sandiegousa: June 2010

Las Vegas Film Fest

Film Panel

The Las Vegas International Film Festival kicked off its three day run on June 4-6, 2010 at the Las Vegas Hilton Hotel. Mayor Oscar Goodman predicted the film fest would be spectacular and he was right. It was great with 40 films that were selected from over a thousand entries.
Milo Kostelecky Director of Operations did a splendid job of putting together the film festival, which brought in fans from all over the world to mingle with all the independent filmmakers, screen writers and actors, actresses, producers and directors. Milo’s goal is to touch the community and have them say that it was great. I for one will say it was great. www.lvfilmfest.com

It was exciting to see the student filmmakers from the University of Nevada and the college of Southern Nevada. Each school featured a short block of excellent films. All the films were impressive and some took an entire semester to film. We are proud of the work they are doing and know that another Spielberg is in that group.
High Rollers was the first film to start off the film festival. Jessie Eisenberg (Zombieland) starred in High Rollers which was an official selection at the 2010 Sundance Film Festival. It is based on a true story of Hasidic Jews who were recruited to smuggle Ecstasy into the United States. It shows their struggle between God, family and money.

Kevin Asch Director

Bicycle Dreams is a 3000 mile trip riding across America on a bicycle, pushing their bodies to the limit. This documentary shows the transformation and tragedies of these voyagers. Dr. Bob Breedlove was killed in a collision with a car while on this journey.

Dr. Bob Breedlove

Unrivaled is the story of Ringo Duran who dreams of becoming a professional fighter. Ringo has two dead end jobs and longs to compete in the Extreme Cage Fighting league. His friend enrolls him in the competition and he has his chance of a lifetime.

Warren Sonoda, Director Jordan Madley Sean Buckley, Producer

Stripped has been shown on Showtime and it features every day people who are okay with taking off their clothes and posing nude in front of the camera. Greg Freidler found it easy to have people strip in front of his camera. After all this is Sin City. Greg said he likes Las Vegas but only in small doses. I actually know one of the models, Angelique Morgan who was in the Reality Show “Rock of Love”, starring Bret Michaels. Angelique is a local and quite famous here.

Greg Freidler

Angelique Morgan

In My Sleep starred Philip Winchester and Lacey Chabert and was directed by Alan Wolf. It is a story about a man who thinks he has murdered someone in his sleep. It keeps you sitting at the edge of your chair.

Alan Wolf

My Run is an award winning documentary and narrated by Billy Bob Thornton. Terry Hitchcock brings awareness to single parent families by running 75 consecutive marathons by running a marathon distance of 27 miles every day. It was a 2000 mile journey from Bloomington, Minnesota to Atlanta, GA. Terry was called a real life Forrest Gump. As the director/producer, Tim Vandensteeg identified with the story because he was raised in a single family home by his mother

Tim Vandensteeg, Christine Redlin, Mark Castaldo

Mark Castaldo Milo Kostelecky

Rubio’s was one of the sponsors and they supplied the most delicious burritos I have ever had. Rubio’s opened all their stores to the public all day Thursday by supplying the public with free food and then again at the after party on Saturday night at the pool at Simon’s Palms Place.

The opening night party was held at the Artisan Hotel which has been dramatically renovated. The art filled lobby and the floor and ceiling paintings are beautiful. It is absolutely stunning and it takes your breath away. The eclectic décor is elegant, from the chandeliers to the gothic furnishings. Under the ownership of Stephen Siegel, this will be an ultimate escape for locals and tourists. Special events and happy hours are forthcoming. http://www.artisanhotel.com/

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Visit sandiegousa for Daily Updated Wedding Dresses Collection

MJ Christensen Diamonds

MJ Christensen Diamonds once again came through with an event, “Celebrating Life” to honor the cancer survivors. Susan G. Komen for the cure was represented at a ladies night out at MJ Christensen’s store and hosted by the owners Cliff and Darlene Miller.

Cliff and Darlene Miller

Cliff began his jewelry career in 1970 with his designer jewelry and the intriguing diamond designs. His wife Darlene, daughter, two sons and daughter-in-law work in the business with him, making this a family affair. The diamonds are absolutely stunning and the inventory is massive.

Lynn Copriviza, a registered jeweler at MJ Christensen, was instrumental in putting this together and was busy the entire evening overlooking the event. There were fabulous raffle prizes, gift cards, show tickets, spa certificates, lots of diamond earrings, pendants and many other gifts.

Lynn Copriviza
Southern Wine and Spirits, one of the sponsors, provided some great wines and were served by the friendliest bartenders.

Southern Wine and Spirits

The party would not be complete without music and that was provided by D.C. Toney. He did a great job selecting all the perfect songs.

D.C. Toney

Paula Francis a Channel 8 News Anchor woman was on hand to talk and meet many of the cancer survivors who have faced the challenge and have won. Stephanie Kirby, the Executive Director of Susan G. Komen was also present and was greeted by a lot of smiling faces.

Paula Francis

April Swartz, Mrs. Nevada-America 2009 was there. She is a beautiful young lady and has served us well this last year and we are very proud of her.

April Swartz, Mrs. Nevada-America 2009

Amanda Kouretas, Mrs Red Rock America 2010 will be vying for the title in July for Mrs. Nevada-America 2010. Oh to be young again and have the beauty of these two stunning women.

Amanda Kouretas, Mrs. Red Rock America 2010

Amongst all these women I found two of my favorite Chippendales, Jace Crispin and Chaun Thomas, and my heart went a flutter as it usually does when I am in their company. The Chippendales are the most perfect men that I can find today and they bring smiles and joy to all women. I was not surprised to see them there because they are noted to support a lot of charities and are always spreading good will to many organizations in town. The Chippendales perform at the Rio Hotel and it is a must show to see. I have seen it five times and I can’t wait to go back again.