Hubert Phipps’ Rocket: A Shining Symbol of the Infinite
Photo: Artist Hubert Phipps at the unveiling of his “Rocket” sculpture at the Boca Raton Innovation Campus (BRiC) on September 20.
By Rachel Galvin
A seeming conduit to the divine, a 30-foot stainless steel towering form juts toward the heavens, with its feet firmly planted on terra firma, among the green grass at the Boca Raton Innovation Campus (BRiC). What began as abstract art took form as a rocket and that is its name – “Rocket.” It is the creation of artist Hubert Phipps, who arrived for its “unveiling” on September 20.
The project began four years ago and only as a sketch, said Philpps, whose process is not one of building something in the normal way, nor eliminating everything that is not what he is trying to create, but of sensory deprivation. He is known to put himself into darkness, limiting outside sound and sight and letting his hand as he sketches reveal what lies beneath. His 2-D work is revelatory. His paint pigment on paper shows movement, life, light among the darkness. His sculptures are just as organic, as he creates natural forms that look like they will animate and slink away any moment. His “Rocket” has the same dynamism. Although it looks firmly planted, it appears as if it could blast off at any time, careening into the atmosphere to explore regions beyond, to see what cannot be seen.
Exploration is really all about curiosity and wondering, “What if?” Speculation such as this has led to some of the greatest breakthroughs in our history, including the computer. It is apropos that a sculpture that symbolizes, in part, that quest for knowledge be planted at BriC, where the IBM personal computer was first invented.
What is perhaps more interesting is that when the art was first created, first by a sketch back in 2018 and then in 3D as smaller sculptures, Phipps had no idea that one day a larger version would be placed here. Its placement came about after he met Irvin Lippman, the executive director of the Boca Raton Museum of Art, who saw Phipps’ show including maquettes of the “Rocket” at the Coral Springs Museum of Art. At that time, he told Phipps about a new Art in Public Places initiative, part of a cultural partnership between the Boca Raton Museum of Art and CP group, who owns BRiC and is a premier developer and operator of commercial real estate. This was the beginning of Rocket coming to this space. What is amazing is that the statue’s form almost perfectly mimics the building behind it, which was created by architect Marcel Breuer in the 1960s. They both employ the Brutalist style. Lippman said, “The museum is happy to be a matchmaker here,” as he explained how he first met Phipps and told him about the program. “It is a match made in heaven.”
Creating the 9.8-ton sculpture composed of 2,200 square feet of stainless steel was not so simple. It was made in three pieces over in China and then shipped to the U.S. What baffles Phipps is that it was not sent directly to Florida, but actually went to multiple locations on ship and then by truck before finally arriving here. Then, he said, engineering came into play to put it all together.
Phipps did not begin his journey into art in the abstract realm. His father was a publisher and Phipps fell in love with illustrating political cartoons, the exquisite detail of it. So he has seen what it is to create more realistic forms and what it is to delve into abstract art, and he can say that both are equally challenging. With realism, he said, there is an endpoint, a goal, you know what it will become. With abstract, in contrast, the artwork leads you and knowing when to stop is not always so easy.
Sometimes, he says he often does not see a piece of artwork’s importance until later. “I don’t give it any credence or appreciation until later,” he said. “I don’t have a pre-conceived notion [of art I create.] I didn’t sit down to create a rocket.”
At the event celebrating Rocket, he thanked those who helped make it possible, saying, he was honored his sculpture was part of the Art in Public Places initiative,” adding, “Art has been hugely important in my life. I applaud everybody who worked together to bring this to Boca Raton.”
He also talked about his love for aerospace and remembered an experience when he was only 10 years old living with his uncle near Indiantown here in Florida. One night, he heard a rumbling sound outside, a roar, and asked his uncle the next day what it was. His uncle joked that maybe it was cattle stampeding (as the area was filled with mostly cattle and orange groves back then, said Phipps). But, it turned out it was nearby Pratt & Whitney testing rocket engines. He also recalled seeing Neil Armstrong set foot on the moon. That was 1969, the same year the building behind where Rocket now is placed was built.
“I love the forms of rockets, things to do with aerospace,” he said, “I have a lifelong passion with aviation. I’m a pilot. I’m fortunate enough to have been flying for almost 50 years. I still fly.” His family was comprised of early Palm Beach pioneers with a history in aviation. One of his ancestors, Amy Phipps Guest, was one of the first women aviators. She had hopes of being the first woman to fly across the Atlantic Ocean, but her family was too protective and asked that Amelia Earhart be chosen instead, and Earhart did make that first flight in 1928. Guest continued to be a champion for Earhart and aviation. Her love of flight seems to have been passed on to Phipps.
He added, in reference to his Rocket, “I created this … The inspiration comes from all the amazing things we do as a human race as far as pushing the envelope, as far as reaching the stars, if you will. How timely now with all this going on in the aerospace world today, so this could not have worked out better. Of course, all the synergies that have been mentioned about this form and how it works with the architecture…”
Boca Raton Deputy Mayor Andrea Levine O’Rourke, who was in attendance with other councilmembers, said, “This could not be a better representation of art in public places. You can see yourself in it … It can reflect the past or be a symbol of where we came from and where we are going”
Phipps, who currently lives in Virginia, is planning on being in Palm Beach for a solo exhibition at the TW Fine Art Gallery. The show, which will feature maquettes of his Rocket, opens November 27 and runs for six weeks.
Besides creating art and flying, he also was a professional race car driver, so he has had varied experience, and some of it in what some might consider high-risk situations. But he does not see it that way. He is not a daredevil. To him, being able to make those turns at high speed, fly up in the sky and give birth to a beautiful piece of art that will inspire others is more calculating. It appears to require intense focus, dedication and passion. With everything he does, it seems he really is reaching for the stars … to infinity and beyond.
To find out more about Hubert Phipps, visit www.hubertphipps.com. “Rocket” is located at BRiC, at 5000 T-Rex Ave, Boca Raton.
Chef Bravo whips up Summer BBQ specialties for a hungry crowd
By Rachel Galvin
With skill and humor, Chef Elvis Bravo, from Seasons 52, created some culinary specialties on July 31 in front of an audience live at Galleria Mall. It was a special event called Cooking With The Galleria LIVE and the culinary theme was Summertime BBQ. Attendees were able to try each item created by the chef when he was done. It was a fun, fresh idea that guests seemed to really enjoy.
People may have seen Chef Bravo showing his skills on video demos online (at www.facebook.com/GalleriaFtLauderdale) since the pandemic started, but now he was finally able to do it in person. Working on a stage above the crowd, he went step by step through how to make his tasty and light creations that were convenient to make and perfect for summertime eats. The items he cooked up were Melon Basil Burrata Salad with Crispy Prosciutto, Blackened Mahi Tacos and Lemon Blueberry Icebox Cake (see recipes below).
Chef Bravo said that doing demos online has been a great way to reach out to guests during the pandemic. “We were doing take-out only and wanted to reach out to guests. It was fun to connect with guests not in the dining room,” said Bravo, adding he had not done anything like this event before and saying there are three or four more appearances in the works at the mall.
Bravo gained his love of cooking when he was young. “I always knew cooking was my passion,” he said, saying his mom always cooked. The dedicated young chef attended Le Cordon Bleu before working in hotels, and finally Seasons 52 in Coral Gables and now in Ft. Lauderdale.
He likes to stay on brand (with Seasons 52), which means serving up seasonal ingredients, only the freshest. He said he likes using fruits and veggies when they are in season because they are at their peak flavor. “I like to feature simple ingredients and I like to have fun. A lot of people are scared of cooking. I hope to take the intimidation away,” said Bravo.
This event was not just about attendees learning how to make simple culinary creations, but also about giving back. A portion of the proceeds from the event benefited the Heart Gallery of Broward County, a nonprofit organization committed to finding loving families for the hardest to place foster children.
The event also was created to help promote another event that benefits the Heart Gallery of Broward County, called “Eat Your Heart Out,” which will be held Oct. 7 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at the mall. The event will include gourmet food and drink, live entertainment, a silent auction and more. Arlene Borenstein, of the Sun Sentinel’s “Let’s Go South Florida” feature series, will host. Participating restaurants include Boatyard, The Capital Grille, Cooper’s Hawk Restaurants & Winery, Culinary Republic, Eddie V’s, Lips Fort Lauderdale, MOKSHA Indian Brasserie, Press & Grind Café, Riverside Market and Café, Seasons 52, Sicilian Oven and Tarpon River Brewing. (Additional restaurants TBA). The honoree will be the Moss Foundation, to be named Child Advocates of the Year. They are a nonprofit that assists other charitable organizations, including Arc Broward, Broward Public Library Foundation, HANDY, Jack & Jill Children’s Center and others. Tickets for the event are $150 per person and include complimentary valet parking. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.heartgalleryofbroward.org or call 954-918-3008.
But, before that, there will be another Cooking With The Galleria LIVE event, also benefiting the Heart Gallery of Broward County. It will be held in the mall held Aug. 28 at 2 p.m. and featuring the Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurants Chef and Senior Area Culinary Operations Manager Stephen Puhr. He will prepare Classic Tomato Bruschetta, Gnocchi Carbonara and Cooper’s Hawk Berry Crisp. Attendees will be able to sample this delicious trio while receiving tips on the perfect wine pairings. Tickets are $20 per person and space is limited. Guests may register at https://bit.ly/MeetChefStephenPuhr.
RECIPES
MAHI TACOS
Cut and season Mahi strips with blackening spice and cilantro pesto (2 parts fresh cilantro, 1 part olive oil, blended until smooth).
Cabbage Slaw:
1/2 cabbage, finely shredded
1 cup spinach, rough chop
2 limes, squeezed
1 oz Jalapeño Tabasco
2 oz olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
Mango Salsa
1 mango, fine diced
1/4 cup – Fresh pineapple, fine diced
1/2 jalapeño – fine chopped, no seeds
1 roasted/grilled red pepper – fine diced
1/4 cup – Jicama, peeled, fine diced
2 tbsp – Honey
2 tbsp – cilantro, minced
1 tsp – cumin
2 tbsp – fresh lime juice
1 1/2 – tbsp salt and pepper
Build your tacos and enjoy! You can throw the tortillas on the grill for a quick char.
MELON BASIL BURRATA SALAD WITH CRISPY PROSCIUTTO
3 oz crispy prosciutto, torn (crisp in oven)
3 cups of mixed melons: Watermelon, Cantaloupe, Honeydew
2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
8 oz burrata, halved
1-2 cups fresh basil, torn
He also created an inviting vinaigrette, Feel free to add your own specialty.
LEMON BLUEBERRY ICEBOX CAKE
4 cups fresh blueberries
One large tub or 2 small tubs of Cool Whip
8 oz. Whipped Cream Cheese
3 packs Honey Graham Crackers
3 small boxes Instant Lemon pudding
2 lemons, juiced
Mix the Cool Whip, lemon pudding, whipped cream cheese and lemon juice until whipped evenly. Layer it in a Pyrex dish and top with blueberries. Add a layer of graham crackers. Layer the mixture over the crackers one more time and top with fresh blueberries. Let it sit for 30 minutes to an hour refrigerated and enjoy!
Film Review: “Slalom”
By Rachel Galvin
Swoosh…Swoosh… the sound of skiis on snow… both forceful and effortless, the prowess of skiier Lyz Lopez is evident as she maneuvers a serpentine path down the slopes of the French Alps as she races toward the finish line, winning… again. The movie “Slalom” provides a revealing look into the struggles and triumphs of this young athlete who finds herself accosted, bullied and abandoned and fights to have the strength to carry on.
This champion, only 15 years old, finds herself becoming stronger each day as confronted by challenges one so young should not face. Not only is her body changing, but her family life is changing. Her father is out of the picture pretty much and her mother now has decided to take a job away from the area leaving the girl to take care of herself. Indeed, her mother is more interested in her new boyfriend than attending Lopez’ competitions or even seeing her for Christmas.
Feeling alone and abandoned, Lopez also faces ribbing from her fellow teammates at this elite ski club known for turning out professional athletes. They seem more than a bit jealous by her accomplishments and the obsessive focus of the coach, Fred, who berates her for being not good enough at first but strives to shape her into who he thinks she can be. His mood changes as she begins to win and he becomes delighted by her accomplishments, admiring her every move.
He becomes the parental figure she desperately needed, doing everything from talking to her about her menstrual cycle to letting her drive his truck in the snow. When her grades start to slip, he even takes her under his wing and moves her in, having his girlfriend help her with her homework.
Even though his approach is abusive, he seems to be Lopez’ only supporter, save a female teammate who seems to possibly want more than friendship. Unfortunately, her coach’s passion for her career develops into something else too and she is subjected to his surprising unwanted advances, which take the abuse to a whole new level, as well as being confronted by his suspecting girlfriend. This film shows why someone would not want to tell on their abuser, not declare #MeToo, but keep it a secret, especially someone so young.
How will a girl so young with so much talent handle everything put before her and will she win it all?
Noée Abita, as Lopez delivers a strong performance with just the right mix of vulnerability and courage. Jérémie Renier, as Fred, showcases lust, frustration, drive, anger and control in his performance. The other characters all play a secondary role to this duo who serve as leads.
The story, told in French with English subtitles, is more than your typical ‘girl goes for a dream’ type of film. It isn’t even your standard coming of age story. It has a dark overtone that makes it a much deeper film that really shows the inner workings of someone who strives against all odds. We can see Lopez’s inner psychology, her thoughts stirring in her head, and understand why she tolerates certain behaviors, as well as how these experiences change her and give her the courage to stand up for herself and make an important life-changing decision. The story is exhilarating on the slopes, but heartbreaking to see what this athlete goes up against to go for her dream.
This film from Kino Lorber opens July 30. It will be shown at The Coral Gables Art Cinema (260 Aragon Ave.), which was among 12 arthouse theaters in the nation recently selected to receive a $2,000 grant from UniFrance. The grant was established to better enable U.S. based independent cinemas and distributors, affected by the pandemic, to showcase upcoming French film releases in the first half of 2021. The other film was “Summer of ’85,” which opened July 16.
“We’re honored to have been chosen by UniFrance and a committee of film distributors to receive this grant that will help us bring two acclaimed French films to the South Florida community in July,” commented Javier Chavez, Associate Director of Coral Gables Art Cinema.
For more details and tickets, visit www.gablescinema.com.
Film Review: “Joe Bell”
By Rachel Galvin
Joe Bell (Mark Wahlberg) walks a walk of penance in this film named after his moniker. It tells the true story of this man who treks across the United States from Oregon to New York preaching the message of tolerance. It is not a message that fits Joe Bell. You see, this man would rather watch sports than listen to his son’s worries and when he reveals a big secret, Bell brushes it off like he would a pesky fly.
The secret is that his son, Jadin (Reid Miller), is gay and his issue is that he is being bullied for being himself. That is a huge reveal made trivial by his short-fused father who hopes that his son can just be tough and beat up the bad guys. His tone is dismissive and confrontational.
And this is how he lives his life. He treats his wife and his other son with equally aggressive stances. And he cares too much about what others in the community think rather than those standing in front of him — his family.
He offers his son a Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell kind of policy; but it is too late for that. It seems everyone at school knows, and the bullying, which includes cyber bullying, just keeps getting worse. The administrators also seem to avoid tackling the problem.
Jadin’s dalliance with a school chum is momentary and fleeting, almost too much so … There is a lack of depth to some of his interactions. But his story is told in a series of flashbacks, including his being tormented by others and getting harassed for being a male cheerleader. The story, rather, focuses on Joe Bell (although Jadin’s character is so dynamic, he is missed when not on the screen — and maybe that helps bring the watcher into the feeling of Joe Bell).
In order not to have any spoilers, the sequence of events that happen to Jadin will not be revealed here. But, suffice it to say, what occurs causes Joe Bell to do some heavy reflection into his own way of being and how he was as a father. Hence, the trek begins… He walks a walk to promote tolerance for his son Jadin, who always wanted to live in New York… Jadin who loved the idea of Broadway and enjoyed belting out songs like “Born This Way” by Lady Gaga.
Along the way, Joe Bell meets people who disagree with his message and others who are enamored by his stance. Gary Sinese makes an appearance as a friendly sheriff, who reveals his own shortcomings and befriends Bell.
In the end, Bell seems to have a new appreciation for others and realizes that his attitude toward Jadin was very narcissistic. Instead of thinking of his son’s feelings, he only focused on his own. He also gains a new appreciation for his family… but the road to get there is a difficult one.
The acting in the film from Wahlberg is great, as is from his wife, played by Connie Britton, but the prize goes to Miller, who is sure to have quite the career in front of him.
This film is a reflective drama which can be depressing at times, but also has its lighthearted moments. It also has some twists for those who do not already know the story. It is poignant and presents a powerful message.
Miami Swim Week 2021
By Rachel Galvin
Photos courtesy of Miami Swim Week
Miami Swim Week, as usual, brought out fashion lovers to check out the latest styles in swimwear July 7-11. They also came to be a part of the scene with swanky parties taking over classic Miami locales.
An 80 ft. runway stretched out along Espanola Way for the Pink Influence WAVE Fashion Show on July 8, and six designers had their models strut their stuff to show off their looks. Included were Lila Nikole, Sol De Mar Swimwear, House of Athlete, Muurswagg, RoseMio and Miami Art Body Tape. The event also showed off the renovations made in the area, within the Washington Avenue Business Improvement District (WAVE). The show was called “A Touch of Euphoria” and the theme was pink! The emcee was Kayln James and music was spun by DJ Nuny Love and DJ Dinero.
WAVE and the non-profit Silent Victims of Crime donated a percentage of proceeds to children of incarcerated parents, to help them academically and provide social support and mentoring. The program was founded by Tinkerbell.
“With the positive changes happening on Washington Avenue like the Goodtime Hotel, Moxy Hotel, art and cultural activities, we now have our first mural on Washington Avenue, new lighting, cleaner streets, new clubs, bars and restaurants, wrapped electrical boxes and historic banners streaming down the avenue,” said Troy E. Wright, executive director.
Sponsors included Uncle Nearest, Tito’s Vodka, Stella, Michelob Ultra Seltzer, Eagle Brands, Anheuser Busch, Skinny Fizz Champagne, We Stream, D’Nomad Mangia Cookies, Mammamia Gelato, Miami Ballon Garden, Hot Shotz, Chic Collections, Bond Party Supply, Dimple Face Make Up, Nyambi Naturals, Pop Up Structures, The Chicken Spot, Moxy Hotel, Greater Miami’s Convention Center and CAMEO.
For more information, visit https://www.washavemb.com.
The week closed out with a two-day fashion event (June 10-11) put on by Swim The Globe at the rooftop venue Sky Yard Music Bar. Swim the Globe celebrated its 5th year on Lincoln Road by showcasing some of their designers. Bravo star Lisa Nicole Cloud, known for ‘Married to Medicine,’ had her Renaissance collection on the runway, as did Sean T Exotic Bikini, Belleza Tropical, Greatest Luv, Dezoti, ZelStar, Maly Swimwear, Verokini and RISING FASHION, featuring Designer Ruben Osbaldo.
“Lincoln Road is in the heart of Miami Beach. We were thrilled to present Swim the Globe at a place where both locals and tourists have grown to love, says producer Jeffrey Lubin of Jeffrey Lubin Group. The looks were exotic, global, different and the models slayed the runway.“
Sponsors included Sky Yard Music Bar, The B-12 Store, Louis Oliver’s “How High” Brand, Vybelle Media, ASM Beauty World Academy, The Mr. Coleman Group, Alejandro Glatt, iMod Showroom, Coolheads, Amazon Fire TV, Roku, Stilo Style Diary magazine, Sunshine State Healthcare Solutions, Ms. Heels Magazine, body art and others.
For more information, visit www.swimtheglobe.com.
For more information on Miami Swim Week, visit http://miamiswimweek.net/
Film Review: “Summertime”
By Rachel Galvin
Living is not always easy, it seems, in the Los Angeles portrayed by the poetic musical “Summertime,” directed by Carlos Lopez Estrada. The characters are as diverse and vibrant as the painted walls all around the City of Angels. Each person in this tale has their own fragility and own strength. They each struggle to find their voice and use their words to exert their power, to say “I am here” and “I matter,” and that people will miss them when they are gone, whether their words were welcomed or not. Everyone has a pocket full of dreams trying to find their moment to fly, but some discover that gaining that fame may not be what it is all cracked up to be. Sometimes, living the simple life is the way to go, no matter the chaos that ensues.
The film meanders through people’s existences giving a glimpse and then moving on … almost like a stream of consciousness, or being a fly on the wall buzzing from situation to situation. Within the film, many topics are pursued, including the pursuit of fame, looking for love, standing strong in your identity, fighting back against bullying, coming to common ground, finding your family, growing up and fighting against status quo to pursue your dreams.
This film is unique in that the characters, which are all woven together in unexpected ways, tell their story through spoken word primarily, as well as a little song and dance, interspersed with dialogue. The result is an inspired piece of art that is hard to let free from your grasp. You want to hold onto it and see where it leads you next.
The spoken word artists/ actors do a great job showing vulnerability, pride, greed, stress, longing, fear, sadness, joy, indignation, solidarity, power, love and much more.
The film will be show at O Cinema in Miami and Regal Winter Park Village in Orlando on July 16 and the Tampa Theater on July 30 in Florida. It debuted July 9 in New York and LA. For more information, visit https://gooddeedentertainment.com/Summertime.
Boca Raton Museum of Art unveils Sculpture Garden, opens new exhibit
Artist Vickie Pierre & Boca Raton Museum of Art Executive Director Irvin Lippman.
By Rachel Galvin
A large crowd of about 500 flowed into the Boca Raton Museum of Art on June 12 for a special event — the opening of the newly renovated Ohnell Sculpture Garden in the Mary Ann and Harold E. Perper Courtyard, as well as the opening of the new Vickie Pierre “Be My Herald of What’s To Come” exhibition upstairs (which runs through Sept. 5). Pierre also had painted murals on the front exterior of the museum.
People could take in the vibrant 144-ft. mural (Odita’s Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow) and sculptures outside in the courtyard while sipping wine, and nibbling cheese and other light bites. The Sculpture Garden renovation was funded by Pat and Nick Ohnell and were created by the Glavovic Studio and Architectural Alliance Landscape.
The renovation of the courtyard was Phase 3A of a list of phases of changes to the look of the museum. To see other changes, visit https://bocamuseum.org/renovations-and-improvements.
The Boca Raton Museum of Art is located at 501 Plaza Real in Boca Raton. For more information, visit https://bocamuseum.org.
Resilient Rita Moreno — On beating the odds & becoming a star
Photo courtesy of Roadside Attractions
By Rachel Galvin
With tenacity and grit, Rita Moreno managed to find a place for herself in Hollywood. But the road to fame was not so easy. She tells her story candidly in the new documentary about her life, directed by Mariem Pérez, called “Rita Moreno: Just a Girl Who Decided to Go For It.” Her talent is undeniable. After all, she has been in the business for more than 70 years. She may be an EGOT (meaning she achieved an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony), but she is certainly humble, and extremely candid in this revealing film. The story is told not only with Moreno’s own words, but other actors, friends and colleagues chiming in about how she has motivated and inspired them, and how certain events affected her through the years.
Moreno began her life in poverty in Puerto Rico and left to America with her mother at 5 years old, leaving her father and brother behind, whom she never saw again. She got her start as a dancer, and during a recital, she was discovered and taken on by MGM and put under contract. It was quite a coup and would lead her to become the breadwinner of the family by 16 years old, quite a responsibility. She would find, however, despite how far she had come, she could only go so far, being held down in many ways because of her ethnicity and her gender. She was pigeon-holed into every ethnic role they could put her in, often using caked-on makeup to make her darker, and making her take on new accents to fit whatever role they deemed fit… not just Puerto Rican, but Native, Asian, an Island girl and more. The racism was real and she experienced it in many ways, including segregation and harassment outside of the set.
She still found herself in countless movies and TV shows through the years, from epic films like “Singin’ in the Rain” and “The King and I,” to children’s shows like “Sesame Street,” “The Electric Company” and the “Muppet Show.” She has done it all – comedy, drama, musicals and more.
She is perhaps best known for her role as Anita in “West Side Story,” a character who was vulnerable yet unafraid to speak her mind. Moreno saw a role model in this character. She later would find the courage to be outspoken herself, becoming an activist for various causes. That was something that attracted her to actor Marlon Brando, with whom she had a tumultuous relationship that was very painful for her and led her to having an abortion and attempting suicide.
But this was not the only difficulty she had dealing with men in this business. Long before “Me Too,” she was finding herself being treated much like a sex object. Not only was she often put in those types of roles, but she was forced, as a contract player, to go out on dates with men, for publicity. She found herself often harassed, groped and even raped. But she kept her mouth shut and persevered.
She would later settle down with Leonard Gordon, who has since died, and had a daughter, Fernanda Luisa. Today, she is more than happy to be single and at 89 years old has found that her life and career have continued going on strong. Her show “One Day at a Time,” which started in 2017 is currently looking for a new home, after being canceled from Netflix and Pop. But she is also playing Valentina in the new “West Side Story,” directed by Steven Speilberg.
This film not only tells the story of a talent who seems to have seen it all, but sheds a spotlight on the inner workings of Hollywood in the golden era and beyond. But, beyond that, it is a very human story, unveiling piece by piece a woman’s life. The film showcases her courage against all odds and, more than anything, leaves you feeling inspired, with maybe a tear in your eye.
Film Spotlight: “Shepherd: The Story of a Jewish Dog”
By Rachel Galvin
Stills by Peter Nemeshazi/ JDog Films
At heart, this is a story about a boy and his dog, but, being that it was set beginning in 1930s Germany and going into World War II, it becomes much more complicated than that.
A Jewish family’s dog has puppies and, one by one, the family begins giving them away because they simply cannot keep them all. In the end, they are left with the mama dog and its baby Kaleb. But as the Nuremberg Laws begin to be put in place to suppress Jewish rights, including saying that Jews cannot own pets, they must decide what to do with the two that are left. The story follows the last dog to leave, Kaleb, the youngest son’s beloved, as he goes on his own journey. Not everyone wants Kaleb and he dreams of the loving household he was forced to leave behind. He realizes his former family has gone away.
Eventually, he becomes the property of an SS officer who shows him love and trains him to be the best dog in the bunch, which leads him to being sent with his new owner to the work camps. There, he is reunited with the youngest son, Jacob, and they have an adventure of their own.
The film was based on a book, which is not a true story, written by Asher Kravitz. It was adapted for film by Lynn Roth, who also directed the film.
Asked how she came across the book, Roth said that the story found her. She explained, “I was teaching a class in Israel, teaching kids how to pitch. A student came in with an idea that his friend was writing but he wanted me to know about it. The idea of a dog during the Shoah was too intriguing to let go.”
Before doing this film, she had made a film that was released in 2007 called “Little Traitor,” which she said was very successful in South Florida. “Still today, it is the longest-running film that Movies of Delray ever had,” she said.
It took her eight years to get the funding together for the film “Shepherd: The Story of a Jewish Dog,” which is a low-budget independent film. They shot the entire film in Hungary and were able to use practical sets for everything, including the work camps, which had been used for movies in the past. She also found probably the most important aspect of the film in Hungary– the dogs and, along with them, the dog trainers, who she said are the go-to people for anyone making a film in Europe. Since she lives in Los Angeles, the only way to check in on the training of the dogs was to do it via Zoom and emailed videos. It took a long time to do the training.
They rotated the dogs, using different ones for different actions … like growling, swimming, attacking, etc. But the main one used was the one used in the close-ups. The dog they wanted her to use did not make enough eye contact, so she chose another.
There is a part near the beginning of the film when the family sees many different types of dogs, and the dogs and their owners look alike! This was a funny moment, and the type of lighthearted feeling she hoped to achieve in that part of the film. “I wanted it to be lighter in the beginning,” she said, hoping to show how the family was interacting with each other before things got really bad. Things were not perfect, but they were able to laugh and have fun with each other, but things progressively got worse. As far as finding dogs that matched up with the people, she said she found those dogs also in Hungary and matched the people to the dogs.
In order to achieve the truism needed for this period piece, Roth had to work long and hard to find the right props, wardrobe, etc. “Every step of the way, we researched very carefully,” she said. In Hungary, again, she said she found “a wonderful wardrobe person,” and was able to find everything else she needed.
They were able to make what she calls “a miracle” film within only a month, and with a great aesthetic, very much like is often seen, she said, in European films.
The little boy in the movie, Jacob, played by August Maturo, becomes the lead actor in the film, along with the dog, Kaleb. Before doing this film, he had built quite the repertoire, including working on a TV series called “Girl Meets World.” While that show was a comedy, this film required intense emotions, something Roth said was not difficult for the young actor, as his emotions were close to the surface. “He feels very deeply,” she said.
Roth mentioned that his mother, Shoshonna, played by popular Israeli actress Ayelet Zurer, is known for shows like “Shtisel,” as well as “Losing Alice” and films like “Man of Steel,” among others.
Asked what she hopes people will come away with after seeing the film, Roth said, “I hope people see … what we can learn from animals. I learn so much from my dog – loyalty, the ability the forgive, their joy… We should study them more. Life would be better.”
She added that there is bad and good in people, but if there was more good, then life would also be better. “There is not enough emphasis on how to be good. It is not so hip to be bad. There is something to be said for bringing out the good in all of us.”
The film will be released in South Florida starting on June 11 at the following theaters: Regal South Beach in Miami, Regal Magnolia Place in Coral Springs, Regal Westfork in Pembroke Pines, Movies at Lake Worth in Lake Worth and Regal Royal Palm Beach in Royal Palm Beach. To see additional theaters nationwide and internationally, and to see more information, visit www.shepherdjewishdogmovie.com
Mandarin Oriental Ritz is Now Open
The Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group reopened the iconic Mandarin Oriental Ritz, Madrid on April 15.
In celebration, an enticing Opening Offer is available until August 31, 2021 which includes an exclusive guided city tour, a generous dining credit and an original Ritz gift; a piece of history to commemorate the occasion.
This much-anticipated reopening comes after the most ambitious and extensive restoration in the iconic property’s 110-year history. Originally designed and built under the supervision of legendary hotelier César Ritz, the hotel first opened its doors in 1910. Over the last three years, it has been carefully restored, enhancing its facilities and services while preserving the unique Belle Époque character of the original building.
Spanish architect, Rafael de La-Hoz, has been instrumental in the historical restoration while French designers, Gilles & Boissier, have overseen the interiors, increasing the property’s appeal to local and international guests alike. Each of the 153 luxuriously appointed rooms, including 53 suites, now enjoy a chic and contemporary residential style.
The hotel is poised to become one of the most innovative culinary destinations in Spain with five dining concepts overseen by three Michelin-starred Chef Quique Dacosta. These comprise Deessa, with a menu celebrating locally-sourced produce; Palm Court, serving a classic yet modern menu under a spectacular central glass canopy;Champagne Bar, which presents tailored pairings for guests; Pictura, with a curated avant-garde menu of cocktails; and El Jardín del Ritz, Madrid’s favourite al fresco setting.
For the first time in its history, Mandarin Oriental Ritz, Madrid will offer wellness experiences for body and mind. The intimate spa retreat will feature Mandarin Oriental’s award-winning wellness expertise in partnership with The Beauty Concept, one of Spain’s leading wellness experts.
The wellness facilities include a heated indoor swimming pool, a vitality pool, experience showers, a steam room, and a contemporary fitness centre.
The property’s prestigious location, in the heart of Madrid’s commercial and cultural district and close to the city’s famed El Retiro Park, has ensured that The Ritz has always been an integral part of society in Spain’s capital, and host to royalty, politicians, corporate leaders, and celebrities for decades.
Attending the reopening celebrations for a traditional ribbon cutting ceremony were a group of government and cultural dignitaries. See photo caption.
For further information and reservations, visit mandarinoriental.com/madrid.