MAKING A TOLERANT [FASHION] STATEMENT

Mingled with an uber-hip crowd this weekend at Lulu's for the global launch party for Coexist, a clothing line with a conscience created by Indiana's own Joseph Sadler, Kyle Boyd, Chris Tierney and Mike Irving. I'm always inspired by others creativity; whether it's film, music, fine art, or, in this case, fashion. Plus it's always encouraging to hear about local boys gone good. And the line's message of tolerance, unity and beauty in all ways of life is certainly something the world can use. For more on Coexist and to find out where you can purchase these thoughtful threads, check out the official website.

AN EVENING OF KITTY PORN

Last night I went down to the Alternative Film Series at Dorman Street Saloon with friends Grant, Courtney and Michael. We arrived late, but just in time to catch what just may be the strangest movie any of us had ever seen. KatteManden (The Cat Man), directed by Danish filmmaker Mads Feldballe. The film's website describes the film as "a special man with a very special problem searches for love in a world less ordinary." Basically a loner starts finding himself attracted to cats (yes, sexually) after people porn leaves him unsatisfied. As the attraction grows stronger he slowly begins turning into a cat himself (much like Teen Wolf) until he finally has an "encounter" with an alley cat that transforms him forever. This "encounter" is unbelievable. At one point Grant leaned over to me and asked, "What is this? Kitty porn?" I usually love the Danes and their crazy sensibilities (Thomas Vinterberg's Festen is one of my favorite flicks), but even after having a few beers, I couldn't really say that I enjoyed this movie. Upon further consideration, however, it's not as bad as the two-thumbs down I'm giving it in the picture; I think it's growing on me. If you're feeling inspired, you can catch the trailer on Feldballe's website.

CHECK OUT THE RAMBLING OF GRANT WILLIAMS

I just wanted to take some time to mention my friend Grant Williams' new blog The Rambling (yes, everybody's blogging). Grant and I go way back and I was even ordained online to marry he and his wife Courtney last July. He's a great writer and one hell of an actor. In addition to being in several plays, he played the lead in my never-before-screened first short film Immaculate (which will soon see the light of day online, however). And you'd never be able to tell by looking at him, but the guy is also quite the underground hip-hop aficionado. He's always schooling me on the most obscure of artists to help maintain my non-existent street credibility. So if you've got some time, check it out. I'll add a link on the sidebar of this page as well.

INDEPENDENT MUSIC + ART FESTIVAL FUN

I neglected my Top 40 loving ways for a few hours this afternoon to attend the 2005 Independent Music + Art Festival at the Harrison Center for the Arts with my friends Caleb, Michael and Speed. I've been so consumed with the production of POV lately that I needed to get out and expand my horizons. Plus, I've been told that supporting local bands improves your karma. Give me some of that.



I'd wanted to hear Soda Over Pike as I've heard people telling me about them a lot lately, but we got there just as they were finishing their set. I was really impressed with Jenn Cristy (pictured below) and Pravada, however. It was my first time hearing both. Bought some CDs and plan to catch their shows in the future; maybe even make a few soundtrack requests.



Perhaps next year the organizers can incorporate some film screenings? Make it the Independent Music, Film + Art Festival? I imagine that the same people who are down for local music and art would also be down to catch a few locally-produced flicks.

HONEY: A GUILTY PLEASURE

I went down to Key Cinemas this past Saturday for my weekly dose of arthouse fare. I watched Korean director Park Chanwook’s oldboy. The film won the Grand Prize at the 2004 Cannes Film Festival and I missed it when it screened at the Indianapolis International Film Festival a few months ago. Amazing flick. But it’s dark and depressing nature left me craving something a little lighter the next day. Enter Honey, the 2003 film about a hip-hop dancer and aspiring music video star (played by Jessica Alba) who overcomes all odds to make her dream come true. I saw it in Wal-Mart and just had to have it. Only $5.96 and on VHS no less. As expected, it was predictable, clichéd and poorly acted; it had me cringing and laughing the whole way through. But I’ve always had a place in my heart for cheesy dance movies. Guilty pleasures, really. Save The Last Dance, Fame, Center Stage and Flashdance…I dig them all. They’re fun. They’re fluff. And Honey was just what I needed to provide the yin to oldboy’s yang.