Stephanie Allain Steps Down As LAFF Director

LOS ANGELES (October 14, 2016) — Film Independent, the non-profit arts organization that produces the Los Angeles Film Festival and the Spirit Awards, announced that Jennifer Cochis is being promoted to Director of the Los Angeles Film Festival.  Cochis, a fresh and visionary producer who has worked with the likes of Drake Doremus and James Ponsoldt, has also served as the Festival’s Creative Director, collaborating with outgoing Festival Director Stephanie Allain on all aspects of the Festival. An award winning independent producer, Allain (Hustle & Flow, Beyond the Lights) is in production on Justin Simien’s Netflix series Dear White People, posting Gerard McMurray’s Burning Sands and prepping Juanita, an Alfre Woodard vehicle to be directed by Clark Johnson.

“Jennifer Cochis is a brilliant new force on the Festival scene and I am extremely happy to have her step into this new role,” said Film Independent President Josh Welsh. “She brings so much experience, intelligence and passion to everything she does. She’s worked closely with the mighty Stephanie Allain on the Festival for the past two years, first as Senior Programmer and then as Creative Director, turning the Festival into a powerful platform for discovering new and diverse talent.”

"Jennifer is a secret weapon,” said Film Independent Board Chair Mary Sweeney, “and I expect exciting things for the LA Film Festival from her."

“It has been such an honor to shine a spotlight on women and directors of color,” said Allain, “and leaving is bittersweet. But I know that the festival is in extremely capable hands with Jennifer Cochis at the helm because she helped me build it.”

“It’s an incredibly exciting challenge to build upon the great work that Stephanie has done at the LA Film Festival these past five years,” said Cochis. “I am passionate about continuing to grow this Festival, bringing together audacious and brave visual storytellers with the audiences of Los Angeles.”

In addition to her festival work, Cochis has produced critically acclaimed films, both fiction (James Ponsoldt’sSmashed and Drake Doremus’ Douchebag) and non-fiction (Marius Markevicius’s The Other Dream Team and Elise Salomon’s Los Wild Ones). She is a Sundance Institute Creative Producers Lab Fellow and was awarded their prestigious Sheila C. Johnson Fellowship. Currently, she is the Digital Studio Head for Joss Whedon's Save the Day, a pro-Hillary Clinton Super PAC, creating short videos that aim to get people out to vote.

The 23rd LA Film Festival, which will take place June 14 – June 22, 2017 at ArcLight is currently accepting submissions. The early deadline for submissions is October 28, the regular deadline is November 18 and the late deadline is December 16, 2016. Please visit www.lafilmfestival.com for submission guidelines and forms.

'Kevin Hart: What Now?' In Theaters Today

By Darlene Donloe

Kevin Hart is a funny dude.

As comedians go, he’s at the top of his game.   Not only that, he broke a record. In August 2015, he actually sold out Lincoln Federal Field, a football stadium, in Philadelphia,

That being said, his latest stand up film, Kevin Hart: What Now?, directed by Leslie Small and Tim Story, isn’t quite the gut-buster this fan has come to expect.  It opened today in theaters nationwide.

The film's title is taken from Hart’s 2015 tour. Reportedly, because Hart has achieved comedic and financial success, he’s always being asked the question, What Now?

The comedy is bad, but it isn't great either. It’s hard to get worked up over “bits” you’ve already seen and heard on various talk shows. That was a let down. It’s probably because the film was shot a year ago, so the material is a bit weathered.

However, the clever opening and closing helped to redeem the presentation, but only slightly.

The film’s opening featured comedic turns from Academy Award winner Halle Berry, Don Cheadle and Ed Helms.  Berry shows some real comedic chops in a James Bond 007 send up.

Hart’s strength is his ability to tell a story. His timing is incredible and his delivery is masterful.   The material is usually worthy, but it’s more impactful when it’s fresh.

Kevin Hart and Halle Berry

No one is spared in Hart’s barbs. In What Now he rips his own son, his then fiancée (now wife) and a slew of friends.  The show is enhanced by a giant video screen upstage that includes various elements to bolster his stories. For instance, when he quips about his son taking out the trash in the dark, a video of Hart’s driveway is displayed.  It’s a nice touch.

Kevin Hart has conquered several genres in the entertainment world – movies, television, standup.  The question really is, What Now?

Kevin Hart: What Now? is directed by Leslie Small and Tim Story. It’s written by Hart, Harry Ratchford and Joey Wells. It stars Hart, Cheadle, Berry and Helms.

Kevin Hart: What Now? is Rated R.  Running Time is: 1h 36m.

On the DONLOE SCALE: D (don’t bother), O (oh, no), N (needs work), L (likeable), O (OK) and E (excellent), Kevin Hart: What Now? gets an O (OK).

Actor/Singer Austin Jordan Brito Is Ready To 'Fly'

Austin Jordan Brito

By Darlene Donloe

Austin Jordan Brito (AJB) isn’t your average teenage boy.  At 13, he’s anything but. The Ohio native, who moved to Los Angeles to further his career, doesn’t spend a lot of time hanging out at the mall. He actually likes school, especially science. Science? Yes, science. Calling himself  “the weird one” because he loves chemistry and making compounds, Brito, an eighth grader who would like to go to college one day to study biochemistry, is also on the fast track to stardom.

You can hear the youthful enthusiasm and excitement in his voice when his talks about his future in the entertainment business. He wants to do it all – and he’s well on his way. He’s a singer, songwriter, dancer, actor and model who has set his sights on making it big in Hollywood.  He recently debuted the popular and catchy little ditty, Fly, and is already preparing to release a second single some time in November.  He also recently booked the role of Hayden on an upcoming television pilot called, The Prophet, the story of a dying boy.

 I recently caught up with the young dynamo to talk about his career.

DD: What do you like to do when you’re not singing or acting?

AJB:  I sing everyday. I practice monologues.  I still act everyday. I also do martial arts. Of course I have to do my homework. I like to work with chemicals.  I like to hang out with my friends. We like to go out to eat. I’m a big foodie. I like Italian food. Steak is my favorite food. It’s extremely unhealthy, but I still like it.

DD: Tell me about your song, Fly.

AJB: I moved to California. After four months I went to Millennium Dance Complex to do singing lessons. I took voice lessons from Justin Kopplin He said I was great. He introduced me to Michael Long who introduced me to the song Fly.

Fly video: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=F5seggLtwug 

DD: What is the song about?

AJB: It’s about a kid from a rich family whose parents are overprotective. He likes to go to the mall, but he can’t go out without security. He wants to be free. When I think of that situation, my situation is pretty good.

DD: What are you hoping happens with the song?

AJB: I hope people like it and learn to go out and express their talents. I want them to come out from the clouds and show what they’re about.

DD: What’s the next single after Fly. 

AJB: I’m doing a cover by Supertramp.  It’s called, The Logical Song. It will come out in late October or in November.  I also have an original song called, She’s Hung Up on Emojis.

DD:  When did you decide you wanted to be in showbiz?

AJB: It happened when I wanted to go into acting two years ago. I went to the International Models and Talent Association in New York. I won some modeling awards. Then I wanted to do some acting and I wanted to sing.

DD: You are a singer, actor and dancer. You also do martial arts.   If you could only do one of those the rest of your life – which would it be and why?

AJB: I love them all, but it would be singing because I’d get to express myself.

DD: What is it that you like about showbiz?

AJB: I get to be myself. I get to be Austin. I get to show my acting and express my talent.   I like doing theatrical productions and commercials. I love plays and singing.

DD: How did you prepare yourself for showbiz?

AJB: I took voice lessons. I took some acting lessons. I did some improve shows. I went to the Margie Haber studio for acting.

DD: What have you found to be the hardest part about the business?

AJB:  The denial. In acting you always have to show them you can do it.

DD: Who is your favorite actor and your favorite singer?

AJB:   Paul Walker is my favorite actor.   I have a lot of favorite singers. I love Elvis, Michael Jackson, Fall Out Boys, Imagine Dragons and Drake. There are more.

DD: Favorite movie?

AJB: I like Fast and Furious and The Outsiders.  I also like Charlie Chaplin and the silent films.

DD: Since you like school, what college would like to attend?

AJB: I’m not sure.  There are a lot of universities I can go to.

DD: What would you like to study?

AJB: Biochemistry, molecular compounds. I want to be a scientist. I want to get a

Master’s in biochemistry.

DD: When you think about the future, where do you see your career going?

AJB: Hopefully in the next couple of years I’ll be embracing people and I’ll be an inspiration to some people. I see myself continuing to be discovered.

DD:  For all of your female fans, do you have a girlfriend?

AJB:  Not presently. I’m going to hold off on that for a while.

Songstress Lori Jenaire Releases 'As You Are'

Los Angeles - With the release of her Top Five Billboard Hot Singles Sales charting debut, As You Are, featuring Patrice Rushen, a remake of the 1978 Pharoah Sander's R&B soul classic which originally featured Phyllis Hyman, songstress Lori Jenaire is on a mission that transcends music sales and charting. The lovely diva is hoping to bring more attention to an issue that not only personally affects her, but also millions of others, autoimmune diseases. 

Jenaire is pledging .25 cents from every single sold of As You Are to the 25th anniversary celebration of the American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association, Inc. (AARDA) #25for25 Campaign. The AARDA #25for25 effort invites individuals and organizations around the world to recognize AARDA's achievements on behalf of people with autoimmune diseases and to support their work going forward by donating to the organization. Jenaire is hoping that her remake of As You Are uplifts the spirit of those battling with their own autoimmune related health struggles while encouraging awareness and compassion for global healing on a mass level. 

According to AARDA, there are more than 100 known autoimmune diseases (ADs), including psoriasis, Graves' disease, Sjogren's syndrome, Type 1 diabetes, relapsing polychondritis, myasthenia gravis, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease and lupus. The underlying cause of all of these diseases is autoimmunity which disproportionately affects women. Of the 50 million Americans living and coping with ADs, more than 75 percent are women. Given the genetic component, autoimmune diseases can run in families. AD is one of the top 10 leading causes of death of women under the age of 65 and is responsible for more than $100 billion in direct health care costs annually.  

"I am just so empowered by AARDA and the work that they have done and continue to do with regard to autoimmune related diseases," says Jenaire, "I'm truly humbled to be able to partake in their #25for25 campaign as we raise awareness and money for the remarkable services they provide."

Jenaire has long been revered in music circles for the lush nuances of her vocal stylings. Heavily influenced by several legendary divas, including Sarah Vaughan, Anita Baker and Angela Bofill, the final comparisons most often parallel her to legendary chanteuse Phyllis Hyman. A statuesque performer at 6 feet tall, Jenaire's striking Creole and Cape Verdean features even lend a resemblance to Hyman as well.

She amazingly transcends all expectations with her As You Are cover, propelling listeners into a space that brings the nostalgia of the '70's smack dab into the middle of 2016. As You Are solidifies the songbird once and for all as the successor to the Phyllis Hyman throne. The remake not only bellows vintage love and soulful power, but also masterfully echoes the deeply rich vocal subtleties of the original song.

As You Are is also a tremendous musical production. Renowned bassist "Ready" Freddie Washington not only produced and arranged the track, but also gathered together a team of music greats to perform live in the studio for the recording session. The melodious masterpiece includes multi-Grammy Award winning artist Patrice Rushen on Fender Rhodes and solo, Freddie Washington on bass and percussion, James Gadson on drums; Aaron Lindsey on acoustic piano, Gregory (G Moe) Moore on guitar; Eyvonne Williams on tambourine and Dorian Holley and Shannon Pearson on background vocals.

"As You Are holds a special significance for me now," reveals Jenaire. "Coming face to face with my own recent diagnosis has brought me to terms with so many different things. When I listen to the lyrics of As You Are, they resonate with me so deeply. We all are in need of a quiet, safe space that is deep and internal. That is where the healing begins. As You Are is that gentle reminder that we can all go there and be accepted as we are." 

When Jenaire sings, angels take note, hearts open and souls are immensely satisfied. Hum along with Jenaire at www.LoriJenaire.com  and make a donation to AARDA by purchasing the single at https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/as-you-are-feat.-patrice-rushen/id1157194938?app=itunes&ign-mpt=uo%3D4  .

Take a peak inside the live studio session for As You Are at https://youtu.be/7Lw9kgKIXSw .

About Lori Jenaire

Early on in her career Jenaire remade The Mamas and Papa's smash hit "California Dreamin'" and took the Jazz/R&B world by storm. An accomplished songwriter/arranger/performer, with several CD's to her credit, including "Within Reach" and "Fruition," Lori has consistently kept the memory of Phyllis Hyman alive with her CD releases.   The Chicago native has placed on the R&R Jazz Indicator charts climbing from No. 26 and reaching No. 7 on the Smooth Jazz.com indie chart at one point. Her debut on the dance/club scene produced a smash remix of "You Know How to Love Me" achieving Bullet status on the Billboard Top 20 Dance Charts and achieved Grammy consideration. Timeless classics "Magic Mona" and "You're As Right as Rain," covered on her CD "Within Reach," also echoed Phyllis Hyman and were widely acclaimed by R&B/jazz purists internationally.

'Rogue One: A Star Wars Story' In Theaters Dec. 16

ROGUE ONE: A STAR WARS STORY in 3D, RealD 3D and IMAX 3D!

Website and Mobile site: http://www.starwars.com

 Facebook: http://facebook.com/StarWarsMovies

 Twitter:  https://twitter.com/StarWars

 Instagram: https://instagram.com/StarWarsMovies

Cast: Felicity Jones, Diego Luna, Ben Mendelsohn, Donnie Yen, Mads Mikkelsen, Alan Tudyk, Riz Ahmed, with Jiang Wen and Forest Whitaker                           

Director: Gareth Edwards                                              

Producers: Kathleen Kennedy, Allison Shearmur, Simon Emanuel                                

Executive Producers: John Knoll, Jason McGatlin               

            

From Lucasfilm comes the first of the Star Wars standalone films, “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story,” an all-new epic adventure. In a time of conflict, a group of unlikely heroes band together on a mission to steal the plans to the Death Star, the Empire’s ultimate weapon of destruction. This key event in the Star Wars timeline brings together ordinary people who choose to do extraordinary things, and in doing so, become part of something greater than themselves.

  

From Lucasfilm comes the first of the Star Wars standalone films, “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story,” an all-new epic adventure. In a time of conflict, a group of unlikely heroes band together on a mission to steal the plans to the Death Star, the Empire’s ultimate weapon of destruction. This key event in the Star Wars timeline brings together ordinary people who choose to do extraordinary things, and in doing so, become part of something greater than themselves.

“Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” is directed by Gareth Edwards and stars Felicity Jones, Diego Luna, Ben Mendelsohn, Donnie Yen, Mads Mikkelsen, Alan Tudyk, Riz Ahmed, with Jiang Wen and Forest Whitaker. Kathleen Kennedy, Allison Shearmur and Simon Emanuel are producing, with John Knoll and Jason McGatlin serving as executive producers. “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” opens in U.S. theaters on December 16, 2016.      

McDonald's Gospel Tour Hits L.A.'s Taste Of Soul

  

Lineup Includes Donald Lawrence, Bishop Marvin Sapp, 
Karen Clark-Sheard and More

Los Angeles concert part of 13-city tour that benefits local Ronald McDonald House Charities Chapters and communities nationwide

McDonald’s is bringing its Inspiration Celebration Gospel Tour to the 10^th Annual Taste of Soul Family Festival on Saturday, Oct. 15, 2016. Southern California McDonald’s will join local gospel choirs along with today’s biggest names in gospel music for a day of fellowship and fun for the community festival on Crenshaw Boulevard.

Hosting the tour is Stellar-nominated artist and radio personality Lonnie Hunter along with Christian comedienne Small Fire.  Joining him on stage will be music director and songwriter Donald Lawrence along with legendary gospel singer Bishop Marvin Sapp, songwriter and vocal powerhouse Karen Clark-Sheard, award-winning Pastor Charles Jenkins, Christian rapping sensation Canton Jones, gospel crooner Jonathan McReynolds and famed Williams Brothers member Doug Williams. 

And there’s more! our local lineup is just as explosive and features some of LA’s hottest talent which include, The Holman Quartet; Jubilant Voices; Karen Wiggins Ministries, West Angeles Choir, FAME Unity Choir, LA Mass, led by the incomparable Donald Taylor, Riverside Mass Choir,  Brent Jones,  Andrew Gouche, Uncle Reece and The Haddons.  This day of family fun and entertainment will kick off at 10am. 

As with previous years, McDonald’s Inspiration Celebration Gospel Tour emphasizes the importance of serving and giving back to the community through its support of local Ronald McDonald House Charities® (RMHC)® Chapters. Concertgoers will have the opportunity to learn more about RMHC and the important role it plays in keeping families close to their sick child and the care and resources they need, here in their local community – and worldwide. 

Attendees will also be encouraged to support Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southern California by donating to help local families served by the Charity. Since 2012, the tour has helped raise more than $351,000.

“We’re extremely excited to be part of the annual Taste of Soul and to bring the McDonald’s Gospel Tour to Los Angeles, said Lindsay Hughes, local McDonald’s franchisee. “Our Southern California owner operators care deeply about the community and being part of this spirited family celebration is an example of the commitment we share with our partners.”

The nationwide tour kicked off May 25 and culminates through October 15, making stops in Atlanta, Charlotte, Chicago, Detroit, Greensboro, Houston, Jackson, Los Angeles, Memphis, Philadelphia, Raleigh, St. Louis and Washington, D.C. McDonald’s Inspiration Celebration Gospel Tour is an extension of the brand’s 365Black platform, an initiative that celebrates the pride, heritage, and achievements of African-Americans year round. Dr Pepper® also returns as a tour sponsor, showing its appreciation and commitment to the African-American community.

Visit www.365Black.com to learn more about the 10th annual tour and McDonald’s 365Black initiative. Follow @365Black on Twitter for tour updates and join the conversation using #365BlackGospel.