Contributing artist spotlight: Osiris Rain

  Artist Osiris Rain contributes his gorgeous painting for us!

 

 

This beautiful little painting from classically trained painter Osiris Rain, a North Carolina based artist known for his contemporary figure paintings. This painting of a reclining nude is streaked with turquoise and pink, giving it a sunny, pleasant feel. 

Bid on this painting: HERE

Osiris Rain trained at the Angel Academy of Art in Florence, Italy where he studied the masterpieces of the Renaissance firsthand. Later he went on to study in the Odd Nerdrum apprenticeship program in Stavern, Norway. Learn more about Osiris' work here: http://www.osirisrainstudios.com/

During out post production drive, we have 3 new ways to contribute!

Ebay auction of art, music and more: appleseeds Ebay Auction

Contribute $250 or more and make it tax deductible: San Francisco Film Society Fiscal Sponsors page

Contribute directly to appleseeds for any amount or bid on one and only tarot read by Megan Breiseth: appleseeds website

What the film Snow White tells us about our own views on women

I've been really interested in the many different reviews of Snow White and the Huntsman. I saw it on opening night and I have to say, it's visually stunning. First time feature director Rupert Sands definitely knows his way around telling a story with all the visual tools cinema can provide. I also thought the acting was top notch, the best of which was Charlize Theron.

I also wish Sands and his crew had taken the revisionist approach just a step further. I could have used a little more character and story along with a new twist on some plot points. Just a little deeper into the mad queen or the young heroine. Because it stays just on the surface of the story it ultimately it comes up just a little short of a true classic for  me.

What's really fascinating for me how is how reviewers can take the same elements and interpret them in so many different ways.

Take Natalie Wilson's feminist view in Ms. Magazine:
"The film’s modus operandi is to vilify female aging. Of course, that’s the stuff of the original fairy tale, but this umpteenth iteration does nothing to complicate the material. It was a brilliant opportunity for a feminist critique of how we’re sold a bill of goods about beauty and immortality. Instead, Snow White and the Huntsman acts as though the desires for these things spring only from the brains of crazy women. Once again we get the same ole message that not only do women get ugly as they age, but they also get evil."

You know, I actually thought it was pretty easy to understand how the age old story of the Queen reflects the myth of youth and beauty that is still shoved down our throats as women. I felt that while the film doesn't go any deeper than the surface on these issues, I think the point was that the concept of holding on to youth and beauty at all costs is the villain itself, not the woman victimized by that notion.

I also feel like the movie made it clear that there was a vulnerable, damaged woman who has been used by the society she lives in. I feel like there is one very distinct moment where Snow White and the audience has to have empathy for her. True, she is a woman who has given in to her demons but does that ultimately make her a demon? If that's true, then why a moment of redemption?

Or does this show how my (or anyone's) criticism or reading of the film says more about me than the actual movie? Does this show my need to believe people can change and that they don't have to be victims of anything?

Check out this Natalie Wilson's blog and join in on the discussion: Ms. Blog. Because ultimately, I don't feel that one person or review has all the answers... but that engaging and discussing these issues concerning the representation of women is the most important thing we can do.


Duendefilmswest production of appleseeds: Did you miss out on being part of making this film and the benefit screenings happen? You can still be a part of the adventure: stay tuned for information regarding upcoming auction or contact us here for details on how to contribute directly!

In-Kind Contributor: 7th Heaven Yoga and Wellness Center

We are so lucky to have Kim offer her amazing studio space for us to hold our auditions in. The center is gorgeous with all sorts of great classes at all levels. Like an oasis in the middle of Berkeley of calm and beauty. Please go check it out and see for yourself why it's aptly named 7th Heaven!

Here's a little more about the awesome studio director of 

7th Heaven Yoga and Wellness Center:

 Kim Adams:

    Kim's body has been a dancer, yogi and athlete nearly her entire life after that pesky crawling stage was out of the way . She began her yoga practice at 15 in her home town in L.A. then discovered the dance in college. She holds a Dance and Psychology degree from Sonoma State University where she dove into the study of Biofeedback and movement therapies like Feldenkrais and the Alexander Technique. In recent years she discovered aerial dance and began dancing and performing on aerial tissu and other aerial apparatus. To balance this very physical practice she has studied Shadow Yoga with Scott Blossom for the past 3 years to understand and heal many old injuries and create a more resilient practice.    

     If Kim is not hanging off something, you can find her mind in her office at 7th Heaven where she has been the Studio Director for the past 5 years. She is also the CFO of doctorblossom.com after about 8 years of fascination with how business can change and shape the world. She studied real estate investing and apprenticed under a local real estate developer in Berkeley. With deep appreciation and gratitude she left that to study to dive into online business. As CFO of Dr. B she was able to co-create an online Ayurvedic cleanse with Yoga Journal, Yoga International and several other companies that touched over 30,000 people's lives in a little over a cumulative month's time. 

     As for Kim's spirit, it dwells in the relentless pursuit of leaving the world better than when she entered it. After 30 years of living she is starting to realize she has much much more work to do!

Check out out more about 7th Heaven Yoga Center here: 7th Heaven website

Facebook: link

5 days to go and 20 min Skype perk for just 40$! Hazar!

Ashley Perryman Quach dreaming of Skyping

Been thinking about contributing but keep asking yourself, "who are these people anyway?"

Been wanting to contribute more but keep asking yourself "What is their favorite film? I wonder if they want to hear about my screenplay idea? And what REALLY happened the day Robyn met Angelina Jolie....hmmmm"

The answer to all those is, in the correct order. (let's see how many times I can put Skype in this)
1) 20 minutes, Skype and apple juice should tell you all you need to know about us
2) what's yours? Tell us on Skype.
3) yes!
4)....heh. Skype and you shall know all!

5 DAYS to go and so close... give now if you can and if you have, give a little more because you may want to know about us but we also want to meet you! Because without you, this film would not be getting made. That is the bottom line!

40$ Skype with us and help us reach our goal!!

With all our hearts we thank you!
Appleseeds team

about Duendefilms West production of appleseeds: 

Please visit our indiegogo page to find out how we are trying to make a difference both in our short film and the screening/benefits to follow to raise money and awareness around issues of domestic violence and gender representation in film and media.

Casting Update: Chuck Phelps officially joins our cast!

So excited to have Chuck join our production. I wish I could share his audition but it would spoil the experience of the film so I can't. But I can tell you that he is one of the most passionate and committed actors I've worked with to date. Please read below and Bay area folks, I'll keep you posted on his upcoming theater performances this month.

Chuck Phelps is the eldest of three and was born in Aurora, Ill.  Yes, home to Wayne’s World…. but really it’s full of cornfields as anyone who’s been there can tell you.  Ever since he can remember, he has always liked entertaining people on a stage of one kind or another.  Laughter is “the medicine of the Gods”, and to be the cause of people laughing, crying, feeling, or just plain forgetting about their troubles for a brief period of time is priceless.  (And the icing on the cake, for me anyway, is that it’s a hell of an awesome way to share a meaningful moment between human beings.)

Having thoroughly exhausted a music career that carried him through the first third of his life, Chuck was left with something he had always told himself:  “If I wasn’t playing music, what would I be doing.....?"  The answer always came back acting.  Not only did he have this secret desire to act, but he somehow thought he might be good at it.  Chuck decided to put his theory to the test, and as with everything else in his life, he went at it full force.  Starting with ACT, BATS, and finally finishing it off with the boot camp of all acting techniques ….. Meisner.   After completing 2 years at the Meisner Technique Studio in 2009 it was time to get to work.  Along the way he managed to put together a demo a reel, and a resume full of something he didn’t know he’d fall in love with, live theater.  And although one must take care of one's own dreams.... for ultimate success, it is essential to work with people that have similar dreams. 

"Meeting Robyn and Ashley is literally a dream come true.  To work on a good script with such a great cause; and to be part of a production that truly values acting is (in my humble opinion) a recipe for success.  All I can say is thank you Robyn and Ashley for letting me part of your vision. " - Chuck

Contributing Artist Spotlight: Photographer Raphael Coffey

Raphael Coffey

Awesome photographer Raphael Coffey contributes both his time and his art to help us with our Indiegogo campaign for the short film "appleseeds."

We are so lucky to have Raphael as part of our team. Besides being one of the most genuine people you will every meet, his pictures are amazing. "He is just able to catch the spirit of each moment in his pictures. There are some people that just have that eye... they are in sync with the subject. I just love his work and I couldn't be happier to have him on set for this film." - Robyn Dettman, Director and Producer of appleseeds.

Raphael does it all with style and grace: portraits, company web shots, brochures, news (MSNBC and NBC.) Please check out his website at: http://www.raphaelcoffey.com




about Duendefilms West production of appleseeds: 

Please visit our indiegogo page to find out how we are trying to make a difference both in our short film and the screening/benefits to follow to raise money and awareness around issues of domestic violence and gender representation in film and media.

House Republicans Exclude LGBT Victims from Violence Against Women Act

From May 16, 2012

Washington – The Human Rights Campaign is condemning a highly partisan vote in the U.S. House of Representatives, where GOP lawmakers just passed a bill to reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA).  Unlike the bipartisan and LGBT-inclusive Senate version, the House bill fails to address discrimination faced by LGBT victims of domestic violence.  The bill passed 222-205, with 23 Republicans opposing it.

Reauthorizing VAWA need not have been a partisan fight.  Rep. Judy Biggert (R-IL) wanted to offer an amendment to the bill that would have increased protections for LGBT victims, but the House Republican leadership blocked her from even offering the amendment.

“Today, House Republicans put partisan politics above the well-being of victims of domestic abuse,” said HRC President Joe Solmonese. “It is unfortunate – though not surprising – that some lawmakers refuse to acknowledge the basic dignity and respect LGBT domestic violence victims deserve. These lawmakers are leaving victims out in the cold with nowhere to turn for help, and attempting to further stigmatize many of the stereotypes associated with domestic abuse. We urge lawmakers to work together in conference so that VAWA is inclusive of all victims of domestic abuse.”

Continue reading: http://www.hrc.org



about Duendefilms West production of appleseeds: 

Please visit our indiegogo page to find out how we are trying to make a difference both in our short film and the screening/benefits to follow to raise money and awareness around issues of domestic violence and gender representation in film and media.

How does Cannes 2012 reflect the representation of women in film and media?

In a letter published last week in Le Monde newspaper, a group of feminists backed by a French actress and two female directors complained about the sexual imbalance.

"Don't allow young women to think that they might one day have the gall to direct films and to go up the steps of the Palais except on the arms of a prince charming," they wrote, referring to the red carpet entrance to the main cinema in Cannes.

"We will be better able to assess female representation at this year's festival after seeing some of the anticipated competition films, including "Rust and Bone" (with Marion Cotillard), "On the Road" (with Kristen Stewart), "Lawless" (with Jessica Chastain) and "In Another Country" (with Isabelle Huppert).

"It may turn out that the 'female auteur' presence in Cannes this year is the prolific international actress."

Continue reading: www.uk.reuters.com 


about Duendefilms West production of appleseeds: 

Please visit our indiegogo page to find out how we are trying to make a difference both in our short film and the screening/benefits that will follow to raise money and awareness around issues of domestic violence and gender representation in film and media.

Study finds that females are more likely to be put in sexual, violent scenes

Really interesting study on the representation of females in film and media. Every role sends a message to young girls and teens. Every image tells a strong story: what story are we trying to tell with these numbers? How can we change this trend in the film industry?

 Journal of Adolescent Health - April 2012

"Women continue to be under-represented in film overall and twice as likely as males to be seen in sexually explicit or violent scenes, according to a new study from the Annenburg Public Policy Center. The report analyzed 855 top box-office movies from 1950 to 2006, with co-author Dan Romer noting surprise at "the same representation of women today as was prevalent in the 1950s. With women increasingly playing major roles in all walks of life, Hollywood appears to remain in the mindset of a much earlier era."

Continue reading: jahonline.org

Join Duendefilms West and their campaign for 'appleseeds" the film. All proceeds from screenings donated to local and national organizations to stop domestic violence.
Check us out at www.indiegogo.com/appleseeds