Bassem Youssef KICKS OFF BZN 2021
GALA + MSU FILM PITCHES
Thursday, September 9 | 5:00 – 9:00 PM
Crawford Theater
*Open to all BZN Passholders*
Join us for the first night of BZN 2021, emceed by comedian Bassem Youssef, with a cocktail party catered by Plonk, and the unveiling of the BZN Film Center and the BZN Film Fund.
The BZN Film Center provides private fiscal sponsorship—from Montana—of Montana film projects and is proud to introduce SHONKINITE, a Montana-based development and production company behind CORTINA, a narrative TV series, and BOYS OF THE BULLET, a full-feature documentary. The BZN Film Fund will sponsor up-and-coming filmmakers with student, production, and career grants in increments of $1,000. Our 2021 gala will feature Montana State University seniors pitching their films for the coming year.
BZN is beyond thrilled to announce the brilliant and hilarious emcee for the gala; Bassem Youssef!
Bassem Youssef is an Egyptian comedian, writer, producer, surgeon, doctor, media critic—and television host! Dubbed the Jon Stewart of the Arab World, Bassem was the host of a popular TV show called AlBernameg from 2011 to 2014, the first of its kind political satire show in the Middle East. AlBernameg became the first online to TV conversion show in the Middle East and the most watched show across the region with 30 million viewers every week. Before becoming a comedian and political satirist, Youssef majored in cardiothoracic surgery and practiced cardiothoracic surgery in Egypt for 13 years.Youssef has appeared on Jon Stewart’s “The Daily Show,” Stephen Colbert’s “The Late Show.” He starred in a comedic documentary about his life and career called “Tickling Giants,” with Jon Stewart, and has written a children’s book dedicated to his daughter entitled, “The Magical Reality of Nadia.” Youssef also has a worldwide touring standup show. Learn more about Youssef and view his upcoming tour dates on his website here.
Following the gala, join us for the BZN 2021 Opening Night film:
The Sound of Us
Time: 8:00 PM
Date: Thursday, September 9
Venue: Crawford Theater
SYNOPSIS
Music is the sound of truth, the sound of hope. It is the sound of unity and courage. During this critical time in history, the profound truth remains that music is the great, universal language. The Sound of Us chronicles a series of wide-ranging, diverse stories that exemplify the power of music and the triumph of the human spirit.
Bassem Youssef KICKS OFF BZN 2021
GALA + MSU SENIOR FILM PITCHES
Thursday, September 9
5:00 – 9:00 PM
Crawford Theater
Join us for the first night of BZN 2021, emceed by comedian Bassem Youssef, with a cocktail party catered by Plonk, and the unveiling of the BZN Film Center and the BZN Film Fund. Open to all BZN Passholders.
The BZN Film Center provides private fiscal sponsorship—from Montana—of Montana film projects and is proud to introduce SHONKINITE, a Montana-based development and production company behind CORTINA, a narrative TV series, and BOYS OF THE BULLET, a full-feature documentary. The BZN Film Fund will sponsor up-and-coming filmmakers with student, production, and career grants in increments of $1,000. Our 2021 gala will feature Montana State University seniors pitching their films for the coming year.
BZN is beyond thrilled to announce the brilliant and hilarious emcee for the gala; Bassem Youssef!
Bassem Youssef is an Egyptian comedian, writer, producer, surgeon, doctor, media critic—and television host! Dubbed the Jon Stewart of the Arab World, Bassem was the host of a popular TV show called AlBernameg from 2011 to 2014, the first of its kind political satire show in the Middle East. AlBernameg became the first online to TV conversion show in the Middle East and the most watched show across the region with 30 million viewers every week. Before becoming a comedian and political satirist, Youssef majored in cardiothoracic surgery and practiced cardiothoracic surgery in Egypt for 13 years.Youssef has appeared on Jon Stewart’s “The Daily Show,” Stephen Colbert’s “The Late Show.” He starred in a comedic documentary about his life and career called “Tickling Giants,” with Jon Stewart, and has written a children’s book dedicated to his daughter entitled, “The Magical Reality of Nadia.” Youssef also has a worldwide touring standup show. Learn more about Youssef and view his upcoming tour dates on his website here.
Following the gala, join us for the BZN 2021 Opening Night Film, The Sound of Us.
Time: 8:00 PM
Date: Thursday, September 9
Venue: Crawford Theater