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Holiday Films Are in the Works!

One of my favorite time of the year is the holiday season. I love Christmas for many reasons, especially my grandkids and grandnephews. We always find time to watch our old and new favorite Christmas …

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Watch the Featurette Wicked on Singing Live

After two decades as one of the most beloved and enduring musicals on the stage, Wicked makes its long-awaited journey to the big screen as a spectacular, generation-defining cinematic event this holiday season. Synopsis: Wicked, …

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Another Love Story in Honor of Domestic Violence Awareness

In recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, here’s an impactful new film Another Love Story, now available for streaming on TUBI. This timely film sheds light on the emotional and psychological journey of domestic abuse survivors …

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Despicable Me 4 with One of My Little Minions

We enjoyed it! 

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It Was A Twisters Night

My #1 grandson and I screened the new #TwistersMovie last night. And it was a long overdue date, too. The film was much better than we expected. It had its excitements that kept you on …

Holiday Films Are in the Works!Watch the Featurette Wicked on Singing LiveAnother Love Story in Honor of Domestic Violence AwarenessDespicable Me 4 with One of My Little MinionsIt Was A Twisters Night

Waffles + Mochi On Netflix March 16

Waffles and Mochi embark on a global food expedition in order to become chefs. With the help of Michelle Obama, Waffles and Mochi travel the world, learning all they can about different foods and cultures! Waffles + Mochi is available on Netflix March 16.

Zach Galifianakis as Gus, Busy, Michelle Obama, and Waffles.
Photo: Adam Rose/NETFLIX © 2020

Synopsis: Once upon a thyme, deep in The Land of Frozen Food, lived two best friends named Waffles and Mochi with one shared dream: to become chefs! The only problem? Everything they cooked was made of ice. When these two taste-buddies are suddenly hired as the freshest employees of a whimsical supermarket, they’re ready for the culinary adventure of a lifetime. With the help of friendly new faces like the supermarket owner, Mrs. Obama, and a magical flying shopping cart as their guide, Waffles and Mochi blast off on global ingredient missions, traveling to kitchens, restaurants, farms and homes all over the world, cooking up recipes with everyday ingredients alongside renowned chefs, home cooks, kids and celebrities. Whether they’re picking potatoes in the Andes of Peru, sampling spices in Italy, or making Miso in Japan, these curious explorers uncover the wonder of food and discover every meal is a chance to make new friends. Waffles + Mochi is an exciting invitation to get kids and grown-ups cooking together in the kitchen and connecting to cultures around the globe.

Bricia Lopez, Mochi, and Waffles.
Photo: Courtesy of NETFLIX © 2020

Mochi, Waffles, and José Andrés.
Photo: Tyler Golden/NETFLIX © 2020

Chefs: Amanda Mosher, Ao Onigiri, Bricia Lopez, Hamed Ahmadi, José Andrés, Juliana Quinto, Mashama Bailey, Massimo Bottura, Motokichi Yukimura, Pia Leon, Preeti Mistry, Samin Nosrat, Shiro and Keiko Hashimoto.

Guest Stars: Common, Gaten Matarazzo, Jack Black, Lyric Lewis, Rashida Jones, Tan France, Zach Galifianakis and more.

Puppeteers: Michelle Zamora (Waffles), Russ Walko (Mochi and Intercommy), Jonathan Kidder (Busy), Diona Elise Burnett (Steve the Mop and voice of Magicart), Taleia Gilliam (Shelfie), Andy Hayward (puppet swing), Piotr Michael (voice of Mochi), and George Konner (voice of Intercommy).

Showrunners Erika Thormahlen and Jeremy Konner with executive producers Erika Thormahlen, Jeremy Konner, Tonia Davis, Priya Swaminathan, Barack and Michelle Obama.

FAUCI NatGeo Trailer

Dr. Anthony Fauci during an interview at the NIH in Bethesda, MD. (National Geographic/Visko Hatfield)

National Geographic Documentary Films announced a new feature documentary about the US’ top infectious disease expert and dedicated public servant, Dr. Anthony Fauci, MD, from Emmy winners John Hoffman (The Weight of the Nation, Sleepless in America), Janet Tobias (Unseen Enemy) and Academy Award winner Dan Cogan (Icarus), and two-time Academy Award nominee Liz Garbus (What Happened, Miss Simone?, The Farm: Angola, USA). With exclusive access, the film—simply titled FAUCI—will deliver a rare glimpse into the long-standing professional career and personal life of this ultimate public servant and American hero, who after a lifetime of public service faced his biggest test: a pandemic whose ferocity is unmatched in modern history.

Despair, Solace and the Unknown

By Mabel Aragon

Despair, solace and the unknown, the culprit behind what many are experiencing during this pandemic and the inspiration behind a musical collaboration between John Acevedo and Christina Linhardt, entitled The Spirit Solitude. 

Mabel Aragon spoke to these distinguished artists who shared their passion for music, dance and appreciation for words that captivate emotion, transport an audience to a particular time and place, and create a lasting memory. 

“[This piece] captures what’s going on in society right now, although it’s a very brief soliloquy of what’s happening.” — John Acevedo, Pacific Symphony Musician

“The writing part was easy–writing the poem because the way John performed it and the piece and how he arranged it just spoke immediately to me; but the painstaking part was getting it to fit right into the music because John is a virtuoso.” — Christina Linhardt, Poet, Singer and Writer

Enjoy learning more about these musical artists’ individual work by visiting John Acevedo and Christina Linhardt on YouTube.

“That Guy” Kelly Perine! Fun Interview with Mabel Aragon

Actor, producer, writer and director Kelly Perine, known for numerous roles on sitcoms and films, including The Drew Carey Show, Between Brothers, Nickelodeon’s Knight Squad and One on One, now being shown on Netflix, as well as Convincing Clooney with Rosanna Arquette and Aimee Garcia, shared with Mabel Aragon his commitment to his craft, appreciation for slapstick comedy, and what he’s known for taking while working on studio sets. 

“The physical stuff I really enjoy because I enjoy movement; and I enjoy contact and getting in there and some of the slapstick I just love. I love, you know, Jerry Lewis…If It calls for the character doing something goofy physically, I want to be able to do it.”

Sit, enjoy and relax, while Kelly also plays a game called, Truth or Dare to Reveal.

Netflix’s The Prom is Streaming Now!

The Prom. Cr. MELINDA SUE GORDON/NETFLIX ©2020

The Prom Press

Listen in on the global press conference of Netflix’s The Prom. The following talent participated in the press conference: Andrew Rannelis, Jo Ellen Pellman, Ariana DeBose, Ryan Murphy, James Corden, Keegan-Michael Key, Nicole Kidman, Kerry Washington, and Meryl Streep.

Clockwise from left: Ariana DeBose, Nicole Kidman, Kerry Washington, Kevin Chamberlin, Keegan-Michael Key, Jo Ellen Pellman, James Corden, Meryl Streep, Ryan Murphy (director), Andrew Rannells.
Cr. MELINDA SUE GORDON/NETFLIX ©2020

The storyline: Dee Dee Allen (Meryl Streep) and Barry Glickman (James Corden) are New York City stage stars with a crisis on their hands: their expensive new Broadway show is a major flop that has suddenly flatlined their careers. Meanwhile, in small-town Indiana, high school student Emma Nolan (newcomer Jo Ellen Pellman) is experiencing a very different kind of heartbreak: despite the support of the high school principal (Keegan-Michael Key), the head of the PTA (Kerry Washington) has banned her from attending the prom with her girlfriend, Alyssa (Ariana DeBose).

Directed by Ryan Murphy, The Prom is the spectacular, big-hearted film adaptation of the Tony-nominated Broadway musical. Screenplay by Bob Martin and Chad Beguelin.

In selected theaters and on Netflix December 11.

Flaco Navaja Spoken-Words with A Twist

Flaco Navaja

By Mabel Aragon

Influenced by the effect the pandemic has had worldwide, singer, poet and actor Flaco Navaja turned his perspective and experiences into a musical collaboration with close friend Latin Grammy Winner Obie Bermudez, producing and releasing his new single Cántale A La Vida (Sing a Song to Life).

“Early on during the pandemic, a melody popped into my head. It was as simple as that. And, it was the first time that a melody came in the form of the entire song…It was an organic response to what’s happening and a need to contribute to the narrative.”   

Born and raised in the Bronx, this Puerto Rican musician combines salsa and spoken word, blending classic salsa sounds with hip-hop in a manner that’s seamless to the listener. 

“Salsa music has always been a part of the soundtrack of my life, but so has hip-hop and so has classic rock and roll, and other things that I got. I’m the youngest of five, so I kind of inherited the musical tastes of my older siblings.” 

An ensemble member of Pregones Puerto Rican Traveling Theater, in 2019, Navaja performed Evolution of a Sonero to critical acclaim. This passionate performer has worked with the Nuyorican Poets Cafe and HBO’s Def Poetry Jam. His film and TV credits include Pride & Glory, Fighting, Gun Hill Road, Law & Order, CSI NY and East Willy B among other productions.                                           

Cántale A La Vida is available on all digital platforms including Apple Music, Google Play, Amazon Music, Spotify and SoundCloud.

Heroes Of Lucha Libre to Launch Thanksgiving Day! On Crackle

Crackle Plus, a Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment company, announced the U.S. premiere of its original series, Heroes of Lucha Libre, launching on Wednesday, November 25. Directed by Alfredo Widman (The Red Thread), the 11-part scripted series stars professional luchadores Rey Mysterio Jr., Mil Mascaras, Tinieblas Jr, Alushe, Dragon Lee, and Blue Demon.

Heroes of Lucha Libre celebrates and honors the rich cultural tradition of the Lucha Libre sport while integrating an imaginative comic book storyline. With a contemporary spin on the action in the ring, the series features superhero elements making it unique to other content of its genre. Produced and created by Joaquin Vodanovich alongside Alejandro Ortiz, who also wrote the series.

“I grew up watching these heroes with my grandfather in Mexico. Now I want to share all those emotions and admiration with the world and help to inspire future generations,” said producer Alejandro Ortiz. “Lucha Libre tradition has been in our culture for over 100 years and we want to honor that heritage in the way it deserves. We think Crackle is the best partner to do just that,” said producer Joaquin Vodanovich.

Airway: The Battle To Breathe Documentary

Emmy award-winning director and producer Ed Wiseman shares with Mabel Aragon his latest project entitled, Airway: The Battle To Breathe. The documentary follows Sydney Avis, who has been struggling with forgetfulness, lack of sleep and exhaustion since she was 2-years-old. 

Sydney’s journey has led her to many doctors and she’s endured numerous tests and procedures over the last few years. Although the experts have been helpful, she still searches for a permanent solution.

“This became part of her personal growth. It’s like I need to go through this. I need to breathe better. I need to feel better…She has become the grand coper of life.” 

Ed and his team accompany this brave young woman as she seeks an end to her ordeal and answers to a largely undiagnosed epidemic. Follow Sydney’s progress as the cameras proceed to chronicle her challenging and uplifting moments. For more information visit Airway documentary.

Allison Strong From the Garden State to Broadway and More

Raised in the Garden State, Allison Strong has been working on her craft since she was a little girl, getting an early start performing with the Park Performing Arts Center in Union City, New Jersey. 

This actress, singer/songwriter of Colombian descent is making her childhood dreams come true. At the age of 18, Allison was selected from a casting call to join the stage production of Bye Bye Birdie on Broadway. In 2014, she released her debut album, March Towards The Sun, where she sings in both English and Spanish. When asked about one of her favorite moments on screen, Allison said it was playing Adam Sandler’s daughter in the 2018 American comedy film, The Week Of, also starring Chris Rock.

“I was raised by a single parent and I always imagined, you know, what it would be like, a father-daughter dance and stuff like that. And so with him, I got to have that experience, and it was truly a genuine emotional moment for me.” 

Mabel Aragon had an entertaining virtual experience during quarantine with this performing artist as she shared more about her adventures on camera, stage and goals she has yet to achieve.

Covid19…Sins & Virtues A New Anthology

Some may call it the perfect storm; when life gives you lemons, you make lemonade. And, that’s exactly what Alex Mendoza, executive producer of a fourteen episode feature length anthology film entitled, COVID19…Sins & Virtues, shared with Mabel Aragon, about what he created with the collaboration of 17 different crews made up of peers, friends and family members across two countries.

The 14 episodes Anthology titled Covid19…Sins & Virtues is being produced by Mendoza and True Form Films: Yeniffer Behrens (The Way Back, Grey’s Anatomy) and Mauricio Mendoza (Resurrection Blvd, Criminal Minds). Each episode is original. Filmmakers had the freedom to choose genre, story, style and runtime. The requisites: 1) It must have been filmed with assets at hand. 2) The story must use COVID-19 forced isolation only as background. 3) The episode must relate to the randomly assigned sin/virtue as the episode’s central theme.

It took two days to get together 14 creative teams. No open call was ever issued. All episodes were written and developed in less than three weeks, with most episodes having finished principal photography as of May 15, 2020.

Participants Include: Jon Allen, Sergio Arau, Fidel Arizmendi, Wendi Bazar-Besasie, Yeniffer Behrens, Adan Bernal, Carlo Besasiem, Caroline Brethenoux, Camille Cortes, Jason Coulter, Mochi DaKat, Hernan De Beky, Kim DeVenne, Olivia DeVenne, Alejandro Edda, Jasmin Espada, César Gamiño, Frances Garcia, Emmaluna Garcia, Michael Garcia, Hugo García, Juan Gil, Falco IlCaninus, Marabina Jaimes, Arthur Koutsoumbaris, Susie Lohse, Betty Lopez, Alassandra Lopez, Eddie Martinez, Ashley Martinez, Amy Martinez, Alejandro Mendoza, Mauricio Mendoza, Julianna Mia Mendoza-Behrens, Adrian Moreira-Behrens, Miguel Paredes, Laura Patalano, Brittany Patalano, Shanay Patalano, Salim Sanchez, Jesus Schettino, Jessica Thomas-Martinez, Chuti Tiu, Alex Toedtli Mera, Oscar Torre, Savira Windyani, and Sofia Yepes. 

Look out for the second wave…

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