Events
FILMMAKER’S PERSONAL STORY WILL ENCOURAGE YOU TO PUSH PAST CHALLENGES & REACH YOUR GOALS THIS YEAR!
Did you know that a staggering 92 percent of people that set New Year’s goals never actually achieve them? That’s according to research by the University of Scranton. Many of us start off well, then find ourselves stuck. It can be difficult to find our way out. Filmmaker Sway recently completed a documentary entitled “I Lost My Creativity” where he shares his story of how he found his way out of creative limbo and into creative freedom.
“I LOST MY CREATIVITY”
After two years of being in a creative limbo, Sway takes us through his life story as an artist. He shares his vulnerability and personal journey up until the exact moment of losing his creativity and the realization that it could be gone forever.
In addition to “I Lost My Creativity” being Sway’s personal story, it is a study on the creative process involving the dynamics of creative limbo and creative freedom. It is an origin story to the short film “Elpida” and serves as an effort to help all creative artists.
WATCH THE PROMO VIDEO HERE:
Click here to watch this full film: www.swayday.tv
Once Sway’s process of finding freedom reached its peak, he released his first short film! Appropriately named, the short film is titled “Elpida” which is the Greek word for hope.
“Elpida”
This short film tells the story of a young explorer (played by Julia Kuzmenko) who receives a message that leads her on a quest to discover the truth behind her destiny.
“I wanted to take this familiar word (“Elpida”) and explore it in a different way. I challenged myself to create a story and convey a message of hope that would be able to resonate with a broad audience.
Not only on the surface level, but deep inside the minds and hearts of the viewer. It is a story that explores the depths of the human heart through fear, mystery and love.” – Sway
Elpida is Sway’s first official short film which was created along with San Francisco based filmmaker Charlie Espinel. In November, their work was recognized by the Los Angeles FilmAwards.
WATCH THE PROMO VIDEO HERE:
Click here to watch this full film: www.swayday.tv
Both films were screened in Chicago presented by ArtSoul Radio where they also featured a panel discussion with the lead Directors of each film to speak about their creative process behind the scenes. The panel also included topics such as Creative Limbo vs Creative Freedom, Mental Health Awareness among artists and more. If you are interested in having a screening in your contact, you can request it here. Watch the recap of that event below:
Follow the hashtags #ArtFaithCreativity and #ArtSoulRadio on instagram for take aways from that event.
Both films were produced by Sway and his personal company Perswayed Films. A full list of contributors for each film is listed at the end of this article.
ABOUT SWAY:Sway (AKA Julio J. Irizarry) is most known for his video work in the Urban Christian community and CHH market. Prior to the release of these films, his most notable work included music videos such as “Same Team” by Swoope which featured KB, Jackie Hill Perry, Taelor Gray, Alex Faith, JGivens, KIDD, Datin, Sho Baraka and more. His work also includes production for Lecrae, Skrip, Andy Mineo, Angie Rose, Preston Perry, and platforms such as Reach Records, Rapzilla, ArtSoul Radio, Ctzn Creative and Streetlights. Learn more about Sway and his work at www.swayday.tv.
FILM CONTRIBUTORS:
Elpida (Short Film)
Lead Actress: Julia Kuzmenko
Directed by: Julio J. Irizarry (AKA Sway)
Written by: Lilah Jakobsson
Narrator: Shane Morris
Producer: Charlie Espinel
Assistant Producer: Julia Kuzmenko
Assistant Producer: Dina Zaitsev Kozlov
Audio Mix & Master: Elias Sepulveda Sound Design: Julio J. Irizarry (AKA Sway)
Color Design: Julio J. Irizarry (AKA Sway)
I Lost My Creativity (Documentary)
Director: Julio J. Irizarry (AKA Sway) Co Director: Eric Hilgers
Associate Producer: Tamara Young
Production Manager: Tamara Young Set Design/Photography: Laura Lopez Interviewer: Tamara Young
Lighting Design: Matthew Bowie
Audio Mix & Master: Elias Sepulveda Color Grade: Julio J. Irizarry (AKA Sway) Sound Design: Julio J. Irizarry (AKA Sway)
Editor: Julio J. Irizarry (AKA Sway)
Key Grip: Alonzo Diaz
This morning, TD Jakes appeared to have a medical emergency while closing his service in the pulpit this morning. Out of respect for the family and due to the video being triggering, we will not show the full video. But, we will say that his team came to his aid right away as the congregation began to pray.
We ask that you join us as we pray for his full and quick recovery as we also pray for his family and everyone present at today’s service.
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New York Times bestselling author Pastor Michael Todd introduces the first collective from REPRESENT Records, TRANSFORMATION WORSHIP. Birthed out of the Transformation Church in Tulsa, OK, Transformation Worship seeks to represent God, with a kingdom sound, for transformation in Christ. The first single from TRANSFORMATION WORSHIP, “Overflow” features Stellar Award winner Todd Dulaney and is available now wherever music is sold and streamed.
“Overflow” was first heard worldwide at the 2022 V02 Conference held at Transformation Church – becoming a viral success on social media. Now listeners can relive the fan favorite with a reimagined version of the song, now featuring Todd Dulaney. “Overflow” is a bold life affirmation that will be the brand-new anthem of 2024.
Since its inception in 1999, worship has remained a cornerstone of Transformation Church’s beliefs and values. Under the visionary leadership of Pastor Michael Todd, who assumed stewardship of the music ministry in 2010, worship at Transformation Church has continually evolved, guided by a prophetic vision of global impact. Transformation Church invites those around the world to join them on the journey of spiritual transformation, where worship transcends mere ritual to become a lifestyle.
Chicago is headquarters for the ArtSoul Radio team. So, you know we had to hook up our home city with this news! On Wednesday, January 11th, Jor’Dan is bringing his full band and team all the way from ATL to the Chi this week! And he’s bring the incomparable Adia with him! DON’T MISS IT!
This is the night out you’ve been looking for! Hosted at the City Winery in the West Loop, this location will already have the vibe set. Come ready for a night of Gospel Soul with R&B vibes, good food, great atmosphere, a full band, DJ and an all around amazing experience with some of the best people in Chicago.
This is the “night out” to kick off the New Year you’ve been looking for! It will definitely give you the kick you need to help finish off the work/school week and inspiration for year! Tickets start at only $20. So, get your friends together, put on your best outfit and come through!
EVENT DETAILS:
Location: City Winery 1200 W Randolf, Chicago, IL 60605
Time: Show starts at 8pm CST
Cost: Cost starts at $20
Purchase Tickets here: Click here to buy your tickets
ABOUT JOR’DAN ARMSTRONG
Jor’Dan Armstrong has been a leader in the genre style of Urban Christian Inspiration with the R&B sound for over 8 years. He is multi-nominated and award winning artist and his latest single “Call” featuring Erica Campbell recently hit #1 on the Billboard charts! This is his second single to have Billboard success. His single “My God” hit #1 on the Billboard charts and remained there for several weeks!
Jordan has been a leader in this sound for almost 10 years. We are excited to have him coming to our home city this week!
This style has had many names over the years such as Gospel Soul, Gospel Neo Soul, Christian Soul, R&P and the latest trending terms such as Christian R&B and Urban Inspirational music. Jordan has been a leader in this sound for almost 10 years. Now he’s taking it all to a city near you via his “Church Girls Love R&B” tour! Named after the title of his latest album, Church Girls Love R&B, Jor’Dan is using this tour to continue to help continue to build the Urban Inspiration genre by featuring key leading vocals in every city.
ABOUT ADIA
Award-Winning singer/songwriter ADIA, has just released her newest album, Hold it All Together. Famously known for her collaborations with some of gospel music’s biggest names including Pastor Mike Jr., Kierra Sheard, and Deitrick Haddon, ADIA is one of the industry’s fastest rising stars.
Her newest project, Hold it All Together is sleek R&B sound that gives a new take on what gospel music can be presented to the world. When asked about her inspiration, ADIA says, “This is a very special transparent project for me. I really dug deep on this project as a songwriter. I share my pain, joy, insecurities and liberation.” She continues, “I invite the listener to have a glance at who God has been to me and hopefully empower them to believe that God can ‘Hold it All Together’ for them as well.”
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