My PSA for 'Middle of Nowhere'

This post is my personal PSA for the upcoming African American Film Festival Releasing Movement (AFFRM) film Middle of Nowhere, starring Emayatzy Corinealdi, Omari Hardwick, David Oyelowo, and Lorraine Touissant.

About a week ago I had the awesome pleasure to meet the AMAZING woman behind this film and Middle of Nowhere leading actress. And let me just say both Ava DuVernay & Emayatzy Corinealdi are truly an inspiration beyond words!!

I have literally seen every movie and own one on DVD from what I like to call the AFFRM vault. Each film truly tells a story in such beautiful way that you can't help but feel the actors and what they bring to the screen. Middle of Nowhere is no exception!!

Winner of the Best Director Award at the 2012 Sundance Film Festival, MIDDLE OF NOWHERE follows Ruby, a bright medical student who sets aside her dreams and suspends her career when her husband is incarcerated. As the committed couple stares into the hollow end of an eight-year prison sentence, Ruby must learn to live another life, one marked by shame and separation. But through a chance encounter and a stunning betrayal that shakes her to her core, this steadfast wife is soon propelled in new and often shocking directions of self-discovery - caught between two worlds and two men in the search for herself.

The film truly speaks for itself with its engaging and compelling narrative! I would not steer you wrong folks!! So please please take a friend, or two, or three and check this film out!!

Special shout out for all my ATL folks, as it will be playing at the Landmark Midtown. And if you need more information about the film and/or AFFRM check the trailer below and the website AFFRM (African American Film Festival Releasing Movement) .

Middle of Nowhere hits theaters October 12th!!

Calling All My Chicago Folks!!!

Chicago’s homicide rate is soaring, but unfortunately this is not surprising news. Some point to a lack of summer jobs for youth or a need for stronger work programs for the formerly incarcerated. Others blame weak gun control legislation and the criminalizing of marijuana. It has also been argued that we are living in a “culture of violence” that seems to be promoted by certain music and gaming industries. Still too, the finger has been pointed at the poor trust that African American and Latino communities have for law enforcement. Whichever is the primary reason, together these issues continue to be a breeding ground for contempt and crime.
Let’s get back to focusing on the solutions. 

This is a special post for my Chicago peeps and those in the area. Come out and enjoy the screening of two powerful anti-violence documentaries followed by a panel discussion featuring Chicago teens and young adults who offer creative and dynamic strategies to confront the violence in our city.

**19 And A Day
The Life and Times of J-Def, directed by Masequa Myers and produced by Pemon Rami, is the story of a family’s love and tragic loss of their only child. It centers on Jeff Abbey Maldonado, Jr., an aspiring hip hop artist, known as J-DEF, who was de

termined to use his talent and creativity to make a positive change in his Pilsen community and in society. Jeff’s life was taken unceremoniously by a senseless act of gang violence; a culture of which young Jeff vehemently opposed. This docufilm also portrays how the Pilsen Community helped to strengthen Jeff’s family in their darkest hour. It teaches us how we are all responsible for our future by investing in our youth

**On the Frontline: Taking Back Our Streets
Having a long-standing reputation for gangs and guns, Chicago continues to be one of the nation's leaders in murders. Gun violence is becoming the leading cause of death among young people. They are gunned down on the streets of Chicago on a daily basis. Some have survived the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, only to lose their lives in Chicago. On the Frontline: Taking Back Our Streets is a powerful and insightful documentary that takes a close look at the impact that gun violence has on some of Chicago’s most devastated communities. This film, by Derek and David Grace, highlights ordinary people who are taking extraordinary measures to protect their neighborhoods. 

Sunday, October 7th, 2012

2-4 PM

DuSable Museum of African American History

740 East 56th Place

Chicago, Illinois 60637

http://www.dusablemuseum.org/events/details/peace-talks-your-hood-your-call

FREE ADMISSION

Be On the Lookout Folks...Director Spotlight Ndosi Anyabwile

I am all about giving kudos to those who have made major moves and today's post is no different...

Georgia State University senior film major Ndosi Anyabwile will be making his way to Hollywood to showcase his two-minute film titled Spilled Milk. The film will be screened for "Best Picture" on June 21-23 during the Campus Moviefest (world's largest student film festival).

“This was the experience I needed to take control of what I want in life,” said Anyabwile, whose team name is Gorilla Tactix Entertainment. “Normally, if a contest like this came up I would let it pass me by out of fear that I'm not good enough. However, I realized that I should just make films regardless of what anyone thinks if I want to call myself a filmmaker.”


Anyabwile who also serves as the choreographer, director, editor, cinematographer, and visual effects artist on the film.


“I really enjoy having a finished project to share with people, and it is also great to watch your films improve after each film you make,” said Anyabwile, who has been making films since 2008. “I'm passionate about film because it is a great way for people to visualize what ideas are constantly bouncing around in my head.”


While in Hollywood he will also have the opportunity to attend numerous events including educational workshops and panels led by industry professionals, sneak peak screenings of Hollywood movies, and a red carpet awards ceremony.

That's what I call making things happen!! Watch out Hollywood!! Kudos to ya brotha!! Shine your light!

And for your viewing pleasure check out the feature film below...

"Lola Versus"...What not to do in a break-up!!

Lola Versus is the follow-up to the film Breaking Upwards from writer/director team Daryl Wein and Zoe Lister-Jones. Set in New York City, Lola (Greta Gerwig), plays the eponymous character, who discovers on her 29th birthday not only does she get engaged to get married, but that her life will be rapidly be pulled in every direction. Three weeks before her wedding her fiancé Luke (Joel Kinnaman, (Safe House” & The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo) calls off the ceremony, thus leaving her in a state of mourning and disaster.

Lola Versus illustrates one year in the life of a PhD student in literature named Lola (Greta Gerwig, No Strings Attached), beginning with her twenty-ninth birthday. In the beginning of the film, the viewer will encounter this voice-over narration and a dream sequence in which personal belongings such as shoes, handbags, and vibrators wash up by the hundreds on a beach. This scene is a precursor to what is yet to happen in Lola’s life. Everything that seems to make up her personality is washed up to the shore in complete disarray. In essence, her life is like a puzzle that has fallen apart and now she must pick up all the pieces and put them back together. Fast forward, we then move into present-day on Lola’s birthday and the eventual break-off of the wedding.

Now a heartbroken and hopelessly confused Lola must move back to her old apartment, which, in a painful twist of fate, was being sublet by a young woman who recently just got engaged and will now be moving in with her fiancé. Lola must now turn to her best friends Alice (Zoe Lister-Jones) a fringe theater actress and sometimes fling Henry (Hamish Linklater, Battleship) lead singer for an indie rock band for advice and moral support.

The character of Lola can be described as a 29-year old New Yorker, who has some shallow and irritating tendencies, in addition to being promiscuous and completely self-absorbed. To make matters worse, she's also a heavy social drinker mixed with being a weed head. When watching the film, it will be obvious to see how everything is centered on Lola, as a result of this selfishness it causes a rift in her familial and friend relationships. Take note, it becomes very difficult to feel sorry for someone like Lola who consistently sobs because she cannot find love, yet she has what some may say a picture-perfect face and body, a full support group, however she can’t help but sleep with every guy within her New York borough. Without a doubt, every person has their share of troubles and tears, however it’s what the person does to fix these issues so that they do not find themselves repeating the same problems over again.

In “Lola Versus”, we get to see veteran actor Bill Pullman who plays Lola’s nurturing father Lenny (whose last significant work was Rio Sex Comedy and Peacock) and Academy Award-nominated (An Officer and a Gentleman and Terms of Endearment) actress, Debra Winger who plays her somewhat overbearing mother Robin; both of whom seem to be trapped in the 70’s both in their fashion-sense and mentally. Essentially Lola’s parents are a censoriously high father and nagging mother, respectively who really do want the best for their daughter.

As a whole, it's not that Lola Versus is unnatural film, it’s more of another recycled film that looks at the whims of breaking up. I will say that it does add a bit of humor with all the name-dropping entities like Facebook, match.com, and Yelp! (I wonder if they got any commission for that). At moments though it did seem a bit much like the film was trying to add to much sex appeal with the raunchy jokes; and nonetheless trying real hard to be socially cool. Even with the witty lines and creative encounters, it does not bring anything authentic to the screen. Breaking up is a universal experience, but how many more unique and different ways can one person show about this action, and it still be entertaining.

Overall, I must say appreciated the way in which the filmmakers represented New York City. The film could have been easily flooded with cheesy photogenic shots of landmarks and skylines that we're all very familiar with; instead they opted for smaller, more intimate locations in less recognizable parts of the city. The setting and locations of the film give it some depth. Lola Versus is a charming film that if nothing else you will get a good laugh, but don’t expect anything new and original that you have not already seen in a “break-up” type film. If nothing else, there is a basic message that does ring loud and clear in the film, “before you can be happy with someone else, you have to be happy and at peace with yourself.

Rating: 6.5 out of 10 stars

"The 2012 Inaugural Black Vintage Movie Series"

Calling all my Atlanta folks!!

The Black Vintage Movie Series, Inc. invites you and your family to join them on June 16th, 2012 as they celebrate those  who helped pave the path for today's African Americans actors/actresses in the Motion Picture Industry. The inaugural movie series is also presented by Atlanta City Councilman Kwanza Hall.


'The Black Vintage Movie Series' showcases select films from 1920-1950. Founded by Jeff Bellamy, the 'Black Vintage Movie Series' was inspired by Bellamy's father's enthusiasm for black films from the Great Depression. This era represents a time when families were more tightly structured, when going to the movies meant that women and men dressed impeccably. It was a night out on the town and people carried themselves with respect. During this time actors worked with very limited technical resources and musicians played without the benefit of sound enhancement. 


Check out the schedule here:
2:30 pm Imitation of Life
5:00 pm Lecture- Bright Boulevard, Bold Dreams
7:00 pm Carmen Jones
9:30 pm Q&A with acclaimed author Donald Bogle


The movie series will take place at The Balzer Theater at Herren's (84 Luckie St. NW, Atlanta, GA 30303). Tickets are as follows:
          Individual Screenings: $19 in advance, $21 day of the show, $15 for groups of 10+
          Full Day Pass: $28 in advance, $34 day of the show, $25 for groups of 10+

Tickets can be purchased via phone (1-877-725-8849) or online .

Bring the Kiddies...Men in Black III is BACK!!

It was fifteen years (1997) ago when the first Men in Black movie hit the big screen, presenting a winning pairing of Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones as the “odd couple” partners who protect the Earth against the scum of the universe. It would be jammed packed with action, special effects and some heavy doses of comedy all rolled into one. Director Barry Sonnenfield returns five years later for a sequel, and then takes a chance with a third film. Finally a decade later, Men in Black III is materialized and takes advantage of a pointless 3D format to deliver the latest installment of the famous series.

The sci-fi comedy Men in Black III strikes again with the return of Agents J (Will Smith) and K (Tommy Lee Jones) in a new adventure centered on the escape of the villainous alien “Boris the Animal” (Jemaine Clement). “Boris the Animal” flees from a lunar maximum prison and seeks to take revenge on Kay for his imprisonment, the dismembering his arm, and furthermore extinguishing his fellow aliens and their planet. All the while, J and K continue to protect the Earth from destruction and chaos.

In the film, we get to see J and K’s relationship get pushed to the forefront as we witness a deeper exploration into each of their characters, backgrounds and their friendship. The above factors alone help the film immensely, and save it from being a mediocre effort that relies solely on the charisma of the actors and further washing everything down in CG. Although the CG was slightly overwhelming, there are still some surprises that come from the effects, which thankfully are not exposed in the trailers, and that's a good thing. More than likely much of the visual graphic work went into recreating the USA 60s scenes, as well as sprucing up the alien designs (in this third installment the aliens look far more imperiling and repulsive especially with Boris the Animal).

All the characters seemed to mesh very well and have a great chemistry together, expectedly with J and the older version of K (Jones who is mainly in a supporting role in this film). And with the introduction of the younger K (Josh Brolin) they just seem to fall right into place as partners in the past, the Smith-Brolin pairing was definitely a winner for this film. Lest, I not forget Josh Brolin is a dead-ringer visually and in personality for Tommy Lee's K during his youth. Also Clement (Boris the Animal) embodies the main villain quite convincingly by possessing this dark and trembling personality along with his characters deadly force, which I’m rather shocked at for a PG rated film. And joining the cast in extrusive, though limited roles, include Emma Thompson as Agent O (taking over as the new MIB Chief with the passing of Zed), Alice Eve playing the younger O, and both Michael Stuhlbarg (Griffin) and Mike Colter (Colonel) adding intensity to the “MIB mythos”.

Even after 4 years of being absent from the big screen (Seven Pounds & Hancock were his last films in 2008), Will Smith shows that he has not lost his touch and still has what it takes to be in a potential blockbuster hit. As an MIB veteran, he’s able to still naturally portray the likable Agent Jay with a lot more polish as compared to when he was first recruited.

The films primary achievement is its characterization, the narrative, and the mood and tone of the film. Men in Black III is an easy-going, light-hearted, fun film that stays within the “outer limits” and does not try overload you with an exaggerated comedic script. Although this sci-fi comedy is great for the family please note that there may be some indirect material that is inappropriate for children under 15, it might just go over their heads, nonetheless it is still worth seeing for the whole family. 

Rating: 7.5 out of 10

Another film that NEEDS YOUR SUPPORT!! “Black Men, Afraid of Dark”

As you all know, Black Savant Cinema is always in support of new and upcoming film projects. Some time ago I had the opportunity to feature this inspiring filmmaker Mya B . And now she has a documentary that she has been working on that will add a different light to the way black men are viewed and treated in this country through the film, Black Men, Afraid of Dark, formally known as Silence 2: Black Male Sexuality. 


According to the filmmaker, the purpose of the film is to analyze some of the damaging stereotypes about black men being violent, angry and oversexed and offer a balance to that by talking to black men of various ages and backgrounds about their family upbringing, how they define manhood, losing their virginity, black relationships, stereotypes and the in between.  


"This journey has been an amazing one for me in the beautiful men, some of you I know and the evolution I have gone through in discovering the black man in a different light for myself."


Some of the men interviewed include Vondie Curtis Hall, Steele of Smif-N-Wesson, Malik Yoba, Kevin Powell, NY Senator Eric Adams, Dr. Llaila Afrika, Rev. Jeremiah Wright, and Phillips Bradford (grandson of man that had Ota Benga in the Bronx zoo), Tom Burrell, Sam Greenlee, Lou Myers, Independent hip hop artists (mikeflo, Chen Lo, Hasan Salaam, etc) and black men from all walks of life and backgrounds. 


Black Men, Afraid of Dark, is a film that is necessary in order to heal the world at large who have judged the black man based on these detrimental stereotypes.  


So please take a few moments to donate to the "Black Men, Afraid of Dark” Kickstarter campaign . No donation is too small. Every dollar amount of your donation will go to the paying my celebrity appearances, animation and post-production.  For being so generous you will receive a limited, Shoot Films, Not People “Hoodie” in honor of Trayvon Martin and other black men killed by the hand of other because of these stereotypes, a special edition DVD with behind the scene footage, a film credit, a signed poster, and an invite to one of the hottest pre-screening parties hosted by a celebrity host and guest DJ.


Now if after all of this you are still not convinced check out the trailer below:

"It is time for the black man to stop being feared but revered.  

He is more than a stereotype.  

Let’s help change the way the world views and responds to him."  ~Mya B

Your New Thursday Night Fix...Scandal!!

 Just to switch it up a little bit...From time to time I will showcase a TV review/commentary so today you are in for a special treat. ABC has a new drama titled Scandal that has become my new Thursday night fix....Check out my thoughts right here:

"Gladiators in a suit"... And Shonda Rhimes definitely has her 'gladiator suit' on with this new show...

Creator Shonda Rhimes (Grey's Anatomy) has a new ABC new provocative drama. It is sure to grab your attention and have you glued to the television screen. Scandal is based on George W. Bush former administrative press aide, Judy Smith (who also serves as Co-Executive Producer), it takes us into the world of former president aide and attorney turned team leader Olivia Pope (Kerry Washington, ‘Night Catches Us’) and her crisis management team. 

Pope is now a turned professional 'fixer' who is skilled in making problems go away before the public world even knows they exist.  Regardless of your military rank, judicial and or controversial status, or if you are the President of the United States, Olivia gets the job done. In essence, she is a borderline living legend in her field. In the midst of it all, regardless of how many fires Olivia and her crew are able to put out, there is bound to be some personal damage control that will arise. Each week they race against the clock to resolve titillating new problems before they have an opportunity to become full-blown catastrophes. In addition to the client’s problems the team has to deal with their own personal dilemmas.

Rhimes does an admirable job of writing a very direct, “no holds barred” show that is complete with a modern and hip twist. Men and women alike can expect a very relatable show that is bound to keep them on the edge of their couch. In addition to a great storyline, the casting is quite on point. There is everything from the ‘retired’ womanizer (Henry Ian Cusick), to the computer wiz with a CIA past (Guillermo Diaz), the quick-witted firm’s investigator (Darby Stanchfield), a smooth and proficient litigator (Columbus Short), and of course you got to have the fresh-faced rookie (Katie Lowes). As a whole all of the actors fit their roles and they do so with great chemistry. Scandal is complete with engaging plot points, fast-paced dialogue, traditional soap opera elements, penetrating story lines intertwined with the latest political deception. It is quite evident in just the first two episodes the story is clearly established. Each episode not only provides a new ‘scandal’ to hide, but within in each story there is also another layer that is peeled back to reveal the “ultimate” scandal.

After watching the first two episodes, one might say that Rhimes just might have another big hit on her hands. And if ABC commits to it fully, there is no telling the amount of ratings that it will bring to the network. For those of you who are in the search for a fresh mid-spring Thursday night fix Scandal. 

Finally A Black Woman Hero!!

Now I know I am deviating a bit from my normal film highlights blog post, but I just had to post this!! 


AMC's "The Walking Dead" closed out its second season in "spectacularly bloody and fiery fashion on Sunday night".  But one of  the highlights that would take place is the introduction of a mysterious, hooded character wielding a katana and leading two zombies around on chains. So you ask who is this  mystery woman...her name is "Michonne". I literally jumped out of my bed with excitement!! 


As you all know sometime ago I got on my soap box and gave my two cents on The Disappearance of the Black Female Heroine . And FINALLY Hollywood is beginning to take this role a little bit more seriously!! For years the Black Female Heroine has kind of just been thrown to the side. However with roles such as Michonne in "The Walking Dead" series and TNT Southland's Lydia (played by Regina King) there is a lot of potential waiting to be snatched up!! I guess I am going to have to rely on AMC and TNT and the sci-fi genre in order to see my black she-ro! 


And the icing on the cake is that the character in the original comic series is a black woman and will be played by a black woman...About time they get it right!! 

Background: Michonne, is a mysterious African American woman armed with a katana. She used to be a lawyer in Atlanta, Georgia. And her life is no where near simple (father, mother, brother, sister, an ex-husband, two daughters, a boyfriend, a mortgage, and a host of other things (courtesy of ComicVine ).  She's pretty cool and awesome if you ask me!


For those of you who read and follow the comic book series Michonne  first appears in "The Walking Dead" Issue 19 back in 2005. And her entrance in the comic series mirrors what  TV viewers saw her doing on Sunday night -- leading armless zombies on chains and slicing and dicing other zombies with her Katana blades.

As a comic book fan and reader this is truly exciting to see the pages of these books come to the television screen! Thank you AMC!! And I am looking forward to Season 3 where we will get to see Michonne in a major way!!

ATL You Ready for ATLFF 2012!!

One of my favorite times of the year here in the ATL is right around the corner...2012 Atlanta Film Festival!!


Everything from Featured Films, Documentaries, Animated & Comedy Shorts, Seminars/Workshops, and so much more will be taking place March 23rd- April 1st!


The Festival: Now in its fourth decade, the Atlanta Film Festival—one of only two-dozen Academy Award® qualifying festivals in the U.S.—is the area’s preeminent celebration of cinema.  The Atlanta Film Festival is one of the largest and longest-running festival in the country, welcoming an audience of over 25,000 to discover 150+ new independent, international, animated, documentary, and short films, selected from 1,800+ submissions from all over the world.  It is also the most distinguished event in its class, recognized as Best Film Festival by Creative Loafing, Sunday Paper, 10Best and Atlanta Magazine.

General Admission

• Opening Night Screening and Party: 30 (subject to availability)
• General Screenings: $10
• Closing Night Screening and Party: $30 (subject to availability)
• CINformation Seminar Series: depending on seminar topic and structure, pricing will vary from FREE to $10
  

Member & Sponsor Pricing (for tickets purchased over and above existing benefits)

• Opening Night Screening and Party: $24 (subject to availability)
• General Screenings: $8
• Opening Night Screening and Party: $24 (subject to availability)
• CINformation Seminar Series – depending on seminar topic and structure pricing will vary from FREE/$8

Venues:

• Landmark Midtown Art Cinema: 931 Monroe Dr NE, Atlanta, GA 30308  (404) 879-0408
• Plaza Theatre: 1049 Ponce De Leon Avenue NE, Atlanta, GA 30306  (404) 873-1939

Questions? Call the Atlanta Film Festival 365 Office (404) 352-4225 or email info@atlantafilmfestival.com

To get your tickets and see what will be on the docket check out: ATLFF 2012 !! SO EXCITED!!

Passes are on sale NOW:

All Access – $300 - Access to all Events, Parties and Screenings. Priority Seating

Festival Pass – $200 – Access to all Screenings with Seating Availability. Excludes Opening and Closing Night Films & Parties and any other Premium Ticket Screenings.

Weekend Pass – $135 - Access to all Opening or Closing Weekend Events, Parties and Screenings. Priority Seating.