Congratulations to all the San Diego Film Festival winners this year. “Where the Road Runs Out” starring Isaach De Bankolé as Professor George Mensa, not only had its world premiere at the festival but also won Best Narrative Feature. After an old friend unexpectedly passes away the professor finds himself inheriting a field station in Africa. He returns to his African roots from Rotterdam and meets a local orphan boy named Jimmy who plays matchmaker between him and Corina (Juliet Landau, Buffy the Vampire Slayer), head of the local orphanage. With the unexpected arrival of George’s old friend Martin (Stelio Savante, Ugly Betty), however, George discovers that there are many obstacles on the road to redemption and many more where the road runs out. It’s billed as the first feature film shot in Equatorial Guinea.
The festival started out with the premiere of “Chelsea’s Light: A Brother’s Journey”. Chelsea King’s murder led to the passage of Chelsea’s Law. The law increased penalties, parole provisions and allows life terms to be ordered for first-time and repeat adult predators. Child molesters can get lifetime parole and GPS tracking for people convicted of forcible sex crimes against children under 14. Chelsea’s brother was only 13 when his 17-year-old sister was raped and murdered by known sexual predator, John Gardner. In producing the film, her brother, Tyler King, hopes that parts of Chelsea Law, if not all, will be adapted by all states.
Opening night brought out a full crowd with, “Wild” starring Reese Witherspoon. The movie is based on the novel by Cherly Strayed. Strayed chronicles her 1,100-mile solo hike of the Pacific Crest Trail as a way to get some perspective on her life, which was spiraling out of control after a loss she didn’t know how to cope with. She barely had any hiking experience, (practically none) when she decided to take the journey. Along the way she meets more experienced hikers who offer her advice that helps her complete her journey. Witherspoon gave a wonderful performance but the adaptation certainly had moments that left me wondering, huh? Luckily fellow writer, @Snapcracklewatch had read the book and informed us that “yes, there are many more details that were not adapted to the big screen”. As with many adaptations it would’ve been way too long to include every detail. The movie was still enjoyable and definitely makes one want to read the book to fill in the missing parts.
Fashion Week San Diego 2014
Fashion Week San Diego took place this past weekend. We attended the trunk show where attendees were able to meet and buy direct from the designers at the Horton Grand Hotel. For the first time this year they had a formal awards ceremony at the adjoining theater. Designers, volunteers, interns, attendees and sponsors were honored including Joseph Anthony for Top Hair, James Overstreet for Top Makeup, Jessica Beal for Top Supporter, Frida Niebla for Top FWSD Spirit, Bellus Academy, Harrah’s Resort Southern California and Naughty Monkey tied for Top Sponsor, Leilani Angel for Advisory Panel, Kristina-Monique Cortez for Lead Recognition: Makeup, Karla Lopez-Martinez for Lead Recognition: Hair, Alyssa Mopia for Top Volunteer: Front House, Cody Simmons for Top Volunteer: Production, Pamela Smith and Priscilla Jung Forbang tied for Top Volunteer: Dresser, Rich Wang for Top Model: 3rd, Mackenzie Black for Top Model: 2nd, Tatiana Slepova for Top Model: 1st, Haute Couture won the Bellus Award: Via App, Lady Lane for Top Designer: 3rd, Responsive Textiles for Top Designer: 2nd and was also the Naughty Monkey Winner and A’Doreus won first place as FWSD’s 2014 Top Designer. A’Doreus is designed by Sharlene Borromeo. The collection mixes romantic designs with the use of classic style lines and eclectic mixtures of textures and original designed prints. “It’s not about the glitz and glamour. It’s always been and will always be about empowering women to be their very best,” says Sharlene about her collection. Our warmest congratulations to all the winners.
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Hey thanks for the shout out for the documentary film winner Waiting for Mamu which won both the Jury and the Audience award at the San Diego Film Festival this year– same film that won Michael Moore’s Traverse City Film Festival and the Sedona Film Festival and the Humanitarian Award at Sedona and the Casa Nova Award at Slamdance and….. Oh… wait…you never mention that in your article.
Nevermind