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!!

Is Honesty the Best Policy?

Have you ever wondered where a movie gets its story from, the inspiration that leads to feature film that hits the big screen? Thanks to The FW we can have an honest look at some of the Disney's movies if they were given another name.

Interestingly enough, looking at some of these revised titles does give some additional clarity and an additional outlook of the movie. Check it out below:

The Lion King

Beauty and the Beast

The Hunchback of Notre Dame

The Little Mermaid

Cars

101 Dalmations

The Princess and the Frog

Aladdin

Cinderella

I must say many of these titles hit it right on the buzzer. Some did have more humor than truth, but when it is all said and done an argument could easily be made for each one of these Disney remake posters.

Your Thoughts???

*Posters by The FW contributor Christine Gritmon

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.

Guess Whose Baaaaack!!!! For All My Luther Fans...

So we got just a little something to wet our palette before the series finale of BBC's Luther...Embedded below is the first trailer:

 

And if you look real close you just might see Alice (she might be back :-)...yay). Just in case you need a little reminder of the show, we got the official synopsis for ya...

Idris Elba  returns in the title role of the acclaimed mini-series which won him a 2012 Golden Globe for “Best Actor” in this four-night television event in September - with two conflicting crimes to investigate and a ruthless ex-cop determined to bring him down. Luther’s life is his job, that is until love crosses his path and offers him a chance of happiness. Sienna Guillory (“Resident Evil,” “Love Actually”) joins the cast as Mary, a woman who works in a vintage clothing shop and meets Luther in a chance encounter. But is Mary ready to accept Luther’s past? And can Luther leave it behind? A self-destructive near-genius, John Luther might just be as dangerous as the depraved criminals he hunts. Luther shines a light into the hearts and minds of psychopaths and killers … and the shadowy spaces of his own soul.

For all my UK folks it returns to BBCOne in July and my fellow US we gotta wait just a little longer till September (September 3rd to be exact!!).

Oh Boy!!! This is going to be good!! Thoughts?!!?!

Another Poster for The Weinstein Company "The Butler"

Now you know I had to come back with something that is definitely going to get the people talking. And to be honest it really needs no introduction.... just a simple...."What are your thoughts?"

I have already heard some conflicting feelings of "two thumbs up" to "SMH" to "not sure if this works" to the infamous "Why?" I think once I see it maybe it will put the poster into perspective, until then I will just ponder and stir the pot :-)!! 

And just in case you have not seen the trailer here it is below:

Let the commentary begin....

I'M BACK!!!

So I know I have been on a brief hiatus, but I had to handle some academic business! So yours truly has completed her MA in African American Studies from Georgia State University. Now that I have completed that degree I am moving forward, and will soon headed out West...California, Bay Area! I am definitely excited about this new venture, and trust me Black Savant Cinema will be taken to new heights with this move!!

So I am glad to say that I am back on the grind!! Did ya miss me?!?!?!

Another KickStarter Project to be on the lookout for: "Spider Stories"

It's nothing like browsing through the internet, while waiting for your show to come on tv and find out about and up and coming innovative film.

Check out the new pilot for Spider Stories, an action cartoon set in an African inspired fantasy world. A mythic, epic experience with a unique cultural perspective.

"Spider Stories follows the tale of Princess Zahara who is thrown into hiding after the royal family is overthrown by a corrupt neighboring kingdom. While traveling with a misfit caravan of merchants she meets a wandering drummer griot who introduces her to the spirit world. Armed with a mystical staff, the fearless princess embarks on a quest to reconnect with the spirits, reunite her homeland, and reclaim the throne."

See the trailer here:



I love a good story, artistically drawn characters, and animation all in one!! And this project has all three!!

For more information about Spider Stories check them out on KICKSTARTER !