From Reel Sisters to Reel Moments: hitting the fall femme festival circuit!

Wrote this last night "from the field":

Just came from another screening. Not mine this time:) Another shout out to the Reel Sisters Film Festival & Lecture Series over in Brooklyn, NY! This last screening was right here in Los Angeles, the Glamour Reel Moments screening of three short films directed by Zoe Saldana, Eva Longoria, and Olivia Wilde.

I have to admit, when I got the invitation from WIF and RSVP'd for the Monday night screening, I had no idea what it was or what it was about. I'm just always down for free events and I love movies, so when you combine the two it's catnip for a recovering film student. I came straight from school in jeans and a sweater. When I asked how much it was to park at the DGA  garage, I felt foolish when they told me it was free. I felt even more foolish when I came across guests in suits and gowns at the elevator. But my email invitation didn't mention black tie, so I forgave myself.

Anyway, the premise behind the films is that they're inspired by the true stories of Glamour readers. And all have a message of empowerment and inner beauty. Of course. The stand out for me was Ms. Saldana's take on autism. I was truly impressed. KAYLIEN is about a child who feels out of place due to her disability. If you guessed from the not so subtle title, that the metaphor they're evoking is "alien," you guessed right. But the way the young girl's story was depicted in the 15-20 min film was so universally relatable that it could've been anyone's story. I teared up recalling my own childhood of getting picked on by teacher's and students for having dark skin.

Whether you've ever been the new kid at school, the only minority in a class, or a child with autism you can relate and the message is still the same: Embrace each other's differences and treat everyone with kindness and respect. Well done, Ms. Saldana and congratulations to all three directors for executing excellent and touching films.

Dekalb Market: sustainability & entrepreneurship

Reporting live from the Dekalb Market in Brooklyn! Read about it in the in flight magazine on my way to NYC for the Reel Sisters Film & Lecture Series. It's actually right by the venue so I decided to check it out.

First impression, they may have promoted it too soon. As most of the vendors are still constructing. The market is made up of corrugated metal freight cubes repurposed as  food stalls, record stores and clothing shops.

It gets a plus for reusing and recycling material. Another for creativity and theme - the vendors are artsy, informal and eclectic. And one more for accessibility - it's right off the Dekalb Ave stop from the Q.

What I ate: an opened face Jerk BBQ Chicken sandwhich with a side of vegetarian collard greens from Mazie's Bites (delicious) and a fancy probiotic juice (tasty) from Nile Valley Eco-Juice and Salad Bar. A bit pricey, but you're paying for health conscious fare, so at least you can feel good about it:) Price for the whole meal = $16.