INDIE FILMMAKER PATRICIA BEBIA MAWA UNVEILS UPCOMING DEBUT FEATURE FILM RELEASE

Yesterday, I had the privilege to attend a special screening for the production team behind THE LIFE COACH, the new feature film written and directed by local and international media maven PATRICIA BEBIA MAWA. Due for theatrical release in November, The Life Coach traces the emotional journey of Gary Johnson, a success life coach whose own childhood was traumatic, violent and mentally abusive that creates a shaky foundation from which he has built an over-achiever’s career. So many scenes will resonate with many viewers, I’m sure.

But Patricia has allowed for many sparkling comedic moments that give all the characters (and the audience) breathing space. Lead actor Kosa Akaraiwe  is brilliant and inhabits all aspects of Gary’s personality. This actor is destined for greatness!

Leading lady Lorraine, is played by Lindo Osifo, who is caring, kind and tries to make a connection with Gary even though he is struggling with so many personal issues including his aversion to connectivity and closeness with women.

Viewers should look for two fabulous supporting characters – Lorraine’s best gal pal, Georgette, played by Souha Usman. – we’d all love to have a best friend like her. And the sassy, saucy and sexy Maria Frankis who plays the ultimate femme fatale Jennifer who knows how to be seductive but with a wink-wink humour. Loved those ladies.

I don’t want to give the story away too soon. I’ll write a more in-depth review and actor profiles closer to the November release date but keep an eye out for The Life Coach screening at the Caribbean Tales Int’l Film Fest over the next 10 days here in Toronto. Here’s the trailer….

Thanks again for inviting me to your special screening, Patricia. Time now to start planning our media campaign to promote the November release.

MEET BOBBY DEL RIO – WRITER, ACTOR, TV HOST, DIRECTOR, INTERNET STAR…what can’t this guy do??

I met Bobby Del Rio what seems like a lifetime ago, when we both worked at Toronto’s ReelWorld Film Festival – I was the publicist, Bobby was the feature film programmer (and a filmmaker himself). Over the year’s, I’ve watched as he steadily built his career, starring in numerous film & tv projects, he also wrote stage plays, films and tv scripts, then pivoted and adopted online presenting becoming one of the most internationally popular and internet savvy hosts on the Clubhouse platform. He’s embraced the world of high finance & investing, and showed his ability to understand crypto-currency, AI and other techno-platforms that are all so foreign to me! He’s now one of the stars of a successful new tv series “Poly is the New Monogamy” in a role written for him by show creator and long-time friend Cat Hostick.  So of course I had to sit down to do an interview Q&A with him this past week. Here’s what Bobby had to share…..Bobby, you started off as a playwright, garnering so many awards as well as media & fan kudos and industry recognition. Can you remember the first play you wrote that was produced on stage?  My first produced play was called Name It Yourself! at the 1999 SummerWorks Festival. It was an experimental play that was this really weird but unique meta experience of a playwright abusing his own creations.

And then you won the inaugural Robertson Davies Playwriting Award for writing When Children Fall for the University of Toronto Drama Festival. How did that honour impact your career? Was that the motivation for your incredible run of plays produced over the next 5 years?  I never thought of myself as a writer until I won that playwriting award at U of T. After all that initial publicity as a playwright, I started experimenting with every genre I could – as I was really just trying to learn the craft of writing. It was all so unexpected, so the world saw me learning how to write plays as I kept getting so much attention for being a young playwright. You moved seamlessly into film, grabbing all sorts of supporting and guest roles on tv and in film – did that re-focus your sights on a career in film?  For sure. I went to theatre school, where Shakespeare was God. As I started booking larger and larger roles in film/television, I became more interested in the medium of film/tv.

In 2009, you appeared in every frame of the short film Unlocked which premiered at Toronto Int’l Film Festival then was sold to CBC tv. Was this the real turning point for you when it came to leadership in filmmaking?  It was definitely a career highlight. There weren’t many opportunities for Asian actors back then. Paul Lee and Jean Yoon (both from Kim’s Convenience) were also in the film – and I believe it was the first time any of us had actually been part of TIFF. Really cool experience.

You spent some time as Canadian feature film programmer for Toronto’s ReelWorld Film Festival which is where you and I first met. How did that gig impact your career direction & goals?  Tonya Lee Williams has helped my career so much. That job gave me so much confidence. I made so many friends across Canada in the film business, and it inspired me to write/direct my own feature film The Market.Yes, then came The Market, your play & subsequent feature film about the stock market and the “suits“ who lived the Wall Street dream. It seemed like the creative floodgates swung open even wider for you after that and you explored many other opportunities with multiple entertainment and news genres. How did you feel with so many options?  I honestly just focus on what’s in front of me. I was always a top student, so I just look at everything like doing my homework. lol

In 2020/21, Clubhouse became the most popular professionally-targeted social media platform, esp. for those in showbiz, and you were able to communicate with so many legit movers and shakers who, again, opened creative doors for you. How did you discover Clubhouse and how did you become one of the top Clubhouse personalities?  It was super random. My friend just invited me, said I would be good at it. I got so popular by accident. I just made people laugh, made lots of friends, then somehow became one of the top personalities in the world. The universe gave me the platform. I feel incredibly grateful & lucky for all that Hollywood/international exposure. I did 65 interviews around the world, making me the subject of national news in Canada which  landed me a Hollywood agent from the app during the Covid pandemic.In 2022, you became one of the highest-paid television personalities in Canada, hosting/writing 40 episodes of The Daily Drop for News Forum/Blockchain TV. What was that?  I hosted & wrote my first television series. I had many offers come to my team because of Clubhouse – and hosting that tv show about crypto was the best offer I got.

And now, you’re cast as a series regular in the new tv series Poly is the New Monogamy (on Hollywood Suite tv network) which is garnering so many thumbs-up from critics and audiences. How did that show come to be?  Cat Hostick is one of my best friends. She literally wrote the role for me, playing one of her character’s best friends. LOLIs there a 2nd season for Poly? And will you be in that, too?  There’s definitely lots of interest. Many people are exploring options with us, but nothing is confirmed yet.

What’s next for Bobby Del Rio?  I’m currently also hosting/writing another tv series about technology called Open Source (with News Forum). It launched the day before Poly dropped on Hollywood Suite. It’s a busy time in my career. I premiered 2 tv series in 2 days – starring in both.  Here’s the link: https://www.thenewsforum.ca/opensource

Bobby, if fans want to follow you for news and work updates, which social media account can they follow? My social media hands are:  @bobbydelrio on Instagram and @Bobman on Twitter/X 

The GEM EXPO July 26-28 IN TORONTO, PLUS META EXPO FOR WELLNESS & ALT. HEALERS

I had a fabulous outing today to The Gem Expo, along with its sister show, The Meta Expo (featuring healers, psychics and alternative wellness practitioners). OMG, each time I attend one of the 3x a year shows, I find new bling to admire (and buy!) and learn new things so today was no exception. To get things started, here’s the creator of these hugely successful shows, Salim Moorani, to tell you about Gem & Meta Expos….

Thanks, Salim. So let’s head into the main hall…

I spoke first with the lovely lady from Choden La Himalayan Silvercrafts who attends every show with her stunning silver and gemstone jewellery…

You can see more on their Instagram: @chodenla_silvercrafts

Then I dropped by www.thearguscollection.com booth and spoke with Alison whose daughter runs this unique business. Look at these lovely gems imported from Vietnam….

I really connected with the lady who runs www.bellajewelsdesign.ca  I found a number of cute gold rings (esp. the little square ring pictured 2nd row, 2nd from left) and necklaces but I managed to resist the temptation! You can check out more of her gems on IG: @bellajewels.design

And now for something completely different: www.oldsoulproject.com offers unique therapy “beads” to help those afflicted with arthritis or neuropathy in their hands (and that includes me). Owner Alex D’Oliveira will explain…..


Alex was gracious enough to create one just for me so I’ll enjoy the wee exercise “balls” for my fingers.

There was lots of my favourite Lapis Lazuli today, including these cutlery handles which definitely would NOT go in the dishwasher! I then found the Dea Terrae booth (below) that included raw gems and fossils…apparently the Newmarket-based store is expecting a shipment of dinosaur fossils soon. Keep watch for those via their Instagram: @deaterra So much to see – if you love precious and semi-precious stones you can buy them raw, tumbled & polished or ready made into beautiful jewellery, like these pendants below….

If you’d like to check out Gem Expo and Meta Expo this weekend, you can find the shows at the Hyatt Regency, 370 King West in downtown Toronto and the times are: Friday 11:30 – 8pm, Saturday 10 – 6pm and Sunday 10 – 5pm
Tickets for both shows combined are: Adults: Daily only $10.00, Weekend pass $20, Students & Seniors $5, Kids 12 and under are always free! All the details & directions can be found here: https://thegemexpo.com/

 

MEET TALENTED AUSSIE DOCUMENTARIAN BENJAMIN SCOTFORD WHOSE LATEST FILM FOLLOWS WWI FEATURE FILM CAST & CREW

As you know, I search out any Australian film or TV news I can find online – so much content is not shared with those of us on the other side of the world: streaming platforms for films are geo-blocked due to distribution deals that don’t include the Canada/US territory so I have to live vicariously thru my Down Under production mates and various news sources. I recently discovered a very talented filmmaker, BENJAMIN SCOTFORD (pictured below) who produced an exciting behind-the-scenes documentary titled IN THE TRENCHES that follows the machinations of a feature film production called Before Dawn, directed by Jordan Prince-Wright.Benjamin’s doc has been getting lots of buzz on the festival circuit and this past weekend, was premiered at the Revelation Film Fest presented in Perth, Western Australia (my childhood/teenage home) – the WWI action/adventure feature was filmed in the southern part of the state complete with muddy trenches (hence the title of Ben’s film), cannons and gunfire, and Ben took his own crew into the fray, following the actors, the director and crew, to shoot all the activity from the busy set. It was quite the feat – staying out of the way yet capturing all the action of a war film production in close-up.
Director’s Statement: This documentary is intended to be a standalone story, enjoyable for a wide range of audiences, even if they are unfamiliar with Before Dawn or Australia’s involvement in WWI. I have aimed to capture the story in a manner that closely reflects my first-hand experience of witnessing a group of dedicated filmmakers working against a mountain of obstacles before knowing the final outcome.
I spoke with Benjamin recently and asked that he share his thoughts and stories…from the trenches.

How difficult was it for you to shoot all the behind-the-scenes footage amongst the film crew, the mud and the actors?  There’s always an element of challenge with BTS footage because the most important part of your job is to stay out of the way and avoid disrupting the production itself. That said, it’s quite a fun challenge to find ways of filming what’s happening while keeping a low profile and staying out of the way. One big challenge with this project was that I also had to look out for my own camera gear among the rainy conditions and muddy set. By the end, I had worked out a streamlined setup that protected my gear from the wet weather, while still having the flexibility to move quickly and get quality footage.
Aside from that, a lot of the creative challenges come down to building scenes through the on-set footage to help tell the story in the edit. I had to make sure that each time we moved location, I got a variety of shots that could build upon each other. Sometimes this meant following different crew members in a way that would showcase their process. It is easy to get one or two good angles of something happening, but having a series of shots that tell a full story really helps in the edit. What inspired you to undertake this project?  I love watching behind the scenes content and noticed recently that there hasn’t been a regular influx of high quality, insightful documentaries in that space. I’ve always thought it would be a fun area to work in, and since I’ve started doing it, I’ve grown more and more passionate about seeing it done in an innovative way.

I know you’ve submitted to film festivals around the world…are you hoping to showcase your doc via streaming platforms, too? Maybe Prime or Netflix?  Absolutely! Details to come soon. Am sure there was a great deal of camaraderie on-set – were you and your small crew included or did you remain separate from the feature film folks?  A bit of both. During lunch breaks and other moments throughout the day, we enjoyed getting to know the cast and crew and feeling like a part of the team. However, we did try to stay a little bit separate on set so that we could tell the story from a more observational perspective. Overall, it really did feel like we were all part of a big team, since we were all going through a very similar experience together. Did you relate to the young director/producer Jordan Prince-Wright, both being of the same generation of filmmakers? Did that make you sympathetic to his tremendous responsibility?  Yes, I’ve got a lot of respect for the way Jordon works and how much he is able to accomplish. I’m not sure I would want as much pressure as he’s under, but it’s been inspiring to see him make it work as well as he has. I think passion breeds passion. Seeing how much he was putting into the project got me really excited to bring the same level of passion to my part, which also transferred to the team I was working with for the behind the scenes. Hopefully, we’ll see you at film/doc festivals over the coming months – what’s next for you?  Exciting times! We are hoping to screen In the Trenches in some more film festivals, since a lot of our target market is made up of people who are excited by the filmmaking process. I’m also producing behind the scenes content for a few other films, and working towards doing a lot more of it in the future.

Thanks, Benjamin. So here’s a taste of what an incredible shoot this was, for both the feature filmmaker AND documentarian, Scotford.

Photos courtesy of Keana Naughton

You can follow Ben on his filmmaking journey via LinkedIn or https://www.facebook.com/benjamin.scotford

The doc made me proud to be an Aussie, especially one who loves the movies. Bravo, Ben…I can’t wait to see more of your work.

INTRODUCING THE INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL OF AUSTRALIA

The International Film Festival of Australia aims to recognize and honor exceptional artists, directors, producers, and the commendable works of feature films, short films, and documentaries from around the globe. The IFFA reaches out across all continents, unites cultures, and celebrates the power of storytelling. So after seeing numerous Instagram and Facebook posts (you know I love anything about my homeland of Australia) I decided to reach out and learn more about this new, diverse film festival.

When was the IFFA established and why – was there a specific creative gap to fill?  IFFA was established in 2021 with its first Awards night in 2023. The International Film Festival of Australia (IFFA) is dedicated to celebrating the captivating world of cinema. As a key player in Australia’s film and digital industry, IFFA showcases outstanding work in feature films, short films, documentaries, and digital media. We are passionate about both local and international talent, and our mission is twofold: to promote Australian films globally and to bring exciting cinema to Australia.  At IFFA, we firmly believe that art transcends boundaries, bridging gaps between cultures, nations, and communities. Through innovative storytelling, technological marvels, and raw human emotions, we strive to foster connections and create a global community united by the power of the silver screen.Who is the Founder and what is his background?   The IFFA’s director and the creator who brought the festival to life is Jatinder Kumar (pictured below). Born in Delhi, India in 1980, he moved to Melbourne in 2007 and embraced an entrepreneurial spirit which began in India after he graduated from the University of Delhi in 2002. He encountered many people from the film industry and began networking with them; having always been interested in film, this began his passion for the world of cinema, culminating in the creation of his own production company, Creative Production Studio, with a short film shot and several projects in development, including a series and a feature film.
Kumar’s IMDb profile:  https://pro.imdb.com/name/nm15864117?ref_=hm_prof_photo

This passion for film and cinema is what ultimately led Kumar to create IFFA. Born from the challenges he faced in his own career, IFFA represents his ideals for removing barriers of diversity within the industry, bringing all communities to one stage, and providing an opportunity for people of all backgrounds to showcase and celebrate their work. Starting a new festival from the ground up is no easy task, and Kumar had to wear many hats to bring his brainchild, IFFA, to life. The first annual IFFA (2023) had a great attendee turnout including local and international VIPs, such as consulates and international film stars and directors. Reception from guests, filmmakers and actors alike was one the biggest highlights, and the venue and sponsor support was phenomenal. More than that, support and submissions flowed in from around the world, which was the best proof of IFFA’s concept and reach. (Canadian Consulate representative pictured below L)Does the Festival target emerging filmmakers or does it embrace established, more mature creators?  The festival targets both emerging and established filmmakers on the one stage.With the numerous online platforms for viewing films, docs, shorts, etc. do Australian filmmakers embrace non-theatrical distributions for their projects and how does IFFA support that?  Australian filmmakers have increasingly embraced non-theatrical distributions through online platforms, driven by the need for wider audience reach and the flexibility of digital viewing.

IFFA supports this trend through:

  • Partnerships with Streaming Platforms: We are open to collaborating with leading online platforms to showcase films globally.
  • Promotion and Marketing Support: We promote films on our website, social media, and through press coverage.
  • Dedicated Non-Theatrical Awards: We recognize excellence in online releases with our annual awards night.
  • Networking Opportunities: We facilitate connections between filmmakers and digital distributors.

Being based in such an isolated country, how does IFFA reach out to filmmakers and industry creatives from around the world?  IFFA employs several strategies to connect with the global film community:

  • Online Submissions and Networking: We use a robust online platform for film submissions, making it easy for filmmakers worldwide to participate. Our virtual networking events also facilitate global connections.
  • International Partnerships: IFFA collaborates with international film festivals, industry organizations, and cultural institutions to foster global relationships and cross-promotional opportunities.
  • Social media and Digital Marketing: We leverage social media and digital marketing campaigns to engage with a global audience, keeping filmmakers and industry professionals informed about festival updates and opportunities
  • Festival Ambassadors: We appoint festival ambassadors in various regions to promote IFFA and encourage submissions from their local film communities.

Through these efforts, IFFA successfully bridges the geographical gap and maintains a strong global presence, ensuring diverse and international participation.Does IFFA offer any online/streaming of the awards or special screenings for those of us around the world?  IFFA does not offer online streaming, but we hope to stream the annual awards night through our website in the future.
You can follow the Festival’s activities via social media:

Instagram:  @iffaawards
https://www.facebook.com/iffaawardss
https://www.tiktok.com/@iffaawards
and their website: https://www.iffa.com.au/

Well congratulations to Kumar and all at IFFA and we’ll look forward to this year’s festival later this year, on the 5th of November at the Palms at the Crown Casino in Melbourne.

 

REBEL BUBBIE BRINGS DOWN THE HOUSE AT OPENING NIGHT OF TORONTO FRINGE FESTIVAL

Congratulations to Bruria Cooperman and her director Eva Almos on last night’s opening of Rebel Bubbie, Inc. at the Alumnae Theatre as part of this year’s annual Toronto Fringe Festival. The theatre was mostly populated by friends and family (and Bruria has a big family) who laughed throughout her 60-minute show recounting stories of her life and what it means to now be a “bubbie” (Jewish grandmother). Even as a first-timer at the Fringe, Bruria owned the stage and seemed very comfortable sharing her thoughts and experiences, never shying away from recounting some of the naughtier moments in her life.So here’s a little background on the show, the stories and the bubbie….  Hot off her scene-stealing appearance in the Adam Sandler film, You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah, Bruria Cooperman is a semi-reformed, self-confessed renegade who wrote and stars in an unfiltered one-woman comedy, co-written with Almos.  As we learn, she was always in search of adventure, discovering that marriage won’t stop you from being arrested, banned from a casino, being taken into police custody in Yugoslavia for nudging a mule (!) or getting kicked-out of a bagel joint. From performing improv in NYC in the 60s & 70s, being at Woodstock, to drag racing, floating in a weightless space tube, authoring books – Rebel Bubbie has done it all…and only arrested twice (she holds up 3 fingers in a sly aside from the stage!) Cooperman has led a life of trail-blazing: she was part of the first generation of children born in Israel, post-Holocaust. From an early age, she exhibited an attitude of “Hey, look at me!” This adventurous child got into all manner of scrapes with her playmates and on her own. Always finding humour in the darkness, she wrote a book about children born to Holocaust survivors titled For This I Survived? Children of Survivors Beyond the Trauma (avail. on Amazon). When the curtain came down on last night’s show, Bruria was surrounded by well-wishers who embraced her and offered kudos and encouragement for the rest of the run.

And head of ACTRA Toronto, David Gale (pictured below L) also dropped in to congratulate Bruria on her show Emmy-nominated creator Eva also had friends come out to support the show (pictured below, R) and she was pleased to sit and relax after the show…The Toronto Fringe Festival runs over the next 10 days at various locations with numerous plays, musicals, puppetry and dance so check out their website for details Rebel Bubbie, Inc. show is 60-min. and all shows are staged at the Alumnae Theatre, 70 Berkley Street, Toronto.
Info & Tickets: www.FringeToronto.com
Here are the dates and times:
Thursday, July 4th   6:00 pm  $10.00     Thurs July 11th   8:15 pm $15.00
Saturday, July 6th   12:30 pm $15.00      Friday July 12th  6:00 pm $15.00
Sunday July 7th      2:15 pm   $15.00       Sat. July 13th  3:15 pm $15.00
Wed. July 10th  6:00 pm   $15.00

Again, congrats to the one and only REBEL BUBBIE!

MARA JEAN QUINN’S DEBUT FEATURE FILM, ANDAMOOKA, IS IN THE CAN…NOW SHE PRESENTS IT TO THE WORLD

Australian writer, director, producer AND lead actor, MARA JEAN QUINN, can finally take a breath, sit down, relax and reflect on the cinematic journey she’s (almost) completed. Her first indie feature film project ANDAMOOKA, is now completed and after a little respite to re-energize, Mara Jean is now on a quest to get the film distributed across Australia and around the world. Major decisions still being made include whether to screen in theatres, at festivals, or via one of the many streaming platforms that international audiences can access…and getting the $s to take her to all the film festivals as well.
I originally spoke with Mara Jean back in May of 2023 when she was still fundraising to finish the last stages of production (search previous blog using key word “Andamooka”) and I’m thrilled to hear all her positive news, especially that she has recently expanded her non-film family to include a baby daughter – congratulations, MJ!  So let’s catch up with her and learn how the process of making an indie film has enlightened and empowered her…..

Now that the film has been completed, was the effort (production, travel, funding quest, sleepless nights) worth it?   I think so, but because it hasn’t been seen by audiences yet, it’s hard to be resolved in all the work that’s gone into it. Once it’s premiered and done some festivals, it will feel more real. Right now the film exists in a bit of a vacuum, only the creators and a few other people have seen it. In terms of learning, the last five years feels like I’ve completed a PhD in filmmaking. I am still no master by any means, but I do feel I’ve got a real understanding of what goes into a film and I am grateful for that. I also look forward to seeing what opportunities arise as a result of completing my debut feature, hopefully those make it all worthwhile too.In hindsight, is there anything you would have done differently, either as producer or director? There are so many things I did wrong at literally every stage of the production. I think this was mostly due to my naivety and lack of producing experience. If I had the knowledge and wisdom I have now there is no way I would take such risk and sink so much time and money into a project. So from that perspective I’m grateful I had no idea what I was doing, because it means I actually did it.
Next time I would like to have a distributor behind me from the start as well as a producer (and some decent funding!).  I am not a producer at heart, only out of necessity. There are far more talented and skilled producers out there who I’d love to work with. I also don’t think I’ll direct myself in a lead role again, I really love collaborating with other artists and the director-actor relationship is very special.

Congratulations on a beautifully shot film – the country is clearly a character itself and many of the shots are nothing short of breathtaking. Who scouted locations for you?  Thank you, I really do love the cinematography; Adamooka’s DOP Danni Ogilive did an incredible job.  I agree, the landscape is a character, it’s often just Alex set amongst an epic landscape. In terms of finding the locations, I had conversations with people I knew in the Territory when I was writing the script so I had a few ideas of places to go and particular spots to shoot scenes. We also happened across lots of places along the road, often by just needing somewhere to camp that night. Of course, the locals in each place shared some of their favourite spots and we were able to explore those. We went to so many amazing places, it actually pains me how much had to end up on the edit room floor.
In the middle of shooting and funding campaigns, you had a baby….talk about multi-tasking!! Now that both your babies are alive and kicking, I have to ask: would you undertake such a cinematic journey again?  Hmmm, that’s a good one. I would love to shoot another film, and even another road movie/adventure film, but I would need someone there to help with my baby. Either my partner or my Mum, but my partner is an amazing filmmaker too, so I’d want his attention on the film. To make another film in general I would need a lot more support anyway. My little girl would just add to the madness. She was actually born shortly after the completion of the film, thankfully.

Have you had a screening for cast, production crew, friends and family? And if so, what was their feedback? My friends and family want to see it at the premiere and actually celebrate it, so they’re holding off. Some have seen little snippets and have been very supportive. There’s a huge section in the credits called “Encouragement Thanks” with a huge list of names. I think in general it’s hard for people who know you to see you acting and separate you from the character. Also, the screenplay is very personal and my friends and family witnessed some parts of the story that are inspired by real life (big break up, I was a mess etc.), so it’s hard for them to see me in such pain, even though it’s years after.Have you secured theatrical distribution or festival showcases?  I have had lots of good feedback from the distributors I’ve chatted to, and there are a couple of offers, but it’s really hard to know which way to jump. A number of distributors have said it may not suit a theatrical release, unfortunately, but we’ll see. As long as it has a life and finds its audience. There are a few festivals I am currently waiting to hear from and am actively entering more – though everything costs money, so this limits the entries.

And what is your next film project…after a suitable rest, of course?  I have a couple of series in development and there are a few feature screenplay drafts from over the years too, plus the want to make multiple documentaries about things I am passionate about, but nothing I am actively pushing. Being the only one managing Andamooka I simply don’t have time or mental capacity to be creative or really start on the next project until it’s released. Who knew a film took so much paperwork! Having a nine week old baby takes a fair bit of my time too.  Thanks, Glenda

I’m so happy to see Mara Jean reach completion of the film, overcoming all the inherent challenges that stood in her way. Pure guts and a belief in herself and her script, as well as surrounding herself with the right people to drive the project to the finish line. Bravo!

You can follow Mara Jean’s creative journey via:  https://www.facebook.com/andamookafilm and instagram.com/andamookafilm

SEPTUAGENARIAN BRURIA COOPERMAN DEBUTS HER 1-WOMAN SHOW AT TORONTO FRINGE FESTIVAL: REBEL BUBBIE, INC.

Just 6-weeks until Toronto welcomes the annual theatrical Fringe Festival, offering a multitude of comedy and drama presentations by hundreds of actors, writers, directors and hard-working crews. Hot off her scene-stealing appearance in the Adam Sandler film, You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah, 75yr old Bruria Cooperman, a.k.a. Rebel Bubbie, a semi-reformed, self-confessed renegade, stars in an unfiltered one-woman comedy at this year’s Toronto Fringe Festival. Always in search of adventure, Rebel Bubbie has discovered that marriage won’t stop you from being arrested, banned from a casino, or getting kicked-out of a bagel joint. From performing improv in NYC in the 60s & 70s, to directing and producing theatre, to drag racing (the 4-wheeled kind), floating in a weightless space tube, writing books – Rebel Bubbie has done it all! And only arrested twice! Cooperman has led a life of trail-blazing: she was part of the first generation of children born in Israel, post-Holocaust. From an early age, she exhibited an attitude of “Hey, look at me!” This adventurous child got into all manner of scrapes with her playmates and on her own. Always finding humour in the darkness, she wrote a book about children born to Holocaust survivors titled For This I Survived? Children of Survivors Beyond the Trauma (avail. on Amazon).Rebel Bubbie posts fun videos sharing her “Yiddish Word of the Day” on her YouTube channel – subscribe to: @RebelBubbie. Follow on Facebook & Instagram.

Definition: Traditionally, a bubbie (the Yiddish word for grandmother) wore floral housecoats, made chicken soup and gave you the biggest hug. Today’s bubbie still loves you, but wears designers suits, plays tennis and orders in.  Bruria’s co-writer, executive producer and director is Eva Almos (pictured below) who has found success as a writer/executive producer on both the East and West coast. A graduate of the Warner Bros. Television Writers’ Workshop, Eva began her career as staff writer of multiple episodes of Duckman.  She won a CableACE Award and was nominated for an Emmy for Outstanding Animated Program for the episode “Noir Gang.”  She has worked on numerous live action and animated series including The Wild Thornberrys, Pinky and the Brain and Invader Zim.Eva went on to develop and executive produce the animated series Carl Squared for Teletoon, developed Dave Darling-Head Case for Starburns Industries, and developed/wrote the popular TVO/PBS series Wild Kratts where she also plays fashion-designing villain Donita Donata.  I remember Eva as the voice of so many brilliant radio commercials in the 80s/90s – so good was she, that Eva became the go-to voice actor for every advertiser, but bigger things beckoned her in Hollywood…and the rest is tv history!I’m thrilled to be publicizing Rebel Bubbie, Inc. throughout the Toronto Fringe Fest period so watch for news on my social media throughout the next 6 weeks.

All 60-min. shows take place at the Alumnae Theatre, 70 Berkley Street, Toronto
Thursday, July 4th   6:00 pm  $10.00
Saturday, July 6th   12:30 pm $15.00
Sunday July 7th       2:15 pm   $15.00
Wed. July 10th         6:00 pm  $15.00
Thurs July 11th        8:15 pm   $15.00
Friday July 12th      6:00 pm  $15.00
Sat. July 13th           3:15 pm   $15.00
Tickets: www.FringeToronto.com

EATING BITTERNESS: A SPECIAL NAT’L EXHIBITION ABOUT THE CANADIAN JOURNEY FROM EXCLUSION TO INCLUSION

Thanks to my friend Justin Poy, I’m pleased to share information about an important exhibition that’s part of May’s Asian Heritage Month here in Canada. The ACCT Foundation (Action! Chinese Canadians Together) in partnership with the CCCGT (Chinese Cultural Centre of Greater Toronto) and The Justin Poy Agency, supported by ACENet (Asian Canadian Educators Network), are pleased to announce a new national touring exhibition titled, “Eating Bitterness: The Canadian Journey from Exclusion to Inclusion”.Eating Bitterness (吃苦 – chi ku) refers to the Chinese proverb indicating how the endurance of hardship can lead to strength. This exhibit examines the little-known history of anti-Chinese immigration legislation in Canada, which included the Chinese Exclusion Act (1923-1947) and segues to stories of resilience and triumph. Visitors will learn about the circumstances that led to the Chinese Exclusion Act and the legacy that it left behind.  Anti-Chinese legislation kept families apart, created so-called “bachelor societies” and led to mandated registration and documentation under the threat of fines, detainment, deportation and humiliation. This very special exhibit opens the dialogue for all Canadians to examine their own communities and to feel proud of the success that members of their communities have achieved despite a history of adversity. Below: Toronto Mayor, Olivia Chow at the exhibition openingBelow: Alan Lam, Chair of the Chinese Cultural Centre of Greater Toronto.
Canada’s future depends on how we treat others and embrace inclusiveness – after the law was repealed in 1947, Canada saw the rise of many prominent Chinese Canadians, a hope that never would have been possible before. This project is part of the commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the Chinese Exclusion Act. The exhibit features footage from The National Remembrance which took place on June 23, 2023 inside the Senate Chamber where the act was passed on July 1st, 1923 and features, “A Song for the Paper Children”, a poem written and performed by Christopher Tse. Visitors to the exhibit will be guided through this journey via a combination of images, stories, videos and an interactive component which will enable them to participate, relating to the experience of Chinese Canadians with their own stories. “Eating Bitterness” will be shown as well as the film, “No Canada Without Me”. This exhibit is funded by the Government of Canada and the Canadian Race Relations Foundation. “Eating Bitterness: The Canadian Journey from Exclusion to Inclusion” opened this past Friday, May 17, 2024 at the Chinese Cultural Centre of Greater Toronto located at 5183 Sheppard Ave East, Scarborough, Ontario. The exhibition is part of the 2024 Asian Heritage Month series supported by The Ministry of Education in the Province of Ontario, and will be open to the public from May 17 to June 15, 2024 from 10am to 5pm, Monday to Friday at the Cultural Centre and entry is FREE of charge.  Please visit https://EatingBitterness.ca for more information and future touring dates.

And I have to give a grateful shout-out to Justin who, over the years, has invited me to so many interesting exhibitions that have educated me and exposed me to so many different cultural engagements. The Justin Poy Agency (JPA) is an award-winning Toronto-based full service advertising agency and production house founded in 1993. The Agency was created on the basis that all promotional campaigns in Canada should speak directly to the diverse audiences that make up this country. JPA produces award-winning advertising campaigns and videos in multiple languages and includes casting that represents Canada’s multicultural mosaic so that every project can REACH. EVERYONE.  Justin Poy (pictured below) during the opening ceremony. https://www.justinpoy.com/

AUTHOR PAUL FISHER LAUNCHES 1ST NOVEL “LIKE A RIVER TO THE SEA” FILLED WITH MYSTERY, LIFE, DEATH AND THE METAPHYSICAL WORLD.

Was thrilled to be put in touch with first-time author PAUL FISHER via our mutual friend, Carla Collins. Strange how we are all connected…but maybe not so strange according to Paul whose debut novel LIKE A RIVER TO THE SEA encompasses life, death and beyond.  When Paul was 20, his father died at the young age of 47. Paul was with his father during the last few days of his dad’s life and, in fact, was with him in the Intensive Care Unit as his father’s heart failed on several occasions, resulting in a series of near-death experiences. His father, upon resuscitation from each of these events, told Paul that there was a world that existed beyond this life, and did his best to describe the feelings and philosophies that he had been exposed to during his brief sojourns into the “other side”.Like a River to the Sea is the story of an ordinary man, who, it turns out, has a most extraordinary story to tell. Joshua Davidson was born in Nashville Tennessee; in his 41st year, he is about to die there. This is the story of his life, his loves, his hopes, dreams and fears. It is also the story of what happens to him at the moment he shuffles off this mortal coil, and then what lays beyond. It will change the way you look at your own life, and how you tell your own story. Joshua’s story will help you understand how all the seemingly random people and events that collide with us in our lives are, in fact, quite premeditated and full of purpose. The book explores life, death, connections, mystery and the metaphysical. Here is what Paul shared with me….

Paul also shared his thoughts on things metaphysical or spiritual, that he always had questions since childhood and how that impacted his writing…

Paul has enjoyed a successful career in media, first as a popular radio announcer, then media executive and now author. Recently retired from the radio industry, he worked with several major Canadian media companies including Rogers Media, CHUM Radio and Bell Media.

I asked Paul that knowing what he learnt from his father’s passing and coming to terms with the experience over the decades in-between, would he change anything about his own life or career choices….

The book has been out for a few months now so I asked Paul what sort of feedback he’s received from readers, both friends and strangers….

So is there a second book in the works? And who are your readers?

It was a pleasure chatting with you, Paul, and so the promo dance begins. I’ll be reaching out to Canadian & int’l literary, arts & entertainment media for interviews and reviews so thank you to everyone for supporting Canadian authors. Follow Paul’s writing journey on Fcbk & Instagram:  @PaulFisherauthor

LIKE A RIVER TO THE SEA
Author:   Paul Fisher
Publisher:‎ Ozark Mountain Publishing Inc.
Soft cover $22.00 (285 Pages)
Kindle or audio book: $9.99
Available from Amazon, Barnes & Noble and other popular platforms
ISBN: 9781950639090