BronzeLens Film Festival Turns 10!
Yesterday evening, we had the pleasure of attending an exclusive media reception to celebrate the upcoming 10 Year Anniversary of Atlanta’s Bronze Lens Film Festival! Held in the luxurious Mercedes Benz of Buckhead showroom, sponsors, influencers, media, and mutual guests alike, all gathered to enjoy the evening and get the inside scoop on this year’s festival. With an array of delectable vendor treats at the reception including Lady Belle Macarons, Fruity Ice & Treats, Miz Puddin’s Kitchen and more, our pallets were completely satisfied in preparation for the big announcement. Not to mention, the yummy banquet-style food spread topped with a great “BLFF Turns 10” ice sculpture!
As the evening unfolds, Executive Producer Kathleen Bertrand and Artistic Director Deidre McDonald approach along with Dir. of PR, Terri Vismale-Morris, to give us previews into what we could anticipate at this year’s power-packed #BLFF19. We were told that there would be approximately 98 films shown at the festival with the psycho-thriller Don’t Let Go as the opening night selection. There would also be the highly anticipated BronzeLens Women Superstars Luncheon, Men’s Brunch, plus a full array of workshops and screening selects. The 2019 Official Nominees were announced (details available via bronzelens.com) including the following categories:
Short Documentaries
Features
Webisodes
Music Videos
Documentaries
International
Student Films
Best Actor
Best Actress
Shorts (Judged by BET)
This year’s festival kicks off Wednesday, August 21st - Sunday, August 25th. For tickets, real time updates and further details on screenings and special events, please visit www.bronzelens.com and follow their IG @bronzelens.
Photos Courtesy of Dominic Helton
The All-New Sear Restaurant at Atlanta Marriott Marquis Downtown
So, when we say all-new, we mean All-New! After an extensive renovation and significant menu refresh, Atlanta’s beloved fire-inspired restaurant Sear, is reopened and ready to WOW! Last month, we were invited to an intimate media exclusive dinner at Sear where we checked out the beautiful changes made to the restaurant, met the chef and staff and dove face-in to a bunch of delectable new menu selections. Sear is located in the Atlanta Marriott Marquis Downtown and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. The restaurant has a very modern barn house feel to it with its reclaimed barn wood floors, majestic chandeliers, customizable rooms for events, an open-front kitchen, full bourbon bar and more.
Prior to dinner, I got a chance to see the restaurant on a guided tour and check out the interior art designed by HeCho inspired by John Portman’s architecture for Atlanta Marriott Marquis. The restaurant is exquisitely classy and yet, inviting with its cozy farm-to-table southern-like aesthetic. And the food, OMG! That night, I had the Pan-Seared Diver Scallops, Chef’s House Honey Butter Bread, Charred Brussel Sprouts & Stone Mountain Pecan Cheesecake. So, I’m seriously craving it now just talking about it again!
This is a restaurant that Atlanta can be proud of offering a very memorable dining experience. Just make sure you check out the all-new Sear — You won’t regret it! And a huge thanks to 360 Media and The Sear Staff for inviting me!
The 12th Annual Doggies on the Catwalk
Doggies on the Catwalk celebrates its 12th Annual evening of philanthropic fashion Saturday, June 1, 2019! Held at Buckhead Atlanta’s Greenberg Traurig’s penthouse office suite, this event is no stranger to the city and abroad! Doggies on the Catwalk (DOTC) is founded by E. Vincent Martinez, Founder of Fashionado — a sophisticated fashion lifestyle blog with a little bit of everything fabulous! This will be the second year hosted at this venue and is expected to be another amazing experience where long-time supporters, influencers and celebrity personalities alike will gather. Over the years, this event has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars in donations with the purpose of funding several organizations such as Canine Assistants, a non-profit which educates and provides service dogs for children and adults with physical disabilities or other special needs. Bigger and better by the year, make sure you get your tickets for this year’s DOTC which kicks off this Saturday at 7PM with a reception followed by the runway show at 8PM!
For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit www.doggiesonthecatwalk.org.
*Photo Courtesy of Tomas Espinoza Photography & Deanna Fiveash
All About #Create19 (In Summary)
Thursday, April 4th - Saturday, April 6th, a slew of creatives gathered at The Impact Church in Atlanta for The 2019 Create Conference. Celebrating its 3rd year, this anointed gathering is a well-thought-out, innovative conference hosted by Apostle Bryan Meadows & Embassy International Church. From start to finish, there were some very insightful “breakout sessions” facilitated by published professionals such as Celebrity Photographer Corey Reese, Fashion Stylist Teaira Blount, Branding Guru Andrew Nguyen and many more! Along with these great sessions, my absolute favorite was the panel discussion on mental health. The discussion was facilitated by a team of anointed clinical therapists, counselors and educators. We learned during this discussion that our mental health is just as important as our physical and spiritual health. And, that our value and anointing flows when “you are the ‘most authentic you’”; to no longer compare ourselves to others dulling our potency and effectiveness in the marketplace.
Another thing that I most appreciate about #Create19 is how deliberately God was involved in every facet of the conference! There was absolutely no shame acknowledging God as the Ultimate Creative and the Omnipotent Creator of All Things! This creative ability was demonstrated in electrifying prophetic worship throughout the conference, evening/morning empowerment sessions and through the crafts offered by their vendors. We got a chance to speak to Antoine Beane of Triumph Jewelry Collection who shared with us about his beaded jewelry business which he says was all hand-crafted with significance in his times of prayer. He testified about how there is a tangible presence of God released to minister emphatically to the needs of the people that purchase his products.
We also got a chance to speak with the young genius entrepreneurial brain behind “Oh My Slime”, Michael Fears and his parents. They have created a fun, stand-apart slime company offering different scents like Tropical Blast, Grape Soda or “Gum On My Shoe” with the purpose of stimulating children by way of unconventional technology. They went on to explain how this brilliant slime invention encourages the S.T.E.M. Process (Science. Technology, Education & Math). Other guests present throughout this conference included Real Talk with Kim, J. Bolin, Pastor William McDowell, Pastor John Hannah, Lawrence Flowers, Geoffrey Golden and many, many more!
And a big shot out to Apostle Bryan Meadows for the word I heard on opening night! He taught us on the “The Time of a Gift” and that there is an appointed time of relevance and reinvention to every gift. Not to mention, the launch of his new book, “The Cave”. Make sure you grab your copy!
Until then, we’ll see you next year at Create 20/20!
*All Photos Courtesy of Triple S. Shots Photography.
Five Free Events at #ATLFF2019
In addition to all the amazing screenings, workshops and meet-ups at this year’s Atlanta Film Festival; most of which require prepaid badge access or tickets, there are also 5 free events that you don’t want to miss! One of these we want to highlight is the premiere screening of HBO’s “Game of Thrones” Season 8! Although I’ve yet to become a raving fan of the show, I’ve always told myself that I need to check it out “for real, for real” to see what all the hype is about! The premiere screening will be held at Plaza Theater on Sunday, April 14, 2019, 9:00 PM. To RSVP for this free event, please visit www.atlantafilmfestival.com/schedule-2019. Along with “Game of Thrones”, be sure to check out these other free offerings:
ACVB Presents: “Music Voyager”
Monday, April 8, 2019, 6:00 PM
Plaza Theatre Main, 1049 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30306
Join us and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau for the world premieres of “Music Voyager” episodes 5 & 6 that feature yours truly—the Atlanta Film Festival—as well as the Plaza Theatre, Dad’s Garage, Paris on Ponce, Karen Anderson & Tiny Doors, Atlanta United and more!
Free admission with advance RSVP at https://www.atlantafilmfestival.com/schedule-2019.
The Florida State University College Of Motion Picture Arts Presents:
Selected Keylight Films
Wednesday, April 10, 2019, 6:00 PM
Plaza Theatre Main, 1049 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30306
The FSU College of Motion Pictures Arts presents a showcase of eight short student films followed by a panel discussion with representatives from the College. Ranked by The Hollywood Reporter as one of the top 25 film schools in the country, FSU College of Motion Picture Arts produces student films that regularly win prestigious awards like the Student Emmys and Oscars. Join us for an evening of cinematic entertainment as we showcase this year's selected Keylight Films.
Free admission with advance RSVP at https://www.atlantafilmfestival.com/schedule-2019.
SOUND+VISION
Thursday, April 11, 2019, 7:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Eastside Trail // Atlanta BeltLine & Historic Fourth Ward Park
After a year hiatus, SOUND+VISION — ATLFF’s signature mid-week event—returns! Join us on the Eastside Trail of the Atlanta BeltLine and Historic Fourth Ward Park for a night of live music, daring virtual reality films, unforgettable art installations, rockin’ music videos and Atlanta’s best food trucks! Previously held at Atlanta landmarks like The Goat Farm and Ponce City Market, this event is a true festival highlight!
Previous performers include Big Freedia, Tank and the Bangas, HelloOcho, Kodie Shane, Lonnie Holley, Gringo Star, Biters, Jungol.
Free admission. No RSVP necessary.
Presentation of HBO’s “Game of Thrones” Season 8 Premiere
Sunday, April 14, 2019, 9:00 PM
Plaza Theatre Main, 1049 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30306
HBO is partnering with ATLFF to give guests a chance to see the final season premiere on the big screen at The Plaza!
Free admission with advance RSVP at https://www.atlantafilmfestival.com/schedule-2019.
DRESS LIKE A GENT
The 43rd Annual Atlanta Film Festival
The kick off to the 43rd Annual Atlanta Film Festival is today! This two-week long festival takes place Thursday, April 4th - Sunday, April 14th. This year’s Opening Night Presentation this is a comedic drama called The Farewell directed by Lulu Wang. The Farwell tells the story of a Chinese family who decides to conceal the news of their grandmother’s terminal illness from her by organizing a spontaneous Chinese wedding in order to reunite and all bid their final farewells. Along with such heartfelt films like The Farewell, patrons, film professionals and movie goers will also have the opportunity to be a part of 11 days worth of workshops, talent and filmmaker appearances, special music, and various film and art presentations.
While many of these films require badge access which can be purchased in advance, we would also like people to know that there are a host of five different free events including the highly anticipated premiere screening of Games of Thrones Season 8! Some of these events require an RSVP while others may not. For full details, please visit https://www.atlantafilmfestival.com/schedule-2019. Dress Like A Gent has had the privilege of covering the Atlanta Film Festival for nearly 5 years now and we always are stunned and touched by the amazing work put in to make this event possible. Not to mention, all the films I’ve seen there have been simply amazing, thought provoking, heart-wrenching and honest! Be sure to take advantage of these offerings before these two weeks expire!
For more information on the 2019 Atlanta Film Festival and ticketing, please visit www.atlantafilmfestival.com.
DRESS LIKE A GENT
Africa Belle 2019
Beginning Wednesday, April 3 through Saturday, April 27th, the 2019 Africa Belle Festival will celebrate its 9th year! This year’s theme, “L’Afrique de Demain” is a celebration of Today and Tomorrow’s Africa; highlighting French-Speaking Africa & Beyond! This year’s lineup of events includes a Standing Art Exhibit, a Moroccan-style Comedy night, a West African Dinner & Fundraiser, round table discussions, the highly anticipated Africa Belle Soirée & More! Every year, this festival draws a slew of culturally conscious individuals who travel locally and regionally to be a part leaving us all thirsty for more. Approaching it’s 10th year anniversary, the Alliance Française d’Atlanta hosts are thrilled to make this 9th year Africa Belle a memorable one in expectation for an even bigger decade anniversary next year!
For a full schedule of events and to register, please see the flyer below or visit www.afatl.org.
*Photo Courtesy of Lindsay Abarca Photography
DRESS LIKE A GENT