Paper Farms’ publishing debut features three novellas published under the Black Hills Press imprint. Defined as “a distinctive, mid-length fiction often overlooked as a literary genre,” the novellas have often fallen out of place, being too long to be a short story, and too short to be considered a full-blown novel.

In February 2013, the Pan African Film Festival, America’s largest and most prestigious Black film festival, celebrated its 21st anniversary, as it screened more than 150 films representing 34 countries: U.S., Africa, the Caribbean, Latin America, Europe, the South Pacific, and Canada, with entries from Egypt, Nigeria, Namibia, Tanzania, Guadeloupe, South Africa, Kenya, and Brazil. The films include 23 documentaries, 13 short documentaries, 67 narrative features, and 51 narrative shorts.

The Geffen Playhouse always presents intriguing plays with provocative subjects. This tradition continues with their newest American Premier of The Gift written by acclaimed Australian playwright Joanna Murray-Smith. It’s a thought-provoking comedy revolving around two disparate couples who meet at an expensive island resort.

OMG—this is the 50th issue of Agenda! Having been with the mag since its second issue, in 2004, I can’t say how wonderful it has been to have a space where I can spew out a multitude of thoughts on fashion. OK, so maybe I’ve divulged into a little more than just fashion. Remember when Britney shaved her head in 2007? I wrote about the hype. Or, do you recall when I shared my innermost thoughts about going through a painful breakup? I gave you the rundown.

I have been in the publishing industry for over 10 years. It started with ISM. We had just graduated college and were searching for something to inspire us. What began as a concept with simple business cards developed into an internationally recognized movement and arts non-profit, welcoming all to share their creative ideas, giving a voice to many who shared a passion for art with no avenue to explore their talent.Our mission is to support collaborative creativity by producing international art experiments and providing free public programs.

Spring is a time for color and airy fabrics. No matter what season, it may be after the snow has melted and the air feels soft on your skin, you want to shed the grays. Bright colors, light cotton mixed with modern and classic American style. Young American is sexy, playful with just enough innocence to keep you guessing and wanting more.

Check out “The Falconr’s Concubines” fashion editorial photographed by Jeff Linett, beauty by Rosalyn Lockhart, fashion by Merlin Castell, and featuring Amanda Reardon and Sarah Svetlana Vladimirovna.

For those of us who love Barbie dolls, this fresh fashion editorial gives us a hint of what could be Barbie’s new wardrobe this Spring. Doll-like model Amanda Michelle looks hauntingly much like a Barbie in this fashion spread with bright colors contrasting with both her black and red hairdos.

Ali Saam is an Iranian-born actor who came to the United States to finish his education and pursue a career in acting. He disclosed that being an actor, or being involved in any of the performing arts in the Middle East was not tolerated when he was there. Lucky for him his family chose to leave and make their home here in America.

Playing the antagonist in a controversial film like ARGO proved beneficial to Iranian-born Ali Saam. In this interview with Agenda Magazine, Ali talks about the Academy Award-winning film and his performance.