A festival that started off slow but gained in momentum and drama drew to a satisfying conclusion tonight with “The Tree of Life”,Terrence Malick’s stunning meditation on memory and childhood, winning the Palme d’Or.
Saturday
Which Comes First?
This cute commercial playing now for Samsung - a Korean Company - begs the question...which came first? No, we don't mean the chicken or the egg... Rather War or the Imperative for Sustainable Life?
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Film Review: Scarred Lands and Wounded Lives
By Gina Hall
[Guest Blogger Gina Hall has a Film Degree from USC. Her day job is with Global Green USA in Santa Monica]
The documentary Scarred Lands and Wounded Lives: The Environmental Footprint of War is a shocking revelation of the long-term environmental impact of America's wars over the past century and isn't for those with a weak stomach or who want to pretend we're always the good guys. From hundreds of sunken World War II ships slowly leaking oil, to Agent Orange, to land-mines and cluster bombs that still litter a landscape, the film highlights America's lasting legacy in the war zones we've left behind after declaring "mission accomplished."
Filmmakers Alice and Lincoln Day feature several expert talking-heads who guide the narrative matter-of-factly through our various assaults on the lands in which we wage war. It's not an entertaining documentary, it doesn't use animation or clever editing to engage. It has facts and visual evidence on its side. And if the melted faces of children affected by Agent Orange or the landmine-mangled foot of an elephant doesn't viscerally affect you, then you have a harder heart than mine.
A statistic the film cites is that prior to the past hundred years 90 percent of war victims were combatants and 10 percent were civilians. Now it is the reverse, with 90 percent of victims being civilians to 10 percent actual combatants. The total body counts may be lower, but the documentary makes clear the human costs of spreading "freedom." In addition there's the toll on our coral reefs, water supply, soil, air and just about everything else we need to sustain life on Earth. There's a cringe-worthy moment of footage of a U.S. armed forces official selling the natives around Bikini Atoll on their important contribution to humanity in allowing nuclear bomb tests near their homes.
It becomes clear that people in these conflict areas don't hate us, as Bush said, because of our freedom, they hate us because we're assholes. We seem to have a bad habit of bombing, consuming resources, salting the earth and moving on. The film doesn't look to place blame on our men and women in the armed services, but does shine a light on economic policies that put them there. With documentaries like this, it's getting harder and harder for our government to sell war as the humanitarian act of liberation. If you have to see the proof for yourself, the images are here and they're not easy to look at.
The film is being aired locally around the country, is available for screenings and on DVD. For more information visit www.scarredlandsfilm.orgPhoto Credit: Scarred Lands and Wounded Lives
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Thursday
Evolve Love Live - Legacy of Climate Crisis
COULD THE CLIMATE CRISIS CREATE THE GREATEST LOVE STORY ON EARTH?
“Evolve Love: Love in a Time of Climate Crisis” is a creative feature documentary (in progress) that will take us on a voyage to discover the ways in which planet wide climate catastrophe could propel us into a sustainable future founded on empathy for all life on earth.
Chronicling the birth of a global “movement of movements” forming to confront climate change, EVOLVE LOVE will reframe the despairing, apocalyptic narrative that is dominating popular discourse around the crisis, transforming it into a moving love story.
The film will feature compelling stories of everyday individuals who are living with the devastating impacts of climate change, while taking us through to the emerging “BRIGHT GREEN” sustainability movement, which offers the energizing confidence of constructive solutions and action, showing that we can reduce our ecological footprint while improving our lives.
With director Velcrow Ripper’s signature awe inspiring visuals, a powerful soundscape, compelling animation, moving stories of crisis, restoration and sustainability, combined with the wisdom of the greatest climate crisis visionaries, EVOLVE LOVE will be an inspirational, transformative and engaging viewing experience.
When: May 23, 2011, Doors 6:15 pm, Start 7:00 pm
Where: Vic Theatre, 808 Douglas St., Victoria, BC
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Saturday
Caudalie Spa
By Paige Donner
Paige Donner is a Luxury Writer
There is one spa that was voted The Best Spa In The World by Condé Nast readers in 2010. That spa is in France's Bordeaux region and sits serenely in the middle of a vast and prestigious AOC Graves vineyard. The spa? It is Caudalie Vinothérapie Spa.
Photo by Paige Donner c. 2011
On her parents' vineyard and just next to her sister's Small Luxury Hotel, Les Sources de Caudalie, in Bordeaux, Mathilde Thomas discovered a naturally occurring hot springs 540 feet below ground. This is the site on which she and her husband, Bertrand, built the signature Caudalie Spa based on the anti-oxidant, ant-aging properties they have patented from the seeds and skins of grapes.
Famous among their treatments are the Barrel Bath, the Honey and Wine Wrap, thePulp Friction Massage with fresh grapes and the Crushed Cabernet Scrub. At each of the relaxation stations are small dishes of fresh grapes alongside pitchers of fresh water. Portishead and other "lounge" music is piped in overhead from the sound system, unless you request classical or another genre.
You can also go for a simple Caudalie Grand Facial Treatment. This includes a full facial massage, gentle buffing cream made from a base of crushed grape seeds, a moisturizing (or purifying, as needed) mask and anti-ageing serum for eyes and lips. You also have the choice of a hand or foot massage. Afterwards you are welcome to linger downstairs in the lounge chairs that overlook the vineyards and dip into the pool that has strategic water jets fitted at just the perfect height to pulsate relaxing water onto your neck and shoulders.
There is also now a Caudalie Spa in NYC. Read More on Greening Beauty.
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Wednesday
The 2011 Intelligent Use of Water Film Competition
The 2011 Intelligent Use of Water Film Competition, a short film competition, is seeking narrative, documentary, animated, experimental and/or student-made short films, 1 to 10 minutes in length, that creatively explore methods and ideas to responsibly manage and use Earth’s most precious resource, water.
short film competition hosted by Jack Hanna
Filmmakers who submit their short films via the competition website will have their films reviewed by a judging panel made up of film and water experts.
Finalists have a chance to win cash awards totaling $15,000 and a trip to Beverly Hills, Calif., where they will be guests at a formal screening event hosted by wildlife expert, Jack Hanna, 30-year veteran of documentary films and TV shows. Deadline for entries August 1, 2011 Check out the call for entries video starring Jack Hanna and a few of his jungle friends at www.IUOWFILM.com for more information.
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David Spade Donates $200,000 To The American Red Cross
The American Red Cross issued the followed statement on the donation: “The American Red Cross is extremely grateful for this generous support from David Spade who, over the years, has selflessly donated his time, talent, and money to assist those in need. This contribution is vitally important as the Red Cross works around the clock to provide food, shelter, mental health counseling and other assistance to those in need in 11 states to help people devastated by the recent deadly tornadoes and floods.”
“With the devastating disasters the tornadoes and floods are causing I wanted to help the Red Cross in their efforts to provide help as quickly as possible. I also hope this will help to shine the spotlight on the people of the United States who are in desperate need right now and that others will join me in donating what they can to support the American Red Cross’ huge disaster relief effort.”
- David Spade, American Red Cross National Cabinet member.
Monday
THIRD ANNUAL 'PRODUCED BY CONFERENCE' TO BE HELD AT THE WALT DISNEY STUDIOS JUNE 3-5, 2011
THIRD ANNUAL ‘PRODUCED BY CONFERENCE’ TO BE HELD AT
THE WALT DISNEY STUDIOS JUNE 3-5, 2011
Weekend-long program to feature top producers and
industry leaders including Harvey Weinstein, Simon Lythgoe,
Mark Gordon, Mark Johnson, Hawk Koch, Gale Anne Hurd,
Sean Bailey, Marshall Herskovitz, MARC CHERRY, DAMON LINDELOF, JOHN SLOSS and Lauren Shuler DonNer, among many otherS
LOS ANGELES, CA (March 29, 2011) –The Producers Guild of America (PGA) and the Association of Film Commissioners International (AFCI) announced today the first slate of speakers confirmed to participate in the 2011 Produced By Conference (PBC) which includes some of entertainment’s most sought-after producers and industry leaders. It was also announced that The Walt Disney Studios along with the ABC Entertainment Group will host the 2011 event in conjunction with AFCI’s Locations Show June 3-5, 2011.
“We’re excited to announce the initial speaker line up for this year’s conference to be held at the Walt Disney Studios,” said Producers Guild President Emeritus and co-chair of PBC, Marshall Herskovitz. “We’re extremely grateful to everyone at The Walt Disney Studios for agreeing to host the third annual conference. The Disney lot provides an amazing backdrop for the producing community to gather for an exciting weekend of learning and networking.”
“The Produced By Conference continues to exceed my expectations. I’m thrilled to be a part of this exciting program, and throughout all of the PBC programming, we hope to continue to advance the theme that the role of
the producer is a crucial one,” said Gale Anne Hurd, PBC event co-chair.The list of featured speakers for 2011 PBC includes some of the entertainment industry’s most renowned producers and executives including, in alphabetical order:
- Sean Bailey (President, Walt Disney Studios Motion Picture Production, TRON: LEGACY)
- Joe Berlinger (Crude, Metallica: Some Kind of Monster)
- Jason Blum (Paranormal Activity 1-2, Insidious)
- Ian Bryce (Transformers 1-3, Spiderman, Saving Private Ryan)
- Adam Chapnick (CEO, Distribber.com)
- Albert Cheng (EVP, Digital Media, Disney/ABC Television Group)
- Marc Cherry (“Desperate Housewives”)
- Joseph Chianese (SVP, Tax & Production Planning, Entertainment Partners)
- Charlie Corwin (HALF NELSON, THE SQUID AND THE WHALE, “LA Ink”)
- Kris Eber (Disney’s “Movie Surfers,” “Muppet’s Bohemian Rhapsody”)
- Jon Fougner (Principal, Product Marketing Monetization, Facebook)
- Nolan Gallagher (Founder & CEO, Gravitas Ventures)
- Tim Gibbons (“Curb Your Enthusiasm”)
- Mark Gordon (Source Code, Saving Private Ryan, “Grey’s Anatomy”)
- John Hadity (Master Harold and the Boys, Burning Blue)
- Dana Harris (Editor-in-Chief, IndieWIRE)
- Marshall Herskovitz (Love and Other Drugs, Blood Diamond, “thirtysomething”)
- Gale Anne Hurd (“The Walking Dead,” The Incredible Hulk, the terminator Trilogy)
- Mark Johnson (The Chronicles of Narnia, Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark, “Breaking Bad”)
- Barry Jossen (Executive Vice President, Creative & Production, ABC Studios)
- Hawk Koch (Source Code, Primal Fear, Wayne’s World)
- Paul Kontonis (VP & Group Director, Brand Content, The Third Act, Digitas)
- Damon Lindelof (“Lost”)
- Simon Lythgoe (CMT’s “Next Superstar,” Former Producer, “America Idol,” “So You Think You Can Dance”)
- Andrew Marlowe (“Castle”)
- Lori McCreary (INVICTUS, “Through the Wormhole”)
- Keri Putnam (Executive Director, Sundance Institute)
- Lauren Shuler Donner (X-men Franchise, Free Willy 1-3, The Secret Life of Bees)
- John Sloss (Exit Through the Gift Shop, The Kids are All Right)
- Ricky Strauss (Waiting for “Superman,” Fair Game, The Beaver)
- William Stuart (The Rock, Eddie and the Cruisers, Holy Matrimony)
- Larry Tanz (President, Vuguru LLC)
- Chris Thomes (Executive Director, Digital Production & Programming, Saban Brands LLC)
- David Tochterman (Head of Digital Media, Innovative Artists)
- Hayma “Screech” Washington (“The Amazing Race”)
- Harvey Weinstein (THE KING’S SPEECH, BLUE VALENTINE, MIRAL)
“The slate of panels, sessions and roundtables that are shaping up for this year’s event are extremely unique and exciting—offering attendees the chance for unprecedented access to some of the industry’s leading producers, providing both education and inspiration,” said Rachel Klein, PBC event co-chair.
The 2011 PBC will feature over 20 conference sessions, panel discussions, mentoring roundtables, networking opportunities, social events and workshops designed to provide producers with important career tools and insights necessary to compete in today’s competitive marketplace. Among the many topics to be discussed are new media, global finance, producer/director collaboration, distribution, independent film, scripted television, reality television, digital content, brand identity and much more. Over 150 exhibitors are already on board to participate in the 2011 event. Sponsors for the event to-date include General Motors (the official automotive sponsor of the PGA), Entertainment Partners, Raleigh Studios, Cast & Crew Entertainment Services, Baseline, Avid, PRG, LA 411, Westfield Malls, Kodak and Coca-Cola. This year’s unique collaboration of the Produced By Conference along with the AFCI Locations will bring together the producing field alongside more than 300 film commissions from around the world. These commissions collectively represent over 2 billion dollars in financing and incentives available to filmmakers. Last year’s sold out conference connected more than 1,100 producing professionals. Interested individuals can register online at www.producedbyconference.com.
Reaching across film, television and new media industries, PBC is an educational forum that involves acclaimed producers, including countless Academy Award®-winning filmmakers and Emmy Award® winners, as well as the next generation of creative entrepreneurs. The PBC event is chaired by Marshall Herskovitz, Gale Anne Hurd and Rachel Klein. For more information on the Produced By Conference, visit www.producedbyconference.com.
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Saturday
Green Light For Green Ambassador
According to Deadline.com, CAA’s ace project “Cry Macho,” for Arnold Schwarzenegger, Environmentalist, Superstar, Governor and now Statesman, is getting the greenlight. Legendary producer Al Ruddy – The Godfather, Million Dollar Baby – is in negotiations, according to Finke, to pay the movie star $10 million upfront and 25% of the box office. When asked to describe the script that has caught the big guy’s eye, he explained to Entertainment Weekly,… Cry Macho. It’s a little movie that got my attention because it is so opposite of what you’d expect someone like me to do. It’s about a guy who is a horse trainer. He’s a little bit over-the-hill. The last two years didn’t go so well. But then the owner of the horses gives him a challenge. He sends him to Mexico to get his son… READ ENTIRE EW INTERVIEW There has also been talk of an animated series called The Governator getting a go. Though that is being reported on again off again in light of the new developments. Let’s hope that Arnold does for Green Sets what he did for Green[ing] California. Read More on Deadline.com who is also reporting that Arnold is Baaack with the Terminator franchise. 
Monday
Fouquet’s Barrière, Paris’s Sustainable Luxury Hotel
The hotel is involved, through its Leading Hotels of the Worldmembership in the "Make a carbon neutral booking" program, allowing their clients the opportunity to fully offset the carbon emissions generated by their travel. It was just a year ago, in July 2010, that Hotel Fouquet's Barrière was the first hotel in Europe to receive the distinguished Luxury Eco Certification Standard (L.E.C.S.) from Sustainable Travel International.
In 2010 approximately 4-6 tons of organic waste was recycled by Hotel Fouquet's Barrière .
In 2009, 30 tons of waste was recycled by Hotel Fouquet's Barrière.
The hotel works with Saria Industries which offers them the best by-products from their upstream and downstream Biomass recycling systems. The company collects organic waste, primarily food waste, which is then sorted before being processed. Through a biomethane process, the waste generates gases used to produce heat and electrical power while the remaining solid waste is used as fertilizer.
Pop Earth is Pommery's first "eco-citizen" champagne and it had its world debut at Hotel Fouquet's Barrière. The champagne is made from Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay grapes harvested from sustainable vineyards. It is bottled in lighter bottles that use only half the glass and labelled with recycled paper and printed with solvent-free inks.
Tea Time
Tea served is all organic and the hotel prides itself on its relationship with Pascal Hamour who packages his teas in biodegradable bags. They serve these refined, subtly aromatic teas with Fair Trade sugar.
Vendange, Bordeaux
Every harvest season, the Hotel Fouquet's Barrière team participates in the Hotel Fouquet's Barrière Grape Harvest on the Bordeaux Chateau of prestige winemaker Marie-Laure Lurton. The vintage is then auctioned off and proceeds are donated to the reforestation project of the Gabardon municipalities. Read the detailed article on Local Food And Wine.
Outstanding Service, Luxury Accommodations
And in case we didn't mention it yet, Hotel Fouquet's Barrière also has the coolest swimming pool of any hotel spa in Paris.
Heading to Cannes? Try their Hotel Majestic, a Lucien Barrière Hotel.
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