#War Animals: The Unsung Heroes of World War II

[arts-cintora]

Working with Disney

Walt Disney, the visionary behind the most iconic and beloved entertainment empire in the world, created magic that continues to enchant audiences of all ages. While Disney's contributions to the world of animation and entertainment are well-documented, the stories of those who worked closely alongside him often remain hidden gems in the treasure trove of Disney history. Among these unsung heroes are Frank Thomas and Walter Lantz, two individuals who played instrumental roles in the development and success of Disney's animated masterpieces. As legendary animators and storytellers, their experiences working alongside Walt Disney offer us unique insights into the creative genius of the man behind our beloved mouse.

Let’s dive in into Frank Thomas interview with Don peri

Frank Thomas was a renowned American animator who left an indelible mark on the world of animation through his creative contributions to the Walt Disney Company. He was born on September 5, 1913. He joined Disney’s teams with the first feature length film Snow White and the seven dwarfs and he became a key figure in almost every Disney animated movie. He later became one of the famous Disney’s Nine Old Men, who were the core animators for the company.

Franks first impression of Walt Disney:

Frank Thomas stated, “I think I was probably more impressed with his product than I was with him as a person” (working with Disney, page 5). Their early encounters were brief and pleasant, with casual greetings in the hallways of the Disney studio. Frank Thomas recalls a significant moment when he was working on a large amount of animation footage for the film "Three Little Wolves" under the supervision of Freddy Moore. Disney noticed the workload and, concerned that it might be too much for one person, called Thomas in for a conversation. Frank Thomas expressed his eagerness to handle the task on his own, believing that he was the best person for the job. Disney, known for his piercing looks, agreed to let Thomas try. This initial interaction between Thomas and Disney was positive, with Disney showing confidence in Thomas's abilities. The relationship between Thomas and Disney at this early stage was characterized by mutual respect, with Disney valuing Thomas's work and ideas. There was no significant pressure, and it was a generally pleasant professional relationship.

Franks opinion about Disney's peak art:

In this interview passage, Frank Thomas reflects on Walt Disney's creative journey and the evolution of Disney animation. He highlights Walt Disney's innovative and curious nature, emphasizing Disney's constant quest for exploring the potential of animation. Disney's approach was marked by a desire to improve and innovate, rather than accepting things as they were. Thomas suggests that Disney's peak in animation was reached with "Snow White," a film known for its rich character development and strong story concept. However, Disney's ambition led him to create more elaborate projects like "Pinocchio," "Fantasia," "Bambi," and "Dumbo." World War II disrupted Disney's creative expansion, leading him to focus on more cost-effective projects and eventually branching out into other ventures like TV shows, theme parks, and live-action films. Frank Thomas also mentions the loss of certain animation techniques and the diverse experimentation happening in the world of animation. He concludes that Disney didn't have a single “zenith” or peak moment but consistently aimed to improve and innovate, adapting to changing circumstances and exploring new creative frontiers.

Frank’s thoughts about the studio strike:

In this part of the interview, Frank Thomas reflects on his experiences working at Disney during a time of great change and upheaval, particularly during the wartime years. He recalls a sense of camaraderie and a strong sense of belonging among the Disney staff, with perks like having a coffee shop and dedicated switchboard operators who catered to the needs of the employees. This sense of support and care from Walt Disney fostered a paternalistic atmosphere, where the employees felt they were taken care of by the company. He appreciated this paternalistic approach, viewing it as a positive aspect of his work environment. However, he acknowledges that not everyone felt the same way. Some employees might have seen it as a form of control or intrusion.The passage also highlights labor issues, including layoffs and salary inequalities, which led to unrest among the workforce. Frank Thomas suggests that there was communist influence within the union leadership, adding to the challenges and tensions. Furthermore, this part of the interview touches on differing perspectives regarding job security and career choices. While Disney believed that individuals unsuited for animation should consider other options, some employees felt too invested in their careers to leave. These differing attitudes contributed to the labor disputes and challenges faced by Disney during this period.

And last but not least, Frank’s opinion on Walt’s leadership and work style:

Frank Thomas expresses that he wouldn't change anything about Walt Disney because while Disney could be both inspiring and frustrating, his leadership style was highly effective in motivating people to give their best. Disney had a unique ability to ignite excitement and passion in his employees, making them work on projects that challenged and thrilled them. However, Disney also had a tendency to abruptly change directions or shelve projects, which could be a shattering experience for those deeply involved. Overall, Thomas acknowledges that Disney's approach, while sometimes challenging, was instrumental in bringing out the best in his employees and driving them to create exceptional work.

Let’s jump straight ahead to the interview with Walter Lantz

Walter Lantz was born on April 27, 1900. He began his animation career at 16 years old alongside Gregory La Cava at a studio set up by newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst to create cartoons from the most popular comic strips. After the studio closing, Walter’s career took reins at Universal studios, creating his most famous character, Woody Woodpecker. When Disney lost the rights for Oswald the Lucky Rabbit, Lantz took over Mintz (the owner of the character) as the producer.

Walter’s thoughts regarding Oswald The Lucky Rabbit:

Walt Disney had initially created Oswald the Lucky Rabbit for Universal, but when Universal did not show interest in the character, Disney left the company. Disney's departure led to the creation of Mickey Mouse, which ultimately became a massive success. Universal, after Disney's departure, wanted to start its own cartoon department and asked Lantz to set it up. Lantz agreed to do so under the condition that he could redesign the character, turning Oswald from a black and white rabbit with long ears into a white rabbit. Lantz then describes how he produced Oswald the Lucky Rabbit for Universal for ten years, setting up the entire cartoon department from scratch and producing over two hundred cartoons. In 1937, Lantz became an independent producer, and Universal faced financial troubles, so they asked him to produce cartoons independently, which they would release. This led to Universal assigning the copyrights of the characters Lantz had created for them, including Oswald the Lucky Rabbit. However, Lantz retained the copyright for Oswald the Lucky Rabbit, making him the sole owner of that character's copyright.

Walter’s connection with other animators including Disney: 

Walter Lantz describes the close-knit and cooperative relationship that existed among prominent figures in the animation industry during his time. He mentions the Animated Cartoon Association, a group that included not only Lantz but also Leon Schlesinger of Warner Bros., Fred Quimby of MGM, and Walt Disney. This association allowed these figures to cooperate and share information and talent in a friendly and supportive manner. Lantz emphasizes that there was no "pirating" of animators or artists between studios. If an animator expressed interest in working for another studio, such as Disney, Lantz and the other producers would discuss it openly, and salary considerations were taken into account. There was a sense of camaraderie among these producers, and they genuinely respected each other's work and artists.

And last but not least, Walter’s opinion between a big animation studio and a small animation workplace: 

This section of the interview touches on Lantz's own journey in animation, from working for Mack Sennett to eventually starting his own animation studio. He also mentions the influence of visual humor and the importance of well-developed characters. Lantz acknowledges the presence of talent in the animation industry, including at institutions like CalArts, which he supports through scholarships. However, he notes the challenge of maintaining the quality and depth of full animation in today's cost and time-limited industry, where animators often have to produce significantly more footage in a shorter amount of time. This shift has led to a different approach to animation, emphasizing limited animation techniques, which can result in less detailed and expressive characters and storytelling.

In conclusion, the interviews conducted by Don Peri with Frank Thomas and Walter Lantz provide valuable insights into the world of animation, both in its early days and its evolution over time. These interviews offer a unique perspective on the animation industry, its iconic figures, and the challenges and changes it has undergone.

From Frank Thomas, we gain a deeper understanding of the innovative spirit of Walt Disney and his tireless pursuit of creative excellence. Thomas's recollections shed light on the dynamics within Disney's animation studio and the challenges of balancing artistry with economic considerations. Thomas's account of his early interactions with Walt Disney and his observations of Disney's leadership style offer a glimpse into the complexities of working in a highly creative environment.

Walter Lantz's interview provides an interesting perspective on the animation industry's transformation. Lantz's experiences with characters like Oswald the Lucky Rabbit and Woody Woodpecker reveal the evolution of animated characters and storytelling over the years. Lantz's critical view of contemporary animation highlights the changes in humor and style, emphasizing the importance of visual humor and character development, which he believes has disapeared in modern animation.

The insights offered by Frank Thomas and Walter Lantz serve as a valuable resource for understanding the past and appreciating the evolving world of animation.

Sources:

Working with Disney, Interviews with animators, producers, and artists by Don peri, published in 2011.

[grapesodadarkchocolate]

A Story A Story

Stories animate. As I allow them to speak, they continue to tell me more. Honoring what resides within. More of my own truth and beauty. It is as if they could be sitting at a crowded Thanksgiving table sharing, reminiscing, offering laughter and song, adding more than the humans near by. Extolling connection, support, encouragement, and delight. Letting their voices speak.

When I complete a story, it is not done. It has more to say. It continues to inform. Giving voice and energy to what is amazing and captivating. Not weighted down by earthly constraints. Few rules are followed or mandated. As I throw out more understanding of the heaviness that has existed for me, pushing my way through, story uncovers more. Providing the more to the less. The up to the down. The content to the forlorn. The good to the bad. 

I am still feeling the impact of all that has changed. All that has felt as a loss. Though it is as if the storying is propelling itself up from somewhere underneath. Coming from deep down and within. Seeking to be thrust up and into a light that offers a power that had been covered over. Something that was being shrouded. Not so much because of who I am but by what has surrounded me. Illuminating that which seeks to transcend. Wanting to engage others in my midst, realizing that may not be what they seek. The imbalance is felt on so many relational fronts. 

If others wish to be present and offer entrance into that place of connection — I welcome it. Otherwise, as Little Red Riding Hood may do, I will stay out of the woods. My woven picnic basket anchored on my arm, attaching me to the days beauty, whatever that may look like. Wishing to be more heart-fully connected. Seeing how my stories assist me in understanding that. 

Not to be invisible, forced down and under. Knowing there needs to be a give and a take. All of us bringing more of ourselves into the mix. Building each other up as allies. Being present when tough stuff happens. Accepting the other as we stand, not for who we are, where we were born, or who we know — but looking more within each other. The inner sanctum. Loving with a full heart. The self that we each have been artfully designed to be. This is the story I continue to unravel, giving voice to the more of myself than the discounting that often resides. 

Desiring to look at another square on, seeing more of myself within their eyes — that is what story has taught me. Helping me to find the truth that already exists.+++

A Story A Story: An African Tale Retold and Illustrated by Gail E. Haley: Watch 🎥

369 Kid: “How Child Spy Agnes Lackovic Saved Hundreds in Nazi Germany” by Sasha Allen: Watch, September 2023 🎥

“Eden Prairie High senior honored for the unsung heroes she's uncovered: Sasha Allen won the grand prize for the second time for sharing the story of a teenage World War II spy who later settled in Eden Prairie.” by Hannah Ward, Star Tribune Read, October 3, 2023 📰

[teded]

Spotlight on Bayard Rustin

On August 28th, 1963, Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his “I Have a Dream” speech at the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. That day, nearly a quarter million people gathered on the national mall to demand an end to the discrimination, segregation, violence, and economic exclusion black people still faced across the United States.  None of it would have been possible without the march’s chief organizer – a man named Bayard Rustin.

Rustin grew up in a Quaker household, and began peacefully protesting racial segregation in high school. He remained committed to pacifism throughout his life, and was jailed in 1944 as a conscientious objector to World War II. During his two-year imprisonment, he protested the segregated facilities from within.

Wherever Rustin went, he organized and advocated, and was constantly attuned to the methods, groups, and people who could help further messages of equality. He joined the Communist Party when black American’s civil rights were one of its priorities, but soon became disillusioned by the party’s authoritarian leanings and left. In 1948, he traveled to India to learn the peaceful resistance strategies of the recently assassinated Mahatma Gandhi. He returned to the United States armed with strategies for peaceful protest, including civil disobedience.

He began to work with Martin Luther King Jr in 1955, and shared these ideas with him.  As King’s prominence increased, Rustin became his main advisor, as well as a key strategist in the broader civil rights movement. He brought his organizing expertise to the 1956 bus boycotts in Montgomery, Alabama—if fact, he had organized and participated in a transportation protest that helped inspire the boycotts almost a decade before.

His largest-scale organizing project came in 1963, when he led the planning for the national march on Washington. The possibility of riots that could injure marchers and undermine their message of peaceful protest was a huge concern. Rustin not only worked with the DC police and hospitals to prepare, but organized and trained a volunteer force of 2,000 security marshals. In spite of his deft management, some of the other organizers did not want Rustin to march in front with other leaders from the south because of his homosexuality.

Despite these slights, Rustin maintained his focus, and on the day of the march he delivered the marchers’ demands in a speech directed at President John F Kennedy. The march itself proceeded smoothly, without any violence. It has been credited with helping pass the 1964 Civil Rights Act, which ended segregation in public places and banned employment discrimination, and the 1965 Voting Rights Act, which outlawed discriminatory voting practices.

In spite of his decades of service Rustin’s positions on certain political issues were unpopular among his peers. Some thought he wasn’t critical enough of the Vietnam War, or that he was too eager to collaborate with the political establishment including the president and congress. Others were uncomfortable with his former communist affiliation. But ultimately, both his belief in collaboration with the government and his membership to the communist party had been driven by his desire to maximize tangible gains in liberties for black Americans, and to do so as quickly as possible.

Rustin was passed over for several influential roles in the 1960s and 70s, but he never stopped his activism. In the 1980s, he publicly came out as gay, and was instrumental in drawing attention to the AIDS crisis until his death in 1987. In 2013, fifty years after the March On Washington, President Barack Obama posthumously awarded him the Presidential Medal of Freedom, praising Rustin’s “march towards true equality, no matter who we are or who we love.”

This month, TED-Ed is celebrating Black History Month, or National African American History Month, an annual celebration of achievements by black Americans and a time for recognizing the central role of African Americans in U.S. history.

From the TED-Ed Lesson An unsung hero of the civil rights movement - Christina Greer

Animation by Anton Bogaty

[defyomolte523299-blog]

history of audiobooks : War Animals by Robin Hutton | History

Listen to War Animals new releases history of audiobooks on your iPhone, iPad, or Android. Get any AUDIO BOOKS by Robin Hutton History FREE during your Free Trial

Written By: Robin Hutton Narrated By: Susan Boyce Publisher: Blackstone Audiobooks Date: September 2018 Duration: 9 hours 48 minutes

[redcarpetview]

Harriet and More Added to Austin Film Fest First Wave of Films

   AUSTIN FILM FESTIVAL REVEALS FIRST WAVE OF SCREENINGS SET FOR 26TH ANNIVERSARY LINE-UP

    Including Terrence Malick’s A Hidden Life, four world premieres, and a screening of the Crazy Ex-Girlfriend documentary feature with series creators Rachel Bloom and Aline Brosh McKenna in attendance

   Austin, TX – August 23, 2019 – Austin Film Festival (AFF), the premier film festival recognizing writers’ and filmmakers’ contributions to film, television, and new media, has announced the first wave of screenings to be included in their 2019 film slate, taking place October 24-31.

    AFF will screen legendary writer/director Terrence Malick’s latest film A Hidden Life, starring August Diehl and Valerie Pachner. The film follows the true story of an Austrian farmer who refused to yield to Nazi forces in World War II. Also screening at AFF is the biopic Harriet, written by Kasi Lemons and Gregory Allen Howard and starring Cynthia Erivo, Joe Alwyn, and Jannelle Monáe, following the harrowing journey of American hero Harriet Tubman. In addition, AFF will screen The Truth from writer/director Hirokazu Koreeda starring Catherine Deneuve, Juliette Binoche, and Ethan Hawke.

    AFF will also be hosting the world premiere of the documentary feature Cowboys written and directed by Austin locals John Langmore and Bud Force and The Animal People from executive producer Joaquin Phoenix, written by Cassandra Suchan, Denis Henry Hennelly, Sasha Perry, Brian Palmer and directed by Cassandra Suchan and Denis Henry Hennelly. Other world premiere titles include The VICE Guide to Bigfoot, written by Zach Lamplugh and Brian Emond, and the Texas crime thriller Sleeping in Plastic from writer/director Van Ditthavong.

    Aline Brosh McKenna will also join the Festival alongside her Crazy Ex-Girlfriend co-creator and star Rachel Bloom to present the documentary Crazy Ex-Girlfriend: Oh My God I Think It’s Over that follows the show’s final episode, with filmmaker Katie Hyde in attendance. Following the screening, the three will sit down for a Q&A to discuss the CW musical comedy series that explores mental health issues and modern relationships and the story’s journey through its final season, which concluded in April 2019.

    The complete list of programming, including over 100 more films as well as hundreds of panels, will be announced in late September.

          AFF FIRST WAVE:

A Hidden Life

Writer/Director: Terrence Malick

Starring: August Diehl, Valerie Pachner, Maria Simon, Tobias Moretti, Bruno Ganz, Matthias Schoenaerts, Karin Neuhäuser, Ulrich Matthes

Based on real events, from visionary writer-director Terrence Malick, A HIDDEN LIFE is the story of an unsung hero, Franz Jägerstätter, who refused to fight for the Nazis in World War II. When the Austrian peasant farmer is faced with the threat of execution for treason, it is his unwavering faith and his love for his wife Fani and children that keeps his spirit alive.

 A Patient Man

Texas Premiere

 Writer/Director: Kevin Ward

In the aftermath of a terrible car accident, a man tries to make sense of his life and seeks revenge for what he has lost.

    Cowboys

World Premiere

Writer/Director: John Langmore, Bud Force

In an age of breathtaking change, rapid urbanization, and a daily news cycle, it’s hard to imagine an existence almost entirely divorced from that reality.  Yet, COWBOYS: A Documentary Portrait reveals a fascinating way of life tied uniquely to the natural environment and capricious thousand-pound animals.  Filmed on location in the most remote parts of the American West, COWBOYS paints an intimate portrait of a surprisingly diverse and eloquent group of men and women committed to a harsh reality while feeding a population they’re likely never to encounter. 

      Crazy Ex-Girlfriend: Oh My God I Think It’s Over

Director: Katie Hyde

“Crazy Ex-Girlfriend: Oh My God I Think It’s Over” is a peek behind the curtain as the team behind the award-winning comedy series "Crazy Ex-Girlfriend” wraps up its final season. We watch as co-creators Rachel Bloom and Aline Brosh McKenna and their many talented collaborators steer the show through its final episode. The film highlights their unique process as they juggle writing, songwriting, choreography on a spinning turntable, last minute big ideas and emergencies, and the "impossible task" of creating a smart, feminist, musical comedy show that's a process unlike any other show ever to air on network TV.

            Harriet

Writers: Gregory Allen Howard, Kasi Lemmons

Director: Kasi Lemmons

Starring: Cynthia Erivo, Leslie Odom Jr., Janelle Monáe, Joe Alwyn, Jennifer Nettles, Clarke Peters

Based on the thrilling and inspirational life of an iconic American freedom fighter, HARRIET tells the extraordinary tale of Harriet Tubman’s escape from slavery and transformation into one of America’s greatest heroes. Her courage, ingenuity, and tenacity freed hundreds of slaves and changed the course of history.

    Macabre

North American Premiere

Writer: Lucas Paraizo and Rita Gloria Curvo

Director: Marcos Prado

Macabre is a feature film based on the true story of the 'Werewolves of Freiburg', two young brothers who were accused of brutal murders in the 90's, in Brazil. The thriller follows Sergeant Téo in his quest for the suspects hiding in the Atlantic Forest. While the population, the press and the local police condemn the brothers, Téo realizes that one of them may be innocent.

   Sleeping in Plastic

World Premiere

Writer/Director: Van Ditthavong

A small Texas town awakes when a high school wrestler gets swept into the dangerous world of an intoxicating drifter and her ruthless lover. Lives intertwine and spiral violently out of control once he becomes her escort driver and risks everything to save her.

    The Animal People

World Premiere

Writers: Cassandra Suchan, Denis Henry Hennelly, Sasha Perry, Brian Palmer

Director: Cassandra Suchan, Denis Henry Hennelly

Executive Producer: Joaquin Phoenix

A chilling portrait of what happens when activism rattles the institutions of power.

    The Truth

Writer: Hirokazu Koreeda, Adaption by Lea Le Dimna

Director: Hirokazu Koreeda

Starring: Catherine Deneuve, Juliette Binoche, Ethan Hawke, Ludivine Saginer, Roger Van Hool

Fabienne is a star; a star of French cinema. She reigns amongst men who love and admire her. When she publishes her memoirs, her daughter Lumir returns from New York to Paris with her husband and young child. The reunion between mother and daughter will quickly turn to confrontation: truths will be told, accounts settled, loves and resentments confessed.

    The VICE Guide to Bigfoot

World Premiere

Writer: Zach Lamplugh, Brian Emond

Director: Zach Lamplugh

The debut feature from director Zach Lamplugh (Adult Swim); This paranormal comedy follows a hopelessly millennial reporter on the most important assignment of his career: Bigfoot. But after following a prominent cryptozoologist into the Appalachian foothills, he's forced to answer the question "is a good story worth dying for?"

       For new announcements and information on how to attend, visit www.austinfilmfestival.com and follow @austinfilmfest #AFF26 on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

[tothemetaverseandbeyond]

Tyrus Wong, The ‘Bambi’ Artist Who Endured America’s Racism, Gets His Due

Tyrus Wong, The ‘Bambi’ Artist Who Endured America’s Racism, Gets His Due

The late Tyrus Wong, whose paintings formed the basis of Disney’s iconic film, is finally receiving the recognition he deserves.

By Katherine Brooks via huffingtonpost.com

Even if you’ve never heard the name Tyrus Wong before, you’ve likely seen his work. Maybe not in a museum or gallery, but you’ve probably enjoyed the late artist’s fascinating brushstrokes ― or the films that they inspired ― in the comforts of your home.

Until his death last year at the age of 106, Wong was considered America’s oldest living Chinese-American artist and one of the last remaining icons of Disney’s golden age of animation. Few people outside of his studio could identify him during his lifetime, but his art was eerily ubiquitous. Handpicked by Walt Disney to guide one of his films, Wong’s watercolor sketches formed the basis of “Bambi” and, later, Warner Bros.′ live-action movies like “Rebel without a Cause.” His calligraphic imagery wound its way onto Hallmark Christmas cards, kites and hand-painted California dinnerware. He did show in galleries and museums, too ― with greats like Pablo Picasso and Henri Matisse, no less. 

And yet, it wasn’t until recently ― later in his life ― that he began receiving the recognition he deserved. It was in 1942 when he painted a minuscule buck leaping through a forest felled by blazing flames, an electric landscape that would heavily influence the World War II-era movie about a fawn who lost his mother. Seventy-five years after “Bambi,” Wong is the subject of an “American Masters” film on PBS, a documentary portrait that reveals how he overcame a harrowing immigration process and years of racism in the United States to become one of the most prolific artists in recent memory.

“Tyrus Wong’s story is a prime example of one of the many gaping holes in our society’s narrative on art, cinema, and Western history,” Pamela Tom, the director behind “Tyrus,” set to air on PBS Sept. 8, explained in a statement. “By telling his story, I wanted to shine light on one of America’s unsung heroes, and raise awareness of the vital contributions he’s made to American culture.”

Her 90-minute documentary follows Wong from his birth in Canton (now Guangzhou), China, to his attempts to immigrate to the United States in 1919. Detained for a month, he, along with his father, endured extensive interrogation before being allowed to enter the country, only to live in poverty once they arrived. As multiple sources in the film point out, American society in the 1920s and ’30s was not kind to Chinese-American communities ― many immigrants saw only a few options for work, including acting as laundry men, house boys or restaurant staff. And the world of animation and film, a more than unlikely field Wong fought tooth and nail to enter, was not much kinder. Described as “an old boy’s club,” Wong recounts how he was called a racial slur on his first day with Republic Pictures. 

Still, his sights were ultimately set on fine art. An eventual graduate of Otis Art Institute, the animator, designer, painter and kite maker rose to the coveted status of a Disney Legend by 2001. Beyond that, his work indeed hangs in museums, his name appearing in placards next to other greats. “He had a lot of dignity, but he also felt the pangs of racism,” Tom told HuffPost in an earlier interview. “I think Tyrus represents success. He represents someone who’s a survivor, who broke these racial barriers.” 

Today, immigrants in the U.S. continue to face astounding obstacles. Just a few days before the premiere of “Tyrus,” President Donald Trump and his administration initiated the termination of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals protections, putting nearly 800,000 young undocumented immigrants at risk of deportation if members of Congress fail to strike a deal. Wong’s story illuminates just how difficult it is to succeed in a world that’s designed to test your limits at every turn. 

“It’s so unlikely,” a voice in the film’s trailer declares of Wong’s biography, “and that’s what makes it so valuable.”

Ahead of the debut of “Tyrus,” HuffPost is premiering an exclusive clip from the “American Masters” film. For more information on the project, head to PBS.

[larryland]

(Pittsfield, MA– August 2019) Barrington Stage Company (BSC), the award-winning theatre in the Berkshires under the leadership of Artistic Director Julianne Boyd, presents by popular demand, an encore engagement of Hold These Truths by Jeanne Sakata.

Hold These Truths stars Joel de la Fuente (Amazon’s The Man in the High Castle) reprising his Drama Desk-nominated role in this solo play inspired by the life of Gordon Hirabayashi.

  Directed by Lisa Rothe (Irish Repertory Theatre’s Wild Abandon), Hold These Truths will have eight performances September 20-26 at the St. Germain Stage at the Sydelle and Lee Blatt Performing Arts Center (36 Linden Street).

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Unsung American hero Gordon Hirabayashi fights passionately for the Constitution against an unexpected adversary: his own country. During World War II, he defies the US government’s orders to forcibly remove and mass incarcerate all people of Japanese ancestry, launching a 50-year journey from college to courtroom and eventually to a Presidential Medal of Freedom. A story filled with hope, this play will leave you cheering for a man who stood up for the true meaning of patriotism.

  Hold These Truths has scenic design by Mikiko Suzuki MacAdams, costume design by Margaret E. Weedon, lighting design by Cat Tate Starmer, sound design by Daniel Kluger. Production Stage Manager: Mary K. Botosan.

  Joel de la Fuente (Gordon Hirabayashi) makes his debut for Barrington Stage Company in Hold These Truths. Most recently, the play was awarded three Theatre Bay Area Awards for its run in San Francisco, including Outstanding Principal Performance, as well as garnering a Drama Desk Nomination in New York City for Outstanding Solo Performance when it debuted in 2012. On television, Joel plays Chief Inspector Kido on The Man in the High Castle, one of Amazon Studios’ most watched original series. He also portrays Dr. Johann Pryce on Netflix’s second original series, Hemlock Grove, and can be seen in perpetual reruns on Law & Order: SVU, where he played TARU Tech Ruben Morales for 10 seasons. Currently, he appears as President Datu Andrada on Madam Secretary for CBS. Joel has performed in theaters all over the world, as both an avid classical theater actor and as a developer of new work. He is an alumnus of Brown University and the Graduate Acting Program at NYU.

  Hold These Truths is sponsored in part by Carol and Alfred Maynard & Dick Ziter and Eric Reimer.

  Performances: Friday, September 20 at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, September 21 at 3:00 and 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, September 22 at 3:00 p.m.; Tuesday, September 24  and Wednesday, September 25 at 7:30 p.m.; Thursday, September 26 at 3:00 and 7:30 p.m. at the St. Germain Stage at the Sydelle and Lee Blatt Performing Arts Center (36 Linden Street). Tickets: $53 matinees and $58 evenings. Barrington Stage Box Office: 413-236-8888 or online at www.barringtonstageco.org.

Actress and playwright Jeanne Sakata, whose talents span across TV, film, voiceover and stage, is currently delighting New York audiences as struggling but spunky “Mom” in the Off Broadway premiere of the brilliant new comedy Do You Feel Anger? at the Vineyard Theatre, as well as TV audiences in the recurring roles of genius scientist Lenore Shimamoto/Mayor Saito on the animated TV series Big Hero 6, based on the Disney smash hit movie, and three national commercials. Jeanne’s nationally acclaimed solo play Hold These Truths (2013 Drama Desk Nomination, Outstanding Solo Performance; 2019 Theatre Bay Awards, Outstanding Production, Principal Performance and Direction) has had over twenty productions across the country, and will be produced in the 2019-20 season at Barrington Stage, San Diego Rep, and People’s Light and Theatre, after sold-out and extended runs last year at Arena Stage and TheatreWorks Silicon Valley. In April 2019, Hold These Truths will also be available internationally as a special audio recording, produced by L.A. Theatre Works. The play has also been produced in recent years at Pasadena Playhouse, ACT Seattle, Portland Center Stage, Guthrie Theater, PlayMakers’ Rep, Perseverance Theatre, Honolulu Theatre for Youth (Daniel Dae Kim, co-producer), Terra Nova Collective, Silk Road Rising, Coachella Valley Rep, Plays and Players, and New Century Theatre. Premiering with the East West Players in Los Angeles, and then Off Broadway with the Epic Theatre Ensemble, the play was workshopped by the Lark Play Development Center and the New York Theatre Workshop. Hold These Truths is now published by Ageloff Books and available on Amazon, and it is on display at the Library of Congress Playwrights Archive in the Asian American Pacific Islander Collection in Washington DC, where the Jeanne Sakata Collection was established in July 2011.

  ABOUT BARRINGTON STAGE COMPANY

  Barrington Stage Company (BSC) is an award-winning regional theatre located in Pittsfield, MA, in the heart of the Berkshires. Co-founded in 1995 by Artistic Director Julianne Boyd, BSC has a three-fold mission: to present top-notch, compelling work; to develop new plays and musicals; and to find fresh, bold ways of bringing new audiences into the theatre—especially young people.

Barrington Stage commissioned and produced the world premiere of Christopher Demos-Brown’s American Son, which also won the Laurents/Hatcher Award as Best New Play by an Emerging Playwright in 2016 and recently concluded a Broadway run, starring Kerry Washington. Barrington Stage first garnered national attention in 2004 when it premiered William Finn and Rachel Sheinkin’s musical hit The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, which later transferred to Broadway where it won two Tony Awards. In 2009, BSC premiered Mark St. Germain’s Freud’s Last Session, which later moved Off Broadway and played for two years. St. Germain’s Becoming Dr. Ruth (which premiered at BSC as Dr. Ruth, All the Way) played Off Broadway at the Westside Theatre. BSC’s all-time record-breaking musical On the Town was originally produced at BSC in 2013 before transferring to Broadway, where it was nominated for four Tony Awards including Best Musical Revival. In 2016, Barrington Stage swept the first annual Berkshire Theatre Awards by winning 20 out of the 25 awards. In 2017, BSC produced the much-lauded revival of Stephen Sondheim and George Furth’s Company, starring Aaron Tveit. In 2018, BSC produced the critically-acclaimed production of West Side Story in honor of Leonard Bernstein and Jerome Robbins’ 100th birthdays. BSC has won the Best of the Berkshires Readers’ Choice for Best Live Theatre for the past three years. 2019 marks BSC’s 25th Season Anniversary.

Barrington Stage Brings Back “Hold These Truths” By Popular Demand (Pittsfield, MA– August 2019) Barrington Stage Company (BSC), the award-winning theatre in the Berkshires under the leadership of Artistic Director Julianne Boyd, presents by popular demand, an encore engagement of…

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War Animals: The Unsung Heroes of World War II by Robin Hutton

MWSA Review Pending  

Author's Synopsis

 War Dogs * War Birds * War Horses & Mules * And a War ... Cat!

Millions rallied to the cause of freedom against Nazism and the menace of Imperial Japan. But did you know that some of those heroes had fur, or feathers? War animals guarded American coasts against submarine attack, dug out Londoners trapped in bomb wreckage, and carried vital messages under heavy fire on Pacific islands. They kept up morale, rushed machine gun nests, and even sacrificed themselves picking up live grenades.

This book tells the heart-warming stories of the dogs, horses, mules, pigeons—and even one cat—who did their bit for the war effort. American and British families volunteered beloved family pets and farm dogs when rationing made it difficult to feed them; President Roosevelt, bought honorary commissions in the reserves for lapdogs and other pets not suitable for military duties to “exempt” them from war service and raise money to defeat Hitler and Tojo. Many of these gallant animals are recipients of the prestigious PDSA Dickin Medal, the “Animals’ Victoria Cross.”

ISBN/ASIN: hardcover 1621576582, paperback 1621579867, kindle B07BTKYGCC, Audio 1538586020 Book Format(s): Hard cover, Kindle Review Genre: Nonfiction—History Number of Pages: 466

In War Animals: The Unsung Heroes of World War II you’ll meet:

• Judy, the POW dog who helped her beloved human survive brutal Japanese prison camps

• GI Joe, the pigeon who flew 20 miles in 20 minutes and stopped the planes on the tarmac from bombing a town that had been taken over by the British, saving over 100 British soldiers’ lives

• Beauty, the “digging dog” who sniffed out Londoners buried in the wreckage of the Blitz—along with pets, including one goldfish still in its bowl!

• Olga, the horse who braved shattering glass to do her duty in London bombings

• Smoky, the Yorkshire terrier who did parachute jumps, laid communications wire through a pipe so small only she could navigate it, became the first therapy dog—and starred on a weekly TV show after the War

• Simon, the war cat whose campaign against the “Mao Tse Tung” of the rat world saved food supplies and his ship’s crew

• Chips, who guarded Roosevelt and Churchill during the Casablanca Conference, and the only dog to earn a Silver Star for his heroics

These are just a handful of stories you will discover! The shining loyalty and courage of these heroes is a testimony to the enduring bond between us and the animals we love.

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War Animals: The Unsung Heroes of World War II by Robin Hutton #SaturdaySpotlight with #author @SgtReckless1 #SaturdayMorning #review #interview

War Animals: The Unsung Heroes of World War II by Robin Hutton #SaturdaySpotlight with #author @SgtReckless1 #SaturdayMorning #review #interview

Saturday Spotlight!

War Animals: The Unsung Heroes of WWll by Robin Hutton on Alternative-Read.com.

War Animals: The Unsung Heroes of World War II by Robin Hutton

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

War Animals by national bestselling author Robin Huttonrecounts the experiences of the forgotten members of the Greatest Generation. Horses, mules, dogs, and pigeons were all a part of the Allied war machine.…

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Back for their 7th year, the Irish Film Festival London presents Ireland’s latest mainstream and independent films over 5 days across London with exclusive previews, panel discussions and director’s Q&As.

IFFL 2017 opens with The Drummer and the Keeper, directed by Nick Kelly, telling the touching story of an unlikely friendship that develops between the bipolar drummer of a rock band and an institutionalised teen suffering from Asperger’s syndrome.

The closing film is The Farthest, a stunning, award-winning documentary from Emer Reynolds, about the men and women who built the Voyager spaceships – one of humankind’s greatest achievements.

The Irish Film London Awards returns to the beautiful setting of the Irish Embassy Ballroom, to officially launch the festival, and to honour world-class Irish feature films, shorts and documentaries alongside Irish acting and filmmaking talent.

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IFFL 2017 celebrates women filmmakers, with four of Ireland’s finest female directors engaged in screenings and discussions. The Breadwinner (directed by Nora Twomey and executive produced by Angelina Jolie) and The Farthest (directed by Emer Reynolds) are both being screened at the festival with Q&As (Sunday 3rd December). Regent Street’s private screening on Friday 1st December of a stunning upcoming feature is directed by one of Ireland’s rising female directors. Aisling Walsh (Maudie) joins the line-up of the festival’s Female Focus Forum along with Celine Haddad (Irish Film Board), Roisin Geraghty (GAZE), Aoife McCardle (Kissing Candice) and Anne Marie Naughton (Women in Film and Television Ireland / WFT.i) (Thursday 30th November).

There will also be a panel discussion on Irish Screen Industries, the UK and Brexit, featuring speakers from the Irish Film Board, the BFI, Ateliers du Cinéma Européen (ACE), and Northern Ireland Screen discussing how Brexit could affect the Irish Film and TV industries (Thursday 30th November).

Further feature film screenings include Maze by Stephen Burke, inspired by the true events of the infamous 1983 prison breakout of 38 IRA prisoners from HMP, which was to become the biggest prison escape in Europe since World War II (Friday 1st December); Song of Granite from acclaimed director Pat Collins, who brings the dramatic life story of legendary sean-nós singer Joe Heaney to the screen with in audacious exploration of the man and his music (Saturday 2nd December); The Secret Scripture, Jim Sheridan’s heart-wrenching tale of a woman who resides in a psychiatric hospital recounting her youth of romance, obsession and chaos, starring Rooney Mara, Jack Reynor, Aidan Turner, Vanessa Redgrave and Pauline McLynn (Saturday 2nd December); and In The Name Of Peace: John Hume in America, Maurice Fitzpatrick’s documentary about John Hume who won the Nobel Prize for Peace in 1998 as well as the Martin Luther King Award and the Gandhi Peace Prize, the only person to have been awarded all three. Narrated by Liam Neeson and featuring interviews with presidents Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter, as well as Irish leaders, U2’s Bono and Prime Ministers John Major and Tony Blair (Sunday 3rd December).

Irish Film London’s mission is to support the work of Irish filmmakers and this year presents two afternoons of screenings of Irish Short Films (Friday 1st and Sunday 3rd December), jam packed with up and coming Irish filmmaking talent. GAZE International LGBT Film Festival Dublin celebrated its 25-year legacy of LGBT inclusivity, visibility, celebration, activism and progress this year. Here the IFFL joins them in marking this Silver Anniversary with a collection of LGBT Irish shorts screenings (Saturday 2nd December).

The next generation can enjoy a festive screening of The Star, in which the lovable donkey Bo and his friends become the unsung heroes of the first Christmas. This is accompanied by a Shadow Animation Workshop for creating fantastical characters and bringing them to life on-screen.

We are delighted to be bringing another monster batch of Irish films to London for the festival. We had a lot of fun selecting the line-up this year. There was a marvellously rich source to draw from and we were spoilt for choice.

I’m particularly looking forward to having a festival hub, at Regent Street Cinema this year, where we will spend 3 of our 5 day’s and screen the majority of our programme. London is a big city, so it’s great to be able to offer our guests and audience somewhere where there will always be a friendly Irish welcome, and plenty of film chat!

I’m also very proud to have such a strong line up of women on our female focus panel, because of whom it is sure to be inspirational and insightful. These women are at the forefront of the industry and their successes are a testament to the ambition and exceptional talent among Irish female filmmakers. Kelly O’Connor, Director – Irish Film Festival London

  LISTINGS

The Drummer and the Keeper

Wednesday 29th November

Picturehouse Central, 18:45

Ireland 2017. Dir. Nick Kelly. With Dermot Murphy, Jacob McCarthy, Niamh Algar, Andrew Carroll, Peter Coonan. 92 min. Cert 12.

An unlikely friendship develops between the bipolar drummer of a rock band and an institutionalized teen suffering from Asperger’s syndrome. This uplifting and comedic feature début deservedly bagged the Best Irish First Feature Award at this year’s Galway Film Fleadh.

  Panel discussion: Irish Screen Industries, the UK and Brexit

Thursday 30th November

Central London venue

How will Brexit affect the Irish Film and TV industries? Will there be more obstacles to companies based in Northern Ireland and those trying to shoot films on location there? How will Irish co-production with UK companies and exhibition funding through EU schemes be affected? Will actors, writers and other creatives find it more difficult to work in the UK post-March 2019? What would happen if the UK departed the European Convention for Co-Production? Will there be fewer Irish and other European films on our screens after 2019 or will it herald a new era of creative exchange?

Panelists will include speakers from the Irish Film Board, the BFI, Ateliers du Cinéma Européen (ACE), and Northern Ireland Screen.

  Panel discussion: Female Focus Forum

Thursday 30th November

Grange Langham Court Hotel, 18:30 – 20:30

A discussion around female Irish talent in the screen industries, touching upon a number of topics, including: the rise of female talent, the new IFB funding schemes for women, ambition, collaborations and female networks. The event will be followed by a drinks reception.

Panelists will include Celine Haddad (Irish Film Board); Aisling Walsh (Dir. Maudie); Aoife McrCardle (Dir: Kissing Candice), Anne Marie Naughton (WFT.I); Roisin Geraghty (GAZE).

  Irish Short Films – Programme 1

Friday 1st December

Regent Street Cinema, 17:00

Cert 15. A celebration of this year’s finest Irish Short Films from well-known and new Irish filmmakers. Including ACORN, directed by Kevin de la Isla O’Neill, in which busy-body mother Maureen battles Principal Finan during a parent-teacher meeting concerning her son Greg and his unusual behaviour during the school’s nativity play rehearsals. Plus; Late Afternoon, The Widows Last, Gustav and LISTEN.

  Preview Screening (invite only)

Plus a Q&A with director

Friday 1st December

Regent Street Cinema, 18:30

Ireland 2017. 100 min. Cert 15.

This year the festival will be holding a preview screening of an upcoming feature film from one of Ireland’s hottest female directors. This screening is by invite only.

  Maze

Plus a Q&A with director Stephen Burke and members of the cast

Friday 1st December

Regent Street Cinema, 20:30

Ireland 2017. Dir Stephen Burke. With Tom Vaughan-Lawlor, Barry Ward, Martin McCann, Eileen Walsh, Aaron Monaghan, Niamh McGrady. 92 min. Cert 15.

This gripping suspense-filled drama is inspired by the true events of the infamous 1983 prison breakout of 38 IRA prisoners from HMP, which was to become the biggest prison escape in Europe since World War II.

  The Star & Shadow Animation Workshop

Saturday 2nd December

Regent Street Cinema, 11.30am

USA 2017, Dir. Tomothy Reckart. PG.

In association with Kino Kids, we present The Star.

A small but brave donkey and his animal friends become the unsung heroes of the first Christmas.

A Shadow Animation Workshop will follow the screening. Join the Irish Film Festival London artists in creating your own fantastical characters and bringing them to life on-screen!

Limited places available – please book in advance.

  Gaze @25yrs – Irish LGBT Short Films

Saturday 2nd December

Regent Street Cinema, 15:00 – 16:30

Cert 15. This year GAZE International LGBT Film Festival Dublin celebrated its 25-year legacy of LGBT inclusivity, visibility, celebration, activism and progress. Here IFFL joins them in marking this Silver Anniversary!

This collection of Irish shorts includes 3 Friends, based on a Colm Tóibín short story, which follows Fergus, a pensive, young man, who is propelled on a powerful journey that begins at his mother’s funeral. The grief becomes a catalyst to reflect upon his life and relationships. Ultimately it is through death, joy, and sex that Fergus looks inside to define himself. Dir: Michael Moody Culpepper.

  Song of Granite

Plus a Q&A with director Pat Collins

Saturday 2nd December

Regent Street Cinema, 16:45

Ireland 2017. Dir Pat Collins. With Michael O’Chonfhlaola, Macdara Ó Fátharta, Leni Parker, Alain Goulem. 118 min. Cert 12A. Language: Irish & English

Acclaimed filmmaker Pat Collins brings the dramatic life story of legendary sean-nós singer Joe Heaney to the screen with in audacious exploration of the man and his music. With an approach that marries traditional narrative episodes with documentary footage, the film celebrates the music Joe Heaney created while painting an unflinching portrait of Heaney, the man. Song of Granite is Ireland’s entry for the 90th Oscars, in the Best Foreign-language Film category.

  The Secret Scripture

Plus a Q&A with director Jim Sheridan

Saturday 2nd December

Regent Street Cinema, 19:30

Ireland 2016. Dir. Jim Sheridan. With Rooney Mara, Aidan Turner, Theo James, Jack Reynor, Eric Bana, Vanessa Redgrave, Pauline McLynn, Charlie Kelly, Tom Vaughan-Lawlor. 118 min. Cert 12A.

Residing in a psychiatric hospital, a woman receives visits from a young psychologist whose interest in her diary triggers flashbacks of her youth, which was filled with romance, obsession and chaos.

  Irish Short Films – Programme 2

Sunday 3rd December

Regent Street Cinema, 12:45

Cert 15. A second celebration of this year’s finest Irish Short Films from well-known and new Irish filmmakers. A celebration of this year’s finest Irish Short Films from well-known and new Irish filmmakers. Including INBOX, directed by B. Welby-Delimere, in which an agoraphobic and a post woman have a strange date through a letterbox. Starring Rory Fleck Byrne (Harlots) and Charlie Murphy (Peaky Blinders). Plus; Tit for Tat, FERN, A Brake in the Clouds, PEEL, Inhale and Throwline.

  The Breadwinner

Plus a Q&A with director Nora Twomey

Sunday 3rd December

Regent Street Cinema, 15:00

Ireland, Canada, Luxembourg 2017. Dir. Nora Twomey. With Saara Chaudry, Laara Sadiq, Shaista Latif, Ali Badshah, Noorin Gulamgaus, Kawa Ada. 94 min. Cert PG-13.

Angelina Jolie exec produced this long anticipated Cartoon Saloon feature animation from director Nora Twomey (The Secret of Kells). After her father Nurullah is unjustly arrested, Parvana, a girl in Taliban-controlled Afghanistan, bravely dresses as a boy so she can work to support her mother Fattema and her sister Soraya.

  In the Name of Peace: John Hume in America

Plus a Q&A with director Maurice Fitzpatrick hosted by Maxine Mawhinney

Sunday 3rd December

Regent Street Cinema, 17:00

Ireland 2017. Dir. Maurice Fitzpatrick. With Liam Neeson (narrator), Bill Clinton, Jimmy Carter, U2’s Bono, John Major, Tony Blair. 90 min. Cert PG.

This is the story John Hume who won the Nobel Prize for Peace in 1998 as well as the Martin Luther King Award and the Gandhi Peace Prize, the only person to have been awarded all three. The documentary includes wide-ranging and insightful interviews with President Bill Clinton, President Jimmy Carter, as well as Irish leaders, U2’s Bono and Prime Ministers John Major and Tony Blair who helped to secure peace in Ireland. Liam Neeson is the Voice-Over narrator of the film and Bill Whelan (composer of Riverdance) is the film’s musical composer.

  The Farthest

Plus a Q&A with director Emer Reynolds hosted by Dara O’Briain

Sunday 3rd December

Regent Street Cinema, 19:00

Ireland 2017. Dir. Emer Reynolds. With Frank Drake, Carolyn Porco, John Casani, Lawrence Krauss, Edward Stone. 120 min. Cert PG.

Join the Irish Film Festival in officially closing its 2017 celebration of Irish film with this stunning, award-winning documentary from Emer Reynolds.

More than 12 billion miles away a tiny spaceship is leaving our Solar System and entering the void of deep space – the first human-made object ever to do so. The Farthest gets to the hearts of the men and women who built the Voyager spaceships, one of humankind’s greatest achievements.

  PRE-FESTIVAL EVENT

An Audience with Ros Hubbard, Casting Director

Friday 17th November

Grange Langham Court Hotel, 09.30-11.30

A unique opportunity to hear about the role of this world-renowned casting director, and to pose your questions on the best ways to prepare for casting calls. As half of the celebrated wife-and-husband team behind Hubbard Casting, Ros Hubbard has helped decide who we see in blockbusters from The Lord of the Rings to the Bourne series. She is also responsible for discovering major talents such as Colin Farrell, Kate Winslet and Jonathan Rhys Meyers.

  About Irish Film London

Irish Film London, now in its seventh year, presents the latest and greatest of Irish Film & Animation to a London audience. The organisation runs events through the year, including UK Premieres, workshops, the film arm of the St. Patrick’s Day Festival with the Mayor of London, the annual Irish Film London Awards. Its activities then culminate in the 5 day Irish Film Festival London in November/December each year.

Through Premiere screenings, Director Q&A sessions, related workshops, exhibitions and performances, the organisation aims to bring together industry professionals, film fans and fans of Irish Arts & Culture alike. Focusing on Irish productions, scripts and casts, they strive to provide a significant platform for Irish Film in London, and to ensure that the best of Irish creative talent is continually promoted here in the UK.

The Irish Film Festival London is made possible with the support of the Irish Film Board, Culture Ireland, the Arts Council of Ireland, IFI International, the Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade of Ireland, the Irish Youth Foundation and Film London. 2017 Sponsors include Tourism Ireland, Grange Hotels, A&L Goodbody, Cara Personnel, Wyse Transport and Corrigan’s of Mayfair. Further sponsorship opportunities are available, and interested parties are welcomed to get in touch for more information.

#IrishAbroad: Irish Film Festival London announces 2017 line-up - November 29 December 3 Back for their 7th year, the Irish Film Festival London presents Ireland’s latest mainstream and independent films over 5 days across London with exclusive previews, panel discussions and director’s Q&As.