Hollywood's Whitewashed Diversity*

With the award season fully underway, eyebrow have been going up over the lack of diversity in the recent Academy Awards nominations announcement. Immediately after the January 15 announcements, social media, Twitter in particular, went into a major uproar. The hash tag #OscarsSoWhite went viral after the Academy revealed that all 20 male and female contenders in the acting categories are white.

The Academy’s first black woman president, Cheryl Boone Isaacs, reported to New York magazine blog Vulture “that the organization does not have a diversity problem ‘at all.’” However, many fans, actors, and the like would have to disagree with this sentiment, considering the predominantly white list of artist nominations. This year’s Academy Awards is the whitest Oscars since 1998. Many people have expressed their frustrations as more disappointment than surprise, (i.e. CNN LA correspondent David Daniel “#OscarNoms No female directors, screenwriters, or cinematograhers. No actors of color. #diversity”) because this is neither the first, nor the second time that this has happened. In the last 30 years, the acting categories have been completely devoid of non-white nominees a total of five time (1989, 1992, 1996, 1998, and 2015). Though we supposedly live in a “post-racial” society, it seems the Academy has not received that memo.

This white-washing of the Oscars is quite significant, considering that one of the films snubbed, Selma only received two nominations: “Best Picture” and “Best Song” for Glory (John Legend and Common), without an actor or director nomination. Despite high marks from critics and having the best review for “Best Picture” (receiving a score of 99) of all the nominations, British actor David Oyelowo missed out on a nod for Best Actor for his powerful and chilling performance of Martin Luther King, Jr., and the Academy failed recognize the visionary young black Ava DuVernay in the “Best Director” category. Had DuVernay been nominated, she would have made history as the first ever black female to be nominated in that category. Films like Selma remind audiences how relevant and worthy of a discussion the film’s poignant subject matter is. Particularly in light of the unrest over the killings of Michael Brown and Eric Garner in Ferguson and New York, respectively, and even locally, echoing heavily on the American conscience, there’s a need for a film such as Selma to remind the country of what has happened and continues to happen…and how we still need change.

A year ago, it appeared as though the Academy had made some strides in diversity. 12 Years of Slave won “Best Picture” along with the ground-breaking win from Lupita Nyong’o in the Best Supporting Actress category. Additionally, Alfonso Cuaron was the first Hispanic man to win Best Director, while Chiwetel Ejiofor won “Best Actor” and Captain Phillips star Barkhad Abdi won “Best Supporting Actor”. Those seemed to be the major talking points, but this year, the nods made a drastic turn.

In response to this lack of diversity, many fans and actors took to Twitter to voice their support for fellow actors:

“So #OscarNoms hmm. Shout out to my brother #DavidOyelowo you’ve been robbed but you’re not defined by this and your talent can’t be taken.” ~ @NoelClarke

#OscarsSoWhite that even The Lego Movie didn't get nominated for Best Animated Film because Morgan Freeman voiced a character. ~ @ShaunKing

The significance of these awards has always been a controversial interest. Now some may argue that the Golden Globes was full of diversity, which is true; however, much of that diversity came from the television genre. Others have given up hope, realizing that waiting for the Academy to recognize diversity and talent may be an infinitely long wait. Since the Academy’s birth, African Americans have had a complex, abstruse relationship with the Academy Awards. Whether they are nominated for roles such as boxers, sharecroppers, drug addicts, abused or scorned women, welfare mothers, maids, psychics, drug dealers, prisoners, or simply not nominated at all, there is hardly an amicable relationship.

Although it is hard to ignore the righteous anger, one can’t help but ask: do actors, actresses, and directors really need the Academy’s approval of their acting talents and gifts?

*As seen also in The Berkeley Graduate

Taking A Trip Back in History...to "Selma"*

Bringing certain historical events to the Hollywood screen can have a spellbinding, lingering effect. The historical drama Selma does just that for audiences. The candid film witnesses Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s campaign to secure equal voting rights, while it simultaneously chronicles a significant chapter in American History, the epic 1965 march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama. Here is a film that is very difficult to expound in a few words, considering the obvious affect that it will have on viewers. Certainly, many historical films are tough to appreciate, especially when one already knows the story and the eventual outcome. As far back as we can remember, we have read, heard, taught, and maybe even experienced Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s efforts. There are numerous hours of footage and countless recounts of his modus operandi and the volumes of writings that give insight into his mind. This film is exceptional for examining deeper than King the dreamer, and providing an understanding of his humanity as a man.

Selma is possibly one of the most powerful films ever made regarding the 1960s Civil Rights Movement. Sundance-winner and Golden Globe nominated director Ava DuVernay does an incredible job of capturing, what she refers to as, "small moments" that permit you to connect to King’s character on an intimate level. At the screening I attended, DuVernay spoke to these moments saying, "I knew that by doing a movie on King, we would have to do speeches, and early on I obsessed about the speeches. However, when I got on set, I began to focus on how to best capture the small moments that showed King's humanity." The film’s timeline was brilliantly constructed, neither exaggerating how much of King's life viewers needed to see, nor exhausting the moments.

As worthy a film as it is, "Selma" is not unblemished. For example, painting the relationship between King and LBJ as borderline confrontational. However, this may have had the purpose of making a point about the devastating, in many cases fatal, struggles and inequalities African Americans faced during the 1960s. Screenwriter Paul Webb and director Ava DuVernay present Dr. King as a fully rounded individual, even including his flaws, something rarely done when discussing King. Additionally, the majority of "Selma" points to of Dr. King’ strategies and adversities during the crusade.

One of the strong points towards the film’s credit is the cast, and their ability to showcase these amazing historical figures. The audience gets a front-row seat in the mind of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (played by David Oyelowo, Lincoln and Jack Reacher), watching him work during this tumultuous time. Early on, Oyelowo is somewhat inconsistent in playing King, but as the film progresses, he visually and figuratively transforms and elevates the role to another level. We witness a spirited and vulnerable King unfolding. By the close of the film, his performance is so strong, were Oyelowo not actually shown on the screen, one might not be able to identify whether it was Oyelowo or an old recording of King himself. Additionally, Carmen Ejogo (Sparkle, The Purge: Anarchy), offers a beautiful performance portraying Coretta Scott King with such depth and honesty that she's hard to overlook. Ejogo's performance is truly memorable.

Selma highlights other key figures, particularly women, from the Selma marches and the civil rights movement as a whole. For example, Amelia Boynton (played by Lorraine Toussaint “Orange is the New Black”) took part in the early activism and black voter registration drives in Selma, Alabama, and was part of the “Bloody Sunday” march in Selma. Another key figure was Diane Nash (played by Tessa Thompson, Dear White People), a bright, fearless leader and co-founder of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC). Audiences also witness the work and diligence of other leaders close to MLK such James Bevel (played by Common, American Gangster), 1963 March on Washington, organizer and key leader in the 1965 Selma Voting Rights Movement. Other leaders and key players portrayed in the film included Ralph Abernathy, Andrew Young, Annie Lee Cooper, Hosea Williams, Bayard Rustin, John Lewis, and James Forman. By acknowledging these other leaders, the film shows viewers the numerous angles and thought-processes that happened during the 1960s Civil Rights Movement. Whether it is in films, daily conversations, and/or in the classroom often times certain leaders overshadow others who played just as much a role in these monumental moments. Overall, the selection of key figures that are portrayed in the film, and the casting of actors/actresses playing them, is very exceptional.

While the screenplay is solid and eloquent though not gut-wrenching, DuVernay's direction is impressive, with sharp cinematography and editing. The gifted cast shine, showing us vivid, detailed accounts of this significant historical event through each scene of the film. Viewers should take note that this is not a Martin Luther King, Jr. biopic film, but more a film replaying the events leading up to and during the march in Selma. Freshman writer Paul Webb does a pleasing job of making this film “family friendly,” considering the sensitive nature of the subject. Leaving this film, your heart and soul cannot escape emotional impact. Think of watching Selma like engaging in a powerful, cinematic history lesson.

*As seen in The Berkeley Graduate

Say Yes!!, A Short Film By Ava DuVernay

Ava DuVernay has done it again! With such stunning and inspiring films such as I Will Follow, Middle of Nowhere, and her last short film The Door (in collaboration with Miu Miu, starring Gabrielle Union and Alfre Woodard), DuVernay continue to show how Black women are a force to be reckon with behind the camera. Her work is impeccable, and this newest short film does not not disappoint. This glowing piece of art Say Yes is a film, that is a partnership with the historic cosmetic brand (for women of color) Fashion Fair: "explores the power of the affirmative, and the beauty that blossoms from embracing life. Inspired by the Fashion Fair lip color, 'Say Yes,' Sundance award-winning filmmaker Ava DuVernay created this vision of what happens when you welcome the unexpected." 

Say Yes stars Kali Hawk as the leading lady and the perfection that is Lance Gross as her loving man. And ladies let's be real this brother right can just walk on camera and not have to anything but simply smile, and we are hypnotized under his spell. His entrance is jaw-dropping. In addition, to those wonderful faces you will also see some other great folks like creator Issa Rae, director Julie Dash (Daughters of the Dust), upcoming actress Aasha Davis (The UnWritten Rules), writer/director Lena Waithe (Sh*t Black Girls Say), singer N'Dambi, and acclaimed actress Lorraine Toussaint (Middle of Nowhere). Credit must be also given to the costume designer, Nigerian-British designer Duru Olowu, for the gorgeous and flawless pieces of clothing found on the cast.

This 7-minute visual rendez-vous/vacation will warm your heart and soothe your soul all in one sitting. DuVernay explains why she was enthusiastic about lending her skills to this particular project,

"I was thrilled to be asked to create a film for Fashion Fair, a brand that has always emabraced women of color, and that women of color have so often embraced. The film is a meditation on the power of 'yes,' illustrating what can happen when we affirm our family, our friends, ourselves. I aslo thought about the many ways that Fashion Fair says 'yes' to us. Yes to our variance of skin tone, yes to our different ages, yes to our body sizes, yes to the myriad of elements that we are. That's something worth celebrating."

And this film truly exudes all the beauty that one only imagine, inside and out. Everything from the music, to the cast, to the beautiful landscaping shots, would make any living breathing person "SAY YES!!". I was truly mesmerized with each shot, it's like I felt like I was there partying and having a good time with everyone else. There is no denying good work when you see it.

If you don't believe me just see for yourself:

Films like this is what reminds that good work and talent still exists. Who says Black men and women can't be featured on the big screen in an inspiring and beaming light. Matter fact, this film right here may just have to be my little visual getaway from time to time!!

Race, Gender, and Storytelling via Film

When I think of the words/terms race, gender, and storytelling there is so much that is within each word that it might take days, weeks, months, and years just to discuss. Each term is definitely loaded, controversial, political And what better way to talk about these words than through film.

While watching Melissa Harris-Perry's show on MSNBC there was a clip that featured AFFRM director and filmmaker Ava DuVernay discussing how race and gender play a role in the way she tells stories through her films. Check it out below:

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Some good points are definitely being made here in this clip. It's also encouraging to hear the pride that DuVernay has to be a "Black Woman Fimmaker"! Trust me that speaks volumes!! And if you have not seen DuVernay's Middle of Nowhere you are missing out on a jewel of a film.

A New Short film by Ava DuVernay, "The Door"

If you have not seen the latest work from Ava DuVernay, you are missing out on a gem. DuVernay's newest work is a short film titled, The Door. It is the fifth installment for Miu Miu's Women's Tales.

The Door stars Gabrielle Union, Alfre Woodard, Emayatzy Corinealdi, Adepero Oduye, and Goapele. In this film we see Union's character rise above a bitter sadness all with the love and help of her friends.

This is film is filled with fashion, music, and black female star power!! It touches you right to your soul. And just because I like you (lol) I have it on deck for you right here...

Your Thoughts?!?!

Finding You in the "Middle of Nowhere"...

DuVernay has done it again!! Opening Night at the Landmark Midtown in Atlanta, GA for the premiere of Ava DuVernay's second feature film, Middle of Nowhere been waiting for this moment since last year this time. But the wait was worth it!!

These days it is very hard to find a film that not only entertains but provides a humanistic experience. Middle of Nowhere does just that, and in a captivating way. It is not often that you find gems within Hollywood (and maybe that is a good thing), but when you do there is a greater appreciation of that film when you are able to view it with your own eyes. With this film, Sundance award-winning director Ava DuVernay is able to create a story that deals with love, trust, the complex prison industry, family, and finding one's self in this thing called life.

Middle of Nowhere tells a story of Ruby (played by Emaytzay Corinealdi), a bright medical student who sets aside her dreams and suspends her career when her husband Derek (Omari Hardwick) 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 with shame and separation. And as a steadfast wife she soon becomes propelled into another world filled with self-discovery and choosing between two worlds and two men. 

In addition to the story, DuVernay should take pride in the actors that she used with this film. Without them there would be no movie. And the lead character Ruby (Corinealdi) is truly the center of it all, and plays this role so beautiful and eloquent. Corinealdi is brilliant in this role as she is able to capture her audience with a breath-taking convincing performance. Even though her specific circumstance may not be the same as yours or mine the character is still relatable in the fact that everyone has to make their own choices for themselves. No doubt about it she brought an Oscar-worthy performance, and look forward to seeing more of her. Her presence is one that will move mountains and shake grounds.

The supporting cast is just as remarkable. Omari Hardwick who plays Derek, Ruby's incarcerated husband, once again challenges his viewers to see him play very complex and intricate characters. Although we as the viewer know very little about him, we know enough that we feel his pain and his hurt as he struggles to be a provider and most importantly a MAN all behind prison bars. If you have ever seen the movie Nothing But a Man, you will have an even better understanding of Hardwick's character in the film. He conveys a performance that makes you feel sorry and angry for him all at the same time. And then there is Brian (David Oyelowo) who is like the wildcard. Oyelowo gives a low-key performance of guy who seizes an opportunity to pick up what another guy has left behind. In this role from Oyelowo, we get to see a more take charge, advancing character doesn't give up regardless of the circumstances. The interactions between Brian and Ruby light sparks and send chills because in the back of your mind you want to cheer for them even though it is technically wrong. These two men in Ruby's life are more than just another love story, but the provide the background and foundation for what she is really supposed to do with her life.

There is also a feminine connection as we get to see Ruby interact with both her mother, Ruth (Lorraine Toussiant) and her sister Rosie (Edwina Findley). The dynamics between these three women is filled with a mix of emotions sadness, survival, sisterhood, and grief. Both mother and sister maintain their sense of pride and dignity that ultimately put a strain on their relationship as well as with Ruby. All in all, each character brings their own personal formula to this chemical reaction of a story. Each relationship is authentic and full of clarity.

The film is to be commended for its ability to give you the whole package deal. Although there were moments where you wanted just a little but more, it kind of adds a bit of mystery to the viewing experience. Sometimes it is more important to focus on one character well than to branch off and do and average job.

Director/writer DuVernay brings a compelling and alluring screenplay to the light, with each scene you can feel each moment as it unfolds. The dramatic pauses, the close-ups, the scenery, the dialogue it all draws you in yearning to see what will play out in the next minute. Middle of Nowhere, is a prime example of a film that blends both an intriguing narrative and an awesome soundtrack. Every song in every scene worked perfectly. It is as though the script and the songs were written at the same time. Middle of Nowhere's soundtrack included such artist as Goapele, Meshell Ndegeocello, Ra-Re Valverde, Fink, J Melodius, and others.

Middle of Nowhere is a film the effectively uses all of it parts the acting, the narrative/storyline, the cinematography, the music, the color, and most importantly the timing. Everything and every person falls into its proper place without seeming forced or out of place. And after watching the film you realize that the title is actually quite fitting. Lest I not forget the way this movie ends... it is genius!! I will not reveal it to you, but just know"it's just something about that walk!!" Overall this is a film will challenge your mind and makes you look deep within yourself. Not only that but it gives you a sense of reality of the prison system (you win some, you lose some). There is an overarching lesson here...life is truly what you make it, whether you are free or seeking to be free...

Rating: 8.5 out of 10

Sidenote: I kid you not this is a film that you do not want to miss. For those who live in Los Angeles, Atlanta, New York, Miami, Detroit, Chicago, Houston, Seattle, Oakland, Washington, D.C., New Jersey, or the surrounding areas this is a MUST SEE!!

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!!

"Middle of Nowhere" Full Feature Trailer

Here is a film that has been on my radar for quite some time (at least a year or more!!), Ava DuVernay's second feature film, Middle of Nowhere. And just today the full feature trailer has been released. Let me just tell you I am soooo looking forward to this film, I can see so much promise!! For me this film is a modern day take on the 1964 film Nothing But a Man, but from a female point of view.


This may only be a trailer, but it packs mighty punch! See for yourself...

Middle of Nowhere debuts October 12, 2012!!

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!!

"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!!

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!

It's Almost that Time Again...Bronze Lens Film Festival...November 10-13, 2011

Make your plans now to attend the 2nd Annual BronzeLens Film Festival of Atlanta, coming November 10-13, 2011.

From November 10 through 13, 2011, film lovers, actors, and film makers will gather in culture-and-heritage-rich Atlanta, Georgia, at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis to share a creative platform of education, entertainment and empowerment discussions related to film, as well as television, and the production of both. The BronzeLens Film Festival will feature screenings in multiple venues, as well as informative panels, and enlightening Master Classes led by top names in film, direction, and production.

You will not want to miss out on this year's  BronzeLens Master Classes – each one taught by an industry legend:

• Bill Duke’s 3 Day Boot Camp
• Screenwriting with Pilar Alessandra
• Career Transitions with Jasmine Guy
• Making and Marketing an Indy Film with Ava DuVernay

In addition check out the list of works that will be featured...

Documentaries:
Classical Steel, Trinidad and Tobago
The Furious Force of Rhymes, Blauvelt NY
Inside the Digital Moving Image Salon, Atlanta, GA
Sonia Sanchez: Shake Loose Memories, Brooklyn NY
Woke Up Black, Chicago, IL
The Start of Dreams, Atlanta, GA
Mandela, France/South Africa
In the Footsteps of Gandhi, India

Features:
Love That Never Leaves, Atlanta, GA
The Three Way, New Rochelle, NY
To Be a King, Jamaica NY
Butterfly Rising, New York, N.Y.
Man Up, Atlanta, GA
Mumbai Connection, Atlanta, GA
Buud Yam, Burkino Faso, Africa
Shanghai Hotel, New York, NY
We the Party, Los Angeles, CA
Speedy Singhs, India

Shorts:
Take Too Long, Valley Village CA, Animation
Grinding Halt, Atlanta, GA
Underground, Tallahassee FL
Men In Love, Brooklyn NY
The Interrogation, Atlanta, GA
Checkmate, Atlanta, GA
The Killing Seed, Atlanta, GA
Letters to a Father, Atlanta, GA
Lesson Before Love, Atlanta GA

Music Videos:
Take ‘Em Up, Norwalk, CA
It’s Me, Atlanta, GA
Gone Already, LA/Atlanta

For more information regarding scheduling and tickets, visit the BronzeLens Film Festival