Call for Film Submissions

The FD4W International Film Festival is calling for entries from women film directors.

The FD4W International Film Festival (FD4WIFF) will take place in London, UK from 9th-12th September 2010.

Submissions will be accepted from women film directors in the following four categories:
· Features
· Shorts
· Documentary shorts
· Documentary features
Prizes will be awarded for:
· Best Feature
· Best Short
· Best Documentary
· Most Promising New Director
· Audience Award
· Best Student

The deadlines for entries are:
· Early bird deadline – Friday 30th April 2010
· Regular deadline – Friday 28th May 2010
· Late deadline – Friday 25th June 2010

FD4WIFF will accept films made between June 2005 and May 2010. Highlights from the festival programme will be announced at a press launch in July.

Further information
Fd4w founder Ruth Torjussen began teaching confidence building, women-only film directing courses in September 2009 with the aim of contributing to the worldwide movement that will see a huge rise in the number of films being directed by women. (Currently only 6% of film directors are women. Source: BEV 2009). Such was the success of the courses that in just a short time Filmdirecting4women has become a grassroots community of women film directors with many more courses, monthly networking/screening events, an ever-growing online members support network and now their own international festival.

The inaugural FD4W International Film Festival will be a creative space where women directors will be inspired and encouraged.

All enquiries to:
Pauline Walker
Festival Manager
FD4W International Film Festival
Mobile: 07896 413575 / Email: pauline@filmdirecting4women.com
Website: filmdirecting4women.co.uk/film-festival and filmdirecting4women.co.uk

Complex Simplicity

Untold returned on 22 February 2010 with their sixth fashion show delivering another season of rising designers.  Structured jackets from Gevorgian, innovative menswear designs by Ma:LE and Desiderata, lingerie by Pia Love, beautiful dresses by Lana Luk,  bright coloured separates from Chrissiefizz Designs and a few gems made from ethically sourced, reclaimed and eco friendly fabrics by Mononoko .

My favourite pieces are from Bestow Elan and Chichia London. The former offers pieces that are effortless and chic, while the later showcases warm colours and prints that pay homage to East Africa.

I really liked the opener for Bestow Elan, a blue jersey dress I can only describe as complex-simplicity.  The overall effect of the cut-out detailing across the chest and left shoulder with the draping at the hem, allowed the dress to move comfortably against the model’s body, while subtly accentuating her shoulders and legs. Also, the blue tailored trousers with a cream (or was it a very pale yellow) blouse and the white tailored trousers with a black top made me want to reach for my purse.  Designer Erzumah Ackerson’s takes great care in framing the neck, collar bone and back creating a focal point worthy of a double-take.

Christine Mhando of Chichia London won me over with her use of vibrant colours and prints. Her signature blend of Khanga, a traditional East African printed cotton fabric, and modern shapes fall in line with catwalk trends for Spring/Summer ’10. The eye-catching beige and chocolate print dress with unexpected pops of blue, green and pink piping was fun and flirty. The closing look is a great example of mixing prints and colours effectively. At first glance one might be confused by the pairing, but somehow it works.  A word of caution, attempt to recreate this combination at your own risk; there’s a science to it!

Presenting the Theatre of Food – An authentic African extravaganza?

Make way Camden, for a whole new eating experience. Set to open its doors in mid April, Shaka Zulu is going to be the first restaurant of its kind in central London: an upscale restaurant offering African cuisine. Planted in the beating heart of Stables Market, North London, and funded by the businessman behind Sound in Leicester Square, Shaka Zulu promises a lavish decor and a party atmosphere but will it be an authentic African extravaganza or just an African mask?

Special attention has been paid to the design: hand carved wooden murals depicting the life of legendary warrior Zhaka Zulu will clothe the walls. The murals, crafted in South Africa, will bring the authentic African touch while a bar centered around a crystal-covered leopard will bring a more modern and contemporary feel. Giant elephants and bronze statues will add some glam.

The private launch party, with the reigning King of the Zulus Goodwill Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu in attendance can seem a little bit over the top and even a tad elitist. But the people behind Shaka Zulu are hoping to set the new standard in dining experience. The restaurant cost in excess of 5 million pounds and will sprawl over three floors that will contain a large restaurant, a Cape Town inspired fish bar and a cocktail lounge. Shaka Zulu will provide a feast for the eyes and the ears, not to mention the palate with open flaming grills, live music, theatre, and dance all set to a backdrop of lavish decadence. For those who prefer to dine more demurely, I’m sorry to say this place may not be for you.

From top class chefs to “exceptional fresh meats, which will be carved at the table,” Shaka Zulu’s aim is to become the “theatre of food.” The restaurant is the first of its kind in the world and is set to grace London first before being rolled out in other hot spots around the world; New York, Los Angeles, Madrid and Berlin.

Shaka Zulu promises to deliver a new full on sensory experience, designed to sprinkle African flavours over the type of entertainment that London’s nightlife is renowned for. Whether it lives up to expectations – well soon see.

Shaka Zulu will open in April
Visit the website for further details: www.shaka-zulu.com
To make a reservation call 0203 376 9911

Jamie Cullum covers Rihanna

Jazz-pop singer Jamie Cullum releases Rhianna cover “Don’t Stop The Music” from his album “The Pursuit.” Instantly recognizable, but with the Cullum touch, the new single will be available as a download only on January 25th.

Talking about the track, Jamie says: “There’s a real science to choosing covers.”

“I did Rihanna’s ‘Umbrella’ the day after it was released but soon enough, everyone was doing it. With ‘Don’t Stop The Music’ it was the lyric that grabbed me. It is such a sexy lyric. And I was able to transform the song into something totally new sounding.”

via Clickliverpool

Jose James’ BLACKMAGIC online advert

KSwiss online advert that uses Jose James’ Blackmagic. The album drops in February.

Our list of hot albums released this year

Music video: Ninthe & Zuluboy – The World is Yours

South African hip hop artist Zuluboy with Ninthe, a singer from Holland on a cautionary taleabout HIV.

Fally Ipupa + Olivia of G-Unit

An unlikely collaboration: Fally Ipupa, rising star of African music with Olivia of G-Unit. Titled “Chaise Electrique” (Electric Chair), the song is a certified hit!

Alicia Key’s The Element of Freedom – Reviews round-up

– The Guardian —
According to Alicia Keys, who was battling depression following the loss of a family member, her fourth album was a struggle to conceive. But, as befits the thrust of her songwriting, she overcame adversity to make a confident, well-crafted modern soul record that engages and rewards without doing anything groundbreaking. Almost every track deals with the ups and downs of love and proceeds at a stately pace. The restraint works powerfully on “Try Sleeping With a Broken Heart”, but the punchier moments towards the end – the Beyoncé duet and a return to Jay-Z’s exuberant “Empire State of Mind” – come as something of a relief.
Killian Fox – The Guardian

Read more reviews from the BBC, The Independent, Spin Magazine and more after the jump!

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Review: the Black Tie Comedy Awards

We knew the organisers of the Black Tie Comedy Awards were in for a difficult night after a fire in the black wall tunnel caused all sorts of transport problems for nominees and the audience. After having to cancel the Award show earlier in the year this was another unneeded setback. The Show did eventually kick off an hour late with a lot of empty seats still unfilled and number of special guests still to arrive. The Awards host Kojo the comedian did his best to paper over the cracks and charmed the crowd when he pointed out that there ‘had to be a problem with the Blackwall tunnel on a black event!’ His co-host was model Rachel Ritfield.

Chris Rock was awarded the Best International Comedian gong but unsurprisingly was not in attendance. Young white comic Kevin J was recognised as Best Newcomer and also performed. He killed the audience with laughter about his tales of being a white boy growing up with Nigerians.

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Mama Africa, 30th Oct at Tabernacle

On Friday 30th October, London’s Notting Hill was treated to Mama Africa, a world music showcase, courtesy of WOM@TT – World Of Music At The Tabernacle. The evening showcased eight female singers performing a breathtaking set lasting over four hours; providing high quality music and a perfect upbeat atmosphere.

The show was opened by stage virgin Nadine Shaw, who sang and played acoustic guitar, showcasing well her sweet but powerful voice and lyrics. Next up was Francine Luce of Martinique, accompanied by Nikki Yeoh on keyboard, mixing a homegrown creole style with classic jazz-style vocals. She was followed in turn by Brown Sugar, winner of Groovy Soca Monarch 2009, who brought an upbeat Trinidadian flavour to the evening with a Soca set.

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Catch a Vibe, proud supporter of the bfm Film Festival (6-10 Nov)

I am quite the movie buff so I immediately say yes when Nadia Denton offered me to edit the brochure for the bfm Film Festival. My first job was to watch the movies, in order to write the descriptions. I also edited reviews submitted by other writers and had the opportunity to interview filmmakers Dennis Dortch (A Good Day to be Black and Sexy), Menelik Shabazz (The Story of Lovers Rock) and Jason Young (The Novelist).

The programme of the festival is quite exciting but with so many films and documentaries to see, I’ve decided to share with you my favourite films. Click on Read more to see my Top 5 movies.

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Jerome Laperrousaz: Translating Jamaica’s struggle to film

The French director’s new film Made in Jamaica opens this week, a documentary that explores the contemporary reggae scene (read our review of Made in Jamaica). Catch a Vibe caught up with him to find out more about the ideas behind the film.

CAV: How did your relationship with Jamaica start?
Jerome Laperrousaz: I made a film called Third World Prisoner on the Streets with the acclaimed reggae group Third World in 1979 which played at the Cannes Film Festival in 1980. It became a cult movie in two years. I have had a relationship with the island ever since. Part of my family is also Jamaican.

CAV: What is it about the country that fascinates you?
Jerome Laperrousaz: To me Jamaica speaks to people very loudly through music on an emotional level. Jamaica is a microcosm of what all the poor in the world are going through. Despite its culture it has a universal appeal – freedom, equality and tolerance. Demands for social equality and justice in Jamaica resonate with other cultures and societies worldwide.

CAV: Why is music so important in Jamaican culture?
Jerome Laperrousaz: Jamaica reflects all the world’s struggles through its music. Through its nation’s talent and creativity and ability to express it through song and music it acts as a voice for a voiceless society.

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Camer Couture – Cameroon C’est Chic!

Camer Couture aims to address the gap in representing and supporting Cameroonian talent. Catch a Vibe caught up with the people behind it at a casting for their debut fashion showcase, just down the road from the Shoreditch Studios, where the vibrant event took place at on Sat 17 Oct 09.

CEO and show co-ordinator Cynthia Anduhtabe, PR and marketing duo Ngum Ngafor and Isabel Bezeng as well as co-ordinator Soraya Sone and Creative Director Alex Quest came together because they all shared the same vision and saw something that wasn’t being addressed – so many Cameroonians doing well but that were isolated.

Camer Couture aims to expose the talent that has so far been left unheard, to break stereotypes and show a side to the ‘Africa in miniature’ not seen before as well as give a platform for emerging and established fashion designers. Six months of planning and the group have put together their debut fashion showcase in Shoreditch, which took place at the weekend (17 October).

The company is still only emerging itself but has already garnered attention from the fashion and media worlds. The show aimed to reflect Camer Couture’s ethos and Cameroonian fashion itself – a kaleidoscope of styles – diverse, colourful , versatile and vibrant. Something that very much mirrors the culture and its people – a nation made up of over 200 ethnic and linguistic groups.

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African Music Awards? Pleaase!!

If you’ve seen our Facebook status lately, you must have seen our rant against the organisers of the African Music Awards held on Sat 17 Oct at Troxy, London. The evening was a fiasco. First I have to state that I didn’t stay the whole night. My comments are based only on what I saw between 9pm and midnight.

Doors that were supposed to open at 7.30pm were still closed when I arrived at 9pm with my guest. We were left out in the cold without any explanations or apologies. A lot of people left there and then. My guest and I stayed, her rather disillusioned, me still hopeful. We got in the venue at 10pm, grabbed seats  and watched the “show”. What the organisers described on their website as the show to end all shows consisted of performers lip synching to their tracks (most of them) on a tiny stage decorated with huts – so much for contemporary Africa! The Michael Jackson tribute would have been hilarious if it wasn’t so bad: a low-rent MJ look-alike and wannabe dancers executing poorly choreographed routines. Eve and Youssou N’Dour were supposed to be there. I never saw them; the only high profile star that showed up was Egyptian singer Amr Diab. Lee Jasper (!?) introduced the winner of the Hip Hop African act… only that it was in fact the award for the Artist of the Year… But at that point, no one truly cared.  Click on [Read article] on the right to read the full post…

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Review: A La Mode Fashion Show (Sep 09)

The ‘A la mode’ International catwalk show, hosted by La Geneve North Events provided a platform for independent designers to showcase their collections; and coincided with the prestigious London Fashion Week. Held at the charming Charing Cross Hotel, on Friday 18th September, press, supporters, fashionistas and the public congregated for a less bourgeoisie affair to that of London’s affluent London Fashion week shows. On arrival we were given a leopard print goodie bag. , filled with business cards of designers, discount leaflets and a fashionista’s must have of a nifty contraption called a ‘zip holder’.

We then proceeded to be greeted with a glass of rose champagne and took a seat in the front row.

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