PITTSBURGH--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Diversified industrial manufacturer Eaton Corporation announced its collaboration with the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) and the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) for a prototype integrated solar-assisted electric vehicle charging station to be erected at EPRI’s research laboratory in Knoxville, Tenn. Additional stations are planned for Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Nashville, Chattanooga and another site in Knoxville.  

“Solar-assisted electric vehicle charging stations are a crucial step toward the development of a regional system of clean fuel for electric vehicles,” said Tom Schafer, vice president and general manager, Eaton’s Commercial Distribution Products Division. “We are confident that these stations will enable a cleaner transportation future with plug-in electric vehicles. Eaton is pleased to collaborate with EPRI and the TVA to ensure the success of these stations.”

The collaboration comes on the heels of Eaton’s creation of a new business unit that will be responsible for the overall direction and profitable growth of the emerging electric vehicle and transportation infrastructure business within Eaton’s Electrical Sector. Eaton has named Tim Old the new business unit manager of this new Electric Transportation Infrastructure unit.

“The new business unit illustrates Eaton’s commitment and ability to deliver this new technology to industry and consumers,” said Schafer. “Tim Old brings considerable experience, business insight and leadership skills to this new position, and his expertise will help Eaton successfully launch the Electric Transportation Infrastructure business unit.”

The prototype charging station used by EPRI and TVA, also known as a Smart Modal Area Recharge Terminal, or SMART™ station, will provide information on energy usage, the time when the equipment is used, the amount of solar-generated electricity produced and stored, and the potential impact of load clusters - when several vehicles are refueled at the same time - on distribution system reliability.

The collaboration will create a model charging facility that will charge electric vehicles quickly and reliably, and it will produce data to assist in implementing key components of a smart electrical grid. These components could include integrating renewables onto the grid, utilizing a battery storage system, assessing the impact on reliability of a distributed resource generation, testing advance metering infrastructure and analyzing electric vehicle supply equipment.

Eaton has been developing electrical and hybrid power systems for trucks and buses for more than 20 years. Eaton is the only company to offer hybrid-electric, as well as two hybrid hydraulic power system technologies, and the charging infrastructure for commercial and residential applications.

Eaton recently announced that it will collaborate with Takaoka Electric Manufacturing Company, Ltd. to develop and launch DC Quick Chargers, a key component in the charging of electric vehicle battery packs. The collaboration will enable Eaton to provide a complete line of charging stations across residential, commercial and industrial applications in North America.

Herlindandjuraj's Great Adventure

Actress Takaoka Saki (37, photo left) is expecting a baby in the autumn, according to the Sankei Sports newspaper. Sources say she has been dating a 43-year-old Nagoya property company owner since the end of last year. The couple are said to be already living together but plan to wait until after the baby is born to officially tie the knot. Takaoka was previously married to actor...

Actress Saki Takaoka is said to be pregnant and headed for a second marriage.

Riki Takaoka posted a new topic:

drawfood.blogspot.com/

A redução de impactos à natureza é uma preocupação latente na sociedade do século 21. Um dos reflexos é a demanda cada vez maior de projetos de arquitetura e urbanismo antenados a essa necessidade de preservar e não desperdiçar os recursos naturais. Nesta quinta-feira, esse assunto entra em pauta na Câmara dos Deputados no seminário Construções sustentáveis. Na roda para discutir o assunto, o presidente da Comissão de Meio Ambiente e Desenvolvimento Sustentável, deputado Jorge Khoury, da ministra de Estado do Meio Ambiente, Izabella Mônica Vieira Teixeira, Marcelo Vespoli Takaoka, presidente do Conselho Brasileiro de Arquitetura Sustentável (CBCS), além de professores e especialistas que expõem a necessidade de políticas públicas e legislações. Convidado para participar do seminário, o professor do curso de arquitetura e urbanismo do UniCEUB Fabiano Sobreira tirou algumas dúvidas sobre o que será discutido no painel O desenvolvimento sustentável e a cidade.

Que pontos o senhor destacaria como os mais importantes deste seminário?
Um dos aspectos interessantes do seminário é a abordagem, em um mesmo evento, de questões de política pública ao lado de questões técnicas e projetuais. O que se espera é que essas duas agendas se cruzem, de maneira que as políticas públicas sejam alimentadas pelas inovações e reflexões técnicas e acadêmicas, e vice-versa. Espero contribuir nesse sentido em minha exposição, que deve tratar do papel e das estratégias da administração pública no fomento a construções e cidades sustentáveis, sempre atentos aos riscos e armadilhas da "onda verde". O foco, sob o meu ponto de vista, deve estar sempre na qualidade do projeto. Quanto maior a atenção e o investimento no projeto e no planejamento, maior a garantia de empreendimentos sustentáveis (no sentido amplo do termo, isto é, da adequação ambiental, social, econômica e cultural).

Como é o mercado hoje da arquitetura sustentável e qual o ideal a ser atingido nos próximos anos?
Acho que a discussão em torno de um "mercado brasileiro de construções sustentáveis" é um equívoco, pois alimenta a ideia de que a sustentabilidade é algo a ser comercializado e que construções sustentáveis são produtos. Essa perspectiva alimenta um vício crescente no Brasil do greenwash, isto é, a venda de soluções insustentáveis, disfarçadas de "soluções verdes". Vejo algumas certificações ambientais de edificações, como o selo LEED, como um exemplo de greenwash na arquitetura.

Para que haja crescimento das construções sustentáveis, o primeiro a mudar a postura é o arquiteto/engenheiro ou o cliente?
Trata-se de uma mudança de postura coletiva e mútua. Clientes (públicos e privados) conscientes e bem informados serão mais exigentes e vão exigir profissionais preparados a responder a essas demandas da sustentabilidade. Da mesma forma, os profissionais responsáveis pelos projetos têm um papel fundamental de formação e indução nas decisões dos empreendedores públicos e privados.


Dica de leitura

Longe de ser mais uma publicação "ecochata", O livro verde (Ed. Sextante) traz dicas de como ajudar o planeta sem recorrer às mesmas dicas de manuais. Pesquisadores na área ambiental, os autores Elizabeth Rogers e Thomas M. Kostigen tiveram apoio de um time de estrelas de Hollywood. Robert Redford, Cameron Diaz e Jennifer Aniston dão seus depoimentos. No vocabulário, reduzir, reutilizar e reciclar são três verbos fundamentais para uma mudança saudável de hábitos. Quer tentar?

>> Prefira notebooks a desktops. A produção do notebook requer menos matéria e energia e seu consumo anual é 220 kWh menor;
>> Mantenha os pneus calibrados. Eles vão durar mais e o rendimento do combustível será maior;
>> Substitua o extrato bancário impresso pela consulta on-line e envie convites por e-mail.

Toyota is planning to cut Japanese production over the next five years by approximately 700,000 units (from 3.9 to 3.2 million) or close to 20% and move it into countries that would provide significantly cheaper labor, according to a report from Bloomberg. The Japanese automaker will begin by closing down a production line at its Takaoka plant...

Toyota reportedly delays key assembly-line return MarketWatch The Nikkei business daily quoted Toyota Executive Vice President Atsushi Niimi as saying the idled line, located in Takaoka, Japan, won't come back up until ... Toyota to consolidate 3 production lines at Tahara plant into 2istockAnalyst.com (press release) JAPAN: Toyota to move production to emerging marketsjust-auto.com (subscription) all 3 news articles »

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Green Daily

With the early initial success of the Nissan Leaf already showing us that electric vehicles are in high demand, we now must address the infrastructure issue. In short, we need more chargers and we need them now. To fill the void, Eaton Corp. has teamed up with Japan-based Takaoka Electric to develop a fast charger for both residential and commercial use.

The companies claim that their DC Quick Charger will provide even faster recharging of electric vehicles, though they did not release any specs for comparisons to be made. The DC Quick Charger will be exclusively developed for North America and the companies claim that the charger is compatible for home use as well as commercial and industrial applications. Eaton did not release any additional details regarding the DC Quick Charger's cost, availability or release date yet. Follow the jump for more information, what we know for now, anyway.

[Source: Eaton Corp.]

Continue reading Eaton developing faster electric vehicle charging system for home, commercial use

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Eaton Corp. is developing an electric-vehicle charger with Japan-based Takaoka Electric that they say will allow faster recharging of personal and commercial electric vehicles, marking the Ohio-based engine-valve and transmission making giant's continued effort to address fuel consumption beyond its gas-saving turbochargers and hybrid-electric drivetrains.

Eaton and Takaoka Electric will develop its so-called DC Quick Charger for residential, commercial and industrial users in North America, Eaton said in a statement Wednesday. The company didn't immediately provide details about the product's power use, availability and cost.

"Through this collaboration, Eaton will bring its leadership in sustainability, energy efficiency and power distribution to the electric-vehicle supply equipment market in North America," company President Richard Stinson said in the statement.

Publicly traded Eaton, whose work in the alternative-propulsion market includes making drivetrains for UPS's fleet of hybrid trucks, is joining the ranks of companies such as closely held Coulomb Technologies that are looking to boost sales by making EV-chargers for what they view will be a rapidly expanding U.S. base of electric vehicles.

Coulomb deployed more than 600 of its ChargePoint stations last year and expects to ship thousands this year.

Eaton last week said its superchargers will be used by three models made by China-based automaker Chery to boost power while maintaining fuel economy with its small engines. The company also said last week that it turned a first quarter profit of $156 million, compared with a year-earlier loss, as revenue increased 10 percent to $3.1 billion.

Danny King, Contributor

Starring Danny Glover and Ben Guillory, The Harimaya Bridge is a drama about an American father who reluctantly makes a trip to Japan to retrieve his son's belongings who had passed away in accident earlier.

This film draws you into the prejudice between people of different race and cultural backgrounds. Intertwined in the story is the relationship, conflict and bond between father and son.

Award winning Japanese actresses Saki Takaoka and Misa Shimizu star in Harimaya Bridge along with Misono (Koda Kumi's sister) who sings the theme song.

Written and directed by Aaron Woolfolk, JET Program / JET Japan Exchange and Teaching Program who taught English in Kochi prefecture where the film was shot.

http://theharimayabridge.com

Film opens:

Friday, March 12th, 2010
US Tara Cinema 4 Atlanta, GA

Friday, March 26th, 2010
Laemmle's Music Hall 3
Beverly Hills / Los Angeles, CA

Friday, March 26th, 2010
Novi Town Center 8 Detroit, MI

Friday, April 23rd, 2010
Regal Dole Cannery 18 IMAX
Honolulu, HI

When it comes to steak and steak houses, everyone has a little different perspective on what is good or great, or barely acceptable for that matter.

The Harimaya Bridge はりまや橋　(Harimaya Bashi)

http://theharimayabridge.com

Starring Danny Glover and Ben Guillory, The Harimaya Bridge is a drama about an American father who reluctantly makes a trip to Japan to retrieve his son's belongings who had passed away in accident earlier.

This film draws you into the prejudice between people of different race and cultural backgrounds. Intertwined in the story is the relationship, conflict and bond between father and son.

Award winning Japanese actresses Saki Takaoka and Misa Shimizu star in Harimaya Bridge along with Misono (Koda Kumi's sister) who sings the theme song.

Written and directed by Aaron Woolfolk, JET Program / JET Japan Exchange and Teaching Program alumnus who taught English in Kochi prefecture where the film was shot.

http://theharimayabridge.com

Film opens:

Friday, March 12th, 2010
US Tara Cinema 4
Atlanta, GA

Friday, March 26th, 2010
Laemmle's Music Hall 3
Beverly Hills / Los Angeles, CA

Friday, March 26th, 2010
Novi Town Center 8
Detroit, MI

Friday, April 23rd, 2010
Regal Dole Cannery 18 IMAX
Honolulu, HI

And now...Asia!

blank_page

The Jury, Audience, Festival, and other special award-winners of the 2010 PAN
AFRICAN FILM & FESTIVAL (PAFF) were announced tonight at the
Festival's Awards Ceremony hosted by actress CCH Pounder
(Avatar) at the Culver Plaza Theatres (9919 Washington Blvd. Los
Angeles).  The Kenyan narrative FROM A WHISPER won for Best Narrative
Feature.  A three-way tie was announced for the Audience Favorite Narrative
Award for films SOUL DIASPORA, A STING IN A TALE, and
SPEED-DATING.  The documentary on the L.A. Black Panthers 41ST &
CENTRAL: THE UNTOLD STORY OF THE L.A. BLACK PANTHERS won the Audience
Favorite Documentary Award.

 

With the theme "Get Involved," this year's PAFF featured 135 films
representing 36 countries, including 40 in competition, 64 feature length films,
and 12 world premieres.

 

The films receiving Jury Awards were selected from six categories: Best
Feature Documentary, Best Documentary Short, Best Narrative Short, Best Feature
Narrative, and First Time Narrative Feature Directing.  All films in competition
were also eligible for the PAFF's Audience Awards as selected by Festival
audiences.  The PAFF Board of Directors and Programmer Festival Awards were
awarded to their pick for Best Documentary and Best Narrative film.  A special
award from the BritishAcademy of Film and Television Arts/Los Angeles Festival
Choice Award was awarded to the film FROM A WHISPER.

 

The Pan African Film and Arts Festival, is America's largest and most
prestigious Black film and arts festival that takes place annually in Los
Angeles during the month of February.   

 

2010 PAFF FILMMAKER AWARD WINNERS

BEST NARRATIVE FEATURE

From A Whisper (Director: Wanuri Kahiu; Screenwriter: Wanuri
Kahiu) - One of the most important films made in the world in this historical
period. This stunning narrative revolves on one hand around a Kenyan family that
was caught up in the bombing of the American Embassy by Islamist terrorists a
few years ago. On one hand it revolves around a daughter's experience to the
bombing, on the other it revolves around Abu, a Muslim intelligence officer who
is investigating the bombing. Abu has a complex and deep friendship with one of
the terrorists. This film gives riveting and enriching insight into the complex
narrative that is our life. Winner of the best picture in Africa last year at
the Africa Movie Awards (AMAA).  Los Angeles Premiere.

 

BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATURE

Stolen (Directors: Violeta Ayala & Daniel Fallshaw) - Set against
the backdrop of the Sahara, in the Polisario-governed refugee camps, two
unsuspecting filmmakers find themselves in the middle of a high-stakes political
thriller when the Black Saharawis start talking about a forbidden subject: their
freedom. Against the threat of severe consequences, the Black Saharawis reveal
to the documentary filmmakers that they are enslaved. This story is all the more
frightening because it is true and the issue of modern day slavery is proven to
be a widespread reality.  US Premiere.

 

BEST NARRATIVE SHORT

Cred (Director: Sherman Payne; Screenwriter: Sherman Payne) - What do
you do when your upstairs neighbor refuses to stop the 24-hour party? You get
your homies and prove that you have some cred. Stars Al Thompson.

 

BEST DOCUMENTARY SHORT

 

For the Best and For the Onion! (Pour Le Meilleur et Pour
l'Oignon!)(Director: Elhadj Magori Sani) - The Galmi purple, an onion from
Niger, pervades West African markets with 400,000 tons a year. In Galmi,
Salamatou has been waiting for her wedding for two years.  Her father Yaro, on
advice from both her future in-laws and the village gossip, makes a decision:
The wedding will take place during the harvest! Yaro is aware that to follow
through on his commitment this time, he has to produce more and sell at a higher
price...Los Angeles Premiere.

 

BEST FIRST TIME NARRATIVE FEATURE AWARD FOR DIRECTING

The Harimaya Bridge (Director: Aaron Woolfolk) - Daniel Holder's
father was killed fighting the Japanese during the Second World War...something
he thought he had made peace with long ago, until a recent discovery revealed to
him the cruel and brutal way in which his father died. So when Daniel's beloved
artist son Mickey takes a job in Japan teaching English, it creates a rift
between them. Mickey dies in a traffic accident, and Daniel's profound regret at
their estrangement is matched only by his increased resentment towards Japan...a
country he thinks took not only his father, but now his only child as well.
Despite these feelings, Daniel goes to Japan to retrieve Mickey's final
paintings. But despite the kindness he is shown and the evidence of the happy
life his son led, he cannot let go of his hatred. But some unexpected
discoveries about Mickey's life and legacy change everything for Daniel, forcing
him to reassess his feelings and the life he will henceforth lead. Starring Ben
Guillory, Saki Takaoka, Misa Shimizu, Danny Glover, Victor Grant.

 

AUDIENCE FAVORITE-NARRATIVE FEATURE

Soul Diaspora (Director: Odera Ozoka) - Saidu, a Nigerian immigrant
living in Los Angeles, must overcome sleepless nights due to his family's
tormented lineage in Africa. He is alone in the world, often hearing voices in
his head. The film interweaves through color and black & white to illustrate
Saidu's erratic behavior and mental state. The souls of the characters are
stripped to the core by one searing event which gives them all a fresh
perspective, exploring the varying shades of grey in life.  Los Angeles
Premiere.

Speed-Dating (Director: Joseph A. Elmore Jr.)This high-energy romantic
comedy follows three bachelors, speeding through life and scheming on women.
When it comes to the opposite sex, it's about the "chase" and "finish line." Dog
and Beaver spend their last dime on a nightclub, while Too Cool devises the
ultimate scheme to get women and money - SPEED-DATING! Stars Wesley Johnathan,
Chris Elliot, and Holly Robinson Peete. World Premiere.

A Sting in A Tale (Director: Shirley Frimpong-Manso; Screenwriter:
Shirley Frimpong-Manso) - Two young couples are striving to survive the harsh
realities of life after university; unemployment, uncertainty, desperation and
in the middle of it all, love. Kuuku is frustrated with unemployment and is
faced with the possibility of losing his true love Frema because Frema's mother
sees no good future in their relationship. With these pressures, Kuuku moves
heaven and earth trying to find a good job and a means to provide the future he
so desperately seeks for himself, his future wife and kids. He takes the most
drastic measure by resorting to rituals and soon after that, Frema passes away.
After her death, Kuuku gets a well paying job and becomes a millionaire almost
overnight. With the new fortunes comes a new set of problems as his best friend,
Nii Aryee starts to envy Kuuku's wealth and starts asking questions. The ghost
of Frema will not rest until the mystery surrounding her death is cleared. What
unfolds is a series of unpredictable and hilarious events that would take
viewers on a roller-coaster of emotions from laughter to tears and even pity. 
US Premiere.

 

AUDIENCE FAVORITE-DOCUMENTARY FEATURE

41st & Central: The Untold Story of the L.A. Black Panthers
(Director: Gregory Everett) - 41ST & CENTRAL: THE UNTOLD STORY OF THE
L.A. BLACK PANTHERS is the first part in a documentary series that follows the
Southern California Chapter of the Black Panther Party from its glorious Black
Power beginnings through to its tragic demise. Despite the Party's formation of
free medical clinics and a successful breakfast program for children, the L.A.
chapter was also known as the most violent Black political group in the United
States. 41ST & CENTRAL: THE UNTOLD STORY OF THE L.A. BLACK PANTHERS explores
the Black Panther ethos, its conflict with the L.A.P.D. and the US Organization,
as well as the events that shaped the complicated and often contradictory legacy
of the L.A. chapter. 41ST & CENTRAL: THE UNTOLD STORY OF THE L.A. BLACK
PANTHERS contains interviews with former Black Panther Party members along with
archival footage detailing the history of racism in Los Angeles, including the
Watt's uprising from the perspective of the participants who "engaged with the
L.A.P.D." 41ST & CENTRAL: THE UNTOLD STORY OF THE L.A. BLACK PANTHERS is the
most in-depth study ever of the L.A. Chapter founder Alpretice "Bunchy Carter"
and features first hand accounts of the Party's formation as told by the
original surviving members. This film gives the viewer an eyewitness account of
Bunchy and John Huggins murders at U.C.L.A. in 1968 and includes exclusive
interviews with Black Panther Party leaders Geronimo Ji Jagga and Elaine Brown.
Also featured are former Black Panther members Ericka Huggins, Roland &
Ronald Freeman, Wayne Pharr, Jeffrey Everett, Long John Washington, Muhammad
Mubarak, former L.A.P.D. Chief Bernard Parks, US Organization member Wesley
Kabaila, U.C.L.A. Professor Scot Brown, and many others.

 

PAFF PROGRAMMER AWARD-NARRATIVE

Everyday Black Man (Director: Carmen Madden) - Since closing the door
on a violent past, quiet and thoughtful Moses Stanton's everyday existence is
running a small neighborhood fruit and vegetable store. When a young man, Malik,
comes in with a business proposition, Moses takes him on as a partner but soon
realizes that Malik is selling more than just baked goods. Produced by Dwayne
Wiggins, formally of Tony, Toni, Tone.  Los Angeles Premiere.

 

PAFF PROGRAMMER AWARD-DOCUMENTARY

Sweet Crude (Director: Sandy Cioffi) - A scathing look at the
politics, the people and the spin surrounding the policies in the Nigerian
Delta. Although it is one of the most oil rich regions on Earth and the source
of much of oil the products used in the U.S., the people living in the area do
not share in the enormous wealth generated by the precious natural resource.

 

PAFF BOARD OF DIRECTORS AWARD-NARRATIVE

Nothing But the Truth (Director: John Kani) - Film written by
John Kani one of South Africa's top actors. This film is an in depth look at a
major issue in South Africa today and indeed in all societies that have been
created from a revolutionary struggle. The story revolves around a middle age
man who did not participate in the liberation struggle. He opted to sit out the
liberation struggle and remain at his post as a junior librarian in apartheid
South Africa. On the other hand, his brother joined the liberation struggle and
became a hero. The film deals with sibling rivalry cut across with the social
political and psychological contradictions that have always played out in any
liberation struggle. Los Angeles Premiere.

 

PAFF BOARD OF DIRECTORS AWARD-DOCUMENTARY

Motherland (Director: Owen 'Alik Shahadah) - From the director of the
internationally acclaimed "500 Years Later" comes this gem of a film. Tracing
the past and with an eye to the future, the film examines the current African
landscape. Featuring an all-star cast of African Presidents and thinkers
including Dr. Maulana Karenga, the father of Kwanzaa, and Dr. Molefi Asante. 
World Premiere.

 

About the Pan African Film & Arts Festival

Taking place February 10-17 in Los Angeles at the Culver Plaza
Theatre (9919 Washington Blvd.), the 2010 PAFF presented and showcased a
broad spectrum of Black creative works, particularly those that reinforce
positive images and help to destroy negative stereotypes of Africans and
African-Americans.  In addition to the film festival, the PAFF presented its
world renowned Art Show February 12-15 at the Westfield Culver
Plaza (6000 Sepulveda Blvd. Culver City), featuring over 100 fine artists
and craftspeople from around the world showcasing the best in Black fine art,
sculpture, photography, unique handmade crafts, home furnishings, designer
jewelry, designer fashions and accessories that highlight the artistry and
beauty of the African aesthetic. For more information, please visit http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1103060356506&s=12711&e=001b-yUFt-_5yZaBSconVsXd0vt8MsMKRWBmzckje1Y1dZIGNlzXeJQ_6DxYHd0ucCuxpwWZdMeL-N8z2nMVASLYwC3iqTNnoFpz6whbfCXFPg=
or call (310) 337-4737.

It is PAFF's goal to present and showcase the broad spectrum of Black
creative works, particularly those that reinforce positive images and help to
destroy negative stereotypes.  The PAFF believes film and art can lead to better
understanding and foster communication between peoples of diverse cultures,
races, and lifestyles, while at the same time, serve as a vehicle to initiate
dialogue on the important issues of our times.

The 18th Annual Pan African Film and Arts Festival is an official event of
Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa's Black History Month Celebration and is
supported in part by: the City of Los Angeles, the Department of Cultural
Affairs,  and Los Angeles County Arts Commission with support from Los Angeles
8th District Council Member Bernard Parks Sr., Los Angeles 9th District Council
Member Jan Perry, Los Angeles 10th District Council Member Herb Wesson Jr., Los
Angeles County Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas, California State Senator Curren D.
Price Jr., Assemblymember Karen Bass, and Assemblymember Steve Bradford.  The
2010 PAFF is an official recipient of the American Recovery & Reinvestment
Act of 2009.

 

2010 sponsors include: Macy's, Wells Fargo Bank, Mc Donald's USA, Water
Replenishment District of Southern California, US Bank, TV5 Monde, the French
Consulate, Goethe Institute Los Angeles, PXP, AIDS Healthcare Foundation, United
States Census 2010 Road Tour, AARP, South African Airways, Ethiopian Airways,
Coca-Cola, Red Tea Rooibos, Ceres, Izze Sparking Juice, Time Warner Cable, The
Africa Channel, KPFK, Our Weekly Newspaper, The Immigrant Magazine, LaHitz
Media, African Trumpet, Directors Guild of America, Sony Pictures, and
21st Century Fox.

The Jury, Audience, Festival, and other special award-winners of the 2010 PAN AFRICAN FILM & FESTIVAL (PAFF) were announced tonight at the Festival's Awards Ceremony hosted by actress CCH Pounder (Avatar) at the Culver Plaza Theatres (9919 Washington Blvd. Los Angeles).  The Kenyan narrative FROM A WHISPER won for Best Narrative Feature.  A three-way tie was announced for the Audience Favorite Narrative Award for films SOUL DIASPORA, A STING IN A TALE, and SPEED-DATING.  The documentary on the L.A. Black Panthers 41ST & CENTRAL: THE UNTOLD STORY OF THE L.A. BLACK PANTHERS won the Audience Favorite Documentary Award.

 

With the theme "Get Involved," this year's PAFF featured 135 films representing 36 countries, including 40 in competition, 64 feature length films, and 12 world premieres.

 

The films receiving Jury Awards were selected from six categories: Best Feature Documentary, Best Documentary Short, Best Narrative Short, Best Feature Narrative, and First Time Narrative Feature Directing.  All films in competition were also eligible for the PAFF's Audience Awards as selected by Festival audiences.  The PAFF Board of Directors and Programmer Festival Awards were awarded to their pick for Best Documentary and Best Narrative film.  A special award from the BritishAcademy of Film and Television Arts/Los Angeles Festival Choice Award was awarded to the film FROM A WHISPER.

 

The Pan African Film and Arts Festival, is America's largest and most prestigious Black film and arts festival that takes place annually in Los Angeles during the month of February.  For more information, please visit http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1103060356506&s=12711&e=001b-yUFt-_5yZaBSconVsXd0vt8MsMKRWBmzckje1Y1dZIGNlzXeJQ_6DxYHd0ucCuxpwWZdMeL-N8z2nMVASLYwC3iqTNnoFpz6whbfCXFPg=.

 

2010 PAFF FILMMAKER AWARD WINNERS

BEST NARRATIVE FEATURE

From A Whisper (Director: Wanuri Kahiu; Screenwriter: Wanuri Kahiu) - One of the most important films made in the world in this historical period. This stunning narrative revolves on one hand around a Kenyan family that was caught up in the bombing of the American Embassy by Islamist terrorists a few years ago. On one hand it revolves around a daughter's experience to the bombing, on the other it revolves around Abu, a Muslim intelligence officer who is investigating the bombing. Abu has a complex and deep friendship with one of the terrorists. This film gives riveting and enriching insight into the complex narrative that is our life. Winner of the best picture in Africa last year at the Africa Movie Awards (AMAA).  Los Angeles Premiere.

 

BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATURE

Stolen (Directors: Violeta Ayala & Daniel Fallshaw) - Set against the backdrop of the Sahara, in the Polisario-governed refugee camps, two unsuspecting filmmakers find themselves in the middle of a high-stakes political thriller when the Black Saharawis start talking about a forbidden subject: their freedom. Against the threat of severe consequences, the Black Saharawis reveal to the documentary filmmakers that they are enslaved. This story is all the more frightening because it is true and the issue of modern day slavery is proven to be a widespread reality.  US Premiere.

 

BEST NARRATIVE SHORT

Cred (Director: Sherman Payne; Screenwriter: Sherman Payne) - What do you do when your upstairs neighbor refuses to stop the 24-hour party? You get your homies and prove that you have some cred. Stars Al Thompson.

 

BEST DOCUMENTARY SHORT

 

For the Best and For the Onion! (Pour Le Meilleur et Pour l'Oignon!)(Director: Elhadj Magori Sani) - The Galmi purple, an onion from Niger, pervades West African markets with 400,000 tons a year. In Galmi, Salamatou has been waiting for her wedding for two years.  Her father Yaro, on advice from both her future in-laws and the village gossip, makes a decision: The wedding will take place during the harvest! Yaro is aware that to follow through on his commitment this time, he has to produce more and sell at a higher price...Los Angeles Premiere.

 

BEST FIRST TIME NARRATIVE FEATURE AWARD FOR DIRECTING

The Harimaya Bridge (Director: Aaron Woolfolk) - Daniel Holder's father was killed fighting the Japanese during the Second World War...something he thought he had made peace with long ago, until a recent discovery revealed to him the cruel and brutal way in which his father died. So when Daniel's beloved artist son Mickey takes a job in Japan teaching English, it creates a rift between them. Mickey dies in a traffic accident, and Daniel's profound regret at their estrangement is matched only by his increased resentment towards Japan...a country he thinks took not only his father, but now his only child as well. Despite these feelings, Daniel goes to Japan to retrieve Mickey's final paintings. But despite the kindness he is shown and the evidence of the happy life his son led, he cannot let go of his hatred. But some unexpected discoveries about Mickey's life and legacy change everything for Daniel, forcing him to reassess his feelings and the life he will henceforth lead. Starring Ben Guillory, Saki Takaoka, Misa Shimizu, Danny Glover, Victor Grant.

 

AUDIENCE FAVORITE-NARRATIVE FEATURE

Soul Diaspora (Director: Odera Ozoka) - Saidu, a Nigerian immigrant living in Los Angeles, must overcome sleepless nights due to his family's tormented lineage in Africa. He is alone in the world, often hearing voices in his head. The film interweaves through color and black & white to illustrate Saidu's erratic behavior and mental state. The souls of the characters are stripped to the core by one searing event which gives them all a fresh perspective, exploring the varying shades of grey in life.  Los Angeles Premiere.

Speed-Dating (Director: Joseph A. Elmore Jr.)This high-energy romantic comedy follows three bachelors, speeding through life and scheming on women. When it comes to the opposite sex, it's about the "chase" and "finish line." Dog and Beaver spend their last dime on a nightclub, while Too Cool devises the ultimate scheme to get women and money - SPEED-DATING! Stars Wesley Johnathan, Chris Elliot, and Holly Robinson Peete. World Premiere.

A Sting in A Tale (Director: Shirley Frimpong-Manso; Screenwriter: Shirley Frimpong-Manso) - Two young couples are striving to survive the harsh realities of life after university; unemployment, uncertainty, desperation and in the middle of it all, love. Kuuku is frustrated with unemployment and is faced with the possibility of losing his true love Frema because Frema's mother sees no good future in their relationship. With these pressures, Kuuku moves heaven and earth trying to find a good job and a means to provide the future he so desperately seeks for himself, his future wife and kids. He takes the most drastic measure by resorting to rituals and soon after that, Frema passes away. After her death, Kuuku gets a well paying job and becomes a millionaire almost overnight. With the new fortunes comes a new set of problems as his best friend, Nii Aryee starts to envy Kuuku's wealth and starts asking questions. The ghost of Frema will not rest until the mystery surrounding her death is cleared. What unfolds is a series of unpredictable and hilarious events that would take viewers on a roller-coaster of emotions from laughter to tears and even pity.  US Premiere.

 

AUDIENCE FAVORITE-DOCUMENTARY FEATURE

41st & Central: The Untold Story of the L.A. Black Panthers (Director: Gregory Everett) - 41ST & CENTRAL: THE UNTOLD STORY OF THE L.A. BLACK PANTHERS is the first part in a documentary series that follows the Southern California Chapter of the Black Panther Party from its glorious Black Power beginnings through to its tragic demise. Despite the Party's formation of free medical clinics and a successful breakfast program for children, the L.A. chapter was also known as the most violent Black political group in the United States. 41ST & CENTRAL: THE UNTOLD STORY OF THE L.A. BLACK PANTHERS explores the Black Panther ethos, its conflict with the L.A.P.D. and the US Organization, as well as the events that shaped the complicated and often contradictory legacy of the L.A. chapter. 41ST & CENTRAL: THE UNTOLD STORY OF THE L.A. BLACK PANTHERS contains interviews with former Black Panther Party members along with archival footage detailing the history of racism in Los Angeles, including the Watt's uprising from the perspective of the participants who "engaged with the L.A.P.D." 41ST & CENTRAL: THE UNTOLD STORY OF THE L.A. BLACK PANTHERS is the most in-depth study ever of the L.A. Chapter founder Alpretice "Bunchy Carter" and features first hand accounts of the Party's formation as told by the original surviving members. This film gives the viewer an eyewitness account of Bunchy and John Huggins murders at U.C.L.A. in 1968 and includes exclusive interviews with Black Panther Party leaders Geronimo Ji Jagga and Elaine Brown. Also featured are former Black Panther members Ericka Huggins, Roland & Ronald Freeman, Wayne Pharr, Jeffrey Everett, Long John Washington, Muhammad Mubarak, former L.A.P.D. Chief Bernard Parks, US Organization member Wesley Kabaila, U.C.L.A. Professor Scot Brown, and many others.

 

PAFF PROGRAMMER AWARD-NARRATIVE

Everyday Black Man (Director: Carmen Madden) - Since closing the door on a violent past, quiet and thoughtful Moses Stanton's everyday existence is running a small neighborhood fruit and vegetable store. When a young man, Malik, comes in with a business proposition, Moses takes him on as a partner but soon realizes that Malik is selling more than just baked goods. Produced by Dwayne Wiggins, formally of Tony, Toni, Tone.  Los Angeles Premiere.

 

PAFF PROGRAMMER AWARD-DOCUMENTARY

Sweet Crude (Director: Sandy Cioffi) - A scathing look at the politics, the people and the spin surrounding the policies in the Nigerian Delta. Although it is one of the most oil rich regions on Earth and the source of much of oil the products used in the U.S., the people living in the area do not share in the enormous wealth generated by the precious natural resource.

 

PAFF BOARD OF DIRECTORS AWARD-NARRATIVE

Nothing But the Truth (Director: John Kani) - Film written by John Kani one of South Africa's top actors. This film is an in depth look at a major issue in South Africa today and indeed in all societies that have been created from a revolutionary struggle. The story revolves around a middle age man who did not participate in the liberation struggle. He opted to sit out the liberation struggle and remain at his post as a junior librarian in apartheid South Africa. On the other hand, his brother joined the liberation struggle and became a hero. The film deals with sibling rivalry cut across with the social political and psychological contradictions that have always played out in any liberation struggle. Los Angeles Premiere.

 

PAFF BOARD OF DIRECTORS AWARD-DOCUMENTARY

Motherland (Director: Owen 'Alik Shahadah) - From the director of the internationally acclaimed "500 Years Later" comes this gem of a film. Tracing the past and with an eye to the future, the film examines the current African landscape. Featuring an all-star cast of African Presidents and thinkers including Dr. Maulana Karenga, the father of Kwanzaa, and Dr. Molefi Asante.  World Premiere.

 

About the Pan African Film & Arts Festival

Taking place February 10-17 in Los Angeles at the Culver Plaza Theatre (9919 Washington Blvd.), the 2010 PAFF presented and showcased a broad spectrum of Black creative works, particularly those that reinforce positive images and help to destroy negative stereotypes of Africans and African-Americans.  In addition to the film festival, the PAFF presented its world renowned Art Show February 12-15 at the Westfield Culver Plaza (6000 Sepulveda Blvd. Culver City), featuring over 100 fine artists and craftspeople from around the world showcasing the best in Black fine art, sculpture, photography, unique handmade crafts, home furnishings, designer jewelry, designer fashions and accessories that highlight the artistry and beauty of the African aesthetic. For more information, please visit http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1103060356506&s=12711&e=001b-yUFt-_5yZaBSconVsXd0vt8MsMKRWBmzckje1Y1dZIGNlzXeJQ_6DxYHd0ucCuxpwWZdMeL-N8z2nMVASLYwC3iqTNnoFpz6whbfCXFPg= or call (310) 337-4737.

It is PAFF's goal to present and showcase the broad spectrum of Black creative works, particularly those that reinforce positive images and help to destroy negative stereotypes.  The PAFF believes film and art can lead to better understanding and foster communication between peoples of diverse cultures, races, and lifestyles, while at the same time, serve as a vehicle to initiate dialogue on the important issues of our times.

The 18th Annual Pan African Film and Arts Festival is an official event of Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa's Black History Month Celebration and is supported in part by: the City of Los Angeles, the Department of Cultural Affairs,  and Los Angeles County Arts Commission with support from Los Angeles 8th District Council Member Bernard Parks Sr., Los Angeles 9th District Council Member Jan Perry, Los Angeles 10th District Council Member Herb Wesson Jr., Los Angeles County Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas, California State Senator Curren D. Price Jr., Assemblymember Karen Bass, and Assemblymember Steve Bradford.  The 2010 PAFF is an official recipient of the American Recovery & Reinvestment Act of 2009.

 

2010 sponsors include: Macy's, Wells Fargo Bank, Mc Donald's USA, Water Replenishment District of Southern California, US Bank, TV5 Monde, the French Consulate, Goethe Institute Los Angeles, PXP, AIDS Healthcare Foundation, United States Census 2010 Road Tour, AARP, South African Airways, Ethiopian Airways, Coca-Cola, Red Tea Rooibos, Ceres, Izze Sparking Juice, Time Warner Cable, The Africa Channel, KPFK, Our Weekly Newspaper, The Immigrant Magazine, LaHitz Media, African Trumpet, Directors Guild of America, Sony Pictures, and 21st Century Fox.

Sousuke Takaoka, Erena Ono, and Tomoko Tabata will star in Keisuke Yoshida's movie "Sankaku."

Today’s post from our partners at TheFind features an object that would make a great gift: This wrench is made of cast iron. In this case looks can be deceiving, this handy tool opens bottles not bolts. Don’t be deceived on its purpose. This Cast Iron Wrench Bottle Opener is hand forged of iron in Takaoka, [...]

Tokyo-based craftsman Masanori Oji handmakes these sculptural bottle-openers at Futagami, a 112-year-old workshop in Takaoka.

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liefujishiro:papicocoffee:takaoka:

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Koshonin Season 2 Episode 1 - Alternative Title: 交渉人 Film Date: October, 2009 Japan Casts: Kakei Toshio , Sasano Takashi , Takachi Noboru,Takaoka Sousuke , Tsukaji.

m.o.v.e vocalist yuri is now married and pregnant; Ken Kuroki Jr. and Miho Nakao are married; Yumiko Takaoka and Yasuto Honda are divorced.