New York Women in Film and Television's 2025 MUSE Awards Held at Cipriani Midtown- Honored Pamela Anderson, Marissa Bode, Lisa Cortes, Celia Costas, Amy Entelis and Versha Sharma

By Suzanne Ordas Curry

I always enjoy attending the New York Women in Film and Television MUSE Award in New York City, I think I have been going for about a decade, and that is because this awards event is aptly named. One always leaves the event feeling inspired, and the women chosen are not just inspiring for anyone in the creative fields, but really for any career - and life itself.

Held again at Cipriani's the room was packed and full of vibrant energy, the kind of energy in my opinion, only New York City elicits. It was mostly  women - and a few dozen men, attending to network and listen to the stories of the Muses. The theme of the event was "metamorphosis" with the room being filled with women in many stages of development and also those wonderfully spreading their wings.

The 45th Annual MUSE AWARDS for Vision and Achievement were given to the following women (see bottom of article for complete bios):

NY/NJ Area Event: Axial Theatre SAFEHOUSE Series Presents a Reading of a New Play by Obie Winner Kate Benson - What We'd Really Like is to Be Together - Directed by Emmy-Winner Cady McClain

On Saturday, April 19 at 4 pm, SAFEHOUSE: The Axial Playwrights series of workshopped readings of original plays by metro area playwrights featuring Axial Ensemble actors, will present What We'd Really Like is to Be Together by Obie award-winning playwright Kate Benson directed by three-time Emmy winner and Axial Artistic Director Cady McClain.

For complete info/tix visit: AxialTheater.org.

Three couples and a guest meet for a weekend respite from the city at a well appointed home. Discussions lead to revelations and unanticipated events change lives forever.

The reading will feature Dan Walworth (South Salem), Lev Harvey, Marisa Lowe (Beacon), Marilyn Collazo, Duane Rutter, Quinn Warren, Anthony Barresi Jr. (Peekskill), and special guest Elizabeth Narciso with stage directions read by Gail Greenstein (Katonah).

The Ridgewood Guild International Film Festival Runs Three Evenings in April 2025 - See the Award-winning Documentary "Space Cowboy" and Over 40 Films , See Schedule for Networking and Parties Open to the Public

In the heart of North Jersey in downtown Ridgewood, NJ is a gem of a film festival, known for being filmmaker-friendly and also movie fan friendly, as tickets for multiple films are less than the cost of a movie theater ticket. And for this price you get a selection of over 40 International Films and shorts. 

Headlining the festival for 2025 is Space Cowboy, the award-winning documentary about Skydiving by Joe Jennings. This inspiring film follows former Ridgewood resident Joe Jennings, a pioneer of skydiving cinematography, as he looks back on creating iconic moments in film and television while trying to turn a dreamlike vision into reality.

 The Ridgewood Guild International Film Festival spans three evenings, showcasing independent films from around the world. Tickets are required for the main program on April 24; $15 for adults and $10 for students and senior citizens. They can be purchased through Film Freeway by clicking the link. 2025’s RGIFF schedule includes:

Interview with the Authors Maura Bertotti and Ann Merli of "Uncover Your Recovery"- A Book To Help You Start Your New Journey so You Can Be Your Best Self

Editor's Note: I always love seeing women do amazing things, especially women I have known my whole life. Maura Bertotti has been like family to me since we were kids. She has a new book, written with Ann Merli, whose goal is to help others. It's an easy read and a workbook as well. Whether you have a significant challenge in your life and are working with a therapist or just want to tweak some things to make the most of your life, this is a book to help you grow.

Suzee: How did the two of you meet? 

Maura: Ann and I met at the very first Holistic Center I opened back in 2012. We became fast friends and discovered shared beliefs with our Spirituality, as well as both coming from a corporate background first. We bonded over how those important paths could both blend together as a lived-experience. And even how we could recover from them.