Allston Street Films

Live from Bethlehem

2008-01-07T09:35:00.000-05:00

ASF Producer/Director Joe Sousa is hard at work on an ambitious new documentary project: LIVE FROM BETHLEHEM.

Joe spent about three weeks in the Palestinian Territories as part of a team documenting young Palestinian journalist who are revolutionizing the dialog by bringing a new brand of media to the Palestinian Territories. Check out the trailer, production pictures, and more at the official project website: www.livefrombethlehem.com

Here's the extended trailer:

Here's to Great Endings

2007-06-29T17:45:00.000-05:00

OPEN SOURCE, a Public Radio Show broadcast on 40 stations around the country recently aired its final show. The farewell episode paid tribute to great endings, the need we have for closure, and what it takes to create that home run ending. This is a great listen for filmmakers, writers, and anyone that loves great art.

Here is a link to the MP3 of the show.

Here is their write-up of the show:

The final episode of The Sopranos managed to either enrage or delight every fan and critic who has been following Tony Soprano and his brood for nearly eight years. In fiction — and in life — bidding farewell is never easy, particularly if the challenge is to do it in an authentic, entertaining, and emotionally gratifying way. And even though all good things come to an end, it’s a remarkable achievement when anything — good or bad — ends spectacularly.

As Open Source approaches its final, live broadcast — in this incarnation — we thought it would be fun to spend our last hour on the air talking about great endings. From the last scene of the Mary Tyler Moore show, to the final moment inThe Grapes of Wrath, a good ending can not only redeem previous stretches of mediocrity — it can keep the narrative and characters alive long after we have moved beyond the screen or the page.

During this hour we’ll be talking about the wonderful windings down in film, literature, and television. What are your criteria for a great ending? Do you like closure? Or is ambivalence more to your liking? Do post-modern ends turn you off or are they an antidote to grand Hollywood finales? What are your most beloved endings?

If you were to write Open Source’s final episode how would you like things to end? Would Mary buy steroids online and play right wing for the Bruins? Would Chris and Camille Paglia be the next dynamic duo on Dancing With the Stars? Or would Bob Newhart awake to the great relief that this two-year radio endeavor was nothing but a dream?

News In The New

2007-06-26T08:19:00.000-05:00

Festa will be airing the week of the Feast. Friday August 3rd at 10:30 pm on RIPBS.
Co-producer Duarte continues his Madeiran tour with Festa, and recently showed the film in FUNCHAL. Here he is

Joe is hard at work, back on Conversations with Carlos Watson as a Segment Producer. Carlos has some big interviews lined up, so stay tuned for the broadcast dates. Joe also postponed a trip to the West Bank because of increasing violence in the region.

And finally, as if there isn't enough going on, Josh just shot the first episode of Eat This New England at Pomykala Farm in Grand Isle Vermont. Look for that soon. Here's some photos from the shoot.

Madeiran Premiere, Festa

2007-05-01T07:05:00.000-05:00

Festa Co-Producer Duarte Barcelos recently planned and held the premiere of Festa at Estreito da Calheta. Here's what he had to say:

Dear friends,

The premiere of "Festa" at Estreito da Calheta was a complete success.

The room was so crowded and there were not seats enough for everybody and some people had to stand up at the back. The estimated attedance there was about 150 to 180 people.

Before showing the film I did a brief historic retrospective of the Feast of the Blessed Sacrament in New Bedford using a powerpoint presentation.

Mr. Goncalo Nuno Santos, director of the Centro das Comunidades Madeirenses attended and I invited him to say a few words in the end. He praised the film, my devotion to the study of the history of the Madeiran immigrants in the US and asked everybody to give me a big round of applause, which was done.

He told me before the projection of the film started that he would inform the President of the Republic about this film for he is interested about the history of the Portuguese in the world. He promised to get back to me with more news about this.

Enclosed are the pictures that I took there. Unfortunately there was no media there to cover this event, and I think that that was because of the fact that at the same time the Flower Feast Parade was taking place in Funchal.

But nonetheless I wrote a chronicle for the Portuguese Times about it and it will be published on the next edition of the newspaper next Wednesday.

...

I am also considering showing the film at Prazeres and at Santa Cruz in July during its feast of the Blessed Sacrament.

I am also considering showing the film at FNAC, a major place in Funchal, and maybe leave a few copies there to be sold. I will tell you more about it soon.

Anyway, yesterday was a very rewarding day for me before lots of people attended and you should also be proud of that.

Kindest regards to you all,

Duarte.

Mayhem Hits Boston!

2007-05-01T06:53:00.000-05:00

April 22, 2007, Boston was crippled, brought to it's knees. Mooninites we not to blame this time, though Hollywood was. The Columbia Pictures feature, "21", had the Mass Ave Bridge closed from 8am to 3pm. Oh, and ASF's own Josh Youman was part of the problem.

Mass. Ave. bridge closing this Sunday; chaos expected

We've Got Emmy's!

2007-05-01T06:48:00.000-05:00

Allston Street Films, and their respective dates, will be attending this years Regional Emmy Award ceremony on May 12, at the Copley Marriott. ASF is up against some heavy hitters...but are we scared...no! Click on the image for more information, and a list of nominees.

Festa Premiere in Madeira!

2007-04-16T18:16:00.000-05:00

EatThisNewEngland.com Teaser

2007-03-19T16:52:00.000-05:00

Here is a quick teaser for EatThisNewEngland.com, a new food show that is currently in pre-production. Because food DOES NOT come from factory.

Updates

2007-03-16T09:07:00.000-05:00

Joe has been working as a segment producer for a Nationally Syndicated Prime Time Special starring Carlos Watson, aptly name CONVERSATIONS WITH CARLOS WATSON. You can go to www.conversationswithcarlos.com to find when it is airing near you.

Josh is hard at work, try to get his food show off the ground. Stand by for a pilot and a teaser reel.

You can also read his opinion on Casino Gambling in the Letters Section of the current DIG magazine, www.weeklydig.com

And don't forget (how could you) DVD's of FESTA are still available, you can print out an order form at www.allstonstreetfilms.com

It's Been A While

2007-02-27T11:22:00.000-05:00

Its been a while since the last post. Joe and I are developing new programming ideas, as well as working on our own projects. Enjoy this photo from my roof.

More Festa Information!

2007-01-02T17:32:00.000-05:00

Rhode Island PBS was nice enough to put FESTA on the front page of their Web Site. Click HERE to go to RIPBS and see for yourself!

FESTA on RIPBS

2006-12-15T11:56:00.000-05:00

Allston Street Films has some exciting things in the works of 2007...
like the broadcast of FESTA on RIPBS (that's Rhode Island Public Television).

It's official. Watch the premier on January 3, 2007 at 9:30pm and January 4th at 8:30pm.
PRIMETIME!

Oh, and if you didn't already know, DVD's of FESTA are available for purchase.
Check out the website.

More Premiere News

2006-11-28T11:06:00.000-05:00

Here are some pictures of an article on the premiere of FESTA. The piece was written by the film's co-producer and published in the Diario de Noticias, the most widely read paper in Madeira.

Premiere Photos

2006-11-07T12:39:00.000-05:00

Here are some photos from the Festa Premiere. It about time!

New Bedford Open Studios...AHA!

2006-09-28T17:01:00.000-05:00

The good people from AHA! are putting together the Second Annual New Bedford Open Studios. Stop by this Saturday or Sunday and check out the wonderful artists in the area.
For more info, go to http://newbedfordopenstudios.org/. AHA!!!

DVD's Still Available

2006-09-27T08:21:00.001-05:00

DVD's are still available if you missed the premiere.

An Amazing Premiere

2006-09-15T11:25:00.000-05:00

Thanks to everyone who came out to the premiere last night at New Bedford's Whaling Museum. Joe and I could not have hoped for a more perfect night. AHA! did a wonderful job with the event and the Whaling Museum was a great host.

Again, thanks to everyone that came out to show support. Come back soon for photos of the event.
Oh...and if you missed the film, DVD's are available.

Contact info@allstonstreetfilms.com to get your own copy today!

Joe on RTP Madeira while filming FESTA

2006-09-13T15:48:00.000-05:00

Get Your Very Own Copy of the Film

2006-09-13T13:07:00.000-05:00

The FESTA DVD is now available for purchase. Get your copy at the premiere this Thursday. Want one now? Reserve your copy at info@allstonstreetfilms.com

Sit the family down, cook up some popcorn, and enjoy the story of the Feast together.

FESTA! FESTA! FESTA!

2006-09-12T08:09:00.000-05:00

The Standard Times published a great story about the premiere today. Check it out here.
A moving (picture) Feast

Missed the first article from August 2, 2005. Here it is.
A Visual Feast

Thanks Standard Times.
See You at the Premiere.

photo by ANDREW T. GALLAGHER

Thanks Everyone

2006-08-29T11:16:00.000-05:00

An independent documentary takes quite a bit of help from a lot of different people. Here are a few organizations and companies that have helped along the way. Pay them a visit, and see what else they do when they are not helping us.
BCP Bank
Funchal 500
Whaling City Sound
Fiber Optic Center, Inc.
Dartmouth Motor Inn
Crapo Foundation
Club Madeirense S. S. Sacramento

More from ASF

2006-08-22T10:11:00.000-05:00

The reception for the premier of Festa is at the Museum of Madeiran Heritage. The address is 1 Funchal Place, New Bedford, MA. Now, don't go trying to map this. From what I understand, the street name was changed, and you will need to map 27 Hope Street, New Bedford, MA to find the museum. Join us there after the 8pm premier. Meet the filmmakers, it will be a blast.

Press Release Time

2006-08-02T11:58:00.000-05:00

While I figure out how to customize this site, read about the Premier and the film FESTA, which premiers September 14 at the New Bedford Whaling Museum.

World Premier Announced for, FESTA, A Documentary about the world’s largest Portuguese Feast in New Bedford, MA

September 14^th at the New Bedford Whaling Museum in Collaboration with AHA!

Boston-based media production company Allston Street Films is pleased to announce the world premiere screening of the documentary FESTA on Thursday, September 14, 2006 at the New Bedford Whaling Museum, in collaboration with AHA!. AHA! is an initiative supported by businesses and cultural agencies in downtown New Bedford that features free live music, theater, fine art, and dining one night a month in cobblestone streets of New Bedford’s historic downtown. “We are proud to premier this film to the city of New Bedford, and feel it is particularly appropriate that a film showcasing the cultural richness of this city should premier at AHA! night,” says producer Josh Youman. FESTA tells the story of the largest Portuguese feast in the world, established by Madeiran immigrants in New Bedford, Massachusetts. The theatrical premier precedes the world television premier of the Portuguese-language version of the film on RTP International, a state-funded Portuguese satellite channel.

This sweeping documentary film takes viewers on spectacular journey through New Bedford’s vibrant Portuguese community and then crosses the Atlantic Ocean to explore the very roots of the Feast of the Blessed Sacrament. FESTA examines the connections and differences between the Feasts of the Old World and the Feast of the immigrants. In the end, this film is about the lasting power of tradition, the bonds of family, and the cultural richness brought to the shores of America by immigrant communities.

“I grew up in the shadow of this massive event, which attracts over 200,000 people every year,” says producer and director Joe Sousa. “I would listen to stories from my grandfather and others about the almost mythical beauty of the island of Madeira. In some ways it is a very personal film about the journey of a tradition. My goal in making this film is to have the viewers experience this spectacular journey.” “But it also speaks to something universal about tradition, family, and the immigrant experience,” adds co-producer Josh Youman. “Though the focus is of course on the Portuguese Community, I feel that any American who has ever wondered about their family history and how they came to be in this country will find a deep emotional connection to this film.”

The 30-minute film will be screened at both 6pm and 8pm at the New Bedford Whaling Museum Theatre (18 Johnny Cake Hill, New Bedford, MA, 02740-6398. A reception with the filmmakers, will follow the 8pm premier at New Bedford’s Museum of Madeiran Heritage (27 Hope St., New Bedford, MA 02745). Admission to all events is free and open to the public.

Please Find Your Seats, The Show Will Be Starting Soon

2006-07-22T09:41:00.000-05:00

Hello, and welcome to the newest addition to Allston Street Films. Learn the latest news and info about ASF events and films. Enjoy!