American Film Market (AFM)Vegas Bound Gets Early Sign-Ups! From A24, LionsGate, Voltage, StudioCanal, Neon, Pathe
The American Film Market ® (AFM®) announces the current lineup of participating Exhibitors for its upcoming 45th edition, scheduled for November 5-10, 2024.
This year marks a significant milestone as the American Film Market relocates to the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas for the first time.
With American Film Market is still four months away, Exhibitor registrations are surging, with early sign-ups far surpassing previous years. Currently, 145 sales, production, and distribution companies, along with international trade organizations, film commissions, and national umbrella stands from 25 countries have secured spaces in The Palms’ Fantasy Tower, AFM’s designated hub.
The ongoing influx of Exhibitor commitments establishes serious momentum for the Las Vegas show and indicates that AFM 2024 will exceed recent participation levels.
Exhibitors to date include major international companies and organizations such as v, Telepool GmbH, The Match Factory, Trust Nordisk, Unifrance, The Veterans, Vision Films, Inc., Voltage Pictures, WestEnd Films, WME Independent, and XYZ Films, among many others.
Buyer and Attendee participation is also running strong since registration opened in mid-June, with participants from 45 countries already registered. Organizers estimate total participation to come from more than 80 countries.
Early commitments from Exhibitors and Buyers underscores the event’s global significance and returning confidence in the business. The convenience of hosting all participants and Market activities in a single location, including AFM Screenings at The Palms’ Brenden Theatres and The AFM Sessions, also is welcomed by Exhibitors and Buyers alike.
AFM 2024 will be a landmark event for global content, offering unparalleled opportunities for discovering the newest independent film and TV productions and projects and an energetic and efficient environment for business transactions, networking, knowledge sharing, and educational opportunities. Further details about AFM Exhibitors and the comprehensive event schedule, conferences and speakers will be announced in the coming weeks and months.
For the Current List of AFM Exhibitors, visit: americanfilmmarket.com/exhibitor-list-2024
For More Information on AFM and to Register, visit: americanfilmmarket.com.
About the American Film Market® (AFM®)
The AFM is where the global film and television business comes to life every November. The only independently produced international sales market, hundreds of finance, production, sales and distribution companies and thousands of professionals from every segment of the industry, convene at AFM for six days of discovery, development, deal making, networking, marketplace discussions and world-class conferences. The AFM is produced by the Independent Film & Television Alliance® (IFTA®) and serves as the annual fundraiser for the association.
About the Independent Film & Television Alliance® (IFTA®)
IFTA is the global trade association for independent film and television production, finance, distribution, and sales companies. The organization represents the independent sector before governments and international bodies and provides significant entertainment industry services to independent companies around the world.
About Palms Casino Resort
Palms Casino Resort is a trailblazer as the first Las Vegas resort fully owned and operated by a Native American tribe, the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians. With 766 hotel rooms and suites across two towers, Palms offers a dynamic mix of bars and restaurants including the acclaimed steakhouse Scotch 80 Prime, the popular A.Y.C.E Buffet, and celebrity chef-driven eateries including Mabel’s BBQ by Chef Michael Symon and sky-high dining at Vetri Cucina from Chef Marc Vetri. Home to live entertainment venues, and unique lifestyle experiences within a redesigned 95,000-square-foot casino, amenities include free valet and self-parking, The Pearl (a 2,500-seat concert theater), Ghostbar Rooftop Lounge, The Spa & Salon, the Brenden Theatre 14-screen cinema, over 190,000 square feet of meeting space, and nearly 600 units at Palms Place condominiums. Sammy’s Island at Palms Pool, named after rock legend Sammy Hagar, offers island fun and laid-back vibes. Palms features innovative suites like the Hardwood Suite for basketball fans, the Kingpin Suite for bowling enthusiasts, and many more theme suites. The Sky Villa suites, with masterful artwork and private pools & terraces, with breathtaking views of the Strip provide unmatched luxury for unforgettable experiences. Located just west of the Las Vegas Strip off I-15 on Flamingo Road, Palms Casino Resort is owned by The San Manuel Gaming and Hospitality Authority (SMGHA), an affiliate of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians. For more details, visit palms.com or the Palms Press Room.
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Superstar Chef “The Bear” Matty Matheson launches #TGISunday with Pacific Foods to Tackle the Sunday Scaries
Pacific Foods, a brand known for its organic and high-quality ingredients, has launched its #TGISunday content series to help people overcome the widespread phenomenon known as the “Sunday Scaries.”
Developed in partnership with chef and television star Matty Matheson, the series is designed to transform Sunday anxiety into a time for culinary joy and inspiration.
A recent survey by Pacific Foods* revealed the deep impact of the Sunday Scaries, with the average American experiencing this pre-Monday apprehension 36 times a year. Typically, the unsettling feelings begin around 3:54 p.m. on Sundays, leading to an average of six hours and six minutes** spent in dread each week—totaling a staggering 219 hours annually.
The Bear Star Matty Matheson launches #TGISunday with Pacific Foods to Tackle the Sunday Scaries
Recognizing that cooking serves as a soothing activity for many with 31% of people finding joy in preparing meals on Sundays, Pacific Foods is addressing these anxieties by offering easy, comforting recipes through the #TGISunday content series on its website.
Matty Matheson and a group of wellness and food aficionados will share curated recipes designed to combat the Sunday Scaries and embrace the calming, restorative power of cooking to unwind and reclaim their Sundays.
Chef Matty Matheson brings his trademark enthusiasm to the kitchen, making his stance on Sundays clear by turning them into a day of culinary excitement. “Look, I know Sundays can be a drag for a lot of folks, so let’s flip that script. Let’s rock the kitchen with some serious cooking that’s all about fun and flavor without it being a chore or another worry. Cooking isn’t just about eating; it’s about chilling out and making something awesome that feeds your soul,” explains Matheson.
Matty’s unique recipe—the Spicy Shrimp Pasta Bake—will be a highlight of the series, which will also feature content from various figures known for their culinary expertise. All recipes and tips will be available through social where viewers of the #TGISunday series are encouraged to share their own meal-hacking tips using Pacific Foods products. Fans can also enter to win a custom illustrated soup mug, designed by Pacific and Matheson, to add to their Sunday rituals.
“Matty Matheson’s vibrant personality and the joy he brings to food make him a natural fit to join us in our mission to take back Sundays,” said Erika Jubinville, head of Pacific Foods marketing. “He inspires all of us to bring more fun and creativity to our cooking routine, and sparks excitement for new ways to use Pacific products.”
For more insights into the #TGISunday series, please visit pacificfoods.com/TGISunday.
About Pacific Foods
Pacific Foods was founded in 1987 in Tualatin, Ore. and was acquired by Campbell Soup Company in 2017. For more than 150 years, Campbell (NASDAQ:CPB) has been connecting people through food they love. Generations of consumers have trusted us to provide delicious and affordable food and beverages. Headquartered in Camden, N.J. since 1869, the company generated fiscal 2023 net sales of $9.4 billion. Our portfolio includes iconic brands such as Campbell’s, Cape Cod, Goldfish, Kettle Brand, Lance, Late July, Milano, Michael Angelo’s, noosa, Pace, Pacific Foods, Pepperidge Farm, Prego, Rao’s, Snyder’s of Hanover, Swanson and V8. Campbell has a heritage of giving back. The company is a member of the Standard & Poor’s 500 as well as the FTSE4Good and Bloomberg Gender-Equality Indices. For more information, visit www.campbellsoupcompany.com.
Vegas is looking for a Cocktail-Inspired Meat Stick: from Vermont Smoke & Cure and WhistlePig Whiskey
Vermont Smoke & Cure and WhistlePig Whiskey Unveil Cocktail-Inspired Meat Stick
Vermont Smoke & Cure, a rural smokehouse maker of premium meat products, and WhistlePig Whiskey, acclaimed for its exceptional rye whiskey, announce their groundbreaking collaboration:
Maple Old Fashioned Smoked Meat Sticks, a limited time offering.
This innovative product marks a creative partnership in the premium meat sticks category, combining Vermont’s rich culinary traditions with the artistry of craft cocktails.
Inspired by the classic Maple Old Fashioned cocktail, these unique meat sticks are slow-cooked in Vermont Smoke & Cure’s smokehouse using locally-sourced WhistlePig Whiskey, custom made chips from whiskey barrel staves and WhistlePig’s Barrel-Aged Maple Syrup.
Cocktail-Inspired Meat Stick: from Vermont Smoke & Cure and WhistlePig Whiskey
The result is a sophisticated snack that pairs perfectly with whiskey and elevates the cocktail experience. Made with pork raised without antibiotics or added hormones, these sticks contain no artificial colors, preservatives, or flavors, staying true to both brands’ commitment to quality.
“We’re thrilled to partner with WhistlePig to create something truly special for snack enthusiasts and cocktail aficionados alike,”
Michael Schafer
Commercial Business Lead of Vermont Smoke & Cure.
“This collaboration represents the best of Vermont craftsmanship and innovation.”
Meghan Ireland, Chief Blender at WhistlePig Whiskey, added, “Our partnership with Vermont Smoke & Cure allows us to extend the WhistlePig experience beyond the glass. These meat sticks are the perfect complement to our whiskey and embody the spirit of Vermont’s maker culture.”
“The idea to present these meat sticks as a cigar-like experience came naturally to our team,” said Catherine Weiner, senior brand manager at Vermont Smoke & Cure. “We recognized the longstanding tradition of pairing whiskey with cigars and saw an opportunity to echo that in our unique smoking process. This playful concept bridges the gap between traditional pairings and innovative snacking, offering a new way to savor the flavors of Vermont craftsmanship.”
The Maple Old Fashioned Smoked Meat Sticks will be available for purchase starting September 23, 2024, National Snack Stick Day, through select retailers and online platforms. The product comes in an 8-count, 1-oz pouch, perfect for sharing, savoring solo, and garnishing your favorite cocktail.
For more information about the product and where to purchase, visit VtSmokeWhistlePig.com.
ABOUT VERMONT SMOKE & CURE
Since 1962, Vermont Smoke & Cure has been crafting smoked meats and meat snacks in their Vermont smokehouse. The one-of-a-kind meat snacks are made with meat free from antibiotics and added hormones, artificial colors, preservatives or flavors. Available nationwide at natural food stores, supermarkets, mass merchandisers, club stores, and ecommerce retailers. All products are now available online. For more information, visit vtsmokeandcure.com. To find a store near you, click HERE.
Vegas Cookie News: Biggest Cookie Innovation Ever! From America’s #1 Cookie Brand
Biggest Cookie Innovation Ever, Chips Ahoy Big Chewy Cookies! From America’s #1 Cookie Brand
The cookie experts at Chips Ahoy! are at it again – this time showing up bigger than ever before.
Chips Ahoy! Big Chewy Cookie
Introducing the Chips Ahoy! Big Chewy Cookie – an entirely new product line from America’s #1 chocolate chip cookie brand.
Chips Ahoy! Big Chewy Cookie
As the brand that is “Here for Happy,” this innovation from Chips Ahoy! brings cookie lovers an offering that is over three times the size of Chips Ahoy! Regular Chewy in an individually wrapped pack, making it the ideal go-to snack for splitting with a friend.
These new Chips Ahoy Big Chewy Cookies will up the ante in snack aisles and convenience stores across the country. Designed with Gen-Z Chips Ahoy! lovers in mind – this oversized treat is perfect for on-the-go snacking during their busy lives or to split with a friend.
Boasting chocolatey chips over four times larger than the iconic Chips Ahoy! Chewy cookie for a bigger, more chocolatey bite, the cookie itself clocks in with a diameter over three times the size, and will be available in three delicious flavors:
- Chips Ahoy! Big Chewy Cookie: Delivering classic Chips Ahoy! Chewy flavor now bigger and with the just the right amount of chocolatey chips to compliment the larger cookie and its soft-baked texture.
- Chips Ahoy! Big Chewy Cookie, Chocolatey Brownie: A decadent brownie-flavored base takes indulgence up a notch and delivers an extra chocolatey bite for even the biggest sweet-tooth.
- Chips Ahoy! Big Chewy Cookie, Chocolatey Caramel: Delicious caramel-flavored chips blend with the iconic sweetness of the Chips Ahoy! chocolatey chips to create a delicious mash-up of caramel and chocolatey flavors to deliver a big, indulgent bite.
“From our original cookies to our newest innovations, Chips Ahoy! fans have long enjoyed our iconic brand and mouthwatering flavors,” said Jen Levin, Senior Brand Manager for Chips Ahoy! US. “For over 60 years, Chips Ahoy! cookies have been the go-to cookie for chocolate chip cookie lovers of all ages. Now, with the launch of Chips Ahoy! Big Chewy Cookies, we’re excited to be their on-the-go cookie choice as well, offering indulgence and happiness in each big, delicious bite. And perhaps the best part of all? Their bigger size means you have enough Chips Ahoy! deliciousness to share with a friend!”
Chips Ahoy! Big Chewy Cookie will begin rolling out to retailers nationwide starting in October. Each 2.5 oz pack will be available for an SRP $2.29 at convenience stores. For more information on Chips Ahoy! Big Chewy Cookie, follow @chipsahoy on Instagram and @theofficialchipsahoy on TikTok to follow the latest Big Chewy Cookie news.
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Autumn Adventures and Entertainment Are Just a Quick Trip from Las Vegas
Autumn Adventures and Entertainment Are Just a Quick Trip from Las Vegas
As the weather starts to cool down, activities are heating up just outside Las Vegas. Visitors looking to escape for a day can find star-studded entertainment and a variety of exciting outdoor activities in Boulder City, Laughlin and Mesquite this fall.
Can’t-miss events and activities include:
Boulder City
- American Rail Bikes
Take a ride and experience the thrill and excitement on an 8 mile excursion on a custom built rail bike through the picturesque landscape of southern Nevada. The adventure departs from the Nevada State Railroad Museum and travels west through the desert to the Railroad Pass Casino before returning to Boulder City. - Get Out on The Green
With three stunning courses, visitors can enjoy a little bit of everything in Boulder City. Featuring towering red mountain peaks and lush fairways, Cascata Golf Club is one of Nevada’s premier golf destinations. The meticulously manicured, 72-par course offers stunning vistas at every turn and a luxurious 37,000-square-foot clubhouse, ideal for relaxing when not on the green. Boulder Creek Golf Club is a public, 27-hole facility created for golfers of every skill level. Oasis-themed holes feature palm trees, beach bunkers, lakes and waterfalls. Golfers can also check out Boulder City Golf Course for wide-open fairways, two lakes and a clubhouse, as well as a driving range where visitors can practice their swing or take golf lessons. - Lake Mead National Recreation Area
Famous for its connection to the Hoover Dam, Lake Mead is the largest reservoir in the United States. Lake Mead National Recreation Area (LMNRA) is made up of the 112-mile-long lake, and includes trails, scenic drives, and campsites for those looking for a quick outdoor escape. Adventure outfitter companies like Vegas Glass Kayaks, Blazin’ Paddles and Evolution Expeditions offer a variety of kayaking options for every skill level and desired experience. Visitors can partake in leisurely tours through Black Canyon or excursions from the Hoover Dam down the Colorado River. The recreation area is open year round, 24 hours a day. - Gold Strike Hot Springs
The two-mile trek through Gold Strike Canyon leads to a collection of hot springs right next to the Colorado River. The trail is recommended for advanced hikers due to the steep 600-foot descent through the canyon, which incorporates eight ropes to help navigate down. Peppered through the canyon are pockets of hot pools, grottos and waterfalls. - River Mountains Loop Trail
Great for hiking, climbing and cycling, this 34-mile-long trail connects Lake Mead NRA with the Las Vegas valley. The long loop winds through the quaint town of Boulder City before quickly escaping to the more primitive desert surrounding the River Mountains. Visitors can enjoy views of Lake Mead here, with several places to pause and admire the scenery. The trail then winds through Henderson before returning to Boulder City. - Art Mural Walking Tour
Visitors can enjoy Boulder City’s eclectic art scene by simply taking a leisurely stroll around the small town. To navigate the town’s sculptures and vibrant murals, a downloadable map is available that highlights artists’ works. For a step-by-step tour and in-depth look at each sculpture and mural, visitors can download the Boulder City Chamber of Commerce app. - Desert Adventures
Desert Adventures provides unforgettable day trips, including hiking, backpacking, mountain biking, ATV tours, horseback riding, ziplines, and adventures in nearby national parks, Zion, Bryce Canyon, and the Grand Canyon. Known for its expertise in paddling, the company has 175 boats in their fleet, as well as other camping and outdoor gear available to rent.
Laughlin
- Rock Out on The River
- Tim McGraw – Saturday, Oct. 21
GRAMMY Award-winning entertainer, author and actor Tim McGraw will take the stage at Laughlin Event Center. - Sir Rod Stewart – Friday, Nov. 3
With over 250 million records sold worldwide, Sir Rod Stewart will grace the stage with his timeless hits at Laughlin Event Center. - Frankie Avalon – Friday, Nov. 17- Sunday, Nov. 19
Fans can sing along to Frankie Avalon’s No. 1 hits like “Why”, “Venus” and “Beauty School Dropout” at Don Laughlin’s Riverside Resort. - Matt Fraser – Saturday, Nov. 25
Celebrity medium and psychic Matt Fraser will shock the audience with his jaw-dropping readings at Edgewater Casino Resort. - Larry The Cable Guy – Saturday, Dec. 2
Larry the Cable Guy will “Git-R-Done” as he takes on Laughlin at the Edgewater Casino Resort.
- Tim McGraw – Saturday, Oct. 21
- Hike the Colorado River Heritage Greenway Trail
Visitors can hike in the picturesque desert wilderness and enjoy 10.5 miles of light trails that run alongside the Colorado River. The paths feature unique desert wildlife and natural formations along the way, all while taking visitors to the base of Davis Dam, a wonder of American engineering. - Get Out on the Green
With six courses in three states, golf enthusiasts have a plethora of options when planning an enjoyable golf outing in Laughlin. Each of the courses offer impeccably manicured greens, unique character, and options for golfers of all skill levels. With more than 300 days of sunshine a year, golfers can hit the green year-round at courses including El Rio Golf Club, Huukan Golf Club, Laughlin Ranch Golf Club, Los Lagos Golf Club, Mojave Resort Golf Club and Rivers Edge Golf Club. - Explore the Laughlin Labyrinths
Discover the beauty and serenity of the Laughlin desert by exploring the nearby labyrinths, which consist of nine stone mazes within a quarter-mile radius, ranging from 25-55 feet. Visitors can check out the collection’s newest additions: a 36-foot, seven-circuit octagon and a 33-foot, seven-circuit square labyrinth. Marked by a monument marker with a purple etched disc, the labyrinths can be found on the east side of Thomas Edison Drive, between Bruce Woodbury and Casino Drives, a quarter mile from the intersection. - Cruise the Colorado River
With a wide variety of river tours and rentals, visitors can enjoy the Colorado River feature in more ways than one. London Bridge Jet Boat Tours allows guests to experience the river and all its wonder in a sleek and quick jet boat. Those looking for a more relaxed tour of the river can either enjoy the only dinner cruise on the Colorado River by Laughlin River Tours, or board the U.S.S. Riverside for a guided excursion detailing the history of the Colorado River region.
Mesquite
- Nevada Open Golf Tournament (Tuesday, Nov. 7-Thursday, Nov. 9)
With over 40 years of championship history, the Nevada Open is one of the most respected and anticipated golf tournaments in the state. With a $150,000 prize purse, the championship round will take place at the CasaBlanca Golf Club on Thursday, Nov. 9. - CasaBlanca II-Man (Friday, Nov. 10-Sunday, Nov. 12)
This year, the CasaBlanca II-Man golf tournament will be expanding to take up to 150 teams. Taking place across three stunning golf courses—CasaBlanca Golf Club, Conestoga Golf Club and Palms Golf Club—the tournament will offer Gross and Net Flights, as well as 6 flights with a full field of 150 teams. - The Desert Ranch Experience by Camel Safari
Visitors can experience the desert in a new and unique way at this ranch situated on 176 acres along the Virgin River. With tours available via tram or ATV. participants will learn about and interact with several exotic animals such as camels, sloths, llamas and sand cats.
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About Mesquite
Close to home and yet a world away! Mesquite is located 90 miles north of Las Vegas and offers visitors an excitingly laid-back experience. Choose from several fabulous championship golf courses; explore astonishing, nearby national and state parks; or lounge by a sparkling pool. If you’d rather play indoors, then unwind and be pampered at a luxurious day-spa, practice your skill at bowling, dance the night away, or try your luck at the tables and slot machines. For more information on the destination, visit www.visitmesquite.com.About Laughlin
Located 90 miles south of Las Vegas, Laughlin is a unique resort destination with a relaxed and friendly atmosphere that welcomes nearly two million visitors annually. This oasis along the Colorado River boasts many options for water sports and boating activities, including eight resorts with stunning accommodations that offer fine dining, spa experiences, golfing, and a close proximity to the recreational paradise known as Heritage Trails. Laughlin has also become a leading special event destination in the Southwest. For more information: www.visitlaughlin.com.About Boulder City
Boulder City is known as a green oasis in the desert. Located approximately 20 miles from the glitter and excitement of Las Vegas and just a few miles from the grandeur of Hoover Dam and Lake Mead, the destination offers a quiet, relaxed living environment. Boulder City takes pride in its quality recreational facilities such as Bootleg Canyon mountain bike trails, Boulder City Golf Course, and Boulder Creek Golf Club. For more information visit, www.visitbouldercity.com. - American Rail Bikes
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Atomic Golf Las Vegas Welcomes Chef Robert Lomeli to its flagship location for Golf Entertainment Destination
Atomic Golf Las Vegas Appoints Robert Lomeli as Corporate Executive Chef
As Atomic Golf tees up for the highly-anticipated opening in Q1 of 2024, the new golf entertainment destination proudly welcomes Chef Robert Lomeli as the corporate executive chef for its flagship location in Las Vegas.
A seasoned resident of Las Vegas for over 25 years, Chef Robert has carved out a distinguished reputation within the local culinary community. His extensive career in the city has allowed him to work across various major hotels and casinos, receiving mentorship from renowned chefs with expertise in diverse cuisines. Beyond his culinary abilities, Chef Robert keenly understands the financial elements of running a successful restaurant.
Throughout his career, Chef Robert has played a pivotal role in the launch of notable establishments in the city, including Tom Colicchio’s Heritage Steak at the Mirage and Gordon Ramsey’s Hell’s Kitchen at Caesars Palace. He has also held executive chef positions at prestigious venues such as the Villas at the Mirage, Wolfgang Puck’s Bar & Grill at MGM Grand and most recently Top of the World at The STRAT. In his free time, Chef Robert participates in local cooking competitions that benefit the community. His culinary expertise even led him to claim victory on an episode of the Food Network’s popular TV show, Guy’s Grocery Games.
Chef Robert will leverage his extensive culinary background to curate an extraordinary dining experience at Atomic Golf by sourcing the finest seasonal ingredients while working closely with local purveyors.
Follow Atomic Golf on Facebook, X, and Instagram at @atomicgolfvegas for the latest updates.
About Atomic Golf
Atomic Golf is Las Vegas’ premier golf entertainment destination, combining next-generation golf technology, an engaging atmosphere, and immersive gameplay to create a fun, interactive, and energizing golf entertainment experience.Sitting on 100,000 square feet, steps from the famed Las Vegas Strip, Atomic Golf boasts four distinct floors comprised of 103 digitally enhanced golfing bays with state-of-the-art golf technology and a collection of original games, designed specifically for Atomic Golf, that infuse golf play with an interactive videogame; six full-service bars, each with their unique menus and atmospheres; flexible meeting and special event space; luxury golfing suites featuring a VIP entrance and a private bar; the one-of-a-kind Putting District with eight digital putting bays utilizing high-tech projection mapping to create a modernized putting game experience; chef-curated menus with elevated food and beverage offerings; The Tap Room with Bottoms Up technology and a curated collection of locally-brewed beers; the state-of-the-art Cosmic Lounge; the Astrocade with wall-to-ceiling, high-definition LCDs perfect for sports and entertainment viewing; and much more.
Atomic Golf is located at 1850 S. Main St., Las Vegas, NV 89104 next to The STRAT Hotel, Casino & Tower, steps from the famed Las Vegas Strip and blossoming Las Vegas Arts District.
For more information, please visit atomicgolf.com. Keep up with Atomic Golf on Facebook, X, and Instagram at @atomicgolfvegas.
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Global Art lovers take notice as Jérôme Peschard Launches Art Exhibition at the Sofitel Saigon Plaza in Ho Chi Minh City
Jérôme Peschard Launches Art Exhibition at the Sofitel Saigon Plaza in Ho Chi Minh City
For the past 60 years, Sofitel Hotels & Resorts has epitomised the essence of French art de vivre across the globe. As 2024 heralds its Diamond Jubilee, commemorated with a series of exclusive events at Sofitel properties worldwide, Sofitel Saigon Plaza, the paragon of French hospitality in Ho Chi Minh City, proudly inaugurated an extraordinary celebration of art.
From Left- Betty Qiffe Pallard, Consul General Daniël Stork of the Netherlands to Vietnam, Nykky Do and Milena Padula- Spouse of Consul General of Italy to Vietnam / photos courtesy of Nick Middleton for the Sofitel Saigon Plaza.
photos courtesy of Nick Middleton for the Sofitel Saigon Plaza.
On the evening of June 21st, the Sofitel Saigon Plaza was the scene of a glittering event, marking the launch of a collaboration with the internationally renowned French Pop Artist, Jérôme Peschard.
French Pop Artist Jérôme Peschard Portrait / photo courtesy of Stephane Thierry
The hotel’s lobby served as an elegant backdrop for an array of Peschard’s stunning oil paintings on recycled corrugated metal, showcasing his inspiration from French Indochina.
From Left- Tracie May, Milena Padula- Wife of Consul General of Italy to Vietnam, Sofitel Saigon Plaza Hotel Manager Alistair Minty, Lindsay Nutley, Consul General of Australia to Vietnam Sarah Hooper, Simon Pugh and Michael Hooper // photos courtesy of Nick Middleton for the Sofitel Saigon Plaza.
The event attracted an illustrious group of attendees, including Mrs. Sarah Hooper, Consul General of Australia to Vietnam; Mr. Daniël Stork, Consul General of the Netherlands to Vietnam; Mrs. Milena Padula, spouse of Italian Consul General Enrico Padula; and Mrs. Lê Hạnh, CEO of TVHub Vietnam. Distinguished guests also included Michelin Starred Chef/Owner Peter Cong Franklin of Ănăn Saigon, totalling one hundred and thirty of Ho Chi Minh’s leading tastemakers.
photos courtesy of Nick Middleton for the Sofitel Saigon Plaza.
Guests enjoyed a selection of exquisite canapés, fine wines, and champagne while admiring Peschard’s captivating works. Adding to the allure, music by DJ Edge Pamute filled the space, and trendsetters Tracie May and Nykky Domodelled custom-embroidered Áo Dài, the national costume of Vietnam, designed by Peschard and couturière Giao Basson. A pop-up retail store showcasing Peschard’s merchandise collection also opened to the public, featuring a curated selection of home decor, limited edition numbered and artist-signed lacquer replicas of paintings, and an array of gift items. Both the boutique and the art exhibit will grace the Sofitel Saigon Plaza throughout the summer, concluding in early September.
photos courtesy of Nick Middleton for the Sofitel Saigon Plaza.
This premier event highlighted the vibrant intersection of art, culture, and gastronomy, celebrating a unique fusion that will enchant visitors throughout the season, encapsulating Sofitel Hotel and Resort’s world of prestige and luxury.
photos courtesy of Nick Middleton for the Sofitel Saigon Plaza.
“I’m deeply grateful to Sofitel Saigon Plaza for granting me such a fantastic platform to showcase my art. Although I am French, my heart is Vietnamese, and I’m thrilled to share my homage to Vietnam with their guests and visitors during the 60th Anniversary celebration of Sofitel Hotels and Resorts.” – Jérôme Peschard
“Marking 60 years of exceptional hospitality, we take pride in being a part of a legacy that consistently sets the standard for excellence in Asia, providing a unique experience for all modern travellers to explore Ho Chi Minh City through a French-inspired perspective.” – Mario Mendis, GM, Sofitel Saigon Plaza
ABOUT SOFITEL SAIGON PLAZA:
Sofitel Saigon Plaza harmonises the sophistication of French art de vivre with the vibrancy of local Vietnamese culture, delivering a luxury hospitality experience enriched by genuine heartfelt service. Conveniently located in a tranquil enclave on Le Duan Boulevard, Sofitel Saigon Plaza places you in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City’s business, cultural, and shopping district. The hotel boasts 286 rooms and suites adorned with refined décor and deluxe amenities, a fitness centre featuring advanced exercise equipment, and an outdoor swimming pool with breathtaking city views. Sofitel Saigon Plaza also features five dining establishments serving local and French cuisine, seven polished meeting rooms, and an opulent ballroom equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, making it the ideal destination for business, leisure, meetings, and gatherings.
ABOUT JÉRÔME PESCHARD:
Dubbed the “Gauguin of Vietnam,” Jérôme Peschard is a self-taught artist whose work reflects a life richly lived and creatively charged. His art bridges the past with the present, blending East and West, while drawing profound inspiration from his adopted home of Vietnam. Characterised by the use of oil on rusted corrugated iron sheets salvaged from local construction sites, his pieces reflect the very essence of Saigon – its history, development, people, culture, and vibrant spirit. Peschard’s unique fusion of Western pop art with Asian influences, inspired by comic book legend Jack Kirby and modern art icons like Basquiat and Warhol, continues to evolve as he explores new themes in his storytelling. In the dynamic energy of Vietnam, Peschard not only found his place in the world, but also his distinctive artistic identity.
