SWFL Fresh Press with Eric Raddatz

Priscila Buiar, aged 32, hails from Maringá, a small city in Paraná, Brazil. At the tender age of 9, she participated in a talent search organized by a modeling agency, inspired by her mother's unfulfilled dream of becoming a journalist and experiencing diverse cultures. Despite facing obstacles in pursuing her own aspirations, Priscila's mother seized the opportunity to introduce her daughter to the world of modeling, setting her on a path to her future career.

In addition to modeling, Priscila embarked on amateur theater endeavors to overcome her shyness, a solution her mother found to help her "break out of her shell." By the age of 10, she had already completed a modeling course and had her inaugural photoshoot, marking the beginning of her journey into the modeling industry. While initially perceived as a hobby, Priscila's passion for the camera and acting games became evident, leading her to balance sporadic modeling jobs with her studies and theater courses.

Despite not meeting the strict body standards of the fashion industry, Priscila's career took an unexpected turn when, at 15, she was approached by a film director after participating in a national selection for a runway model contest. This encounter resulted in her first professional film role in "The Girl from the Bookstore," setting the stage for her dual career in modeling and acting.

Priscila's educational journey led her to pursue a degree in Performing Arts from the prestigious State University of Londrina, graduating in 2014 with exemplary dedication and achievement. Following her graduation, she relocated to Rio de Janeiro in pursuit of broader opportunities in the audiovisual industry, where she continued to hone her craft through various courses and workshops with renowned industry professionals.

Throughout her career, Priscila has been involved in a diverse array of projects, including theater productions, short films, feature films, and television appearances in popular soap operas. Noteworthy highlights include her roles in "Kaiser: The Greatest Footballer Never to Have Played Football," "Borges Importadora" on Netflix, and the acclaimed web series "Stupid Wife."

Beyond her professional endeavors, Priscila is dedicated to using her platform for positive impact. In 2023, she launched the Selfcare project, aimed at promoting holistic well-being through fitness, nutrition, mental health awareness, and self-improvement initiatives.

As Priscila continues to evolve in her career and philanthropic efforts, she remains committed to inspiring others and creating meaningful content that resonates with her audience. Supported by a dedicated team, she endeavors to uplift and empower individuals while fostering a community of mutual respect and empathy.

Thanks to our sponsors, the Fort Myers Film Festival, be sure to submit your film today and save the dates for May 22-26, 2024. To Hilfiker Missions, saving lives by increasing organ procurement and earlier detection of chronic diseases, go to hilfikermissions.net. To Riverside Reality Group, where it doesn’t cost more, you just get more with free home staging, head to Riversidefl.com. For your business accounting needs, call Clarity Certified Public Accountants, head to clarity.cpa, with special thanks to Gulfshore Life and Happenings Magazine.

Margriet de Schutter is a Dutch media personality and a retired short track speed skater. She travels the world as a (TV) presenter, interviewer, international speaker, author, emcee, and sports journalist.She was a member of the Dutch National Team until February 2010. After she ended her career as an elite short track speed skater, she experienced there was a lack of aftercare in elite sports. She founded an online platform in The Netherlands for elite athletes and produced, together

Thanks to our sponsors, the Fort Myers Film Festival, be sure to submit your film today and save the dates for May 22-26, 2024. To Hilfiker Missions, saving lives by increasing organ procurement and earlier detection of chronic diseases, go to hilfikermissions.net. To Riverside Reality Group, where it doesn’t cost more, you just get more with free home staging, head to Riversidefl.com. For your business accounting needs, call Clarity Certified Public Accountants, head to clarity.cpa, with special thanks to Gulfshore Life and Happenings Magazine.

Leslie Coles is an award-winning director and screenwriter. She works in scripted and unscripted. Coles recently completed production on “The Curtain,” which she wrote, produced, and directed. “The Curtain” was funded by the Canada Council for the Arts, and the Ontario Arts Council with support from ACTRA Toronto and the WGC. As a filmmaker, she enjoys compelling, character-driven stories and gravitates to realism and nuanced characters. She understands the actors’ artistic processes intuitively, having trained and worked as an actor. Her multi-award-winning feature documentary “Melody Makers” opened the 2018 Fort Myers Film Festival and was originally licensed by CBC, The Documentary Channel. She is a member of ACTRA, DGC, and the WGC, and founder and executive director of the Female Eye Film Festival (FeFF) established in 2001.

Thanks to our sponsors, the Fort Myers Film Festival, be sure to submit your film today and save the dates for May 22-26, 2024. To Hilfiker Missions, saving lives by increasing organ procurement and earlier detection of chronic diseases, go to hilfikermissions.net. To Riverside Reality Group, where it doesn’t cost more, you just get more with free home staging, head to Riversidefl.com. For your business accounting needs, call Clarity Certified Public Accountants, head to clarity.cpa, with special thanks to Gulfshore Life and Happenings Magazine.

February 13, 2024, 5:30-8 p.m.

Uncommon~Lee Kind Hearts Event: A Night of Love, Scholarships, and Community Impact

Fort Myers, FL – “Uncommon~Lee Kind Hearts,” a heartwarming event, invites you to join the celebration at the beautiful Burroughs Home and Gardens in Fort Myers. This event, supporting two beloved Southwest Florida non-profits, #KindLee and The Uncommon Friends Foundation, aims to raise awareness and funds for scholarships, catering to both traditional 4-year degrees and certifications at trade schools.

The Details:

• Date and Time: February 13, 2024, 5:30-8 p.m.

• Location: Burroughs Home & Gardens, 2505 First St., Fort Myers Attendees can purchase tickets for $100 at Eventbrite, contributing to the mission of spreading positivity and making a difference in the community.

The Uncommon Friends Foundation, in collaboration with #KindLee, welcomes guests to a lively cocktail party filled with love, kindness, and the shared goal of providing scholarships to deserving girls. The scholarships encompass various educational paths, including trade school certifications, offering opportunities to those facing barriers, single parents, and veterans.

About Marc Collins:  

Originally from from Athens, Alabama, Marc moved to Fort Myers in 1992.  He is very involved in the arts and the Southwest Florida social scene in an effort to raise awareness and funds for those in need.   Philanthropic work has included:   Various local and state political elections Marc now serves as the executive Director of the Uncommon Friends foundation.

Get tickets to Uncommon~Lee Kind Hearts Event: A Night of Love, Scholarships, and Community Impact at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/uncommon-lee-kind-hearts-tickets-785957077777

Thanks to our sponsors, the Fort Myers Film Festival, be sure to submit your film today and save the dates for May 22-26, 2024. To Hilfiker Missions, saving lives by increasing organ procurement and earlier detection of chronic diseases, go to hilfikermissions.net. To Riverside Reality Group, where it doesn’t cost more, you just get more with free home staging, head to Riversidefl.com. For your business accounting needs, call Clarity Certified Public Accountants, head to clarity.cpa, with special thanks to Gulfshore Life and Happenings Magazine.

Brilliantly Produced 'Hadestown' Delivers a Haunting and Enchanting Theatrical Experience About Love

By Eric Raddatz
[email protected]

The brilliantly produced Tony Award-winning musical "Hadestown" is a love story for the ages and set squarely in hell. Dominating the 2018-19 Broadway season, the show is playing through Jan. 28 at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall. With the story intertwining love stories in the backdrop of the underworld. Based on the ancient Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice, the performance blends sophisticated modern American folk music, blues, and rock that mix with a New Orleans-inspired jazz. The result is both haunting and enchanting but also entertaining. The Tony Award-winning music and lyrics by Anaïs Mitchell bring depth to the characters, with direction by Rachel Chavkin that elevates the storytelling. FULL REVIEW HERE

Steven Ceracche born and raised in Ithaca New York. 8 years ago Steven moved to Southwest Florida to pursue his life long dream of running a farm and distributing fresh fruits and vegetables to local family’s from local farms. He recently took on a new role as Food Safety Manager for Green Life Farms who’s facility is located at Babcock Ranch 

He is one the community coordinator of SWFL Mural Fest who will be celebrating their second year of the City of Fort Myers backed yearly event.

He also serves as the MC for Artsemble Underground’s Battle of the Arts Events.

You will also find him this month as a guest judge for the FMFF Monday Nights!

Thanks to our sponsors, the Fort Myers Film Festival, be sure to submit your film today and save the dates for May 22-26, 2024. To Hilfiker Missions, saving lives by increasing organ procurement and earlier detection of chronic diseases, go to hilfikermissions.net. To Riverside Reality Group, where it doesn’t cost more, you just get more with free home staging, head to Riversidefl.com. For your business accounting needs, call Clarity Certified Public Accountants, head to clarity.cpa, with special thanks to Gulfshore Life and Happenings Magazine.

Emmy Award-winner John Biffar is the president of Dreamtime Entertainment, Inc. and founder of PeaceVIsion. He began his career in film making at the University of South Florida. In the early 1980's, John produced unique television programming and features for cable and broadcast. His unique on-air abilities and special programming gained him numerous industry awards and national recognition, including 9 Emmys. In 1983, Biffar founded his own independent production company, which expanded in sales and reputation and has since evolved into the current, Dreamtime Entertainment, Inc. He has made many films including Captiva Island, Uncommon Friends of the Twentieth Century, In Search of Mary: Two Sinners on a Mission, The Queen of Swing, Children of the Fourth World, Assignment Earth, Norma Miller Live, Fire Boats of 9-11, Worth The Fight, Curveballs … Secrets to the Game of Life, Cuba Reframed and Black and White: Portrait of a Photographer. As president, Biffar has expanded the studio's client base to encompass both national and international clients.

Thanks to our sponsors the Fort Myers Film Festival, be sure to submit your film today and save the dates for May 22-26, 2024. To Hilfiker Missions, saving lives by increasing organ procurement and earlier detection of chronic diseases. Go to hilfikermissions.net,   To Riverside Reality Group It doesn’t cost more, you just get more with free home staging head to Riversidefl.com. For your business accounting needs, call Clarity Certified Public Accountants  head to clarity.cpa, with special thanks to Gulfsore Life  and the Happenings Magazine.

Jason Teeters is an Industrial Organizational Psychologist, speaker, and emergent strategist who brings people together to reimagine a future of possibilities. He is the founder of JetSetState, a boutique consulting firm that helps organizations improve the performance and well-being of teams through work design. Jason's work includes collaborations with esteemed partners such as The Rockefeller Foundation, United Nations, Center for Disease Control (CDC), W.K. Kellogg Foundation, and Movember, the largest NGO focused on mental health and wellbeing for men. Outside of work, Jason enjoys traveling the world with his wife, an International Event Designer, and their two children, daughter Marra (7) and son Kesh (5).

Thanks to our sponsors the Fort Myers Film Festival, be sure to submit your film today and save the dates for May 22-26, 2024. To Hilfiker Missions, saving lives by increasing organ procurement and earlier detection of chronic diseases. Go to hilfikermissions.net,   To Riverside Reality Group It doesn’t cost more, you just get more with free home staging head to Riversidefl.com. For your business accounting needs, call Clarity Certified Public Accountants  head to clarity.cpa, with special thanks to Gulfsore Life  and the Happenings Magazine.

Award-winning photographer and Academy Award-winning director Louie Psihoyos released his first documentary film, "The Cove," in 2009. After screening at the Naples International Film Festival, "The Cove" not only won the Academy Award but also earned over 100 other film and environmental awards globally. It became the first documentary in history to sweep all the film guilds, and the activism around the film contributed to a significant over 93% drop in dolphin and porpoise deaths. In 2015, Psihoyos released his second documentary, "Racing Extinction," which received Oscar and Emmy nominations and reached 36 million people in 220 countries and territories on the first day it aired on the Discovery Channel. The film led to the enactment of laws banning the trade of some of the world's most endangered species. In 2018, Psihoyos directed "The Game Changers," a documentary about super athletes achieving increased strength, endurance, and virility through a plant-based diet. The film, executive produced by James and Suzi Cameron, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Kyle and Tracy Vogt, Jackie Chan, and Lewis Hamilton, triggered a 350% global increase in searches for "plant-based diet" during its first month on Netflix. Alongside colleagues Travis Threlkel and Chris LeJeune of Obscura Digital, Psihoyos produced projection events of endangered species and climate change for The United Nations, The Empire State Building, and The Vatican, accumulating over 5.5 billion media views. His current film, "You Are What You Eat," is currently trending at 3rd on Netflix. Watch it now and join me in welcoming Louie Psihoyos.

Thanks to our sponsors, the Fort Myers Film Festival, be sure to submit your film today and save the dates for May 22-26, 2024. To Hilfiker Missions, saving lives by increasing organ procurement and earlier detection of chronic diseases. Visit hilfikermissions.net. To Riverside Reality Group, it doesn’t cost more, you just get more with free home staging; head to Riversidefl.com. For your business accounting needs, call Clarity Certified Public Accountants; head to clarity.cpa. Special thanks to Gulfshore Life and Happenings Magazine.

Kayley Bishop, a Fort Myers-born singer-songwriter now based in Nashville, emerged as a finalist on "The Voice" in 2018. With a genre-defying musical style blending bluegrass, country, soul, and rock, Kayley is a dynamic force. Her prolific songwriting, totaling hundreds of compositions over the past decade, showcases a depth reminiscent of Aretha Franklin's soulful storytelling. Coupled with the authenticity of Dolly Parton, Kayley weaves a tapestry of emotions through her music. Currently collaborating with Grammy-nominated producer Eric Torres, Kayley Bishop stands as a rising star, embodying the spirit of legendary artists while carving her unique musical path.

The Fort Myers Film Festival extends its heartfelt appreciation to our generous sponsors. Filmmakers are invited to submit their films today, and audiences are encouraged to save the dates for May 22-26, 2024.

Key Sponsors:

Special Thanks: