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GBK Production’s 2019 Pre-Golden Globes Luxury Gifting Lounge Attracts a Sea of Stars & Presenters

Beautiful Bling and Top Travel Destinations Featured at GBK's Luxury Gifting Lounge

The January 4^th and Saturday January 5^th Hollywood’s premiere GBK Productions Celebrity Luxury Gifting Lounge honoring the 2019 Golden Globe Awards attracted hundreds of celebrities, countless press outlets who enjoyed the entertainment, food, beverages and some of this year's hottest must-have items at the grand L’Hermitage Hotel in Beverly, Hills.

GBK Productions hosted Golden Globe Nominees and other Top Celebrities during

the Golden Globes Awards weekend. Attendees included Viola Davis, Angela Bassett, Danny Huston, Anthony Anderson, director Joe Russo and Nominee Spike Lee (Director for BlakkKlansman). There was a reunion of the breakout cast of the hit Netflix film Dumplin’ with stars Danielle Macdonald, Luke Benward and Odeya Rush all stopping by. Linda Cardellini, Mike Hatton and Dimiter Marinov of the 5 time Golden Globe nominated film Green Book were there as were the stars of other

nominated shows/films such as Indya Moore & Angel Curiel (Nominated series Pose), Cole Allen, Juliet Morris & Bernard White (Nominated series Kidding), Keidrich Sellati (Nominated series The Americans), Darrell Britt-Gibson (Nominated series Barry), Matilda Szydagis (Nominated series The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel), Michael Beasley (Nominated series Escape at Dannemora), David S. Lee (Nominated film Black Panther), Coleman Domingo (Nominated film If Beale Street Could Talk) and more. Also stopping by for the festivities were Leslie Zemeckis, World of MARWEN, Dania Ramirez, Shameless stars Scott Michael Campbell & Shanola Hampton, Keith David, 4x NBA Champion John Salley, Sarayu Blue, London Brown, Jeremy Maguire, Felix Solis, James Maslow, Ser’Darius Blaine, Carl McDowell, Donovan Carter, Taylor Cole, , Michelle La, Chandler Kinney, Benjamin Hollingsworth, Arturo Del Puerto, Bobby Rodriguez, Caleb Foote and more.

Attendees were welcomed with beverages by JCB Spirits with signature cocktails made from their Vodka and Gin crafted in Burgundy from the finest Pinot Noir and

Chardonnay and guests were gifted with a JCB tasting party for 12 and a bottle of their choice. While inside, guests got to experience WEN Hair and Body Care by Chaz Dean (with Chaz himself on hand personally) who gave personal styling tips and hair and body care products which have revolutionized the hair care industry through their holistic approach. The nominees and other guests got to ‘test drive’ the Kahuna Chair which offers the best 4D massage chair on the market – where they unveiled the new Kahuna LED anti-aging mask as well as received a pair of PROSPEK Glasses which are computer glasses, from a Canadian start-up, who provides eye care in the digital age with glasses that alleviate eye strain and protect eyes from long term screen use.

Celebrities enjoyed an assortment of glitzy gifts including a stay with Fit Farm

which is the nation’s premiere fitness retreat in Nashville which provides a full adult playground on 12 acres with the only permanent obstacle course with lodging. Additionally, everyone received gifts from Comfitude blankets, Go Donut stands for tablets and smartphones, Knot Standard menswear, Nicole Frank TWE fashion for women, Seraph Design clothing and accessories, Snow Teeth Whitening, Story Electric Bikes, Warthers Cutlery, Wonderlash lashes, Yomo Studio jewelry and accessories, Heitz Cellars wines, The Artisan Group jewelry and accessories, Total Life Changes skincare/teas/coffee/oils, Sailrock Resort trips to Turks & Caicos and STK Restaurant.

GBK Productions charity partners for this years event included the Stan Lee Foundation and Peace 4 Animals on-site to talk to the talent and press about their organizations. California Live, on NBC, partnered with GBK this year to gift Woolsey Firefighter Kristina Dee Kepner a Golden Globes experience for her dedication fighting the fires in California for 6 days straight. The California Live segment aired on NBC Monday January 7^th. Music for the event was provided by ADM Entertainment, Floral Décor by Succulent Studios, Art Décor by Jennifer Contini Studios and Talent and Press secured by Mosaic Public Relations.

GBK Productions, is a luxury lifestyle gifting and special events company, specializing in entertainment marketing integration. Formed in 2000 by Gavin Keilly, the company's Founder and CEO, GBK consists of five divisions: GBK Celebrity Gifting, GBK Special Events, GBK Weddings, GBK Charitable Consulting, and GBK Marketing & Public Relations. Widely known in the entertainment industry for bringing that little extra something into the Luxury Lounge environment, GBK offers its clients a full range of marketing services. For more information on Gavin B. Keilly (CEO) or GBK please go to gbkproductions.com.

Virtuosos Award
presented by UGG
honoring Yalitza Aparicio (Roma),
Sam Elliott (A Star is Born),
Elsie Fisher (Eighth Grade),
Claire Foy (First Man),
Richard E. Grant (Can You Ever Forgive Me?),
Thomasin McKenzie (Leave No Trace),
John David Washington (BlacKkKlansman),
and Steven Yeun (Burning)

Tuesday, February 5, 2019
8:00pm
Arlington Theatre
Santa Barbara, CA

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34TH FESTIVAL OPENS WITH THE WORLD PREMIERE OF MIMI DEGRUY’S “DIVING DEEP: THE LIFE AND TIMES OF MIKE DEGRUY” AND CLOSES WITH THE WORLD PREMIERE OF WYATT DAILY’S “SPOONS: A SANTA BARBARA STORY”

The Santa Barbara International Film Festival (SBIFF), presented by UGG^®, announced today the highly anticipated lineup for the 34^th edition, which will run January 30 to February 9, 2019. The festival will feature 63 world premieres and 59 U.S. premieres from 48 countries, along with tributes with the year’s top talent, panel discussions, and free community education and outreach programs.

SBIFF’s Executive Director Roger Durling stated this morning, “After the tragedy last year in Santa Barbara, we questioned whether to go ahead with last year’s festival, but we came to realize the importance of film as a way for people to gather in an equalitarian way to reflect, feel and simply experience art together. SBIFF is an event that brings together a plethora of visitors - international, national and local filmmakers, Oscar contenders, vital educational programs. We have entered this year with a renewed sense of purpose and continuity with the festival and understand more than ever the important role we play in the community. As such, we have chosen to bookend our festival with two films about iconic people and places in Santa Barbara to highlight the resilience, vitality and the talent within the Santa Barbara community.”

SBIFF 2019 will start with the Opening Night Film, presented by UGG^®, on Wednesday, January 30, at the historic Arlington Theatre with the world premiere of Diving Deep:The Life and Times of Mike deGruy directed by Mimi deGruy.

Diving Deep:The Life and Times of Mike deGruy is a feature film documentary about Mike deGruy, an irrepressible biologist turned award-winning filmmaker who swam, dived and filmed in oceans around the world and in the process became the first to film many rarely seen creatures in their own oceans. He was also a passionate advocate of the ocean’s creatures and became increasingly outspoken as an environmental activist. In 2012, deGruy died tragically in a helicopter crash in Australia while filming for director James Cameron. Told through the eyes of Mimi deGruy, his wife and filmmaking partner, Diving Deep:The Life and Times of Mike deGruy celebrates deGruy’s remarkable life, career and what he passionately believed: we are destroying the ocean before we even know what’s there.

Following the film, the Opening Night Gala, sponsored by Amazon Studios, will take place in the beautiful outdoor Paseo Nuevo Shops and Restaurants in downtown Santa Barbara. It will feature entertainment, food, libations, and a chance to celebrate the start of SBIFF.

The Festival will close Saturday, February 9 at the Arlington Theatre with the world premiere of Spoons: A Santa Barbara Story directed by Wyatt Daily. The Closing Night Film is sponsored by Winchester Mystery House.

SPOONS: A SANTA BARBARA STORY is an exploration of how one of the most significant corners of the world produced, and continues to produce, some of the most talented surfers and innovators. Deeper than all is a story of craftsmanship, work ethic, renegades and tradition. This is a film that goes beyond the time spent in the ocean to define how one spends a lifetime.

Following the film, SBIFF will end with a final celebration at the Closing Night Party sponsored by Amazon Studios.

SBIFF has become an important showcase for Academy Award frontrunners, many of whom have arrived as nominees and gone on to win the Oscar. The 34th SBIFF proudly celebrates some of the year’s finest work in film.

All tributes take place at the historic Arlington Theatre with the exception of the Variety Artisans Award which will be at the Lobero Theatre, presented by Toyota Mirai.

SBIFF has become renowned for creating smart, insightful panels that feature a who’s who in the world of filmmaking, including many Oscar contenders.

All panels take place at the Lobero Theatre, presented by Toyota Mirai. Panelists to be announced.

Mike’s Field Trip to the Movies – Named for renowned nature cinematographer Mike deGruy, Mike’s Field Trip to the Movies uses filmmaking to stimulate creative, confident, and culturally aware thinkers. The program is offered to 4,000 4^th, 5^th, and 6^th grade students from throughout Santa Barbara County, and SBIFF provides free transportation to students from Title I schools. This year SBIFF is thrilled to present two critically acclaimed films: Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse with directors Peter Ramsey, Robert Persichetti Jr., Rodney Rothman and Ralph Breaks the Internet with directors Rich Moore and Phil Johnston. The directors will participate in a Q&A following the screenings with the students to discuss the craft of animated filmmaking. Sponsored by Montecito Bank & Trust, Patagonia, Union Bank, Bentson Foundation and Volentine Family Foundation.

Student Film Studies Program – Returning for its fifth year thanks to the generosity of Lynda Weinman and Bruce Heavin, the national student film studies program will bring 30 undergraduate film students from across the country for a three-day symposium with a focus on film appreciation, criticism, and analysis. Sixty college students in Santa Barbara have the opportunity to take an 11-Day Film Festival course through Santa Barbara City College.

AppleBox Family Films – SBIFF will again screen animated feature frontrunners free to families on the weekends of the Festival with complimentary popcorn and refreshments. This year’s screenings will include Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (10:00am on February 2), Ralph Breaks the Internet (10:00am on February 3), and Incredibles 2 (10:00am on February 9). Sponsored by Metropolitan Theatres.

10–10–10 Student Screenwriting and Filmmaking Mentorship and Competition – In October, 20 high school and college screenwriters and filmmakers were accepted after a competitive application process before beginning a series of workshops, a table read, and a casting day. Since then, the ten writer/director teams and their crews have worked with industry mentors to produce short films that will be screened on Saturday, February 9 at 2:00pm at The Arlington Theatre, with an announcement of the winning scripts and films following the screening. Sponsored by Final Draft Inc. and generously supported by Mary Beth Riordan.

Free Public Screenings – SBIFF will again offer critically acclaimed film screenings free to the public at the Lobero Theatre presented by Toyota Mirai everyday throughout the Festival.

Filmmaker Seminars – SBIFF will again present educational seminars that will be free to the public and will take place in the Festival Pavilion daily at 11:00am. Filmmaker Seminars are sponsored by Driscoll’s.

Super Silent Sunday – On Sunday, February 3, SBIFF will present the 1927 influential German science-fiction film Metropolis at the Arlington Theatre completely free to the public. Live accompaniment will be provided by Adam Aceto on the theatre’s Wonder Morton pipe organ. Super Silent Sunday is sponsored by Winchester Mystery House.

Youth CineMedia – SBIFF presents a documentary film series produced entirely by teens involved in the Youth CineMedia program. Striving to help children transition away from gang life, drugs, and alcohol and into college and careers in music, photography, and video production, the organization offers creative tools, training, and support for underprivileged and at–risk teens. Free to the public with Q&A following on Saturday, February 9.

Santa Barbara Filmmakers – The Santa Barbara filmmaking community continues to captivate and inspire audiences with this year’s impressive lineup. Santa Barbara filmmakers provide a diverse, thought–provoking series of features and shorts.

The “Stand Up” Award sponsored by ADL – The Santa Barbara Tri–Counties Region of the Anti–Defamation League will be sponsoring and presenting the “ADL Stand Up Award” to a dramatic film in the festival that represents an important addition to the efforts of the ADL "to secure justice and fair treatment for all."

The Tribute Awards were once again specially designed by Santa Barbara’s own Daniel Gibbings Jewelry. The award is inspired by the iconic steeple of Santa Barbara’s historic Arlington Theatre, is handcrafted in metal, and is 24 karat gold–plated, with a custom marble base.

34th Festival Poster Unveiled - Barbara Boros has designed the SBIFF poster each year for 16 years, this year highlighting Butterfly Beach.

Official Festival Hub – The official festival hub will again be located at Hotel Santa Barbara, returning for their 16^th year as supporters of SBIFF.

Below is the list of feature and short films at the 2019 SBIFF. For the complete list of films, synopses, and other special events please visit www.sbiff.org.

The Dead and the Others (Chuva é cantoria na aldeia dos mortos), Brazil, Portugal - U.S. Premiere

Journey to a Mother's Room (Viaje al cuarto de una madre), Spain - U.S. Premiere

King Bibi: The Life and Performances of Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel, USA - U.S. Premiere

Land of My Children (Im land meiner kinder), Germany, Switzerland - U.S. Premiere

Prosecuting Evil: The Extraordinary World of Ben Ferencz, Canada - U.S. Premiere

Put Grandma in the Freezer (Metti la nonna in freezer), Italy - U.S. Premiere

Virgin and Extra: The Land of Olive Oil (Jaén, virgen y extra), Spain - U.S. Premiere

What Have We Done to Deserve This? (Womit haben wir das verdient?), Austria - U.S. Premiere

No Traveler Returns (D'où nul ne revient), USA, Ivory Coast - World Premiere

The Santa Barbara International Film Festival (SBIFF) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit arts and educational organization dedicated to discovering and showcasing the best in independent and international cinema. Over the past 33 years, SBIFF has become one of the leading film festivals in the United States – attracting 95,000 attendees and offering 11 days of 200+ films, tributes and symposiums, fulfilling their mission to engage, enrich, and inspire the Santa Barbara community through film.

Sponsors of the 34th SBIFF include: UGG^®, Toyota Mirai, Belvedere Vodka, City of Santa Barbara, Amazon Studios, ADL, Montecito Bank & Trust, IMDbPro, Union Bank, Driscoll’s, Santa Barbara Vintners Foundation, Bentson Foundation, SEE International, Manitou Fund, Patagonia, Winchester Mystery House, Netflix, Mary Beth Riordan, Lynda Weinman & Bruce Heavin, Volentine Family Foundation, and many more supporting through trade.

SBIFF continues its commitment to education and the community throughout many free educational programs and events. In June 2016, SBIFF entered a new era with the acquisition of the historic and beloved Riviera Theatre. After a capital campaign and renovation, the theatre is now SBIFF’s new state-of-the-art, year-round home, showing new international and independent films every day.

MAKING APES: THE ARTISTS WHO CHANGED FILM to make WORLD PREMIERE at 2019 SANTA BARBARA INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

- Feature-length documentary tells story of makeup artists who created the iconic 1968 science fiction classic PLANET OF THE APES.

At a press conference unveiling the poster and lineup for the 34th Santa Barbara International Film Festival, it was officially announced that Making Apes: The Artists Who Changed Film will make its world premiere at the prestigious Southern California event.

“I am proud and honored to have this documentary debut at SBIFF.” said Thomas R. Burman, Executive Producer and principle subject of the documentary. “It is the culmination of four years hard work that will help cement the legacy of the team that truly defined special makeup effects as an art form” Mr. Burman, along with John Chambers and a team of over 40 makeup artists, were responsible for creating and implementing the groundbreaking makeups in the 1968 science fiction classic Planet of the Apes and its numerous sequels. For that feat, Chambers was given an honorary Academy Award in 1969.

Executive Producer Bari Dreiband-Burman was quoted as saying “This labor of love gives a well deserved look at the makeup artists who have and continue to inspire future generations. Hearing fellow makeup artists, actors, directors and film historians praise the work of Tom, John and all those responsible for Planet of the Apes has been an absolute joy”

“Given Santa Barbara International Film Festival’s worldwide notoriety and as a lifelong resident of Santa Barbara County, I couldn’t be more thrilled to have Making Apes premiere there. Santa Barbara is well known as the first major film town in California and we’re pleased to be bringing this amazing story of cinematic achievement to SBIFF.” said Director William G. Conlin. Making Apes marks Conlin’s feature film debut. The exact dates and times that Making Apes will screen are forthcoming.

William G. Conlin, Steve Conlin & Harlene Conlin giving film making class at Roosevelt School in Santa Barbara

Making Apes is Executive Produced by Thomas R. Burman & Bari-Dreiband Burman, Directed by William G. Conlin, Produced by Harlene Conlin and features Cinematography by Gary L. Conlin, Original Score by Shawn Patterson, Narration by Matt Winston, Editing by Micah Stuart, Post-Production Supervision by Maxx Burman, Sound Mixing by Ellis Burman III and Special Makeup Effects by Vincent Van Dyke, Thomas R. Burman & Bari-Dreiband Burman. Interviews include Guillermo del Toro, Richard Donner, John Landis, Joe Dante, Leonard Maltin, Lou Wagner, Bobby Porter, Rick Baker, Ve Neill, Greg Cannom, Greg Nicotero, Howard Berger and many more.

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Actor Jeff Bridges was presented the Cecil B. DeMille Award for his major contribution to the world of entertainment at the 76th Golden Globe Awards at the Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills.

Past recipients of this award include Meryl Streep, Sophia Loren, Audrey Hepburn, George Clooney, Robert De Niro, Morgan Freeman, Sidney Poitier, Denzel Washington, Barbra Streisand, Luciell Ball and Oprah Winfrey

Great new CD & Album release by Musician, Singer, Song Writer Jerome Jordano - availabe at CD Baby, i Tunes and Spotify, SPRS_jj Instagram.