This month Air India’s Inflight Entertainment Worldwide introduces “Gladiator 2”, “Conclave” and “Tikkun Olam” to its lineup.

“Tikkun Olam” is a short film, reviewed as "an urgently needed story of hope, with blistering performances". In this film a young boy in Washington, D.C. brings dignity to a homeless veteran. The film’s central theme, Tikkun Olam - or healing the world - was inspired by Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sack's book “To Heal A Fractured World”.  I was pleased to have done the lead.

Air India is recipient of the 2024 Leading Airline Inflight Entertainment Award at the World Travel Awards (WTA) – the leading awards program in the airline industry.

KING LEAR Film - Act 2 Scene 4

Stream on Amazon Prime - Episode 6

When Lear arrives at Gloucester’s, the political tensions that have been building towards upheaval breach the surface, while the impending storm looms inevitably closer. This scene is structured around a slow build towards a breaking point, yet at its heart is only deterioration. The stability of the kingdom, alliances, familial bonds, and Lear’s health and sanity all begin to fall apart.

The Fool, ever shrewd to the point of seeming prescience, warns Kent of what is about to happen.  He is alarmed by the changes he sees in Lear and, knowing Goneril and Regan’s true nature anticipates that he is about to be pushed into further devolution. He urgently cautions Kent that Lear’s decline will be swift and brutal, that it has already begun, and that it will not end well for those who follow. This moment is particularly poignant, as the Fool speaks to Kent not as Caius, but as himself. In that sense, it echoes the moment of recognition during 1.4, but goes beyond that brief silent exchange. This is not a moment of commiseration; rather the Fool is compelled by his very nature to warn Kent of the danger of following a doomed man. Yet he also knows that neither Kent nor himself will head that warning. They are both steadfast in their devotion to Lear and, however foolishly, will remain at his side in spite of what is to come, and indeed because of it.

OTHELLO Master Class 7

 OTHELLO Master Class 7

Audio Podcast Series of Master Classes for Professional Actors exploring Othello with Alexander Barnett - This class is an continuing in-depth discussion of the character Desdemona.

The Eyes of Van Gogh in Spain

A cultural center in Spain has presented my film The Eyes of Van Gogh calling it "a cinematographic work that offers an intimate and profound vision of the life and challenges faced by the iconic painter." Greatly appreciated.  Presenter  The film is streaming on Amazon Prime.  

KING LEAR Film - Act 4, Scenes 1, 2

 Stream on Amazon Prime Episode 10      

ACT FOUR

 4.1

Gloucester has endured torture and disfigurement, yet like Lear, he achieves belated clarity through his suffering.  His mental anguish thus far eclipses the considerable physical pain he is in.  As Gloucester is cast into exile from his own home and left with no life, no future, no possibilities, his condition ironically mirrors Edgar’s own flight from Gloucester’s persecution.  Yet rather than desperately seeking survival, the only driving force that compels Gloucester onward is his crippling guilt.  His only wish is that he might have the chance to touch Edgar again and seek his forgiveness, yet he knows that to be hopeless.   He is overcome by the futility of his existence and is eager to end his own life and put an end to this total despair.

Gloucester realizes that he has wasted his life and his sudden insight has come too late.  Yet Gloucester also proved his loyalty and courage in aiding Lear despite the consequences he knew he might face; despite his abject state, we see that Gloucester has in fact changed. Previously, believing in Edgar’s betrayal despite little evidence, Gloucester turned quickly toward thoughts of revenge and became fixated on bringing his patricidal heir to justice.  Now, however, Gloucester expresses no desire to seek revenge on Edmund, even when the evidence against him is irrefutable. Instead, Gloucester thinks only of Edgar and how he has wronged him.  Any anger he feels is directed only towards himself for being so foolish.

Cry, the beloved country

"Well, when the president does it, that means that it is not illegal" - Richard Nixon.

This is on every single person who voted for Donald Trump - I'll be very generous and say especially on those who voted a second time.

You now have the government you deserve.

Your innocent children and grandchildren will pay for this.  For who knows how long.  If he is reelected then probably forever.

Unfortunately, so will the rest of us.

Director's Notes: Characters in MACBETH

MACBETH is a study in tyranny; its origin, its psychology, its legacy. There are no heroes in MACBETH.  It is not a tragedy of character but rather a tragedy of consequence.  The ultimate tragedy in MACBETH is not the horrors and sufferings that Macbeth endures but what happens to the innocent victims of tyranny.  The ultimate guilt in MACBETH belongs to the people who allow him to become king and to those who carry out his heinous deeds after he assumes power.  Stalin, Hitler, Pol Pot, ad infinitum ad nauseum.  Individually they are the epitome of mediocrity, degradation, ruthlessness and brutality.  Surround them however with cowards, perverts, and the herd mentality, and all hell will break loose.

How anyone could listen to what Macbeth says and witness the absolute horrors he perpetrates, and then conclude that innately he is a man of nobility and honor is beyond rational comprehension.  Or perhaps it is a horrible comment about the psyche of a sizable part of the human race.

Macbeth speaks some of the most beautiful poetry in all of Shakespeare and all too frequently the beauty of the poetry is mistaken for the beauty of the man.  The eloquent poetry is of the medium and not the character. To judge his poetic imagination by the quality of his speech is a mistake.  The poetry is Shakespeare's but the tendencies, desires and actions are Macbeth's.  He, like his wife, is self-corrupted.  

From the very beginning killing is what he does and murder is on his mind.  He is a free agent and a voluntary sinner.  The weird sisters speak not one word of murder or intrigue to him.  They make a prediction that he will be king but they never imply, nor even remotely insinuate, that he must kill to make it come true.  And yet the insinuation on his part is clearly there from the beginning.  In Macbeth's mind the acquisition of the crown is synonymous with murder. They are inextricably bound.  And this alone explains his response to the prophecy. And when he is announced as Thane of Cawdor the vision of murder is so clear and persistent that is overwhelms all other thoughts.  

KING LEAR Film - Act 3, Scenes 5, 6, 7

Stream on Amazon Prime - Episode 9

3.5

Cornwall is furious that Gloucester has betrayed his orders and undermined his authority in choosing to  help Lear.  Moreover, he is enraged that he has been betrayed and out smarted by someone he views as  inferior.  This is indeed a life or death situation for Cornwall, as the future of the country is at stake, yet  his personal humiliation supersedes Gloucester’s treachery.  The offense provokes Cornwall to go        beyond the defense of Britain and the necessary exercise of his authority, as he indulging his appetite for cruelty in the name of the public defense.

Edmund is on the verge of achieving his objectives, as in this scene he is named Earl of Gloucester. Still, he never allows himself to become overconfident.  He maintains his persistent awareness of what is to come and what is necessary to effectively manipulate Cornwall with his performance.   Openly betraying his father by turning the information over to Cornwall requires Edmund to portray a delicate balance of duteous candor and concerned hesitance.  Through his seeming reluctance, he draws Cornwall in, allowing the Duke to believe he is controlling the situation.  Edmund ironically gains Cornwall’s trust in him as “a dearer father,” by betraying his own father to prove his loyalty.

Cold Storage: A Play

I was honored to tour Europe in a production of Ronald Ribman’s wonderful play, Cold Storage.  

Parmigian is one of my all-time favorite characters.  I loved spending time with him and hope to do so again shortly.  I was thrilled by the reception to the production.  

Some thoughts I had when preparing the role:  

- To live in the past is to lose.  No battle can be won in the part that is already lost.  No prior decision can be reversed.  A negative, horrible past cannot be made positive but it can be made useful.  It can fortify us and help us win in the present and the future.

KING LEAR Film - Act 3, Scenes 3,4

Stream on Amazon Prime - Episode 8

                                                                    3.3

Gloucester is naïve and trusting with Edmund.  He treats him as his closest ally, as a father would indeed trust a beloved and respected son.  He plays right into Edmund’s scheme, blind to his son’s true nature, and hands Edmund the opportunity to malign Gloucester’s credibility, while proving himself invaluable and indisputably loyal to Cornwall.  Yet in choosing to help Lear, Gloucester also demonstrates an insight into the disorder that results from Lear’s total removal from power.  Gloucester proves his bravery, loyalty, and nobility in choosing to support the master he has served for years, knowing that it is a dangerous and potentially fatal endeavor.  In doing so, Gloucester aligns himself with the old guard, the aged power base that is well beyond its peak that the younger generations are eager to unseat.  In departing to support Lear, he makes literal the figurative lines of division that have already been established. 

3.4

In the second part of the storm, Lear continues to deteriorate physically and mentally yet remains  absorbed in self-reflection, confronting the turmoil within and blocking out the squall that surrounds him.  Still, the interior and exterior upheaval compound one another and increase exponentially.

OTHELLO Master Class 6

Audio Podcast Series of Master Classes for Professional Actors exploring Othello with Alexander Barnett - This class is a continuing in-depth discussion of the courtship of Othello and Desdemona and the undercurrents at play prior to Cyprus.

KING LEAR Film - Act 3 Scenes 1,2

 Stream on Amazon Prime - Episode 7

3.1

The instability Kent feared when Lear banished Cordelia has set in upon the kingdom.  As ever, Kent’s primary objective is to protect Lear’s physical and mental well-being.  He must get him out of the storm, which is quickly speeding up Lear’s decline.  The storm is getting worse. They are only twenty minutes from the courtyard and have already become separated.  While Lear is trapped in reflection on the past, Kent must be looking ahead to the future and turns back in search of the first Knight.  Now that both daughters have abandoned him, he turns to Cordelia, as she may be the last source of refuge for Lear.  Kent is relying on his knowledge of their relationship and trusting that despite everything that has happened, she still cares deeply for Lear and will want to do whatever she can to help him.  Kent’s loyalty and devotion shine in this scene and throughout the storm.  His shrewdness is also apparent, as even in the face of the dire present, he is still thinking ahead and planning for what is to come.  The first knight is somewhat perplexed by Caius hints as to his identity and the instruction to contact Cordelia, but he, like Kent, is devoted to serving Lear, and will gladly travel to Dover in the elements to uphold his duty. 

3.2

The intense cold, the jarring wind, and the plaguing thunder take their toll on Lear, Kent, and the Fool.

OTHELLO Master Class 5

This class is an in-depth discussion of the courtship of Othello and Desdemona and the undercurrents at play prior to Cyprus. https://www.alexanderbarnett.com/oth.html http://bit.ly/KingLearAmazonPrime

 

Burnistoun - Voice Recognition Lift

I could not resist revisiting this.  Enjoy.

 

KING LEAR Film - Act 2, Scene 4

 Stream on Amazon Prime - Episode 6

When Lear arrives at Gloucester’s, the political tensions that have been building towards upheaval breach the surface, while the impending storm looms inevitably closer. This scene is structured around a slow build towards a breaking point, yet at its heart is only deterioration. The stability of the kingdom, alliances, familial bonds, and Lear’s health and sanity all begin to fall apart.

The Fool, ever shrewd to the point of seeming prescience, warns Kent of what is about to happen.  He is alarmed by the changes he sees in Lear and, knowing Goneril and Regan’s true nature anticipates that he is about to be pushed into further devolution. He urgently cautions Kent that Lear’s decline will be swift and brutal, that it has already begun, and that it will not end well for those who follow. This moment is particularly poignant, as the Fool speaks to Kent not as Caius, but as himself. In that sense, it echoes the moment of recognition during 1.4, but goes beyond that brief silent exchange. This is not a moment of commiseration; rather the Fool is compelled by his very nature to warn Kent of the danger of following a doomed man. Yet he also knows that neither Kent nor himself will head that warning. They are both steadfast in their devotion to Lear and, however foolishly, will remain at his side in spite of what is to come, and indeed because of it. 

OTHELLO: Master Class 4

Reaching the end of my European tour of Othello I found I was not ready to let go of the play. So when I returned to New York, I created a series of master classes for professional actors. These are the audio versions.

KING LEAR Film - Act 2 Scene 2, Scene 3

KING LEAR Film - Act 2 Scene 2 Scene 3

Stream on Amazon Prime - Episode 5

There is tension and anticipation throughout the country as the makings of civil war continue to fester underneath the surface of civility. In this scene, there is much fighting, physically and verbally, as the younger generation postures for control of the kingdom. The boundaries of the social structure are tested in anticipation of their outright deterioration following Lear’s arrival.

Cornwall’s callous treatment of Kent is his first act of defiance against Lear, and the old order. Cornwall finds pleasure in being aggressive, commanding, and cruel to the King’s servant. He acts not out of mere distaste for Kent’s behavior as Caius, but because he finds pleasure in disregarding the social hierarchy and claiming a more powerful role for himself. As always Regan continues to try to trump Cornwall in severity, demanding further cruelty when Cornwall orders Kent put in the stocks. The competitiveness within their marriage exacerbates the underlying tension in the constant struggle for control that pervades this scene.

OTHELLO: Master Class # 3

Reaching the end of my European tour of Othello I found I was not ready to let go of the play. So when I returned to New York, I created a series of master classes for professional actors. These are the audio versions.

 

Dover King Lear Act 4 Scene 6

 

Othello: Master Class 2

Reaching the end of my European tour of Othello I found I was not ready to let go of the play. So when I returned to New York, I created a series of master classes for professional actors. These are the audio versions.

Audio Podcast Series - The 2nd class continues the in-depth discussion of the opening scenes. https://www.alexanderbarnett.com/notesoth.html

Rodrigo, Othello, Desdemona, Brabantio

Othello: Master Class1

Reaching the end of my European tour of Othello I found I was not ready to let go of the play.  So when I returned to New York, I created a series of master classes.  These are the audio versions.

Audio Podcast Series  - The 1st class is an in-depth discussion of the given circumstances of the opening scene and the characters of Iago, Rodrigo and Desdemona.

Rodrigo and Iago

A Review by Richard Masloski

I am so deeply honored by this review of my film The Eyes of Van Gogh from the late sculptor and composer Richard Masloski. https://www.masloski.com/

In so many ways I find it to be extraordinary.  An artist can usually only dream in vain of a critic who writes so well; is so thoughtful and insightful; so impassioned in his understanding and evaluation.

In sharing his review with you I believe I am also sharing his magnificent spirit. 

Who is Alexander Barnett?

He is the man who wrote, directed and stars in what is arguably the most poignant and profound portrayal of Vincent van Gogh ever put on film. There have been many movie Van Goghs: Kirk Douglas' rendition in LUST FOR LIFE is magisterial. But despite the intense veracity of Vincente Minnelli's 1956 film, there were warts beneath the warts in the actual history that just didn't make it to the screen in that lavish and rich outing. Robert Altman offered a grimmer and grimier version of things in VINCENT AND THEO and Tim Roth gave us a more insular artist - whereby from all historic accounts the destined Dutchman was extremely demonstrative and vocal and all over the place. Jacques Dutronc's turn with the paint brush in VAN GOGH was likewise introspect in a biopic that flung facts around as wildly as Van Gogh flung paint anywhere and everywhere in his frenzied attack of the nihilistic blankness of the ever-goading canvas.

King Lear Film - Act 2 Scene 1

King Lear Film - Act 2 Scene 1

Stream on Amazon Prime - Episode 4 

Edgar and Edmund are both fighting for their lives. Edmund may be the orchestrator of these fraught circumstances, but he is risking his life in doing so.  Even as his plan unfolds accordingly he does not take for granted that it could easily collapse at any moment, causing him to lose everything.  

Edmund is excited to be actively pursuing his desires, rather than just scheming in anticipation.  He does not let the pleasure of deceit overwhelm and undermine him, instead funneling that energy into his performance: there is always a kind of truth in his deceptions.  He uses his frenetic urgency to disorient and engross Edgar, convincing his brother he has no choice but to run, before he even has the chance to process what is happening to him, thus confirming all suspicions of guilt.  Even after Edgar has fled, the stakes are no less dire for Edmund; if Edgar is found alive it will become one brother’s word against the other.  Each success does not bring relief for Edmund, but further fuels his drive and focus.

Rosencrantz and Guildenstern

I have directed several productions of Hamlet.  Here are some miscellaneous musings about the characters Rosencrantz and Guildenstern.  

Guildenstern seems more intelligent and (not warm) but warmer and more patient than Rosencrantz.  Also he has more humor and is more of a leader.  In the early scenes, he is definitely in charge (though not in a pushy way).  Rosencrantz seems more physical and rougher…and potentially more cruel. 

As Hamlet makes his complete break with them at the end of Act lll, Sc. 2 (the play scene) Rosencrantz starts to take over – Guildenstern’s last time in charge is when he believes the message from Gertrude to Hamlet that she wants to see him.  As reason and patience (Guildenstern) fail, force and brutality (Rosencrantz) take over. 

In the following scenes Guildenstern is almost silent and all we hear is the ominous tone and threats of Rosencrantz.  Obviously, they have worked out strategy and concomitant ramifications following each altercation with Hamlet and Guildenstern ultimately prevails.  

In the end, through their actions, we see them for what they really are: two educated thugs willing to carry out their lord’s orders even if it means murder.  We should feel little sympathy for their impending deaths.

https://www.alexanderbarnett.com

The Closet Scene: Gertrude and Hamlet (Alexander Barnett)

Macbeth Revisited (A Rebuttal)

I caught an interesting and depressing Charlie Rose interview with Liev Schreiber discussing Macbeth.  Mr. Schreiber was taken aback by Rose's referring to Macbeth as evil.  Schreiber them proceeded to explain the typical age-old argument of Macbeth as a good (And to many, a great) man gone wrong who kills Duncan to please his wife and who, ultimately, greatly regrets having done the deed because he is a man of deep conscience.  This is after all a tragedy and therefor requires the fall of an individual of great stature and/or position.

Wrong!

King Lear Film - Act 1 Scenes 3-5

 Stream on Amazon Prime - Episode 3

Alexander Barnett as Lear; Aaron Strand as Fool; Peter Holdway as Kent

1.3

         As Goneril informs Oswald of her intentions to put an end to Lear’s careless and erratic behavior, we see the true extent of her ambition. Goneril is indeed resentful of Lear for favoring Cordelia and disgruntled having endured a lifetime of his rule, but that is not why she acts. Nor does she wish to punish him for the rowdy behavior of his knights as she claims to in the next scene; the reasons she states are excuses. The knights are a nuisance, but she sees them merely as obstacles, not adversaries. Goneril is fed up, but it is from having to hold herself back. Her eagerness to render Lear impotent and cast him out of the kingdom comes first and foremost from her inner drive and ardent desire for power and independence.

New review for "The Eyes of Van Gogh"

The Eyes of Van Gogh - I appreciate the kudos for the film. https://gravelmag.com/vincent-van-gogh-movies/

The 2005 drama tells the story of Van Gogh’s time in an asylum. If you have read his biography, you know he voluntarily entered himself into the Saint Remy asylum for 12 months. That was when his epilepsy started to interfere with his life. Director Alexander Barnett does a great job with this movie. It shows exactly how Van Gogh experienced the world during his time in Saint Remy. The movie is not just a biopic movie, but also tells the story of what it is like to enter a state of madness.       

www.theeyesofvangogh.com  Streaming on Amazon Prime  http://bit.ly/EyesofVanGogh     

New Review

From https://culturacolectiva.com/cine/ --- " In ' The Eyes of Van Gogh ', Alexander Barnett acted, wrote and directed the story of Van Gogh, which focuses on the painter's mental health problems between hallucinations and recurring panic attacks. This film is one of the darkest on the list because, far from being a romanticization of the artist's depressive crises, it shows them in all his terror."

Another Lie from Amsterdog Rescue - Please Share

Amsterdog is listing Frost as having been "adopted."  She was not adopted.  She had to be euthanized while with me on a trial basis since she was so dangerous. 

Do not use this shelter

Amsterdog.org - Please Share

Do not use Amsterdog.  Deborah Dilorio, the owner, did not give me the complete history on the dog I had on a trial basis - in particular she did not tell me the dog had a bite history.

The person who was fostering the dog at the time also did not tell me, and lied outright saying the dog never started an attack, but would only defend herself.  Utterly false.  I got a very dangerous dog that caused huge amounts of pain and suffering and many thousands of dollars in medical bills.  Because they did not tell the truth.

Oscars 2022 - It's Official

 Very pleased to note that a recent film I did, TIKKUN OLAM, is an official entry for the 2022 Oscars.

Oscar Buzz

I am pleased to report that a recent film I did, Tikkun Olam, has been accepted by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for Oscar consideration and is streaming now for nominators.

You may be interested as well watching Ziauddin Yousafzai, Malala Yousafzai’s father, react to “Tikkun Olam” after screening at the 2021 Birmingham Film Festival.   “A remarkable film of love and compassion for our coming generations". 

https://youtu.be/kMg8se8qd50

Trailer: https://vimeo.com/544468379

Playlist Alexander Barnett

 Film Clips

Clips from films directed by and/or starring and/or written by Alexander Barnett.

A scene from the film: THE EYES OF VAN GOGH with Roy Thinnes and Alexander Barnett

KING LEAR Film Episode 13 Act 4, Scene 7

Playing Cordelia - KING LEAR

WINDS WAY - Film Clip

COLOR OF LOVE: Film Clip

NO DEPOSIT NO RETURN Clip 1

NO DEPOSIT NO RETURN Clip 2

NO DEPOSIT NO RETURN Clip 3

NO DEPOSIT NO RETURN Clip 4

THE FINAL RESOLUTION: Film Clip

THE ACTOR AND THE AGENT

MR. VINCENT Film Clip

SQUID INK

A CAREER OFFENSE

 

Another Best for Tikkun Olam

Tikkun Olam wins Best Short Film at The 2021 American Presidents Film and Literary Festival, giving this film its 7th Best Short Award.

King Lear Film Act 1 Scene 2

 Stream Episode 2    Exclusively on Amazon Prime

  

Failing to secure his fortune on the road, Edmund intends to steal his brother Edgar's inheritance and usurp his father Gloucester's authority, killing both if necessary.

1.2 

Edmund is confident, charming, and incredibly shrewd, but remains hindered by his status as the illegitimate son. He is contemptuous of his station in life, but does not act rashly out of hatred; rather he is fiendishly thoughtful in his ambition. He is willing to risk everything to deceive his father and brother and gain power for himself, and therefore takes nothing for granted. Edmund’s monologues are not complaints, nor are they boasts. He is superior, but does not seek praise or admiration for his cunning, lest he hinder his success. Instead, he meticulously works through his own thoughts, planning for every eventuality, and sarcastically expressing contempt for society in the process. He is not plotting revenge against Gloucester for unwittingly humiliating him in the opening scene. His decision to pursue his father’s title has been made prior to his return to the kingdom. His father behavior only makes him more eager to finally carry out what he has so carefully planned for. 

King Lear Film Act 1 Sc. 1

Stream Episode 1     

After 60 years as King, Lear commits the most fatal, consequential and disastrous act of his life.  

ACT ONE   1.1 

The film begins where it ends: a bleak image of death and devastation, shrouded in fog as the survivors look towards an uncertain future.  As the story opens, however, Lear’s castle is lively with anticipation of a future that has been prearranged. Lear's plan to divide the kingdom is not hasty or mad. The details have been carefully thought out and discussed with each of the Dukes. Kent is optimistic, excited by the prospect of Cordelia in control of the largest and most influential share. Likewise, Cornwall and Albany acknowledge their approval and look forward to receiving their own shares. Lear acts out of well-intentioned generosity, desiring neither rivalries nor war, though both eventually follow.

Alexander Barnett in Tikkun Olam Sedona and WDC Int'l Film Festivals

 

June 16 and 18: Click here for “Tikkun Olam” tickets at the Sedona International Film Festival.

Sedona ranked “Top 10” in the world.

 

June 4-8: Click here for “Tikkun Olam” tickets at the Washington DC International Film Festival.

60 films selected from around the world, representing 35 countries.

 

 About “Tikkun Olam”

A young boy in Washington, D.C. encounters a homeless veteran, with an unexpected outcome. The film is inspired by the director, Bob Ahmed’s own experiences while living in Washington, D.C. – a city which has the highest homelessness rate in America.The Daily Times describes the film as "an urgently needed story of hope in our broken world today" with "blistering performances" and that "Ahmed's short film is not just about the innocence of childhood but about the kind-hearted child within us all". Voice of America says this is "a unique film on an important topic". Views and News describes the film as "a rare, polished gem" with "riveting" performances. Tikkun Olam was one of four films selected globally for the 2021 Global Annual Seema Summit. The film is selected for the 35th Washington, D.C. International Film Festival, the 27th Sedona International Film Festival, and the 19th Garden State Film Festival.Click here to watch the trailer (01:30). www.filmtikkun.com

The Eyes of Van Gogh on DVD

Do you prefer a DVD of a film to streaming?  In addition to streaming, The Eyes of Van Gogh is available in DVD format from Amazon for a limited time only.

A Brief History of Van Gogh Films

I am very pleased to note that my film The Eyes of Van Gogh has been included in smART Magazine's article on films about Vincent van Gogh.  

King Lear Film Act 1, Sc 1

 Watch on Amazon -  Episode 1  http://bit.ly/KingLearAmazonPrime

Winner Best Short Film - Madrid Art Film Festival

Winner Best Short Film - Madrid Art Film Festival  

Tikkun Olam is also an official entry in the The 35th Washington DC International Film Festival, June 4-13  

Trailer for King Lear

For more information about the film please visit www.kinglearfilm.org 

"Tikkun Olam" selected to play at Seema's Annual Global Summit

"Tikkun Olam" has been selected as one of four films to play at Seema's Annual Global Summit this Saturday, March 13. The other three films are Obaid-Chinoy's "A Girl on the River" (Academy Award winner, 2016), Smritri Mundhra's "St Louis Superman" (Academy Award nominated, 2020), and Madhur Jaffrey's "Mr Cardamom".

Seema Film Festival. Four short films curated by icon of South Asian performing arts, Aroon Shivdasani. Followed by Aroon’s interview with filmmaker from each film. March 13, 9pm ET. This event is part of Seema Network’s Annual Global Summit for Womens Day. (www.seema.com) 

The Eyes of Van Gogh in an Academic Course

 I am very pleased to learn my film, The Eyes of Van Gogh, has been added to the curriculum of UC Davis.

https://cpe.ucdavis.edu/course/four-van-goghs-comparative-study-performances

Petition to End Wildlife Killing

 Please join. It's urgent. This barbaric practice must be stopped.

The Plight of the Uyghurs Is a Wake-Up Call

The title says it all. We must do everything to stop the suffering they are enduring. In some ways this is a reminder of what the Japanese did to the Chinese in the 30s.   https://www.nationalreview.com/2021/02/the-plight-of-the-uyghurs-is-a-wake-up-call/

 

The Wanting Mare is Released

I enjoyed working on this film very much and congratulate director Nicholas Ashe Bateman on a string of wonderful reviews.  https://www.indiewire.com/2021/02/the-wanting-mare-review-matrix-1234615127/

New Film Tikkun Olam

 The poster and first review for my latest film. 

 

'I was devastated'

The man who invented the World Wide Web has some regrets. Tim Berners-Lee has seen his creation debased by everything from fake news to mass surveillance. And now he's got a plan to fix it.

US Ice officers 'used torture to make Africans sign own deportation orders'

Please read this and then write to Biden and his people and plead with them [yes, I said plead' ] to appeal to congress or whoever might be able to stop these people from being deported. If they are deported they will be tortured and murdered. These are innocent people. Immediate action is necessary. Remember, Trump still has TEN MORE WEEKS as president.

 

 

theguardian.com

US Ice officers 'used torture to make Africans sign own deportation orders'

Cameroonians say officers choke