Rockhopper TV - BBC World News Series "Love in a Time of HIV: Ep. 2 I Love New York" has been nominated for the prestigious Association for International Broadcasting (AIB) award. The nominees will be honored at a gala event in London on November 4.

This New York-based film features Christina Rodriguez, a founding member of the SMART Youth program and her mother, Susan Rodriguez, Founding Director of SMART.  Christina talks openly about living in New York City with HIV in this moving, sensitive and personal account of the bond between a mother and daughter and how both are dealing with being HIV positive.

Upon learning of the nomination Susan Rodriguez responded, “With over 200 documentary submissions for this year’s award, receiving an AIB nomination with other amazing international documentaries is an enormous honor.”

Sisterhood Mobilized for AIDS Research and Treatment’s (SMART)

Founded in 1998 to provide treatment and prevention education and support for all women living with HIV/AIDS in order to increase their self-confidence and self-esteem, SMART expanded its mission in 2005 to include serving youth living with or affected by HIV/AIDS.

SMART serves high-risk heterosexual women and youth of color from New York City’s highest incidence areas. Over the last 11 years, SMART’s priority is to serve all women and youth of color who are infected or affected by HIV/AIDS and seeks to: 1) create successful linkages to medical care or re-engage the out-of-care, 2) deliver culturally competent, evidence-based treatment education and prevention services, and 3) reduce the disparities, stigma and discrimination in access to prevention and care services that are experienced by women of color.

Sisterhood Mobilized for AIDS Research and Treatment (SMART) is a not-for-profit, volunteer-supported and community-based organization committed to empowering women and youth. Our mission is: (1) support and expand our synergistic programs for women and youth living with/affected by HIV/AIDS; (2) provide the necessary space for women and youth living with/affected by HIV/AIDS in New York City; and (3) create positive change in each of our participant’s lives so they may receive optimal treatment access and care. For more information, please visit www.smartuniversity.org and www.smartyouthnyc.org

To purchase SMART shirt: click HERE

To make a donation, please visit: SMART

Onerock Moving Pictures screened an intimate sneak peek of their documentary DRESSED to New York’s tastemakers and press at Soho House members’ club and hotel in Manhattan’s Meatpacking District on September 10th.

DRESSED is a heartfelt documentary that takes a look at Laotian-American fashion designer, Nary Manivong, who defies the odds of a broken childhood and homelessness to follow his dream of showing his collection at New York’s Fashion Week and launching his brand.

The film also features a cast of top fashion experts: Fern Mallis, Senior Vice President of IMG Fashion; Ohio designer Nanette Lepore; Mickey Boardman of Paper Magazine; Author Mary Gehlhar “Fashion Designer’s Survival Guide”; Simon Collins, Dean of Fashion for Parsons, The New School for Design; Industry Consultant George Furlan; Simon Doonan, Creative Director of Barneys New York, author of four books and columnist for The New York Observer; Stylist Robert Verdi; President of The Fashion Group International, Margaret Hayes; and fashion writer Lynn Yaeger.

Following the 15 minute sneak peek (which had a killer soundtrack, btw), Director David Swajeski, Executive Producer Maryanne Grisz, Nary Manivong, and a few of the cast members, gathered for a Q&A.

The decorous Mr. Manivong, who had his New York Fashion Week runway show earlier that evening, was all smiles and definitely ready to relax for the rest of Fashion Week. Mr. Manivong appeared grounded and was completely receptive to audience inquiries.

I spoke with Ms. Grisz about the moving documentary. I wondered how the direction of the film from the onset moved throughout the year of filming. "We always saw the central story/theme being about the strength of the human spirit. Working with Nary was very inspiring as he just kept moving forward in pursuit of his dream in spite of the tremendous odds against him."

I believe the essence of Mr. Manivong spoke beautifully within DRESSED to produce an absolutely inspiring documentary. I can't wait to see the full-length feature.

For additional information, visit www.dressed-themovie.com and www.narymanivong.com.

*photo 1: Still from DRESSED (model and Nary Manivong)

*photo 2: Still from DRESSED (Nary Manivong)

*photo 3: Nary Manivong at DRESSED Sneak Peek

*photo 4: Executive Producer Maryanne Grisz

*photo 5: Director David Swajeski and Nary Manivong at DRESSED Sneak Peek

DRESSED Director David Swajeski and Executive Producer Maryanne Grisz are offering an exclusive sneak peak of their documentary to selected New York’s tastemakers and press during New York Fashion Week.

DRESSED is the much talked about documentary about the inspiring story of Laotian-American fashion designer, Nary Manivong, who defies the odds of a broken childhood and homelessness to follow his dream of showing his collection at New York’s Fashion Week and launching his brand.

The film offers an insider’s look behind-the-scenes of the glamorous, chaotic world of fashion as well as insightful commentary from industry experts such as; Fern Mallis, Senior Vice President of IMG Fashion; Ohio designer Nanette Lepore; Mickey Boardman of Paper Magazine; Author Mary Gehlhar “Fashion Designer’s Survival Guide”; Simon Collins, Dean of Fashion for Parsons, The New School for Design; Industry Consultant George Furlan; Simon Doonan, Creative Director of Barneys New York, author of four books and columnist for The New York Observer; Stylist Robert Verdi; President of The Fashion Group International, Margaret Hayes and fashion writer Lynn Yaeger.

The DRESSED private invite-only special sneak peak screening will take place on Thursday, September 10, 2009 at the Soho House members’ club and hotel in Manhattan’s Meatpacking District in New York City. There will be two screenings taking place at 9pm and 10pm and a Q & A after each screening with Director David Swajeski, Executive Producer Maryanne Grisz, Fashion Designer Nary Manivong and selected members of the cast.