Page 2 June 16, 2016 TORRANCE TRIBUNE Community Briefs 2nd Annual Downtown Torrance Artwalk Hundreds of visitors are expected in Old Torrance on June 25, from 4 to 8 p.m. for the 2nd Annual Downtown Torrance Artwalk, sponsored by Destination: Art. Outstanding local artists from the South Bay will be showcased at the seven venues participating in the Downtown Torrance Artwalk. A map and more information is available at www. destination-art.net. The Artwalk culminates with tours of the studios at Destination: Art, 1815 W. 213th St., #135. Destination: Art is a non-profit studios and gallery created to elevate the presence of local artists and their contributions to the South Bay by providing creative and collaborative exhibition and studio spaces; connecting and engaging with the public to promote fine art and to provide education in visual arts; and, through advocacy efforts, bringing about more Margaret Lindsey, Springtime in the Marsh, pastel. Both will be on display at Destination: Art during the Downtown Torrance Artwalk. awareness and engagement of art as essential to the flourishing of the human spirit. Where: Downtown Torrance, Torrance, CA 90501 Cost: Free Contact: 1815 W 213th St, #135, Torrance, CA 90501 310-742-3192 ‘The Fits’ Proves That Creativity in the Film Industry Isn’t Dead By Morgan Rojas for www.cinemacy.com In 2015, director Anna Rose Holmer was declared one of Filmmaker Magazine’s “25 New Faces of Independent Film,” and after watching her feature directorial debut, “The Fits,” it’s obvious to see why. Holmer doesn’t only manage to capture the entire world of her story in a brisk 70-minute running time, she has the ability to evoke palpable emotion without the use of much dialogue, which culminates in a chills-inducing final scene (as this reviewer can attest to). Eleven-year-old Toni (newcomer Royalty Hightower), a young girl of color, stands out from the rest of the youths around her. In a recreational boxing gym, with long boxer braids hanging off of her tiny frame, Toni stands apart from the rest of the boys, working through a set of sit-ups as her overprotective brother Jermaine (Da’Sean Minor) practices jabs. Yet she also stands out from the other girls, a group of whom spend time just down the hall from the gym as part of a hip-hop dance troupe, which is where Toni, after hearing the transfixing reverb of deep bass music, is drawn to and sees an energetic, hypnotizing dance battle between them. Without telling Jermaine, Toni joins the girls, thrusting herself into a new world of forging female friendships and self-discovery in adulthood. Things turn strange when some of the older girls on the team begin experiencing unexplained “fits,” including loss of breath, convulsions, and passing out. This puts the fear of the unknown in all of the girls. Toni and her new friend Beezy (Alexis Neblett) can only explain it as “boyfriend disease.” This is where the film turns unexpectedly dark, the score begins to reflect a psychological thriller and everyone, the audience included, is on the edge of our seat trying to figure out just what is wrong and how to stop it. What captivated audiences in Sia’s “Chandelier” music video has the potential to do the same thing here, the dancing mixed with the innocence of the girls and the art house feel of the film is a winning combination. Royalty Hightower puts on a tour de force performance, she carries the film on her back so effortlessly. Her strengths don’t just come out in the pull-ups she does, they are hidden within her face and explode during high-intensity scenes. Remember her name, Royalty Hightower is just getting started. While she may be a first time director, Holmer definitely has behind the camera experience. Her past work in the industry includes camera department on films such as “Twilight” and “Tiny Furniture,” two very different films tonally, but both standouts to me personally. It is no wonder then that some of the film’s strongest qualities are the beautifully composed shots; from ethereal one takes of Toni practicing her dance routine outside on the stairs to the energized repetition of the group’s call and answer moves, Holmer makes every frame look like a work of art. Not a lot of dialogue is spoken, nor does it need to be, because the visuals easily carry the film to great heights. “The Fits” is equal parts dramatic and surreal, and on a larger scale, proves that creativity in the film industry is not dead. After seeing this film, how can one even stand the thought of another sequel or superhero blockbuster? If directors like Holmer are just given a chance, I believe the whole industry would be changed for the better. “The Fits” is an astounding job all around, stylistically composed with the substance and heart to back it up. “The Fits” is now playing in select theaters, including Laemmle’s Monica Film Center, Playhouse 7, and NoHo 7. • Film Review Royalty Hightower as Toni in ‘The Fits.’ Courtesy of Oscilloscope. Olympics from front page massive construction costs. The foundation has given $1.3 million this year in both large and small grants to after-school sports programs, the Southern California Tennis Association, flag rugby, s w i m m i n g , squash, boxing, girls baseball, g y m n a s t i c s , equestrian and s o c c e r. The foundation isn’t done giving for this year. Another round of grants will be announced this month, and any sports-based nonprofit serving children in the South Bay may apply. U p c o m i n g grant cycles and how to apply are explained at the foundation’s web site, http:// www.la84.org. LA84 calls the $1.3 million spent so far “an investment” that will keep 38,000 youth active in after-school sports across Southern California. Grants also pay for referees, uniforms, coaching clinics, gym repairs, The 1984 L.A. Olympic Organizing Committee, led by Peter Ueberroth, set up a charity for Southern California youth sports. scoreboards and equestrian scholarships. The awards range from $5,000 to $337,000, depending on the size of the need and the number of children involved. “Sports have the power to create a lasting positive impact on a child’s life, and we are inspired by all the kids and organizations that embody the values that have encouraged our organization to give back to our communities since the 1984 Olympic Games,” said foundation chief executive Renata Simril, a bronze rowing medalist in the 1976 Summer Games in Munich. Ueberroth tried out for the 1956 Games with the U.S. men’s volleyball team. Play Rugby, which is introducing flag ruby in L.A. schools, received $77,000 in January to cover staff, tournaments and startup costs. The Venice Boys & Girls Club received $25,000 for staff and uniforms for the Play Gloria Lee, Warrior Mask, Acrylic. Enrollment Open for 2016 Summer Session at SoCal ROC For the first time since 2009, the Southern California Regional Occupational Center (SoCal ROC) is offering a summer program for adult students. Adults may register now for summer Career and Technical Education courses. Courses that will be offered include: Automotive Modules I-IV, Welding Modules I-IV, Dental Assisting, Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), Pharmacy Technician, Medical Billing, and more! The summer session begins July 11, and ends on Aug. 18. Adults may enroll at the SoCal ROC registration office at 2300 Crenshaw Boulevard in Torrance. The registration office is open Monday through Thursday, from 7:30 a.m. to 7:45 p.m. Beginning June 13, registration is open from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday. For additional information, please call 310-224-4200. Enroll now! Classes fill quickly! To view a list of all courses available during the summer session, please visit www. socalroc.com. • See Olympics, page 6
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