The Global Peace Film Festival Opening Night Party

Posted on by Thor

On September 18, 2018 the Global Peace Film Festival opened here in Orlando. On that evening there was a screening of the film, “Every Act of Life” which profiles the world renowned playwright, Terrance McNally‘s pioneering five decade career in theater focusing on the struggle for LGBT rights and his pursuit of love and inspiration at every age. The festival is in its 16th year. In these times of deep division, the festival focuses on our resources which are just an arm’s length away in our family, neighbors, friends and throughout our communities. All week films are being shown in venues at Rollins College, The Winter Park Public Library, The Center, Valencia College, and Downtown Orlando.

Pam Schwartz and I got a table with a view at the Enzian Theater on opening night. The film had not let out yet, so the Eden Bar was half full. Then the theater doors opened and the festival goers filled the bar. There were light bites and the room was suddenly a buzz with activity. At a table in front of us, photographer Peter Morey was having a discussion with Jim Lussier. Peter spent ten years shooting photos of Nelson Mandela and an exhibit of these photos is opening on tonight, September 20, 2018 at City Arts Factory. 2018 marks the 100 year anniversary of the birth of Nelson Mandela. Photos in the exhibit feature Mandela’s inauguration, meetings with dignitaries, and even shots of Nelson at home with his family.

I intend to get to a screening of “Uprising: Pulse to Parkland”  by local film maker Vicki Nantz. The film is about two Florida communities united by grief and anger from deadly mass shootings. It is about the national uprising against the gun industry and the politicians who profit from gun violence in America. That screening is on Friday September 21, 2018 at 6pm in the Bush Auditorium at Rollins College.

Check the online Film Festival Schedule to find other amazing thought provoking films.

49 Portraits at Gatlin Creative.

Posted on by Thor

On September 24th, the 49 portraits of Pulse victims were on display at Gatlin Creative (4940 South Orange Avenue Orlando FL) about a mile south of Pulse. I drove past the club to the opening. A new colorfull banner now covers the fence surrounding the club. I had just screened my short film, “Finger on the Pulse” at the Global Peace Film Festival. Vicki Nantz had allowed me to share the screen with her 18 minute documentary about her feelings after the Pulse tragedy. The screening was at The Gallery at Avalon Island which has a mini theater on the second floor. We held a talk back after the film that went on for over an hour. It seems everyone needed a forum to express the shock, horror and frustrations about how slow change can be. Vicki and her wife have faced open hatred for being lesbians. Someone actually threatened to kill them. Orlando is home to several well known hate groups. Since Pulse, Orlando has made a shift towards being more open and caring but there is still a long way to go. I was shocked to find myself sharing my thoughts and feelings openly in front of the audience. Both Vicki and I both broke down several times as we tried to express what drove us. Vicki invited down a psychologist to help us moderate. Mallory Vance was back a her parents place in the Mid-west and her description of her small town’s reaction, made it clear that the effects of the Pulse shooting are wide spread. Was the community conversation healing? I’m not sure, but I got to share thoughts that have haunted me, and the incredible love and support in the room was palpable.

As I arrived at the 49 Portraits opening, the sky to the west was ablaze in a gorgeous orange glow with huge billowing clouds. Tiffany Windsor was at the entrance collecting the $15 entrance fee. The 49 portraits filled the warehouse space perfectly in a single row hung clothes line style. The warm evening breeze kept the portraits fluttering as if they wanted to take flight. Channel 2 News was shooting footage for the evening news. I spoke to the reporter on camera and then invited another artist, Bob Hague to do the same. A Japanese TV station and UCF TV also showed up.

Cory James Connell age 21, was the first Pulse victim portrait I did. His parents Tara and James Connell came to the opening along with Cory’s grand parents and sisters. I got to meet the entire family and I’m humbled by their outward show of strength. Tara actually invited me to their home. As I worked on Cory’s portrait, a man looking over my shoulder had related details about the young man that brought him alive in my minds eye.  I am hoping that the Connell family will also share their memories.

People paused in front of sketches and took photos. I could see some getting choked up and wiping away tears. I wanted to meet them all, but also felt they deserved privacy. A young woman took me to the portrait of a dear friend, Luis Omar Occasion-Capo. This portrait was painted by Mitch Scott. She thanked me for helping keep his memory alive. I also got to meet Wilma and her son. Her son’s father, and her longtime best friend and salsa partner, Xavier Emmanuel Serrano Rosado was drawn by Betsy Brabrandt. Xavier was the first portrait drawn by Betsy in about 25 years. She was a fashion illustrator in NYC, but when she moved to Orlando, her art took a back seat to raising a family. Wilma talked about how Xavier taught her everything she knows about Salsa dancing. She had never danced in heals but Xavier showed her how. She very well could have gone to Pulse that night but she was tired. How is it that the few artists in attendance got to meet the families of the person they drew. There really is some greater force at work.

The money raised from this showing of the portraits is going into framing the pieces.