TRAUM review x Michael Fequiere

Daammmmmn its been over a month since I've posted on here but I'm back with an update. refer to post below to get up to speed.

So after seeing "Traum" for the first time at the film festival my reaction was "that was good, but I'm confused. Its like "Inception" it plays with your mind." I needed to see it again to truly piece it together and digest what happened.  Like the wonderful person that he is Mike agreed to send me a copy of the film. I waited, waited, and waited some more, until what felt like forever had come and gone...and then I waited some more...and even more waiting followed that waiting, until I finally received the film. peep my review below.

xxx

Writer/Director: Michael Fequiere

Simply put “Traum” is about an ex-cop Cole who suffers from insomnia as a result of being haunted by the death of his ex-wife Julie. He takes a newly designed sleeping pill “the Viagra of sleeping pills” which puts him through a series of dreams. But he soon realizes that even in his dreams he can’t hide from the truth.

One of the greater qualities of “Traum” is that the story isn’t simply spelled out for the viewer. It has a slight semblance to Chris Nolan’s “Memento” and “Inception” in that reality is skewed and there is often more than meets the eye. Fequiere adds depth to the 11 minute short by flashing key elements throughout the dream sequence whilst dropping subtle clues that ultimately reveal the truth surrounding Julie’s death.

One of my favorite scenes, the only scene with dialogue which grounds the film occurs in a café where Cole meets up with another cop, Frank , who we presume to be his ex-partner. Frank owns this scene, not only through his words but through his body language and it brings a necessary warmth and reality to the tone of the film.

My only gripe is that its only 11 minutes. 60 minutes would have done the central story more justice. Overall I give “Traum” 3 out of 4 cigars. You can't view it so you're just going to have to take my word for it.



on the set of "Traum"

Photo credit: Terence MF Thomas check out more of his work here --> MANuALLfocus.tumblr.com and here -->@ManuallFocus

Michael Fequiere x TRAUM x New Filmmakers Summer Film Festival

MIKE aka Young Spizzle aka Mike Lee & Me

I was perusing the web yesterday and decided to take a stroll over to Mike's Vimeo. You remember Mike, right? the quirky, film maker, director, writer. We went to go see the film Uncle Boonmee a few months ago. Remember? the long tortuous movie about nothing. Yea, yea, I'm still trying to forget that ever happened. I digress.

As I was saying I checked out one of Mike's shorts titled "Faux Pas" which is about a women who loses her wedding ring while cheating on her husband and later comes to grips with her actions after an encounter with a homeless man and tourist. "Faux Pas" is shot in black and white which enables the viewer to focus on the characters, their emotions, body language and subtle nuances in their facial expressions as a opposed to frivolous details such as what they're wearing, and, why doesnt this lady have a smart phone? It's 2011.

Towards the end of the film I got a little emotional as "Faux Pas" will resonate with anyone thats ever been in a relationship an is familiar with all the emotions that they encompass. the highs. the lows. falling in and out of love. infidelity. "Faux Pas" gracefully displays the universal feelings of love, and self reflection.

xxx

In other related news another of Mike's short film's "Traum" will be screening at the New Filmmakers Summer Film Festival at Anthology Film Archives on July 4th at 7pm. tix are $6.

 Check "Faux Pas"  and the official teaser for "Traum"  out here.

EVIE ROBBIE and NOMADNESS TV presents DRT-BG

update: Evita Robinson not only reached but exceeded her Kickstarter goal of  $5,000 thanks to everyone who spread the word and donated.

The pilot episode of NomadnessTV will be filmed in Berlin. until the crew and Evie fly out on July 7th Evie is doing another round of fundraising with DRT-BGs ($20) which is a new addition to the Nomadness brand. Watch Evie speak on NomadnessTV details and DRT-BGs HERE

(EVIE stylin' with a DRT-BG)

Again ALL proceeds from the bags ($20) will go towards funding the pilot
  --> refer 3 people to
purchase a DRT-BG and you get yours FREE. PURCHASE your DRT-BG HERE

if you're not interested in a DRT-BG but would still like to donate to the cause you can do so via pay pal at http://nomadnesstv.com/  All donation amounts are welcomed.

SUPPORT POSITIVE MOVEMENT.

sound: EMILIO ROJAS x BREAKING POINT

"you'll never shatter my dreams homie, they're plexiglass," -Emilio Rojas

photo:

life: cut

last monday i cut my hair.


went from this:

to this

the color: Revlon ColorSilk ultra light sun blonde #03

life: LUPE FIASCO x LASERS (5.5.11)

Last Thursday night Lupe Fiasco performed at Buff State with opening acts Miguel and Far East Movement. I was fortunate enough to attend.

Miguel was the first act of the night. His set seemed never ending. In the words of my friend Brandon "He made 'sure thing' into an 8 minute long song, epic." Miguel's dance moves and mannerism were very The Artist Formely Know as Prince-esque (read: feminine), but he can sing. His talent is undeniable even if his jeans looked like leggings.

MIGUEL. Yes, his mic stand lit up. fancy, huh?

***
Far East Movement had a very high energy set. The group has this 80's, 90's hip-hop vibe mixed with contemporary pop, and dance that you can't help but rock to; and the groups DJ, DJ Virman is a beast on the 1's and 2's. I respect the Movement.

***
Onto the main course, LUPE. Lupe's word play and rhymes are simply brilliant. With his much anticipated and much delayed recent album LASERS he does not disappoint. Although Lupe has been quoted saying he doesnt like LASERS and that its his attempt at a mainstream pop album to appease record label exects he still delievers heavy and insightful rhymes over pop beats. The first line from his latest single "Words I Never Said" takes a critical jab at America's political policy's when Lupe raps "I really think the War on Terror is a bunch of bullshit, just a poor excuse for you to use up all your bullets." Lupe can go from "Words I Never Said" to more uptempo songs such as "I Don't Wanna Care Right Now." LASERS is sure to get listeners moving as well as thinking.

LUPE FIASCO going H.A.M.

Watching Lupe live was amazing as he is a very passionate and intense performer. Singer Sarah Green who is featured on LASERS was also there to do vocals. The rest of the band memebers where incredible as well. Overall there was alot of head bopping, fist bumbing and sweat dripping. I'm sure I'm not alone when I say I lost my voice from yelling out lyrics and shouts of approval.

LUPE FIASCO's video for "Words I Never Said"

sn: apologies for the quality of the pictures. camera's were not allowed in the venue so all pictures were captured with my BlackBerry.

photo: top KNOTch

the top knot is back.

from the looks of it i'm in good company.

Chanel Iman

Thandie Newton

Arlenis Sosa (far left)



sound: Dead Prez x The Beauty Within

"You're the TRUTH, never doubt that."



"this Hollywood world so pretentious
every other girl got a perm or extensions
but you don't even rarely wear lipstick
still your beauty is a natural mystic
indigenous strong cheekbone from your lineage
not what the mainstream image is
natural hair as your heritage
but to see it without chemicals
is rare as the pyramids." -Dead Prez

word:

word: Juice x Soulja Boy 2011

Rapper Soulja Boy said to be claiming the late Tupac Shakur's role of Bishop in a remake of the classic movie Juice. YouTube vlogger featured above shares words of disapproval.

 I agree with the brother. I'm not upset with Soulja Boy, the problem lies with those giving Soulja Boy the platform to spread his stupidy and ignorace. There are a plethora of young Black actors that I'm sure would have been perfect for this role. Given the fact that there is a small Black presence in Hollywood as it is, it is troubling to see a legitimate movie role go to someone such as Soulja Boy who is underserving and illfitting.

"I hope 'Pac come outta heaven and smack the shit outta Soulja Boy" - extract from video.

sound: Look At Me Now

if you havent seen this already, WATCH. this girl is a BEAST.

word:

"Inside every cynic is a disappointed idealist."-George Carlin

product review: Kinky Curly Knot Today

Kinky Curly Knot Today has been on my list of "to-try" products an after hearing rave reviews about it I was anxious to give it a try.  After months of prolonged procrastination I finally made it to Ricky's NYC and got my hands on a bottle. I must admit I was not dissapointed. KCKT not only has alot of slip for easy detangling but is similar to its counterpart KC Curly Custard in the fact that it is also very moisturing. I went two whole days before I felt the need to remoisturize using Shea Moisture's Curl Enhancing Smoothie.

 FULL DISCLOSURE: I mixed jojoba oil, olive oil and organic aloe vera juice in with the Knot Today before I applied it to my hair, therefore this review is a bit skewed as I can't speak to how Knot Today works alone.

(twist-out)

word:

REAL G's MOVE

IN SILENCE

LIKE LASAGNA

life: Easy like Sunday Morning (4.3.11)

I had a late Sunday night dinner with Lady Osa a couple of weeks ago. Our pow-wows are always insightful and comedic.

Me & OSA



sound: EMILIO ROJAS x "RIGHT TO STAY"

Emilio Rojas "Right to Stay"

This video does a great job illustrating the plight of millions of immigrants across the United States. Given the current political discourse surrounding immigrants and the "immigrant problem" I applaud Emilio for speaking on this subject. Not only does the video for "right to stay" pin point fallacies in American laws and political system but hones in on the fact that "illegal" immgigrants are racially, socially and economically disfranchisement and exploited.

photo:

top knot pimpin'

get Familiar: NomadnessTV x EVITA ROBINSON x BERLIN or BUST x KICKSTART

Last summer I stumbled across a blog titled NomadnessTV I was immediately captivated by the words and stories I read. The site is filled with stories ranging from life in NYC to time spent trotting the globe to Japan, France and India. I read notes on survival and love and watched a young woman come into contact with different cultures and watched as these experiences touched and shaped her life. I was thoroughly mesmerized by this woman who dared to follow her dreams; teaching, traveling and consequently being positively enlightened and shaped by the world and the many gifts and lessons it has to offer. I probably spent upwards of 2 hours skimming through all the post. By the time I had finished I felt I personally knew the woman behind the words. I contacted her, telling her how touched I was by her blog and how inspiring her stories were. Since then she has become someone I admire. I have never met Evita Robinson the young woman behind NomadnessTV (in my mind we're besties). Nevertheless, I see some of myself in her. I believe in her vision. I support her. Now Evita is taking the next step in her journey to kickstart her own show and film the pilot episode of NomadnessTV, Berlin or Bust  to bring her story to the masses. She needs our help.  Your help. She is looking to raise 5,000 by May 24^th.   I believe with our help she will not only reach her goal but surpass it. You can help achive her dreams and reach her goal by going to her kickstart page to learn more and to pledge. Any amount is welcome and makes a huge difference.

 Now you might be asking yourself "Why should I care?" "Why should I help?" You should pledge because the world needs more positive images of Black women. Because it takes a village to raise a child. Because we all need a platform to stand on, somewhere to begin. Because when you fund someone else’s dream you also fund your own. Because the youth is the future. Because it’s always fun daringly living vicariously through someone else. Because its hard making a dollar out of 15cents. Because Rome wasn't built in one day.  Because we weren’t  meant to survive cause it’s a set-up. Because Black is Beautiful. Because there is strength in numbers. Because if you let the world change you you can change the world. Because sometimes all you need is 5,000 and a dream. Pledge --> HERE

Evita on a recent trip to Cambodia

word:

get Familiar: JOVONNA RODRIGUEZ x PRONOUNS

One of my child hood friends Jovonna Rodriguez has just release a book titled  Pronouns. Pronouns categorizes life through writing, which is often separated by visions and experience. Pronouns is a collection of poetry and prose describing every aspect of the human existence in relation to emotions, and highlighting everystruggle and success. Pronouns is something everyone can feel.

Based on the principle that all life stories can be interchangeable, Pronouns explores each avenue, situation, and event. It starts off with a personal chapter introducing the author’s inspirations to write and poems that describe her life. Pronouns explores a different theme in each chapter, based on the definition of a
pronoun: She, Him, Us, Them, and We.

Pronouns is a showcase of passion, covering an array of issues including abuse, sex, artistry, incarceration, love, political activism, community collectiveness, youth, nature, and truth. It pays homage to Shatoya Currie (Girl X), 2009 Taser related deaths, incarcerated men, and our community.

About the Author

JOVONNA RODRIGUEZ

JoVonna Rodriguez is a vessel for words and emotions. She is a native New Yorker who now resides in Atlanta, Georgia since graduating from Emory University. She is AmeriCorps alum whose commitment to service is now bridged with being a life long educator. She makes sure to incorporate creative and innovative ways of learning how to love reading and writing in her classroom. JoVonna is releasing her first book of poetry and prose entitled, Pronouns. For more on JoVonna Rodriguez and Pronouns check her out at:www.joskidiesel.com, @JoskiDiesel or joskidiesel@yahoo.com.

sound: Song Of The Week x Frank Ocean x Novacane

sound: Song Of The Week x Keri Hilson ft. Chris Brown x One Night Stand

life: BIRTHDAY x PEACHES (3.19.11)

We celebrated Serena's birthday at Peaches in Bed-Stuy. By the crowd seen in this place Peaches is extremely popular. Due to the fact that the restaurant is small we waited over an hour for a table of 8. Thankfully the food was worth waiting for (everything taste good when you're starving). Needless to say stories were told and good times were had.

TIFFANI

Spinach-Artichoke dip was delish.

COURTNEY & SERENA

SERENA & LILLIAN

mac & cheese, kale and asparagus.

SERENA, LILLIAN and ZARA.

Me & TIFFANI

life: AGAVE x SWAY (3.18.11)

evening: Ate dinner in the West Village at AGAVE with some of TIFFANI's friends. night: linked up with CHRISTIAAN to fist pump at SWAY.

TIFFANI & EMILY

NANCY & MARIANA

shrimp quesadilla

ME & NANCY sippin' slow

Champagne in a Can

MIKE & TIFFANI

beat the beat back

SAM

MIKE & ME

JOHNNY KILLFACE

 TOYA & CHRISTIAAN

FAB & CHRISTIAAN

CHRISTIAAN & BRIAN CLEAVER