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Media Contact: Ann Marie “Jade” Bryan E-mail: info@micarunway.com Fax/VP: (212) 665-9668 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE UNVEILING THE LAUNCH AND NAME REBRANDING OF MICA RUNWAY 2008MICA RUNWAY is a leading arts and entertainment high-grade venture in New York City exclusively dedicated to showcasing works by emerging filmmakers, up-and-coming fashion designers, aspiring talent, literary and visual artists who are disabled, deaf, hard of hearing or deaf-blind. Founded in 2000, MICA RUNWAY produces events such as film showcases, prominent fashion shows, art exhibitions, multimedia events, and more. “We’re taking MICA to a new level,” said event founder and chair Ann Marie “Jade” Bryan. “With the enormous success of past MICA RUNWAY events, we decided to meet the growing needs of our supporters by adding two programs, Teen MICA and MICA Art.” Teen MICA is a day-long festival for family filled with fun activities such as a mini-fashion show, face painting, an art exhibition, talent, character meet and greet, and more; MICA Art is a three-day showcase for mature spectators presented in a variety of mediums by artists across the globe. “It’s really exciting for us to see MICA RUNWAY expand and create new opportunities,” Jade added. The three-day community affair and charity fundraiser celebrating diversity will feature the theme, As in Art…Be Daring, Avant-Garde, Guerilla, Creative, and Innovative. “MICA Runway 2008 will entail a fashion showcase of wardrobes by renowned designers and sponsoring boutiques. Also, visual, performing, and literary artworks will be displayed by various artists who are deaf and hard of hearing. This is always an exciting event that brings together people from all corners of the world,” said Jade. “It’s also a great opportunity to see new work, network and have a great time.” Hosted by not-for-profit film production company DeafVision Filmworks, Inc., the MICA RUNWAY 2006 event raised over $30,000 that went towards “9/11 Fear in Silence: The Forgotten Underdogs.” The 2008 event will help support the $100,000-budgeted feature film, “Somalia: A Love Story,” about a Deaf African-American woman who falls in love with a musician. In addition, it will also support the fight to battle breast cancer and promote awareness, with portions of raised funds donated to Susan G. Komen for the Cure. “What I’d like to see accomplished at the MICA Runway 2008 event is that we see a significant improvement or change within the deaf, hard of hearing and hearing communities to learn to support each other,” said Jade. “I’d also like to see the building of a bridge where entrepreneurship, network and leadership are developed, since these are crucial factors of success. We need not be too segregated when people, especially those who are artists, turn to each other for support.” Jade added, “This is a not to be missed red carpet appeal for the fashion aficionados, supporter of the arts, film enthusiasts or those with an appreciation for our young and emerging talent. If you’re any of the above, this is the place for you.” More information is available at www.micarunway.com ABOUT DEAFVISION FILMWORKS, INC. & JADE FILMS AND ENTERTAINMENT, LLCDeafVision Filmworks, founded in 1991, caters to filmmakers of color to develop stories that are overlooked, ignored, or suppressed by media gatekeepers. DeafVision Filmworks is a New York-based, non-profit corporation founded by African-American Ann Marie “Jade” Bryan, who believes in the importance of educating the general public about the cultural experiences of Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals. Founded in 1997, JADE Films, where the passion of words are turned into action, is an independent film and entertainment production company that strives to raise consciousness about African-Americans and Latinos who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing.ABOUT PRODUCER/FOUNDER JADETo date, Jade is the only known African-American female Deaf filmmaker in this country with honors and awards. She graduated from Tisch School of the Arts, New York University with a bachelor's degree.In June 2007, Jade impressed ABC’s American Inventor celebrity judges, British entrepreneur Peter Jones, boxer and inventor George Foreman, Spanx inventor Sara Blakely, and former owner of Philadelphia 76ers Pat Croce, with her Ready-to-Wear Speaker Gear design and invention. She advanced through three rounds to the top three semi-finalists in New York. Jade believes in her invention and will stop at nothing until she secures a deal with a manufacturer. In the meantime, she continues to produce films addressing a variety of social issues. Her indestructible positive attitude and motto is, “If you have a passion for something, then keep doing what you love doing. You need to BELIEVE.” DeafVision Filmworks, founded in 1991, caters to filmmakers of color to develop stories that are overlooked, ignored, or suppressed by media gatekeepers. DeafVision Filmworks is a New York-based, non-profit corporation founded by African-American Ann Marie “Jade” Bryan, who believes in the importance of educating the general public about the cultural experiences of Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals. Founded in 1997, JADE Films, where the passion of words are turned into action, is an independent film and entertainment production company that strives to raise consciousness about African-Americans and Latinos who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing. |
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