Welcome to the Planet London Features page. You are welcome to comment on any features.

Thursday, 6 February 2014

'Girl Gets Girl' - making lesbian films happen!

We spoke to Director Sonia Sebastian about how lesbian and bi women can help support an exciting lesbian rom-com feature film Girl Gets Girl. Support the film at
http://igg.me/at/girlgetsgirl



The vision:

We want to create an incredibly sexy, funny and romantic lesbian feature film for the women all over the world.  The film will be in Spanish, but with English subtitles and very much intended for a global audience.  It’s a film about women, made by women.  Why a lesbian romantic comedy right now?  Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transsexual (LGBT) rights are increasing all over the world, but there’s still much work to be done. We want to contribute to the growing positive global visibility.  After all as Dorothy Parker said “Heterosexuality it´s not normal, is just common.”  And we believe this kind of story needs to be told.

The cast and crew are passionate about making this film, as Sebastian says "Why I want to make this film? There are stories that live by themselves. I have imagined the adventures of the "girls seeking girls" during seven years, received fan mail asking for their comeback. I've also worked in other projects, but the "girls" have resisted all of them. They have a story that deserves to be told."

What's the film about?
Nines, a lesbian lothario, has lived the “American dream” in Miami for nine years. When she ́s caught cheating on her girlfriend, her world tumbles down. For the first time, Nines asks herself what she truly wants in life…and she knows the answer.  It ́s time to get back home, to get back to Madrid.  It would of course mean she would have to face the mess she left behind. What Nines really wants is to finally seduce Carmen, the hot straight best friend of Mónica Psyco, the woman Nines left nine years ago pregnant on their wedding day. And as usual, Nines has chosen the worst time ever: she arrives in the middle of a party at Carmen and Mónica ́s home. There she has the opportunity to meet Candela, Mónica ́s daughter…and almost hers.  Will Nines runaway again or its time to settle down?

Why Support the film?




Director, Sonia Sebastian says "I love this project, I think Girl Gets Girl movie has several major themes: The film is our way to normalize and increase the visibility of LGBT community, showing that another type of family exists in the current world. 

"Our project was born from the efforts of a group of women that believe movies should challenge the portrayal the mainstream film industry offers of women and girls. There is a great benefit for the LGTB community of making a lesbian amusing and entertaining comedy,  that depicts characters that fight back a uniform stereotyped lesbian role. And we pretend our story to be appealing to all type of audiences.

"It´s our way to contribute to support the LGTB rights all around the world and at the same time create an amusing product for the audience."

Sebastian is very hopeful for the film. She says "Why is going to be amazing? There's so much talent on the project, so much excitement around it, that we are going to make a great film. We are going to shoot an amusing and crazy lesbian comedy, how many of those do you know?"
 


From as little as $50 to show your support of this film, you are empowering women not only in the entertainment industries but in all industries. 

You will also be part of the donation of 5% of the film's net profits to women or LGBT NGO.
Maybe you are asking, what happen to my money if they don´t reach their goal?

If by any chance we don't reach our entire goal, no worries! The funds will remain in a bank account till we raise the money we need, cause we are determined to make this movie and you will see it.


A little message from cast and crew:


Friday, 31 January 2014

All About 'She' - the next women's venue in Soho opens

The highly anticipated opening of new Ku venue 'She' happens tonight. The queue is already round the corner. 

It's the first women's venue with an entrance on the iconic (and infamous?) Old Compton Street.

Yes, it is another basement venue for women, and no it most definitely isn't 'Candy 2'.

The owners and managers have done a very successful and elegant job of shedding the basement feel, the former decor, and the Candy feel to create a new welcoming and relaxed bar space.

A complete renovation including a new layout, complete with DJ booth, a separated quiet space ideal for "talking", and a mature take on interior design gives something new to offer for women who perhaps have felt in recent years there wasn't a venue for them.


Some of the successful events from Candy's final 6 month incarnation, under the helm of events Promoter DJ Amy B, who is staying on at the new venue, are transitioning over including Boi Box, Laughing Labia and Chick Habit. New events include femme for femme speed dating hosted by Pink Lobster (begins on Valentines night!) and an over 25s night on the last Friday of each month. 
  
Listings will always be available on the Planet London events calendar, and you will be the first to know about special events and headline acts.



A range of new DJs including DJ Hazel and DJ Gem Precious will take to the decks on regular nights.

She Soho is open every day from 4pm. 
Full details about the venue are here.


By Katie


Tuesday, 28 January 2014

CLUB SKIRTS DINAH SHORE WEEKEND & O.M.L ANNOUNCE OFFICIAL SELECTIONS FOR ITS SECOND ANNUAL “DINAH FILM FESTIVAL”

Club Skirts Dinah Shore Weekend, in association with One More Lesbian (OML), have announced the official selection of lesbian-themed projects that will be screened at this year’s “Dinah Film Festival.”
The Fest, which debuted last year to immense success, is set to return this year again at the Palm Springs Hilton Hotel on Friday, April 4 at 8:00pm offering attendees the chance to preview a slew of unique and original programs.

We attended the first film festival in 2013, and were privileged to see the premier of Second Shot.

The film festival is even bigger this year. 

The 2014 Dinah Film Festival will showcase five web series, and present three exclusive world-premieres featuring a short film, a documentary and an exclusive advanced trailer.

The categories are as follows:
WEB SERIES
Dyke Central is an Oakland-based dramedy that centers around 30-something butch roommates Alex and Gin. Surrounded by a diverse group of friends who guide, challenge and support them, Alex and Gin struggle to adapt to change and create balance in their lives without losing themselves.

#Hashtag: friend Me. Follow Me. Like Me. Fall for Me. #Hashtag follows the love lives of two technology-obsessed friends in Chicago. From Instagram seduction to inappropriate selfies, Twitter over sharing to OKCupid dating, Liv and Skylar are about to learn the real-life consequences of over-indulgence in the virtual world.  The show stars Marnie Alton (Exs & Ohs, Cowgirl Up), stand up comedian Caitlin Berg and actress/writer Laura Zak.

Kiss Her I’m Famous (Season 2) is an intelligent satire created by Filmmaker Rolla Selbak (Three Veils), starring Tracy Ryerson (The Real L-Word) and Ilea Matthews, and featuring Noureen DeWulf (Anger Management). The show follows two hilarious and clueless characters Jen and Mandy who aim to create a celebrity sex tape to launch them into fame.  In Season 2, this sex tape is…leaked!

Little Horribles is a new web series that follows a single lesbian (Amy Rubin) as she navigates her thirties in Los Angeles. The show, created by Amy Rubin recently made Variety’s list of “Top Ten Best Web Series of 2013” impressively ranking at # 4. 

Nikki & Nora: follows New Orleans locals Nikki Beaumont (Liz Vassey) and Nora Delany (Christina Cox) as they juggle the inner-workings of their personal lives with their roles as private investigators in America's oldest party town.

SHORT FILM
Secrets and Toys is a delightful short film where a surprise visit, a bumbling bestie, and many years of tight-lipped deception cause EVERYONE'S ish to hit the fan. The chaos caused in this comedy of errors is full of sexy moments and tons of laughter. Secrets and Toys will warm your heart as you root for the lovers to make it through the storm.  

Starring Dalila Ali Rajah (Cherry Bomb, Grey's Anatomy, New Girl), Shelli Boone (Saints and Sinners, Entourage), Diane Sellers (Rules of Engagement, It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia), Darryl Stephens (Noah's Arc, Hot Guys with Guns), Doug Spearman (Noah's Arc, Old Dogs & New Tricks), Jill Bennett (Second Shot, Dante's Cove), among others.

DOCUMENTARY
God-Des and She Documentary follows the music duo God-Des and She as they return to their mid-west roots to attend a family function and to perform at a pride concert.  The duo talk about how they came to collaborate, their family and what their 2006 performance on The L Word has meant to their career.  A hip-hop/pop/soul duo bred in the Midwest, God Des & She now play to packed venues all over the world from New York to Sweden.

TRAILER (Exclusive premiere)
Girl Gets Girl is a feature film from the creators of the popular Chica Busca Chica (Girl Seeks Girl) series. A romantic comedy that tells the story of Nines, the restless lady-killer, coming back home from the States. Nines has tried to reinvent herself in Miami but it hasn´t worked as she expected. Nine years after leaving Spain she decides to go back home and win Carmen´s heart. The only problem? Carmen is straight and lives with Mónica the woman Nines left their wedding day. The film is directed by Sonia Sebastian.  Stars include Celia Freijeiro, María Botto and Adriana Torrebejano


The Dinah Shore Film Festival was launched last year as a way to promote the work of talented independent filmmakers and to show a glimpse of lesbian culture. Supporting filmmakers and film is important for Club Skirts’ founder and producer Mariah Hanson. 
“I was thrilled with the success of last year's film festival. We've expanded the format to include a wider variety of all types of films and are donating 100% of the proceeds to our filmmakers,” says Hanson. “I know this will eventually become one of the more popular events at The Dinah. We plan to continue to offer more wide ranged programming so that women from all backgrounds and interests can experience the lesbian pride and visibility of The Dinah.”

The Dinah Film Festival is a two-hour event. A special Q&A with the filmmakers will follow the screening. 100% of the proceeds from the event will be donated to all participating independent filmmakers. 

For more information go to: www.TheDinah.com
Tickets $15 in advance. $20 at the door. 

Tuesday, 21 January 2014

SHE's Coming...


Venue: SHE SOHO

Address: 23a Old Compton Street, London, W1S 5LB
Opening times: Daily from 4pm (details below)
When: Opening Night Friday 31 Jan 2014
Further info: 


SHE Bar Soho brings you the first EVER lesbian bar on the main strip of Old Compton Street. This is one of the world’s biggest gay districts and is in the heart of London. Nestled in between iconic venues like Soho House & GAY Bar we cannot wait to be part of the neighbourhood.

A modern space for ladies and their male guests, SHE bar will be a great space to chill after work with your girlfriends, have a laugh with your mates or for taking that special someone for a quiet drink. 

With DJ’s FRI – SAT and tons of events throughout the week there’s something here for all you ladies. From comedy – to live gigs.

SHE will be hosting some of Soho’s already much loved nights as well as bringing you lots of new and refreshing events.

It will be a hub for meeting new people and ensure to be a venue that is welcoming and friendly. 

SHE is part of the award-winning brand KU so with this trusted brand you know that you will get service and an evening you will not forget. 

This venue is led and run by experienced all-female staff that wants to give you the venue you deserve and will strive to keep regular events that cater for all: from over 25 nights to dating services they will welcome everyone. 

Open daily from 4pm,SHE will have a classy, extensive cocktail list, and well-sourced wines and spirits. You can even get a hot drink in the brother bar, KU, above. 

This venue is expected to surprise and impress you. Not just another a basement, there are plenty of areas with comfy seating to chill and a dance floor smack bang in the centre.  A venue not to be over looked.

Open daily
Monday -Thursday-- 4pm-11.30pm
Friday- Saturday- 3pm-12.30am
Sunday-3pm- 10.30pm

General info- info@she-soho.com
Events/PR/Promotions- amy@she-soho.com
Jobs- jobs@she-soho.com

Sunday, 19 January 2014

High End Labels: a little known restaurant and lounge venue for LBQS women

In the second of a series of articles introducing women's spaces / venues in London, we present:

LABELS WOMEN'S RESTAURANT AND LOUNGE
http://www.labels-soho.co.uk/
https://www.facebook.com/LabelsSoho

23 Frith Street, Soho, London W1D 4RR
  • Wednesday to Saturday 5:30pm - 1am
Dress Code: Casual-Smart 
AGE: Over 18 (NO ID, NO ENTRY)
           
For info & bookings email: info@labels-soho.co.uk or direct on 020 7734 9404

A sanctuary for ALL Women (Lesbian, Bisexual, Trans & Straight) and her guests to relax, unwind, socialise, network, wine and dine.
Happy Hour:
2 for 1 cocktails on Wednesdays all night
£5 cocktails and 25% off food until 9pm on Thursdays
3 courses and a champagne cocktail for £20 on Fridays
£5 cocktails until 9pm on Saturdays

Labels is available for private hire on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. The license allows the venue to be open until 1am, and can host numbers of any number big or small up to 100.
Labels is a cocktail lounge and restaurant for sophisticated ladies. Labels offers a more mature, relaxed environment in which to spend your evening. Great music, but played at a level that allows you to interact and chat with others.
An ideal space for a date, whether just for drinks or for a luxurious meal.

Labels has a delicious menu available which is fixed price, so no nasty surprises at the end of the night.

A delicious menu including our favourite starter of sautéed king prawns tossed in ginger, chilli and lime served with a Cajun mayonnaise. 3 courses a drink (prosecco, wine or beer) for just £20.

If you're not looking for a full meal, there is a bar menu available.  A burger with a glass of wine or beer will set you back just £8.99.

Labels has recently redecorated its venue. Gone is the bright orange, and the stark white walls have had a paint lift from a local artist so are much more relaxed and inviting.

For lovers of jazz music, Thursdays at Labels is 'Acoustic Sessions'.


This little known secret gem of a venue is soon to become a hot spot for the more mature, professional woman who is looking for a post-work hang out with good food and good music.

Tuesday, 14 January 2014

Well, well, wells - Mary Jane Wells Interview

LA Story...

We had the chance to speak to the gorgeous British-actress-living-in-LA Mary Jane Wells about her career, her work with lesbian film maker extraordinaire Nicole Conn and a very important upcoming piece of political theatre...

Mary is a very experienced theatre actor with a vast UK stage background, and she trained at  the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama. For the last several years she's been LA based, enjoying the sunshine and getting involved in some great lesbian film projects as well building as an extensive voice over portfolio.

Mary was due to be one of the guests of honour at the IConn movie convention this January, which has been postponed due to family health problems for director Nicole Conn. Mary has worked with Nicole on two of the most famous lesbian films, and firm favourite films within the UK lesbian community, A Perfect Ending (2012) and Elena Undone (2010).  

Perhaps because of her theatre background and the connection that gives performers to their audience, Mary likes these fan events. It's a chance to get feedback and a response from viewers that is not normally accessible to actors. 



She notes that in the independent film sector, these opportunities are important as fans often have key involvement in the creation of the film in the first place. And it's rewarding to come into contact with those dedicated fans who really help make the film happen - in some cases they have travelled half way across the world with their support. She also appreciates the "loyalty" of the LGBT fan bases.
 
Mary ended up in LA via the London stage, the Smithsonian, a stint in Hawaii, a series of coincidental shared contacts and a near miss on giving up and flying home. After a period of film, TV and voice over work, Mary is preparing for a return to treading the boards once more. 


Through meeting a woman on set of an independent film, came the shattering story of 'Heroine, A female soldier's story' which explores the experience of the culture of sexual trauma of female soldiers in the US Army. Originally written as a film, but unable to find studio backing, Mary made the suggestion to turn the story into a play. 

It is heavily drawn from real experiences. A movement has recently gathered momentum to bring these crimes to light to the American Public and create social change through legislative reform, sparked by successful documentary 'The Invisible War' (dir.  Kirby Dick, 2013). The timing could not be more relevant to tell this story. There's the added complexity of an LGBT perspective that is contextualised through pre and post 'Don't Ask Don't Tell' policy.


You can also see Mary in lesbian horror flick CrazyBitches this year alongside, Cathy DeBuono and Guinevere Turner.
 
By Katie

Acclaimed one woman in show in London run for LGBT history month - Rose Collis' Trouser Wearing Characters

For LGBT History Month, Rainbow Hamletswith the support of LB Tower Hamlets — is proud to present the first London run of Trouser-Wearing Characters, written and performed by Rose Collis.

This original entertainment ­ — a unique mixture of music, history and comedy — is the first-ever original, one-woman cabaret-style musical show created and performed by a British author.

It combines stories, vignettes and songs (evergreens and originals) about some of her favourite, eclectic ‘trouser-wearing characters’, from Nancy Spain to Colonel Barker, Dougie Byng to the ‘f**king lady’ herself, Coral Browne — with cameo ‘appearances’ by the likes of Noel Coward, Marlene Dietrich and Vincent Price.

Since making its world premiere at the Brighton Fringe Festival 2012, the show has appeared at festivals and venues throughout the UK, from Manchester to Margate, Worthing to Wigtown. Early in 2013, it had a hugely successful five-week tour of New Zealand and Australia, appearing at Auckland Fringe, NZ, Wellington Fringe, Sydney Mardi Gras and Adelaide Fringe — the second biggest arts festival in the world.

Trouser-Wearing Characters is a one-woman show, with a cast of many characters — including Rose’s veteran banjolele,  ‘Bud’. ‘Most people won’t know that, before I became an author and journalist, I was a performer and songwriter in fringe theatre, from 1979 until 1985’, reveals Rose. "The show’s origins began with an appearance I made in May 2011 at Polari on the Southbank and, though it was a short set, the combination of comedy,  history and song was a hit with the audience — and it was one of the easiest and best ideas I’ve ever had to develop a full-length show."

"Trouser-Wearing Characters brings together everything I’ve done in my careers, from singing and writing original songs, to researching and relating stories of fascinating and quirky figures. I think the show has something for everyone, whether they enjoy showbiz-type anecdotes, real-life scandals or even just songs performed on a banjolele. So, I hope audiences will not only think, 'I really enjoyed that', but also 'I never knew that!'"



February 5 (preview night), 14, 15 & 16,
Gallery Cafe Stage, 21 Old Ford Road, London E2 9PL. Nearest tube: Bethnal Green.
Doors 7pm, show 7.30pm. Tickets: £6 (£5 concessions).

Book tickets at  http://rainbowhamlets.org.uk/cultural-programmes/events/

© Planet-London.com 2011-2013

Part of the Ultimate Planet universe: Ultimate Planet | Planet London | Planet Publishing | Planet PR and Marketing | Planet Fiction

About | Advertise with us | Privacy | Terms and conditions | Sitemap