Category: Entertainment News

Award-winning documentary My Name is Pedro will be available February 23

My Name is Pedro opens on Video On Demand and DVD on Tuesday, February 23, 2021. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

My Name is Pedro, the award-winning film from first time director Lillian LaSalle, explores the seemingly impossible journey of South Bronx Latino educator and maverick, Pedro Santana, a former “special ed” student, whose mantra is – every kid can learn despite their circumstances. A The New York Times profile of his “Out Of The Box” teaching techniques, thrusts him into the spotlight, which creates great opportunities for change but also has its downside – public school politics which, despite the cries of students and parents alike, threaten to take him down. A documentary with unpredictable twists and turns, it harnesses a compelling message of optimism, hope and tragedy. My Name is Pedro is an essential and timely reminder of the importance of great educators that exist within the infrastructure of our country’s public education system. (EG-PR, 2021)

It will be released on VOD and DVD on Tuesday, February 23 in the US, Canada, and UK. VOD: Amazon, Apple TV, iTunes, GooglePlay, Youtube, Vimeo on Demand and Fandango NOW. Cable: Verizon, Comcast, Charter, Cox, and Wave Broadband. Documentary (USA), 127 Minutes, in English.

OFFICIAL SELECTION AND AWARDS:
Winner: Best Documentary, Golden Door International Film Festival
Winner: Spotlight on Documentary Award, St. Louis International Film Festival
Winner: Audience Award, Chicago Latino International Film Festival
Winner: Audience Award, Brooklyn Film Festival
Winner: Award of Merit, Impact Docs
Winner: Honorable Mention, Woodstock Film Festival
Official Selection: Women’s Filmmaker Showcase, BAFF
Official Selection: San Diego Latino International Film Festival

My Name is Pedro is a powerful and poignant documentary about one man’s effort to reach even the most challenging students. As a child, Pedro Santana struggled in school early on and stuttered sometimes, except when he was onstage. He became an educator, mentor, and community leader because his work went beyond the school grounds. His goal was “I want to have an impact in people’s lives” and he truly influenced students as well as their families and everyone he met. While living in a culturally diverse community, he was able to cross the cultural divide. Like most people who think “outside the box,” he rattled the status quo and became a target of those who pushed back. The lesson to be learned is that the best way to honor someone’s memory is to keep his or her work alive.

“The planet does not need more successful people. The planet desperately needs more peacemakers, healers, restorers, storytellers and lovers of all kind.” – Dalai Lama

World premiere of ‘The Spine of Night’ at SXSW 2021

‘The Spine of Night’ will premiere at this year’s virtual SXSW. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

In SXSW Film Festival 2021 news, Yellow Veil Pictures has acquired the sales rights to the animated fantasy “The Spine of Night.” It will premiere in the SXSW Midnighters section of the festival which will run virtually from Tuesday March 16 through Sunday March 20, 2021. Written and directed by Philip Gelatt and Morgan Galen King, the cast includes Richard E. Grant, Lucy Lawless, Patton Oswalt, Betty Gabriel, Joe Manganiello, Abby Savage, Larry Fessenden, and Rob McClure. (EG-PR, 2021)

From Gorgonaut Pictures, “The Spine of Night” is an ultra-violent, hand-rotoscoped epic fantasy inspired by the cult classic works of animators Ralph Bakshi and Frank Franzetta. The film is set in a fantasy land ripe with magic and intrigue where a dark force is unleashed sending mankind into an age of ruin. It falls on heroes from different eras and cultures to fight back. This epic begins many years ago when an ambitious young man steals forbidden knowledge from a sacred plant and, as he falls to its darker temptations, unleashes ages of suffering onto mankind. As his power grows over the years, there are many who stand against him. Among them are a daring tomb-robber, star-crossed lovers, a maniacal necromancer, winged assassins, and an undying guardian.

Movie adaptation: ‘The Reincarnationist Papers’ by D. Eric Maikranz

The movie adaptation of D. Eric Maikranz’ ‘The Reincarnationist Papers’ will be released in May. Photo: google

D. Eric Maikranz is the author of “The Reincarnationist Papers,” the electrifying debut novel that introduces readers to the Cognomina, a secret society of people who reincarnate with total recall of their collected past lives. As a world traveler, he was a foreign correspondent while living in Rome, translated for relief doctors in Nicaragua during a cholera epidemic, and was once forcibly expelled from the nation of Laos. He has worked as a tour guide, a radio host, a bouncer, and a Silicon Valley software executive. The Reincarnationist Papers is the electrifying book that introduces readers to the Cognomina, a secret society of people who possess total recall of their past lives. It is the basis for the Paramount Pictures movie Infinite, scheduled for release in May 2021, and starring Mark Wahlberg and Dylan O’Brien.

In “The Reincarnationist Papers,” discovered in an antique store in Rome at the turn of the millennium, The Reincarnationist Papers offers a tantalizing glimpse into the Cognomina, a secret society of people who possess total recall of their past lives. Evan Michaels struggles with being different, with having the complete memories of two other people who lived sequentially before him. He fights loneliness and believes his ‘condition’ is unique until he meets Poppy. She recognizes his struggle because she has the same ‘condition,’ except that she is much older, remembering back seven consecutive lives. There is something else she must share with Evan – she is a member of a secret society of others like them. They are, in effect, near immortals – compiling experiences and skills over lifetimes into near superhuman abilities that they have used to drive history toward their own agenda on a longer timeline. Through Poppy, Evan is invited into the Cognomina but he must decide if he can face their tests before entering this new mysterious society as their equal.

Streaming guide: new releases and family friendly programming

Locas Por Cambio is available on Amazon Prime Video. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

The holidays are a time to spend with family and some of those moments are spent watching television.  The following is a guide for family-friendly shows and films to watch this season.  (H + M Communications, 2020)

Family Friendly

Universal Pictures – The Croods: A New Age Release date: December 18 on PVOD.  The Croods have survived their fair share of dangers and disasters, from fanged prehistoric beasts to surviving the end of the word, but now they will face their biggest challenge of all: another family.

Focus Features- Half Brothers Release date: December 4. Renato, a successful Mexican aviation executive, is shocked to discover he has an American half-brother he never knew about — the free-spirited Asher. The two vastly different brothers are forced on a road trip together, masterminded by their ailing father, to trace the path he took as an immigrant from Mexico to America.

Pantaya – Celebremos: Eterna Navidad Release date: December 4. Juanes hosts a group of A-list Latinx celebrities in his home.  Not the typical holiday special because there is a fun story intertwined with music, food, and fun.  Premieres on the Spanish language streaming service Pantaya.

Peacock – Saved By The Bell Release date: available now. California Governor Zack Morris closes low-income high schools, relocating the affected students to Bayside, the richest school in the state. The new students give the oblivious Bayside kids a much-needed reality check.

Peacock – Shrek Release date: available now. To save his home, a monster with a donkey makes a deal with a mean lord to rescue a beautiful princess.  Available free with ads to all Peacock users.

Peacock – Trolls World Tour Release date: available now. When a rock ‘n’ roll king and queen set out to destroy other forms of music, Poppy and Branch embark on a daring mission to unite six different troll tribes to save the diverse melodies from becoming extinct.

Adventure/comedy

Amazon Prime – Locas Por Cambio Release date: available now. Tells the funny story of Paula (Mariel Molino) who has had a life full of privileges that have led her to feel satisfied with her life, and of Paulina (Sofía Sisniega) who has experienced the opposite and who feels overwhelmed with the responsibilities of modern life. Everything will change one fateful day when they step into each other’s shoes and discover that not everything is what it seems.  Between tangles and adventures, they will experience what makes them so different and similar at the same time.

Amazon Prime Video – El Cid Release date: December 18. El Cid is a Spanish Amazon Original series about the man behind the legend of El Cid Campeador (played by Jaime Lorente). A journey that narrates the trajectory of the young “Ruy” until he became a faithful vassal, knight, and hero of the Spanish crown in the 11th century.

Children’s Ballet and Bird Bakery present ‘Children’s Nutcracker’

The Children’s Ballet of San Antonio presents a feel-good virtual fundraiser for the whole family. Photo: Children’s Ballet of San Antonio, used with permission.

The holidays would not be the same without Tchaikovsky’s timeless holiday tale ‘The Nutcracker.’ This is why the Children’s Ballet of San Antonio (CBSA) is keeping the tradition alive, but in a safe and socially distanced way with an interactive virtual fundraiser that offers fun for the entire family. It is set to take place virtually Friday, December 18 at 7p.m., and Saturday, December 19 at 2p.m. and 7p.m. and then again Friday, December 25 at 7p.m. and Saturday, December 26 at 2p.m. and 7p.m. The fairytale comes to life with a full-length production featuring dazzling costumes, multimedia integrated scenery, award-winning dancers, and a talented array of young performers (including special needs artists) in a variety of disciplines. This year’s interpretation will have a 2020 twist with masks and Zoom family gatherings integrated into the storyline.  So put on your holiday PJs, throw a log on the fire, grab a cup of cocoa, and prepare to be enchanted as Clara, the Sugar Plum Fairy, the Snow Queen and more, dance their way into your living room—and into your hearts. (Children’s Ballet of San Antonio, 2020)

To sweeten the tradition, Bird Bakery will be providing cookie decorating kits designed for boys and girls featuring six of their mouthwatering cookies in the shapes of ballet slippers, ballerinas and, of course, Nutcrackers, along with three tubes of their special Royal Icing in blue, pink and white for creating your culinary masterpiece. Need inspiration? The piping pros at Bird Bakery will offer a cookie decorating tutorial during intermission to guide you through the process of creating the perfect cookie. Bird will also offer sandwich platters for both children and adults that include chips and their famous Monster cookies as well as a Cupcake for a Cause topped with an iced ballet slipper from December 7-13. A portion of the proceeds from the sales of this decadent dessert will go to CBSA.

Tickets for this special event start at $50 with tax-deductible sponsorship packages ranging from $100 to $10,000 depending on the package and can be purchased online where viewers can also find Bird Bakery order and pickup deadlines.  All sponsorships of $100 and up include at least one link to the showtime of choice plus a Bird Bakery cookie decorating set. Cookie decorating sets and sandwich platters are also available to purchase a la carte.

The award-winning Children’s Ballet of San Antonio (CBSA) is an authentic, professional-level ballet company that produces professionally staged productions showcasing San Antonio’s most talented children. Dancers are selected by invitation or audition. The Children’s Ballet of San Antonio is a nonprofit organization 501(c)3 whose mission is to inspire the pursuit of excellence and prepare children for productive and creative lives through dance by offering extensive training and performance opportunities for talented children from all backgrounds.

“We are thrilled to bring the tradition of the Nutcracker home for the holidays. This year more than ever, families are searching for ways to focus on the silver linings and create memorable moments at home. We hope this interactive experience will make the holidays that much richer.” – Vanessa Bessler, CBSA Founder.

New release: ‘Portraits From The Woods’ by Norman Reedus

‘Portraits From The Woods’ is Norman Reedus’ new book of photography. Photo: Big Bald Gallery, used with permission.

Norman Reedus is best known as Daryl Dixon in the popular AMC horror drama series The Walking Dead and for his television show Ride with Norman Reedus. His film credits include The Boondock Saints and its sequel The Boondock Saints II: All Saints Day, Blade II, and Deuces Wild. He is seldom without his camera and in his new book “Portraits From The Woods,” he combines his day job with his passion for photography to create a new coffee table book of more than 140 pages of glossy images. These images range from behind-the-scenes moments from the set and personal portraits of small screen zombies and snapshots of crewmates and family members. (CWPR, 2020)

In “Portraits From The Woods,” Norman Reedus captures moments behind the scenes of TWD as only Norman could deliver. With his unique sense of humor, traveling into the Georgian woods with Norman’s cast of characters and zombies, alongside portraits of Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Hideo Kojima, Lena Dunham, Diane Kruger, Dave Chapelle, and many more to reveal the individuals that inhabit his life. Norman has an indelible way of capturing the beauty and mystery in others.  His photographs are beautiful and terrifying, macabre, and provoking, alternately dark, and sublime. Certain portraits remain vivid and clear, while others are washed in intrigue: grainy, hazy, and obscured. What unites all these faces are the eyes that see them: Norman’s. From those eyes come a piercing intimacy, both precious and rare.

“Portraits From The Woods” is available now as Hardcover First Edition (144 pages), exclusively on Reedus’ website for $75.  The Special Collector’s Edition: Clothbound Clamshell Box which includes book plus signed archival photograph is also available. Proceeds from sales are being donated to the COVID-19 Response Fund.

“I always have my eyes open. ‘Portraits From The Woods’ is like stepping in my own shoes, seen through my eyes with my sense of humor.” – Norman Reedus

Television adaptation: ‘The Stand’ by Stephen King

The new adaptation of Stephen King’s enormously popular ‘The Stand’ premieres on CBS All Access on December 17. Photo: google

Stephen King is an American author of horror, supernatural fiction, suspense, crime, science-fiction, and fantasy novels.  His books have sold more than 350 million copies, and many have been adapted into films, television series, miniseries and comic books.  One of his most popular works, “The Stand” is a post-apocalyptic dark fantasy novel that centers around a pandemic of a weaponized strain of influenza that k8lls most of the world’s population.  It was adapted into a miniseries in 1994 and a now a new miniseries will be released on CBS All Access starting Thursday December 17 with new episodes releasing weekly.  Cast includes Whoopi Goldberg as Mother Abigail, Alexander Skargård as Randall Flagg and James Marsden as Stu Redman. (Wikipedia, 2020)

In “The Stand,” the lethal strain of influenza is accidentally released when there is a security breach in a secret U.S. Department of Defense laboratory in northern California.  A security guard, Charles Campion, manages to escape the facility before it is locked down and takes his family out of the state.  His car crashes in Texas and bystanders and ambulance workers become infected. The army tries to contain the virus by isolating the town, but it eventually spreads across the country and the global pandemic nearly kills everyone in a month’s time. The few survivors, united in groups, establish a new social system to adapt but eventual confrontations emerge.

San Antonio Magazine announces new leadership

Kathie Anderson is San Antonio Magazine’s new publisher. Photo: San Antonio Magazine, used with permission.

San Antonio Magazine (SAM), the 15-year-old city and lifestyle monthly, announces Kathie Anderson as publisher and Kathleen Petty as editor-in-chief. Rebecca Fontenot Cord, former publisher and editor-in-chief remains involved as editorial director of the magazine’s parent company, Open Sky Media. (San Antonio Magazine, 2020)

Kathie Anderson and her family recently returned to San Antonio after living in Tampa, Florida, for four years. While in Florida, Kathie worked in media and as a Realtor. Before moving to Tampa, she resided in San Antonio, where she worked at KENS-5 before joining San Antonio Magazine as associate publisher. Both outlets gave her the opportunity to assist businesses, clients and organizations in elevating their impact within the market via media exposure. Her expertise and passion are customizing marketing approaches utilizing multiple channels, such as digital, print and events. She also keeps keen watch on ever-changing market trends and quickly adapts strategy to optimize results.  

Kathleen Petty joined the San Antonio Magazine staff as associate editor in 2012, progressing through department ranks to executive editor. She seeks out stories and reports on everything from arts and culture to major city issues. She also manages freelance writers and has contributed to the direction and execution of each issue. Prior to moving to San Antonio, Petty worked as a general assignment reporter and then as a government writer for the Midland Reporter-Telegram. She also has freelanced for publications in Texas and Colorado. Petty earned a news-editorial journalism degree from Texas Christian University’s Schieffer College of Communication. She is originally from Colorado but has called Texas home since 2004.

San Antonio Magazine examines a city at the intersection of old and new, celebrating its dynamic culture, rich heritage and collaborative spirit of a community building toward the future. Since it began publishing in 2005, San Antonio Magazine has been connecting readers with the best of the city and inspiring locals to engage with the city in new ways. It is part of Open Sky Media, which also publishes Austin Monthly, Austin Home and Texas Music.

County Line Community Band’s upcoming concert

The County Line Community Band will perform a free concert on Saturday, November 21, 2020. Photo: County Line Community Band, used with permission.

The County Line Community Band will perform a free “Thanksgiving Concert” this Saturday, November 21, 2020 at 3p.m.  This concert celebrates the many gift we have had during this difficult year and selections will include “Amazing Grace,” “Eternal Father, Strong to Save” and a special tribute to veterans.  It will take place at the St Hedgwig City Park, 1346 FM 1518 St Hedwig, TX  78152 and will abide by strict “social distancing” rules.  The concert will be broadcast on short wave FM radio so attendees can listen to the music in their car while watching the band perform from the safety of their car.  Shakers Smoke Shack BBQ truck will be onsite for any attendees wishing to purchase food.  This concert is free and open to the public. (County Line Community Band, 2020)

The County Line Community Band is a versatile musical organization that uses the modern concert band repertoire and set up to entertain San Antonio and the surrounding communities.  This versatility allows the band to perform a variety of music in different genres.

Curanderas & Chocolate: Cuentos of a Latina Life opens September 30

Photo: Helena McNeill

Coming up at Teatro Audaz is Curanderas & Chocolate: Cuentos of a Latina Life by Patricia Zamora. Directed by Teatro Audaz Artistic Director Laura T. Garza, it will be staged at The Public Theater of San Antonio.  This one-woman show is written and performed by San Antonio, Texas Playwright and Actress Patricia Zamora, featuring stories of love, loss and hardship.  Funny, poignant and sometimes heartbreaking, this autobiographical show highlighting faith healers and religious candles will resonate with all audiences.  The play features seven colorful characters who explore the concept of faith and healing.  All performances are in English and will be livestreamed for guests to be able to enjoy a live theater performance from the comfort of home, or any other location. Once live audiences are allowed back in the theater, livestreamed performances dates will be available as well. (Teatro Audaz, 2020)

Curanderas & Chocolate opens on Wednesday, September 30 at 7:30p.m. with subsequent performances on Friday October 2 at 7:30p.m., Saturday October 3 at 2p.m., Wednesday October 7 at 7:30p.m., Friday October 9 at 7:30p.m. and Saturday October 10 at 2p.m. Ticket prices start at $20 for military, student, senior and children and $25 for general admission and are available online. Wednesday nights are Hispanic Heritage nights – special discount prices on Wednesdays: $10, $15.

Teatro Audaz is dedicated to exploring the varied experiences and cultures of Latinx people through producing and showcasing the creative talents of Latinx artists.  Their passion is to present monolingual and bilingual theater to San Antonio.