L’Arc~en~Ciel Made a History

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L’Arc~en~Ciel concert at Madison Square Garden on March 25, 2012

Belated review by Megumi Sato

They made it
I was simply amazed and then touched. Before my very own eyes. L’Arc was playing on the stage of Madison Square Garden for the first time as a Japanese band.And they were completely ready.
Androgynous Hyde’s emotional voice soared. The band’s sound was so intact and in sync with the ever changing and perfectly crafted background video screen.
But the best was the audience. As the band said, it took 20 years to get here. But the fans also have been waiting for a long time. They roared as Ready Steady Go, beloved theme song of “Full Metal Alchemist”, came on. It told that they’d been dreaming of this moment. Both the band and fans seems like they were enjoying the moment very much as if this love affair would never end. This musical euphoria was so infectious that even the MSG ushers couldn’t help smiling.

Such major publications as NY times and Village Voice gave them positive reviews. Think about it. Most artist make MSG after the relentless tour circuits and million radio plays. L’Arc has never done anything like that in America. But they set the hurdle this high and made it happen. Even hard nosed critics couldn’t deny it. The reviews show their huge respect for the band.

I’m so proud of L’Arc. They gave all the Japanese bands the chances to break into the market too.
Every time I think about that night. I can’t help but smile to myself.

Surprise is in the Air at New York Int’l Children’s Film Festival 2012 Award Ceremony

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3/27/2012- S. Barton

Co- Director, Eric Beckman’s opening speech at the 2012 New York International Children’s Film Festival (NYICFF) Award Ceremony astonished the crowd as be boldly declared  “We want your Money!” Mr. Beckman’s humorous remark was in reference to, Get Tooned 2!, An Adult-Only Claymation Event, in which money will be used to fund NYICFF’s Scholarship Program.

The New York International Children’s Film Festival (NYICFF) is in its 15th year, and it’s still full of surprises. Longtime festival judge, Actor Matthew Modine and made a special appearance to present the Special Jury Award. The awards went to the comedies, as films: The Storyteller, and Capturing Santa won in 2 categories; and Extinction of the Sabertooth House Cat won the Audience Award Ages 5-10.

The audience gave a standing ovation as director Susan Koenen won the Audience Award Ages 12-18 for her short-documentary film, I’m a Girl. An amazing documentary about a girl named Joppe, who was born a boy.

The biggest shock came as Japanese’s animated film, A Letter to Momo, upstaged French animated film, Le Tableau, winning the festivals Grand Prize Feature. The film’s producer, Mistshusa Ishikaw accepted the award, happily, saying that it was also a win for Japan, especially after the tsunami/earthquake that hit last year.

The award ceremony was followed by a beautiful reception catered by La Palapa; featuring handmade chocolates from Donna & Company, cupcakes from Tonnie’s Mini’s; and Vita Coco Coconut Water.  There was one last surprise of the evening as co-directors, Eric Beckman and Emily Shaprio presented flowers to NYICFF staff and graciously thanked them for their hard work on the festival.

It was a very close race this year; there were many unexpected twists and turns. We look forward to next year, and as always the magic of the festival continues with weekend screenings at the IFC Center.

The Winners of the  NYICFF 2012 are:

GRAND PRIZE FEATURE: A Letter To Momo
GRAND PRIZE SHORT: Capturing Santa
SPECIAL JURY AWARD, LIVE ACTION: Child’s Play
SPECIAL JURY AWARD, ANIMATION: The Storyteller
PARENTS AWARD: The Storyteller
AUDIENCE AWARD, AGES 3-6: The Gruffalo’s Child
AUDIENCE AWARD, AGES 5-10: Extinction of the Sabertooth House Cat
AUDIENCE AWARD, AGES 8-14: Capturing Santa
AUDIENCE AWARD, AGES 12-18: I Am a Girl!