovesyou on Youtube and down below:
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Cyber Shorts: A VR Film Festival Coming June 6th
The Cyber Shorts: A VR Film Festival is a short film festival organized and programmed by the volunteer staff of Rise Up Daily and is open to the public. The festival programming will include two hours of short films, all 15 minutes or less, followed by one hour of a filmmaker Q&A. Awards will also be given in three categories: Best Film, Best Director, and Best Screenplay.
The jury consists of: Kelly Schwarze, an Emmy ® Nominated film director and producer; Kristy Strouse, a contributor and Operations Manager for Film Inquiry; and Blake Collier, a freelance film critic and editor.
Save the date! We hope you'll join us on Saturday, June 6 at Noon Pacific for the inaugural Cyber Shorts indie film festival hosted on @AltspaceVR. More details coming soon! https://t.co/5tlKTLPsAe
— Cyber Shorts: A VR Film Festival (@CyberShorts) May 1, 2020
The Cyber Shorts: A VR Film Festival came into being during the COVID-19 pandemic, days after the Festival Directors Darryl A. Armstrong and Shahab Zargari facilitated a successful AltspaceVR event for novelist Matt Ruff.
The submission deadline has now passed and the selection committee is busy viewing the short films that will be sent to the jury and make it into the program on June 6th.
Cyber Shorts is sponsored by Compendia Pictures (www.compendiapictures.com), and organized and programmed by the volunteer staff of Rise Up Daily (www.riseupdaily.com).
More info: Cybershorts
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A Guide To The 2020 Dam Short Film Festival Winners
The 16th Annual Dam Short Film Festival film returned February 13-16 at the Boulder Theatre in Boulder City, Nevada. Categories at this year’s festival included Drama, Comedy, Documentary, Sci-Fi/Horror, Animation, Student, Music Video, and Nevada Filmmaker. This year the festival also featured a retrospective on 40 years of The Residents.
The five-day festival featured 146 short films, up from the 133 that were screened in 2019. .
The 2020 Winners: Best Animation: Grab My Hand: A Letter to my Dad by Camrus Johnson and Pedro Piccinini. Railroad Pass Best Nevada Filmmaker: Rainshadow by Kari Barber. Best Comedy: Demand Curve by Austin Bragg and Meredith Bragg. Best Documentary: Fraser Syndrome & Me by Kyle Anne Grendys. Best Music Video: Sonia Barcelona - Violent Water by Danny Chandia / Desert Cactus Films. Best Sci-Fi / Horror: The Interview by Nate Duncan. Best Drama: Lila by Maj-Britt La Cour. Best Student Film: Father by Law by Maria De Sanctis. Leslie Paige Award for Excellence in Filmmaking: A Million Eyes by Richard Raymond. Movie Magic© Best Screenplay: Ladies Most Deject by Martha M. Elcan. Audience Favorite: 3 Normandy Lane - Movie by Brenda Strong.
Check out our guide to this year’s festival winners below.
2020 Winners:
Best Animation:
Grab My Hand: A Letter to my Dad
In this retelling of his dad's relationship with his best friend, GRAB MY HAND is Camrus Johnson's gift to his grieving father and a message to all to cherish every second you have with the ones you love while you still can. Stars Camrus Johnson, Maaliyah Papillion, and Eric R. Williams. The short film previous wins include a Jury Award for Best Animated Short at the National Film Festival for Talented Youth (NFFTY) in 2019 and winner for Best Short Short at the St. Louis International Film Festival.
Directors: Camrus Johnson and Pedro Piccinini
Writer: Camrus Johnson
Official Site: Grab My Hands Film
Railroad Pass Best Nevada Filmmaker:
Rainshadow
Rainshadow, a documentary about a high school for at-risk students, is threatened with being taken over by the state for low test scores, but the school's art teacher and principal have one last shot to save the school that has saved so many kids.
Director: Kari Barber
Best Comedy:
Demand Curve
Offended by his kidnappers' low demands, a university professor uses basic economic principles to increase his ransom and get in on the action. This 2018 short crime comedy stars Nick Cassidy, William Castrogiovanni, Jono Eiland, Jonathan Galettok, and Chris Mathieu.
Directors: Austin Bragg and Meredith Bragg
Writers: Austin Bragg and Meredith Bragg
Best Documentary:
Fraser Syndrome & Me
Filmmaker Kyle Anne Grendys, is only the 75th person to be born with the rare, recessive gene disorder called Fraser Syndrome. Having always felt alone in the world, she sets out on a journey to find her community and finally meets others just like her.
“From the moment I could hold a camera, I knew I would grow up to make this film. Making "Fraser Syndrome & Me" gave me the opportunity to give to others what I needed growing up. I needed to know that I wasn't as alone as I felt. My family needed to know that there were others out there going through the same journey. That yes, it is going to be a long and sometimes difficult road, but there is hope. After all of my traveling, I can honestly say that the individuals I met who have Fraser Syndrome are some of the best people. Everyone would enjoy hearing their stories and have the pleasure of knowing them. It is clear that these individuals have experienced a lot of hardships but they choose to be loving and kind. Parents that have endured these hardships continue to fight and believe in their child when the world does not. I started this journey feeling utterly alone. But now, I can't believe how lucky I am to be a part of this beautiful family.”
Film by Kyle Anne Grendys
Music By: Boris Skalsky
Official website: Fraser Syndrome & Me
Best Music Video:
Sonia Barcelona - Violent Water
It started with a #Kickstarter that got funded featuring Sonia Barcelona who was recently named 'The Best Emerging Voice of 2018' by the Las Vegas Weekly. "With a looper and guitar, Las Vegas musician Sonia Barcelona is making waves. Disenfranchised with years of studying accounting, the up-and-coming musician ditched the debits and credits at 19 and picked up her ukulele because she knew making music was her calling. She describes herself at that time as being shy and quiet.”
Song: Sonia Barcelona
Director/Editor: Danny Chandia
Producer: Rachel Johnson https://desertcactusfilms.com
Backdrop Paintings: Matthew Murphy
Filmed at SPCKRFT Studios in Las Vegas
Official website: http://www.soniabarcelona.com
Best Sci-Fi / Horror:
The Interview
The 2019 short drama stars Writer / Director Nate Duncan, Shawn Kathryn Kane, and Christina July Kim. The film past awards include Best Supporting Actress for Shawn Kathryn Kane by Action on Film International Film Festival and winner of Best in Show at the Albany Film Festival. The film was also a finalist for the HBO Short Film Competition at Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival 2019.
Director: Nate Duncan
Writer: Nate Duncan
Best Drama:
Lila
Lila gets awful news from her doctors and starts distancing herself from her daughter, grandson, and life. A chance encounter gives her a new perspective on the little time she has left. This 2018 short drama from Denmark stars Christina Bach, Ernesto Piga Carbone and Solbjorg Hojfeldt.
Director: Maj-Britt La Cour
Writers: Signe Vaupel, Maj-Britt La Cour
Best Student Film:
Father by Law
A father attempts to reconnect with his daughter on her wedding day. The 2019 short drama stars Mike Bash, Jacquie Cardinale, and Claire Chapelli.
Director Maria De Sanctis
Writers: Maria De Sanctis, Geoff McFarlane
Leslie Paige Award for Excellence in Filmmaking:
A Million Eyes
A gifted young photographer, grappling with his mother’s alcoholism, sets out to capture something he loves. The short film stars Joe Morton, Katie Lowes, and Elijah M. Cooper
Director: Richard Raymond
Movie Magic© Best Screenplay:
Ladies Most Deject
A short drama about a young girl who struggles to protect her siblings and finds refuge in a surprising way. The movie stars Sofia Adams, Pepper Binkley, and Martha M. Elcan.
Director: Martha M. Elcan
Writers: Mark Salyer and Conner Wharton
Official website: Ladies Most Deject
Audience Favorite:
#3 Normandy Lane
Army wife and young mother, Sarah Winston’s life is inextricably altered when a series of visitors arrive on her doorstep. The 2019 short drama stars Scottie Thompson, Alix Angelis, and James Bane. Previous awards include Best Actress, Best Narrative Short, and Best First-TIme Filmmaker by the GI Film Festival San Diego.
Director: Brenda Strong
Writer: John Farmanesh-Bocca
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16th Annual Dam Short Film Festival Premieres Feb. 13
The 16th Annual Dam Short Film Festival film returns February 13-16 at the Boulder Theatre in Boulder City, Nevada. Categories at this year’s festival include Drama, Comedy, Documentary, Sci-Fi/Horror, Animation, Student, Music Video, and Nevada Filmmaker. The festival is presented in 20 plus thematic program blocks over four days.
Attendees can network and party with filmmakers and film fans alike. The schedule of events includes the Filmmaker Panel, Filmmaker Meet-n-Greet, 16th Dam Mixer, Awards Gala, Film Market, and special screenings. This year the festival features a retrospective on 40 years of The Residents.
According to reviews from FilmFreeway users, the Dam Short Film Festival ranks in the top 1.5% of more than 7,000 film festivals and creative contests around the world.
And Desert Companion ranks the Dam Short Film Festival as the Best Local Film Festival in the Las Vegas Valley.
More info: Dam Short Film Festival
