John Paul DeJoria, affectionately known as JP, a first generation Greek immigrant, who is the co-founder of both Paul Mitchell and Patrón Tequila has been turned into an amazing documentary called Good Fortune!
It is currently showing at the Village East Cinema through Friday and depicts the hardships like homelessness that he had to overcome throughout his life. This amazing story is made even more so through the great use of reenactment scenes and old photos giving the documentary authenticity as well as appealing cinematography through the use of vibrant colors and great editing of the contemporary footage.
Born with nothing, at times homeless on the streets of LA, “JP” spent his early adulthood in and out of motorcycle gangs only to wheel and deal his way to the top of a vast hair and tequila empire. A modern day Robin Hood, JP’s motto is “Success unshared is failure.” The son of immigrants, JP defies the stereotype of ‘the 1%’ and is the poster boy of the triple bottom line – people, planet and profit.
As presented by producers-directors Joshua Tickell and Rebecca Harrell Tickell, the billionaire philanthropist seems legitimately beyond reproach: humble, optimistic, embracing, uber-generous, socially conscious, an amazing dad and spouse (to wife Eloise).
DeJoria, 73, has a net worth of $3.1 billion, according to FORBES, but at two separate times in his life, he was homeless and living out of his car. The one-time door-to-door shampoo and encyclopedia salesman partnered with Paul Mitchell in 1980 and the two turned $700 into what would become John Paul Mitchell Systems, one of the most profitable hair care companies in the world. Not too long after their company took off, Mitchell died of cancer and DeJoria took over. The company is still running strong and currently estimates a $1 billion annual revenue stream.
Through a series of flashback footage and interviews with friends, fellow entrepreneurs, and business partners, including Arianna Huffington, Cheech Marin, Danny Trejo, and Michelle Phillips, Good Fortune is an uplifting, inspiring portrait full of wit, humor and substance. Narrated by Dan Aykroyd, JP’s dear friend and business partner, Good Fortune follows one of the world’s most celebrated business icons as he shares his ultimate secret of success: giving back.
“The film’s subject is an extraordinary individual who started life with no material possessions and built a self-made fortune which has enabled him to act as one of the world’s most contributive and effective leaders in philanthropy,” says Aykroyd. “Sharing his good fortune and giving back, he continuously encourages others to do the same, and has created a network of positive influencers and initiators all over the planet.”
JUNE 30-JUL 6 LOS ANGELES
The film will open and premiere at the Laemmle’s Monica Film Center in Santa Monica. The prior night (June 29th) there will be a very large press and industry screening at the Sam Goldwyn Theater in Beverly Hills.
Address: 1332 2nd St, Santa Monica, CA 90401
JULY 7-13 VEGAS AND ATLANTA
Las Vegas Theater: Brenden Theater in the Palms.
Address: 4321 W Flamingo Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89103
Atlanta Theater: AMC Southlake 24
Address: 7065 Mt Zion Cir, Morrow, GA, 30260
JULY 14-20 DALLAS AND HOUSTON
Dallas Theater: AMC Stonebriar 24
Address: 2601 Preston Rd. #300, Frisco TX 75034
Houston Theater: AMC Studio 30
Address: 2949 Dunvale Houston, Texas 77063
JULY 21-27 CHICAGO & MIAMI
Chicago Theater: Facets Cinematheque
Address: 1517 W Fullerton Ave, Chicago, IL 60614
Miami Theater: AMC Sunset Place 24
Address: 5701 Sunset Drive Suite 300 South Miami, Florida 33143
JULY 28-AUG 3 SAN FRANCISCO & SAN DIEGO
San Francisco Theater: AMC Van Ness 14
Address: 1000 Van Ness Avenue San Francisco California 94109
San Diego Theater: Digital Gym Cinema **** TO BE CONFIRMED ****
Address: 2921 El Cajon Blvd, San Diego, CA 92104