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!!

Trailer Alert: New Indie Horror short film "Danger Word"

Here is a short film that I have literally invested in, because I believe we need more films of this type that need to be highlighted and showcased! It's about time that we get to see a Black/African American indie/horror story. I hope this is the beginning of more stories of this nature, maybe even an Octavia Butler film!!

Husband and wife team Tananarive Due and Steven Barnes have hit the jackpot with this one. As a fan of horror and sci-fi films this short film definitely piqued my interest and has me yearning for more.

So just in case you have not heard about the film here is a brief synopsis:

DANGER WORD is a short horror film in post-production, directed by Luchina Fisher (Death in the Family), adapted for the scree by award-winning writers Steven Barnes ("The Outer Limits", "Andromeda") and Tananarive Due ("My Soul to Keep"). 

This film is about a 13-year old girl and her grandfather who have survived the zombie plague in his wooded cabin-and how her birthday goes badly awry. The film stars Frankie Faison ("The Wire", Silence of the Lambs) and Saoirse Scott (The Hunger Games, "One Life to Live")

The trailer is here check it out below (Side note: When you watch it make sure to set it to High Definition for the full effect) :

Although the film has reached its goal funding wise you can still contribute to the post-production!
And if you are into reading you may want to check "The Living Dead 2" which is where the original story came from as well as the novels "Devil's Wake" and "Domino Falls", the series that grew from the original short story.

For more information about the film and how you can contribute check out the site here: Danger Word Film . Trust me when I tell this film is going to do big things mark my words!!

So make sure to spread the word and tell your friends!!

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?!?!

"Clap (One Day)" A Short Film from Pharoahe Monch

For all my hip-hop fans check out this short film from hip artist Pharoahe Monch, Clap (One Day). Pharoahe Monch premieres his first visual from W.A.R. (We Are Renegades). Monch evokes raw emotions as he brings viewers on a journey of a police raid gone dramatically wrong.

The film stars Gbenga Akinnagbe ("The Wire"), Kim Howard, and Josiah Small. As a special bonus for fans who buy Pharoahe Monch's W.A.R. album from iTunes will receive the short film with purchase.