Oh, what a night! Cinequest 21 film festival opening night, that is.  A bit of Hollywood was in the air as the red carpet was rolled out for moviegoers and movie-makers alike on this night of glitz, glamour and passsione. Held at the historic California Theater in downtown San Jose, Cinequest kicked off its 21st year of featuring unforgettable films, magnificent filmmakers and holding film forums that include local talent as well as cinematic brilliance from all over the world.

Prior to the film preview, actor, screenwriter and director John Turturro was inside the theater lobby answering questions posed by an eager press about his directorial debut of the film, “Passione.” As an accomplished and respected actor, it was obvious that everyone was excited about seeing his true passion unveiled on screen.

As movie patrons slowly but eagerly made their way into the theater, they were welcomed by the sounds of an organ player playing movie theme songs in old Hollywood form; a perfect soundtrack to the beginning of a majestic evening.

Preceding the film preview of “Passione,” Halfdan Hussey, director and co-founder of Cinequest, and Mayor of San Jose, Chuck Reed, welcomed guests to the first night of the 13-day long event. However, the reception did not end there. In the spirit of Silicon Valley and its forte for invention and innovation, Sean Maloney, executive vice president and co-general manager of Intel Corporation’s Intel Architecture Group (IAG), and Martin Cooper, former vice president of Motorola and the engineer who lead the team that developed the first handheld mobile phone in the 1970’s, also welcomed patrons to the city where technology and creativity reign as king.

Halfdan Hussey, director and co-founder of Cinequest

Chuck Reed, Mayor of San Jose, CA

Sean Maloney, executive vice president and co-general manager of Intel Corps. Intel Architecture Group

Martin Cooper, former vice president of Motorola

As the lights slowly dimmed and the curtain opened to reveal a movie screen, the audience clapped with enthusiasm as they prepared to take a trip to Italy via John Turturro’s vision of a musical adventure.

“Passione” was a unique film about the passionate love affair that the Neapolitans have with the heartfelt music their culture has created throughout the years. Just as natural as breathing is to the human race, so is the Neapolitans’ instinct to sing and dance when the moment hits them.

This film was unique in the sense that it was three films in one. First, a documentary-style picture depicting the passion and love that the people of Naples have for their culture and their music. Second, a historical piece about the influences of Italian singers and the development of their song style throughout the centuries. And third, a natural musical where the historic ruins of Naples and the surrounding terrain was the stage for all Neapolitans to sing Italian love songs and reveal stories of love and betrayal while at the same time dancing to their soul’s content.

In complimenting his eclectic cast, Turturro stated, “When people are that talented, they are their own special effects.” A statement that was quite evident as the spirit of the Neapolitans revealed itself through their music.

For anyone who has an affinity for rich culture accompanied by a deep passion for music that stirs the soul, “Passione” is a film that will surely make you feel like running out and singing in the streets. What an amazing feeling that would be!

Following the film, Turturro was welcomed on to the stage to receive the Maverick Spirit Award and to talk a bit more about his inspiration behind the making of his film. He enthusiastically explained how, as an Italian-American, he wanted to share a glimpse of his culture and “his world,” as he put it, with a greater audience. It was evident by the audience’s positive response, that they truly enjoyed and appreciated the film for its artistic ambiance and style.

After the film preview, patrons were welcomed to party the night away at Eulipia Restaurant and Bar and The Swinging Hookah in downtown San Jose.  There, they had the opportunity to discuss the film, meet John Turturro and take photos with him, and meet and mingle with fellow movie-lovers. A fun ending to an extraordinary evening.

Cinequest 21 opening night was a great start to an even greater two-week film odyssey.

For more information about the film festival or to purchase tickets, please visit:

http://www.cinequest.org/indexCQ.php

Event coverage and photos by Sophia M. Papadopoulos

Members of the press, filmmakers, and film aficionados alike mixed and mingled with who’s who of Silicon Valley while enjoying some tasty treats and refreshing drinks provided by local businesses.

Halfdan Hussey, Director and Co-Founder of Cinequest

Yoga Performance

Refreshments offered by Cinequest volunteers

Desserts by Jen's Cakes and Edible Arrangements

While in attendance, guests had exclusive access into what Cinequest 21 has in store this year. Halfdan Hussey, Director and Co-Founder of Cinequest, welcomed guests and offered insight into the events that will take place, the special guest celebrities that will attend and those who will receive the coveted Maverick Spirit Award, and the type of extraordinary films that will be presented at this year’s festival.

Comedian, Steve Mazan.

Cinequest publicist Brittany Welby discusses the festival's program guide

Comedian Steve Mazan, whose film “Dying to Do Letterman,” one of the feature films to debut at the festival, also welcomed guests and explained how excited he was to be in the Bay Area, and the opportunity to share his story about never giving up on his dream to do stand-up comedy on the David Letterman Show while at the same time battling and overcoming his bout with cancer.

Helium Magazine is excited to cover Cinequest 21. Please visit sjhelium.com throughout the month of March for coverage of the festival.

Film Festival runs March 1-13, 2011.

For more information about Cinequest and to purchase tickets or passes to the film festival, please visit: http://www.cinequest.org/indexCQ.php

Press Release by Sophia M. Papadopoulos

Army of One

Click here for more pictures of FAME “Army of One.”

Brave New World

The annual Subzero festival featured an innovative fashion show, telling a post-apocolyptic story. The eye-catching show was brought together seamlessly through the vision of creative stylists Eric Belladonna and Jennifer Thomas along with hair by 5Color Cowboy.

Generations of Change

We teamed up with Goodwill of Silicon Valley to produce the second annual Eco Chic fashion show themed ‘Generations of Change.’ Designs were created specifically for the show, and were auctioned at the end of the night to benefit Goodwill.

Pretty in Pink

This year, we met talented designer Alyssa Nicole, who shared with us her beautiful “Pretty in Pink” Collection as a part of her clothing line Bird by Alyssa Nicole. She was also honored by Women’s Wear Daily for her styling on Chictopia.com

Music Moment

San Jose gave a warm welcoming to Cold War Kids as they performed at the summer series Music in the Park.

Downtown San Jose’s summer music festival Left Coast Live featured artists OK Go and Neon Trees.

The Elemental Issue

Here’s a behind-the scenes look at the moments that made 2010 a successful year.

On set with Vanessa Houle wearing designs by the talented Hector Manuel while shooting for the Revival Fashion Show campaign.

Britteney Reynolds models in a photo shoot we did with Umbrella Salon.

We’d like to thank everyone who have helped make 2010 such a successful year. See you in 2011!

The second annual Eco Chic Fashion Show will feature an earthly cool cocktail party, fabulous signature dinner and — of course — the show! As they take the catwalk, you might recognize some of the VIP models as members of families who helped to shape Silicon Valley.

If you were at last year’s show, you saw how imagination turned high-end donations into edgy cocktail dresses, exquisite goddess gowns, and one-of-a- kind couture outfits designed to make a fashion statement.

This fall, we will take a journey to the past to see what inspired us through Generations of Change… Then, we will move to the present, where talented designers will re-fashion brand name and vintage Little Black Dresses. The dresses will be shown with incredible hats made by Melissa Bolin of Kitty Andrews Millinery and will be up for Live Auction after the show… Finally, we will explore the future of fashion as young designers from San Jose to San Francisco face off in a challenge to show the best of Eco-Street wear and Eco-Evening wear.

2010 Eco Chic Fashion Show Program

5:30 PM — Reception and Silent Auction (No Host Bar)
6:30 PM — Dinner
8:00 PM — Fashion Show
9:00 PM — Live Auction and Designer Shopping Event

If you’re interested in participating in one or more of these challenges, visit Goodwillsv.org/fashionshow

TICKETS AVAILABLE HERE

The Campaign

Photography by Jack Husting
Makeup & Hair Styling by Christal Saville of Christal Clear Cosmetics
Featuring  models Renata Gar & Christine Yee
Design & Production by Matthew Mountford

I don’t care if the last seven, not to mention, greatest, Beatles albums never were performed in concert, I still enjoy the atmosphere live music builds.  Even if Strawberry Fields Forever was the trippiest pop song ever written, it’s going to have a hard time competing against the relationship that develops between a live audience and the musicians, especially outdoors.

There’s something about the combination of live instruments and fresh air that activates our carnal instincts, just watch any of the Arcade Fire’s shows on YouTube and you’ll know exactly what I’m talking about.  In a live set the crowd is not only able to hear the band but see, touch, and if you’re really lucky, smell and taste them too – that is, if you’re into that sort of thing.

Rockin’ out on the Row

Every now and then Santana Row feels the same way and holds live music sets of their own.  This time around, So Timeless, of Bay Area roots, wins over the crowd with smooth saxophone-laced tracks and crisp vocalized harmonies.

First up is Lionel on alto sax whose puffer jacket and Asics sneakers are a definite homage to 1970’s fashion.  The derby cap and cords let you know that he’s one smooth saxophoner.  To his left is vocalist, Lonnye who layers a zip-up hoodie underneath his leather jacket to give it an even more laidback vibe.  You can never go wrong with all black peices.

On the keys is Ed, and I’m starting to think they coordinated the derby cap look before they took to the stage.  Not to his detriment, the headwear compliments his printed button-up seamlessly.  Playing acoustic bass, Norman brings the cafe-guitar/vocalist-aesthetic to life with the tan-colored blazer (extra points for the fingerless gloves, brotha!).

As twilight turned into nightfall on Santana Row, So Timeless was able to showcase a nice sampling of their body of work that reflects their iconic r&b influences Earth, Wind & Fire; Stevie Wonder and Babyface.  They even used the intimate setting to take requests from the crowd, covering Jill Scott’s “A Long Walk”, inspiring multiple shoppers-turned-audience-members to drop some coin into the guitar case and even pick up a copy of their album.

Special thanks to Jasmine Price for the photos.

photo taken from treehugger.com

2010 is a big year for 40^th anniversaries.  James Lovell, Jack Swigert and Fred Haise were in the Earth’s orbit aboard Apollo 13; Charles Manson, Jimi Hendrix and the Grateful Dead appeared on the cover of Rolling Stone; and Midnight Cowboy, True Grit and Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice were up for Academy Awards – all while the calendars read 1970.

photo taken from nadge.blogspot.com

That’s all fine and dandy but who really recalls any of it without Google’s helpful hand?  In that time span the helm of Star Trek’s Enterprise has been captained by William Shatner and Chris Pine’s Kirk, the airwaves rocked to the sound of David Bowie and Adam Lambert and the silver screen projected Sigourney Weaver as alien hunter in Ridley Scott’s Alien and alien philanthropist in James Cameron’s Avatar (and that’s just the highlight reel boys and girls!).

photo taken from eonline.com

With grand étonnement Earth Day hasn’t been forgotten despite all of the progress from the past 40 years, but why is it such an important holiday? 

Money does grow on trees.

From a fashion industry standpoint the word ‘trend’ describes a seasonal take on clothing that will pass as quickly as it came.  For the rest of the economy, green is a trend that hopefully is more of a shift than last year’s houndstooth blazer.

Eco-friendly is wallet-friendly.  You see it in the cars we drive (gas saved), the buildings we populate (heating and cooling) and the clothes we wear (recycled fashion, anyone?).  The first two may be obvious polluters but the fashion industry puts its fair share of emissions into the ecosystem.  It’s only natural that this segment gets its due from the green fairy.  Just look to GreenShows Eco-fashion Week hosted by New York Fashion Week and San Jose State’s Trashion Fashion Show.

With regulations on air and water pollution the United States has come a long way since the smokestack days of the ’70s.  Gaylord Nelson, former U.S. senator and San Jose State alum had something going, now let’s carry it into the next forty years.

Flyer from SJ Fixed

There are certain combinations out there that can’t be beaten.  There’s turkey and avocado on Dutch crunch – marvelous.  One can’t neglect to mention Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol and the triangle offense – deadly.  And of course Sunday morning sunshine, bicycles and breakfast.  It would take a force of nature to standup to combinations like these.

 Now to discuss our last combination I’ll have to bring you back to last weekend, which is when all of this greatness came together to create Breakfast and Baskets, the first installment of a monthly breakfast ride with SJ Fixed.

 Usually the Bay Area is known for weather on an even keel but being an El Nino year, it’s been nothing but fickle.  So if you have the chance to ride your bike with a t-shirt and sunglasses you better get in on it while you can.

 I met up with the guys at SJF at the San Jose State Event Center (the usual meet-up spot for the weekly Tuesday and Thursday rides.)  This group is most notorious for their fixed gear riding and trick sessions but today all bikes, from cruisers to tricycles, were welcomed for this easy jaunt.

The vine-covered patio was filled to capacity and hungry patrons were spilling into the sidewalk as our pack rode in.  Luckily, Kevin, who put the ride together, thought ahead and called to reserve a big enough table to fit all the riders (sans bikes) into the patio.

 From what I saw most of the breakfasteers were young – and tanned.  There was the occasional elderly couple enjoying, a no doubt, longstanding Sunday brunch.  Attire hit the entire range of the spectrum – from the median: t-shirts/polos and jeans/shorts, to the scruffy: sweatpants and undershirts/tank tops, and the dressy: selvage denim and dressier tops.

Here’s a look at some of SJF before the ride.

Here’s Kevin, the mastermind behind this ride hydrating before we all head out.  I wish I got a picture of his all-black cruiser from fashion designer Paul Smith.  Messenger bags and backpacks designed with cyclists in mind usually have a cellphone pocket that’s within arm’s reach like the one seen here.  And of course Wayfarers are always welcome on days like this one.

Jessica and her friend ride in v-necks, which definitely helps the air flow to vital parts on these sunny days.  Extra points for the helmet Jessica!

Marc and Tyson are living up this Sunday.  Cutoffs have always been a fixed gear riding staple, possibly because their chains chew up all their pant legs and make it a necessity, but who knows.  Tyson sports an interesting corduroy variation while Marc shows off this beauty of a Savers find.  It sort of reminds me of a watercolor I’ve seen somewhere.

This is Sean, an obvious Star Wars fan.  No need to be ashamed buddy, you’re in good company on the Radar blog.  At first glance the print looks just like any Star Wars tee – I didn’t notice till after I went through the pictures that Skywalker and Darth Vader are both ripping on guitar, sweet!

I usually like to wrap up with the best/funniest picture, and this time I think I might have outdone myself.  This is a cinnaroll that Sean ordered at Bill’s.  It wouldn’t have tasted as good without the links on the side.  Syrup on everything, yes!

(Shut your mouth, you’re drooling on the keyboard)

Business or Pleasure, not both

The way I see it, laptops and sandy beaches are like tighty-whities and black socks (not that they always need to match).  Name one cocktail or tropical libation inspired by the guy who answers emails beneath palm trees and tucks his Tommy Bahama into his Dockers.  There are people who think working while on vacation is productive; to me it’s a half-hearted attempt at either one.

With that said, I did attend Silicon Valley’s 20th celebration of Cinequest Film Festival, originally with the intention of photographing Silicon Valley’s chic, but opted instead to sit back and enjoy the show.  Well, five shows – but whose counting really? 

Fashion in Film

Staying true to the feeling of this website I can’t write this post without some mention of fashion, my heart just won’t let me.  So I’ll be pointing out characters and their individual styles while discussing Cinequest. 

The Greatest, produced by Pierce Brosnan who also appears in the film opposite Susan Sarandon and Carey Mulligan, was by far the most star-studded of the five films. 

Mulligan plays Rose, a high school senior who, on the last day of school, finally speaks to her crush Bennett (Aaron Johnson) after four years of passing each other in the halls.  Their romance is cut short by a lethal car accident that leaves Rose the surviving member of the couple.

Bennett’s parents (Brosnan and Sarandon) are still in a state of disbelief when Rose appears on their doorstep revealing that she is carrying their late son’s child.  The film’s deep characters drive the story and explore the different faces of grief.

Brosnan plays Allen, a university professor who definitely dresses the part.  In a scene where he takes Rose and the rest of his family to their beach house, Allen sheds all traces of academia.  A navy blue poplin shirt and khaki club shorts tell everyone around him that he won’t be available for office hours.  The look is definitely a nod to the reemergence of Americana in fashion.

Upperdog is a Norwegian film that traces the life of twins separated by adoption. Axel lives a very posh existence with his adopted, upper-class family.  After he is betrayed by his girlfriend with his best friend, Axel sinks into a depression. 

The importance of appearance among the wealthy lead Axel into a ritual of crisp, white shirts and pressed, black slacks.  It’s a veneer that hints not only to his depression but the sterile environment in which he was raised.

Let’s fast forward to our fifth film, The Orange Girl.  Aside from being one of my favorites, this Norwegian tale of life and love received its own reprise on the final day of Cinequest.  Now, it’s Cinequest tradition to bring back a number of audience favorites (decided by ballot) for closing night and The Orange Girl made the cut, bravo!

Our hero, Jan, and his son Georg both fall in love with girls by chance meetings, albeit one generation apart.  For Jan he discovers his muse on the train ride to work carrying a basket of oranges and wearing a bright red trench.  The coat becomes a symbol that haunts him as he mistakes her for every woman who boards the train. For Georg, who develops the plot by reading his fathers letters of the orange girl, finds an orange girl of his own while on a cross country ski trip.

The film flashes back from Jan as a young man to Georg in the present day, paralleling each other’s journey of infatuation.  It’s a great opportunity to see Jan impeccably dressed in Nordic knit sweaters and business suits.  (I love how classic staples in menswear always keep a man in style no matter how far back the picture was taken.)

Now as a post script and to give this entry some visuals, we’re spotlighting Cerina.  She is a makeup artist whose work can be seen in such indie flicks as Glory Boy Days, Liquor Store Cactus, All About Dad (featured in Cinequest 2009 and Pacific Rim Film Fest) and she’s also worked with us here at Helium!

I love her punk rock, rockabilly motif and she rocks that beach cruiser almost like an accessory.  Way to be Cerina!

So to wrap up this Pentateuch of a blog post I’d like to tip my hat to all those involved with Cinequest, especially the volunteers.  You could tell everyone loved films and really helped make the event run smoothly.  Lines stretched to the end of the block at the California screening of Outsourced and by the time I locked up my bike and turned the corner every one of those people was in their seats.

The venues were amazing, specifically the California Theater with its handsome lobby furnished with touch screens gave filmgoers an interactive Cinequest experience.  Volunteers at this venue were especially accommodating to a nosy blogger poking his head into every corner.

And enough can’t be said about the films chosen for the festival.  I wholeheartedly believe that if I had a movie lovers pass as they call them, there would be not a one that I had a negative opinion about.

Once again thank you Cinequest for bringing so many mavericks together in one place and for instilling that spirit into Silicon Valley.  We’ll be looking forward to having you back next year.

***All photos taken from Cinequest website except the last

Tramping through San Jose’s splashy sidewalks will lead to the countless restaurants and cafes lining its rain drenched streets with this poster on display.  It’s a badge indicating the establishment’s endorsement of the city’s premiere film festival, this year being its 20^th installment.

Representing Silicon Valley’s progressive state of being, Cinequest is one of the first film festivals to embrace digital technology within the film industry.  Its founders see it as a channel that empowers mavericks, who, in their words, act as a catalyst of dynamic change in a cookie cutter world.

Soiree Shutterbugs

This two week event (Feb. 23 – Mar. 7) draws a diverse crowd to the downtown area including film makers from 44 countries.  Helium Radar is going to take full advantage, cameras drawn, ready to snap any of the action, and of course fashion, that cross our lines of sight.

Aside from the top-notch films showing at the California Theater and the downtown Camera Cinemas, there will be plenty of bars and restaurants taking part in the action you may be interested in.  Check the Cinequest site for details.

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Line: Never Gets Old
Designer: Amy Romaine
Site: amyann.net

Shoot Location: San Jose Skate

Never Gets Old

Since high school, Amy Romaine has been thrift store shopping and getting pieces that at first might look old and out dated, but after some re-sizing, re-sewing and some modern touches to them, become new one-of-a-kind pieces. For the past two years Amy started designing under the name Never Gets Old. Her line is the perfect example of how fun it is to be a girl. Her 2009 summer collection inspired by swimsuits of the 1930’s is filled with fun patterns that give every girl more of a reason to enjoy this wonderful California weather.

Helium Magazine: What does fashion mean to you?

Amy Romaine: Fashion to me is how you convey yourself to people; you can make a statement with what you wear. When you feel confident and comfortable you can convey that to people. You dress how you want people to view you. Fashion, overall is an artistic outlet.

HM: How did Never Gets Old get started and how long has it been establish?

AR: It got started with my love for making clothes and constant love for fashion. My mom is a die-heart thrift shopper and at these consignment and thrift stores I would get [these older vintage pieces] and re-size them and re-vamp them; to give them this modern newer look.  My mom came up with the name “Never Gets Old” and it has been my label for two and half years. But, since I was a sophomore [in high school], I’ve been re-vamping and sewing my own clothes.

HM: Who do you imagine wearing Never Gets Old?

AR: Everyone in the world!! I think Lindsay Lohan is fun and she could carry it well. Overall, girls who are not afraid to explore and take fashion related risks. Girls not afraid of anything and they just have fun with [fashion and style] and are easy going.

HM: How does Never Gets Old represent San Jose and the Bay Area?

AR: Well the coldest it gets here is what, like 40 degrees, sometimes not even that. In Connecticut it gets super cold and I love to design summer dresses and rompers; so living in California I have so much fun with this weather.

HM: What was your inspiration for this line?

AR: Oh this is fun, I was looking at swimsuits from 30’s and they were modest tankinis. Women back then didn’t show a lot of skin but were still so feminine and pretty, but modest at the same time. In the 60’s my mom used to wear one-piece bathing suits as an outfit with heels. She was a wild child.  At the same time, I knew ropers were going to be a big thing because they are so much fun.

HM: Where can people purchase your clothing?

AR: At Pink Stripe Boutique, located at Santana Row.

HM: What is your ultimate goal for Never Gets Old?

AR: It would be awesome to find a manufacture and use that as a resource, but at the same time still be able to give each piece that personal, original touch. But as of right now, I would love to work for Free People, in their design house. I’m using Never Gets Old to build up my portfolio and hopefully land an internship with them.

So for any and all girls out there who love to shop vintage, or even retro, but are worried about looking out dated; don’t freak out! Amy has your back and looking confident, girly and fashion forward Never Gets Old.

Interview by Jasmine Duarte

STAFF

Andrea Henneman – Photographer
Tim Walker – Retouching
Cliff Grodin – Lighting Technician
Kelly Tanimura - model
Tommy Henneman – model
Esther Au – Makeup & Hair Styling
Jennifer Giles – Model Coordinator
Jennifer Elias – Fashion Aide