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Author: Alfredo Casuso

17th Annual International Ocean Film Festival Postponed Out of “Abundance of caution” in light of COVID-19

Media contact: David Perry & Associates, Inc. (415) 676-7007 / news@davidperry.com

17th Annual International Ocean Film Festival Postponed
Out of “Abundance of caution” in light of COVID-19

Event Originally Scheduled March 12 – 15 in San Francisco



4 March 2020 – San Francisco, CA: The International Ocean Film Festival (www.intloceanfilmfest.org), often called “The Sundance of Ocean Films” and host of the largest gathering of its type in the world, has announced a postponement of this year’s 17th annual event, originally slated for March 12 – 15 at San Francisco’s Cowell Theatre and other venues throughout the Bay Area.

“Out of an abundance of caution, and in light of the still developing situation with COVID-19, we have decided to postpone this year’s festival until all travel restrictions for visiting filmmakers have been lifted, and most importantly, out of respect for our audiences,” said Ana Blanco, Executive Director for the Festival

Large public gatherings can accelerate the spread of infectious diseases, and San Francisco has already declared a state of emergency because of the spread of COVID-19.  In light of an unknown, but growing number of cases in Northern California, the International Ocean Film Festival board made the difficult decision to postpone the organization’s cornerstone event.

“With more than 5000 people expected to attend, we know this is the proper response so that when we do reschedule the festival will be a joyful and relaxing experience, and not pose any additional risks or inconvenience to our audience and partners,” said Blanco.


Over the next few weeks, working in concert with filmmakers and venues, the International Ocean Film Festival will announce a new series of dates, likely for mid- to late summer.

For 17 years, San Francisco’s International Ocean Film Festival has been pursuing its ocean conservation mission through film: Saving Our Oceans –  One Film at a Time. This year’s Festival selection comprised 56 films from 15 countries including four world premieres, six United States premieres, nine West Coast premieres and six Bay Area Premieres.

“This is easily the most diverse group of films we’ve ever had, with the greatest international participation to date,” said Blanco.

For the 2020 Festival, 160 submissions were received from around the world, including films from the USA, Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, Italy, Switzerland, France, Germany, Turkey, Peru, Ecuador, Brazil, South Korea, Madagascar and South Africa. The list includes films of all genres – documentaries, narratives, shorts, and animation films of all lengths. As always, the Festival focuses on all ocean centric themes including but not limited to: ocean exploration, wildlife, environmental, conservation, oceanography, seafaring adventures, maritime issues, ocean sports and coastal cultures.

In order to fulfill its conservation mission, and in addition to screening films, the International Ocean Film Festival has aligned itself with the Ocean Unite’s #Love30x30 initiative to bring more awareness to this global effort. #Love30x30 is a call to action to safeguard at least 30% of the world’s ocean by 2030 through a network of highly protected marine areas where no destructive or extractive activities like fishing or mining can take place.

Since its launch in 2004, the San Francisco-based International Ocean Film Festival has attracted thousands of spectators of all ages from around the world, including film enthusiasts, sea athletes, educators, and environmental activists. Since then, the Festival has presented over 600 films from 50 different countries and featured post-film Q&A sessions with visiting filmmakers, special panel discussions with content experts, and the Annual Free Student Education Program. It was the first event of its kind in North America, inspired by the well-established ocean festival in Toulon, France, which has continued to draw large audiences for more than 40 years.

Current sponsors for the 17th Annual International Ocean Film Festival include National Marine Sanctuary, BigBus of San Francisco, Gray Line Tours, SSA, Alcatraz Cruises, the Port of San Francisco, the Consul General of Canada, Blue and Gold Ferry, RBC Wealth Management, Heidrick & Struggles and Pacific Gas & Electric.

The International Ocean Film Festival encourages its patrons, supporters and partners to follow the most current advice from the Center for Disease Control and the World Health Organization for preventing the further spread of the COVID-19 in Northern California and beyond, and to stay tuned for announcements about International Ocean Film Festival events once the threat level is reduced.

The Hotel Council of San Francisco COVID-19 Statement

2 March 2020 — 1pmPacific

In light of the ongoing COVID-19 / Coronavirus, we wanted to update everyone with the most current information, and let you know that we are in constant touch and coordination with the San Francisco Mayor’s Office and all health officials about the latest developments.

As we reported at the end of last week, there are no cases of COVID-19 / Coronavirus that have originated in San Francisco, and all hotels and businesses are open for business and ready to receive visitors. 

As always, the health and safety of our members and guests is our foremost concern and will continue to update our membership, and the public, as the situation warrants.

— Kevin Carroll, SF Hotel Council President & CEO

Everything is ready and the Italian travel industry is pushing back against negative and inaccurate media coverage related to COVID-19. 

“Milan loves you! Now, show that you love Milan!”

There are no risks attending IGLTA Convention in Italy in May: 

Everything is ready and the Italian travel industry is pushing back against negative and inaccurate media coverage related to COVID-19. 

“Italy is being more transparent, and doing more testing than any other European country. We are more safe than before, not less.”
— Alessio Virgili, President of the IGLTA Host Committee

28 February 2020 – Milan, Italy: Lately, the image of Italy abroad has been distorted by a series of proactive decisions made by the Italian Government to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus. These governmental actions, designed to stop the spread of the virus, have – unfortunately – led to a perception that Italy is “less safe” than other countries. In fact, the opposite is true.

In light of this, Alessio Virgili, International Gay and Lesbian Tourist Association (IGLTA) Ambassador, CEO of the Sonders & Beach Group and President of the host committee for 37th IGLTA Global Convention, confirms that the Convention will take place on May 6-9 , 2020 in Milan.

“The Italian Health Ministry did more than 9,000 tests and 95% of these were negative,” said Virgili.  “The tests found that only 5% of test patients were infected and only 20% of these showed symptoms of illness.  Out of an abundance of caution, the Italian health authorities also tested people who were not showing symptoms.  France, for example, did only 475 tests. Other countries did not state the number of tests done. For this reason, there is an inaccurate perception that Italy has a greater COVID-19 outbreak than other countries. In fact, Italy is the victim of its own transparency. Italy is not less safe. Rather, Italy has been more scrupulous and more transparent in its efforts to fight the virus. The media has mis-represented,and over-dramatized the situation. COVID-19 is under control in Italy.”

Looking forward, Virgili stresses that plans are continuing for the May IGLTA Convention in Milan, including a party on March 4th in Milan to preview the May event. The party is hosted by ENIT, the Italian Tourist Board and Sonders & Beach.  Preparation for the event in May has been ongoing for several years including a new destination management plan for inbound LGBTQ+ tourism, the first for Italy. 

“Our theme for the IGLTA conference in May is Milan Loves You’,” said Virgilli.  “Now, we are looking forward to the world returning that affection. COVID-19 is a serious issue and one which we are monitoring carefully.  Italy is as safe as any country during these stressful times, perhaps safer. But, as always, Italians invite drama: it’s one of our distinctive characteristics. However, don’t let drama get in the way of facts. Come to Italy and come to the IGLTA conference in May.” 

Letizia Strambi 

Head of PR and Media  

Sonders & Beach Group

0039 3339579055 

info@letiziastrambi.com press@sondersandbeach.com 

Panic is a click away: Don’t take the click bait

Panic is Click Away: Don’t take the click bait

President Franklin Delano Roosevelt famously said: “The only thing we have to fear, is fear itself.”

Those words bear repeating this week during the continually updated and truly developing story that is the COVID-19 outbreak. 83,000 people out of a planet of 8 billion have been infected.  Around 3000 have died. Annually, over 650,000 people die from the flu. None of this is “good” but it is reason to have a bit of perspective. In 1976, Ebola (arguably the most frightening word in the lexicon of disease) broke out in 9 countries and killed 13,500 people with a mortality rate of 40%. Basically – you get Ebola, you have a 50/50 chance of surviving. In 2002, SARS broke out in 29 countries and killed 775 people with a mortality rate of 9.6 % — better odds than Ebola, for sure. In 2012, MERS broke out in 28 countries resulting in 858 deaths, with a mortality rate of 34%. All of these, we as a country – and a world –survived. We integrated the information into our lives, and we learned from the experience.

What is the difference now with COVID-19? The answer is simple: panic is a click away. The other diseases had the capability to infect. Today, the Internet and social media infect our every waking thought (“Ping! Ping! Panic!”)

We are not medical experts, although we have worked with and represented many. Our job is simple: communicate the truth – simply, effectively and hopefully in a way that leads to greater education and social responsibility. No one is happy about COVID-19, but also, what is already becoming clear is this: for the vast, vast majority of the world’s population, it will be something to deal with, not to die from.  

It has been said that the stock market thrives on fear and greed. At the moment, fear is taking its toll, but greed will come back in as investors see opportunities to buy. That’s not being cynical, that’s observing history. Even now, as new cases of COVID-19 are discovered in Europe, the rate of infection in China – where the disease evidently originated – is tapering off. 

So, what is our point? Just this: don’t rely on the stock-ticker speed of your Facebook page or your Twitter feed to inform your choices. Rely on the advice of proven experts who – internationally – have all been saying the same thing: take reasonable precautions. Don’t cancel your trips to Italy. Wash your hands. Cover your coughs and sneezes. Use towels to open doors and turn off water faucets in public restrooms. It’s the same advice medical professionals have been giving for a hundred years.

This week, our clients have (rightly) turned to us for advice and counsel, and our counsel has been this: stay informed, but don’t panic and have some perspective. 

A few days ago, using the power of social media, the Centers for Disease Control released an animated GIF that went viral, based on the now iconic phrase “Keep Calm.” Its message: “Keep Calm and Wash Your Hands.” All of us know how to wash our hands (although, a reminder might be advised for the next few weeks) but we could all use a reminder in the first adage: “Keep Calm.”

There is every indication that we will get through this. And, we will get through it better, wiser and better prepared by not clicking on every 100 point font online.

David Perry & Janis MacKenzie

David Perry & Janis MacKenzie are longtime crisis communications specialists in San Francisco with more than 70 years experience between them.

AsiaSF / Palm Springs Springs Into Full Bloom in First Month! Starting March 4: Expanded Hours and Service Options

Media contact: David Perry & Associates, Inc. (415) 676-7007 / news@davidperry.com 

AsiaSF / Palm Springs Springs Into Full Bloom in First Month!
Starting March 4: Expanded Hours and Service Options

 Lotus Lounge Bar: Wednesday – Sunday 3pm – Close with Happy Hour 3pm – 5pm

Dinner Shows: Wednesday – Sunday, 6pm
Cocktail Shows (non-dinner): Friday & Saturday, 8:30pm
Forbidden City Dance Club: Friday & Saturday, 10pm – close

Cal-Asian Restaurant, Cabaret, Dinner Theater and Night Club 
Features Transgender “Ladies of AsiaSF”

www.asiasf.com 

26 February 2020 – Palm Springs, CA:In less than three weeks of full-scale operation, AsiaSF/Palm Springs has transformed the entertainment and culinary landscape of Palm Springs and the Desert. With sold-out-shows, and Instagram-able memories and legions of Facebook video posts, the acclaimed dinner theatre and cabaret featuring the world-famous transgender Ladies of AsiaSF/Palm Springs at 1555 South Palm Canyon Drive, has become an overnight sensation. Now, heading into the glorious spring season that brings to the Valley bachelorettes, Coachella and Stage Coach music fans and legions of White Party fans, AsiaSF/Palm Springs has announced expanded hours and service options destined to be popular with visitors and locals alike. The new hours begin March 4.

“Thank you Palm Springs,” said Larry Hashbarger, Chairman and CEO of AsiaSF. “From the second we opened for reservations, our phones and website have been bursting with requests. We’re so proud, and excited, to be fully open and welcoming our guests to the full AsiaSF experience. We’ve had an overwhelming request from our customers to meet and interact more with our talented Ladies of AsiaSF/Palm Springs and these expanded options will allow us to do just that.”

The Lotus Lounge bar with indoor and outdoor seating remains open Wednesday through Sunday, includingHappy Hour 3pm – 5pm adding to the already diverse Palm Springs lounge scene. The acclaimed runway performance by the “Ladies of AsiaSF/Palm Springs” continues as a full dinner show. Based on overwhelming customer demand, there is a new addition: the Cocktail Show (non-dinner/cocktail-only option) is now available.   Prices: $ 68 for dinner shows which includes a 5-course tasting menu inclusive of entertainment; $ 35 for cocktail shows (non-dinner) inclusive of admission to the Forbidden City Dance Club. Cocktails priced separately. The full schedule follows below, beginning March 4:

  • Dinner Shows: Wednesday – Sunday, 6pm
  • Cocktail Shows: Friday & Saturday, 8:30pm (including complimentary admission to the Forbidden City Dance Club). NOTE: Following Friday and Saturday shows, the red-hot Forbidden City Dance Club will be open 10pm – close. 
  • Lotus Lounge Bar: Wednesday – Sunday: 3pm – close with Happy Hour 3pm -5pm
  • Forbidden City Dance Club: Friday & Saturday, 10pm – close

The adjacent Sonoran at AsiaSF/Palm Springs outdoor special event space with a full bar facility, pool, restrooms, cabanas and large open manicured lawn with exceptional mountain views is available for special event rentals seven days a week.

For individual reservations, groups and special events go to www.asiasf.com or call (760) 249-2766.  

“With our new Happy Hour and Cocktail Show options there’s more of the AsiaSF/Palm Springs experience to enjoy and more opportunities to learn about, and experience, the stories of our transgender stars,” says Hashbarger.

With Vegas commercial style choreography by Ronnie Reddick and award-winning Cal-Asian cuisine from Chef Jen Solomon, AsiaSF/Palm Springs is a unique interactive, cabaret and dinner entertainment experience. From the moment one enters, the internationally acclaimed “Ladies of AsiaSF” will entertain and enlighten you, complete with stand-out-performances featuring original creations by Julian Mendez Couture and Prime Kreations of Los Angeles who has designed for Beyoncé and Kendall Jenner.  AsiaSF’s spectacular interiors, calling to mind a “1930s Shanghai” aesthetic are by Joshua Rowland Interiors.  In addition, taking advantage of the Coachella Valley’s indoor/outdoor lifestyle, the new location will also feature a special outdoor pool club event space with cabanas, bar and luxurious lawn known as The Sonoran at AsiaSF.

Founded by Hashbarger and Skip Young, AsiaSF has been packing in sell-out crowds at its original location for over 22 years, with legions of fans traveling to San Francisco from all over the world. Millions more have had the “AsiaSF experience” via the Fuse TV show featuring the AsiaSF cast, Transcendent. Voted “One of America’s Hottest 100 Restaurants” by Opentable, AsiaSF has hosted over 1 million patrons since it opened its doors in 1998.