Michelle Hendley: Every time I come to New York I don’t want to leave!

Michelle Hendley

Michelle Hendley is a debutant actress of wonderful movie Boy Meets Girl, directed by seasoned indie filmmaker Eric Schaeffer. Art Shrian from myNewYorkeye spoke to Michelle and we have to say that she was quite chatty and really fun to talk to. 

Art Shrian: Congratulations on this great movie and your amazing performance. How was experience of being a first time actress?

Michelle Hendley: It was a little overwhelming. I was more excited to learn what happens behind the movie. And it was fun to watch the process.

Art Shrian: What kind of training did you go through for the role?

Michelle Hendley: Eric sent me to an acting coach, in St Louis. It was eye opening for me, to learn how to approach a script and deliver a line. We did fun silly exercises. It was lots of fun!

Art Shrian: What was the most challenging part while on the set?

Michelle Hendley: Taking take after, take after, take of same line and STILL BE FRESH. And of course shooting 13 pages a week. But STAYING FRESH was hardest! 

Art Shrian: How much of this is your story? And how does it feel to have this story out there for everyone to see?

Michelle Hendley: There are lot parallels between Ricky and me. I can relate to her about being a trans girl, trying to get outta the town, but I wouldn’t say she and I have the same story. But I was very happy to play a positive role of a trans girl, which I feel is lacking in current media. I’m glad to do something that will resonate with audience and open some minds.

Art Shrian: The movie definitely does that, it’s great. So about your personal life journey, what is your real story?

Michelle Hendley: Similarly I come from very supportive and loving family. I live in a very liberal town here, where people don’t really bug you for being different. For most part I have had a great childhood, without facing lot of problems. I know that’s unfortunately not the story of lot of trans women, but my experience has been largely positive. 

Art Shrian: That’s great to hear. So, was it difficult for you doing the sex-scenes with girl?

Michelle Hendley: It was more difficult than I thought. I got to live with Alexandra Turshen and to be friends with her. But sex scene was very difficult. I just thought I’ll pretend she was a guy, but that didn’t work at all. It had to be choreographed. But I think our chemistry showed and I’m happy with our work.

Art Shrian: What’s your favorite sex scene in the movie?

Michelle Hendley: (laughing) Really? Probably with Robbie, because he was so sweet! 

Art Shrian: Did you have any apprehensions about the nude scene, coming out of the lake?

Michelle Hendley: Pretty much throughout the process from auditioning to shooting, I just threw myself out there. It was all so new to me, I just wanted to embrace the moment and do the best I could.

Art Shrian: What’s next for you?

Michelle Hendley: I would love to pursue acting. There is work coming my way, and I want to see how far I can go and what kind of work I can do. I’m willing to try most things. However I’m getting lot of trans roles, but I hope not to not get type-casted. I think I can do lot more. For now, I’m looking for whatever comes my way. 

Art Shrian: You're beautiful and quite talented, I think you can do a lot more. So, who are your favorite actors?

Michelle Hendley: Laverne Cox is a huge idol of mine; I hope to meet her some day. I have always loved Uma Thurman. And I often get compared to Jennifer Lawrence, which is flattering and ridiculous at the same time. I love Meryl Streep. The list will probably go on… And I love me some Bradley Cooper, Gerard Butler, Bruce Willis but he’s not so active any more.

Art Shrian: Any favorite movies or shows? And do you binge watch?

Michelle Hendley: Garfunkel & Oates, it’s so funny, that’s all I’m watching. And no, I don’t watch TV much, I’m so busy. I don’t even have a television, just my laptop. 

Art Shrian: Where are you living now?

Michelle Hendley: I’m currently in my hometown in Missouri, working a couple of jobs, saving money to move to New York this summer. Just like the movie!

Art Shrian: New York is a very different town. What do you love about New York?

Michelle Hendley: I have been to New York a few times, and every time I come to New York I don’t want to leave. My favorite part is how old it is. I’m a history nerd, and New York has so much history compared to most other cities in the US. There is such a culture about it and New York is so unique. And it’s also great to not have car! 

*****************************************************

BOY MEETS GIRL is an authentic Southern romantic-comedy starring the newcomer Michelle Hendley as Ricky, a young transwoman trying to navigate life and looking for romance in her small Kentucky hometown. Will she find love with the beautiful rich girl Francesca (Alexandra Turshen, RED OAKS) or with her lifelong best pal Robby (Michael Welch, TWILIGHT franchise)? Authentically written and directed by accomplished indie filmmaker Eric Schaeffer (IF LUCY FELL starring Sarah Jessica Parker, Ben Stiller, Elle Macpherson, NEVER AGAIN starring Jeffrey Tambor and Jill Clayburgh), BOY MEETS GIRL simultaneously exemplifies and transcends the category of "LGBT film" to present the very human story of the blurry and complicated lines between friendship and romance, gender and sexuality.

RELEASE PLATFORMS: 

AVAILABLE TODAY (April 7) ON iTUNES, GOOGLE PLAY, AMAZON INSTANT, VUDU, WOLFEONDEMAND.COM + ON CABLE VIA TIME-WARNER, COMCAST, CHARTER & COX. DVD WILL BE AVAILABLE THROUGH AMAZON, NETFLIX, BESTBUY.COM,BARNESANDNOBLE.COM, FAMILY VIDEO, WOLFEVIDEO.COM, AND MANY OTHER RETAILERS.

On the verge: Michelle Hendley. Actress Boy meets girl

Michelle Hendley

Michelle Hendley

Michelle Hendley is a debutant actress of wonderful movie Boy Meets Girl, directed by seasoned indie filmmaker Eric Schaeffer. Art Shrian from myNewYorkeye spoke to Michelle and we have to say that she was quite chatty and really fun to talk to. 

Art Shrian: Congratulations on this great movie and your amazing performance. How was experience of being a first time actress?

Michelle Hendley: It was a little overwhelming. I was more excited to learn what happens behind the movie. And it was fun to watch the process.

Art Shrian: What kind of training did you go through for the role?

Michelle Hendley: Eric sent me to an acting coach, in St Louis. It was eye opening for me, to learn how to approach a script and deliver a line. We did fun silly exercises. It was lots of fun!

Art Shrian: What was the most challenging part while on the set?

Michelle Hendley: Taking take after, take after, take of same line and STILL BE FRESH. And of course shooting 13 pages a week. But STAYING FRESH was hardest! 

Art Shrian: How much of this is your story? And how does it feel to have this story out there for everyone to see?

Michelle Hendley: There are lot parallels between Ricky and me. I can relate to her about being a trans girl, trying to get outta the town, but I wouldn’t say she and I have the same story. But I was very happy to play a positive role of a trans girl, which I feel is lacking in current media. I’m glad to do something that will resonate with audience and open some minds.

Art Shrian: The movie definitely does that, it’s great. So about your personal life journey, what is your real story?

Michelle Hendley: Similarly I come from very supportive and loving family. I live in a very liberal town here, where people don’t really bug you for being different. For most part I have had a great childhood, without facing lot of problems. I know that’s unfortunately not the story of lot of trans women, but my experience has been largely positive. 

Art Shrian: That’s great to hear. So, was it difficult for you doing the sex-scenes with girl?

Michelle Hendley: It was more difficult than I thought. I got to live with Alexandra Turshen and to be friends with her. But sex scene was very difficult. I just thought I’ll pretend she was a guy, but that didn’t work at all. It had to be choreographed. But I think our chemistry showed and I’m happy with our work.

Art Shrian: What’s your favorite sex scene in the movie?

Michelle Hendley: (laughing) Really? Probably with Robbie, because he was so sweet! 

Art Shrian: Did you have any apprehensions about the nude scene, coming out of the lake?

Michelle Hendley: Pretty much throughout the process from auditioning to shooting, I just threw myself out there. It was all so new to me, I just wanted to embrace the moment and do the best I could.

Art Shrian: What’s next for you?

Michelle Hendley: I would love to pursue acting. There is work coming my way, and I want to see how far I can go and what kind of work I can do. I’m willing to try most things. However I’m getting lot of trans roles, but I hope not to not get type-casted. I think I can do lot more. For now, I’m looking for whatever comes my way. 

Art Shrian: You're beautiful and quite talented, I think you can do a lot more. So, who are your favorite actors?

Michelle Hendley: Laverne Cox is a huge idol of mine; I hope to meet her some day. I have always loved Uma Thurman. And I often get compared to Jennifer Lawrence, which is flattering and ridiculous at the same time. I love Meryl Streep. The list will probably go on… And I love me some Bradley Cooper, Gerard Butler, Bruce Willis but he’s not so active any more.

Art Shrian: Any favorite movies or shows? And do you binge watch?

Michelle Hendley: Garfunkel & Oates, it’s so funny, that’s all I’m watching. And no, I don’t watch TV much, I’m so busy. I don’t even have a television, just my laptop. 

Art Shrian: Where are you living now?

Michelle Hendley: I’m currently in my hometown in Missouri, working a couple of jobs, saving money to move to New York this summer. Just like the movie!

Art Shrian: New York is a very different town. What do you love about New York?

Michelle Hendley: I have been to New York a few times, and every time I come to New York I don’t want to leave. My favorite part is how old it is. I’m a history nerd, and New York has so much history compared to most other cities in the US. There is such a culture about it and New York is so unique. And it’s also great to not have car! 

*****************************************************

BOY MEETS GIRL is an authentic Southern romantic-comedy starring the newcomer Michelle Hendley as Ricky, a young transwoman trying to navigate life and looking for romance in her small Kentucky hometown. Will she find love with the beautiful rich girl Francesca (Alexandra Turshen, RED OAKS) or with her lifelong best pal Robby (Michael Welch, TWILIGHT franchise)? Authentically written and directed by accomplished indie filmmaker Eric Schaeffer (IF LUCY FELL starring Sarah Jessica Parker, Ben Stiller, Elle Macpherson, NEVER AGAIN starring Jeffrey Tambor and Jill Clayburgh), BOY MEETS GIRL simultaneously exemplifies and transcends the category of "LGBT film" to present the very human story of the blurry and complicated lines between friendship and romance, gender and sexuality.

RELEASE PLATFORMS: 

AVAILABLE TODAY (April 7) ON iTUNES, GOOGLE PLAY, AMAZON INSTANT, VUDU, WOLFEONDEMAND.COM + ON CABLE VIA TIME-WARNER, COMCAST, CHARTER & COX. DVD WILL BE AVAILABLE THROUGH AMAZON, NETFLIX, BESTBUY.COM,BARNESANDNOBLE.COM, FAMILY VIDEO, WOLFEVIDEO.COM, AND MANY OTHER RETAILERS.

THE NEW YORK AFRICAN FILM FESTIVAL RETURNS TO THE FILM SOCIETY OF LINCOLN CENTER MAY 6-12

I bumped into David Ninh, the press agent at Film Society of Lincoln Center, while picking up my press credentials for the Tribeca Film Festival. “I have something special for you,” David teased and “voila” - I checked my inbox and there was advance information on the returning NEW YORK AFRICAN FILM FESTIVAL at the Film Society of Lincoln Center (May 6-12).

This will be the 22nd edition. This festival is regarded one of the nation’s premiere film festivals.  It brings the best of African cinema and this year, the Opening Night film will be  “Cold Harbour" by Carey McKenzie. The Centerpiece film is “Red Leaves” by Bazi Gete, and the Closing Night film will be “Mossane" by Safi Faye.

It’s an interesting note, that this year marks the African Film Festival, Inc.’s silver anniversary.

The Film Society of Lincoln Center (FSLC) embraces diversity throughout the year. The joining of the African Film Festival, Inc. (AFF) and the New York African Film Festival (NYAFF) is just one example of their commitment to storytellers, around the world.

The May event (6-12) is under the banner of the United Nations’ International Decade for People of African Descent (2015–2024).

This year, the festival presents a diverse crop of 15 features and 13 short films from Africa and the Diaspora.

Isa Cucinotta, Film Society of Lincoln Center Programmer stated: "We are thrilled by this year’s selection of films exploring the breadth and depth of the African experience both on the continent and beyond. Through comedy, drama, and documentary, the striving of a people on the move is vibrantly expressed. We are happy to be able to share the dreams and hard work of today’s artists."

 “As we reach our anniversary, it is clear that on many levels we have achieved all we set out to do some 25 years ago in creating a festival to challenge the prevailing narrative about Africa through the cinematic arts,” said AFF Executive Director and NYAFF Founder Mahen Bonetti. “As we revisit our mission this year, we see that our community has not only helped bring our masters to the attention of global audiences but that we continue to push to the forefront new voices that celebrate Africa in this important moment in our history.”

To get the party started, a preview town hall event will take place, Friday, May 1st at WNYC’s Jerome L. Greene Performance Space. African artists living in the Diaspora will discuss how living outside of the Continent, but occupying a space where they are still “of the continent” influences their work and lives.

The event will feature live musical performances by Les Nubians and hip-hop artist Blitz the Ambassador, as well as a reading from a literary work by Nana Ekua Brew-Hammond. Popular international journalist and Upworthy curator Femi Oke will then moderate a discussion with these artists and director Andrew Dosunmu.

Following its opening leg at Film Society of Lincoln Center, NYAFF then heads to Maysles Cinema Institute in Harlem (May 14-17) and concludes over Memorial Day Weekend (May 22-25) at the Brooklyn Academy of Music BAMcinématek as part of its popular dance and music festival DanceAfrica.

Screenings will take place at the Walter Reade Theater, 165 West 65th Street (north side, upper level, between Broadway and Amsterdam) and the Elinor Bunin Munroe Film Center, 144 West 65th Street (south side, between Broadway and Amsterdam). Tickets for the New York African Film Festival will go on sale to the general public on April 23 at the Film Society’s box offices and online at filmlinc.com. Pre-sale to Film Society members begins on April 21. Single screening tickets are $14; $11 for students and seniors (62+); and $9 for Film Society members. See more for less with a 3+ Film Discount Package starting at $33; $27 for students and seniors (62+); and $24 for Film Society members.

To find out all of the details go to filmlinc.com.

"We PARTY WITH BOMBAY SAPPHIRE GIN"

It’s that time of year, when the groovy people of Hollywood and the indie world descend on downtown New York and make magic happen!

Covering the films is fun but covering the parties, well, that’s an added bonus.

BOMBAY SAPPHIRE Gin knows how to throw a party. Point in fact, the exclusive Tribeca Film Festival after party for “Meadowland” -- starring Olivia Wilde, Luke Wilson, Giovanni Ribisi, Elisabeth Moss (directed by Reed Morano) hosted at the PH-D Rooftop Lounge at Dream Downtown Hotel in NYC rocked the house.

The weather is cooperating with the creative community so the Rooftop Lounge (at Dream Downtown Hotel) was the perfect spot for power couple, Olivia Wilde and fiancé Jason Sudeikis (who also has two films premiering during TFF: Sleeping with Other People and Tumbledown) to let their “hair” down and enjoy the stylish affair with close friends and stars.

Arriving arm in arm, the Wilde-ly in love pair celebrated their date night out in full fashion as they discussed their upcoming movies and birthday plans for their son Otis turning 1 on Monday (4/20).

Guests of the intimate 150-person party mingled and swilled speciality BOMBAY SAPPHIRE cocktails while enjoying music spun by the talented DJ. In honor of Wilde’s new film, artisanal elixirs were studded with blue gems to emulate the star’s exotic Sapphire blue eyes.

Notable guests included: Olivia Wilde, Jason Sudeikis, Giovanni Ribisi, Ty Simpkins, Harvey Weinstein, Reed Morano, Steve Guttenberg, Bobby Cannavale, Mark Feuerstein, James Dolan, among others.