Media Discussions

Homework Assignment: Raspberry Magic

anjalili — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 07:24:00 GMT

Check out a screening of "Raspberry Magic", a tasty, whimsical, feel-good feature about family, science and the power of childhood imagination.

Then come back to Hollywood Masala next week for some insight from the filmmakers.

May 1st at 5PM - DGA, May 6th at 9PM - Downtown Independent - See link below.
http://asianfilmfestla.org/2010/program-guide/program-19/

"The Islam I Know" A Look at Emerging Filmmaker Iram Parveen Bilal

anjalili — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 05:03:00 GMT

"You never know why people like certain things...you keep chipping away and hope the stars align and people start responding."

Iram Parveen Bilal embraces a key essence of filmmaking that many young independent writers and directors miss - that delicate balance of integrity for her stories, humility for the art, respect for her audience and good old American hard work.

One of several projects growing in her silver screen garden, "Forbidden Steps" tells the story of a Muslim American father coming to terms with his daughter's passion for dance. A finalist for the 2010 Sundance Screenwriters Lab and Mumbai's Sankalan Screenwriting Lab in 2008, Bilal also works her story as a member of 2010 Film Independent Director's Lab where she lays her story in front of peers and mentors, chipping away. And already, people are responding.

The motif of dance in film is a sure bet. The possibilities for visual confection and a soundtrack to penetrate directly into the audience's veins is almost cinematic cheating, but "Forbidden Steps" is not the story of the dance, or even the dancer, for that matter. Rather, dance brings to a head the internal conflict faced by Majeed, father of an American teenager, son of a conservative Muslim, and a liberal Muslim in America today. For this, Bilal draws upon her experience with dance and her identity as a liberal Muslim woman.

"Within the Muslim community, if you are liberal, ... you get upset at people who hijack the name of your religion and culture and music toward extreme factions because that's not Islam. That's not how I was raised, that's not the Islam I know" says Bilal.

Portraying the counter to popular media's version of Islam is key to Bilal's vision in filmmaking. Other seedlings in Bilal's garden, "Josh" and "Fadwa" also challenge the image of Muslims in the eyes of the world. "Josh", is the story of youth in Pakistan today. Based on a true story of a soup-kitchen type canteen, and driven by its cosmopolitan setting, "Josh" is a first hand look into the ambitious artists and dreamers of Karachi, and city life for Muslim young adults. "Fadwa", honored in script form by IFP's Emerging Narrative and a semi-finalist for 2009 Nicholls Fellowship, explores a man forced to commit honor killings, and explores the universal theme of peer pressure in a context new to most of her audience. Again, Bilal brings Muslim culture closer to Western society, showing the parallels of human experience rather than the spectacle of extremists.

Bilal finds she's not only taking on the task of changing the Western portrayal of Muslim culture but faces resistance from more conservative Muslims. "You're not only defending your faith to people that are not Muslim but you're defending your faith to other Muslims who think in an extremist way. I feel this Protestant/ Catholic like [struggle] in Islam now. It's the age of the Protestant Muslim. "

While not overtly political, the basic nature of Bilal's vision dances around many political themes. "In a lot of little choices you make in filming, you are incorporating politics. I could have a tendency to be very preachy but I don't want to. I'll throw it on the page and then I'll pull it back. Let the audience decide what they want to, but in order to really get my feelings on the page I have to open all the doors of emotion and rationale."

Keeping multiple projects active keeps Bilal busy but keeps people talking. And in the independent film community, attention begets attention. "It's interesting how when one person stamps [approval] on your project, everyone else is willing to take a look at it. You can be screaming for years, saying 'this is worth your attention.' But there are so many people screaming how does your scream stand out?"

With projects still in development getting attention, awards and accolades, Bilal's screams are bound to become cheers as the credits roll.

These are films in progress. For more information see:

www.thefilmjosh.com

www.iramparveenbilal.com

interview by Anjali Belmann

Anjali's Profile

SAMMA Event - 5/6/2009 Los Angeles

Kiran Rao — Tue, 05 May 2009 06:10:00 GMT

SAMMA (South Asians in Media, Marketing and Entertainment) will be launching their LA chapter on Wed, May 6th, 2009 in Beverly Hills.

The list of speakers looks impressive, to say the least.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

South Asian’s and India’s Leadership in US Media, Entertainment and Marketing Industry showcased at LA launch of SAMMA

Walt Disney SVP overseeing investment in India speaks at LA’s first organization bringing together growing network of South Asian in US media and entertainment

May 2nd, 2009, Los Angeles – SAMMA (South Asians in Media, Marketing and Entertainment Association) launches its LA chapter in Beverly Hills at the world-renowned Sundaram Tagore Gallery, this Wednesday, May 6th, 2009. After 3 successful years in New York City and growing to over 1500 members, SAMMA expands to LA to reflect the rise and success of South Asian professionals, actors, creatives, and media/entertainment executives in the Southern California Region.

Following on the success of Slumdog Millionaire, Bollywood’s multi-million dollar investments in Hollywood and vice versa, and the recent rise of Indians to within top US media/entertainment companies to executive levels, SAMMA is the first US-based organization whose aim is to network and organize the growing community of South Asians in the US media, entertainment and marketing industry as well as fuel collaborations between US and India-based media, marketing and entertainment companies.

SAMMA proudly announces three special guests in honor of its LA launch event who reflect the blurring worlds of media, marketing and entertainment – here in the US and on a global scale, especially between the US and India:

1) Kevin Mayer, Executive Vice President, Corporate Strategy & Business Development, The Walt Disney Company. Mr. Mayer's group targets emerging media businesses new to the Walt Disney portfolio as well as evaluating and executing their global acquisition strategy. Mr. Mayer is responsible for The Walt Disney Company's exciting investment in India-based UTV, and sits on the UTV Board of Directors.

2) Kevin Morris, Managing Partner, Morris Yorn Barnes & Levine. Kevin Morris is the co-founder and managing partner of the mega-powerful entertainment law firm, Morris, Yorn, Barnes & Levine. Morris/Yorn is one of the first entertainment law firms in the country to completely embrace the blurring divide between traditional and digital entertainment. Mr. Morris, while representing some of the top stars in Hollywood (examples include Matthew McConaughey, Mike Judge, Mike Newell, Snoop Dogg, Ellen Degeneres, Scarlett Johansson and Chris Rock) continues to build an impressive list of digital wins and business models.

3) Jonathan Prince, Writer/Executive Producer, "American Dreams" and "The Cleaner". Jonathan Prince is one of television's most prolific writer/producers. Considered by industry insiders as one of the best pitch-men and "big idea" generators in the business, he continually pushes the media envelope. Most recently, he created the ground-breaking digital series for CBS.com and Saturn, "Novel Adventures". He executive-produces "The Cleaner" on A&E, starring Benjamin Bratt and he was the creator of the acclaimed NBC series "American Dreams," during which he solidified his reputation as an expert brand integrator.

ABOUT SAMMA:

Founded in 2006, South Asians in Media, Marketing and Entertainment Association (SAMMA) provides South Asian thought leaders and professionals in the media, marketing and entertainment industries a national platform for networking and business/professional development as well as platform for promoting the emergence of South Asians in the US and global media, marketing and entertainment industry.

To learn more about SAMMA past activities, visit SAMMA’s 2008 national conference website www.sammasummit.com or www.samma.info (under construction)

LISTING:

SAMMA (South Asians in Media, Marketing and Entertainment Association) LOS ANGELES CHAPTER LAUNCH AND OPEN NETWORKING EVENT

Sundaram Tagore Gallery (http://www.sundaramtagore.com/)
9606 Santa Monica Blvd
Beverly Hills, CA 90210

May 6th, 2009

Doors Open at 7:00PM

Guest Speakers: (1) Kevin Mayer, Executive Vice President, Corporate Strategy & Business Development, The Walt Disney Company. (2) Kevin Morris, Managing Partner, Morris Yorn Barnes & Levine. (3) Jonathan Prince, Writer/Executive Producer.

RSVP at http://sammala-fbnews.eventbrite.com/

Website: www.samma.info

Tracey Ullman Goes Bollywood

Kiran Rao — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 16:55:00 GMT

Comedienne Tracey Ullman has been responsible for at least several major cultural icons. Most probably recall that The Simpsons got their start as a small interlude on her original variety show.

She has returned to the airwaves with a new show titled Tracey Ullman's State of The Union.

One of the most unique characters she plays is Padma Perkesh - an Indian pharmacist who warns customers of medication side effects, Bollywood style.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4bCM1BCHxIY