Byron Hurt Dishes About His 'Soul Food Junkies' Journey

Director Byron Hurt on the set of "Soul Food Junkies." Photos from "Soul Food Junkies" Facebook page.

BYRON Hurt’s latest documentary, “Soul Food Junkies,” has been a labor of love. Though it grew out of a tragedy – the death of his father at 63 from pancreatic, it is bearing the director bushels of fruit.

“Soul Food Junkies,” which asks in part whether soul food is killing blacks, had its world premiere at the American Black Film Festival (ABFF) where it won the best documentary prize. The film has also been added to the roster of PBS’ upcoming season of “Independent Lens.” Last Sunday, a special screening of the film was arranged for select backers and supporters at the Performing Arts Center at Baruch College. (See VEVLYN'S PEN review at http://www.ow.ly/cVaQV and trailer below).

On Thursday, “Soul Food Junkies” has its long-awaited New York premiere when ImageNation Cinema Foundation (http://www.bit.ly/nICoq) hosts a screening, panel discussion and performance at Lincoln Center’s Walter Reade Theater.

Yours Truly, who has known BH since he was in pampers – just kidding, but a longtime – managed to track him down long enough to pepper him with a few questions about the continuing evolution of  “Soul Food Junkies” (“SFJ”).

YT: Congratulations on the success of “Soul Food Junkies” so far. What are some of the feedback/reactions you are getting about the film?
BH: So far the response has been overwhelmingly positive and affirming of the film's timeliness and relevance. Audiences have been sharing their personal stories about family members, friends, and loved ones who are dealing with health-related problems. Many audience members talk openly about how the film resonates with them personally. It has yet to fail to stimulate important, powerful community discussions.

YT: How has your diet changed from the time you began filming “SFJ” to now? Does that go for your family, too?
BH: My diet has changed pretty dramatically since I was a child, teenager and young adult. I would have to say, looking back, that I ate horribly. I even worked at McDonald's as a teenager! Over the past 10-15 years, however, my diet has evolved and I've been very health conscious. After working on this film, I've become even more aware about health and nutrition and what I put, or don't put, into my body. Since the time that the film began, I have transitioned to a mostly vegetable-based diet, with daily exercise.

YT: What kind of healthy eating evangelism are you doing in your circle of friends, family and colleagues or are you letting “SFJ”speak for you?
BH: I let “Soul Food Junkies” speak for itself at this point. I think, because of this film, people expect me to be some kind of food police whenever we're out to dinner, but I'm not. Simply because, I don't think that works. My film is my contribution to the "food revolution," if you will. I will let the educators and health and wellness community use my film to their benefit, as a teaching tool. But I have no plans to challenge every person in my presence to change their diet.

YT: Other than the remarks you make toward the end of “SFJ,” what do you mainly want viewers to take away?
BH: I want viewers to be more aware of what they put into their bodies, why, and the impact it may have on the quality of life, long term. I also want them to pay closer attention to the food they have access to, or don't have access to, in their communities.

Two soul food classics: Barbecue and cabbage greens, left, and fried chicken, below.

YT: Briefly discuss your exercise regimen.
BH: I work out at least 30 minutes per day, every day. I do some form of cardio and weight training during my workouts. I don't overtrain. I give my body rest when it needs it. But at the very least I go for a light walk for 30 minutes every day. I also take those small steps you read about in health and fitness magazines that make a big difference. I take the stairs instead of the elevator. I park far away from the supermarket to increase my steps walking to the market, I walk NYC blocks instead of taking the subway (depending on the distance and time permitting). When I can't make it to the gym, I use fitness DVDs or choose an "On Demand" workout to get my exercise in.

YT: Describe the reception of “SFJ” at the ABFF after the screening? What about after the win for best documentary?
BH: It was outstanding! The audience really loved and appreciated the film. Made a brotha feel good!

YT: During the ABFF awards ceremony when best documentary category contestants were being announced, recall what was going through your mind.
BH: What went through my mind was, ‘I want to win! Please, God, let me win!’ I also thought about my father, to whom this film is dedicated. The day of the awards ceremony, it was the fifth anniversary of his passing.

YT: What were you thinking when your name and the name of your film were announced as the winner?
BH: My first reaction was, "Yes!" And also, "Thank you!" for being selected as the winner. I was also extremely self-conscious and preoccupied with my casual attire because I did not have time to go back to my hotel room and get dressed up after the final screening of my film. So I attended the ceremony in shorts and a T-shirt. That was not my plan and I was very regretful that I did not make sure I had time to change. So I was thinking, "Oh my gosh, I played myself."

YT: What kind of perks does/has the win netted you and “SFJ?”
BH: I won the CNN Best Documentary Award so higher ups at CNN got a chance to see the film. They've been in touch with me about doing a piece about me and the film. There was a small cash prize, and I've been approached by other film festivals. I think the biggest perk is that the film has a certain credibility and profile that it didn't have previous to winning the award. People pay attention more when you say, "the film won the CNN Best Documentary Award."

YT: In what other film festivals are you submitting “SFJ?”
BH: “Soul Food Junkies” will be in the Urban World Film Festival. I plan on resubmitting to Sundance, in the off chance that they may select it, even though it's had its world premiere.

YT: Briefly discuss how “SFJ” was selected for Independent Lens. Do you know the exact date it will air on Independent Lens.
BH: My funder, ITVS (Independent Television Service), submitted “Soul Food Junkies” to both PBS strands, “Independent Lens” and “POV.” “Independent Lens” jumped on the opportunity to broadcast the film and sent me a contract to license the film. I wanted to work with them because they were great to work with for my previous film, ”Hip-Hop: Beyond Beats and Rhymes.” “Soul Food Junkies” will air Monday, Jan. 14, 2013 at 10 p.m. (EST) Check local listings.

YT: Where are you in the distribution process with “SFJ?”
BH: I have a couple of distribution deals that I am entertaining and will make a decision shortly.



YT: Briefly describe your next project to the extent that you are at liberty to disclose details about it.
BH: I am not at liberty to discuss it at this point, but I have my next film project narrowed down to three very exciting topics that I'd love to explore.

YT: Is there something that you would like to add?
BH: I'd like to add that I feel extremely blessed and grateful to have the opportunity to use my voice in a powerful and helpful way. I live a charmed life and am very thankful to be positioned in the culture as a documentarian and activist whom people trust, respect, and support.

Visit http://www.bit.ly/NAZYpD to purchase tickets to the New York premiere of “Soul Food Junkies"; visit http://www.facebook.com/SoulFoodJunkies to learn more about the film.

Looking Ahead at Time Before Doraemon, a Stray Cat

The scene on opening day of “100 Years Before the Birth of Doraemon.” Photos by Garrige Ho/Getty Images.

THE beloved Doraemon is getting the deluxe treatment in Hong Kong with a massive exhibit, “100 Years Before the Birth of Doraemon.”

On view at Harbour City’s Ocean Terminal Forecourt until 16 Sept., the exhibit is billed as the largest celebration in honor of the Japanese animated (anime) character. Three installations are set up at different parts of Harbour City. There, too, is "Concept Expo: Gadgets in the Future,” showcasing 30 original gadgets created by artists from around the world and the pop-up Doraemon-themed café, BO-LO’GNE.

BO-LO’GNE café is all about Doraemon.

“Doraemon,” wildly popular in Asia, particularly Japan where it originated, is a series that follows the exploits of a robotic cat of the same name that travels from the 22^nd century to help a 20^th-century schoolboy named Nobita Nob. Message-based, it focuses on such life lessons as honor, perseverance and courage. In English, “Doraemon” roughly translates into stray cat.

Produced in conjunction with “100 Years Before the Birth of Doraemon” are limited–edition postcards and Doraemon dolls. Proceeds from sales of the items are to be donated to Make-A-Wish Hong Kong.

Life-sized Doraemons are for purchase for a good cause.

The exhibit opened earlier this month with lots of pomp, including 100 original life-sized Doraemon figures equipped with a different secret gadget. In attendance at opening day of “100 Years Before the Birth of Doraemon” were more than 100 organizations, creative types and a representative from Japan’s Consulate-General office in Hong Kong.

Viist http://www.facebook.com/100Doraemon/ to get updates on “100 Years Before the Birth of Doraemon.”

An Extraordinary Wish in ‘Hari-Kiri: Death of a Samurai’

A samurai (Ebizo Ichikawa) goes to his feudal lord (Koji Yakusho) with a surprising request: He desires an honorable death by ritual suicide in the former’s courtyard.

Taken aback, the lord recounts the tale of another who made such a request and came to a bad end, owing to less than honorable motives.

The samurai won’t take a stern warning for an answer and pursues his quest by any means necessary, setting off the action in Takashi Miike’s “Hari-Kiri: Death of a Samurai.”

Shot in 3D, the Tribeca Film release is available on VOD and is playing in select theaters in the United States, including Four Star Cinema in San Francisco.

Of Hari-Kiri: Death of a Samurai, TM said in production notes, “What excites me about resurrecting this film from the past is being able to feel first-hand the existence of the universal human suffering which "Hari-Kiri: Death of a Samurai" depicts at its core as it transcends time, genres and countries.” In Japanese with English subtitles. (See trailer above).

Hari-Kiri: Death of a Samurai is not rated. Visit http://www.harakiri2012.com to learn more about the film.

'Red Hook Summer' Moving Beyond Borders of New York
SPIKE Lee's "Red Hook Summer" (http://www.ow.ly/cTvf4) is slowly rolling out across the country.

Set in Brooklyn, the film chronicles the multiple culture shocks experienced by a 13-year-old middle-class Atlanta boy who journeys to New York to spend the summer with the religious grandfather he is meeting for the first time. It opens today in Atlanta, Baltimore, Chicago, Los Angeles, Philadelphia and Washington, DC. (SL reflects on "Red Hook Summer" in video).

“Red Hook Summer” is rated R for brief violence, language and a disturbing situation. Visit http://www.redhooksummer.com/ to learn more about the film.

It's Summertime and the Sales Are Easy

Where has the month gone? According to the calendar, it is 23 Aug.

August, what an august month! It presides over many noteworthy events, one of the biggest of which is clothing and accessory sales. By the start of the month, just about every major department store, designer and discounter has plastered the joint with signs advertising markdowns on their merchandise.

For serious buyers, meaning bargain hunters, this is the best time of year to top up the spring/summer wardrobe for next year. Of course, things have been mercilessly pawed over, but amongst the rubble are always a few gems.

Below is info on and photos of wares from a few shops/boutiques on the path less trodden that also have hanging sales shingles.

MADISON LOS ANGELES


WHEN IS THE SALE: As long as stock lasts
WHERE TO SHOP THE SALE: In Los Angeles stores and online
WHAT IS THE DEAL (SALE): 50% off; take an additional 20% off sale price when three or more times are purchased.
TERMS: All sales are final.
WEB SITE: http://www.madisonlosangeles.com
PICTURED: Python pumps with 4.5" heel were $595.00, are now $178.50. Cotton-knit crochet dress was $298, is now $89.40.

DUNCAN QUINN


WHEN IS THE SALE: Continuing through 25 Aug.
WHERE TO SHOP THE SALE: At Los Angeles, Miami and New York boutiques as well as online
WHAT IS THE THE DEAL (SALE): Up to 70% off; deals on size 36 and 44 suits
TERMS: All sales are final. No returns, refunds or exchanges.
WEB SITE: http://www.duncanquinn.com/ (Shoppers may need to click on actual item to be taken to page that shows whether it is on sale).
PICTURED: Fleur de lys cotton shirt is $175. Brown pinstripe suit, made from 100 percent English wool is $1,625.00.

LOLAS LOLOS LOLITOS


WHEN IS THE SALE: 25 and 26 Aug., 10 a.m - 6p.m
WHERE TO SHOP THE SALE: At Coolture Showroom in New York
WHAT IS THE DEAL (SALE): More than 50% off
TERMS: All sales are final.
WEB SITE: http://www.coolture-newyork.com/, http://www.lolasloloslolitos.com/
PICTURED: The Camisa was $65, and is now $20. All espadrilles, including the navy pair, were $65 to $165, and are now $30.

BONOBOS


WHEN IS THE SALE:  As long as stock lasts
WHERE TO SHOP THE SALE:  In New York and Palo Alto stores as well as online
WHAT IS THE DEAL (SALE):  Up to around 70% off
TERMS:  Free and fast shipping. Insanely easy returns.
WEB SITE: http://www.bonobos.com/clothing-sale-for-men
PICTURED: Rivieras cotton mesh orange slip-On shoes were $70, are now $50. Cotton navy paisley print straight leg washed chinos were $98, are now $78.

BROOKLYN INDUSTRIES


WHEN IS THE SALE:  As long as stock lasts
WHERE TO SHOP THE SALE:  In New York, Chicago and Portland as well as online
WHAT IS THE DEAL (SALE):  20% off; ONLINE ONLY:  extra 25 percent off sale items with code:   SUMMEREND12
TERMS:   Items marked “Final Sale” at the time of purchase may not be returned or exchanged. This includes “Sale Items” purchased during additional % off sale promotions.
WEB SITE: http://www.brooklynindustries.com/sale/
PICTURED:  Baako chambray shorts were $78.00, are now $49.99. Heather henley open scoopneck shirt was 38.99, is now $9.99. Online shoppers can get an additional 25 percent off sale items.

Some Gold Medal Moments w/Bryan Bros. at 'The Serve'

OK, big bro (Mike Bryan on the left). It's your turn to serve; show 'em what you got, says Bob Bryan.

BOB, no. Too much air.
Mike, it’s spilling over the top. No! … TIMBER!!!!!
Tilt it a little more to the right, Bob. Put your thumb in it.
Mike, close but …
Yeah, steady she goes … slower, slower; that’s about the best you’re gonna do. Decent pour, Bob

It was not a gold medal performance when Bob and Mike Bryan aka the Bryan Brothers attempted to master The Serve. (See the ugly truth in some slightly blurry photos taken by Yours Truly).

The gold-medal winning, gold-medal wearing, fun-loving, doubles tennis-playing twins were roundly and soundly trounced in that pursuit by Heineken draught expert and master pourer Franck Evers in a pour-off. That was the result last night at Ph-D at the Dream Hotel in New York City’s Meatpacking District. The object of the exercise was for the brothers (and Star-Tenders) to outclass the master in The Art of The Serve, the perfect Heineken pour. You know what they say – you can’t beat a master at his own game.

Bob, that's your best serve, my man, says master pourer Franck Evers, slightly off camera.

The Serve is Heineken’s way of celebrating the start of the U.S. Open, which unofficially commences with the qualies (U.S. Open qualifying rounds). They started yesterday and, weather permitting, will wrap on Friday. Actual tournament play begins on Monday. The Serve is one of numerous events that the longtime U.S. Open sponsor has planned over the next two weeks or so. The Bryan Brothers are busy, too, off the court. In a couple day's time, they will serve as sous chefs for a good cause in the 2012 BNP Paribas Taste of Tennis.

Though the brothers lost The Serve, all was not lost. They mixed and mingled with the crowd, allowing a chosen few – including Yours Truly – to fondle and take photos with their gold medals.(Heavy!)

In closing, there is a recipe for The Art of The Serve, the perfect Heineken pour. The ingredients, in perfect order:
1 clean Heineken glass
Tilt
Pour
Create the head
Side slice the head to seal the flavor
Serve

'The Serve' in Pictures

He's a little nervous because he's never done this before, so let's make him feel right at home.

That's it, son. That's the spirit. You have a future with The Serve but not as bright as mine.

Whaddaya say? Should we give this one a chance to serve, too.

Check out my slice, Mike.

Mike, tilt the glass, not your head.

Gal pal Dawne Marie Grannum, Mike Bryan and Yours Truly holding the gold. Photo by Good Samaritan.

Daring to Unite Around a Vision on DreamDay 2012

Writing down a goal or making a Dream Declaration and pursuing it is a DreamDay 2012 mandate. Photos courtesy of DreamDay 2012 Web site.

BY DARALYN JAY

When yogi Claudine leads her class in Australia the downward dogs will make history. So will Versanette’s open mic in Chicago and the barbecue Shyvonne is hosting in Bermuda.

These are among numerous events that will be going on around the world on Saturday (25 Aug.) to mark DreamDay 2012. Simply put, it is an international day to celebrate the creation and activation of dreams.

“This is the first time in history that people will collectively carve out time to co-create future possibilities across live and digital channels,” says Ozioma Egwuonwu, founder of DreamDay 2012 and BurnBright Lifeworks, Inc. (http://www.bit.ly/SiyFH3)

“Every year, many countries around the world honor their ability to labor with labor holidays,” OE states in the DreamDay 2012 manifesto. “This year, we want to honor the dreamer, the visionary, the innovator and the simple truth that before one labors, one must dream.”

To that end, the dream activist, motivational strategist and inspirational speaker, has facilitated events as well as provided free tools and techniques on the DreamDay2012 Web site. (http://www.bit.ly/SjS6PC) One very user-friendly tool is the Dream Declaration. In this exercise, participants focus on a particular dream, desire or goal; write it down on a piece of paper or placard, and visualize ways to realize it.

Dream Dialogues are conversations between two people who work together to empower each other to activate their dreams. Another aide is OE’s Dream Strategy seminar on how to attain goals, which will end with an invitation to viewers to make a Dream Declaration. The seminar will be streamed live at 6 p.m. EDT on Saturday from Brooklyn, NY. (http://www.bit.ly/MITCIV)

Don't have time for dreams? The Pomodoro Technique could be just the thing. Created by entrepreneur, mentor and instructor Francesco Cirillo, TPT is a time management method that breaks down tasks in 25-minute intervals called pomodoros (Italian for tomato) with breaks in between.

Dream Declaration: To shine a light on the good within.

Citizens of the world are strongly encouraged to participate in DreamDay 2012, to host an event – for instance a yoga class, especially if they can’t get to Australia for Claudine's session. Or to attend a gathering/join an activity such as the lecture on Dreams as Reality in Nigeria and the SpreadLight card game at the community picnic in Toronto.

OE, who appears in the video above, plans to make DreamDay an annual event and envisions it eventually growing into a full week of activities.

Visit http://www.dayfordreamers.com to learn more about DreamDay 2012, including free online registration.

Referencing a Big Event on DETAILS Wall

AN attractive young woman is striking a pose; a disc jockey is spinning with serious intensity, and a crowd in the background is rockin' it out.

Passers going by 1 Prince St. (at Bowery) in New York City will have to be sight-impaired to miss the colorful attraction on the wall at The DETAILS Guild. It is actually an installation commemorating the association between watch maker, TW Steel, and singer-songwriter Kelly Rowland. It depicts KR and DJ Mitchell Niemeyer and some party people having a little fun. Space in the spotlight is also given to TW Steel, and the wrist watches that KR and MN are wearing are visible but not overtly so.

The watch that caused a fireworks display and inspired a piece of artwork. Photo courtesy of TW Steel.

KR and TW Steel are partners on the Kelly Rowland CEO Tech special edition watch. The company, whose avatar is "Big in Oversized Watches," threw a smashing launch party for the stylish timekeeper last month in the space at the top of the Standard Hotel. KR was turned out in a fire-engine red dress; MN was throwin' down some serious sounds, and a display of fireworks lit the sky outside the cavernous windows of the erstwhile Boom Boom Room.(http://www.bit.ly/PTsxnI)

Now the occasion lives on for a spell in the form of the installation titled "This Is My Time," for the KR single. It is the work of street artist Meres One and will be on view until early September. See the collage below that depicts its evolution from earlier stages through to completion.

The DETAILS Guild is a DETAILS magazine project designed to support, develop and promote the creative arts and their role on the Lower East Side.

Visit http://www.detailsinsider.com/the-guild/ to learn more about The DETAILS Guild and http://www.twsteel.com to learn more about TW Steel.

"This Is My Time" as it elapsed 
It's a good start.

A little color for the first musical note.

Gotta show my man, Mitch, some love.

Not quite feelin' it; something's missing.

An artist with the tools of his trade  and latest work.

It is finished!

In BBC America Series, 'Copper,' It is the Wild, Wild East

Cast member of "Copper" at the premiere party at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City. From left, Tessa Thompson, Dylan Taylor, Kyle Schmid, Tom Weston-Jones, Franka Potente, Ato Essandoh, Tanya Fischer, Kevin Ryan and Anastasia Griffith. Photo by Andy Kropa/Getty Images.

IT is 1864 New York City. Tensions are still raw from the deadly and divisive Draft Riots of 1863.

The scene is the notorious crime, disease- and vice-ridden Lower East City enclave, Five Points. The worst neighborhood in New York of today ain't got nothin' on Five Points.

These are the means streets that Irish immigrant, Det. Kevin Corcoran (Tom Weston-Jones), works in “Copper," the first original series from BBC America. It premieres tonight at 10 (EDT), with numerous repeats, after a swanky premiere screening party on Wednesday night at New York City’s Museum of Modern Art (MoMA). Was the Lower East Side Tenement Museum not available?

In tonight’s episode Det. Corcoran is investigating the murder of a neighborhood girl. He is aided in his investigations during the course of the 10-part series by two seemingly unlikely allies: Dr. Matthew Freeman (Ato Essandoh, who discusses his role in the video below) and Mr. Robert Morehouse (Kyle Schmid).

The doctor is a free Negro, hence his surname; the mister is from a wealthy white family. Det. Corcoran is neither. This is before the Irish were white. The three fought in the Civil War and are inextricably tied despite the disapproval of many in their respective communities.

The British know how to do up a period piece, for “Copper” appears to be authentic on every level, right down to the nuances of language. Credit for some of this no doubt goes to two of the show’s Yank producers – Barry Levinson and Tom Fontana. TF is also a co-creator and acts as the host of “Copper.”

Anyone who liked “Gangs of New York” will cotton to “Copper.” It is well-done all around and will assist viewer understanding of New York City history, as well as the back story of the racial/ethnic tensions that still plague the city today.

Visit http://www.bbcamerica.com/copper/ to learn more about “Copper.”