By Maria Esteves - July 12, 2007 NewFest 2007: The 19th Annual New York LGBT Film Festival N.Y. Premiere THE GODFATHER OF DISCO documentary film, directed by Gene Graham was held at AMC Loews 34th St Theater, Friday, June 1, 5:45 p.m. A special Q&A immediately followed. The N.Y. Premiere after party was held at The Zipper Factory Theater Tavern, 7:30pm. I had the privilege of interviewing emerging award-winner director Gene Graham, Sunday, July 1, 1:00pm. Q: What inspired the making of ...

By Maria Esteves - May 23, 2007 THE GODFATHER OF DISCO, directed by Gene Graham will have its N.Y. Premiere at NewFest 2007: The 19th Annual New York LGBT Film Festival on Friday, June 1, 5:45 p.m., and Saturday, June 2, 1:30 p.m. at AMC Loews 34th St Theater. Winner of the 2007 Emerging Filmmakers Award, Minneapolis/St. Paul International Film Festival, THE GODFATHER OF DISCO will also screen at the 20th Connecticut Gay & Lesbian Film Festival, Saturday, June 2, 2007, 4:00 p.m.; Fra...

By Maria Esteves - January 12, 2007 The Fifth Annual New York AIDS Film Festival 2007 press coverage is dedicated in Loving Memory of Mel Cheren (January 21, 1933 - December 7, 2007).   The Fifth Annual New York AIDS Film Festival (NYAFF) 2007 Opening Night Jack Valenti Humanitarian Awards Ceremony was held at the United Nations Dag Hammarkjold Auditorium, Thursday, November 29, 2007, 8:00 PM. The Red Ball Awards Ceremony was held at The Riverhouse on World AIDS Day, Saturday, Dece...

By Maria Esteves - January 8, 2008 The Fifth Annual New York AIDS Film Festival 2007 press coverage is dedicated in Loving Memory of Mel Cheren (January 21, 1933 - December 7, 2007).   The Fifth Annual New York AIDS Film Festival (NYAFF) 2007 Opening Night Premiere short film MIGRATION directed by Mira Nair, segment of AIDS JAAGO, and documentary film INDIA'S HIDDEN PLAGUE, directed by Ashley Judd, Global Ambassador, YouthAIDS was held at the United Nations Dag Hammarkjold Auditorium...

By Maria Esteves - December 16, 2007 The Fifth Annual New York AIDS Film Festival 2007 press coverage is dedicated in Loving Memory of Mel Cheren (January 21, 1933 - December 7, 2007). The Fifth Annual New York AIDS Film Festival (NYAFF) 2007 Red Ball was held at The Riverhouse on World AIDS Day, Saturday, December 1, 2007, 6:00 PM - 12:00 AM. The 2007 NYAFF Red Ball hosted by Suzanne Engo, Lauren Bush, Maggie Rizer, and Greta Cavazzoni included a VIP sunset dinner, awards ceremony, fashion s...

By Maria Esteves - December 16, 2007 Mel Cheren (January 21, 1933 - December 7, 2007), was a painter, founder of 24 Hours For Life, fiscal sponsor for LIFEbeat, CEO & Founding Partner of West End Records, and financial backer of the Paradise Garage dance venue. The documentary film of THE GODFATHER OF DISCO, directed by Gene Graham, based on Mel's autobiography "My Life and the Paradise Garage: Keep On Dancin" is the greatest historical gift from back in the day. In the 1980's...

By Maria Esteves - December 15, 2007  The Fifth Annual New York AIDS Film Festival 2007 press coverage is dedicated in Loving Memory of Mel Cheren (January 21, 1933 - December 7, 2007).   The Fifth Annual New York AIDS Film Festival (NYAFF) 2007 Opening Night Gala was held at the United Nations Dag Hammarkjold Auditorium, Thursday, November 29, 2007, 7:00 PM. The Jack Valenti Humanitarian Awards Ceremony preceded the premiere short film of AIDS JAAGO, directed by Mira Nair, ...