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Best of Bernal – 9/29/16

BEST OF BERNAL NIGHT

Bernal Branch Library
500 Cortland Avenue

7:00–8:00 pm  Films & Awards (See below)
Encore screening of the three award-winning films Best of Bernal, Spirit of Bernal & Good Life Audience awards. Join with filmmakers and fellow film lovers in a Q&A and reception following the screening.

8:00–9:00 pm  Reception & Music

CressmanAlbumHB

Sandy Cressman/Homenagem Brasileira
Sandy Cressman lives in the San Francisco Bay Area, but her heart is in Rio. Homenagem Brasileira  is a musical journey through the rich world of Brazilian jazz. Sandy Cressman pays tribute to the great composers Ivan Lins, Dori Caymmi, Tom Jobim, Vinicius De Moraes, Djavan, Filó, Gilberto Gil, Milton Nascimento, and others.

FILMS

Best of Bernal Award

JOANI_YOUNG_DRUMMER

JOANI: QUEEN OF THE PARADIDDLE  
Tina Gordon        Documentary        31:00
In 1935, at eight years old, Joani Hannan picked up a pair of drumsticks and beat her path into entertainment history. Joani was a pioneering female jazz drummer who traveled the world with the USO and played alongside Marilyn Monroe in “Some Like It Hot.” Despite the challenges and constraints of the 50s and 60’s for women and queers, Joani transcended stereotypes exemplifying to all who she met the strength, self love and courage to be true to oneself no matter what. A trailblazer, Joani inspired everyone she met and in her own words recollects her life and adventures.

tina-on-drums

Tina Gordon, Writer, Director, Producer
This native San Franciscan and Mission District resident is a musician, artist and filmmaker. Projects include drummer the bands AC/DShe and Lost Goat and produce of The Rambler (a one-day mobile stage showcasing 40 bands/musicians around San Francisco.

 

 

Spirit of Bernal Award

ThereIsAPlaceTHERE IS A PLACE
Tania Ku        Documentary        17:00
THERE IS A PLACE follows musician Lior Tsarfaty as he shares his gift of music with Alzheimer’s care communities around the San Francisco Bay Area. As Lior passes out instruments and leads the circle of elders in singing and drumming, smiles quickly spread, as neither residents nor staff can help but join in with their own unique expressions of song and dance. Somehow, even in the face of memory loss, loneliness and the end of life, contributing to a collective sound and energy within a circle of fellow humans awakens presentness, playfulness and a sense of togetherness.

photo-by-monica-semergiu_croppedTania Ku, Director
An artist and storyteller living in San Francisco, Tania is founder of Infinity Pictures, a production company whose mission is to craft experiences that challenge limiting beliefs and instill a sense of our interconnectedness and shared responsibility to create the world we want to live in together.

 

Good Life Audience Award

Oliver2OLIVER’S OPERA
Dean Mermell        Silent Film       7:13
Oliver W. Lowe, Esq. and his associates prepare to see the great tenor, Enrico Caruso, on the eve of disaster.

deanoblurDean Mermell, Writer, Director, Editor, Music
A Bernal Height’s resident and filmmaker for 20 years, Dean’s silent films have been screened and won awards at the San Francisco International, Mill Valley, California Independent and Moondance film festivals, among others. His current project is a  documentary about the Sunset Piano project, Twelve Pianos.