History is Made at Sundance Film Festival by Director Ava DuVernay!!

Well if anyone said there is no room for Black Indie film, then they have not met Ms. Ava DuVernay!

She's on a roll!! On last night, Ava DuVernay became the first African-American woman to win US Directing Award: Dramatic for her second feature film, Middle of Nowhere. 

 The movie stars  Emayatzy Corinealdi as a young woman struggling to maintain her identity while her husband (Omari Hardwick) serves an eight year prison sentence.  The groundbreaking director tweeted a pic after her historic win:

Just last week Middle of Nowhere premiered at Sundance, and has received remarkable reviews from critics and audiences alike.  So much so that the film has been picked up for distribution by Participant Media, partnering with DuVernay’s African-American Film Festival Releasing Movement (AFFRM) for Middle of Nowhere to be released in theaters later this year. I cannot wait!!

Films like this just prove that there is still quality in the movie industry especially as it relates to African Americans!! 

Black Savant Cinema gives a round of applause to Ava DuVernay, the cast and AFFRM on this outstanding achievement!! 

KUDOS!! Keep doing your thang!!

And Here Are 'The Oscar 2012' Nominees...

With the Academy Awards not too far in the distance you know we gotta take a look at the nominees... 2011 was quite the interesting year at the movies, if I had to describe it in two words... JAW-DROPPING!! And the nominees are...

Best Picture

The Artist

The Descendants

Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close

The Help

Hugo

Midnight in Paris

Moneyball

The Tree of Life

War Horse

Actor in a Leading Role

Demian Bichir (ABetter Life)

George Clooney (The Descendants)

Jean Dujardin (The Artist)

Gary Oldman (Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy)

Brad Pitt (Moneyball)

Actress in a Leading Role

Glenn Close (Alber Nobbs)

Viola Davis (The Help)

Rooney Mara (The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo)

Meryl Streep (The Iron Lady)

Michelle Williams (My Week With Marilyn)

Actor in a Supporting Role

Kenneth Branagh (My Week With Marilyn)

Jonah Hill (Moneyball)

Nick Nolte (Warrior)

Christopher Plummer (Beginners)

Max von Sydow (Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close)

Actress in a Supporting Role

Berenice Bejo (The Artist)

Jessica Chastain (The Help)

Melissa McCarthy (Bridesmaids)

Janet McTeer (Albert Nobbs)

Octavia Spencer (The Help)

Animated Feature Film

A Cat in Paris

Chico & Rita

Kung Fu Panda 2

Puss in Boots

Rango

Cinematography

The Artist

The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo

Hugo

The Tree of Life

War Horse

Documentary Feature

Hell and Back Again

If a Tree Falls: A Story of the Earth Liberation Front

Paradise Lost 3: Purgatory

Pina

Undefeated

Music (Original Score)

The Adventures of Tintin (John Williams)

The Artist (Ludovic Bource)

Hugo (Howard Shore)

Tinker Tailer Soldier Spy (Alberto Iglesias)

War Horse (John Williams)

So tell me folks, who made your list, what are your predictions, and who got robbed?? Your thoughts...

For the complete listing of nominees go to The Oscars 2012 . The Oscars will be televised LIVE on Sunday February 26th at 7pm EST/4 pm PST on ABC.

“Red Tails”… A History Lesson for the Books!

“We Fight! We Fight! We Fight!”

This movie did just that! FIGHT!! Red Tails made it very clear from the start to the beginning, movies such as this one deserve to be placed in high regard just like any other Hollywood film and should not be ignored. And to think this project took 20 years to make…tisk tisk tisk.

Here is a positive, inspiring, and uplifting story that speaks to the masses while at the same time telling an important story in history. Keeping in mind that Red Tails is based on actual events, one should expect a bit of dramatization will exist in order for there to be some artistic expression. However in almost sheer perfection the look and feel of the film is genuinely authentic. Considering that most of the battles are in the air, there is that slight loss of the gritty and griminess of a battle being fought on land, but the film is about airmen so it is only appropriate.

Red Tails is one those 'cleverly-created' films that utilizes something of a methodic approach to telling the story partly because it's reliable and also because its clear and directly to the point. Let’s face it this is a war film minus a huge amount of blood shed that is to be expected, yet it still tells an accurate story of racial prejudice and the mighty men that prevail in spite of its ugliness. Without a shadow of doubt this film pushes all the buttons, it gets every emotional reactions expected, it evokes much needed laughter, simply put it was long overdue but worth the wait. These quick-wit squad fighters pretty much take on every mission allocated to them, regardless of how apparently unimportant and get the job done with prestige and honor. Eventually, when given a true opportunity to shine this unit demands to be heard and given the chance to prove they are worthy to fight in this war. This along with their unorthodox style of flying and fighting is what makes them unique and distinctive.


And nothing is more intriguing than a beautiful setting to go along with this wonderful story! The photography is breathtaking, stylish and handsome costuming and striking art direction. Each shot was strategically choreographed and composed so gracefully that it evolves visually like a storybook that is read to your child just before they go to bed. The cinematography has the look of an absolute divergence to the colorless photography of a film like Saving Private Ryan; but more like the flawlessly-lit photography of Michael Bay's Pearl Harbor. George Lucas’ production expertise is definitely seen through out the film as damn near every shot is perfection.

And lest we not forget the handsome ensemble of this all-black cast that made this film possible. There is no denying the skill and genius in each of these gifted actors as each one of them portray true soldiers of war, The Tuskegee Airmen. With much delight, Red Tails is jam-packed with a wide cadre of talent in the cast, the film has just the right mix of mid to very seasoned actors (Terrence Howard, Cuba Gooding Jr, Nate Parker, and Andre Royo) to some bright newcomers and folks we have not seen in a while (David Oyelowo, Tristan Wilds, Elijah Kelley, and Marcus Paulk) so much so that you would think many of these actors lived and breathed each others air the way they meshed together. In their own special way, they bring to the screen a mixture of experiencing prejudice and adversity, but also falling in love and forever bonds of friendship. This is what I call a perfect selection of cast members!!

Overall, this film did an excellent job of showcasing a group of dedicated, committed, and heroic soldiers who fought in war that did not necessarily want them fighting in. This movie deserves to be in the spotlight and supported in every way!! However what would have been nice is to maybe add about another 20-30 minutes and provide a bit more dialogue along with more character development and plot exploration. I understand that there are numerous stories to be told, but maybe just giving the audience a little bit more would’ve quenched their thirst. With several backstories and a range of emotions I think this would have strengthened the overall plot and story. If nothing else the viewer left the movie happy but desiring just a little more. 


Red Tails is without doubt a film that deserves your attention and your dollars. It is not often that a film of this caliber comes around, and it would be a shame if it were the last. Whether young or old, male or female, black or white, there is a message for everyone. One in particular is that of,  “Going Big or Going Home!” When it is all said and done after watching this film I have a greater appreciation and respect for individuals like George Lucas and Anthony Hemmingway, because they did what they had to do and wanted to do, despite what Hollywood thinks!

Matter fact I just may need to see it again, and you can bet on it that this will be part of the collection. A classic in the making! And a special thanks to a good friend of mine Sojourner Grimmett for the passes, truly a treat!!

Rating: 4 out 5 stars

"Middle of Nowhere" Director Shares Her Thoughts on Sundance!!

Ava DuVernay is the writer/director of the Sundance Film Festival selection “Middle of Nowhere.”*

For the majority of independent filmmakers the world over, Sundance is the brass ring of American film festivals. It’s the one they want. The one where at least one Cinderella story unfolds just about every year. The one where studio honchos congregate and truly pay attention to your film, even for 97 minutes. And, the one that has programmers known fabulously by one name. When you hear “Cooper” in the indie film world, its pretty much like someone saying “Arianna” in the digital world or “Oprah” in, well, the rest of the world. Yes, I just compared Sundance Film Festival head John Cooper to Oprah. But when you hear your film has been selected to unspool in Park City, it does kinda feel like, “You get a car! You get a car!” Except the car is the coolest looking laurels in town.

When I got the acceptance call from prolific senior Sundance programmer Shari Frilot before Thanksgiving, I didn’t have an Oprah audience reaction. It was a quiet moment. A slow-motion moment. My film’s submission to the festival certainly meant something to me, but in the way that a long-shot means something to you. You want it. It’d be so, so lovely to have. But don’t take things too far, kiddo. You know this is not going to happen. Just play it cool. Submit and forget. And that’s what I tried to do. Shari’s call brought an unexpected joy.

One of the things that I love about having the Sundance experience at this point in my filmmaking journey is that I was really happy before that call. Where I was before Sundance selected my second feature, was a beautiful place. My previous work had been embraced by other wonderful festivals – African-American and majority culture fests. I’d seen my previous film, “I Will Follow,” open theatrically to packed houses in New York, Los Angeles and beyond through the black distribution collaborative known as AFFRM. I’d talked to moviegoers at my screenings and really listened and learned from them. I’d read the good reviews – and the not-so-good ones – and dealt with how both make you feel. So while I absolutely love that Sundance will be the space where many of my fellow filmmakers debut their first features as an introduction to a specific film community, I feel fortunate to have a film community of my own that supported my stories early on and hope will continue into the future. I go to Park City feeling free, focused and grateful for the “before Sundance” part of my journey. I love the film we made and simply what to share it. Whatever happens after that, I can’t control and shouldn’t try.

So instead of getting caught up in the sales frenzy and the anxiety that naturally comes with being judged, I’ve been busying myself with the mammoth adventure that is the festival itself, and all its mythology. There is terrificly wacky lore and ritual around the fest, to which I’ve been nine times as a patron and former publicist. Where to stay. How to finagle tickets. Zeroing in on the best parties. Filmmakers who have superstitions about screening in certain venues at certain times. Hollywood execs who book their condos a year in advance. Fest attendees in ticket lines quizzing each other on what the other has seen, inviting actionable critiques. One must drink plenty of water to acclimate to the high altitude. One must always wear your jacket inside the Library Theatre, because it will be freezing until they turn the air off when the film begins.

All leading to the moment when you settle in your seat, and the lights go down and a new world begins. A storyteller spins her or his tale, and invites you to go along for the ride. People who love film, love that moment. The moment right before the first frame appears. In that moment, the film is the only thing that matters. Not the place you watch or the way you watch. When a film seeps into your bloodstream and grabs your heart and imagination, there’s little else greater for a movie buff. I hope that happens to a few folks watching my picture. It’s called “Middle of Nowhere” and it’s been selected for U.S. Dramatic Competition at Sundance 2012. Its about a brave woman whose dream has been deferred – and how she makes something beautiful out of her life despite her circumstances. We shot for 19 days in and around South Central Los Angeles and other parts of my fair city. I’m proud of it, both now and before the reddest, most delicious cherry called Sundance was put on top. I’m proud because, in the end, the film is the only thing that matters to filmmakers. The film is truly the thing we want. We want it to be deeply felt. We want it to be remembered. We want it to illuminate the corners. We want to be heard. That feels even better than a new car.

*You can also check this out on Wall Street Journal and share with others!!

The Disappearance of the Black Female Action Heroine

After watching the 2011 mystery thriller The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo, I left the theater with a plethora of emotions. Excited, empowered, proud, somber, a bit in confused, and somewhat in limbo. This idea of the female action heroine reincarnated just kept calling out to me. But then I would take it a step further and ask what about the black female action heroine? Well…uhhhh…She’s nowhere to be found…"MIA"

Don’t get me wrong The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo is a remarkable film (that you should still see) that provides a foundation for audiences to see that the female actress can do more than just cry, sit behind a desk, stand by her man, and take care of her family. She exemplifies a female force to be "reckoned with" and someone who can stand on her own two feet. 

Breakout star 26-year old Rooney Mara who plays Lisbeth Salander in TGWTDT re-introduces a character that has been somewhat dormant . Yes recently we have had similar personalities or “sister-cousins” come to the big screen like Saoirse Ronan in Hanna and Chloe Grace Moretz in Kick-Ass (this one could be debatable,) but the last closely-related action heroine like Salander would be Anne Parillaud in the 1990 film La Femme Nikita. Both tell these bizarre, psychological  stories of a troubled, unsocialized and vulnerable young woman who climbs her way through her own personal horrific trenches and transform into a “female killing machine”. 

But back to my dilemma...While this is all well and good…YAY FEMALE POWER!! nevertheless, my problem with this picture is the lack of diversity with the female action heroine. If someone were to ask me name 5 female action heroine who had leading roles in Hollywood, I could easily spit out Angelina Jolie (Wanted, Tomb Raider), Kate Beckinsale (Underworld), Milla Jovovich (Resident Evil), Linda Hamilton (Terminator) and of course we can’t forget who some say got the “action heroine” ball rolling Sigourney Weaver (Aliens) and that's just round one. However, what’s wrong with this list…"the woman of color"…Even if I did a Google or Bing search it would struggle to just to even pull out two women of color (No Joke...Trust me I tried). 

Speaking as an African American/Black women I am constantly searching for those images that present heroine that looks like me, and finding that female action heroine of color is a further daunting task. Now please note it is not an anomaly that a female action heroine of color existed, it’s just the gap of how long another one will present itself to the forefront. Hmmmm…the last true female action heroine of color that was able to break ground in mainstream Hollywood would be that of Pam Grier’s character Foxy Brown and the late Tamara Dobson's portrayal of Cleopatra Jones from the 1970s Blaxploitation film era….notice the date 30+ years ago….Problemmatic!! 

It becomes somewhat of concern when there are numerous actresses of color that seem to be overlooked, downplayed, or selected on rare occasions for action hero roles. I guess I should be thankful that Halle Berry played a Black/African superhero X-Men’s Storm, or that Jada Pinkett-Smith plays a rebel martial artist in The Matrix Reloaded…mmmmm try again. Or maybe Hollywood wants me to be satisfied with one film every so many years like the 2011 summer action flick Columbiana starring Dominican/Puerto Rican bred Zoe Saldana. Alas, this is the most recent flick to have a female of color play the lead action heroine. Fortunately and unfortunately she has been the only “go-to” female of color to play an action heroine. 

Please make no mistake Saldana has skills, but this wealth could be shared. There are numerous women who have more than proved their skills and talents, like newbie/indie star Nicole Beharie, Jurnee Smollett, Tariji P. Henson, British born Naomie Harris, True Blood star Rutina Wesley, Sanaa Lathan, and I would even suggest Kerry Washington step out from her traditional drama roles and position her self in an action role, shoot even Jada Pinkett-Smith still has great potential. So my question now is, "Hollywood who and when will the next one be?"

It’s not there are not any women of color to choose from to fill these roles it’s just a matter of them being selected. Hello they are there and available!! Some might say we should satisfied that women of color are beginning to have lead roles or be more visible in drama and comedy films, unfortunately that is unsatisfactory.Or maybe Hollywood should expand its thought process to consider and thus eventually include Black female actress in these action-heroine roles. Historically, Black women have been fighting just to get quality roles and top billing (in general) and even in 2012 Black actresses are still trying to get to that mountain peak. We have made strides, slowly but surely, but not nearly enough as it should be. Black women should be able to represent all across the board not just in certain genres/areas. I mean for real are white woman the only ones capable of “kicking some ass” in the movies, and Black women just kind of fall off the map and worse the radar?

I guess the question that should be addressed is, “Can Hollywood Handle A Female Action Hero of Color?”

Special RED ALERT POST for my SORORS of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

'Twas the night before Founders Day,

And all through the Delta House,The sorors were texting and tweeting shout-outs.

Memories of love, tears, togetherness, and care.Memories of crossing to the other side, for Big Sister was waiting there.

Voter Registration, RIF, Habitat For Humanity, blood drives and book clubs abound.

Where there is service a Delta is sure to be found!

We're celebrating 99 years of scholars working hard.

Here's to 99 more years of MY SORORS RUNning THE YARD! -14DN04

Derek & Jamar Productions presents the first installment in a new two-part documentary series, The Black Sorority Project. "The Exodus" chronicles the life and times of twenty-two women at Howard University, who as students, changed the course of American history forever. By defying the barriers of race and sex, they courageously joined the Women's Suffrage March and formed a new sorority, Delta Sigma Theta, that grew to become one of the nation's most formidable women's organizations. The timeless voice of Tamara Tunie (Law & Order: SVU, As The World Turns) transports you back in time on a photographic journey into the world of these Howard co-eds in the infancy of their burgeoning group, in the year 1913.

Black Sorority Project, The Exodus leaves no stone unturned: light skin versus dark skin, the myth of black unity and the triumph of women's achievement against the odds. With cutting edge special effects, blistering commentary and a stellar cast of actors and scholars, Black Sorority Project is an innovation in modern-day storytelling and an untold chapter in women's history.

Today represents 99 Wonderful Years of Sisterhood, Scholarship, and Service!!


20Sigma03 ~ I ♥ MY DST

Another Film Project To Support "Canopy"

As you all know I am all about making sure films get the exposure that they need and deserve, and this one right here is no different. While perusing through the internet (S/O to Cazembe Abena for the FB post) I found this promotional video for an upcoming film titled Canopy from screenwriter/producer Okorie Johnson.

"Canopy is coming-of-age/romantic comedy that takes place in Atlanta during the 90s and the first decade of the new millennium."

For more information and details about the film check out the following sites: www.canopythemovie.com and www.facebook.com/canopythemovie !!

GOOD STUFF!!

7 Minute Sneak Peek of "Red Tails"

The much anticipated film Red Tails is set to make its debut January 20th, but I got a little sumthin' sumthin' for ya just to tide you over till then... Check it out below...


RT Clip from Tambay Obenson on Vimeo.

Hopefully you had already planned to see this film, but if not this clip should have convinced you!! It is important that any and everyone support this film, because Hollywood is using movies like this to determine the future of Black films!!

Will you be there?

New Indie Film To Put on The Radar..."Middle of Nowhere"

I have always been impressed with Ava DuVernay's work! She is truly amazing and it shows through her work. Without a shadow of doubt I had to feature her upcoming indie film Middle of Nowhere, it makes its world debut at Sundance Film Festival in less than two weeks! Check out the new poster and trailer below:

Here is the synopsis as well...When her husband is incarcerated, an African American woman struggles to maintain her marriage and her identity. 

The cast includes Emayatzy Corinealdi, David Oyelowo, Omari Hardwick, Lorraine Touissaint, and Edwina Findley.

Just those few moments take your breath away, grab your attention and make you yearn for more!! Definitely looking forward to seeing this in the theaters!

Save The Date January 14-16, 2012: Its a "Red Tails"/MLK Weekend Celebration

I am definitely looking forward to this film, it just exudes greatness from every end!! 

What a great way to start out the new year!!

Happy 2012 From Black Savant Cinema!!

The Year’s end is neither an end nor a beginning but a going on...

Fill your life with Happiness, Brightness, and Cheer...

                                  Bring in Joy and Prosperity for the whole Year...

And that's Black Savant Cinema's wish for you...Happy New Year!! 

Peace and Blessings!!