November 9, 2007 Archives

For someone who isn’t an avid short film watcher, it was somewhat surprising that the documentary “Bootyful World” and comedy “Good Luck in Her Eye” could encapsulate their respective stories with the ultimate message of female empowerment in under 30 minutes and give it justice.

These films were a part of September's LA Shorts Fest 2007, which ran in Burbank, CA, and is the largest festival of its kind worldwide with accreditation from the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts & Sciences.

“Bootyful” and “Good Luck” have a similar message and are from Israeli-born Jewish American filmmakers Avital Levy and Tamar Kagan, respectively. However, the two subject matters couldn’t be more different. While director Levy offers a look at the evolution of pop culture and butts with the likes of rapper Sir Mix-a-Lot’s iconic song “Baby Got Back” (phrases include: “I like big butts and I cannot lie”) and the Brazilian Butt Lift surgery, Kagan’s film, which she co-starred in, co-wrote and executive produced, follows a woman debating on whether to follow her heart to a non-Jewish man or her parents' desire for a co-religionist mate.

Check out this list of the top Latter-Day Saints in Hollywood today.

10. Derek and Julianne Hough
These siblings are both pro dancers on ABC's hit show "Dancing with the Stars." Julianne debuted last year and won with her partner, speed skater Apolo Anton Ohno. This year, brother Derek joined the show. Both Houghs stand a good chance of making it to the finals, Julianne with Indy 500 winner Helio Castroneves, and Derek with actress Jennie Garth.

9. Ryan Gosling
Although Gosling was raised Mormon, he no longer practices the faith. However, he won't deny the impact the religion had on his life growing up. In a Beliefnet interview this year, he said "[Being Mormon] socialized me at a young age. You have to pray in public, shake a lot of hands, talk in public, sing in church, stuff like that. It has definitely stayed with me."