To Rent: Sync Or Swim

Hi Everyone,
Happy National Girls & Women In Sports Day!  In honor of this momentous occasion, I’m gonna come out and say something in I’ve been holding in for 4 long years ... I love the Summer Olympics... I mean, a lot.

It's the kind of love where I spend an entire month picturing myself in a shiny track suit standing on a podium, waiving a bouquet of flowers in front of an American flag.  Track & field, cycling, the weird sports like fencing and badminton, swimming, gymnastics… ooh, don’t get me started on the gymnastics. Men’s, Women’s, I love it all. 

But there is one sport that I find far more compelling than the rest. It’s a sport you’ll rarely find airing during the coveted 8pm time slot.  The bathing beauties of the Synchronized Swimming team are always tucked somewhere in the middle of the day between the Today Show and Days of Our Lives... But not anymore. 

Look what I found!




Filmmaker Cheryl Furjanic opens a window in to a sport that has been overlooked by the mainstream for far too long. It’s one of two Olympic events that is exclusive to female athletes, and is often dismissed in conversations regarding the level of athleticism and rigorous training that is required to become an Olympian.  (5 points if you can name the other sport.)

Sync Or Swim takes you beneath the choreography and sparkly outfits, and in to the lives of these athletes who spend hundreds of  grueling hours in and out of the water, training to make it all look so effortless. 

“Sync or Swim provides a firsthand account of the nine women of the United States Olympic Synchronized Swimming Team as they endure and overcome obstacles in training to compete for the Olympics. It follows the lives of these athletes as they undergo day-by-day training, attempting to perfect an excruciatingly difficult routine where split-second timing is everything.” Garden Thieves Pictures

In honor of every girl who’s ever played a sport, please support this film. You can rent it here, on iTunes for $3.99. (Which is cheaper than anything else we tell you to do.) And you can download the app for free!

The film maker, Cheryl Furjanic, is pretty great too.. Here’s a little info about her:

FILMMAKER BIO:
Cheryl Furjanic is an award-winning filmmaker who has been teaching documentary production at New York University for over a decade. She is currently directing Back on Board – a feature documentary about the life and legacy of Olympic champion diver Greg Louganis. Her first feature documentary – Sync or Swim (2008) – received numerous awards, including a Billie Award for Journalism from the Women’s Sports Foundation, and is now available on DVD and iTunes. Her short documentary and fiction films, which range in length from 30 seconds to 13 minutes, have screened at 100+ festivals worldwide and on television. Cheryl holds a BFA in Film & Television Production from NYU’s prestigious Tisch School of the Arts and a Masters degree from NYU’s Interactive Telecommunications Program. When she’s not making films, Cheryl researches audience relationships and fandom in fiction television.


She's badass.. Trust me, I've met her. 


xx
LAF

This Month: Vivian Maier @ Merry Karnowsky Gallery

I was introduced to Vivian Maier's photography a few years ago while flipping through a discarded magazine on a plane. It all felt very appropriate. Maier was not a artist. She worked as a nanny for most the 50's and 60's, taking moments to snap photos of the various worlds she lived in. The majority of her work was never published, rather, it was found in a discarded shoe box in a Chicago thrift store.

The brilliance of her work is not only in the work itself, but in it's timing. She represents the dawn of the urban photo journalism era, while also participating as the subject. She was a normal woman, just like us. We share the moments we capture with our Instagrams, and Twitpics, she did the same with her Kodak Rolleiflex and makeshift dark room. She was documenting the rapidly changing world  around her long before we did it with our uploads and tagged photos. I see my friends post dozens of staged 'candids' every day, and I always think of Vivian.

You have to check out her work, but perhaps more importantly, you have to learn her story. In fact, you may already know it.  Meet Vivian Maier.

The Merry Karnowsky Gallery is exhibiting some of her most profound work through the month of January. Here's the info:

Where: Merry Karnowsky Gallery
            170 S. La Brea Ave
            Los Angeles, CA 90036

When: Through January 28th, 2012

I'm nearing obsession, so I'll definitely be there.

Muwah!
LAF

7th Annual Focus On Female Directors Film Festival

Happy New Year Everyone!

Let's ring in the New Year short film style! The Egyptian Theater is hosting a short film festival called the 7th Annual Focus On Female Directors this Thursday, Jan. 5th at 7:30pm.

This is the first year that I’ve found out about this event in advance, so I’m excited to attend. Many of this year's filmmakers are new to me, which I love, however, there is one contributor who’s work I celebrate as often as possible. Perhaps you've heard of Penelope Spheeris, Director of one the most celebrated films of our time. Ms. Spheeris will not only be showing her 1998 short film "No Use Walkin' When You Can Stroll", but she will also be hosting a post-screening discussion. (Awesome...)

Here are  trailers for some of the films I'm looking forward to:

I have a very soft spot in my heart for beautifully shot student films. 

"Tsyuako" - byt Mitsuyo Miyazaki 

The only thing I love more than Stop Motion Animation is food. I'm real excited for this one. 

"Zergüt" - by Natasha Subramanian and Alisa Lapidus 

Pretentious short films with semi-famous actors get me every time. I'm sorry.

"Animal Love" - by Mollie Jones

I'm sure there will be many more great things to see. I hope you can make it! 

Thursday, January 5th @ 7:30 PM

Egyptian Theater

6712 Hollywood Blvd.

Hollywood, CA 90028

Tickets Here!

P.S. In honor of the possibility of meeting Penelope Spheeris, I would like to share a very special moment with you. My BFF Dawn and I paid homage to the Queen of Schwing herself this Halloween. (I'm Garth)

See you on Thursday!

xx

LAF

THIS WEEKEND: Forbiden Fasion @ The Bootleg Theater

Hi Everyone,

This weekend, The Bootleg Theater is hosting a 3 part runway show and silent auction featuring designs from some of the uppn'comers from the LA art scene. Forbidden Fashion @ The Bootleg Theater brings the semi-punk, mostly DIY spirit of the venue itself to the runway. All of the fashions we'll see walking stealthely down the isle are comprised of stolen, found and recycleable materials. Badass. The show is curated by costume designer Ann Closs-Farley.

I haven't been yet, but I'm looking forward to seeing how this translates in to a moving performance, err.. fashion show. Let's check it out. Let me know what you think!!

December 1st - 17th
Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays
Doors @7pm, Show @ 7:30
Tickets: $20

xx
LAF

TODAY: SlutWalk LA

"We live in a world where we're taught 'Don't get raped' instead of 'Don't rape!'.." Anonymous

In case you haven't heard of "SlutWalk" here's a little backstory...

After several reported rapes on the campus of York University in Toronto, Officer Michael Sanguuinetti told a group of young women that they should avoid "dressing like sluts" to prevent further incidents.

And thus was born.. SlutWalk! Activists Heather Jarvis and Sonya Barntet organized a rally of "Sluts" to publicly expose the idea that women who are in control of their own sexuality should not be targets of physical or social violence.

These rallies have been popping up all over  Canada and the US, with tens of thousands of women showing up to support the cause.

The movement is not, however, without protest from some of it's own initial supporters. The use of the word "Slut"  has been a highly controversial topic within the Feminist community. Some argue that the word or label inherently condones both women and men to behave irresponsibly. Rather than erasing the stigma of the "Slut" they are embracing it, and thus reducing the idea that the way a woman carries herself comes down to her behavior in the bedroom. Another school of thought blames the movement for making promiscuity seem "cool" and "political".

Whether you find Slutdom empowering or degrading, dangerous or powerful, you should at leas check out the SlutWalk that is happening in LA today. Look at what they're saying, and form your own opinion. Then, share that opinion - and lets open up a real place where we can talk about rape and victimization of sexualized women.

SlutWalk LA
West Hollywood Park
647 N San Vicente Blvd
West Hollywood, CA 90069
Saturday, June 4 
12:00 noon

Thank you.

TONIGHT: Joan As Police Woman @ The Bootleg

Woah! It has been way too long.. Look what's happnin tonight though!

Joan As Police Woman is playing at the Bootleg Theater!





It's only $12!
The Bootleg Theater
2220 Beverly Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90057
(213) 389-3856


Love you!
L.A.F.

THIS WEEK: "Orgasm, Inc." A doc by Liz Canner

It's not news that the medical industry gets off on telling women that our bodies are functioning incorrectly, and that we should be pumping pharmaceuticals straight to our lady parts.  So when I heard that Liz Canner's new documentary "Orgasm, Inc." is going to be playing at the Sunset 5 this week,  I got very excited. (#feministnerd)

It seems that "83%" of us are victims of the silent disease called SEXUAL DYSFUNCTION!! Yes ladies, the reason you're not reaching The Big O is because there is something wrong with your body. You'll need to pay top dollar to be diagnosed and you'll also be ponying up for the prescription to cure you of this awful affliction.





"Orgasm, Inc." is playing at the Laemmle Sunset 5 throughout the week.
Showtimes - 1:20pm, 4:40pm, 7:20pm, 9:40pm

Please check it out, and let us know what you think!

xo
LAF

TONIGHT: MEN at the Echoplex

Do you guys remember how much we loved Le Tigre?? Well, I have good news. JD Samson has a new band, they're call MEN, and they're awesome.

Even better... They're playing tonight at The Echoplex.




Here's the info
The Echoplex
1154 Glendale Blvd
LA, CA 90026

Time: 8:30PM

Price: $12

See you there!
xo
L.A.F.

2nd Annual WAM! Women, Action & the Media Conference

Hello Femministas!

It's been way too long since the last time we ventured in to the wide world of feminist media together, so I want to start off by saying.... I promise I'll make it up to you.

Mark your calendars, because this month we celebrate the 2nd Annual WAM! It Yourself Los Angeles conference, and with it, the 1 year anniversary of LAFemmedia!

One year ago this weekend, I wondered in to a little seminar being led by one my favorite online feminist bloggers, Feminist Fatale, and my eyes were opened to the beauty of the on-line feminist community. Speakers such as Anita Sarkeesian (Feminist Frequency) and Melanie Klein turned me to on to the idea of starting my own forum to discuss feminist media events - or lack thereof - in my beloved Los Angeles.

Throughout all of the discussions, I was most moved by the A in WAM!. Action. Actively participating in the media empowers us all to chose what messages drive the tone of our social culture. I am proud to be a part of that conversation, and I urge you to stop by and support other on-line feminist activists.

The WAM! It Yourself Los Angeles 2011 Conference is happening this Friday, March 25th and Saturday, March 26 at Santa Monica College in Santa Monica.

Santa Monica College
1900 Pico Blvd
Santa Monica, CA 90405

I am so excited to see you all there!!

xo
LAF

TONIGHT: Me and TED

For me, this week can be summed up in 2 word: Life Lessons. It's been a week of personal advances, and professional set backs. But I get it, it happens. Sometimes the work/life combo doesn't quite pan out the way we hope, but we learn and keep on going. In the end, all this determination and self-reflective brain activity is freakin' exhausting.

So Feministas, I do not have an event for you this weekend because frankly, I don't wanna leave my house. BUT, I do have something to enjoy while deeply buried in the folds of my couch.

Does everyone here know about TED? It's an organization that hosts live conferences, performances and talks by the world's leaders in innovative thought.  If you can name a subject, genre, or idea, TED has a video of someone talking about it. It's awesome.

A woman from CareerOverview.com brought this to my attention, and I thought it would be perfect for this brain-cloudy weekend.

"12 Terrific TED Talks Every Young Woman Should Watch"

1. "Why We Have Too Few Women Leaders" by Sheryl Sandberg
2. "How The Internet Enables Intimacy" by Stefana Broadbent
3. "Embrace Your Inner Girl" by Eve Ensler
4. "Keep Your Goals To Yourself" by Derek Sivers
5. "The Paradox of Choice" by Barry Schwartz
6. "Standing Out" by Seth Godin
7. "New Data On The Rise Of Women"by Hanna Rosin
8. "Radical Women Embracing Tradition" by Kavita Ramdas
9. "What Adults Can Learn From Kids" by Adora Svitak
10. "Why We Need The Explorers" by Brian Cox
11. "Our Century's Greatest Injustice" by Sheryl WuDunn
12. "The Power Of Vulnerability" by Brene Brown

I've only gotten through a few so far, but I think I'm for a sweet (and rather empowering) Saturday night. Please listen, and feel free to leave comments about what you think of each talk.

Xo
LAF

Netflix Goes Feminist!! (Sort of)

Hello Everyone,

This week I don't have an event for you per se (blame the venues), but I do have an awesome find that will bring feminist media in to our lives every darn day!  Do all of you know about FemaleDirectors.com? Well, you should.

Check this out, it's a link to all of the female directed films and TV shows that are currently featured on netflix. The rad women (and possibly men) at FemaleDirectors.com have recently showcased a study representing that the number of female directed movies on Netflix has almost doubled!  From less than 1% to almost 2%.   Not exactly stellar numbers.

(To clarify, this does not represent any sort of bias on the part of the folks at Netflix. Rather, it represents the low number of female film makers who are being supported by the movie making machines. *See comment below*)

The good news is that we now have a tool that will direct us to the source of female directed media. The more we click, the more we demand a variety in the types of films we want to watch. Let Netflix know that we love what they do - we just want to see ourselves represented appropriately.

I'm going to use this tool to order at least TWO female directed fims/TV shows from Netflix in each cycle, in hopes of showing the number crunchers that we demand more.

Thank you FemaleDirectors.com - your site rules.

Xo
LAF

TODAY: "A Life In Motion" Release Hosted by Ms. Magazine

He Feministas!

This just in! TODAY, Ms. Magazine is hosting a release party for Florence Howe's new memoir "A Life In Motion" Attendees will be Gloria Jacobs (Executive Director, Feminist Press), Carol Jenkins (Woman's Media) and Katherine Spillar (Executive Director, Ms. Magazine)!

It's happening today, in like 4 hours, so if you can make it, RSVP to the number below...

Here are the details:
Sunday, Jan 9th 2-4PM
433 South Beverly Drive, Beverly Hills, CA
(Between Olympic Blvd & Pico Blvd)
RSVP required - 310.566.2515

Xo
LAF

TOMORROW: "A Small Act"

Hello Feministas, and Happy New Year!!

I hope you all had a lovely holiday season, enjoying the snow/ rain/ multiple screenings of Black Swan.. etc.

I'm excited to kick off the new year with such a positive event. The Hammer Museum will be screening the documentary "A Small Act", Produced and Directed by Jennifer Arnold, and Produced by Patti Lee.

One of my focuses for the new year is to make positive contributions to my surroundings, therefore creating positive change in the lives around me. This is the perfect way to begin, and this film is the perfect introduction to a year of positive ripple effects.

You may have already heard about "A Small Act",  it's gotten so much great buzz and has been awarded the Elle/ Garnier Film Independent Directing Fellowship, and the Women In Film National Geographic All Roads Film Program award.  I can't wait to see it, and I'm bringing tissues. Here's a little synopsis.

"A Small Act explores the ripple effect a single action can create. This award winning documentary tells the story of Chris Mburu, a young man from Kenya, and his astonishing journey from an impoverished village to becoming a Harvard Law School graduate and a human rights lawyer for the United Nations. Eventually Mburu traces the woman who sponsored his early education for 50 cents a day, and finds she is a Holocaust survivor, who is amazed to discover that her small act of generosity has led to educating a man who would then dedicate his life to fighting crimes against humanity." - Hammer Museum


Writer/ Director/ Producer Jennifer Arnold and Producer/DP Patti Lee will be there for a Q&A following the screening.

But best of all, the screening is FREE! Just another reason to love The Hammer Museum. (They're not paying me, I swear. I just think they're great)

Here's the Info:

Date: January 4, 2011
Time: 7:00PM
Location:
Hammer Museum
10899 Wilshire Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90024
Phone: 310.443.7000

And here's the trailer .... About those tissues...

TOMORROW: Book Signing - "Good Girls Don't" by Patti Hawn

Hello My Intellectual Femmely,

Tomorrow night, first time Author Patti Hawn is going to be signing copies of her new book "Good Girls Don't: A Memoir by Patti Hawn" at Pages: A Bookstore in Manhattan Beach.

I think this one is especially cool.  I share a mutual friend with the author and have heard only rave reviews of her as a woman, and a friend. I can't wait to see what she brings as an Authoress.

Here's a little blurb about the book from the website.

"... A deeply personal first-hand account of what it was like to be trapped in an unwanted pregnancy at the close of an era where home economics took precedence over sex education. It tells the story of the last generation of young women to experience life on the eve of the sexual revolution of the sixties and the passing of legislation legalizing abortion.  It is a unique time in history, foreign to an entire generation of women, that resulted in an incredible number of reunions between birth parents and their children --- 20, 30 and 40 years after."

I come from a family of re-united adoption, and I know how powerful that connection is. I can't wait to hear Ms. Hawn talk about her experiences first hand.  Please come along, and bring an open mind, and an open heart.

Where:
Pages: A Bookstore
904 Manhattan Beach Ave.
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266

When:
Friday, Dec. 3rd
6PM - 8PM

xo
LAF
 

This Week: Regina Spektor - Live In London

Hello Feministas!

This is great news, Downtown Indipendent is having a 'One Night Only' Showing of Regina Spektor's concert film "Live In London" tomorrow night! I didn't even know Regina Spektor had a concert film, which makes it especially bad ass.

If you don't know Regina Spektor's music, check it out for sure. She's great. Think Tori Amos, but with comprehensible lyrics.  (No offense, T.)

This is her latest video for "Eet". So good......



The film is directed by music video director, and frequent Regina collaborator, Adria Petty. Check out her website. I'm officially obsessed with her work. (Take a look at the trailer for her Paris Hilton doc. Hot. )

Here's the info for tomorrow night's screening. I'm definitely gonna try to make it, and I hope to see you there!

Where: Downtown Independent
             215 Main St.
             Los Angeles, CA 90012

When: Saturday, November 20th - 11PM

Price: $8!!

See you there!
xo
LAF

THIS WEEK: Art!

Hi Everyone,

Artist Zoe Crosher is opening her exhibit "For Ur Eyes Only: The Unveiling of Michelle DuBois" at the Charlie James Gallery over in the East Side, Chinatown area.

If you haven't heard the history of Michelle duBois (as I hadn't) you must definitely check out Zoe's website. The work is essentially an interpretation of the prolific artifacts of duBois' life. Through much of the 1970's Michelle duBois (alias) chronicled her life as a stewardess, Pacific Rim sex worker and world traveler through many mediums. Until one day, she stopped... That is where Zoe's work comes in.

Here's a little info about Zoe, and her Michelle DuBois work.

"The Unveiling of Michelle duBois opens with the final published photographs in the archive, to which the artist refers as “the last four days and nights in Tokyo.” The West Coast was Oklahoma-native duBois’ last American port of call before setting off for Asia. So it is perhaps fitting that Chung King Road’s Hollywood-ized take on Chinese culture should be the place to unveil duBois’ Oriental escapism. Crosher has fixed in on duBois’ transient obsessions, making pictures of pictures - of obfuscated faces, of repeated shadows in dark black &white doorways, of arched backs, of backs of backs of photographs and backs of necks, of notes taken and rewritten, scanned and scratched, kept and held and returned - all archives within archives through which we are momentarily granted access into one woman’s fantastical worldview and performed sexuality, framed and reframed by a medium disappearing before our eyes." - Charlie James Gallery Website

This sounds so cool! Please check it out, and let me know what you thought!

The Exhibit runs from Oct. 21st - Dec. 4th

Charlie James Gallery
975 Chung King Road
Los Angeles, CA 90012

Xo
L.A.F.

THIS WEEKEND: La Femme Film Festival!

Hi Everyone,

I know I'm a little late on this, but tomorrow is the last day of the LA Femme Film Festival!

"LA Femme Film Festival is a premier festival that focuses on women filmmakers' platforming their commercial films for the world wide audience. It is a Festival for those women who want to have an equal opportunity in commercial entertainment desiring to change, enhance, or become leaders in the industry as a Director, Writer, Producer or Director of Photography." - La Femme

Buy Tickets Here!

Here's a snippet of some of the work from previous festivals. I know it's a bit last minute, but I'm definitely gonna try to get a few in this evening and tomorrow.



I hope you can catch a few too!!

Xo
La Femedia

THIS WEEK: Liz. Phair.

OMG... It's here...  October 8th, 2010.. Liz Phair,  Mutha F*ckahhs!!

I'll spare you the pseudo-informative blurb about how Ms. Phair's universally acclaimed album "Exile In Guyville" (1993) helped guide a generation of snarky teenage girls toward becoming a culture of snarky thirtysomething women. I know a lot of us were pissed when she left Matador put out those two weird albums with Capitol. But frankly guys, I don't give a damn. I love the hell out of her, and "Polyester Bride" will be one of my favorite songs till the day I die.



I don't have tickets yet per se... but I am going to this show dammit!

Sincerely,
Lizphammedia

When: Oct. 8th, 2010
Where: El Rey
             5515 Wilshire Blvd
             323.936.6400

How Much: $27
Buy Tickets Here

THIS FRIDAY: "Stepping On A Few Toes" by Jasmynne Shaye

Hey Folks!
There's some good sh*t going on toward the end of the week! First up, Friday the 24th is the opening night of "Stepping On A Few Toes" by Jasmynne Shaye at the NoHo Stages in the NoHo Arts District.

I don't know much about Jasmynne, but her one woman show "Stepping On A Few Toes" has been getting rave reviews, and has garnered many comparisons to last year's film "Precious".  I'm not one to praise comparisons, per se, but I am a fan of any woman with the balls to stand half naked on a stage and tell her story. Here's some info about the show....

 

"In her involving one-woman show, writer/performer Jasmynne Shaye describes growing up as the emotionally and sexually abused child of a single mother, and of her struggle to vanquish the demons bred of a lonely and loveless childhood." - LA Weekly

Bring tissues.

"Shaye’s harrowing narrative of despair is punctuated by dance pieces, which enable her to lose herself. Dance, having been her solace throughout childhood and beyond, is equally a character in her show, as are the 12 different friends and family members she portrays. They enable Shaye to portray through movement and emotion what she might be unable to get across in the book of the play." - LA Theater Review

Ms. Shaye will be hosting a Q&A after this performance. There will also be a wine and cheese event and apparently a giveaway. What that could be, I have no idea.. But free wine!

The show opens this Friday, September 24th at the NoHo Stages, 8pm.

Location:
NoHo Stages
4934 Lankershim Blvd.
North Hollywood

Time: 8PM
Fri-Sat., 8 p.m.; Sun., 3 p.m.; through October 3

Price: $25 Opening Night ($15 thereafter)

Purchase Tickets HERE or call (323) 347-8554

TONIGHT: "Kick" At Echo Park Film Center

Hi Everyone!

Here's a last minute thing if you're looking for something to do tonight. Filmmaker Clara Alcott's short film "Kick" will be showing tonight at the Echo Park Film Center. (Love them!)


Kick Preview from Clara Alcott on Vimeo.
 

I haven't seen the film, but here's what the EPFC say:

 "A science fiction melodrama with a feminine kick, the film deals with two women who, despite being strangers, have the same therapist, a mutual anxiety about technology, and a psychic connection. Kick is inspired by the Hollywood melodramas of Douglas Sirk and features a vibrant color palette in the style of 1950s Technicolor films. Marc Riordan composed the contemporary electronic score and Todd Carter (of the laptop group TV Pow!) provided the experimental sound design. The screening of Kick will be preceded by a series of short works reflecting the film's themes, including the short film FANGagra by Pizza and Beer Flicks' Carolyn Morse and Alex Warth, also on the program are works by Lilli Carré, Eric Wareheim & Yasmine Kittles, The Pretty Things, Sarah Hamblin, Chris Hefner & Yony Leyser."

Also, Clara Alcott will be there to answer any of your melodramatic questions! Sadly, we won't be able to make it tonight, but if you attend, please let us all know how it was. We'd love to hear from you!! 

Xoxo
LAF