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NYC Independent Film Festival is a celebration of the true independent filmmaker, documentaries, short and feature-length films, music videos, and animation. During the 6th Annual Festival we gave away prizes with a total cash value of over 28,000 USD. All screenings take place in the historic center of NYC, Time Square which is the perfect home for an event geared toward creating incredible opportunities for independent voices. filmfestivals.com

Chi Raq by Spike Lee joins the competition The Competition of the 66th Berlin International Film Festival is now complete. 18 of the 23 films in the Competitionprogramme will be vying for the Golden and Silver Bears (see also press releases from December 4 and 11, 2015, and January 11, 2016). 19 films are world premieres. The following countries are participating in the entire programme: Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Iran, Italy, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, the People’s Republic of China, the Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Singapore, Sweden, Tunisia, United Kingdom and the US. The Award Ceremony will take place at the Berlinale Palast on Saturday, February 20th, 2016.

UNCLE HOWARD features : Howard Brookner, William S. Burroughs, Allen Ginsberg, James Grauerholz, Jim Jarmusch, Sara Driver, Brad Gooch, Robert Wilson, Matt Dillon, Madonna, and more Directed by: Aaron Brookner Producer: Paula Vaccaro Co-Producers: Sara Driver, Alex Garcia Executive Producer: Jim Jarmusch Genre: Documentary Run Time: 96 minutes Synopsis: UNCLE HOWARD is an intertwining tale of past and present. New York filmmaker Howard Brookner died of AIDS in 1989, while making his breakthrough Hollywood movie. His body of work, which captured the late 70s and early 80s cultural revolution, was buried in William S. Burroughs' bunker for 30 years. Now in a personal journey, his nephew Aaron unearths Howard's filmmaking legacy and the memory of everything he was. FESTIVAL SCREENINGS Monday, January 25 at 3:30pm, Holiday Village Cinema 3, Park City (P&I) Tuesday, January 26 at 3:00pm, Temple Theatre, Park City (WORLD PREMIERE) Wednesday, January 27 at 9:00am, Yarrow Hotel Theatre, Park City Thursday, January 28 at 9:45pm, Broadway Centre Cinema 6, Salt Lake City Friday, January 29 at 6:00pm, Redstone Cinema 7, Park City Saturday, January 30 at 2:30pm, Egyptian Theatre, Park City BRAD GOOCH "SMASH CUT" BOOK READING with special introduction by Aaron Brookner Wednesday, January 27 at 5:00pm, Dolly's Bookstore, Park City

Only Love, by Shaggy which features Pitbull and soulful vocals by NYC-based singer Gene Noble, is all about bringing the world together as one.

The Miss Cayman World of Colour Pageant will be held on Saturday January 30th at the Lions Center where eight young women will be competing for the coveted role. After a year’s reign, Miss Cayman 2015, Tonie Chisholm , will be handing over her crown to one of these lucky ladies. The Miss Cayman pageant supports opportunities for young women to become true ambassadors locally and internationally for The Cayman Islands.

New Single From Vershon, Produced By Hard@work/Frenz For Real & Video Directed By Terminal 4 Media @vershonmusic @birchillmusic @jwonder21

On the third night of the Jamrock Reggae Cruise , the successful five-day festival cruise founded by Damian Marley , as the Pearl sailed between two Jamaican ports prior to its return to Miami, a top-tier roster including singer Jah Cure , vibrant young dancehall star Popcaan , versatile sing-jay Busy Signal and veteran deejay Bounty Killer brought the sold-out crowd delivered to an international audience of reggae devotees some of the island's most vibrant music. Despite the performers' contrasting styles and age differences, these artists share a major career impediment: all are without visas/work permits for the US, the UK and Canada. As such, the Jamrock cruise organizers devised an opportunity to present four in-demand Jamaican acts that American, Canadian and British reggae lovers are unable to see in their countries -- the artists boarded the ship at the first port in Jamaica and disembarked at the second. "We applaud the Marley team for developing a key platform for Jamaican artists who can't travel to the U.S., it builds greater demand for them that can hopefully help to breakthrough their visa barriers," noted Aaron Talbert , vp of sales and marketing at New York City-based reggae independent VP Records. On the morning following his electrifying performance aboard the Welcome to Jamrock Reggae Cruise , Jah Cure disembarked the Pearl in Ocho Rios, Jamaica surrounded by excited fans, all with cell phone cameras ready. Cure delayed his exit and graciously posed for selfies with each of them. "People came all the way from England to see me here so I am happy to take photos with them," said the Rastafarian artist whose chart topping album The Cure is a Grammy nominee for best reggae album. Dancehall and reggae acts have always relied on concert dates, rather than record sales, to generate income. The inability to perform in the United States, Canada and the U.K. greatly diminishes their overall earning potential and constrains the opportunities for exposure. "Promoters are frustrated because they are recycling the same acts for shows, fans want more too. It's supply-and-demand, and the supply from Jamaica has dwindled," remarks Jamaica-born Ms. J. Lexy Brooks , founder/CEO of the Manhattan-based entertainment company VIP Connected Entertainment, LLC, whose services include booking a diversity of artists for international events. Ms. Brooks has successfully petitioned for several dancehall artists' US visas including vocal group Voicemail, dancer/vocalist Ding Dong and selector/vocalist Tony Matterhorn. Artists generally apply for "P" visas, P1, as part of an internationally recognized group, P2 for an exchange program and P3 for culturally unique artists. They must present a contract with their petitioner, the start and end dates for their various engagements and a description of the events they will participate in. An advisory opinion, stating their qualifications, must also be submitted. The reasons Bounty Killer, Busy Signal, Jah Cure and Popcaan cannot travel to the US are as varied as their music. In June 2012, Busy Signal (Glendale Gordon) was anticipating touring in support of his critically acclaimed Reggae Music Again (VP Records), which peaked at No. 3 on Reggae Albums chart. Instead he was arrested and extradited to the U.S. for absconding on bail over a 2002 drug case. He served two months in a Minnesota prison then was released ahead of schedule in November 2012, the presiding judge was apparently impressed with his career accomplishments and clean record over the past 10 years. He is now eligible to reapply for a visa. Popcaan (Andre Sutherland), a protégé of dancehall superstar Vybz Kartel who generated interest following his 2014 debut Where We Come From and is a favorite of Drake , had his visa approval delayed over minor marijuana-related offenses. Bounty Killer (Rodney Price), a mentor to Kartel and Busy Signal , lost his U.S. travel privileges in an en-masse revocation of visas belonging to five dancehall acts that took place in March 2010 Beenie Man (Moses Anthony Davis), Mavado (David Brooks), Aidonia (Sheldon Ricardo Aitana Lawrence) and sound system selector Ricky Trooper (Garfield Augustus McKoy) were all barred from travel. (Beenie Man has since recovered his visa and Mavado is now a permanent resident of the US). Homeland Security took this unprecedented step while the US and Jamaican governments were at loggerheads over the extradition of Christopher "Dudus" Coke , although a connection was never established between the artists and the reputed Jamaican drug lord. The U.S. Embassy's Acting Public Affairs Officer in Kingston would not divulge the reasons for rescinding those visas, but some industry members speculated that offensive lyrics in a few of the artists' songs could have prompted the travel bans. Dancehall's PR problems were exacerbated by the incarceration of megastars Buju Banton , currently serving a 10-year sentence for cocaine related charges, and Vybz Kartel , who lacked a US visa for several years prior to the life sentence he was handed for murder in April 2014. "I won't blame dancehall's survival on immigration issues, but everything changed after 2010," Ms. Brooks opined, "and the travel restrictions placed on so many superstars has affected the image of the industry in a way that it never rebounded from." The career trajectory of Jah Cure (b. Siccature Alcock), arguably, comprises the most controversial set of circumstances surrounding a Jamaican artist's visa woes. In 1999 Cure was a promising, 20-year-old singer -- before being sentenced to 15 years in prison on rape, robbery and gun charges. Utilizing the prison's digital studio, Cure recorded several singles that soared to the top of the Jamaican charts, each characterized by his anguished yet ethereal vocals. As Cure's fame increased, details emerged of irregularities within the trial proceedings that led to his conviction including his rape charges being tried before a magistrate, not a jury. Soon, defending his innocence became a cause célèbre among members of the international reggae community. Cure's was released from jail early for good behavior in 2007. Upon his release Cure headlined the Sundance Reggae Festival in Holland in August 2007; he has since performed at numerous festivals across the continent. However, his status as a convicted felon means the U.S. is out of the question. "If I could travel to America, I could achieve much more, so I am reaching out to knowledgeable people and immigration lawyers to get the right advice," Cure told Billboard in an interview aboard the reggae cruise. "Maybe winning a Grammy would help with getting a visa; to achieve that, knowing what I have been through, I could help others build their careers." Artists whose visas have been revoked or denied can derive great advantages by developing community relationships beyond the musical realm, reasons Jamaica-born Irwine Clare, co-founder/managing director of Caribbean Immigrant Services in Queens, New York. "Civic organizations are in better positions to lobby for artists with strong ties to the wider community," says Clare. " The nature of heinous crimes like rape and murder means a permanent bar from entering the United States, but opportunities can still be found." Source : Billboard

Jamaican reggae/gospel singer Carlene Davis , who has been active since the 1970s has proven she is still relevant with a spot this week on the Billboard Reggae Top 10 charts with her album Dripping Blood Davis, who began performing at age 15, and went to have hits with songs “Like Old Friends Do,” “It Must Be Love,” “Winnie Mandela,” “Stealing Love on the Side,” “Dial My Number” and “Going Down to Paradise,” is now on the Billboard reggae charts with her new gospel-reggae hit “Dripping Blood.” The song is all about Jesus Christ dying on the cross. It was released in 2014 and debuted at number 3 on the Billboard reggae charts recently. Davis was named Minister of music for The Family Church on the Rock in Kingston. In 2006 she gained a doctorate in pastoral counseling from the Trinity Theological Seminary in South Florida. She has her own recording studio, Judah Recording, and the Glory Music productions record label , which she runs with her husband Tommy Cowan .

Reggae legend Peter Tosh , will be honored with a Museum will be opened at the Pulse Centre on Trafalgar Road in St Andrew, this summer. The opening of the Peter Tosh Museum is seen as symbolic as and it comes on the 40th anniversary of the release of the classic and prophetic hit single, Legalize It . Fans of the iconic singer will be able to see a collection of fascinating memorabilia and artifacts, including Tosh's famous M16 guitar and his beloved unicycle that became one of his favorite means of transportation. This is an important turning point in the preservation and advancement of my father's legacy and the museum will allow my father's message of equal rights and justice to be heard by generations, both young and old,” said Niambe McIntosh, daughter of Tosh. Niambe McIntosh (left), Peter Tosh’s daughter and executor of the Peter Tosh Estate, shakes hands with Kingsley Cooper, chairman of Pulse Investments The agreement was signed at the Jamaican Consulate in New York, last week between the Peter Tosh Estate and popular model agency Pulse Investments. Peter Tosh (born Winston Hubert McIntosh), was a founding member of The Wailers , which comprised Bunny Livingston and Bob Marley .

It’s Valentine Day and you have a date, your reservation is made, but there's one last piece of the Valentine's Day puzzle — figuring out what to wear. Whether you're going out with your girlfriends or having a cozy night in with someone special, dressing the part can make all the difference. It’s a night of romance and while red and white are the traditional colors for Valentine’s Day you can also opt for other colors. We scour some of our favorite store for inspiration. Dresses by : Bebe and BCBG

After her inaugural singing in 2010 Dancehall diva Tifa on Monday renewed her commitment to telecommunications giant Digicel for the sixth consecutive year. Tifa , whose given name is Latifa Brown , renewed her endorsement deal with the company which sees her acting in the capacity of brand ambassador throughout Jamaica and the wider diaspora. Weighing in on the occasion, Tifa said it is always a pleasure to be afforded the opportunity to work with a corporate giant such as Digicel. “I am very pleased with the opportunity to be one of Digicel’s brand ambassadors as it allows me the opportunity to not just entertainment but also educate my fans and the masses more about the awesome work Digicel has been doing and to be a part of this movement for six years is definitely a blessing.” Digicel senior sponsorship manager Daniela McLean also spoke about the endorsement, says the telecom giant is elated with the partnership. “We are happy to be renewing our partnership with Tifa. She has been a great Dancehall artiste who exemplifies the energy of our customers. We look forward seeing her grow and continue to make strides in the music industry.” Meanwhile, come February 20th at the National Indoor Sports Center Tifa will vie for top honours in the following categories at the 2016 Youth View Awards : ' Favourite Local Female Artiste Of The Year', 'Fashion Icon Female', 'Young Hot & Hype Female of the Year' and'Favourite Music Collaboration Hit Song for 2015' The ‘ Jealous Ova ’ singer is currently promoting her 'Belleh Remix ' featuring Sanjay, Demarco and Shelly Belly and is expected to release a number of new projects in the weeks ahead.

P.O.S. Trinidad (Sonique Solutions) – The latest addition to Trinidad and Tobago’s Carnival fete calendar, the ultra premium inclusive event ‘Finesse’ proved that first-rate feting experiences were not only confined to the boundaries of Port-Of-Spain as it unveiled an all new, chic Soca music-filled soiree set to the backdrop of the nation’s Central Range. Finesse made its debut last weekend at the picturesque La Vega Estate in Gran Couva. Several attendees hailing from various parts of T&T eagerly came out ready to party to pulsating music but also to experience one of the country’s most renowned nature spots creatively transformed into a true Soca paradise. The poolside event was produced by events outfit Green House Entertainment which is known for its signature cooler party ‘Cooler Park’. The producers pulled out all the stops to create a relaxing yet festive Carnival mood within the lush, secluded ambiance. The fete offered a culinary mix which stood up to true all-inclusive event standards and represented the eclectic tastes of partiers in attendance. Matching this was the collection of top shelf liquor and beverages which was available at the various bar stations strategically placed across the venue. Most notably, Finesse featured the newest premium spirit on the market, Meukow Cognac. In between trips to the multiple food and bar stations, the fashion forward feters congregated at the poolside dance floor to party with the event’s cast of excitable DJ’s. On the live entertainment side, Finesse brought forward performances by DJ turned Soca artiste 5 Star Akil who had the crowd moving to his 2016 smash “Different Me” along with classics such as “Partier”, “To Meh Heart” and “Noise”. 2014 Groovy Soca Monarch Kerwin Dubois continued the onstage action with his catalogue of current and previous hits which sent the audience into a state of Soca ecstasy. Rounding off the entertainment card was the performance by 2015 Chutney-Soca Monarch Ravi B and the band Karma. Ravi along with co-singers Krystal Khayne and Abbyshi and his young band of musicians kept the crowd dancing and singing to a collection of old school Chutney and Soca favourites combined with 2016’s biggest Carnival tunes. Regarding her event experience at ‘Finesse’ one patron shared, “I enjoyed the fete and all its exceptional features and entertainment but I particularly love the use of La Vega for this event and I’d certainly want the promoters to put together another similar party experience in this neck of the woods”. By all accounts Finesse scored major points on the 2016 feting scale due to its creative Carnival vibe, premium party atmosphere, top notch entertainment and gorgeous venue.