Author Archives: Sabrina

Posts: 17 (archived below)
Comments: 36

I only eat chicken and rice…Not

Posted on March 19, 2011 by Sabrina

I often meet people who immediately assume that when I say “I only eat halal food,” it must mean I only eat chicken and rice. Well, that is not the case.

I assure you, halal food is more than chicken and rice. Even when it’s the mouth watering entree in silver packaging sold on 53rd and 6th.

I don’t actually stand on lines three times a day for breakfast, lunch and dinner for grilled chicken, lamb or beef chunks sidled with yellow or brown rice, then drizzled with mystery white sauce, hot sauce or the occasional barbecue sauce and a sparing array of salad on the side. If I did, I’d choose different carts each time, and vary even then by day. They do say that variety is the spice of life.

But, really now.

In reality, halal just mean lawful in the sense that the meat was blessed with an Islamic prayer before slaughter. So all I’m saying is that when I’m out and about, I’m often limited to the carts or must choose from vegetarian or seafood options at restaurants not serving meat from a halal butcher shop.

As long as it is, I indulge in practically the same dishes as everyone else, but mostly at home. Home is where the halal is. My mom prepares Bengali meals, like biryani, and American ones, like steak and mashed potatoes, on any given day. So relax guys, I’m not quite so deprived, just particular.

I wish I could explain this one once and for all—because I have, often—but the misunderstanding continues. Sigh.

In fact, I asked a few friends about their perceptions of halal food just so you readers didn’t think this was all based on conjecture. And my, oh my, did most of them basically prove my assessment:

I asked, what is halal food? These were my friends’ well meaning responses:

“It’s chicken and rice. With white sauce,” said Alex Mikoulianitch

“What do you mean? I’m not understanding your question,” said Anas M. Uddin.

“Middle Eastern dishes,” said Brian Gottesman

(And then a light at the end of the tunnel)

“Halal food, to me is the meat, and it has to be prepared a certain way, and has to be blessed,” said David Ospino.

(But wait, there’s more)

“I guess, chicken and rice, and salad,” said Nakeisha Campbell

“The Arabic version of kosher food. And shish kebabs,” said Gizelle Lugo.

Close. But still, sigh.

It’s frustrating to say the least. But I’m confident that as New Yorkers, people will catch up. We understand what kosher is, right?

For instance, Dovilas Bukauskas said, “I think halal is just for meat. I think kosher is for everything.”

So, the concept isn’t completely out of our scope. But little does it matter in the foodie scheme of things when both the vendors and their hungry customers are happy. Especially around Baruch, where there are close to 5 halal food carts/trucks in something of a two block radius and chicken and rice reigns supreme.

My Egyptian buddy agrees, posing for the camera, then jokingly saying, “Now you pay for the photo.”

This halal food vendor by 25th and Lexington serves long lines of Baruch students everyday. At noon on this day, the lunch line is just beginning to form.

$5 dollars for a chicken and rice = halal food misnomer? “Ha-ha.” Certainly not.

Posted in Food, Food Rant / love song | Tagged Rant | 4 Comments

Director’s permit granted

Posted on March 10, 2011 by Sabrina

Although Christopher Ludgate was wearing a pair of sunglasses, he was instantly recognizable as he sat in one corner of the quaint coffee shop.

A local New York filmmaker who has been garnering praise all across the country for his short film, The Love Permit (TLP), a fan even offered his praise shortly after spotting him.

"The Love Permit" official poster for the Queens World Film Festival

His film had just opened last weekend’s First Annual Queens World Film Festival, which awarded him Honorable Mention for Short Narrative Filmmaking. This was no small feat, considering that, according to Festival Director Katha Cato, QWFF screened 121 independent films from several hundred that were submitted.

A seasoned storyteller, Ludgate grew up writing and directing in his youth. But his credits also include modeling and acting, which he said happened unexpectedly. He has since starred in a the critically acclaimed short film Door of the Law, several Off-Broadway and Off-Off-Broadway plays and print ads. (By the way, if you’re like me and you’ve ever wondered who it is on the cover of that guilty pleasure, romance novel, it may just be him.)

Though Ludgate enjoys writing and directing the most of his crafts. Likewise, he had originally written TLP as a play and directed it on stage before easily transferring to the screen. It has since been shown at nearly a dozen state festivals where the short has earned several nominations and wins for the top awards.

A political satire, TLP shows naive Mr. Young struggling to receive a “love and sex” permit from a government agent. In barely thirteen minutes, the screen pans out on this crucial moment in Mr. Young’s life to demonstrate a microcosm of a world severely controlled by the political powers that be that infringe upon the most innate of human desires to obtain and maintain order.

The agent once says, “We’re not about fair here. We’re about law and protocol, for the good of the state, which cannot afford passionate romantics like you aborting reason and rationale.” But rebellion is imminent.

Ludgate, who believes, “A good film is only good if it has heart,” said that the heart of this one shows that, “Even in the most corrupt organization, there is hope.”

TLP’s script clearly makes political commentary with undertones of dry humor so beneath the surface, it’s easily difficult to detect. And Ludgate’s subtle shots effectively demonstrate this as they follow Mr. Young and the agent in sweeping landscape angles and close up profile scenes that are at times both chilling and comical.

Actor Russell Saylor, who plays the agent, said that being in this film and working with Ludgate was a very rewarding experience.

“As a director, Chris was very open to collaboration. […] He is a selfless director who encouraged our unique take on the project.”

: Director Christopher Ludgate with actor Russel Saylor at opening night of the Queens World Film Festival.

Though it’s his first short film, I wondered whether Ludgate preferred political themes but he said he’s open to anything that compels thought.

“I’ve always gravitated toward […] things that are provocative, and to human nature and relationships, and really getting to experience the grit of what it’s like when someone is really going through an obstacle, […] and people are relentlessly just putting wall after wall after wall up in front of them,” Ludgate explained.

This particular film resonated with the gay community who perceived it as advocating same sex marriage. According to IndieWire.com, it even earned second place in TLAgay.com’s Onlline Short Film Contest. Ludgate, however, said he intended TLP to have a wider meaning.

“It’s actually in a broader spectrum, a more universal message, which is the absurdity and the juxtaposition of government or anybody, any organization, trying to control innate and intrinsic needs of humanity,” he said.

Ludgate’s work shows his dedication to speak on behalf of social causes. He modestly revealed that he has an altruistic nature.

Saylor told me more about that. “[Chris] is involved in making the world a better place through his work in the community. He is a true artist who is determined to make a positive impact.”

Ludgate’s newest project serves that purpose. He is working on a documentary about the non-sectarian organization, God’s Love We Deliver, which provides meals with the strong belief of “food as medicine,” to those with life threatening illnesses. A member of the organization, Ludgate felt it would be a great subject for film.

Soon off for the premiere of TLP in Europe, it’ll be interesting to see the documentary and what else Christopher Ludgate will show the world next. Brimming with great potential, talent and a genuine kindness, I can only expect the best.

Posted in Independent Film | 351 Comments

Love Stings

Posted on March 1, 2011 by Sabrina

Wasp, Andrea Arnold’s 2005 Oscar winning short from the UK, was perhaps one of the most gut wrenching experiences I’ve ever had viewing anything. Visual images transformed into physical responses and I watched with my mouth hanging open for a great part of it, squirming in anxiety for what tragedy might befall the characters next. It was that intense.

From the very first scene, I was queasy. The director’s angled shots were partly to blame for this; they followed the characters down the stairs like an eyeball constantly circling its surroundings. But the next, clearer, images of the children in tattered, dirty clothing and unkempt hair, and the baby without diapers in the arms of his barefoot mother made me just as unsettled. The fierce wrestle between her and another woman in the neighborhood was making it worse. But, lo and behold, I found that I was already rooting for someone.

I had barely “met” this woman and yet I was invested. The neighbor was pinning her down, and since I hadn’t been able to focus on the initial mother due to the frazzled nature of the filming, I started rooting for the wrong side and was hopeful that she was “winning.” But, I quickly recalled that she wore a distinct blue nighty, the only piece of her I could recognize, and realized, “Oh, no…she’s not,” simultaneously feeling silly that I was reacting this way in the first place.

It’s like that thing they say about pets, like chicks, that they call whoever they meet first their mother. I saw her first and had faith in her. With every scene, that faith was slipping, but I didn’t give up. I just wanted to know more. I just wanted to know her story, the who’s, what’s, where’s, why’s, and how’s? Who was Mark? Did he really leave her? And for what? Where did he go? Why is she in this position? How does she still afford a home? These were left unanswered but I’m not dissatisfied with the short, I think I can choose my own “alternate ending,” so glad that it’s fiction and not documentary and I have that mental option.

I’m also so glad those children are “fine.” I kept jumping to conclusions that one would suffer a car accident, be molested, or something worse that I couldn’t predict. These children were in the worse possible, broken family situation as it were, and yet they loved their mother with every ounce of their light and fragile bodies. But sometimes, like a wasp, love stings.

Posted in Oscar Shorts | Comments Off

Wish, I Love You

Posted on February 26, 2011 by Sabrina

Wish 143 is a compelling short film that emotionally explores the depth and psyche of a young and terminally ill cancer patient by the wish he desires fulfilled before his dying day–losing his virginity.

An Oscar nominated live action short from the UK, Wish 143 is a dramatic romantic comedy that chronicles the brevity of life and desire for love in just about 23 minutes. It may not show romance in the conventional sense but the film certainly romanticizes love in its essence, and does so with a simple dose of humor.

When the Dreamscape wish maker visits David, he expects the youth to want a trip to Disney World or meet former Manchester United footballer Gary Neville. But he is completely taken aback when David honestly only wants to have sex with a naked woman, and dreams of having it in a car no less. It may seem like the adolescent’s raging hormones are to blame but Wish 143 proves it’s much more than that.

David’s inner feelings about his wish are increasingly revealed and resonant on screen. I realized that he isn’t just seeking the sensation of sex, but that of love, that someone would want to share it with him and touch him physically and emotionally. His mentor, Father Jim Carter, makes him see this. Even though the good priest initially tries to explain to David that sex is a sacred act, he also tries to understand him and eventually help him get what he wants–what he really wants, a real connection with another person that sees past his illness.

I found this dynamic between Father Carter and David so refreshingly amusing. From the priest’s youthful trainers to his easy attitude, he just tries to genuinely connect with the youth and he is completely nonjudgmental in the process. He’s a real friend to him.

So there is definitely a balance between romance and humor in Wish 143, the title itself hints at it. 143= I (1) Love (4) You (3). From David’s innocent desire to be engaged in an act of passion (maybe with his high school girlfriend,) to truly just wanting to be embraced by a woman, to when he compares his tumor to various fruits, to when he pranks the bus driver in one scene, the film is both heartbreakingly touching and comically moving.

Looks like he's bitten a piece of his heart.

Director Ian Barnes and writer Tom Bidwell really strum at heartstrings with the simple shots and subtle but affective storyline. Their piece may not stand a chance next to the visually stunning and intensely dramatic The Confession or romantic thriller of sorts The Crush, but Wish 143 says a great deal about life and love in less than sweeping imagery on a what seems an amateur camera and editing software, its only flaw. The visual quality is grainy and appears almost like a home video, lacking that high definition image, which can distract viewers’ attention.

Therefore, as a collective work, it’s clearly the underdog nominee, quite like Dogtooth in the Foreign Language category. Both are films that viewers undoubtedly appreciate on a profound level but many doubt will earn the award.

But David Ospino disagrees. “I think Wish 143 is gonna win because it deals with cancer. That’s how the Oscar’s work.” Ospino thinks it has a fighting chance because, “It deals with a timely issue in a way that people relate to or empathize with. He’s young and he’s a virgin, and he really just wants affection.”

Posted in Oscar Shorts | 2 Comments

Which shorts make the cut-offs? Check them all out at IFC

Posted on February 19, 2011 by Sabrina

I’ve seen live-action short films before. But this was the first time I actually went to a theatre to watch them. So I found myself wondering if anybody actually attends the movie theatre to watch a short. I mean, in this case, the screening for the 2011 Oscar nominated live-action shorts was like a feature length film and well worth the ticket and the excursion to IFC Center. But, how often do people go see a 15-30 minute film, or do they screen them before or after a regular film, or are there theatres meant just for short films? Before the first even started, I was worrying about the logistics of the thing and if the filmmakers ever made a profit anything from their art. It’s a strange thought that might just stem from my hope that I survive in the dwindling journalism industry or realize my own dreams of smalltime filmmaking –wishful thinking. But I always find myself wishing these independents well, that’s all.

But especially upon leaving the theatre did I feel that the filmmakers of these shorts certainly deserve that strange thought and recognition. Their works are these complete but concise reels of film that hit me with the force of different emotions along varying plot lines in so short a span, but I was compelled to quickly recover from each in time for the next nominee. Sunil Ramsamooj, who was also at the screening, agreed.

“In some ways it was better than a film. The shorts were indeed short but no less powerful than a full length feature film.[…] You didn’t get a chance to get tired by a film, if anything, each left you wanting more,” he said.

I think I’m an official convert to this annual event now. Perhaps I can even form my thoughts of potential future nominees by watching the latest shorts here.

Posted in Oscar Shorts | 1 Comment

Choose Your Color With “The Independent Palete”

Posted on February 17, 2011 by Sabrina

From left to right: Queen, Sabrina, Ashley (above), Alexandra, Jerrica

Hey, readers, welcome to blog posts by “The Independent Palette.” If you like food, film and music, we’re the ones who can tell you what’s out there in New York City in the independent genre. Here’s a little bit about each of us:

Queen: I enjoy politics, reading, listening to music, discussing philosophy and watching any film starring Johnny Depp. I am currently looking for a job or any other way to make money. I will begin to write another short film, shortly. I love Jon Stewart, Stephen Colbert, and Bill Maher If anyone is planning on going to Ireland or Scotland… can I come? I am not a fan of Ben Roethlisberger or Michael Vick. My favorite quarterback is Peyton Manning and my favorite baseball team is the New York Yankees.

Sabrina: I like discussing anything from film to vendor food, and indulging in all that in between too. So it’s awesome that I get to write for edit the Arts & Style section of The Ticker. I also critique theatre on a regular basis for tdf.org on their “plog” (play-blog). And I’m a concert junkie with a wide variety of music favorites. I love to travel too and my first stop was India, then Bangladesh, and I’m still looking to book the next one. Until then, I look forward to my posts in “Writing Culture: Food, Film and Beyond.”

Alexandra: I do not typically follow independent films or fashion so I look forward to keeping this blog this semester. My major is journalism and creative writing and I want to be the next Katie Couric or Barbara Walters. I am the features editor of the Ticker, Baruch’s independent student-run newspaper. The type of articles I like writing the most are profiles on people. I am looking forward to adding food, film, and other art related subjects to the list of things I know about and I think keeping this blog would help me achieve that.

Ashley: I am very passionate about food and cooking; it has always been a constant highlight in my life. In my opinion, the best thing about living in New York is that there are always new food places to try that are just around the corner or a few train stops away. I plan on creating my own food blog this spring. After I graduate Baruch College, I want to attend culinary school in the city.

Jerrica: I am an advocate for individuality and anything artistic, so I am very excited on this blog about culture. I love art and its forms, especially the art of fashion. I have my own fashion blog, which is just a blog for fun, of photographs I find inspiring, beautiful, and a little talk on fashion itself. However, I am also a huge fan of film and music, two art forms that this blog will focus on. I am looking forward to see what the Indie film genre has to offer.

Posted in Who We Are | 17 Comments

Dot your eyes and cross your TVs: Tune in to the Web series of your choice.

Posted on February 8, 2011 by Sabrina

As far as definitions go, Web series are shows aired exclusively online and they are increasingly gaining popularity in the entertainment industry. Some come from established networks and some from independent filmmakers. If I had to choose between Web series with polish or rough edges, I prefer the rough edges. I just think they’re far more original and provocative. But in the end, I feel that both aim to entertain and they do.

I feel that independent Web series have a more raw sense of humor, targeted for more narrow groups of audiences. But they still need some work, and that’s part of the allure. It’s just as matter of pushing the limits. “Diy independents” can take more liberties with the material and they take advantage of that. Black and White’s production of “Oh, Inverted World” certainly does, with its interesting direction style with black and white picture, unknown actors and an off kilter plot. It’s a fantasy series about recent college graduates who come back to their hometown and discover the moon may be collidingwith the Earth. Oh, and there are zombies too.

I don’t necessarily like all of the material independent filmmakers produce, and didn’t in this case, but enjoy the idea that they are willing to cross some boundaries of popular film and television. The casts and crews are nearly always avant-garde artists that create fresh storylines and use different aesthetics, like they did here. Similarly, one of my favorite Web series is “We Need Girlfriends.” It’s about recent college graduates, all guys, who find themselves single for the first time. It’s fresh and sarcastic in a way polished shows aren’t. Such diy independents tend to produce the content I feel is actually fit for the motto “It’s not TV, it’s ____.”

The Web series supported by prominent channels, on the other hand, may be fun to watch but sound just too scripted, tailored for electronic applause sequences at just the right places. They have actors with fan bases that mean there will always be a following and a crew that perfect the scenes fit for commercial break—fit for revenue. Independents tend not to think that way. However, these writers know their stuff and know just what makes people laugh, cry, or yell in surprise, and we respond in kind. I tune in to Lifetime and other networks for the dramas and comedies that I know will always treat me the way I expect to for that given weekday or weekend, daytime, primetime, anytime and all the time.

Likewise, Lifetime Suite 7’s production, “For Richer or Poorer,” didn’t disappoint. About a pair of newlyweds who have their first big fight about money troubles—after just arriving to the honeymoon suite, it makes you laugh, even just a little bit. Queen Esquijarosa said, “I thought it was funny but I wish it was longer.”

In general, I much prefer the independent genre. I like being moved on a profound level or laugh at dry, unrehearsed humor, not just be entertained for a single evening. That’s where the sponsored series lose me. But it doesn’t matter, if the point is just to raise a rating, they’ll get it anyway.

Posted in Independent Film | Comments Off