Top foreign movies to enjoy this weekend

Train to Busan is an exciting zombie movie. Photo: google

If you are an adventurous movie watcher and looking for foreign movies to watch this weekend, here is a list of my top favorites. I have personally watched them all and depending on your preferences, they are worth watching. With the exception of Snowpiercer, which is in English, these are foreign language films. Even though some have the dubbed version, I prefer to watch them in the original language with English subtitles. Thanks to the various streaming services available nowadays, there are plenty of such movies around, so take a chance, you might surprise yourself. (Wikipedia, 2022)

I tried watching Parasite, the much talked about South Korean movie, but could not get into it, but that is just me. I never got around to watching Guillermo Del Toro’s Pan Labyrinth, though I hear it is good. On my Amazon to watch list is A Hero – an Iranian film about a man who is in prison because of a debt he was unable to pay. During a two day leave, he tries to convince his creditor to withdraw his complaint but this plan does not go as planned. Sounds like an interesting plot, I might watch it this weekend.

Here is my personal list of foreign movies to watch, in no particular order:

Tell No One (2006)
A French neo-noir thriller film based on the 2001 novel of the same name by Harlan Coben. An accidental discovery near a doctor’s estate stirs up painful memories eight years after his wife’s hideous murder and now circumstances are bound to take a turn for the unexpected. Does the good doctor know more than he is letting on? There is plenty of action and suspense.

A Man Called Ove (2015)
A Swedish comedy-drama film. Ove is the typical angry old man next door. An isolated retiree with strict principles and a short fuse, who spends his days enforcing block association rules that only he cares about, and visiting his wife’s grave, Ove has given up on life. After a boisterous young family moves in next door and accidentally flattens Ove’s mailbox, an unlikely friendship forms.

Kung Fu Hustle (2004)
A Chinese action-comedy film. The film tells the story of a murderous neighborhood gang, a poor village with unlikely heroes, and an aspiring gangster’s fierce journey to find his true self. Could be considered a parody of the martial arts genre.

Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000)
A Chinese martial arts drama film. Master Li, a warrior, asks Yu Shu Lien, the woman he loves, to pass on his sword, Green Destiny, to Sir Te. However, when the sword is stolen, Li embarks on a mission to find it. One of my favorite martial arts movie.

The Ring (1998)
A Japanese psychological supernatural horror film that follows a reporter who is racing to investigate the mystery behind a cursed videotape that kills the viewer seven days after watching it.
Also recommended – the original Japanese versions of The Grudge and Dark Water.

Train to Busan (2016)
A South Korean action horror film directed by Yeon Sang-ho. The film mostly takes place on a high-speed train from Seoul to Busan as a zombie apocalypse suddenly breaks out in the country and threatens the safety of the passengers. These are fast moving zombies like the ones in World War Z.

Snowpiercer (2013)
A South Korean post-apocalyptic science fiction action film. In a future where a failed climate change experiment has killed all life except for a few survivors who boarded the Snowpiercer, a new class system emerges.

The Artist (2011)
A French film that takes place in Hollywood, between 1927 and 1932 and focuses on the relationship between a rising young actress and an older silent film star as silent cinema falls out of fashion and is replaced by “talkies.” A must watch if you enjoy silent movies of the past, emphasis on the “silent” part – you have been warned.

Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi (2019)
An Indian Hindi-language period drama film based on the life of Rani Lakshmi Bai of Jhansi. Laxmi Bai was known for her bravery as she led the battle against the British army to protect her kingdom; however, she is killed in the battle. An inspiring historical drama with a female lead.

New movie release: Exorcist Vengeance

Exorcist Vengeance is now available on Digital and DVD. Photo: Uncork’d Entertainment, used with permission.

Uncork’d Entertainment has acquired North American rights to supernatural horror film Exorcist Vengeance starring internationally recognized action star Robert Bronzi (Death Kiss, The Gardener) and acclaimed actor Stephen Berkoff (Rambo: First Blood Part II, Beverly Hills Cop, “Vikings”). Uncork’d released the Millman Productions, Titan Global Entertainment and Proportion Productions production on Digital and DVD on February 8, 2022. (Uncork’d Entertainment, 2022)

A possession horror movie with state-of-the-art special effects, the film tells of a tough priest (Bronzi), someone the Vatican calls to do their dirty work. When a prominent family is terrorized by a demonic force, the priest is called upon by Bishop Canelo to root out the evil, but soon realizes the solution to this mystery is tied to his own past. He must find the killer and stop the Devil’s hold on the family before it is too late.

Directed by Scott Jeffrey and Rebecca J Matthews and written by Matthew B.C. (Medusa: Queen of the Serpents) and Jeff Miller (The Toybox; Ouija House; Clowntown), Exorcist Vengeance is based on the latter’s story. The film also stars Sarah Alexandra Marks, Nicola Wright, Simon Furness, Nicole Nabi, and Anna Liddell.

Jeff Miller (Death Kiss, The Russian Bride) and veteran filmmaker Mark L. Lester (director of Commando and Firestarter) are the executive producers and Scott Jeffrey, Rebecca J Matthews, and Miller serve as producers.

Exorcist Vengeance is available on Amazon, iTunes, Vudu, Xbox, Google, DirecTV, Dish, and Comcast EST.

“This is my fifth movie with Bronzi, and this one packs an intriguing punch. It’s Death Wish meets The Exorcist meets Knives Out.” – Jeff Miller

“Exorcist Vengeance is a wildly entertaining horror film full of some dynamite scares and brilliant turns from Bronzi and Berkoff. Looking forward to horror fans seeing it.” – Keith Leopard, President Uncork’d Entertainment.

Uncork’d Entertainment was founded in July, 2012 by Keith Leopard, a Home Entertainment industry veteran with more than twenty-three years of experience in purchasing, acquisitions, merchandising, marketing, and analysis of major studio and independent supplier to the home entertainment market. The Company focuses on distribution in six areas: Digital Media, Physical Home Entertainment, Aggregation, Theatrical and Television, Foreign Sales, and has secured relationships across all platforms to ensure your film reaches the widest audience possible. Keith and his team are committed to maximizing revenue, controlling costs, and assuring their Content Partners the highest quality of service, a commitment to market and merchandise their film and a rewarding experience by partnering with Uncork’d Entertainment.

The Culinary Institute of America brings back student run cafe

Guests can visit the student run cafe pop up at Savor from now until April 12, 2022. Photo: Pearl, used with permission.

The Culinary Institute of America (CIA) San Antonio campus is excited to bring back its popular Bakery Café. Savor, CIA’s Modern American restaurant at Pearl, is hosting the pop-up bakery from now until April 12. Under the direction of Certified Master Baker Alain Dubernard, Chef Brian Krellenstein, and Hospitality and Service Management Instructor Angel Gonzalez, students in the college’s capstone course of Baking and Pastry Arts major will have the opportunity to showcase their skills in a real-world retail bakery and restaurant setting by operating both the front and back-of-house. Savor will transform into a pop-up café for breakfast and lunch, serving a range of fresh dishes Monday through Friday from 9a.m. to 1:30p.m. (The Culinary Institute of America, 2022)

Breakfast offerings include items like brioche French toast, house made croissant egg sandwiches, a roasted beef culotte potato hash with an over easy egg and a creamy pecorino polenta with sautéed mushrooms and soft poached eggs. Lunch will include items like homemade salads and sandwiches such as the Ultimate Grilled Cheese Blend Patty Melt, Grilled Vegetable Panini and Café BLT with grilled challah. Delectable pastries and cookies like the Walnut Orange Cranberry Scone, Manchego Guava Empanada, Alfajor Dulce de Leche and more will also be available for purchase.

Savor
200 East Grayson Street, Suite #117
San Antonio, TX 78215

Pearl is a dynamic neighborhood built around the historic Pearl Brewery, which operated from 1883 to 1999. Located just north of downtown San Antonio on the banks of the San Antonio River, it is home to architecturally significant buildings like the brewhouse and stable—both built in 1894—and numerous plazas. Today, Pearl is home to dozens of unique culinary concepts, one-of-a-kind retail, weekend markets, residential communities, innovative office tenants, the San Antonio campus of the Culinary Institute of America, and the award-winning Hotel Emma. Pearl is a vibrant district where community gathers to play, work, and live; it is a place where things are made and celebrated with purpose and sincerity. We invite all to gather and experience the best of what San Antonio has to offer.

Savor

Anne Elise Hastings and her Revolving Cast of Characters announces sophomore album

*Unmasking A Confidence Trickster* is influenced by Appalachian roots with Hastings’ New Orleans flair. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

The first track on Anne Elise Hastings and Her Revolving Cast of Characters’ new album Unmasking A Confidence Trickster gets right down to business, revealing just what it is that makes Hastings tick. “Twice Married, Twice Divorced” premiered with Folk N’ Rock, and starts off sweet enough, but quickly reveals Hastings intent to, in her words, “get to be the one to reject” the person who is continuously proven to be wrong for the song’s main character. Fans can hear “Twice Married, Twice Divorced” now at this link. The new album is available now. (Anne Elise Hastings and Her Revolving Cast of Characters, 2021)

Anne Elise Hastings and Her Revolving Cast of Characters is a New Orleans-based alt-country band. Hastings carries her characters with powerful vocals and lyrically driven music, retaining her Appalachian roots while embracing her adopted city’s sensibility. With inspirations ranging from Dolly Parton to Janis Joplin, listeners are exposed to feelings of nostalgia, heartbreak, and resentment, all backed with compelling, pan-genre musical arrangements. Over time, Hastings’ Cast of Characters has undergone many changes, but always features a roster of multifaceted musicians who can switch instruments on a dime. The current cast is composed of Hastings on vocals and rhythm guitar, Isaac Worley on drums, Dustin Dietsche on guitar, and Tristan Clark on bass.

Unmasking A Confidence Trickster has the twang and attitude of old school country but introduces a more modern edge of Hastings and Her Revolving Cast of Characters that demonstrates their broad scope of influences. The songs of Unmasking A Confidence Trickster show a vast range in emotion and tone. One moment, Hastings will channel her Great Grandmother, telling her love story. Then, she will be taking out her anger at a heinous ex-lover or navigating the dark waters of depression. For Hastings, this collection aims to break down the image that people have created for themselves, unveiling the con artist within everyone. After all, no one is a hero. Not even the writer herself.

Unmasking A Confidence Trickster track list:
Twice Married, Twice Divorced
Missouri
Make You Care
Close Enough
Sara Jane
The Hardest Part
Jack Kerouac
Protest Song
Still Afraid
Loving You
Between My Teeth

PechaKucha San Antonio at the San Antonio Botanical Garden

PechaKucha returns for its first in-person event in two years. Photo: Jessica Giesey, used with permission.

PechaKucha San Antonio – the global arts and culture series that hosts speakers who share their passions in a unique format – is excited to announce its first in-person event after a two year hiatus due to the pandemic. The outdoor event is scheduled for Thursday, March 3, 2022, for the first time at the Betty Kelso Center lawn at the San Antonio Botanical Garden (555 Funston Pl, San Antonio, TX 78209). The night begins with a welcome reception at 6:30p.m., followed by presentations starting at 7:30p.m. (PechaKucha San Antonio, 2022)

Vol. 40 will feature a talented group of locals. The seven presenters include:

Maeve Bassett, Applied Ethnobotanist
Jennifer Hwa Dobbertin, Best Quality Daughter
Heyd Fontenot, Artist (*mature content)
Mara Nathan, Rabbi
Erika Prosper, First Lady of San Antonio
Andrea “Vocab” Sanderson, Poet Laureate
Tyler Ybarra, Coffee Pioneer

Emcee for the evening will be local musician and PechaKucha SA former presenter Alyson Alonzo. The welcome reception will feature music by DJ Anita Boogie and complimentary bites curated by local chefs and restaurants including Naco 210 Mexican Eatery & Patio, Bandit BBQ, Bakery Lorraine and Jardin. The event will also feature a cash bar. Tickets are $7 in advance or $10 at the door. Advance tickets are available HERE.

PechaKucha San Antonio would not be possible without the support of annual sponsors, including:

Centro Properties
San Antonio Food Bank
Schroeder Art
Lake Flato Architects
San Antonio River Foundation
Zurich International Properties
Southwest School of Art
RYNO General Contractors
500 Sixth

In-Kind sponsors for the event include:

San Antonio Botanical Garden
Naco 210 Mexican Eatery & Patio
Bandit BBQ
Bakery Lorraine
Jardin
Josh Huskin Photography
AiAdvertising
Giant Noise
Sprocket Productions
Slab Cinema
Direct Motion Technologies
Gary Sweeney
Alejandro Dehoyos

PechaKucha San Antonio is presented in partnership with the Las Casas Foundation. For more information about PechaKucha, visit PechaKucha online and follow along on Facebook and Instagram.

Pronounced “PEH-chuh KOO-chuh,” PechaKucha is a 20 image x 20 second arts and cultures series. We host speakers who share their passions in a unique format: Each presenter gets exactly 20 images, and each slide advances automatically every 20 seconds (for a total time of 6:40). San Antonio’s first quarterly PechaKucha Night was held in February 2011 and now attracts hundreds of attendees to venues throughout San Antonio. It highlights a broad range of individuals, including architects, artists, makers, academics, community leaders and more. PechaKucha (Japanese for “chit chat”) is an event format developed by Tokyo’s Klein Dytham Architecture to encourage creative professionals to share projects and ideas that they are passionate about. Since it began in 2003, PechaKucha has expanded to more than 1200 cities around the world.

San Antonio Botanical Garden

Hotel Contessa announces programming to celebrate the Margarita

Ambler at Hotel Contessa announces food and beverage programming to celebrate National Margarita Day. Photo: Hotel Contessa, used with permission.

Hotel Contessa is excited to announce a host of programming to celebrate National Margarita Day on February 22. To celebrate the holiday accordingly, the hotel will extend the celebration throughout the week with various specials and events throughout that week at the hotel’s restaurant Ambler Texas Kitchen + Cocktails. (Hotel Contessa, 2022)

The programming is as follows:

National Margarita Day Happy Hour – Tuesday, February 22, 2022 starting at 4p.m.
On National Margarita Day, Ambler Texas Kitchen + Cocktails will offer four unique twists on the traditional margarita for $8 during happy hour in the restaurant’s bar lounge between 4p.m. and 7p.m.

The cocktails include:
• Fire in the Sky – Casamigos Blanco tequila, orange liqueur, smoked paprika, and bell peppers
• Knocking on Desert’s Door – Desert Door Sotol, Chareau, prickly pear and citrus, garnished with lime and mint
• Misty Step – Del Maguey Vida mezcal, Santa Teresa 1976 rum, Benedictine, pineapple, and bitters
• Oaxaca Old Fashioned – Corralejo Reposado tequila, Del Maguey Vida mezcal, and Ambler bitters

***The bar’s regular hours are 12p.m. (noon) to 12a.m.

Margarita Making Class – Wednesday, February 23, 2022 at 6p.m.

Continuing the celebration of National Margarita Day throughout the week, Ambler Texas Kitchen + Cocktails will be offering a margarita making class with its new beverage director, Brandon Vela. The class kicks off at 6p.m. at Hotel Contessa’s third floor terrace overlooking the San Antonio River. Participants will learn the proper techniques and make their own margarita while enjoying light bites from Ambler Texas Kitchen + Cocktails. Guests will also receive a 20% discount toward a meal at the restaurant. The cost of the class is $45 per person and tickets for the class are available here.

Casamigos Tequila Dinner – February 24, 2022 at 6p.m.

Ambler Texas Kitchen + Cocktails will host a special five course dinner featuring Casamigos tequila and mezcal. The ticketed dinner is limited to 50 guests and tickets are $125 a person, which includes the cost of dinner, gratuity, tax, and valet parking at Hotel Contessa. Tickets for the dinner are available here.

See below for the dinner menu featuring unique cocktails made with, and inspired by, Casamigos tequila.

Welcome Cocktail – Aloe, It’s Ambler – Casamigos mezcal, Chareau and lemon
First Course
- Scallop Ceviche – grapefruit, lime, blood orange juice and habanero syrup
- Featured Cocktail – Pineapple Express
  - Casamigo Blanco, Casamigo Anejo, Ancho Reyes, citrus, serrano and bitters
Second Course
- Grilled octopus – grilled octopus, frisee lettuce, roasted pears, toasted almonds, watermelon radish and roasted pear vinaigrette
- Featured Cocktail – Another Sour
  - Casamigo Reposado, citrus, egg white and Texas bitters
Third Course
- Al Pastor Taco – deconstructed with blue cornmeal cake, avocado crema and pickled red onions
- Featured Cocktail – Call Me Kiwi
  - Casamigos Blanco, kiwi, pineapple, citrus
Fourth Course
- 6oz Filet – pozole bath filet, fried red peppers, pozole broth and crispy plantains
- Featured Cocktail – George Clooney lost in the Rio Grande
  - Casamigos Reposado, grapefruit cordial and bitters
Fifth Course:
- Salted chocolate flan with a tequila caramel
- Featured Cocktail – Mama’s Mexican Hot Coco
  - Casamigos Anejo, caffee del fuego and orange

The BookFest Spring 2022 salutes industry icon Irwin Zucker

The BookFest returns for a 5th biannual online bookish adventure April 2 and 3 with the inaugural BookFest Awards. Photo: The BookFest, used with permission.

The BookFest® returns for its 5th biannual virtual event on April 2 and 3, 2022, with the inaugural BookFest Awards. Industry icon Irwin Zucker, founder of the Book Publicists of SoCal and president of Promotion in Motion Public Relations, will receive the first Honorary Achievement Award on April 3. All winners of The BookFest Awards Spring 2022 will also be announced then. (The BookFest, 2022)

The executive BookFest Awards judging committee includes Elaine Ash, Celeste S. Duckworth, Flo Selfman, and Elliott Wolf. The BookFest Awards honors outstanding books published within the last five years, extending it from three years. Due to lockdowns and social distancing, Desireé Duffy, founder of The BookFest, felt it was important to highlight books that may not have seen the recognition deserved.

“The BookFest Awards honors outstanding literary achievement. Saluting writers and connecting them with readers is the mission of The BookFest. We welcome submissions and look forward to honoring many deserving books and authors this spring. Plus, we are beyond thrilled to cast a spotlight on someone who is a friend and mentor of mine, and an inspiration to the entire industry, Mr. Irwin Zucker.” – Desireé Duffy

Award winners and those receiving honorable mentions will receive a downloadable certificate, awards graphic, and recognition on The BookFest website. Third, second, first, and top winners will receive special recognition through Books That Make You media placements, social media, the radio and podcast show, and public relations. Optional awards certificates and trophies are also available for purchase to winners and honorable mentions.

Books submitted to The BookFest Awards are evaluated with a three-round judging system: first by an expert vetting team to ensure submitted work meets necessary criteria, then by The BookFest associate judging committee, and then final determinations are made by the executive BookFest Awards judging committee.

As is tradition, day one of The BookFest is geared toward readers and features Live Author Chats and programming to spark the imagination of everyone who loves to read. Day two focuses on writers and features the “Brave New Writer,” and the “Critiki-Bar” interactive live panels. Panel discussions, Conversations, the highly anticipated Big Bundle of Books Giveaway, and many other favorites will also happen at The BookFest Spring 2022.

The Pitching Room is a space on The BookFest website for writers to submit their manuscript pitches to potentially be matched with literary agents and publishing decision-makers. In addition to possibly securing an agent or book deal through the Pitching Room, authors may also request to be considered for “Critiki-Bar” or “Brave New Writer” at The BookFest Adventure.

Attendees can browse “Virtual Booths,” which are pages for BookFest sponsors, like a physical booth one might find at a festival. There is also a “Books Page” highlighting books from participants. The BookFest organizers encourage attendees to browse books and support the authors and sponsors who help bring this free-to-attend event to attendees around the globe.

The complete programming list and speakers will be available on the website. They will also be officially announced in a future press release and through email notifications to BookFest subscribers. The BookFest is produced by Black Château Enterprises and presented by Bookstagrammers, a platform dedicated to book influencers, and by Books That Make You, a bookish brand for bibliophiles.

The live stream will be available at TheBookFest.com on the day of the event. It will also stream through the Books That Make You Channel on YouTube and Facebook Page. Hashtags include #TheBookFest and #TheBookFestSpring2022 and social media for Black Château and Books That Make You will help spread the word.

The BookFest is the leader in virtual literary events and produces vital conversations on the world’s stage for those who love to read, and those who love to write. It launched May 2020 at a time when lockdown forced many live events to be cancelled. A free event, the biannual event happens in the spring and fall, and streams panel discussions, conversations, and live interactive sessions. As an award winner, The BookFest has recognitions from the Webby Awards with a nomination in 2021, a gold award from the Muse Creative Awards in 2020, and a silver award from the w3 Awards in 2020. The BookFest features an array of literary speakers, experts, and authors, which has included: Mitch Albom; Kevin J. Anderson; Mark Coker; Robert G. Diforio; Cheryl Willis Hudson; Wade Hudson; Sarah Kendzior; Jonathan Maberry; Lisa Morton; James Rollins; Connie Schultz; Michael Shermer; Mark K. Shriver; Danny Trejo; Helene Wecker; Dr. Chanda Prescod-Weinstein, and many others. The BookFest is presented by Books That Make You and produced by Black Château Enterprises.

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Book review: ‘Inhuman Trafficking: A Legal Thriller’ by Mike Papantonio and Alan Russell

‘Inhuman Trafficking: A Legal Thriller’ is the new novel by Mike Papantonio and Alan Russell. Photo: amazon

Mike Papantonio is a senior partner of Levin Papantonio, one of the country’s largest plaintiffs’ law firms, and was one of the youngest inductees into the Trial Lawyer Hall of Fame. He has aggressively taken on Big Pharma, tobacco, weapon manufacturers, and the automobile industry, among other strongholds of corporate greed, and uses his own cases as springboards for his novels. Papantonio is also a well-known media presence as host of America’s Lawyer and co-host of the syndicated radio show Ring of Fire.

Alan Russell is the #1 bestselling author of seventeen mystery and suspense novels, including “Burning Man,” “Shame,” “St. Nick,” and “A Cold War.” Russell’s novels have been nominated for most of the major awards in crime fiction, and he has won a Lefty award for best comedic mystery, a USA Today Critics’ Choice Award, multiple San Diego Book Awards, and the Odin Award for Lifetime Achievement from the San Diego Writers/Editor Guild.

In their new novel “Inhuman Trafficking: A Legal Thriller,” while taking on a human trafficking case, the past comes calling with word that Nick “Deke” Deketomis’ fifteen-year-old goddaughter, Lily Reyes, is missing.

“Inhuman Trafficking” begins with Lily Reyes being set up by her boyfriend Carlos Navarro and handed off to a strange man who calls himself ‘Tío Leo’ as collateral for a planned score gone bad. Seven days after Lily disappears, her mother Sylvia contacts Deke for help in bringing her home safely. This is a sideline from his current case with Welcome Mat Hospitality.

For Deke, going head to head with some of the most dangerous cases has long been a way of life. His target this time is Welcome Mat Hospitality, a firm known for its truck stops and lodging throughout the United States. What Welcome Mat does not advertise is the human trafficking—for sex work and slave labor—going on at many of its properties. For the sake of better profits, Welcome Mat’s ownership has turned a blind eye to this lucrative enterprise. When Deke learns that Lily has fallen prey to a notorious trafficker, his personal and professional worlds converge when Lily comes in contact with Karina, a Russian woman who is one of the many victims of a madwoman’s human trafficking operations. For his goddaughter to survive, Deke must prevail not only in the legal arena but outside of it.

Mike Papantonio is the author of the Nick “Deke” Deketomis series of legal and courtroom thrillers including “Law and Addiction,” “Law and Disorder,” and “Law and Vengeance.” Even though “Inhuman Trafficking” is not a “Law and..” titled book, Deke is back in action trying to save the world from man’s inhumanity to man, in this case, human trafficking, which includes slave labor and sex traffickers.

There is not as much courtroom drama as in Papantonio’s previous books, but Deke and his team shine as they work incessantly to find Lily while trying to identify Karina and bring down the system that is taking advantage of her and countless others. The language is down to earth, easy to understand and expressive at times “Colors shimmered, appearing and disappearing like will-o’-the-wisps.”

With action that flows easily through the pages, one of the highlights is the heart-pounding action when Karina finally gets the nerve to call Deke’s office for help while looking over her shoulder to make sure no one sees her. Some of the details of human trafficking, including Lily’s survival mechanisms, are hard to read but are not overly graphic. The main takeaway is that everyone has had their challenges but nevertheless survived and are stronger because of them. Filled with relatable and well-developed characters, investigative action, and unpredictable developments, “Inhuman Trafficking” is a fast-paced thriller recommended for John Grisham fans who root for the little guy.

“Deke knew the ‘damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead’ look in Gina’s eyes. As she opened her mouth to reply, Deke surreptitiously banged the side of her chair. Gina turned his way, took a read of his eyes, and swallowed her commentary.”

*The author received a copy of this book for an honest review. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.

Read an excerpt:

Book excerpt: ‘Inhuman Trafficking’ by Mike Papantonio and Alan Russell

Punk rock documentary GRIDLOCKED: On Tour With The Briggs

GRIDLOCKED: On Tour With The Briggs is now available on digital and On Demand. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

From Gravitas Ventures, GRIDLOCKED: On Tour With The Briggs, the new rockumentary feature film on iconic punk band The Briggs, is now available on digital and On Demand. (Gravitas Ventures, 2022)

From writer-director Kevin James Barry (“Among Them”, “Serena and the RATTS”), GRIDLOCKED follows the Los Angeles-based punk rock band through their ten day tour of the west coast with personal interviews with the band’s front man, Joey LaRocca. From Joey’s engaging perspective, the film explores the sometimes harsh and other-times intensely rewarding lifestyle of musical artists. Joey must navigate a musical career that fell short of his youthful expectations as it collided with the realities of maturing and gaining family responsibilities. The story culminates, in what may be the final tour with the band that he loves, with the realization and acceptance that life does not always play out as planned.

“Avoids the usual pratfalls of reunion documentaries to really interrogate what it means to be a middle-aged artist finding new definitions of success.”
MIDWEST FILM JOURNAL

“I Can’t Recommend This Film Enough”
UNSEEN FILMS

“Such a beautiful film”
MOVIE-BLOGGER.COM

Teatro Audaz presents Mariachi Girl

Teatro Audaz is proud to present its first-ever mainstage musical of Mariachi Girl, an uplifting bilingual production about reaching one’s dreams. Just in time for Fiesta, the production will feature live Mariachi music for every performance, from March 4-13, by San Antonio’s popular Mariachi Azteca de América. (Teatro Audaz, 2022)

Written by playwright Roxanne Schroeder-Arce, Mariachi Girl features vibrant original mariachi music and lyrics by Héctor Martinez Morales. The March 12 performance will include a special “talkback” with the audience by Schroeder-Arce, the cast, and director. The March 12 performance will also be American Sign Language Interpreted with the help of interpreter Robert Cardoza for attendees and their families who are deaf or hard of hearing.

“We are proud to feature an all Latinx cast and diverse crew for this special production of Mariachi Girl. Teatro’s mission is to produce, showcase and respect the stories of our cultura and we believe this production does so.” – Laura T Garza, Executive Artistic Director, Teatro Audaz San Antonio.

“Through its authentic music, colorful staging and lights, Mariachi Girl is a beautiful celebration of Mexican-American culture, San Antonio’s culture. We invite Teatro Audaz fans to bring the entire family and join us for this uplifting bilingual family drama about reaching for your dreams while still challenging long-held cultural traditions.” – Director JoJanie Moreno.

Mariachi Girl:
Ten-year-old Carmencita dreams of being a mariachi singer and one day joining in performance with her father. However, her father clings to a long-held family tradition of male-only mariachis. When Carmencita’s teacher offers her a book about a female mariachi, everything changes for “Cita” as she sees a possibility of her dream becoming a reality. Can she celebrate her own heritage and expand her father’s view of the world?

Weekend performances will be held from March 4-13 with Friday and Saturday showings at 7:30p.m. and Sunday showings at 2p.m. Performances will be held at the Public Theatre of San Antonio’s Russell Hill Rogers Auditorium at 800 West Ashby Place. COVID-19 safety protocols will be put in place with mandatory mask wearing, hand sanitizer stations, and social distancing with seating capacity maxed at 50 percent.

For tickets, visit Teatro Audaz. Pre-sale tickets start at $20 with discounts available for students, seniors, military and educators. Early entrance VIP tickets are $25. The presale will end at 11:59p.m. on February 25, 2022.

Regular price tickets start at $25 with discounts available for students, seniors, military and educators. Early entrance VIP tickets are $30.

Mariachi Girl is sponsored by LaMarque Enterprises.

Cast and Crew
Mariachi Girl features performances by Michelle Bortoni (Carmen), Jessica Arenas (Mrs. Parker), Lucero Garcia (Carmencita), Esai Gomez (Danny), and Gino Rivera (Luis).

The production team includes JoJanie S. Moreno (Director), Isabel DeLaCerda (Assistant Director), Gino Rivera (Music Director), Karen Arredondo (Scenic Designer), Larry Martinez (Lighting Designer), Stephen Gamez (Sound Board Operator) Ixchel Cueller (Costume Designer), Michael Randolph (Sound Design/Board Operator), Axa Soria (Stage Manager), Madissyn Zapata (Assistant Stage Manager).

Teatro Audaz is dedicated to exploring the varied experiences and cultures of Latinx people through producing and displaying the creative talents of our artists. We aim to highlight the stories of, and serve the artists that we feel are most under-represented, including all BIPOC, LGBTQ, women, refugees, and immigrants.

Public Theatre of San Antonio

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