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Get ready to be inspired! Join us as we chat with Anastasia Rubis about her debut novel, ORIANA. After 11 years of hard work, she published her first book in her 60s, and we’re betting it’ll be optioned for the big screen.

In ORIANA, Stacey explores the extraordinary life of journalist Oriana Fallaci (description below), and in our conversation, she opens up about perseverance, chasing dreams no matter your age, and shares how Oriana’s fierce determination became a role model for her own tenacity. Whether you’re an aspiring writer, a historical fiction fan, or need a little nudge to follow your dreams, this episode is for you!

Listen and Watch

We give the book 4 stars out of 4!  ⭐⭐⭐⭐

“A captivating page-turner intertwining a love story, 20th-century historical events, and the journey of a pioneering journalist Oriana Fallaci. Effortlessly enjoyable.”  Lost in Jersey

“Inhaled this riveting page-turner on the fascinating trailblazing journalist Oriana Fallaci. Just one question: how did I not know about this incredible woman?” —Julia Martin, New Jersey Monthly

Get ORIANA

Episode Summary

Interview with Anastasia Rubis (Stacey)

Introduction

In this episode, hosts Janette and Rachel interview Anastasia Rubis, known as Stacey, the author of ORIANA, a novel about the renowned journalist Oriana Fallaci. The hosts discuss Stacey’s background, her writing journey, and the inspiration behind her debut novel.

Stacey’s Background

  • Early Life: Stacey was born and raised in Queens, New York, until the age of eight, after which her family moved to Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey. She is of Greek descent, being a first-generation American.
  • Education: She graduated from Brown University and later earned a master’s degree in English from Montclair State University.
  • Career Path: Before becoming a writer, Stacey worked in advertising and public relations while pursuing her passion for writing in her free time.

The Writing Journey

  • Initial Writing Experience: Stacey began writing in New York City, contributing to publications like the New York Observer and the New York Times. She faced challenges in the freelance writing world, where acceptance rates were low.
  • Move to Montclair: After living in Manhattan for 14 years, Stacey moved back to New Jersey to be closer to family and chose Montclair for its vibrant cultural scene. She credits her time at Montclair State University and local bookstores for reigniting her passion for writing.

The Creation of ORIANA

  • Inspiration: Stacey’s interest in Oriana Fallaci began when she discovered Fallaci’s novel A Man while on vacation in Greece. This led her to explore Fallaci’s life and work, which she found compelling and inspiring.
  • Writing Process: The journey to publish Oriana took 11 years, during which Stacey faced numerous challenges, including working with multiple agents and navigating the publishing landscape during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Publishing Journey: After parting ways with her second agent, Stacey took control of her manuscript and submitted it to small publishers. She eventually found a publisher who appreciated the Italian aspects of her story, leading to the book’s publication.

Themes and Impact

  • Role Models: Stacey emphasizes the importance of having role models and support systems in the writing community. She highlights the need for stories about strong women and the impact they can have on readers.
  • Cultural Significance: The hosts discuss how Oriana Fallaci is a well-known figure in Europe but remains relatively unknown in America, raising questions about the visibility of women’s stories in literature and media.

Conclusion

  • Final Thoughts: Stacey encourages aspiring writers to persevere and not give up on their dreams. She shares her belief that age and environment play significant roles in a writer’s journey.
  • Recommendations: The episode concludes with Stacey recommending local spots in New Jersey, particularly along the Hudson River, and expressing her gratitude for the opportunity to share her story.

Closing Remarks

The hosts thank Stacey for her insights and encourage listeners to read Oriana, highlighting the importance of supporting local authors and bookstores, specifically the Watchung Bookstore in Montclair, NJ.

2023 MONTCLAIR FILM FESTIVAL, THE INSIDE SCOOP

Attention, film fans! The Montclair Film Festival (Oct 20-29, 2023) is right around the corner, and we’ve got the inside track for you. Tune in to learn about what’s on the schedule and the behind-the-scenes effort it takes to make a film festival successful.

Join us for a chat with Tom Hall, the festival’s co-head and artistic director, who gives us his take on this year’s exciting featured films, shares his film festival background, and discusses his involvement with the Montclair Film Festival. Don’t miss out on this informative and entertaining conversation!

 

PODCAST TOPICS:
🎬 The Montclair Film Festival.
🏗️ Building the Montclair Film Festival.
🎭 The relationship with the Claridge Theater.
🎭 Improv classes and Rachel’s trauma.
📽️ Film festival lineup and challenges.
🌟 Emerging talents in filmmaking.
📽️ Scorsese films and childhood impact.
🏆 Breakthrough Director and Performer Awards.
🎥 Sensory-friendly screening and film club.
🎥 Important cultural films.
🤔 The meaning of life.
🌐 Film festivals and accessibility.

FESTIVAL DATE/LOCATION:

  • October 20-29th, 2023
  • Montclair, NJ (13 miles, outside NYC)

FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS MENTIONED:

  • Oct 20 – Dream Scenario
  • Oct 21 – May December
  • Oct 21 – American Symphony
  • Oct 21 – All Dirt Roads Taste Of Salt
  • Oct 22 – The Holdovers
  • Oct 22 – Stamped From The Beginning
  • Oct 22 – Breaking The News
  • Oct 22 & 28 – Robot Dreams
  • Oct 29 – Eileen
  • Oct 29 – The Zone Of Interest
  • Tickets Available Now! https://montclairfilm.org

SPECIAL EVENT:
Tribute To Martin Scorsese, Hosted by Stephen Colbert
Friday, October 27, 8:00pm  Tickets

A FEW OF TOM’S FAVORITE FILMS:
The Apartment
Au Hasard Balthazar
Andrei Rublev

https://montclairfilm.org/

Montclair Film Festival: A Celebration of Movies and Community

Introduction: The Montclair Film Festival is an annual event that brings together movie lovers and filmmakers in the vibrant town of Montclair. In this blog post, we will explore the highlights of the festival and delve into the fascinating background of Tom Hall, the executive director of the Montclair Film Festival.

The Montclair Film Festival: A Cinematic Delight

  • Dates and significance of the festival
  • The festival’s mission to celebrate and promote the art of filmmaking
  • The importance of community support for the festival’s success

Tom Hall: A Journey to Film Festivals

  • Tom Hall’s background and his unexpected path to film festivals
  • His work at the Department of Education and transition to the independent film industry
  • The role of chance encounters and connections in shaping his career

The Montclair Film Festival and the Community

  • The festival’s close ties to the Montclair community
  • The abundance of venues and dining options in Montclair that enhance the festival experience
  • The festival’s commitment to fostering a sense of community through film screenings and events

The Claridge Theater: A New Chapter

  • The acquisition and renovation of the Claridge Theater by the Montclair Film Festival
  • The importance of preserving and operating a local cinema
  • The benefits of membership and community support for the theater’s sustainability

The Festival Lineup: A Cinematic Feast

  • Opening night film “Dream Scenario” and its unique storyline
  • Notable films and Q&A sessions with directors and actors
  • The significance of breakthrough awards for emerging talent in the film industry

Special Events: A Conversation with Scorsese and Colbert

  • The highly anticipated fundraising event featuring Martin Scorsese and Stephen Colbert
  • The opportunity to witness a candid conversation between two influential figures in the film industry

Sensory-Friendly Screening: Inclusivity for All

  • The importance of sensory-friendly screenings for individuals with sensory sensitivities
  • The film “Robot Dreams” and its suitability for a sensory-friendly experience
  • Creating a safe and accepting space for all moviegoers

Conclusion: The Montclair Film Festival is not just a celebration of movies, but also a testament to the power of community and the transformative nature of cinema. With its diverse lineup, special events, and commitment to inclusivity, the festival continues to captivate audiences and foster a love for film in the Montclair community and beyond.

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