Versailles 73: American Runway Revolution

 Coffee Bluff Pictures kicked off the 50th Anniversary Celebration of Versailles 73 the historic fashion showdown in Paris at the Palace of Versailles in November 1973. The Museum of Fine Arts Boston's Theo Tyson the Penny Vinik Curator of Fashion Arts, and Neiman Marcus Boston hosted "A Seat at the Tableau" honoring Boston's own supermodel Alva China. Ms. Chinn one of fashion designer Halston's Halstonettes was honored for her contributions to fashion history and her role in the epic runway event at Versailles. After the soiree Ms Chinn and Deborah Riley Draper, writer and director of the documentary film Versailles 73: American Runway Revolution engaged the invitation only audience in conversation and a Q&A. 

Guest were enthusiastic and wanted to know all about the backstage shenanigans of that celebrated and ground breaking event. From behind the scenes secrets of the famous event and The Who's Who guest list of attendees the two women shared the story of representation, breaking barriers and inspiring generations of other young women to achieve their dreams no matter what and who tries to deter you.

Neiman Marcus provided guest with an elaborate catered tableau of tasty finger foods and edibles. The event location is next door to the store and was acquired by Neiman and an event space. The esthetics were amazing with beautiful flower arrangements and other decor that was a vision for the senses. It was a glorious afternoon and the small guest list of invitees were smartly dressed and looked every bit fashionistas who definitely would enjoy a 'Seat at the Tableau".

I attended the premiere screening of Ms Drapers documentary film at the Cannes Film Festival in May 2012 and met Deborah at that time and have we become forever friends and she dubbed me as her "Fairy Film Godmother." 

If you haven't seen this amazing documentary you can purchase or watch the the film on Amazon Prime. https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/B071HF9QZ8/ref=atv_dp_share_cu_r

Stay tuned as Ms. Draper has many more captivating films in store for you telling the rich history and stories of African Americans that heretofore have been left unheralded.

Alvah Chinn

Deborah Riley Draper

Deborah Riley Draper and Alvah Chinn during the Q&A

Theo Tyson 

Alvah Chinn

Guests at a Seat at the Tableau

Gift bag with a copy of Versailles 73: American Runway Revolution DVD

World Premiere of Olympic Pride, American Prejudice at the LA Film Festival

June 4, 2016 the astounding Deborah Riley Draper documentary film Olympic Pride, American Prejudice had its world premiere at the LA Film Festival in Culver City, California. The film which chronicles the 18 African American athletes who competed in the 1936 Summer Games in Berlin, Germany at the height of Hitler's Nazi regime is a tour de force from Deborah Draper.  The 18 athletes who competed in track and field, boxing and boxing were Jesse Owens, Ralph Metcalfe, Mack Robinson (the older brother of baseball player Jackie Robinson), Art Oliver, James Clark Atkinson, John Brooks, Dave Albritton, James LuValle, John Woodruff, Archie Williams, Frederick Pollard,  Jack Wilson, Cornelius Johnson, Howard King, Willis Johnson, John Terry, Tidye Pickett, and Louise Stokes defied Hitler's notion of Aryan Supremacy.  Since the German's filmed everything, there is tons of footage of the track and field competitions. Although Jesse Owens was well known for the four gold medals he won in Germany, the other 17 athletes were largely ignored once they returned home under Jim Crow laws.

Written and directed by Ms. Draper whose 2012 multi-award winning film Versailles 73: American Runway Revolution (covered in this blog numerous times over the years) was just a glimpse into where this filmmaker is headed. Her tenacity for digging into the souls of the individuals covered in her documentaries is trail blazing. The research that it took to create this film is amazing. Ms. Draper and her crew traveled across the USA and to Berlin and beyond to bring a creditable film to the screen. From the opening vintage footage of the 400 meter race to the end logging each of the athletes accomplishments during and after Berlin, this film will inspire and fill you with pride.

Executive produced and narrated by multiple Image and Grammy Award winner Blair Underwood,  his well-tuned voice also resonates with the accomplishments of the athletes. The background music and the theme song " Find My Victory" written by Composer Cheryl Rogers for the film will fill you with emotion and if you find yourself shedding a tear, it's just a sign that the emotional ride was well worth it.

Executive Producer Blair Underwood, Writer/Director Deborah Riley Draper, Executive Producer Michael Draper, Executive Producer Amy Tiemann and daughter Miranda and husband Michael at the Olympic Pride, American Prejudice cocktail reception at the Culver Hotel during the LA Film Festival

Lorrie Ivas and Writer/Director Deborah Riley Draper at the LA Film Festival screening of Olympic Pride, American Prejudice at the Arc Light Cinemas

Eric Johnson and Shannon King Nash 

Executive Producer Blair Underwood, Writer/Director Deborah Riley Draper at the Olympic Pride, American Prejudice cocktail reception at the Culver Hotel during the LA Film Festival

Caralene Robinson, Evelyn Bakon Wheeler and Writer/Director Deborah Riley Draper, at the Olympic Pride, American Prejudice cocktail reception at the Culver Hotel during the LA Film Festival

Line Producer, Lacy Barnes, Evelyn Bakon Wheeler and Caralene Robinson on the red carpet at the Olympic Pride, American Prejudice cocktail reception at the Culver Hotel during the LA Film Festival

Executive Producer Blair Underwood and Evelyn Bakon Wheeler at the Olympic Pride, American Prejudice cocktail reception at the Culver Hotel during the LA Film Festival

Writer/Director Deborah Riley Draper, and Eric Johnson 

Writer/Director Deborah Riley Draper at the Q&A after the screening of Olympic Pride, American Prejudice at the LA Film Festival

DP Jonathan Hall, Writer/Director Deborah Riley Draper, Executive Producer/Narrator Blair Underwood at the sold out second screening of Olympic Pride, American Prejudice

Lorrie Ivas, Evelyn Bakon Wheeler and Writer/Director Deborah Riley Draper after the screening of Olympic Pride,  American Prejudice at the LA Film Festival