Juno Films Acquires Distribution Rights to Raúl Castillo’s Experimental Drama “The Same Storm”

Raúl Castillo will be storming into select theaters soon…

Juno Films has acquired the distribution rights to the experimental drama The Same Storm, starring the 44-year-old Latino actor.

Raúl CastilloFrom writer-director Peter Hedges, the project was filmed during the height of the COVID pandemic using cell phones and laptops.

The Same Storm invites viewers into the lives of 24 characters as they navigate the spring and summer of 2020. With lockdowns, the Black Lives Matter movement and the looming 2020 election as key backdrops, the film explores the importance of human connection, family and love during a time when all of that seemed out of reach.

The film also stars Sandra Oh, Mary-Louise Parker, Elaine May, Moses Ingram and Noma Duzemweni.

“Peter Hedges’ film The Same Storm captures a period that bound us together through uncertainty, anxiety and fatigue while keeping us physically apart from family, loved ones and friends,” said Juno Films CEO, Elizabeth Sheldon. “The performances from the all-star cast allow viewers to laugh at our collective experience, to cry for our losses, and to remember what it felt like during those dark days when despite the risk we came together for Black Lives Matter, comforted those who suffered loss, and relied on the kindness of strangers and the love of family.”

“We’re thrilled to be partnering with Elizabeth Sheldon and Juno Films,” added Hedges. “The Same Storm was made with a whole lot of love during a fraught and challenging time. The ferocity and generosity of our extraordinary cast and crew fill every on-screen moment. I couldn’t be more proud of and grateful for everyone who helped make this possible.”

It made its world premiere at the 2021 Telluride Film Festival.

The film is presented by Evenstar Films in association with Straight Up Technologies and Home Plate Pictures.

Juno Films will distribute the film in the U.S., Canada and the UK.

The Same Storm will open at the Quad Cinema in NYC and the Laemmle Santa Monica on October 14.

José Andrés to be Honored During National Portrait Gallery’s Portrait of a Nation Awards

José Andrés is being honored for his transformative contributions

The 53-year-old Spanish chef, philanthropist and activist will be honored at the National Portrait Gallery’s Portrait of a Nation Awards on November 12.

Jose AndresAndres will be honored alongside Clive DavisAva DuVernay, Marian Wright Edelman, Anthony S. Fauci, M.D., Serena Williams and Venus Williams.

The event, which launched in 2015, “honor[s] extraordinary individuals who have made transformative contributions to the United States and its people across all fields of endeavor from the arts and sciences,” according to the Smithsonian gallery.

Andres is the founder of World Central Kitchen, a non-profit devoted to providing meals in the wake of natural disasters. It has provided aid and meals in the United States and Puerto Rico and has helped during the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States.

He is often credited with bringing the small plates dining concept to America.

An exhibition featuring portraits of the honorees will open at the museum on November 10.

Baratunde Thurston will host the event, with Laurene Powell Jobs presenting to Andres; Alicia Keys to Davis; Isabel Wilkerson to DuVernay; Hillary Clinton to Edelman; David M. Rubenstein to Fauci; Mellody Hobson to Serena Williams and Sonya Haffey and Isha Price to Venus Williams.

Kim Sajet, director of the National Portrait Galley, said in a statement, “It is important to honor and celebrate the people who are making a difference and inspiring others. The presenters, each of whom have a special relationship with the honorees, help us to offer meaningful thanks to this year’s awardees for their significant contributions to our nation.”

First Stills Released of Jordana Brewster’s COVID-Themed Comedy “Who Invited Charle?”

Jordana Brewster is dealing with an uninvited guest…

The first images from he 42-year-old half-Brazilian Panamanian actress’ COVID-themed comedy feature Who Invited Charlie?” have been released, and they show her character Rosie frantically applying hand sanitizer as the pandemic takes hold.

Jordana Brewster, Who Invited Charlie?Directed by Xavier Manrique, the film, which was previously titled Charlie In The Pandemic, tells the story of a New York City family who decamp to the Hamptons to hide out the pandemic. But their COVID-safe bubble is popped when Charlie – complete with Blood Marys and pot – turns up bringing with him a “lifetime of hurt that might heal them all.”

Joining Brewster are Adam Pally as Charlie, Reid Scott as Phil and Dylan Penn as Jess.

Jordana Brewster, Who Invited Charlie?

Xosha Roquemore and Peter Dager round out the cast.

Nicholas Schutt wrote the screenplay.

Jordana Brewster, Who Invited Charlie?“Who Invited Charlie?” was shot in New York and the Hamptons. It is set to have its world premiere at the Hamptons International Film Festival in October.

Seniesa Estrada Signs Multiyear Deal with Boxing Promotional Company Top Rank

Seniesa Estrada is switching promotional teams…

The 30-year-old Mexican American boxer, the WBA strawweight and WBO junior flyweight champion, has left Golden Boy and signed a multiyear deal with Top Rank.

Seniesa EstradaEstrada is the second female fighter to sign with Top Rank, joining Mikaela Mayer, who signed a three-year contract extension earlier this year.

“It’s awesome,” Estrada told ESPN. “It’s like, I’m excited to get back in the ring.”

Estrada’s first Top Rank fight will be later this year, with the possibility of being in November. She said her contract is similar in finances to that of Mayer, who signed a deal for seven figures over the length of the agreement.

Estrada said she and Mayer talked a lot about the financial side of their contracts — a first for Estrada in speaking with another fighter — and it gave her comfort in what she was asking for.

Mayer and Estrada have become friendly in recent months — Mayer even convinced Estrada to join Twitter in April — and now the two will be the main women’s faces for the same boxing promotion.

Money, Estrada said, was part of this. Golden Boy had been her initial high-level promoter and she had done well there, reaching a 22-0 record with nine knockouts — including a seven-second knockout of Miranda Adkins on July 24, 2020 that was the fastest in women’s boxing history.

Estrada, originally from East Los Angeles, had been an active fighter for much of her pro career other than longer breaks during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Estrada had hoped to be in the ring earlier this year — she was going to fight in August — but terms couldn’t be agreed upon.

Estrada said part of the reason for her departure from Golden Boy was “I wanted more money, what I felt I deserved.”

Estrada said she also spoke with Eddie Hearn at Matchroom Boxing when she sought a new promoter and almost went with the United Kingdom-based boxing promotion.

Hearn had given her a competitive offer, Estrada said, and the chance to main event and co-main event on DAZN cards. But Estrada said the Top Rank offer made more sense for her — in part because of the platform her fights would be on due to the deal between Top Rank and ESPN.

“Just the whole platform wise and exposure wise would be so much better for me so besides them giving me what I was happy with,” Estrada said. “Yeah, I’m looking forward to that. I’m excited about it.”

Estrada is also the rare women’s fighter who has fought a three-minute round fight as a professional — her technical decision win over Marlen Esparza on November 2, 2019 was a 10-round, three-minute-per-round contest that was stopped after the ninth round due to a cut Esparza suffered as part of an accidental head butt.

Estrada said Top Rank has told her she will often be the main event or co-main event on cards she is on. She also offers the promotion another chance to build fights in Los Angeles, where the No. 6 pound-for-pound fighter in ESPN’s ratings is a draw both because of her Mexican American heritage and because she grew up in and still lives in the area. The 5-foot-2 Estrada has fought 17 of her fights in California.

“That’s definitely something that they want, so I’m happy with that,” Estrada said. “Especially in L.A., they want to put on more shows here in L.A. and knowing that I’m from here, they are hoping I can be able to sell.

“…In L.A., definitely, yeah. I would like to get the chance to show that. That would be great.”

NEO Studios Developing Docuseries “He Was My Father” About Diego Maradona’s Formerly Unknown Son Diego Maradona Jr.

There’s another Maradona documentary project in the works… This time about the formerly unknown son of the Argentinean soccer legend.

A docuseries about Diego Maradona Jr., the formerly unknown son of Diego Maradona Sr., is in the works.

Diego Maradona Jr. & Diego Maradona Sr.Maradona Jr., who also goes by Diego Sinagra, was born in 1986 but it took until 1993 for an Italian court to recognize the World Cup winner as his paternal father and another 13 years before Maradona himself acknowledged him as his son.

Over the course of four years, the two strengthened their relationship, bonding over their passion for football, before Maradona passed away in 2020.

He Was My Father (w/t) comes from NEO Studios, the production arm of sports media group Eleven, and Italian producer Roma Press.

It will see Maradona Jr. celebrate and analyze the life and legacy of his late father and chronicle his experience growing up as the unknown son of one of most celebrated and controversial soccer players of all time.

Unable to attend his father’s funeral due to COVID-19, the four-part series will also follow Diego Jr. as he travels to Argentina to gain insight into his father’s life off the pitch. It will delve into Diego Jr. and Maradona’s complex relationship, the emotional challenges Diego Jr. faced growing up with a father who refused to acknowledge him, and living in his father’s shadow, while also highlighting their special bond, reconciliation, and the time they shared before Maradona’s passing.

Analyzing the final moments before his passing, He Was My Father will also include never-before-released recordings of Maradona, as well as interviews with his family, friends and former teammates who offer untold stories about the legendary footballer and provide viewers an exclusive window into the life and world of Diego Maradona.

Diego Jr. said, “My father lived in the public eye, with all the controversy and speculation that goes along with that. Though it was a challenging road, it was also a great one that ultimately brought us together. It was important to me to set the record straight and to share my story – which is also my mother’s story – while honoring the true legacy of my father, Diego Maradona.”

“Maradona is widely regarded as one of the best soccer players of all time, but his life off the field was sensational as well, often drawing criticism,” added Mertens. “Through the lens of his first-born son, viewers will get unprecedented access into Maradona’s life and impact on sport. We’re excited for Diego Jr. to finally share his story, as he honors his father’s legacy.”

Rafael Nadal Edges Past Novak Djokovic to Reach French Open Semifinals

Rafael Nadal is one step closer to reclaiming his throne…

The 35-year-old Spanish tennis star, known as the King of Clay, claimed a quarterfinal victory over longtime rival Novak Djokovic that began in May and ended in June at Roland Garros.

Rafael NadalWith a mix of brilliant shot-making and his trademark resilience, Nadal got past the top-seeded defending French Open champion Djokovic 6-2, 4-6, 6-2, 7-6 (4) to move a step closer to his 14th championship at the clay-court Grand Slam tournament and what would be a 22nd major trophy overall, adding to records that he already owns.

“One of those magic nights for me,” Nadal said.

The match began a little past 9 p.m. Tuesday, May 31, and concluded more than four hours later, after 1 a.m. Wednesday, June 1.

The bracket said this was a quarterfinal, but it felt like a final — from the quality of play to the quality of effort, from the anticipation that preceded it to the atmosphere that enveloped it.

The only missing ingredient: There was no trophy handed to the winner.

Nadal turns 36 on Friday, when he’ll face third-seeded Alexander Zverev in the semifinals. When the subject of Nadal’s future was brought up during his on-court interview, he smiled.

“See you, by the way, in two days,” Nadal said. “That’s the only thing that I can say.”

It’ll be difficult for any match the rest of the way to live up to this one.

“I lost to a better player today,” said Djokovic, who had won 22 sets in a row until the 49-minute opener against Nadal. “Had my chances. Didn’t use them. That’s it.”

This showdown was their 59th, more than any other two men have played against each other in the Open era. Nadal narrowed Djokovic’s series lead to 30-29 while improving to 8-2 against his rival at Roland Garros.

Nadal is now 110-3 for his career at the place. Two of those losses came against Djokovic, including in last year’s semifinals. This time, Nadal made sure Djokovic remains behind him in the Slam count with 20. Nadal broke their three-way tie with Roger Federer at that number by capturing the Australian Open in January, when Djokovic was not able to play because he is not vaccinated against COVID-19.

Alejandro Davidovich Fokina Pulls Off Upset Win Against Novak Djokovic at Monte Carlo Masters

Alejandro Davidovich Fokina is celebrating an upset…

The 22-year-old Spanish professional tennis player pulled off a stunning victory against Novak Djokovic at the Monte Carlo Masters on Tuesday.

Alejandro Davidovich FokinaDavidovich Fokina stunned the top-ranked Serb 6-3, 6-7 (5), 6-1 in the second round to hand Djokovic another setback as he tries to move on from the controversy surrounding his refusal to get vaccinated against COVID-19.

It makes for rare back-to-back losses for Djokovic, who had not played since being eliminated in the quarterfinals of the Dubai Tennis Championships in February — his only previous tournament this year after he was barred from playing at the Australian Open.

Djokovic struggled from the start as the 46th-ranked Spaniard broke him early to pull ahead 4-1 before another break handed him the first set. Davidovich Fokina kept up the pressure and led 3-0 in the second before Djokovic clawed back. But the Serb continued to struggle on his serve and was broken three times in the decider.

“He was the better player,” Djokovic said. “I was hanging on the ropes the entire match.”

The Serb said he was too exhausted to put up a fight in the third set.

“I collapsed,” Djokovic said. “I just ran out of gas completely … If you can’t stay in the rally, not feeling your legs on the clay, it’s mission impossible.”

Djokovic had beaten Davidovich Fokina in straight sets twice last year, in Rome and at the delayed 2020 Tokyo Games.

Djokovic could not defend his Australian Open title in January after he was deported from the country for not being vaccinated. He had to skip tournaments in Indian Wells, California, and Miami because he couldn’t travel to the United States for the same reason.

The authorities in France and Monaco lifted most COVID-19 restrictions last month, allowing people who aren’t vaccinated into the country and back into restaurants, sports arenas and other venues.

That means Djokovic will be able to play at the French Open, which remains his “big goal of the clay season.”

“I knew that it’s going to take some time for me to really feel my best on the clay,” Djokovic said. “I have to accept defeat and keep working … and hopefully build my form for Roland Garros.”

The French Open starts on May 22 in Paris.

In the meantime, Davidovich Fokina is moving on to the Round of 16 at the Monte Carlo Masters.

Jesse & Joy Performance Clip to Be Featured on “MusiCares: Music on a Mission” Special

Jesse & Joy will be heading on a special mission

Fans will be able to view a previously recorded performance clip of the Mexican duo, comprised of brother Jesse Huerta and sister Joy Huerta, will at “MusiCares: Music on a Mission” on Wednesday, March 30.

Jesse & JoyThe virtual event will also feature a performance clip by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, taken from the MusiCares Person of the Year gala on February 10, 2017, where Petty was the honoree. Petty died less than eight months later, one week after the end of the band’s 40th anniversary tour.

Other performances include Brandi CarlileJason Isbell, k.d. lang, Shawn ColvinFantastic Negrito, Gian Marco, Dante Spinetta, Amythyst Kiah, morgxn, Zach Person, Emily Wolfe and Fitz of Fitz and the Tantrums .

According to a statement, the event will celebrate the power of music and also Joni Mitchell as the 2022 MusiCares Person of the Year honoree.

Every dollar from ticket purchases will be distributed to those in need in the music community.

The event will include testimonials from members of the music community who have been helped by MusiCares. MusiCares’ partner in the event is Gibson, the Nashville-based instrument brand.

Music on a Mission will air on Mandolin, the concert livestream platform, on March 30 at 5:00 pm PT/8:00 pm ET.

Music on a Mission was first held in March 2021 to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. Nearly 17,000 people bought tickets. The event raised more than $2 million.

“We were blown away by the support from the music community, industry professionals and of course music fans,” Laura Segura, executive director of MusiCares, said in a statement. “We’re so thankful that Gibson recognizes the importance of this event to both fans and professional musicians and that they’ve signed on to help us make Music on a Mission a reality again this year.”

Tickets are on sale now for $25 at  https://bit.ly/MusiconaMission.

Rosie Perez to Take Part in “Stars in the House” Telethon to Benefit Victims of the War in Ukraine

Rosie Perez is helping raise money for the people of the Ukraine

The 57-year-old Puerto Rican Oscar-nominated actress is among an all-star roster of film, television and theater performers who’ve signed up for a 10-hour telethon to raise money for the victims of the war in Ukraine.

Rosie PerezEntitled “Stars in the House,”the special will air on Saturday, March 26 from noon-10:00 pm Eastern.

In addition to Perez, the other celebrities scheduled to appear on the telethon include Steve Martin, Annette BeningBilly PorterAudra McDonald, Cynthia Nixon, Kristin Chenoweth, David Hyde Pierce, Martin Short, Catherine O’Hara, Eugene Levy and Andrea Martin, as well as Tituss Burgess, Kelli O’Hara, Donna Murphy, Annaleigh Ashford, Jessie Mueller, Josh Groban, Judith Light, John Stamos, Lindsay Mendez, Laura Benanti, Norman Lear, Betty Buckley, Mandy Patinkin, Rachel Bloom, Patrick Wilson, Shoshana Bean, James Monroe Iglehart, Brittney Johnson, Santino Fontana, Judy Kuhn and Norbert Leo Butz.

The event also hopes to feature Ukrainians, including Oleg Karpenko, a Ukrainian theater and film actor who co-starred with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Servant of the People.

The special can be viewed and listened to on the series’ site, the Stars in the House YouTube channel, as well as SiriusXM Stars109.

Donations made during the event will benefit the International Rescue Committee and its humanitarian efforts for those affected by the war in Ukraine.

Stars in the House is a live-streamed concert series created by SiriusXM Broadway host Seth Rudetsky and producer James Wesley that has raised over $1 million for the Actors Fund’s COVID-19 relief program and other nonprofits.

It’s just one way the theater community has tried to help Ukrainians: Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS awarded $300,000 in emergency grants to ameliorate the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine and a portion of ticket sales for “The Minutes” will go to Save the Children’s Ukraine Crisis Relief Fund.

Rafael Nadal Starts Season with Impressive 18-0 Record

Rafael Nadal is still finding ways to impress after all these years…

Nursing a nagging foot injury, the 35-year-old Spanish professional tennis player became only the second player in ATP Tour history to start a season 18-0.

Rafael Nadal

Nadal edged past Reilly Opelka 7-6 (3), 7-6 (5) on Wednesday in the fourth round of the BNP Paribas Open.

Only Novak Djokovic has gotten off to better starts since 1990. The Serb went 26-0 to begin 2020 and 41-0 to open 2011.

“I can’t say it’s a dream because I even couldn’t dream about that three months ago, two months ago,” Nadal said. “I am just enjoying every single moment.”

Last year, Nadal’s playing time was interrupted by COVID-19 and injuries, creating doubt about his ability to recover well enough to maintain his exacting standards. But he won his record 21st Grand Slam title at the Australian Open in January and has continued on a tear.

“I am just very happy to be playing tennis,” said Nadal, who turns 36 in June. “Today was a little bit worse than other days. It’s true that the last couple of days the foot has been bothering me a little bit more.”

Nadal has already withdrawn from the Miami Open that follows Indian Wells. He wants extra time to prepare for the clay court season that isn’t as punishing as hard courts.

Nadal rallied from a 2-4 deficit in the second set to lead 6-5. Opelka held after three deuces when Nadal netted a forehand chasing the American’s drop shot to force the second tiebreaker.

Nadal led 4-1 in the tiebreaker when Opelka struggled on his service returns. On his serve, though, the 6-foot-11 American closed to 4-3, hitting winners on a drop shot and a forehand.

Again on his serve, Opelka closed to 6-5.

But Nadal closed it out by pulling Opelka out of the court and the American’s backhand landed wide.

“It’s about trying to hit balls that you don’t take a lot of risks, but at the same time don’t allow him to go in and go for the shot,” Nadal said. “Is trying to find the right balance between these two things.”

There were no service breaks in the first set. Opelka fought off the only break point in the seventh game with a smash and forehand winner. Nadal held at love for 6-all, forcing the tiebreaker. Opelka led 3-2 with a forehand winner down the line. Nadal won the next five points, all on errors by Opelka, to take the set.

Nadal improved to 19-0 against American opponents since losing to John Isner at the 2017 Laver Cup.

 

Nadal, a three-time champion in the desert, advanced to the quarterfinals against wild-card Nick Kyrgios. The Australian advanced to his first ATP Tour quarterfinal since winning Washington in 2019 after 10th-seeded Jannik Sinner withdrew because of illness.