ExperienceLA Bloggers experience the diversity of Los Angeles arts and culture, giving insight on their adventures. This blog is in conjunction with ExperienceLA.com - a free public service and online resource for Los Angeles arts and culture.
 It was a warm summer night in Los Angeles with stars glinting overhead as the Ford Amphitheatre became a beautiful setting for Outdoor Screenings (part of the many events of the LA Film Festival). This open space was an oddly perfect place for a screening of Swear-A-Long Scarface... The film - uncensored, uncut - was seen by fans and newbies alike. Not for the faint of ears, it is known as having a record of 226 mentions of...an unmentionable word on this blog.
Scarface - the 1983 version, anyway - follows the rise and fall of Tony Montana (Al Pacino), a Cuban immigrant with a criminal background, who has a distinctive scar on the left side of his face. The classic imperfect character, the movie plays out almost like a Greek tragedy dealing with criminal gangs and narcotics. Montana isn't all bad; he isn't all great. Part of him could be you, even though you might not want to be him.
The event was more than the chance to show - ahem - your open-mindness regarding the freedom of word choice. It was a chance for fans to recite famous lines, and reminsce with famous scenes...all while enjoying a space open to dinner beneath the stars - perhaps a peanut butter sandwich packed before heading out or a glass of white wine after a day at work. The screening was graced by the presence of co-star Steven Bauer (who portrays Montana's sidekick Manny Ribera) and featured sponsorship by Metro Mix and 103.1 Indie.
Labels: film, Hollywood, la film fest, Screenings
 When my friend Adam asked me if I was interested in attending a Last Remaining Seats event at the Los Angeles Theatre (The answer was "Of course!"), I had no idea that the event was going to be more than a screening of Mel Brooks' "Young Frankenstein"...
Pre-Show:
Think Downtown's Broadway Avenue with a really long line of people...a long line stretching out a few blocks...separated only by a couple of streetlights.
That was my welcoming sight to the event. My thoughts? "Wow, that's a long line" and "No wonder these things are sold out."
In the Los Angeles Theatre: Built on Broadway between 1911 and 1931, this theatre is known as the last and most extravagant of the movie palaces. Without getting into architectural details that I have no expertise in, all I can really say is that it's an amazing theatre with crystal chandaliers, mirrors, and ornate columns and walls.
It even has a ballroom. I felt like Cinderella - minus the prince, the gown, and the glass slippers.
Pre-Movie: If the setting wasn't amazing enough, how about a surprise appearance by Mel Brooks and Cloris Leachman?! Before the screening, the audience was given an unexpected visit and conversation with these talented and comedic celebrities. In a theatre dimly lit, you couldn't miss the laughter, applause, and even the smiles.
The Movie: It's Mel Brooks' "Young Frankenstein" on a ginormous screen. If you haven't seen it - you should. A hilarious "adaptation" of the Mary Shelley classic, shot in black and white film in the 70s, Dr. Frankenstein's grandson has inherited it all...including the secret of reanimated life that leads to hijinks and hilarity. Post-Movie: Prior to the event, a nice woman next to us gave us a restaurant recommendation at the Tranquility Base Restaurant on 8th/Hill which offers food up until 2am. She pulled out a "Nights on the Town" in Historic Downtown flyer, featuring restaurants that are a part of a limited promotion organized by the Downtown LA Retail. Barely missing the dinner menu, we did enjoy the late night menu and the cool ambiance of the restaurant, which included big screens with classic film reels and an outdoor patio with a fire place. All the Last Remaining Seats events sell out annually. Make plans early next year because even the line before you get in is worth seeing. -Charity Tran, ExperienceLA.com Web Coordinator Labels: Broadway, Downtown LA, film, Historic Core
 Yay for the coming summer months and spending time outdoors (not that we already don't do that in the awesome year-round weather of Southern California... but it's nice to still have something to be excited about)! With that in mind, there are a lot of festivals coming up during the weekend that are worth checking out. A little something for everyone...
May 31st: BioBlitz Festival
Grab your backpack and join the National Geographic Society and the National Park Service for this 24-hour event. Teams of scientists, naturalists, community leaders, students and the public join forces to discover and inventory the biodiversity in the nation’s largest urban national park.
May 31st: 3rd Annual T.O.M. Film Festival
Film goers will not only enjoy free admission for the festival, but they’ll have the opportunity to find out more about local and global initiatives to fight and end modern day slavery.
May 30th-June 1st: Los Angeles Accordion Festival
The first annual festival kicks off TODAY, featuring 15 accordion players and their bands showcasing diverse styles from Cajun to Irish to Rockabilly, and even an accordion workshop for those of you who want to learn more about the instrument.
And don't forget that the LA Film Fest tickets go on sale on June 2nd!
Happy Friday everyone!
-ExperienceLA StaffLabels: Accordions, Downtown LA, Festivals, film, Little Tokyo, Santa Monica, Science, Social Justice
 LA is a place known more for its car-friendliness (have you seen the traffic out there?), but that doesn't mean it's lacking in more eco-friendly options (especially as those gas prices rise). So take some time out to learn how to boost the green power in your life. Experience the arts and cultural offerings of LA and save the world in your own way...
- Film - Into Action: Greening the Earth Film & Discussions: Brought to you by the Armory Center for the Arts, City of Pasadena, and Patagonia Pasadena, explore the world in a green way through film and conversation.
ExperienceLA Go Metro! Tip: Take the Gold Line and get off at Memorial Park station. (April 15th and April 22nd)
- Festival - Wilshire Center Earth Day/Car Free Day: Leave the car at home and head to this festival on Wilshire Blvd. See more than 100 exhibit booths and enjoy the music and speakers on the festival's three stages. Kids will enjoy the children's stage and programs and everyone can enjoy all of the event's food offerings.
ExperienceLA Go Metro! Tip: Take the Purple Line and get off at Wilshire/Western. (April 22nd)
- Music - Go Metro!: Earth Day Canon Concert: Celebrate Earth Day through song. Head to Union Station in your Metro-friendly way and get access to a concert by eco-friendly rock band Canon. The only way in is with a Metro ticket. Check out this video for more information.
ExperienceLA Go Metro! Tip: Take the Red Line and get off at Union Station. (April 22nd)
- Festival - Universal Studios Hollywood Eco-Fair: Celebrate earth day with celebrity appearances, over 30 educational displays, and even free parking for hybrids! Jump-start your earth-friendly behavior by supporting the hazardous waste disposal drive.
ExperienceLA Go Metro! Tip: Take the Red Line and get off at Universal City Station. (April 26th)
- Art - Natura: Mythology, Spirit, Memory: Join these LA artists in their poetic journey reflecting their relationship to the Earth. (April 12th-May 5th)
- Festival - Worldfest: LA's Largest Earth Day Festival: In its 7th year, join this solar-powered celebration of food, music, the environment, and animals.
ExperienceLA Go Metro! Tip: Take the Orange Line and get off at Woodley Station. (May 10th)
Go Green! Go Metro! Experience LA!
-Charity Tran, ExperienceLA.com Web Coordinator
Labels: Earth Day, Festivals, film, Metro, Union Station, Universal Studios
 Daood interviews Ayuko Babu, film festival director for the Pan African Film and Arts Festival. Read on for great insights about this annual film/arts festival and this year's events.
Daood: As president of PAFF and this year being the 16th annual event, [who are] the co-stars of this organization [that] have been essential to the longevity and success of this vision?
Mr. Babu: The people who were the co-founders of the festival and essential to the longevity of the festival [are] Danny Glover (actor), Janet DuBois (actress), Asantewa Olatunji, Esq. (General Manager/Director of Programming of the Festival, [and] Miki Goral (Director of Research).
Daood: Philosophically, how significant is film as an art-form?
Mr. Babu: Film, is the key art form for the 20th and 21st century. The reason for this is that all other art forms fold into it. And also film has mass appeal where it influences millions and millions of people around the world.
Daood: Since the onset of PAFF to the present the films underscore certain esthetic themes regardless of subject matter. What is the selection process for those films chosen to be apart of the PAFF?
Mr. Babu: The criteria for the selection of films entered in PAFF is 1) Does the film speak to us and our people?; if it attempts to explain us to other people PAFF is not interested; 2) Does the film tell a good story?; and 3) Is the film entertaining?
Daood: Your experience with the Republic of Guinea film industry is unique and I'm sure the audience would enjoy reading about it. Would you say that memorable epoch perhaps gave ground for the PAFF?
Mr. Babu: The idea for the Pan African Film Festival came from Mr. Gilbert Minot, who was the Director General of Silly-Cinema. Silly-Cinema was the governmental arm in charge of all film productions, theatres for exhibition films and he also was the person that convinced Kwame Toure (Stokley Carmichael) and Miriam Makeba (African singing superstar) to move to Guinea.
Daood: Tell us about the relationship that you have with the third largest film industry in the world Nigeria?
Mr. Babu: I have been invited several times to be a Juror at the African Academy Awards, which is held annually in the city of Lagos, Nigeria. I also have extensive and formal ties with various entities in the Nigerian Film Industry.
Daood: Have there been any films spoken of with great adulation, creating a buzz with anticipation thus far?
Mr. Babu: Yes, Return to Goree (Senegal), Namibia – the Struggle for Liberation (Namibia), and the Yacoubian Building (Eqypt).
Daood: Last year Saturday February 17th was the 51st anniversary of Ghana's Independence. How did the PAFF celebrate this special occasion?
Mr. Babu: We acknowledged Ghana’s independence by showcasing a film from Ghana entitled A Goat’s Tale and hosted a reception for the Ghanaian Community.
Daood: In addition to the films, there are events such as Spoken-Word Fest, Stand-Up Comedy and a PAFF Fashion Show. Can you elaborate upon them?
Mr. Babu: Spoken Word is a poetry showcase that sells out every year, hosted by Shihan, one of the members of the Deaf Poetry Jam family (Friday, February 8th at 9pm and Friday, February 15th @ 9pm). Stand Up Comedy, this year’s PAFF comedy night will be hosted by J. Anthony Brown on Sunday, February 10th at 7:30pm at the Spot Comedy Club. In addition, Alex Thomas will host a Comedy Night at Comedy Union. And this year the Fashion Show will take place Sunday, February 17th from 2-4 at the Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza. This year’s theme is Wearable Art on the Move.
Daood: With the multitude of films that you seen, have you ever got the notion to write a script, direct a film or act?
Mr. Babu: All the time, but I just can't find the time to do it. Being a Film Festival Director is a full-time job.
Daood: At this time I know you're extremely busy and I would like to extend my gratitude for this interview.
Mr. Babu: Thank you for giving us the opportunity to speak about the Festival. And I would like to say to the readership that if you are tired of the "Soul Planes" of the world, come out and see what we screen at the festival. And then go next door to the Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza, and see all the wonderful fine arts and unique crafts and beautiful designed clothes.
For more information about the Pan African Film Festival, visit ExperienceLA.com.Labels: Festivals, film
 We love freebies and we're sure you do too. Starting today, catch free screenings all week long of "Spiritual Warriors"... and get your hands on a free copy of the book that inspired the film, Dr. John-Roger's LA Times #1 bestseller "Spiritual Warrior". Brief synopsis: "Spiritual Warriors" stars Jsu Garcia as Christopher Finn, a sometimes mob gofer/sometimes actor who eludes police pursuit after a drug deal goes bad. After hiding behind the walls of an opulent estate, Finn is awakened the next morning by an old man who seems to know more about Finn than he possibly could or should... Screening at Fine Arts Theatre 7pm & 10pm every night. November 19th - 25th. - ExperienceLA StaffLabels: Beverly Hills, film, free, Screenings
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It was a warm summer night in Los Angeles with stars glinting overhead as the Ford Amphitheatre became a beautiful setting for Outdoor Screenings (part of the many events of the LA Film Festival). This open space was an oddly perfect place for a screening of Swear-A-Long Scarface... The film - uncensored, uncut - was seen by fans and newbies alike. Not for the faint of ears, it is known as having a record of 226 mentions of...an unmentionable word on this blog.
