Key West Film Festival news

Netflix’s The Power of the Dog will screen at the Key West Film Festival. Photo: Netflix, used with permission.

On Friday, the Key West Film Festival announced the recipient of its annual Golden Key Awards, including two new awards honoring Emerging Talent and Breakthrough Florida director. Honoring creativity, diversity, sustainability and beauty, the Key West Film Festival is an annual celebration of film and filmmakers set to take place November 17-21, 2021. A diverse, entertaining, and artistically rigorous selection of films will be represented through a broad array of categories that offer opportunities for filmmakers, both aspiring and established, to commune and exchange ideas while showing their work to audiences in a historic and artistically vibrant tropical paradise. Visit the Key West Film Festival online for complete program information. (Key West Film Festival, 2021)

This year’s Golden Key Award for Excellence in Filmmaking goes to Sean Baker, director of Red Rocket, opening nationwide in December via A24. Baker will attend in person and participate in a discussion with Carlos Aguilar, film critic for the Los Angeles Times, The Wrap and RogerEbert.com, following the film’s screening. Baker’s film Starlet was featured in the first edition of the Key West Film Festival in 2012.

The inaugural Golden Key for Emerging Talent, given to actors who will be destined to grace our screens for years to come, will be presented to Kodi Smit-McPhee for his breakout role in the Netflix release of Jane Campion’s The Power of the Dog, which will screen at the festival just as it begins its national theatrical release. Aguilar will host a pre-recorded discussion with Smit-McPhee following the screening, which will serve as the Closing Night film. Smit-McPhee stars alongside Benedict Cumberbatch, Jesse Plemons, and Kirsten Dunst in the film. 

Another inaugural award- the Golden Key for Breakthrough Florida director, recognizing a Florida bred director whose films will be seen widely in the future – will be given to Clint Bentley. A Florida native, Bentley’s Jockey, starring Clifton Collins Jr, will be released by Sony Pictures Classics later this year. Former ESPN anchor Bob Ley will present the award following a screening of the film.

The Key West Film Festival also recently announced the recipient of its sixth annual Golden Key for Excellence in Costume Design, honoring Emmy and Tony Award-winning costume designer Paul Tazewell. Tazewell’s most recent work includes the upcoming Steven Spielberg film West Side Story as well as Hamilton and Harriet. As part of the honor, Tazewell will also participate in a discussion of his work, to be moderated by Dr. Deborah Nadoolman Landis. 

Ariana De Bose as Anita and David Alvarez as Bernardo in 20th Century Studio’s WEST SIDE STORY. Photo by Niko Tavernise, used with permission.

“We are elated to present these two new awards to Kodi and Clint, whose work will continue to astound, amaze and inspire audiences for decades to come. Kodi’s performance in “Power” is one that immediately places him among the finest actors of his generation. Clint’s steady and intimate portrait of an aging jockey shows the work of director years beyond his directorial debut. Sean continues his mastery of telling the story of American lives, literally on the other side of the tracks, in Red Rocket as he has been doing since his award-winning “Take Out” first graced the screens.” – Michael Tuckman, Director of Programming for the Key West Film Festival

Courtesy photo, used with permission.

New movie release: Escape from Death Block 13

Escape from Death Block 13 will be available On Demand and DVD this November. Courtesy photos, used with permission.

Robert Bronzi (Death Kiss, Cry Havoc) stars in the action-packed Escape from Death Block 13, which will be available On Demand November 2 and On DVD on November 23, 2021. (Uncork’d Entertainment, 2021)

After the death of his brother, Mick Kovacs travels to America to seek justice. Framed for attempted murder, he is sent to the notorious Pleasant Hill Penitentiary where survival is an everyday struggle. Seeking revenge after discovering the truth behind his brother’s death, Mick’s rage ignites an explosive riot as he makes a daring escape.

Nicholas Turturro, Lawrence Hilton-Jacobs, Chris Hahn, Debbie Scaletta, Lyindaa Russell, Time Lovelace, Beau Roberts, Justin Hawkins, David Greathouse, Richard Napoli, Leo Mcnamee, Mickey Scodova, Kenny H. Hendrix, Jacob Southwick, Jimmy Lee, and Bryan Jones star in a Gary Jones film.

Escape from Death Block 13 trailer

Celebrate Día de los Muertos in San Antonio

La Panadería’s Pan de Muerto. Photo: La Panadería, used with permission.

Día de los Muertos is right around the corner and the San Antonio Museum of Art, La Panadería, and Twang are helping San Antonians embrace the holiday. (San Antonio Museum of Art, La Panadería, 2021)

San Antonio Museum of Art – Día de los Muertos Family Day
The San Antonio Museum of Art is hosting a Touch-Free Family Day celebrating Día de los Muertos on Sunday, November 7, 2021. From 11a.m. to 3p.m., families can explore the Latin American galleries with a bilingual, self-paced scavenger hunt and learn more about Día de los Muertos with a link to a story time video. Kids can also decorate a traditional sugar skull and craft tissue paper cempasúchil (marigolds). The best part is that it is free for SAISD students and families.

Link for art activity video demonstrations, virtual story time, and self-guided gallery walk available in the art kit. Art kits are first come, first served.

La Panadería – Pan de Muerto
Highlighting Mexico’s “Bread Cultura,” La Panadería will offer their classic Día de Los Muertos pan dulce like Pan De Muerto and specialty pan dulce boxes starting October 15, 2021. Guests can order their family-sized Pan de Muerto online or in-store, with pickup available from October 28 – 31, 2021.

Día de los Muertos Cocktail from Twang
WAKE THE DEAD cocktail
Single serving: Twang-A-Rita Unwind Lime
1oz. Bourbon
1oz. Gin
.5 oz. simple syrup
.25 oz. lime juice
Shaken topped with ginger beer
Two dashes Angostura bitters
Recipe courtesy of Aaron Peña, Owner of Amor Eterno and Squeezebox in San Antonio, TX

WAKE THE DEAD cocktail. Photo: Mario Maldonado, used with permission.

Upcoming new book release: ‘The Dark Hours’ by Michael Connelly

‘The Dark Hours’ is a the new Renée Ballard and Harry Bosch novel by Michael Connelly. Photo: amazon

Michael Connelly is the author of thirty-five previous novels, including the New York Times bestsellers “The Law of Innocence,” “Fair Warning,” and “The Night Fire.” His books, which include the Harry Bosch series, the Lincoln Lawyer series, and the Renée Ballard series, have sold more than eighty million copies worldwide. Connelly is a former newspaper reporter who has won numerous awards for his journalism and his novels. He is the executive producer of Bosch, starring Titus Welliver, and the creator and host of the podcasts Murder Book and The Wonderland Murders. In his new novel “The Dark Hours,” a brazen, methodical killer strikes on New Year’s Eve and LAPD detective Renée Ballard and Harry Bosch must join forces to find justice for the victim in a city scarred by fear and social unrest. It will be released on Tuesday, November 9 and is available for pre-order on amazon. (amazon, 2021)

“The Dark Hours” – There is chaos in Hollywood at the end of the New Year’s Eve countdown. Working her graveyard shift, LAPD detective Renée Ballard waits out the traditional rain of lead as hundreds of revelers shoot their guns into the air. Only minutes after midnight, Ballard is called to a scene where a hardworking auto shop owner has been fatally hit by a bullet in the middle of a crowded street party. Ballard concludes that the deadly bullet could not have fallen from the sky and that it is linked to another unsolved murder—a case at one time worked by Detective Harry Bosch. At the same time, Ballard hunts a fiendish pair of serial rapists, the Midnight Men, who have been terrorizing women and leaving no trace. Determined to solve both cases, Ballard feels like she is constantly running uphill in a police department indelibly changed by the pandemic and recent social unrest. It is a department so hampered by inertia and low morale that Ballard must go outside to the one detective she can count on: Harry Bosch. But as the two inexorable detectives work together to find out where old and new cases intersect, they must constantly look over their shoulders. The brutal predators they are tracking are ready to kill to keep their secrets hidden.

JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa is ideal off-grid destination for group activities

JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa in scenic Sonora, Texas. Photo: JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa, used with permission.

JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa, a hidden gem in picturesque West Texas is set amidst 13,000 acres deep in Texas Hill Country. The serene location allows visitors to relax, connect and enjoy the pure unfiltered beauty and peace of Sonora. (JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa, 2021)   

JL Bar offers guests the best of Texas with warm southern hospitality, unparalleled service, and one-of-a-kind experiences. With over 30,000 square feet of unique indoor and outdoor meeting and event space and a private FBO airport, JL Bar is the ideal space for meetings, corporate events, incentive groups, and more.  

  • Location: Situated in Sonora, TX, a short drive from Austin, San Antonio and Dallas/Fort Worth areas, the property offers the best of both Texas Hill Country and West Texas. Guests can also arrive into  The JL Bar Ranch and Resort Full Service Fixed Base Operator (FBO) Airport, via privately chartered jet or personally owned aircraft.
  • Luxury Cabins & Cottages: JL Bar Ranch boasts 16 standalone luxury cabins and 16 spacious guest rooms with premium amenities, as well as the exclusive Archer’s Nest Villa, a six-bedroom villa that accommodates up to 12 guests and has a private swimming pool, outdoor kitchen, and a full home theatre.   
  • Meetings and Event Spaces: With more than 30,000 square feet of meeting and event spaces on property, companies have their pick of nine locations while they build morale and team spirit. The airport hangar doubles as an event space capable of holding over 1,200 people, and there are also more intimate meeting room locations that are perfect for breakout sessions and collaborative team building/grouping. 
  • Group Adventures: Groups will never need to leave the property, from a full equestrian program featuring horseback riding and a horse psychology experience to off-road ATV adventures, a Putting/Chipping Green, weekend yoga, wine tasting, Cowboy Cookouts and clay and skeet shooting, JL Bar Ranch can craft an exceptional itinerary with on-property activities and incentives for groups to enjoy.
JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa offers meeting and events spaces. Photo: JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa, used with permission.

New book: ‘Million Dollar Miracle’ by Michael E. Bash

Millionaire and former financial advisor to US presidents shares get rich method in new book. Photo: amazon

After borrowing $30,000 from a friend of his father to finance his first real estate deal, Michael E. Bash officially became a millionaire. Since then, he has been involved with major planning and zoning projects and building and developing shopping centers, hundreds of homes, office buildings, water and sewer systems, and nearly 3,000 apartment units and condominiums throughout New York State. His charitable contributions included helping to fund Danny Thomas’s annual telethon for St. Jude’s Hospital which raises $10-20 million per year. He also participated in building the Laniado Hospital in Netanya, Israel, and is one of the founders and contributors to the Jerusalem Great Synagogue. In addition, Bash has contributed $1 million to Ben Gurian University in Israel. (Michael E. Bash, 2021)

In his latest book, “Million Dollar Miracle: How to Make a Million Dollars in One Day and Never Have to Work Again,” former adviser to President Jimmy Carter, Michael E. Bash reveals the strategies and tactics that led him to amass his multi-million-dollar fortune. These same techniques helped elevate him as a businessperson and human being. “Million Dollar Miracle” provides the proven, easy formula for transforming a simple piece of land into a one-time million-dollar payoff and spending the rest of your life living off the interest. It also explains how to repeat the process for additional paydays. Michael E. Bash has used this formula all his adult life to augment his luxury lifestyle and to fund his pet projects in the arts, medicine, and religion – as well as support the careers goals of people around him.

“Given the current population growth in many parts of the US, the demand for affordable housing is greater than ever. Therefore, now is the right time to educate yourself about real estate, and to grab the next opportunity to become a millionaire.” – Michael E. Bash

“Million Dollar Miracle” provides actionable steps for finding and acquiring properties to develop or to rezone, the latter of which generally means changing the zoning of a property from single-family to commercial – thereby exponentially increasing its value in the marketplace. The same powerful technique can be used for enhancing all aspects of life – personal and professional.

To illustrate the power of Michael E. Bash’s skills, he relates many fact-based stories of opportunities that came his way – from fantastic real estate deals to the mentoring of an inexperienced rich kid and how he was able to recognize and fulfill their huge potential. “Million Dollar Miracle” is captivatingly crafted to educate, entertain, and inspire readers to reach for their own highest potential.

Million Dollar Miracle is available on amazon.
Hardcover ISBN: 978-1737349723
Hardcover Price: $29.95
Length: 272 pages
Publisher: Oxford Select Publishing

 

Twang and Martin House Brewing announce a new limited time only beer

The new beer, Twang-a-Rang. is inspired by Mango Chili Twangerz. Photo: Martin House Brewing Co., used with permission.

Twang and Martin House Brewing Company are excited to announce a new beer inspired by Twang’s Mango Chili Twangerz. Twang-a-Rang is brewed in Fort Worth and is available throughout the state of Texas at select retailers, H-E-Bs, and bars while supplies last. (Twang, Martin House Brewing Company, 2021)

Twang-a-Rang has an initial sweet mango profile followed by chili and salt notes that are reminiscent of the Mango Chili Twangerz from which it was inspired. Brewed with mango flavoring, mango puree, and a blend of salts and spices, Twang-a-Rang boasts an alcohol content of 6.5% while excellently emulating the sweet and spicy flavor of Mango Chili Twangerz. Martin House describes the beer as tasting like a sweet mango candy with a spicy chili finish.

“Twang is really excited to be a part of this collaboration with Martin House Brewing Company. This is a great opportunity to come together with another Texas brand to create something that’s unique, but also tastes great. We encourage consumers to dress the beer with Mango Chili Twangerz to give it a Latin twist.” – Twang’s Director of Marketing Edmundo Macias.

Twang-a-Rang is available now at select retailers and bars that already carry Martin House beers throughout the state including in San Antonio, Austin, Houston, Dallas/Fort-Worth, and more. It can also be found at select H-E-Bs, Total Wines, Spec’s, Trader Joes, and will be sold in packs of 6 for a suggested range of $10-$12. Twang-a-Rang will also be available in Twang’s hometown of San Antonio at local bars: Growler Exchange, Park Bar at Pearl, Faust Tavern, and others.

“San Antonio has shown us so much love over the recent years, that it really is special to be able to team up with Twang and start a new friendship. We are looking forward to many more flavors of Twang-a-Rang and many more hangouts with our new San Antonio family.” – Martin House Brewing’s Director of Marketing Shugg Cole.

Founded and based in San Antonio, TX, Twang is a family-owned and operated creator and manufacturer of premium-flavored salts, sugars and seasonings. Credited as being “The Original Beer Salt,” Twang has produced the highest quality products designed to enhance the taste, appearance and enjoyment of both food and beverage since 1986. It’s brands include Beer Salt, Twangerz, Twang-A-Rita, Clamato Salt, and Twang Reserve Michelada Cocktail Mix. Alongside these brands Twang has successfully collaborated with some of the top food and beverage companies around the world to create innovative custom blends for a wide variety of use occasions. You can find Twang products on grocery, convenience, liquor and specialty store shelves across the country as well as available for shipping nationwide via their website.

Martin House Brewing was established in 2012 in Fort Worth, TX. What began with just four year-round brands has evolved into a beer program that distributes a new flavor every week. Brew master and owner Cody Martin empowers his team to explore an indefinite amount of beer styles. Mostly known for their Best Maid Pickle Beer, Martin House Brewing is never afraid to tackle a new beer and the adventure that comes with it. You can find Martin House beers at grocery stores, liquor stores, and independently owned craft beer retailers throughout the state of Texas.

Upcoming new book release: ‘Autopsy: A Scarpetta Novel’ by Patricia Cornwell

‘Autopsy: A Scarpetta Novel’ will be released on November 30, 2021. Photo: amazon

Patricia Cornwell is recognized as one of the world’s top bestselling crime authors with novels translated into thirty-six languages in more than 120 countries. Her novels have won numerous prestigious awards including the Edgar, the Creasey, the Anthony, the Macavity, and the Prix du Roman d’Aventure. Beyond the Scarpetta series, Patricia has written a definitive book about Jack the Ripper, a biography, and three more fiction series, among others. Cornwell, a licensed helicopter pilot and scuba diver, actively researches the forensic technologies that inform her work. Her new novel “Autopsy: A Scarpetta Novel” will be released on November 30, 2021. In this relaunch of the electrifying, landmark #1 bestselling thriller series, chief medical examiner Dr. Kay Scarpetta hunts those responsible for two wildly divergent and chilling murders. (amazon, 2021)

“Autopsy: A Scarpetta Novel” – Forensic pathologist Kay Scarpetta has come almost full circle, returning to Virginia as the chief medical examiner, the state where she launched her storied career. Finding herself the new girl in town once again after being away for many years, she has inherited not only an overbearing secretary, but also a legacy of neglect and potential corruption. She and her husband Benton Wesley, now a forensic psychologist with the U.S. Secret Service, have relocated to Old Town Alexandria where she is headquartered five miles from the Pentagon in a post-pandemic world that is been torn by civil and political unrest. Just weeks on the job, she is called to a scene by railroad tracks where a woman’s body has been shockingly displayed, her throat cut down to the spine, and as Scarpetta begins to follow the trail, it leads unnervingly close to her own historic neighborhood.

At the same time, a catastrophe occurs in a top-secret laboratory in outer space, endangering at least two scientists aboard. Appointed to the highly classified Doomsday Commission that specializes in sensitive national security cases, Scarpetta is summoned to the White House and tasked with finding out exactly what happened. But even as she works the first potential crime scene in space remotely, an apparent serial killer strikes again remarkably close to home.

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La Panadería welcomes fall with seasonal items and Happy Hour

La Panadería’s Happy Hour Brunch is available Monday through Friday from 10a.m. to 2p.m. Photo: Giant Noise for La Panadería, used with permission.

This Fall, La Panadería is ushering in the season with new offerings and seasonal favorites. For a limited time, San Antonians and visitors to the Alamo City can enjoy new pan dulce treats, seasonal offerings for Día de los Muertos and enhanced brunch hours and menu items. (La Panadería, 2021)

What is the fall season without a pumpkin-themed treat? For a limited time, visitors to La Panadería can now enjoy a Pumpkin Pecan Croissant at any location. Developed by co-owner and Chef David Caceres, the seasonal treat brings a delicate taste to the classic autumn flavor. Nestled between La Panadería’s signature croissant, the light pumpkin cream filling is folded with cinnamon and topped with candied pecans. 

Brunch lovers can now revel in La Panadería’s Happy Hour Brunch Monday through Friday from 10a.m. to 2p.m. Guests can enjoy buy one get one free mimosas and beers during happy hour, and can also enjoy a discounted price of $10.99 on La Panadería’s brunch burger, formerly the patty melt, which has been reimagined to feature a brioche bun sandwiched with a hearty patty and topped with melted cheese and a fried egg. 

Highlighting Mexico’s “Bread Cultura,” La Panadería is now offering their classic Día de Los Muertos pan dulce like Pan De Muerto and specialty pan dulce boxes. Guests can order their family-sized Pan de Muerto online.

Hoping to share their Mexican heritage with citizens in the U.S., José and David Cáceres opened La Panadería in San Antonio, Texas in 2014. The bakery, which specializes in handmade bread, pan dulce and pastries inspired by Mexico’s Golden Era, or Epoca de Oro, draws influence from French, Italian and American bread making techniques. La Panadería’s unique approach to breadmaking includes a minimum 48-hour fermentation process that results in artisan bread and pastries unlike any other. La Panadería has three locations in San Antonio, Texas.

 

WB Liquors & Wine announces online Bourbon Vault Auction

WB Liquors & Wine’s online Bourbon Vault Auction will benefit Home For Our Troops (HFOT). Photo: google

WB Liquors & Wine has launched its exciting online Bourbon Vault Auction, which will give customers the chance to bid on 15 different bundles of rare and highly coveted bourbon bottles. The auction is only available in San Antonio, and will run from Thursday, October 14 at 10a.m. (CST) through Wednesday, October 27 at 1p.m. (CST). (WB Liquors & Wine, 2021)

The Bourbon Vault Auction will include fifteen bundles with various assortments of 2-5 bourbon bottles, including Pappy Van Winkle Family Reserve, Eagle Rare, Blanton’s, W. L. Weller, Old Forester Birthday Bourbon, and more.

All bundles have a starting price of $100 and additional bids can be placed at increments of $100. All bids require online registration before placing a bid. While bids will be placed online only, the location for pick-up of the bundles will be at 9801 IH-10 West San Antonio, TX 78230. Individuals can view the bourbon bundles, register an account and submit bids online. 

All proceeds from the auctions will benefit Home For Our Troops (HFOT) – a nonprofit organization that builds and donates specially adapted custom homes nationwide for severely injured post-9/11 Veterans, to enable them to rebuild their lives.

WB Liquors & Wine has partnered with HFOT since 2017 and this year they have chosen to support Marine Corporal Raymond D. Hennagir III of Arlington, Texas. Marine Corporal Hennagir was serving as a combat engineer on his second deployment in Iraq, when he was severely injured in an improvised explosive device (IED) explosion. The blast resulted in the loss of both his legs and several fingers on his left hand. He underwent more than 50 surgeries within two months before learning how to walk on prosthetics.

“Last year, we were able to donate over $40,000 to various food banks across Texas with our Pappy Van Winkle auction. We’re excited to try something completely new with this year’s auction, but more importantly it will allow us to build something really meaningful for veterans like Raymond Hennagir and his family – a new home.” – John Herrmann, President of WB Liquors & Wine.

WB Liquors & Wine has helped Texans across the state celebrate their special occasions for more than 50 years. As a family-owned business, the brand specializes in convenient locations and a great variety of liquor, beer and wine – along with fast, personalized and expert-level service. As of October 2021, WB Liquors & Wine operates 59 locations across the Texas region, which includes 34 WB Liquors & Wine stores and 25 WB Liquor stores adjacent to COSTCO.

Photo: WB Liquors & Wine, used with permission.