Sweet Land Writer/Director Ali Selim joins us for an insightful, enjoyable evening. Up Next: Documentary "Green Green Water" Aug. 2.

We were honored on Saturday to be joined by Writer/Director, Ali Selim, and Executive Producer Tom Lieberman for a pre-show discussion of this lovely movie.  Ali, who had just returned from Los Angeles to join us, brought along the film's C0-Producer and, as Ali joked, "the woman I'm presently sleeping with" (aka his wife) to tell us what it took to get this special film made.

As Mr. Lieberman explained, making a movie--any movie--is "a long hard slog".  But thanks to many years of persistence and a simple, but powerful story that Ali was committed to getting made, "Sweet Land" eventually found it's way to 300 theaters nationwide and is now available on DVD. (If you didn't get to join us Saturday, don't hesitate to help the cause of these local filmmakers and pick up your own copy today!)

Ali, who said he would really like "in three films to be making 'Iron Man'" was candid about the desire not to be "pigeon-holed" about the type of film maker he is, admitting also that he can't say with certainty he will make another film.  (Obviously, those in attendance would love to see what he might create next.)  Thank you, Ali & Tom for giving us your time!

COMING NEXT FOR LAWNCHAIR THEATER:

"Green Green Water"  A documentary by Dawn Mikkelson

DATE: August 2, 2008

MINGLE TIME: 7:30pm

MOVIE TIME: 9pm

CONVERSATION WITH DAWN: 10:15pm

Simone Ahuja leads Lawnchair Theater in a fascinating discussion of contemporary India.

After a satisfying meal from Taste of India, a gathering of 30 enrapt guests were informed and entertained by the captivating Ms. Ahuja.  Between segments from her Indique series, she answered questions about Bollywood, India's booming wine industry and the fascinating snakeboat races of southern India's state of Kerala.  Also in attendance were Simone's husband, Hari, and her father, Surendra.  

Coming up next: "Sweet Land" Reunion, July 26

Join Director Ali Selim, Executive Producer, Tom Lieberman and as many cast and crew of this beautiful movie who choose to show up.  So far sending their RSVP's: Patrick Coyle and Barbara Kingsley.

Meet & Mingle: 7pm

Ali Introduces Screening: 9pm

Q & A: 10:30-11pm

Film maker & host Simone Ahuja to join us on July 19. RSVP requested!

(Click on the above photo to see it large enough to read the text.)

India is a country undergoing phenomenal growth and seismic changes in their way of life--and our special guest, Simone  Ahuja, has made it her mission to share the stories of contemporary India with the world.  Fortunately for us, she'll be joining us July 19th sharing a couple of episodes of her half-hour news magazine show, Indique, and answering questions from our guests.

As a special component of this evening, we'll be catering in some fine Indian cuisine for you to sample.  For that reason, we need an RSVP by July 12 for those who plan to join us July 19.  Email lawnchairtheater(at)mac(dot)com if you plan to attend.  You CAN attend without an RSVP, but if you do attend without telling us you're coming, bring a drool cup because you will be watching others eat some very tasty food. :-)

Mingle time: 7:30pm

Introduction with Simone: Around 8:45pm

Questions and answers: between episodes of her half hour shows

We are very excited about this event and are grateful for Ms. Ahuja's willingness to join us.  We hope to see you there!