Big News, Big Newsletter from LA Greek Film Festival 2012

LAGFF NETWORKING EVENT- THURSDAY, MARCH 29, 2012 Known as the preferred venue where the creative community gathers, Palihouse is located in the heart of West Hollywood's unparalleled nightlife.  Media and entertainment professionals, filmmakers, patrons and the LAGFF team will get together at Palihouse next Thursday, March 29, 6-10 pm, to network and support the upcoming 6th Annual Los Angeles Greek Film Festival. PALIHOUSE Thursday, March 29, 6 pm-10 pm. Address provided upon confirmed RSVP. Cocktails and appetizers available. Valet and street parking. For dinner reservations, please call (323) 656-4100 extension 120, and reference "LAGFF." This is a private benefit at an exclusive venue with limited capacity. Reservations are required. To reserve your ticket, please click here. All proceeds from the event benefit LA Greek Film Festival, a non-profit 501 (3) (c) charitable organization. Donation - $20. Includes entry and opportunity to win Festival ALL-ACCESS GOLD PASS.   Thank you for supporting LAGFF. See you on Thursday, March 29!

CALLING VOLUNTEERS! LAGFF is currently seeking volunteers interested in working in the following areas: Marketing, Social Media, Sponsorship, Hospitality, Transportation, and Event Production. Please contact LAGFF Volunteer Coordinator Adrian Fernandez for more information: Adrian@lagreekfilmfestival.org. Adrian Fernandez became involved with LAGFF 4 years ago, due to his interest in Greek culture which grew from his close knit friendships with Greeks from his hometown - Downey, CA.

MY SWEET CANARY SCREENS AT ISRAEL FILM FESTIVAL Roza Eskenazi, the Diva of Rebetiko or "Greek Blues", sang the way she lived - with passion, fire and love. Three young musicians from Greece, Turkey, and Israel embark on an exciting musical journey, in order to tell the story of Greece's best-known and best-loved Rebetiko singer for the first time on film. They travel from Istanbul to Thessaloniki and Athens, following the musical trail Roza Eskenazi left behind. Ultimately, the film delves into a world that has largely vanished, but whose echoes still reverberate throughout the Mediterranean Basin. "The soulfulness that marked Billie Holiday's music echoed a life in which profound sadness and unprecedented success were ultimately inseparable. As I listened more carefully, I found that rare combination of emotions in Roza's music too. I was determined to unravel the saga of her life." -Roy Sher, Director For more information and tickets, click here.

PAPAMICHAEL TO BE RECOGNIZED AT 2012 AHC ANNUAL AWARDS GALA Award-winning cinematographer, director and LAGFF Advisor, Phedon Papamichael, is to receive the Aristeio Award in the Arts & Entertainment at American Hellenic Council's Annual Awards Gala on Saturday, March 31. Other award recipients include Andrew Liveris, Chairman and CEO of Dow Chemical; and Nevada Congresswoman, Shelley Berkley. For information, tickets and advertising opportunities, please click here.

"ATTENBERG" OPENS IN LOS ANGELES Greece's Official entry for the Academy Awards, ATTENBERG is a wonderfully deadpan, surprisingly touching coming of-age story. 23-year-old Marina (Ariane Labed) lives in a small, factory town by the sea where she passes her time watching Sir David Attenborough's nature programs, listening to the proto-punk songs of Suicide, goofing with her only friend Bella (Evangelia Randou), and tending to her ailing father (Vangelis Mourikis). When a visiting engineer (Oscar-nominated Dogtooth director Yorgos Lanthimos) comes to town, the two form a tentative relationship that pushes Marina into contact with the strange and complex world of adulthood. Critically acclaimed, ATTENBERG is a sincere and humorous look at life's defining moments. 95 Minutes. In Greek with English Subtitles. Not Rated OPENS FRIDAY, APRIL 6 LAEMMLE'S MONICA 4-PLEX 1332 2nd Street Santa Monica, CA.  90401 310-478-3836 Click Here for Showtimes & Tickets LAEMMLE'S PLAYHOUSE 7 673 East Colorado Blvd. Pasadena, CA.  91101 310-478-3836 Click Here for Showtimes and Tickets

GOOD LUCK MARIA MENOUNOS ON DANCING WITH THE STARS!

Maria Menounos is one of the featured contestants on the upcoming Dancing with the Stars season, which starts next Monday.  She is considered the odds-on favorite to win. For more on the show, and how to vote for contestants, please click here.