'Can You Dig This' The Documentary at AFF 2016

Telluride Mountainfilm on Tour held a special screening of the documentary 'Can You Dig This?' at this week's 40th Atlanta Film Festival. The documentary follows the stories of 4 urban gardeners in South Los Angeles who create gardens in some of the heaviest crime-stricken areas of the city. Each character in the film tells the story of their hardships as recovering gangstas as viewers are able to witness first-hand how hopelessness is somehow dissolved through taking responsibility to nurture community gardens throughout South LA. They say, "In the garden you learn that you have a purpose. The way the plants need to be nurtured, tended and cultivated in order to grow and produce other seed that will bring new life... Just like us, it requires patience, persistence and care." And as the film unfolds, we find a message of hope and restoration springing forth out of these shattered lives whereby they demonstrate that it's never to late to turn your life around.

These stories are not only inspiring but more importantly, they have a way of helping others understand and sympathize with people who may have gone through similar things in life. And when it's all said and done, you realize that together, we all can work toward a common goal to rebuild our communities at whatever the cost. 

For more, please visit www.canyoudigthisfilm.com

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The Fundamentals of Caring: Opening Night of The 40th Atlanta Film Festival

Director Rob Burnett of the film The Fundamentals of Caring shares with us on the red carpet that this film is "an emotional story told in a funny way." His hope is that people enjoy the film and are engaged in the content from start to finish. So far, the film has gotten raving reviews from its viewers and yielded big laughs.

The Fundamentals of Caring is based on the novel (same name) written by Jonathan Evison. The story centers around Ben (played by Paul Rudd) and an 18-year old young man named Trevor who suffers from muscular dystrophy (played by Craig Roberts). Both Ben and Trevor share a commonality in the level of tragedies they've encountered as one is paralyzed physically and the other (Ben) emotionally due to the sudden tragic death of his son. Needing a job, Ben gets certified to become a caretaker and takes on an assignment as Trevor's caretaker. Although the onset of their relationship proves to be a shaky one, Ben pushes Trevor beyond his limitations and the twobuild a real bond out of their brokenness and despair.

This film was definitely a great opener to commemorate The Atlanta Film Festival's 40th Anniversary.

For tickets and more info, please visit www.atlantafilmfestival.com

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Meet Karoo Eyewear

Atlanta's Ponce City Market is now the host to a classy new eyewear brand known as Karoo. And let's just say, with all of the amazing stores and foodie spots in Ponce City Market (PCM), it seems like each place has to either meet the standard or exceed it. Karoo definitely exceeds it! Karoo first opened its flagship boutique in August of 2015. The store layout from the time you walk through the door is absolutely enthralling! With walls completely covered in reclaimed wood and vintage outback furniture and novelties throughout, you'll feel like you've stepped into some high-end, Safari-style store where you want to do more than just check out frames, but just chill out a while.

The brains behind Karoo, Mark Meyberg (owner of Reflections Eyecare in Brookhaven) and Dr. Gavin Cohen, both designed and manufactured the Karoo brand with over 100 styles to date and growing. The Karoo brand stands out among the others by its fashionably bold and robust aesthetic. Each frame is named after an animal of the region, giving each design character and personality. The designs embody lifestyle and that which is both modern and sophisticated. Interesting to know, Karoo comes from the name of a small desert region in South Africa with its beautifully rugged, wide-opened spaces and big blue skies. Hence, Karoo's tagline; "Life Wide Open". Additionally, the Karoo store combines eyewear design, a full-scale optical selection and an in-house Optometrist for the ultimate customer experience and convenience.

Dress Like A Gent ™ recently got the opportunity to visit this store and speak to two of the store reps who have been there since the opening as well as Curators Mark and Gavin. They shared with us that not only do people love the look and quality of the frames, but they also intentionally created Karoo frames to be affordable even for people who may not have eye insurance. With package deals that include anti-reflective coating, UV Protection, Scratch Resistant lenses and the frames itself, you surely won't be disappointed in the outcome. Both the frames and lenses without prescription start out comprehensively as low as $149 and a mere $69 extra for the eye exam (if expired). And for members with vision insurance, Karoo accepts a wide variety of different vision plans including VSP, Eye Med, Spectera and VCP. The warranty also speaks for the faith they have in the brand; a 3-month warranty on the frame and 1 year warranty on lenses.

Karoo is a thoughtful brand for people who want quality, the look and the right price point. They say it best by the statement; "Your glasses are the world's window to you; your unique personality and style".

For the Karoo experience and to pick up your next pair of unforgettable eyewear, please visit the store at PCM (650 North Ave, NE, Suite 103, Atlanta GA 30308) or online at www.gokaroo.com.

Photos Courtesy of Lindsay Abarca Photography

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The New PUMA + Red Bull Collection

An exclusive launch event hosted in London this past Wednesday showcased PUMA's recent collab with Red Bull Racing. The two have joined forces to establish a long-term partnership whereas PUMA will now be the official Team Partner and Teamwear Race Supplier for Red Bull Racing and their 2016 Formula 1 Season. The symbolism and synergy between the celebrated bull and puma icons for both brands aims to prove that this collab has the potential of becoming "the fastest sports brand" globally. The licensed collection of this new sporty, innovative PUMA Red Bull race wear is already available via www.puma.com and www.redbullshop.com. 

The collection will include teamline hoodies, backpacks, messengers, sneakers, polo shirts, jackets and more. PUMA fans will undoubtedly be thrilled to add these pieces as signature items to their personal PUMA collection.

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It's Already Tomorrow in Hong Kong - #AJFF2016

The annual Atlanta Jewish Film Festival hosted one of several screenings of the 2015 film "Already Tomorrow in Hong Kong" at Atlantic Station Regal Cinemas. Written and directed by Emily Ting, this romance comedy tells the story of two complete strangers who meet randomly at an outdoor birthday party in Hong Kong. The one, a Chinese American girl (Ruby) played by Jamie Chun and the other, an American guy (Josh) played by Brian Greenberg  who now resides in the city for work. The two build a mutual attraction over the course of two encounters as Josh helps Ruby get more acclimated with the city. The both share similar interests and spark one another's deepest ambition. The conflict is the fact that the both are in relationships and have to come to terms with the fact that the direction of their pre-existing relationship becomes questionable due to their growing infatuation with one another.

Check out the trailer below:

For more on the Atlanta Jewish Film Festival, please visit www.ajff.org.

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The Scotch Porter Brand Beard Products in Review

With great aspirations to grow out your beard and being inducted into the high profiled “beard gang”, there a few things to keep in mind to make sure your beard fits the bill. Basically, your beard will have to be treated with just as much TLC as is given to the hair on your head. Regular trimming, conditioning and moisturizing are all a part of this process. And to make this process less burdensome, you’ve got to have the right product to achieve maximum beard bliss.

Let me introduce you to the phenomenal Scotch Porter Brand, which I had the opportunity to do a promo ad for on behalf of Urban Lux Magazine’s Winter 2016 Issue.

As stated on www.scotchporter.com, “Scotch Porter is more than just a brand; it’s a call to action.”  CEO of Scotch Porter, Mr. Calvin Quallis believes that it is important to help men not only feel confident, but to also look confident down to their facial hair. In fact, the products they have constructed are with the intention of taking facial hair to the next level. All the ingredients used are all natural and give practically immediate results with regular use. In fact, I’ve been using three of Scotch Porter’s signature products for just over a week now and noticed some immediate results in just a short period of time. Here is a rundown of my assessment of these three products:

The Beard Wash

This moisturizing beard wash is sulfate-free, all-natural and an easy lather to massage into your beard while you're in the shower. Honestly, I’ve never used anything besides soap on my beard for fear of using a product that would be too harsh on the face. The Beard Wash after using a few times a week along with the conditioner, seemed to enhance the shine of my beard leaving it softer to the touch and more manageable to groom on a daily basis. 

The Beard Conditioner

My first impression of the beard conditioner is the aromatically sweet smell that you get a whiff of when you take the top off. The melange of botanical products infused together including Marshmallow Root, Chamomile Flowers, Shea Butter, Jojoba Oil and more are what make this product a must-have. The beard conditioner is to be worked thoroughly throughout the beard following the rinse of the beard wash moisturizer and left in for 2 - 5 minutes prior to rinsing out.

The Beard Balm

The finale to this trio of beard products is Scotch Porter’s Beard Balm. Comprised of some of the same ingredients found in the beard conditioner and beard wash, this light, but creamy balm does not require a heavy amount to do the trick. With just a small dab spread throughout your damp beard, this balm proves to leave the beard silky, dark and soft. Not only that, but I’ve noticed in just a little over a week of using, that this balm seems to accelerate growth and thicken the beard to give an overall fuller look.

For more and to purchase these products, please visit www.scotchporter.com

Models Courtesy of @eclecticlifestylesbyercyhicks @levistocke @beardoblack @chrisjohnmillington @thebkcircus @therealwinstonwarrior via IG

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Début to the 16th Annual Atlanta Jewish Film Festival

Tonight marks the kick off to this phenomenal film fest at the Cobb Energy Centre in Atlanta, Georgia. Celebrating 16 years, the Atlanta Jewish Film Festival (AJFF) opens with a stellar gala held in Ballrooms A, B & C of the Cobb Energy Centre. The room was comfortably adorned with both draped café round and high tables topped with hot pink plumes seated in tall vases. The gala began around 5PM EST to segway into the premiere film "Remember" at 7:30PM. The film is a thriller that centers around a dementia-stricken Holocaust survivor played by actor Christopher Plummer (See Movie Trailer Below). Prior to the film premiere, fans of AJFF made their rounds around the ballroom floor to taste a slew of foods and delicacies prepared by close to 20 local top notch dining sponsors for the event.

This event is the largest Jewish film Festival in the world and the largest film festival to be held annually in the city of Atlanta. Scheduled from January 26 - February 17th, there will be a wide range of films shown all around Atlanta. This is definitely one that you don't want to miss!

For more and to purchase film tickets, please visit www.ajff.org.

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