Upright & Stowed

FilmAid Rocks

This is a picture of the NASDAQ opening bell celebration on Wednesday morning.  The cast of characters includes the founders, board members and Executive Director of FilmAid, an amazing organization that harnesses the emotional, educational and inspirational power of film to enrich and empower displaced people throughout the world. 

The shorter, smiling guy front and center is my dear friend Steve, who runs the organization.  The tall guy in the center is the incredible Valentino Achak Deng, the young Sudanese man who survived the brutal Sudanese civil war and is the subject of Dave Eggers heartbreaking and beautiful What is the What. 

FilmAid hosted its annual gala this week, and I was fortunate to attend the event and hear Valentino speak.  Check out the FilmAid website.  If its mission moves you, go ahead and donate.   Here's to Steve, to FilmAid and to anyyone who finds it in his or her heart to help a far-away stranger.

Chelsea is Burning: Mark Your Calendar

In 1990, the film Paris is Burning set screens afire with an inside look at the famous drag balls of 1980's New York City.  The documentary was an instant  classic.  On Thursday night Paris... is being shown as part of the hilarious (and aptly titled) Chelsea Classics series, hosted and narrated by drag superstar Hedda Lettuce.  If you haven't seen the film in awhile (or ever), this is your chance.  I'll be there – 9:30 viewing.  Photo