The 16th New York Sephardic Jewish Film Festival 2012 (NYSJFF 2012) was held March 15-22, 2012 at the Center for Jewish History, New York. The festival presented by the American Sephardi Federation, annually showcase films to illuminate the scope of the Sephardic Jewish experience from filmmakers throughout the world. This year's opening and closing films were FREE MEN (Les Hommes Libres), directed by Ismael Ferroukhi, and IRAQ n ROLL, directed by Gili Gaon.

* NYSJFF 2012 Opening Night Coverage

* NYSJFF 2012 Closing Night Premiere of IRAQ n ROLL

* NYSJFF 2012 Closing Night Photos

* NYSJFF 2012 Video Coverage

INTERVIEW

Petri Kotwica (PK) is a writer, editor, actor, and award-winning filmmaker from Finland. His passion for film art began as a child. He is a graduate from Helsinki University of Art and Design, Department of Film. Kotwica has edited, written, and appeared in numerous films. Kotwica directed Homesick (Koti-ikävä) received 12 awards, Black Ice (Musta jaa) received 6 awards, Las Nueve Vidas, and Force Majeure. His television series include Alamaailma Trilogia: Lakimies and Runoraati. Kotwica’s latest powerful technology thriller RAT KING premiered at Tribeca Film Festival in New York, Thursday, April 19, 2012. A special Q&A discussion with director Kotwica immediately followed the international premiere. I had the honor of interviewing filmmaker Petri Kotwica at Tribeca Film Festival on Tuesday, April 24, 2012. ~ Read full story

MUSIC NEWS

The Annual 2012 Body & SOUL Memorial Day Weekend Dance Celebration presented by John Davis, JD Productions, commence Sunday, May 27, 2012, 6:00 pm at the iconic Webster Hall, New York. World renowned DJ artists Francois K (DeepSpace NYC, Wave Music), Danny Krivit (718 Sessions), and Joaquin "Joe" Claussell (Sacred Rhythms) will showcase the very best in Dub, Tribal house, Soulful, and Disco classic dance music genres. Come and experience the musical journey of Body & SOUL! Tickets On Sale Now * http://bodyandsoulnyc.eventbrite.com.

Twelve Records label co-owned by THE STYLE project founders, DJ, Producers, Giuseppe Crugliano and Giulio Bonaccio debut 87 digital stores around the globe with DEVOTION feat. Samuel (THE STYLE’s singer). The EP single published in 2010, contain various versions including one from Doc Link and Thomas De Lorenzo. Their talent includes Samuele Comite, David Walker, Melonie Daniels, Supa, Vicky Martin, LaMont Wheat, Kiki Hawkins, Emory Toler and many others. Twelve Records is part of TWELVE Group and Twelve Games (video game development company in Italy). For more information, please visit http://www.twelverecords.com.

TECHNOLOGY NEWS

The historical launch of “Ultimate Digital Haggadah” with Sephardic Rabbi Hayyim J. Angel of Shearith Israel was held at the Spanish Benevolent Society, New York, Wednesday, April 11, 2012, 6:30PM. A special live performance by Sephardic recording artist Gerard Edery preceded the first interactive Sephardic Passover Seder sponsored by Ladino Tapas Bar & Grill. ~Read full story

SES New York 2012 Conference & Exposition commenced March 19-23, 2012 at the Hilton New York. SES (Search Engine Strategies) provided the latest innovative technological discovery in search and social marketing. This year’s conference included daily round table discussions with top leading international experts, over 70 (basic, intermediate, advanced) workshops, keynote speakers, exhibit hall, networking events, and parties.

* SES New York 2012 Opening Keynote Session 

* SES New York 2012 Coverage

* SESNY 2012 Video Coverage

THEATRE NEWS

The Village Voice 57th Annual 2012 OBIE Awards (OBIES 2012) presented by Stella Artois to benefit ART New York commence Monday, May 21, 2012, at the iconic Webster Hall, New York. The OBIE Awards annually present Off-Broadway and Off-Off Broadway’s highest honor. This year’s OBIE presenters are Justin Bartha, Tracee Chimo, Hugh Dancy, Topher Grace, Grace Gummer, Eric McCormack, Michael McKean, Leslie Odom, Jr., Tonya Pinkins, Jonathan Pryce, Lilly Rabe, and Juliet Rylance. A special Broadway musical performance with David Patrick Kelly of ONCE, and Ethan Lipton & his Orchestra of NO PLACE TO GO. For more information, visit http://obies.villagevoice.com.

ON DVD AND BLU-RAY

Available at Amazon

GO FOR IT!, directed by Carmen Marron

GEORGE HARRISON: Living in the Material World, directed by Martin Scorsese

FOUR SEASONS LODGE, directed by Andrew Jacobs

From Silence to Sound, directed by Chase Matthews

Italo House Story, directed by Maurizio Clemente

Johnny Cash At Folsom Prison, directed by Bestor Cram

Leonard Cohen Live at the Isle of Wight 1970, directed by Murray Lerner

Listen to Your Heart, directed by Matt Thompson

The Music Never Stopped, directed by Jim Kohlberg

MAESTRO, directed by Josell Ramos
Orthodox Stance, directed by Jason Hutt 

Still Bill, co-directed by Damani Baker and Alex Vlack

Still the Drums, directed by Talbot Perry Simons

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