Western Independent

06/17/2023

If you’re in nyc this Tuesday night come check out BODEGA, screening at 9:30 as part of the Manhattan Film Festival!

“An eccentric and fame hungry Dominican bodega owner openly brags to a documentary crew and social media about his store being a front for a criminal drug enterprise operating out of the South Bronx.
The cameras follow his ascent to insta-fame as he encounters thugs, drug lords and gold diggers- all trying to get a piece of the action along the way.”

BODEGA was directed by Joseph Ruzer (Executive Producer of “Inmate To Roommate” for Sharp Productions and A&E) and written by Ruzer, Andrew Mojica, and Sean Slater. The film stars Andrew Mojica, Jennifer Figuereo, Richard Velazquez, Stacey Griffin, Latef Roberts, and Gabriel Dayan.

BODEGA is screening at the Manhattan Film Festival at the following time:
Tuesday, June 20th, 9:00 PM @ Cinema Village (22 E. 12th St)

To view the trailer, go to: https://vimeo.com/800672914

For tickets visit: https://www.manhattanff.com/view-screening/1738?fbclid=PAAabxQDreRlrh5JrQGVlH9iSJt2Cp9HEqG1tNLirOTR3bC5OzvA9fyaMrF94_aem_th_AQI_tbBcuEymHtP11iqFS5z5VulFvp9GETf06wmoySzoPdlsxNXseoGxw1vbW9wnyyg

07/03/2022

It's been more than a decade since Competitive eater Takeru Kobayashi last took the stage at the Nathans Forth of July hot dog eating contest, and he says he will never return. (July 1) (AP video/Robert Bumsted)

07/03/2022

“The unexpected deaths of a few eaters notwithstanding, Scarf Face is a highly amusing documentary that cleverly subverts the self-importance displayed by its subjects. But even if one shares the opinion that gorging on dangerous amounts of food somehow qualifies as a sport, the film is a fascinating look at what makes these people tick.”

Because life in the dark is wonderful.

07/03/2022

“While on the surface, many would probably think about a film like this as a parody or joke, there are several points brought up that make you think about the deeper aspects of this world.

Ultimately the film is an enjoyable documentary on a world that we traditionally only hear about once a year and how much more there is behind it all.”

MOVIE REVIEW ScarfFace (Scarf Face) –

07/03/2022

“Rather than focus on the obvious exploitative elements of competitive eating – the modern equivalent of diving donkey shows and goldfish-swallowing contests – directors Joseph Ruzer and Sean Slater devote their energies to the personalities behind the gross spectacle, which proves far more compelling and affecting.”

“Stunt Rock” (1978, Kino Lorber) Australian stuntman Grant Page (playing himself) lands a TV gig in Los Angeles, where he parties with cousin Curtis Hyde and his bandmates in Sorcery wh…

07/03/2022

“Watching the documentary “Scarf Face,” the term “get stuffed” immediately comes to mind. Joe Ruzer and Sean Slater tell the remarkable story of how the annual Fourth of July Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest at Coney Island became the platform for eating competitions throughout the country, almost all dominated by George Shay whose original International Federation of Competitive Eating (IFOCE) morphed into Major League Eating (MLE), an organization owned and entirely controlled by Shay. Name a food and there’s probably a competition whether it’s Chinese dumplings, tacos, donuts, Buffalo wings, corn, crawfish, or any one of a number of other foods.”

Watching the documentary “Scarf Face,” the term “get stuffed” immediately comes to mind. Joe Ruzer and Sean Slater tell the remarkable story of how the annual Fourth of July Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating…

07/03/2022

“Filmmakers Joe Ruzer and Sean Slater bring a great deal of enjoyment and quirkiness to Scarf Face. From the opening introduction about Nathan’s and the cast of characters present, there’s a sense of fun present. But, as we explore the happenings behind the scenes, enough conspiracy theories and odd investigative journalism tactics are uncovered to satiate any skeptic’s appetite.”

If there was ever one sport that needed a documentary about it, competitive eating is the most obvious choice. Writers-directors Joe Ruzer and Sean Slater's Scarf Face is much more than just a documentary about this odd pastime. Who knew this sport had a dark, seedy underbelly? Our story begins in 2...

07/03/2022

“While filming for a recent documentary, Kobayashi said, he devoured more than 30 hot dogs in a few minutes without having trained. He also said since leaving Nathan’s, he has competed in many contests and vanquished every challenger.”

Between 2005 and 2009, the two most dominant figures in the history of competitive eating faced off five times. Joey Chestnut won head-to-head, 3-2.

07/03/2022

Between 2005 and 2009, the two most dominant figures in the history of competitive eating faced off five times. Joey Chestnut won head-to-head, 3-2.

07/03/2022

It's been more than a decade since competitive eater Takeru Kobayashi last took the stage at the Nathans Forth of July hot dog eating contest, and he says he will

06/19/2022

Now available on Amazon Prime!