Las Vegas Film Fest

Film Panel

The Las Vegas International Film Festival kicked off its three day run on June 4-6, 2010 at the Las Vegas Hilton Hotel. Mayor Oscar Goodman predicted the film fest would be spectacular and he was right. It was great with 40 films that were selected from over a thousand entries.
Milo Kostelecky Director of Operations did a splendid job of putting together the film festival, which brought in fans from all over the world to mingle with all the independent filmmakers, screen writers and actors, actresses, producers and directors. Milo’s goal is to touch the community and have them say that it was great. I for one will say it was great. www.lvfilmfest.com

It was exciting to see the student filmmakers from the University of Nevada and the college of Southern Nevada. Each school featured a short block of excellent films. All the films were impressive and some took an entire semester to film. We are proud of the work they are doing and know that another Spielberg is in that group.
High Rollers was the first film to start off the film festival. Jessie Eisenberg (Zombieland) starred in High Rollers which was an official selection at the 2010 Sundance Film Festival. It is based on a true story of Hasidic Jews who were recruited to smuggle Ecstasy into the United States. It shows their struggle between God, family and money.

                                                 Kevin Asch Director

Bicycle Dreams is a 3000 mile trip riding across America on a bicycle, pushing their bodies to the limit. This documentary shows the transformation and tragedies of these voyagers. Dr. Bob Breedlove was killed in a collision with a car while on this journey.

Dr. Bob Breedlove

Unrivaled is the story of Ringo Duran who dreams of becoming a professional fighter. Ringo has two dead end jobs and longs to compete in the Extreme Cage Fighting league. His friend enrolls him in the competition and he has his chance of a lifetime.

Warren Sonoda, Director  Jordan Madley   Sean Buckley, Producer

Stripped has been shown on Showtime and it features every day people who are okay with taking off their clothes and posing nude in front of the camera. Greg Freidler found it easy to have people strip in front of his camera. After all this is Sin City. Greg said he likes Las Vegas but only in small doses. I actually know one of the models, Angelique Morgan who was in the Reality Show “Rock of Love”, starring Bret Michaels. Angelique is a local and quite famous here.

Greg Freidler

Angelique Morgan

In My Sleep starred Philip Winchester and Lacey Chabert and was directed by Alan Wolf. It is a story about a man who thinks he has murdered someone in his sleep. It keeps you sitting at the edge of your chair.

Alan Wolf

My Run is an award winning documentary and narrated by Billy Bob Thornton. Terry Hitchcock brings awareness to single parent families by running 75 consecutive marathons by running a marathon distance of 27 miles every day. It was a 2000 mile journey from Bloomington, Minnesota to Atlanta, GA. Terry was called a real life Forrest Gump. As the director/producer, Tim Vandensteeg identified with the story because he was raised in a single family home by his mother

Tim Vandensteeg, Christine Redlin, Mark Castaldo

Mark Castaldo                   Milo Kostelecky

Rubio’s was one of the sponsors and they supplied the most delicious burritos I have ever had. Rubio’s opened all their stores to the public all day Thursday by supplying the public with free food and then again at the after party on Saturday night at the pool at Simon’s Palms Place.

 

The opening night party was held at the Artisan Hotel which has been dramatically renovated. The art filled lobby and the floor and ceiling paintings are beautiful. It is absolutely stunning and it takes your breath away. The eclectic décor is elegant, from the chandeliers to the gothic furnishings. Under the ownership of Stephen Siegel, this will be an ultimate escape for locals and tourists. Special events and happy hours are forthcoming. http://www.artisanhotel.com/

MJ Christensen Diamonds

MJ Christensen Diamonds once again came through with an event, “Celebrating Life” to honor the cancer survivors. Susan G. Komen for the cure was represented at a ladies night out at MJ Christensen’s store and hosted by the owners Cliff and Darlene Miller.

                                                           Cliff and Darlene Miller

Cliff began his jewelry career in 1970 with his designer jewelry and the intriguing diamond designs. His wife Darlene, daughter, two sons and daughter-in-law work in the business with him, making this a family affair. The diamonds are absolutely stunning and the inventory is massive.

Lynn Copriviza, a registered jeweler at MJ Christensen, was instrumental in putting this together and was busy the entire evening overlooking the event. There were fabulous raffle prizes, gift cards, show tickets, spa certificates, lots of diamond earrings, pendants and many other gifts.

                                                                Lynn Copriviza
Southern Wine and Spirits, one of the sponsors, provided some great wines and were served by the friendliest bartenders.

Southern Wine and Spirits

The party would not be complete without music and that was provided by D.C. Toney. He did a great job selecting all the perfect songs.

D.C. Toney

Paula Francis a Channel 8 News Anchor woman was on hand to talk and meet many of the cancer survivors who have faced the challenge and have won. Stephanie Kirby, the Executive Director of Susan G. Komen was also present and was greeted by a lot of smiling faces.

Paula Francis

April Swartz, Mrs. Nevada-America 2009 was there. She is a beautiful young lady and has served us well this last year and we are very proud of her.

April Swartz, Mrs. Nevada-America 2009

Amanda Kouretas, Mrs Red Rock America 2010 will be vying for the title in July for Mrs. Nevada-America 2010. Oh to be young again and have the beauty of these two stunning women.

Amanda Kouretas, Mrs. Red Rock America 2010

Amongst all these women I found two of my favorite Chippendales, Jace Crispin and Chaun Thomas, and my heart went a flutter as it usually does when I am in their company. The Chippendales are the most perfect men that I can find today and they bring smiles and joy to all women. I was not surprised to see them there because they are noted to support a lot of charities and are always spreading good will to many organizations in town. The Chippendales perform at the Rio Hotel and it is a must show to see. I have seen it five times and I can’t wait to go back again.

Chippendale Jace Crispin, Nikki Artale, Chippendale Chaun Thomas

Badda Bing Fantasy Weddings

                                                                           http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qes2aERkyVg
On May 26, 2010, Badda Bing turned their second floor into a wedding chapel. It was a first for a gentlemen’s club in Sin City and it will now be the home of many fantasy weddings. Monti Rock III, an ordained minister, will perform the weddings with all his glitz and glamour. http://www.montirock.us/

                                       Rick Belcastro, Monti RockIII Yakup Kale, Pamela Kale

                                                Yakup Kale, Pamela Kale, Monti RockII
Pamela is from Palm Beach, Florida and she met Yakup while he was living in Istanbul, Turkey. After one year of a long distance romance they decided to come to Las Vegas and have a romantic wedding. Reverend Monti Rock III made their dreams come true and they became the first couple to be married in the wedding chapel.                   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a-b41QqLVxY
Badda Bing’s owner Rick Belcastro is proud of his gentlemen’s club, which looks like a Moroccan palace. The red velvet draperies, carpeting, sofas and intimate rooms are outstanding. Rick is from the old school where he believes everyone should be treated like family and he makes everyone feel at home. That is one of the reasons he received the 5 Diamond Award for excellence from SDE.

                                                  Bobbie Katz, Rick Belcastro
                                                      http://www.baddabinglv.com/
Publicist Bobbie Katz invited the media to celebrate Monti Rock’s 70th birthday and to officiate the wedding of Yakup and Pamela Kale. Many of Monti’s friends came by to help him celebrate.

Adriana

It was a great event and we stayed long after the media party was over.

World Team Poker

                                               Jennifer Harman and Phil Hellmuth, Jr.

The inaugural event took place Wednesday, May 19, 2010 in The Grand at the Golden Nugget Hotel in Las Vegas. Eight teams from Australia, Brazil, China, England, Greece, Israel, Vietnam and USA were there to compete for the $400,000 prize. Five tables were set up and the last two players from each table would go to the final table.
China, the sleeping giants, won the World Team Poker tournament, after many hours of strategic playing. Quietly, and with precision, the Co-Captains Johnny Chan and David Chiu led their team to victory after playing for over 20 hours. In the team were Maria Ho, Rich Zhu, Chau Giang, Winfred Yu and Derek Cheung. Johnny Chan is currently tied at 10 with Doyle Brunson for second most WSOP bracelets. David Chiu holds 4 WSOP bracelets and is one of the best limit hold’em players in the world. http://www.worldteampoker.com/

                                              Johnny Chan and Judi Rock
USA team captain Doyle Brunson, with 10 WSOP bracelets, coached his legendary team.
Phil Hellmuth, Jr .who was inducted into the Poker Hall of Fame in 2007
Chris Ferguson holds 5 WSOP bracelets. Jennifer Harman with 2 WSOP bracelets and the third woman in this event. Howard Lederer holds to World Poker Tour championships and Mike Matusow holds 3 WSOP bracelets. It was so exciting to watch our USA team play and everyone was routing for them. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3KME9we0DD4&feature=email

                                                                   Doyle Brunson Team USA

                                                                 Chris Ferguson Team USA

Team Greece 3rd place winner

Greece had a team of lively young men who were very charming and friendly and they were very excited to be in the tournament. The captains, George Theofanopoulos and Georgios Kapalas led their team to the final table. Team Greece was by far my favorite team

Team Israel

Israel had Eli Elezra as its captain who is a regular on the game show “High Stakes Poker”. On his team were David Levi, Robert Mizrachi, Michael Mizrachi and Abe Mosseri. They all were a strong and powerful team.
Brazil had a young lively team also, which brought them all to the final table. Captain Juliano Maesano led his enthusiastic team, Christian Krukel, Leandro “Brasa” Pimentel, Rodrigo “Zidane” Caprioli and Felipe “Mojave” Ramos and encouraged every winning play with his strumming on an instrument.

Team Brazil

Team Australia

Australia Co-captains Jeffrey Lisandro and Tony G calmly interacted with his team, Billy Argyros, Gary Benson, Mel Judah, Grant Levy, David Saab, Steve Topakas and Marsha Waggoner who is the “Grand Dame of Poker”. Waggoner, with 33 years of poker experience became the first woman to be inducted into the 2010 Australian Poker Hall of Fame.

Team Vietnam

Vietnam had Men “The Master” Nguyen as their captain. He holds six WSOP bracelets and has won over 9 million dollars in tournament winnings. Scotty Nguyen, Van Nguyen, Karina Jett, Kenny Tran and John “The Razor” Phan were focused and an outstanding team.

Team England

England captain Ben Roberts had a dedicated team of players. James Akenhead, Joe Beevers, David Colclough, Peter Costa, Surinder Sunar, Dave “Devilfish” Ulliot and Ram Vaswani.

After 12 hours of playing, five teams won their places at the final table.

Final Table

Team Australia, Team Brazil, Team China, Team Greece and Team Vietnam were now going to bring us their Pride- Passion- Country
Congratulations to China who, after 20 hours of playing, won the $300,000 prize and to Brazil who came in second place and won $100,000. We all look forward to the next World Team Poker this summer which will have 31 countries competing for the title.

Kenna James                        Matt Corboy

A thank you goes out to the commentators, Kenna James and Matt Corboy, who did a great job.