By Michèle De Meglio
Hollywood hipsters will collide with underground filmmakers at a special screening of award-winning short films. On February 10, Asbury Shorts New York will hold a Saturday night show at the Brooklyn Lyceum featuring a special guest – Adrian Grenier, who plays Vincent Chase on HBO’s hit show “Entourage.” The star, who lives in Clinton Hill, will be on hand to introduce “Euthanasia,” a short film he wrote and directed, and jam with his band, the Honey Brothers. “An actor like Adrian Grenier, known to the public for his television and movie projects, presenting a short film of his own creation only adds to the fun of the evening,” said Doug LeClaire, director of Asbury Shorts New York. Grenier said he is excited about participating in the show, especially since it’s being held close to home and is hosted by a thriving Brooklyn-based arts organization. “I am happy to support any festival that features short films, especially if they are in my neighborhood,” he told 24/Seven. “Short films don’t have an adequate outlet and it’s a shame because I love them.” His film was his latest transition from working in front of the camera to behind it. “The goal is really the same – to make the best possible movie,” he said of acting versus filmmaking. “‘Euthanasia’ was inspired by a true story that happened to my friend Alona when she was a kid,” he explained. The film’s producer, Evan Ferrante, offered details about the plot, which follows two teenage girls, one of which just got her driver’s license. “They run over something and they’re forced to deal with that,” he explained. “They’re ill-equipped, precocious teenagers from Westchester. They’ve never dealt with anything like this before – they’re very materialistic and spiritually disconnected. This is too real for them.” “Euthanasia” has been a hit with audiences. It premiered at last year’s Tribeca Film Festival and won the audience award at the Harlem International Film Festival. Joining Grenier’s piece in Asbury Shorts’ lineup at the Lyceum will be about a dozen other short films, several of which have won various awards at international film festivals. They include the animated film “Return I Will to Old Brazil” by Alex Budovsky. Based in Bensonhurst, Budovsky was inspired to make the film after hearing the Baros and Russel’s song “Brazil,” which tells the tale of a homesick monkey. “It’s a classic song,” he said. “I felt the urge to make a film based on that. Most of my films are done with the music that I fell in love with.” The monkey’s story also hit close to home for Budovsky, who was born and raised in Russia. “For me, it’s a song about no return. The monkey sings about returning to Brazil and in the end she managed to return to Brazil but it’s not the Brazil she knows,” he said. Budovsky said Brooklyn may ultimately find its way into one of his films. The borough has been a source of inspiration for many local filmmakers and those showing their work in the Asbury Shorts show. Even Grenier, who hit box office gold with his supporting role in last year’s “The Devil Wears Prada,” chose to live in Brooklyn instead of posh Manhattan or sunny California. “I find Brooklyn to have the most beautiful areas of the city,” said the Manhattan-raised actor. “I also feel a compatibility with the people. And frankly, Manhattan is just too unreasonably priced these days. You don’t have to break your back to live well in Brooklyn.” Residing in the borough has given him time to play drums with the Honey Brothers, which bills itself as a cross between country and glam rock. “I started playing music about 12 years ago, and the Honey Brothers and I started playing about seven years after that,” he said. “Now I’m recording another album with them.” The band will perform after all the films in Asbury Shorts’ lineup are screened on February 10. “Adrian Grenier, elite short films, an historic landmark location, and the Honey Brothers,” LeClaire gushed. “How can you ask for more? We guarantee you’ll have a fantastic evening!” The Asbury Shorts show will start at 7:30 p.m. at the Lyceum, located at 227 Fourth Avenue. Tickets are $12 and can be purchased in advance at www.brooklynlyceum.com. To make reservations by phone, contact 718-857-4816. Asbury Shorts presents a regular Sunday night show at the Lyceum. Dates and times are posted on the Lyceum’s website. The Lyceum can be reached at 718-866-GOWANUS. Learn more about the Honey Brothers by visiting www.thehoneybrothers.com. Check out Budovsky’s work at www.figlimigliproductions.com.
