by Sara Farizan BOSTON-This weekend kicks off the 27th annual Boston film festival, a haven for creative projects that may fly under the radar at larger festivals like Tribeca or Toronto, but are deservingly honored and featured in Beantown. With strong contenders and famous thespians, the festival from September 16-22 features shorts, documentaries and narrative films. Many of the films do not rely on special effects or sultry starlets to grab the audience's attention, but are indie driven productions with topical content close to the filmmaker's hearts. The festival begins with the film 'Certainty' written by "Glee" star (everyone's favorite Dad, Burt Hummel) Mike O'Malley, with an all-star cast including Bobby Moynihan of 'Saturday Night Live' notoriety, Giancarlo Esposito from AMC's hit "Breaking Bad" and icon Valerie Harper of "Rhoda" fame. 'Certainty' is the story of a young … [Read more...] about Boston Film Festival: Celebrity Power with Meaningful Projects

by Sara Farizan BOSTON- Artscope magazine had the good fortune to attend an advance screening of Alexandra Pelosi's new documentary Citizen USA: A 50 State Road Trip. In a time where immigration has become a very politicized and Fox News buzzword topic, filmmaker Pelosi has managed to remind us what it in fact does mean to be an American. Inspired by her husband's recent U.S. citizenship, Pelosi traveled all fifty states, visiting countless citizen oath ceremonies, and interviewed people from all over the world on their first day as a United States citizen. Pelosi, an established filmmaker with documentaries like Emmy winner "Journeys with George" and "The Trials of Ted Haggard" to name a few, has set out to make a positive homage to America's welcoming nature. Pelosi says, "Seeing America through the eyes of our newest citizens makes you realize all that we take for granted. The … [Read more...] about Citizen USA: A Documentary for All Americans

by Sara Farizan DANVERS- Benefit art auctions can sometimes feel like a bit of an obligation with attendees ranging from art aficionados looking for a great deal to supportive parents who do not really know what to make of their child’s abstract art piece. The Montserrat College of Art benefit art auction on April 30th however, entitled Artrageous, was anything but an obligation and harbored an enthusiastic crowd of around 600 attendees. Guests milled about a loft space provided by the evening’s sponsors, Brookwood Financial and Partners, taking in exceptional art, interactive art installations and getting to know students working at the benefit. As attendees perused silent auction items varying from mixed media portraits, custom made jewelry and even sports paraphernalia they were also treated to amazing food items like mini lobster rolls, ceviche and personal sized chicken potpies. … [Read more...] about ARTRAGEOUS! A Benefit for Montserrat College