Hola Mexico Film Festival in New York

We are excited to introduce you to Samuel Duek who is bringing the Hola Mexico Film Festival to NYC from July 23rd to the 27th.Thanks to the New York International Latino Film Festival, on this, their 9th edition, Samuel has been invited to showcase a Mexican program unlike anything  ever seen in the city . He has selected 12 feature films to represent whats happening in Mexico today in the world of film. In Spanish, all with English subtitles the screenings will include the presence of some of Mexico´s finest directors and actors. The screenings will also include  fiestas and events with live music from Mexico and food from one of our favorites, La Esquina.

Your fascination with Mexican films?

Mexican films are extremely powerful. They represent life in a warm and crude way, tell it as it is. I love that film can really transport you, so for 90 or 120 minutes that someone is on the theater, they hear and see real images of Mexico! That creates a unique experience, so for those Mexicans that miss Mexico, it's a wonderful way to be magically transported to their home.

Favorite films and directors?

I love Jodoroswsky, Terry Gilliam and the Cohen Brothers

I like Jodorowsky´s unique way of seeing the world. He makes films with crazy colors and sounds that make a simple story so incredible and rich.

 The Cohen brothers for how varied their films are from The Big Lebowsky to No Country Fol Old Man... they know what filmmaking is all about.

And Mr. Terry Gilliam produced the best film ever- BRAZIL, ever since I've been trapped by each film he makes.. so much to see, and the stories are deep.

Challenges of doing this Film Festival?

Creating everything from scratch is a challenge,  and also not knowing 100% how people are going to accept Mexican films and  wondering who will be attending?!

What you are looking most forward to about this event?

I want to see a full house on opening night

Favorite spots for drinks in NYC?

The Back Room. This place is brilliant! the tea cups and the chilled atmosphere makes me feel that its the place for me.

Tell us all about Hola Mexico Film Festival?

The Hola Mexico is a unique film festval, where the idea is to bring the best films from Mexico in every category, comedies, dramas, docs etc..
At the same time Mexicans are great party people, so we doing an opening event filled with Mexican beers, tequilas, jarritos and music from Mexico, We are actually bringing Vetiver Bong from Mexico City to play, only for this special night! We also complemented the music line UP with NY # 1 latin DJ's Nacoteque and Giovanny Escalera from Sweet Electra!  We are also expecting Gabriel Retes, Sergio Umansky, Nailea Norvind and many more... 

Thoughts on differences between the film industry here in NY and in Mexico?

There's plenty of art cinemas here, the Quad, the Sunshine, Angelika... I think NY is great for art and foreign films, whereas in Mexico, it is much more limited. 

Is it difficult for producers to find film investors for Latin films now?

Its changing, there are plenty of films being produced with government aids, but also there's very successful production companies such as Lemon Films, Panamax and others that are creating great films  both commercial and artistic. 

QUAD Cinema will be hosting all Hola Mexico Film Festival films
34 West 13th street New York, NY
www.quadcinema.com

Truly a New York institution, the Quad Cinema has been showing the best of foreign and independent films for over 25 years. Family owned and operated, the Quad continues to book films which are unique, original, and intellectual to appeal to a loyal following of New York moviegoers. Ex-mayor Ed Koch, a very big film buff and now (among other things) a film critic wrote "The Quad is one of New York's best offbeat film houses". 

Tickets on Sale July 1st, make sure to check this festival out!
www.holamexicoff.com

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Olivia Wolfe -Artist

I met Olivia Wolfe last month at Commerce. An artist originally from Miami, she grew up exposed to much eclecticism and interest in a wide range of visual art forms. She studied at Georgetown and although she always loved art, she assumed that she would end up pursuing something else in life, leaving art only as a hobby. For a few years she was pretty convinced that this "something else" was film, and spent college summers on TV and film sets. Since Georgetown had no film program, she chose to major in Studio Art. After graduation, she began working at a film company in New York. After a few months, it dawned on her one morning that all she truly wanted was to be a professional artist. There was no "something else" that would ever give her the same sense of pleasure and understanding and relief .  She spent the year  painting, traveling and- for the first time in her life was finally comfortable and excited to not know what was going to happen next in her life.

How has New York influenced your art?

 New York doesn't influence my work, but rather it influences me, and that can be seen through the work. My senior year in college, it was literally jolting to me that I didn't know where I was going, or what I was going to do. I kept looking really deeply into things, trying to figure everything out. The work I was producing was visually complicated, using lots of color and layers. Images exist within images, and the viewer (like myself at the time) has to decipher for him or herself which dimension speaks the most truth. The work I've been producing over the past year has varied more from project to project, but all have great similiarties- namely, the work is perhaps visually less complicated, but contents and themes are far more substantial. If you're able to manage your way through the madness of New York, you can often find a quite powerful clarity and simplicity in every day life.

Inspirations?

I find inspiration everywhere and anywhere. I don't mind cliches, because I really could never tire of looking at dark clouds or the sun shining over the ocean. Paint that or photograph it as many times as you want. Nature is endlessly inspiring. On the other hand, many aspects of pop culture and every day life really pique my interest. 

To be able to see something beautiful in a pile of trash or a puddle on the street could perhaps seem pointless, but often translating the same scene through painting or photography allows more people to see other qualities in it. As a nice transition into the next question, other artists inspire me greatly, perhaps not literally with their art work, but rather with their creativity, and the ways in which they think.

Favorite galleries?

I live in Chelsea and my favorite galleries are just down the street. I love gallery hopping and checking out new work, but I'll always stop by Sikkema Jenkins Gallery, Yancey Richardson Gallery, and Charles Cowles Gallery. They're some of the first galleries that I was introduced to (by my mom).

Favorite designers?
I really love fashion and definitely see the connection between the art world and the fashion world. I love vintage, but more specifically my mom's and grandmother's clothes, rather than store bought digs. Nevertheless, I love Paganne, Chanel, Etro, Thierry Mugler, ksubi, Christian Louboutin, Antipodium, Levis, Chie Mihara, and will admit that Urban Outfitters is my guilty little pleasure. I'm sure I'll see this list later on and cringe thinking of how I left out some favorite designer, but I wear anything really. I just tend to love the make of clothes from these designers season after season.

Fashion icons?
Anybody who's a little different. Like with everything else in my life, I gather inspiration from so many different sources, so there's not really one person who's style I relate to. But some sources of inspiration definitely include the lines of art deco, the unexpectedness of David Bowie, and the sheer absurdity of the 1980's and Patrick Bateman.

Favorite Party joints?

I won't name names, but I loathe going to these uber-exclusive clubs (that, despite what they claim, aren't one of a kind). There's so much hype and the doormen go out of their way to be obnoxious and once youre finally allowed entrance you wish you were somewhere else!  I really like the rooftop of the Maritime Hotel, and more fun, less pretentious places like this. I'm from Miami, so anything outdoors makes me happy. And in my opinion, the best places to go out in New York are the restaurants and music venues! Hiro and Bowery ballroom are great, and McCarren pool is a blast in the summer. But I'm going to keep mum about my favorite restaurants. For some reason I'm under the utterly false impression that certain spots are "mine" and that too many people knowing about them will ruin it (even though I'm probably one of those newbies). But I'll say that New York has some of the best Sushi, Mexican and Noodle bars around. New York Magazine is a great way to hear about what's going on.

Plans for the future?

To continue making art and learning how to express my beliefs through it. To try and make things better in life for anyone else that I possibly can. To keep my family close to me, and eventually start one of my own.

Favorite Websites?
ninunina.com ( I promise we dont pay anyone to say this! - oh and thanks to you all who love it and are fans!)
oliviawolfe.com
janainatschape.net (my employer and a wonderful woman)
vikmuniz.net
creaturesofcomfort.us
nymag.com
sweetgreen.com ( Hey you kids studying in DC, eat Sweetgreen!)
whowhatweardaily.com

Olivia has a diverse portfolio of art, I posted two of my personal favorite pieces but for more variety take a look at www.oliviawolfe.com

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Lia Kastanidi of Enoe Me

Lia is the founder and creative force behind the chic fashion label Enoe Me. While she was born and raised in Patra, Greece, she has lived abroad for a number of years in pursuit of gaining knowledge and experience in the fashion business. She spent nine years in London, five of which were dedicated towards Fashion Studies Undergraduate degree from London College of Fashion, and the rest were focused on gaining fashion experience working at Liza Bruce. Lia then moved to New York, where she focused  her  post-graduate studies in styling, visual merchandising, and branding at FIT. In 2007, she returned to Greece and created the Enoe Me brand.

Challenges of starting your own fashion brand?
The idea of creating my own fashion label came while i was living in London, but it was when i moved back to Greece that it all came to life. I wanted to make clothes that identified with my personality. I'm designing out of desire for comfortable, feminine and exciting classic cuts with a modern touch. Although I had people telling me that the field I chose was going to be hard, I decided to do it anyway, all by myself - with only the help and support from my family. They say all the beginnings are difficult but if you love something and you invest all your energy, you succeed. That's my plan.

Your creative influences?
Style is a way of expressing your culture, your identity, your passions and your spirit. Greece is the country of sun and sea. It has influenced my style a lot. I get inspired by the history and the mythology of my country. It's very easy for me to get inspired here. When I'm in my hometown, I walk around the city, meet up with friends, go near the beach for coffee, and then go back home and do a collection. New York...for me is the best place on earth - after my home of course! The city has such a vibe, the people, the shops, the smells (well, except the bad ones!), the buildings, everything! It was a dream come true for me moving and spending time there. I was influenced by everything that the city was offering. In NY its all about  uniqueness. I heart NY!
I design for my own world, for the one I live in and for those who I would want to be surrounded by.

What is Enoe Me?

 "Enoe me" was inspired by my native land of Uenye in the Black Sea of Asia Minor, where my grandfather came from. I wanted to dedicate something to my family for having done so much for me.

Favorite Stores in NYC?

New York is the place where you can find absolutely everything. I love the department stores! Barney's and Saks are my favourite ones, but the area I spent most of the time when I'm there is Soho, Nolita and East Village. Favourite boutiques.. Scoop, Atrium, Kirna Zabete, Patricia Field (even though it's too extreme for me I always find something to mix and match with my clothes) and Lolli on Stanton Street for cute dresses!

Favorite  NY Designers?

Zac Posen

Tom Ford cause he is a genius - he is like Midas, everything he touches turn into gold! 

Donna Karan for her simplicity and elegance in style. I think her image is the epitome of NY.

Fashion Icons?

 I like people who choose clothes according to their inner muse, and they project an aura of confidence. I always loved Audrey Hepburn for her posture and sense of style, Gabrielle Chanel for being a powerful and unique woman, Kate Moss for her casual chic looks. Love women and men with character and great style!

My moto in life is "The biggest trip begins with the smallest step" and whatever happens in life, the show must go on!!

www.enoeme.com



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Thea of the Gumdrop Cookie Shop

Something important to us at Ninu nina is to profile people who have started their own unique business ventures in the creative field. That's why we were excited to hear about Thea Zagata who was working in pr for 8 years before she decided to start her own business venture, the Gumdrop Cookie Shop, an extremely creative concept that is stylish and cool. So next time you are looking for a funky gift idea check out her site and make personalized cookies that will surely impress.

How and why you started Gumdrop Cookie Shop?

I have always had an interest in doing my own thing but I was waiting until I had enough experience and the right idea before I started. I knew I wanted to do something in the food industry, but didn't want to be a chef or caterer because that's something I love yet I didn't want cooking to become work. I figured a baking business was a way to combine my love of food and my business experience. I wrote a business plan and it helped me realize that I needed the cookies to be something that were completely different from anything that was available. It's all about design/creativity right now so I merged this idea with food and Gumdrop Cookies was born! I also was planning my own wedding and realized there are a lot of corny wedding favors out there. Gumdrop Cookie Shop offers decorated cookies that are an edible option (there is way too much clutter in this world!!) that is stylish and can be customized.

Challenges of starting the company?
One of the toughest challenges is that there is no mentor to turn to when an issue arises. In most corporate settings, there is a boss or colleagues to turn to for help. When you have your own business you have to figure things out on your own. Finding good partners and vendors is really important. Two other challenges that are not a surprise - finding TIME & money.

Most interesting designs you have done for cookies so far?
I had one woman put some creative photos of herself on a cookie for her husband. I'll leave it at that.

Favorite restaurants in New York?

My FAVORITE question!

Sullivan Street Bakery on 47th street. (can't get enough).

Tamarind (feeds my Indian food fetish).

Pearl Oyster Bar for Lobster Rolls (I have tried all of them in the city for the record.). Dressler (in Williamsburg).

Artisinal (for fondue)

Favorite Dessert places?

Top Pot Doughnut in Seattle. http://www.toppotdoughnuts.com/flash/I can't stop dreaming of these since I had them last. Freddo in Argentina (best ice cream ever!) http://www.freddo.com.ar/

Best Date spot?
Jury Duty. I met my husband there.

A little bit about the pr industry in NYC?

I have worked in PR for ten years now and I'm actually still working in the PR world a bit. I can't seem to let go yet. I love the camaraderie and fast-paced style of the industry. PR trains you to work hard - you can't be lazy in this business. It's ideal training for marketing and publicizing your business, but it teaches you to deal with day to day issues that arise. There always seems to be at least one crisis a day in the PR world. The fast-paced lifestyle can catch up with you eventually.

www.gumdropcookieshop.com

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Detroit Electronic Music Festival by Helene Sandi

I'm not sure where I met Helene Sandi but I know wherever there is good music, Helene is always there. She is not only a music enthusiast, world traveler, people watcher, and thrill seeker, but a writer and NYC event marketing producer for Niche Media ( Hamptons and Gotham magazines). We wanted to talk to her about music and the Detroit Electronic Music Festival that she recently visited.

DETROIT DETROIT....tell us all about it!
Detroit was a 72 hour dance party! A typical day during DEMF was this: wake up at noon, breakfast at half past noon, festival from 1pm-12 am, 12 am-? after party.

Dj's that really rocked:ALEX UNDER- He did not look up from his laptop once, his set was a consistent flow of euphoric sounds and beats, that literally took me on a magic carpet ride around the world.ALEX SMOKE- he's effortless.HEARTTHROB- His name says it all. Sexy dj who played sexy tech house ;)PACO OSUNA- for his fun and danceable beats.DEADMAU5- they were truly different. from the fun remix to Daft Punk's Stronger, their progressive house tunes kept me dancing non stop for their entire 2 hour set. A very high energy bunch- they had the crowd chanting their name for awhile! Love djs who interact with the crowd like that. Plus, they literally played one of the most beautiful tracks I have ever heard...RICHIE HAWTIN- i think this man is self explanatory. he took us back to the early techno detroit days.Dj's to look out for:MATIAS KADEN- his performance was live, meaning everything we heard was being produced by him at that very moment, and I have never seen a dj with such energy and charisma! He was dancing more than most of the ravers; it was apparent in his face that he really loved what he was doing, which was so inspiring to watch! His music was extremely energetic, tech house with minimal lyrics, was really fun to dance to.
BEST PARTIES:Personally, I think the festival during the day was the best part. There were many after parties at night, but the line ups at the festival were so incredible, it was pretty impossible to get much better than that! However I heard the Old Miami party was a memorable one, with Troy Pierce, Lee Curtis, and many other fantastic djs, the party started at 6 am and went on well into the day- unfortunately I was asleep for that one ;)
Something that was really cool that my friends and I sort of stumbled upon was this Irish techno pub! Imagine a small pub, with a sports bar feel to it, blasting hard core techno with live dj and ravers. We went there at around 3 pm and it was rockin. I kept thinking to myself, "This would be the perfect happy hour spot!"

Differences between WMC and DEMF?
The main difference was the crowd. WMC is full of industry people who are there more for work then pleasure, while of course there are the die hard music lovers who are there to rage as well, I believe the crowd is more of a mix of people in the music industry, and people who want to or are trying to be in that industry! It is definitely a great place to go for networking and to make good contacts, so people definitely took advantage of that. However, Detroit attracts only the dirtiest and most hard core of the ravers- why the hell else would anyone want to go to Detroit? They were there strictly for the music, and they knew who they came to see. The energy at the shows was insane- I don't think I saw a single person standing still. Also, in detroit all the best line ups were during the day at the festival, whereas in Miami, a lot of the most memorable parties were the early morning after hours...

Musical festivals you are going to this summer?
SONAR- it will be my first time

Musical Influences?
Madonna, because she is not only a legend, but is always changing herself and experimenting with new sounds and ideas; she has so many different sides to her which i can relate to, she never fails to impress me, and what i love most-she is totally unpredictable. Also U2 and Depeche Mode. Other favorites are : M.A.N.D.Y- i love all their remixes and to me, they are just classic. Booka Shade- 2 of the best live performers I have ever seen. Alex Under. Lucio Aquilina. Ricardo Villalobos. Radiohead. Thom Yorke. Richie Hawtin. Loco Dice. Burial. John Tejada. Audiofly- they don't just dj the party but become a part of it as well!

Mos Def, a class act and unbelievable poet, and well there is maaaaany more....

Fashion icons?
Madonna(i know, i love her), Chloe Sevigny, Gwen Stefani, Kate Moss for always looking perfect yet effortless, and basically anyone who isn't afraid to take risks and to do something different. Not the typical runway followers.

Favorite venues to throw a party ?
An abandoned warehouse in Bklyn- the possibilities are endless!

Deadmou5 one of Helene's favorites in Detroit

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David Cotteblanche of Red Market

David is the owner and hair stylist of the ultra hip Red Market Salon, the first late night hair salon in NYC. He began his career in Paris 20 years ago at Jacques Dessange and moved to NYC to work at Frederik Fekkai.

He then opened Red Market in the meatpacking district in a funky loft space and has done fashion shows for Nicole Miller, Christian Dior, Alexander McQueen, and DVF to name a few. In addition to that, he styles rock bands such as Duran Duran, Hot Chips, and many more for editorial.

Part of being successful in his business, he feels is to be versatile and passionate in art, fashion, architecture, photography and people. Everyone he hires or works with share that appreciation. David is expanding to other cities ( Miami is next) and is working on product development. This week he is also featured on Style network on their hit show "Split Ends". So definitely check that out!

Favorite Brands?

Christian Dior and Libertine.

Who are the chicest ladies in NY?

Anna Wintour. I like when women have their own personality, sense of humor, and sense of style and No DRAMA!! Women who enjoys life. Trends are ok but they have to fit the personality of the person. Its so tacky when one tries too hard and overdoes it. Simple is elegant and beautiful.

Favorite Stores in NY?

My favorite men's store would be hands down Odun on Lafaytte. For women it would Kirna Zabete in Soho.

Best Place to go out in NY?

Beatrice on 12th and my favorite dj is Felix Da Housecat

Favorite Neighborhood?

I love LES ( lower east side, for all you non New Yorkers). The energy and spirit of this place is cool and unique, I also feel that its underground in many ways like my salon. Check out my tattoo artist, Joshua Lord, at East Side Ink. My favorite restaurant, Les Enfants Terribles is also here.

Favorite Artists?

Salvador Dali

and Serge Gainsbourg

Favorite Quote?

"Too fast to live and too young to die."

http://www.redmarketnyc.com/

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