The Art of Elysium Elegantly Showcases Jennifer Esposito’s Directorial Debut ‘Fresh Kills’ in Their Distinguished Art Salon Series

In a night of exceptional film and philanthropy, The Art of Elysium Charity hosted their monthly Art Salon event, featuring the highly-anticipated family crime drama, “Fresh Kills”.

Directed and written by Jennifer Esposito in her feature debut, the film boasts an impressive cast alongside Esposito, including Emily Bader, Odessa A’zion, Domenick Lombardozzi, Franco Maicas, Nicholas Cirillo and Annabella Sciorra. Slated for theatrical release on May 17th by Quiver, “Fresh Kills” promises to deliver a compelling narrative set against the gritty backdrop of 1980s Staten Island.

Esposito produces the film along with Leslie Owen, Christine Crokos, and Samantha Sprecher and has to date won several awards including the Audience Award for “Best Narrative Feature” at the Hamptons International Film Festival, the New York Women in Film & Television’s “Excellence in Directing” Award, and the “Artistic Director’s Award” at the San Diego International Film Festival.

The event was elevated through the delightful

inclusion of Peroni beer, Kástra Elión Premium Sipping Vodka distilled from Greek olives, and Beck and Bulow, the exclusive butchers, each adding their unique brand of excellence to the occasion.

The evening began with a chic cocktail reception, featuring Peroni beer and Kástra Elión vodka as the preferred beverages. This helped set the tone of sophistication and festivity. The night was highlighted by an outstanding performance by MILCK, who recently signed with OneRPM. She shared her new music, adding an emotional depth to the event and resonating with the gathered audience of creatives and philanthropists.

This was followed by a curated dinner, complemented by the premium offerings of Beck and Bulow, which segued into an insightful Q&A session about the film. The delicious dinner was lovingly prepared by Laurent Rebuffel, a longtime supporter and friend of the charity.

“Fresh Kills” explores the life of Rose Larusso (portrayed by Bader) as she navigates her father’s (Lombardozzi) entanglement with the mafia, challenging her familial bonds and her own identity. Jennifer Howell, Founder of The Art of Elysium, delivered a poignant speech about the film’s alignment with the charity’s mission to support and unite through creative expression.

The guest list for the event was impressive, as it brought together the cast, producers, and a select group of creatives and philanthropists who shared a common vision of supporting the arts and the community. In addition, the partnerships with Peroni, Kástra Elión, Beck and Bulow not only made the event even more special, but also emphasized the importance of collaboration, which is an essential part of The Art of Elysium’s ethos.

In her speech introducing the filmmakers, Jennifer Howell, the Founder of Art of Elysium, spoke from the heart about the importance of the female voice being represented in film through authentic storytelling by women.

As “Fresh Kills” prepares for its theatrical debut, it stands as a testament to the power of storytelling, with its release highly anticipated by audiences nationwide. The premiere event, supported by our distinguished sponsors, has set a remarkable precedent for celebrating film and philanthropy.

The Art of Elysium is a highly respected non-profit organization that aims to enhance the lives of artists and individuals in need. It supports the transformative power of art to inspire change and promotes a culture of empathy and support. The organization offers a range of diverse programs that encourage creative engagement to bring about positive social impact. The charity regularly hosts events at their stunning art-filled and private event location in Los Angeles, featuring a different Art Salon every month, as well as their annual tentpole events such as the recent Heaven Gala held at the Wiltern, the night before the Golden Globes. The charity is also planning an upcoming Gala at the Cannes Film Festival and several Art Auction events, such as “Pieces of Heaven” and “Little Pieces of Heaven” which have become a must-attend event on the yearly social calendar.