On Tuesday, March 13th, 2012, FUNATICAL: Taking Comedy to the Extreme! performed at the University of Montana in Missoula, MT. The interfaith and intercultural show featured hilarious performances by Maria Shehata, Samson Koletkar and MoNa, followed by an intimate question/answer session.
On March 7th, 2012, PlanetPix Media & Entertainment Group, producers of the popular “FUNATICAL” comedy brand, hosted a workshop in Washington D.C. that helped build bridges and understanding between Iraq and America. A delegation of five female directors, writers and actors from Iraq participated as Arab-American comedian Said Durrah shared cultural and social issues in his comedy. The group enjoyed a 10 minute comedy skit by the comedian, followed by a question and answer session. The women discussed the history of comedy in Iraqi culture, and how humor is included in their current work. The event was an important chance for the playwrights to learn about comedy in America. Creator of “FUNATICAL” comedy, Samira Atash, facilitated the workshop.
On November 10th and 12th, 2011, PlanetPix Media & Entertainment Group organized three special events that brought the award-winning film The Boy Mir – Ten Years in Afghanistan to diplomatic, non-profit, government, corporate, media and Afghan-American audiences in the Washington D.C. area.
On November 10th, 2011, the film was shown at the new Frank C. Carlucci Auditorium at United States Institute of Peace (USIP) from 1-3 pm. The screening was followed by a 30 minute panel discussion about Afghanistan with the film’s director Phil Grabsky and USIP’s Barmak Pazhwak (Senior Program Officer, Afghanistan & Pakistan). Following the USIP screening & panel discussion, the National Press Club hosted an afternoon news conference featuring Mr. Grabsky. At the conference, a historic moment took place when the Embassy of Afghanistan offered the Afghan flag to the National Press Club as a gift, which was coordinated by PlanetPix. “On behalf of the nation of Afghanistan and Ambassador Hakimi, the Embassy of Afghanistan hopes this gift will be a symbol of lasting friendship between our countries as we strive to achieve a common goal of shedding light on the activities and achievements of Afghanistan”, stated Mr. Abdul Jalil Ghafoory, Media Direcor at the Embassy of Afghanistan. Mr. Peter Hickman, National Press Club committee member, was enthusiastic about receiving the gift. “The flag has already been placed in the main lobby of the National Press Club along with those of approximately 75 other nations whose embassies have donated them. Now when we invite Afghan speakers at press club events, we will be able to display the Afghan flag along with that of the United States.”
On Saturday, November 12th at 8 pm, the second Washington D.C. screening of The Boy Mir took place at George Washington University’s Jack Morton auditorium. PlanetPix’s outreach resulted in a sold-out RSVP list the day of the event. The screening started at 7:30 pm, and was also followed by a panel discussion led by attorney, social entrepreneur and Afghanistan expert Mariam Atash Nawabi. Panelists included director Phil Grabsky and special guest Christina Lamb, a journalist and best-selling author (Sewing Circles of Herat), who accepted the invitation to speak through PlanetPix.
The Boy Mir’s D.C. events were made possible by PlanetPix Media & Entertainment Group, a multicultural media, marketing and entertainment productions company. The screenings were co-sponsored by United States Institute of Peace (USIP), Afghan Student Association at George Washington University (ASA-GWU), author of “Blue Blood Mirage” Nasrat Esmaty, The Westin Georgetown, Young Professionals in Foreign Policy (YPFP), and Beauty and the East TV.
PlanetPix’s media outreach included inquiries from Voice of America, American Abroad Media, and U.S.A. Today. Media coverage included National Press Club, BBC Pashto, Al Hurra TV, Ariana Afghanistan TV, and the Embassy of Afghanistan.
ABOUT “THE BOY MIR: Ten Years in Afghanistan”
Following the international hit The Boy who Plays on the Buddhas of Bamiyan, The Boy Mir covers not just one year but ten years in Afghanistan. It tracks an 8-year old Afghan boy as he journeys into early adulthood in one of the toughest places on earth. It is a film that is unmatched in mirroring and unveiling the vitally important story of modern Afghanistan.
The film has won numerous awards at over a dozen film festivals around the world including “Best Documentary” and “Winner: Audience Award”. Media coverage includes CNN, LA Times, NY Times, Washington City Paper, The Independent, Evening Standard, Village Voice, NY Times and more. The Village Voice says the film ‘makes you laugh and breaks your heart in equal measure’ and the LA Times says ‘Mir gets under your skin in ways that are memorable and poignantly real’. Award-winning British film-maker Phil Grabsky decided in 2002 to follow Mir for a decade and see what happened to him and his country. Overcoming difficult and sometimes dangerous obstacles, Grabsky has made what many are calling an extraordinary and unique film. Despite the poverty, despite the slow recovery from war, despite the ever-present Taliban threat, Mir shows a determination and resolve that offers a somewhat optimistic face of Afghanistan. Soldiers returning from combat that have seen the film have commented, “We wish we’d seen this before we went to Afghanistan”.
For April 2012 screening & sponsorship requests for “The Boy Mir”, please e-mail info@planetpixmedia.com
VIEW ALL “BOY MIR” EVENT PHOTOS HERE: http://www.facebook.com/pages/PlanetPix-Media-and-Entertainment-Group/165913950088776
On November 5th 2011, PlanetPix Media & Entertainment Group produced an interfaith, intercultural comedy show at the American Islamic College in the “Windy City”. ‘FUNATICAL: Taking Comedy to the Extreme’s We Come in Peace Tour” in Chicago included performances by Tehran SoParvaz, MoNa, Samson Koletkar, Ray Hanania, and Mike Batayeh. Audiences were surprised to see comedians with Middle Eastern & South Asian backgrounds who also happen to be Jewish, Christian and Muslim. The show was followed by a panel discussion on interfaith comedy led by co-producer Miranda Hovemeyer. “The goal ‘FUNATICAL’ is to bring together people of diverse religions and cultures with the aim to promote interfaith community-building through laughter. The Chicago show was a shining example of how laughter can bring people together, who might otherwise have very little in common”, Miranda stated after the show.
PlanetPix’s media outreach resulted in coverage by NPR, Rise Up and India in Chicago. Sponsors of the show include American Islamic Congress, Project Nur, Urban Strategies Group, Mike Anderson Chevrolet of Chicago, Beauty and the East TV, and a contribution by Eric Hovemeyer & Christine Bieri. Contributing sponsors include Abrahamic Alliance, United Religions Initiative (URI), Hyde Park & Kenwood Interfaith Council, and the Peace Garden Project.
With increased religious and cultural tension growing in America and around the world, ‘FUNATICAL’ breaks stereotypes and bridges gaps between people of diverse backgrounds and religions by promoting unity through laughter. Comedians poke fun of culture, race, politics, religion and current events, which they lampoon with clean humor and satire. The shows are produced by an interfaith team who uses comedy as an equalizer to counter prejudices in a humorous way.
http://www.funaticalcomedy.com
TO VIEW ALL PICS FROM SHOW: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Funatical-Taking-Comedy-to-the-Extreme/127774330627187
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WASHINGTON D.C.’s SPECIAL FREE SCREENINGS OF AWARD-WINNING FILM “THE BOY MIR” WILL SHOW 10 YEARS OF LIFE IN AFGHANISTAN SINCE WAR BEGAN
“Boy Mir” will take viewers through ten years of war and ten years of one little boy’s life growing into adulthood in one of the toughest places on earth. Special free screenings will be held at the United States Institute of Peace on 11/10/11 and George Washington University on 11/12/11, followed by panel discussions. Media news conference with film’s director will take place at the National Press Club on 11/10/11.
(Washington D.C.) – Following the international hit The Boy who Plays on the Buddhas of Bamiyan, THE BOY MIR covers not just one year but ten years in Afghanistan. It tracks an 8-year old Afghan boy as he journeys into early adulthood in one of the toughest places on earth. It is a film that is unmatched in mirroring and unveiling the vitally important story of modern Afghanistan.
The film begins shortly after the fall of the Taliban – when Phil Grabsky first travelled to Afghanistan to film the 8-year-old Mir who, at that time, was living in a cave alongside the recently destroyed huge stone Buddhas of Bamiyan. Within a year, he and his family had been able to return to their home in a small very remote village in the deserts of the north. The family was happy to be home. Mir’s brother says, “In Bamiyan we were refugees; here we walk free”. Their one room is, however, still not much bigger than the cave in Bamiyan. And, that cramped space, the day-to-day life of the family members and their characters are revealed to us: Mir’s father Abdul – charming but caustic with it. Mir’s mother Fatima – angry with the world. Mir’s brother Khoshdel – canny yet depressed. Mir’s sister Gulafrooz – hidden behind closed doors. Mir runs between them all – full of life, laughter and mischief.
As the film progresses, Mir changes. Like any boy growing up, he becomes more aware of the world and thus a little less happy-go-lucky. He begins by working hard at the village school and is intent on becoming a teacher. Outside of school, he learns to ride a horse and is expected to help with the work of the family which includes harvesting wheat in the mountains.
He and his father talk endlessly about future plans; who he should marry, how well he should be doing at school and how much time he should spend working. As the only son of an ailing father, it becomes clear that there is increasing call for the young boy to help support what is an extremely poor family. As the film progresses, Mir turns his attention, however, from horses and donkeys and helping the family to bikes, motorbikes and having fun. His ambition to one day be a teacher or indeed president of Afghanistan changes; now he simply hopes not be killed in the fighting.
Mir represents the potential for Afghanistan’s future which impacts the U.S.’s involvement there. August 2011 was the bloodiest month for American troops in Afghanistan since the war began. 66 U.S. soldiers died that month alone bringing the total to 1,733. It’s the 10th anniversary of the ‘Fall of the Taliban’, what actually has been achieved? What has $700billion dollars and tens of thousands of lives brought to this war-stricken country? What is the U.S.’s role and how can troops leave the country without leaving a situation behind that is not unstable again?
Award-winning British film-maker Phil Grabsky decided in 2002 to follow Mir for a decade and see what happened to him and his country. Overcoming difficult and sometimes dangerous obstacles, Grabsky has made what many are calling an extraordinary and unique film. Despite the poverty, despite the slow recovery from war, despite the ever-present Taliban threat, Mir shows a determination and resolve that offers a somewhat optimistic face of Afghanistan. Soldiers returning from combat that have seen the film have commented, “We wish we’d seen this before we went to Afghanistan”.
The film has won numerous awards at over a dozen film festivals around the world including “Best Documentary” and “Winner: Audience Award”. Media coverage includes CNN, LA Times, NY Times, Washington City Paper, The Independent, Evening Standard, Village Voice, NY Times and more. The Village Voice says the film ‘makes you laugh and breaks your heart in equal measure’ and the LA Times says ‘Mir gets under your skin in ways that are memorable and poignantly real’.
The Boy Mir’s D.C. events are made possible by PlanetPix Media & Entertainment Group, a multicultural media, marketing and entertainment productions company. The screenings are co-sponsored by United States Institute of Peace (USIP), Afghan Student Association at George Washington University (ASA-GWU), author of “Blue Blood Mirage” Nasrat Esmaty, The Westin Georgetown, Young Professionals in Foreign Policy (YPFP), and Beauty and the East TV.
SCREENING: Thursday, Nov. 10th, 2011 1-3 pm at Frank C. Carlucci Auditorium at USIP
2301 Constitution Ave NW Washington, DC 20037
MEDIA EVENT: Thursday, Nov. 10th, 2011 4 pm – National Press Club conference (media only)
SCREENING: Saturday, Nov. 12th, 2011 7 – 9 pm
Jack Morton Auditorium at George Washington University
805 21st Street, NW Washington, DC 20052
Screenings are free and will be followed by a 30 minute panel discussion with film’s director Phil Grabsky. To attend screenings, please RSVP to rsvp@planetpixmedia.com no later than Nov.9th, 2011. Please indicate which event you are RSVP’ing for so that your name can be included on the guest list.
For media interested in attending National Press Club news conference featuring Phil Grabsky or film screenings, please contact:
PlanetPix Media & Entertainment Group
info @planetpixmedia.com
1.800.775.0958
Watch CNN’s video coverage of “The Boy Mir”:
PlanetPix Media & Entertainment Group, a multicultural media and entertainment production company, recently announced that ‘FUNATICAL: Taking Comedy to the Extreme’s “We Come in Peace” Tour’ will make its way to the “Windy City” on Saturday, November 5th, 2011.
FUNATICAL’s Chicago line-up includes Samson Koletkar (world’s only Jewish Indian comedian), Mike Batayeh (Arab Christian), Tehran SoParvaz (African-American-Iranian) as well as Chicago’s own Ray Hanania (Arab Christian) and MoNa (Arab Muslim).
Samson Koletkar was born and raised in Mumbai. Samson brings a refreshingly new approach to cerebral, witty, thought-provoking humor with a global perspective. Being a Jewish Indian in America has only added to the anomaly that is Samson. His comedy is socially aware and is driven by his personal trials and tribulations. He highlights religious, political, social and traditional hypocrisies and issues, and shares his views on day to day absurdities of the human nature. With his clean approach to comedy he is able to perform just as easily at clubs and theaters as he is at corporations, colleges, fundraisers and speaking engagements.
Mike Batayeh has guest starred and recurred on several hit television shows and has co-starred alongside A-list actors in several films. He recently filmed his first co-lead roles in the short film, “Fly While Arab” and the feature film, “Detroit Unleaded” (release date 2012). Mike is based in Los Angeles but has toured all over the United States as a comic. Mike is one of the ambassadors of western comedy to audiences in the Middle East, as he was part of the first wave of comics to perform live in Dubai, Lebanon, Nazareth, Jordan and Egypt. His mix of biting social commentary, physical comedy and ability to entertain leaves audiences eagerly anticipating his return.
According to Editor and Publisher magazine, Ray Hanania is “…a Palestinian-American writer married to a Jewish woman. He writes about Mideast issues in an evenhanded way.” Ray is a stand-up comedian, media analyst and political consultant specializing in Middle East issues and events, and mainstream American politics. He is president of Urban Strategies Group and writes several columns. Hanania co-hosts the American Arab radio show “Radio Baladi” which is simulcast in Michigan, Ohio and Northern Illinois. He hosted the live Chicago morning show “The Ray Hanania Show” for three years on WJJG AM 1530 Radio.
MoNa is an Arab-American comedian from Chicago who has performed throughout the U.S. and Canada. She studied improv and comedy writing at Chicago’s Second City and has performed on many stages through the Chicagoland area, including: the Chicago Center for the Performing Arts, Comedy Under the Tap, Chord on Blues, Jokes & Notes, the Lincoln
Lodge, Loco Locas at Watra, 1001Laughs Tour and now FUNATICAL: Taking Comedy to the Extreme.
Tehran SoParvaz is a half Iranian and half African American stand-up comedian and performer who lives in the Washington D.C. metro area. He is a dynamic and high-energy comedian and entertainer who is the host of a popular satellite TV and radio show that airs around the world. He has been using his witty and unique perspective of life and sense of humor in comedy shows along Maz Jobrani, Max Amini and FUNATICAL: Taking Comedy to the Extreme.
With increased religious and cultural tension growing in America and around the world, ‘FUNATICAL’ breaks stereotypes and bridges gaps between people of diverse backgrounds and religions by promoting unity through laughter. Comedians poke fun of culture, race, politics, religion and current events, which they lampoon with clean humor and satire. The shows are produced by an interfaith team who uses comedy as an equalizer to counter prejudices in a humorous way.
‘FUNATICAL officially launched in Hollywood, CA at the World Famous Comedy Store with a red carpet premiere, followed by three shows throughout Southern CA that brought together a diverse interfaith audience who were united by laughter. The tour continued with sold out shows in the Washington D.C. metro area, and special appearances at the National Press Club and Georgetown University. Media coverage includes Huffington Post, Voice of America, Al Hurra TV, Middle East Broadcasting, Belief Net and more. FUNATICAL has also performed in Toronto, Canada and is receiving requests to take the show internationally.
FUNATICAL: Taking Comedy to the Extreme’s Chicago show will take place Saturday, Nov. 5th, 2011 (8pm) at American Islamic College’s auditorium on 640 West Irving Park Road in Chicago, IL. Sponsors of the show include American Islamic Congress, Project Nur, Urban Strategies Group, Mike Anderson Chevrolet of Chicago, Beauty and the East TV, and a contribution by Eric Hovemeyer & Christine Bieri. Contributing sponsors include Abrahamic Alliance, United Religions Initiative (URI), Hyde Park & Kenwood Interfaith Council, Brownhub, and the Peace Garden Project.
FUNATICAL: Chicago
Saturday, November 5th, 2011 at 8 pm:
American Islamic College
640 West Irving Park Road
Chicago, IL 60613-3106
Clean comedy that will leave you in stitches!
Brought to you by PlanetPix Media & Entertainment Group
BUY YOUR TICKETS HERE: http://www.funaticalcomedy.com
Ten years in Afghanistan. Ten years of war and destruction and ten years of one little boy’s life. A boy of eight, growing into adulthood in one of the toughest places on earth. Cheeky and inquisitive, Mir takes us on a unique journey through post 9/11 Afghanistan. This is Mir’s story.
Watch “Up Close & Personal” with comedian and actor Ahmed Ahmed as he dishes about his childhood, family, personal life, early career and new film “Just Like Us”. Hosted by Samira Atash. Produced by PlanetPix Media & Entertainment Group
Sold out comedy tour draws diverse audience and receives international media coverage, with special events at the National Press Club and Georgetown University
Washington D.C. – From April 14th – 16th, 2011, the Washington D.C. metro area was hit by a comedy invasion that left hundreds in stitches as they witnessed Middle Eastern American comedians – who happen to be Muslim, Jewish and Christian – all perform for the first time together. The highly anticipated FUNATICAL: Taking Comedy to the Extreme’s “We Come in Peace” tour kicked off on Thursday at 1 pm at the National Press Club’s Bloomberg Room where comedians Ahmed Ahmed, Maria Shehata, Omar Regan and PlanetPix Media’s Mariam Atash Nawabi discussed “How Media & Entertainment Can Be Used As A Tool For Cultural Diplomacy, To Dispel Stereotypes & Show Similarities Among People of All Backgrounds”. The National Press Club’s Peter Hickman moderated the panel and took questions from Voice of America, Voice of America Iran, Al Hurra TV, Middle East Broadcasting, Palestine Note, Belief Net and more. FUNATICAL’s trip to Washington D.C. coincided with the 8th annual US-Islamic World Forum, which was held in the United States for the first time.
At 7:30 p.m. that evening, a sold-out performance at Arlington Cinema & Drafthouse brought together an audience from diverse races, faiths and cultures. The show began with a red carpet VIP meet & greet followed by Beauty and the East TV’s video coverage of FUNATICAL’s Los Angeles premiere and a short cartoon, starring the tour’s animated character ‘Mustlaufa Dajeeni’. The interfaith, intercultural line-up included host Tehran SoParvaz (African-American /Iranian; Laugh Factory, Warner Theater) and performers Said Durrah (Palestinian/Jordanian Muslim; Arabs Gone Wild), Paul Singh (Indian Sikh; Apollo Theater), Maria Shehata (Egyptian Christian; Comedy Central, Showtime), Omar Regan (African-American Muslim convert; Rush Hour 2), Matt Kazam (Jewish Iranian; ‘Last Comic Standing’, VH-1, TLC), and headliner Ahmed Ahmed (Egyptian Muslim; ‘Iron Man’, ‘You Don’t Mess With The Zohan’, ‘Vince Vaughn’s Wild West Comedy Show’, Tonight Show with Jay Leno, ‘Axis of Evil’ Comedy Tour, Comedy Central and Showtime). The show also marked PlanetPix Media’s debut release of “FUNATICAL: Live in Los Angeles” DVD which is now available for purchase on FUNATICAL’s website.
On Friday, April 15th, 2011 at 1:30 pm, Georgetown University hosted a special panel “The People’s Revolution in the Middle East: FUNATICAL Panel Discussion”. The event featured Georgetown Arab studies professor Adel Iskander, ‘FUNATICAL’ comedians Ahmed Ahmed, Maria Shehata and PlanetPix Media’s Mariam Atash Nawabi, as well as Ambassador Cynthia Schneider who served as moderator. This event was co-sponsored by the Berkley Center, Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Center for Muslim-Christian Understanding, Mortara Center for International Studies, Department of Culture and Politics, Communication, Culture & Technology Program, and the Department of Performing Arts.
The tour wrapped with its final performance at the Ernst Theater in Annandale, Virginia on Saturday, April 16th at 8 pm. Heavy rains and a mini-tornado did not stop the crowds from standing at the door to get in. Line-up included Tehran SoParvaz, Said Durrah, Paul Singh, Maria Shehata, Omar Regan and Ahmed Ahmed. A FUNATICAL after-party was sponsored by JetSet Mafia at the Shadowroom Lounge in Washington D.C. where cast and crew celebrated the D.C. tour’s success.
FUNATICAL: Taking Comedy to the Extreme’s “We Come in Peace” is an interfaith, intercultural comedy tour that launched with a red carpet premiere December 2010 in Hollywood, CA and will continue in cities in the U.S. and around the world. The tour breaks stereotypes and bridges cultural gaps between Muslims, Jews and Christians and other faiths through laughter.
The tour is made possible by PlanetPix Media & Entertainment Group, a multicultural media, communications and entertainment production company that promotes cultural understanding and unity between “East and West”. Services include multicultural advertising, marketing, pr, diversity outreach, cultural advisory, translation, recruitment, entertainment & video production, event management, promotions, design & branding and talent management.
Public relations and promotions for the tour was spearheaded by PlanetPix Media. Media coverage includes The National Press Club, Huffington Post, Voice of America, Al Hurra TV, Belief Net, Bob Edwards Radio Show, Viewpoint with James Zogby, FEN Magazine, The Hoya, Stage Time Magazine, Global Rickshaw Radio, Palestine Note, and more. The Bill Press Radio Show, Beauty and the East TV, Global Rickshaw Radio and Kodoom were media supporters. Press coverage can be seen on the FUNATICAL website.
Co-sponsors of the Washington D.C. FUNATICAL tour included Staybridge Suites McLean, Artizan Sarai, Higher Work, Quick Lube MD. Advertisers included Smiles Dentist (Fairfax Corner), Travel Cruise & Tour, Shabazz Fruit Cola, Sadaf Halal Restaurant Rockville, Quick Lube MD, Silver Spoon Kabob, Turbulence Book, Samira Atash, Burraq Tax, Accounting, Travel & Tours, Religious to Damn, Beaini Financial Solutions. Promotional support was provided by JetSet Mafia, Metromix, NAAP, ADC.
The shows benefited Nooristan Foundation, a U.S. based non-profit that provides charitable support in Afghanistan.
CONTACT
thetour@funaticalcomedy.com
info@planetpixmedia.com
www.funaticalcomedy.com
1.800.775.0958
Performers in PlanetPix’s ‘FUNATICAL’ Comedy Tour talk about religion and comedy.
READ IT HERE:
Can Religion Be Funny? Getting ‘Funatical’ By Laughing At Differences
Omar Regan (“Rush Hour 2″), Matt Kazam (NBC’s “Last Comic Standing”), Maria Shehata (Showtime, Comedy Central), Paul Singh (Apollo Theater), Said Durrah (“Arabs Gone Wild”), Tehran SoParvaz (Laugh Factory) and headliner Ahmed Ahmed (“Vince Vaughn’s Wild West Comedy Show,” Tonight Show with Jay Leno, “Iron Man,” “You Don’t Mess With the Zohan,” Axis of Evil, Comedy Central, Showtime) will be performing in ‘FUNATICAL: Taking Comedy to the Extreme’s “We Come in Peace” Tour’ on April 14 (Arlington Cinema & Drafthouse) and April 16 (Ernst Theater at NVCC Annandale) in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area.
Producers and performers of ‘FUNATICAL’ have also been invited to speak at panel discussions at The National Press Club on April 14 and Georgetown University on April 15.
The shows will benefit the Nooristan Foundation, a 501c3 nonprofit that supports charitable projects in Afghanistan.
