By Maria Esteves - July 12, 2007 NewFest 2007: The 19th Annual New York LGBT Film Festival N.Y. Premiere THE GODFATHER OF DISCO documentary film, directed by Gene Graham was held at AMC Loews 34th St Theater, Friday, June 1, 5:45 p.m. A special Q&A immediately followed. The N.Y. Premiere after party was held at The Zipper Factory Theater Tavern, 7:30pm. I had the privilege of interviewing emerging award-winner director Gene Graham, Sunday, July 1, 1:00pm. Q: What inspired the making of ...

By Maria Esteves - May 23, 2007 THE GODFATHER OF DISCO, directed by Gene Graham will have its N.Y. Premiere at NewFest 2007: The 19th Annual New York LGBT Film Festival on Friday, June 1, 5:45 p.m., and Saturday, June 2, 1:30 p.m. at the AMC Loews 34th St Theater. Winner of the 2007 Emerging Filmmakers Award, Minneapolis/St. Paul International Film Festival, THE GODFATHER OF DISCO will also screen at the 20th Connecticut Gay & Lesbian Film Festival, Saturday, June 2, 2007, 4:00...

NEW YORK AIDS FILM FESTIVAL & MUSEUM DOCUMENTARY FILM "TRAVIS" PHOTO COVERAGE By Maria Esteves - February 12, 2008 The New York AIDS Film Festival & Museum (NYAFFM) tribute to African and American Grandmothers was held at the Gay Men Health Center (GMHC), on National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, Thursday, February 7, 2008, 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM. Presented by NYAFFM, GMHC, & Abbott Laboratories "I Stand With Magic" Campaign. Hosted by R&B singer, Cassie, and F...

By Maria Esteves - December 16, 2007 The Fifth Annual New York AIDS Film Festival 2007 press coverage is dedicated in Loving Memory of Mel Cheren (January 21, 1933 - December 7, 2007). The Fifth Annual New York AIDS Film Festival (NYAFF) 2007 Red Ball was held at The Riverhouse on World AIDS Day, Saturday, December 1, 2007, 6:00 PM - 12:00 AM. The 2007 NYAFF Red Ball hosted by Suzanne Engo, Lauren Bush, Maggie Rizer, and Greta Cavazzoni included a VIP sunset dinner, awards ceremony, fashion s...

By Maria Esteves - December 16, 2007 Mel Cheren (January 21, 1933 - December 7, 2007), was a painter, founder of 24 Hours For Life, fiscal sponsor for LIFEbeat, CEO & Founding Partner of West End Records, and financial backer of the Paradise Garage dance venue. The documentary film of THE GODFATHER OF DISCO, directed by Gene Graham, based on Mel's autobiography "My Life and the Paradise Garage: Keep On Dancin" is the greatest historical gift from back in the day. In the 1980's...