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New York, NY (BlackNews.com) - Film Life Pictures has acquired the home video rights to the award-winning romantic comedy feature film TRACI TOWNSEND. The film, an Official Selection of the 2006 American Black Film Festival (ABFF), is slated for release on July 17, 2007. Film Life has partnered with Warner Home Video to distribute high-quality urban films for home entertainment under its ABFF DVD Series label.
TRACI TOWNSEND stars Jazsmin Lewis, Mari Marrow, Victor Williams and Richard T. Jones.
The film tells the story of Traci (Jazsmin Lewis), a sexy thirtysomething advice columnist who has had her share of good men. But as luck would have it, she's still single and wants to know why. So Traci enlists the help of her level-headed best friend Sylvia (Mari Marrow), and together they trip down memory lane. Armed with a mic and camera, they interview Traci's former lovers – Darrell, Pierre and Dante – to find out why they never proposed. Each encounter comically teaches Traci more about herself than she would care to know, causing her to re-evaluate the meaning of love, life and, ultimately, happiness.
Said Jeff Friday, Founder/CEO of Film Life, "Film Life is thrilled to have acquired TRACI TOWNSEND. The film is a definite crowd pleaser, and played to packed houses during our 2006 American Black Film Festival. Beyond its high entertainment factor, it is also socially relevant." According to the Census Bureau's latest American Community Survey, marriage rates among Black women remain low. Only about 30 percent of Black women are living with a spouse.
Said Eva Davis, VP, Targeted Acquisitions and Marketing at Warner Home Video, "TRACI TOWNSEND is a wonderful addition to the American Black Film Festival DVD Series – as it presents a fun and welcomed alternative to stereotypical offerings in the urban DVD marketplace. We're very proud to be partnering with the American Black Film Festival and look forward to great success with this film."
The production team for TRACI TOWNSEND includes executive producers Fred Lewis and Bobby Thompson, and producers Cheryl Bedford and Bobby Thompson. The film is directed and edited by Craig Ross, Jr. The director of photography is Carl Bartels, with casting by Pamela M. Staton. Music by Geno Young, and music supervision by Carmen Rodgers and Geno Young. The story is by Shelitta Castille-Thompson, and written by Bobby Thompson.
About Warner Home Video
With operations in 90 international territories, Warner Home Video, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company, commands the largest distribution infrastructure in the global video marketplace. Warner Home Video's film library is the largest of any studio, offering top quality new and vintage titles from the repertoires of Warner Bros. Pictures, Turner Entertainment, Castle Rock Entertainment, HBO Home Video and New Line Home Entertainment.
About the American Black Film Festival
The American Black Film Festival (ABFF) is a five-day retreat and international film market now held annually in Los Angeles, CA. Founded in 1997, the festival's mission is to strengthen the Black filmmaking community through resource sharing, education, artistic collaboration and career development. The ABFF was born out of the need to develop distribution opportunities for independent Black films and promote cultural diversity within the motion picture industry. HBO is the festival's founding and title sponsor. For further information, visit www.abff.com
About Film Life Pictures
Film Life Pictures is a division of Film Life, Inc. Film Life is a New York-based marketing, media and distribution company that was founded in 2002 by Jeff Friday, its CEO. The company's mission is to spearhead the global distribution of Black independent cinema and be the leading producer/distributor of Black films, television, events and digital content. Its signature properties include the American Black Film Festival and the Black Movie Awards. For further information, visit www.FilmLife.com
The controversial, interracial film "Rocky Road" is now available on DVD.
Afton, VA (BlackNews.com 11/20/06) - Starring talented newcomers Nicole Smith, Natasha Pearce, and Will Wallace, "Rocky Road" explores the problems and prejudices one interracial couple experiences from their families and society in a modern dramedy. Told from the perspective of an educated black woman, "Rocky Road" digs into the tough family issues most films are afraid to tackle.
If you liked "Something New," this is a film for you. Warm and illuminating, "Rocky Road" explores the relationship after the couple's been dating over a year. She's ready for marriage but must contend with prejudice from members in both families.
A winner at the Pan African Film Festival, "Rocky Road" is one you'll want to own.
Here's what people are saying:
"Witty yet moving portrayal of the trials and tribulations of mixed race couples." -- Joseph Babineaux, Black Talent News
"Rock Road is a wonderful story ...very thought-provoking and realistic. It really touched on some nerves." -- Charlie Spencer Lackey, Multicultural Review
"Truthful and resonant." -- Frank Schrek, Hollywood Reporter
Rated PG-13 purchase the full DVD at Amazon.com:
www.amazon.com/Rocky-Road-Full-Screen/dp/B000FQEP82
To watch QuickTime trailer, visit:
www.rockyroadmovie.com/trailers/rr_big.mov
For more information go to:
www.rockyroadmovie.com
[Arts and Entertainment]
Miami, FL (BlackNews.com 4/3/06) - Movie and music pirates have been exposed nationwide by a Miami film producer, Kevin Clarke. Clarke unlocks the secrets of bootlegging by reenacting the true story of a hustler who acquires a felony case from bootlegging CDs and DVDs, but ironically has to continue bootlegging to pay for lawyer expenses to avoid serious jail time.
"Bootlegging is great for the community, but bad for the industry. The crime rate should be lower now, because bootlegging has given millions of young males with criminal records an alternative source of income. In Miami bootlegging has replaced drug selling," Clark states. Clark was motivated to do this movie because his first movie 2 Sides of Life was brutally bootlegged in the unforgiving streets of Miami.
On May 2, 2006 Miami Films will release on DVD the movie Bootleggers, which will expose to the multi billion-dollar movie and music industry's biggest competition: Bootleggers.
Log on to www.miamifilms.net to view theatrical trailer, cast clips and outtakes.
Atlanta, GA (BlackNews.com) - (1/11/06. Merging film, 3D animation, broadband and gaming technologies, the 2006 Independent Black Film Festival, Market and Conference will celebrate the achievement of artists of color in the arts & cultural entertainment community while encouraging and empowering upcoming artists through a showcase of diverse and provocative workshops, seminars, conferences, panels & screenings.
This landmark convergence of the arts provides the backdrop for the 2006 Independent Black Film Festival (IBFF), to be held March 12-19, 2006, in various venues throughout Atlanta's Buckhead and Midtown areas.
Independent Black Film Week expands the borders of the typical film festival by exploring the advances occurring within the film, music and gaming industries. IBFF showcases computer animation, film scoring techniques and screenwriting workshops in tribute to the emerging opportunities for independent filmmakers and writers.
In its third year, the IBFF achieved initial success by bringing together great minds from technology, music, feature films and videogames for a week of panel discussions, hands-on workshops and networking events. The result is a fertile environment for the exchange of ideas and techniques that help continue the evolution of the entertainment industry for filmmakers and musicians of color.
This goal is achieved through the strategic partnership between IBFF and the Atlanta-based Dallas Austin Foundation, a non-profit organization whose mission is to increase participation of urban youth in all aspects of the film, music and entertainment industry.
"We want people of all experience levels across all of these industries to have the opportunity to talk with and learn from each other," said Asante Addae, creator and CEO of the IBFF. "We're especially pleased to have a partner in Dallas Austin, who shares our vision for the future of this industry and the possibilities it opens up to young people of all backgrounds."
For more information, please visit the webpage, www.indieblackfilm.org or email info@indieblackfilm.com. Call 404-249-9529 for Festival Office.
Movie Poster - Richard Manigault is the writer,
producer, director, and star of his new debut film - Richard Heat.
Detroit, MI (BlackNews.com) (2/3/06) - Writing, acting, directing and producing is no easy task in Hollywood for a studio producer, let alone for an independent film maker. Never the less there's a new kid in town and his name is Richard Manigault, of Jeanie Productions. Equipped with a state of the art camera, and an action film that makes JAMES BOND and SHAFT look like cousins, RICHARD HEAT is sure to capture the hearts, minds and imagination of film goers who love action adventure films.
Mr. Manigault, a native Detroiter, shot the feature entirely on location in Detroit, Michigan, and can say that he is among the first to own and use the Sony 24P CineAlta HD camera, pioneered by George Lucas and used in his last STAR WARS film.
A graduate of Cooley High School, Mr. Manigault, was a business student at Oakland Community College. His strong affection for action adventure heros eventually led him to create a niche for the loveable and charismatic, yet tough, action hero Richard Heat. "I wanted to create a new action hero," Mr. Manigault says, stating that he received his major influence from "Fred Williamson, James Bond, and all the action heroes in between."
Mr. Manigault wrote RICHARD HEAT over ten years ago. However, a lack of financing and other obligations prevented him from bringing this character to the screen at that time. Now, equipped with a full production studio, including his own Sony 24P CineAlta HD camera, Mr. Manigault is able to see his dreams become reality.
When asked why he took the independent route to film making he says, "I need to be able to do my films my way." According to Mr. Manigault, there will be more episodes to the RICHARD HEAT saga, and film goers will see the action hero evolve into a top secret agent by episode number three!
First In A Series That Showcases The New Black Cinema
New York, NY (BlackNews.com) (2/3/06) - Clarendon Entertainment today announced the release of Urban S.L.A.M., Volume 1 on DVD. Urban S.L.A.M. is a ground-breaking DVD anthology series of short live action movies (S.L.A.M.s) that introduces audiences to the work of a new generation of independent urban filmmakers.
Volume 1 features a collection of 8 well-crafted short films presented with compelling segments in between films. These S.L.A.M.s include supermodel Tyson Beckford's acting debut (Gully), festival favorites that have premiered on HBO (The Date) and Showtime (Stone Mansion) and the first 2 episodes of America's only black erotic series, The G-Spot Chronicles (The Marriage Counselor & The Engagement Party).
During breaks in between films, viewers are treated to street interviews to get people's thoughts on what independent black cinema really is and then taken behind the scenes for an intimate look into the filmmaking process.
Bonus features include a making of documentary, coverage of a premiere screening, alternate endings, a photo slide show, cast interviews and coming attractions. In all, there is over 3 hours of content on the DVD.
Not yet available in stores, volume 1 is being offered for sale exclusively through its website at www.urbanslam.com. Visitors have the option of viewing free clips of the films online as well as ordering a free DVD demo that allows them to see two of the films in their entirety along with selected clips and bonus features.
"Until now, many of these films were not available to the public unless you attended the handful of urban film festivals in places like New York, Los Angeles and Miami," says Roderick Giles, Clarendon's CEO. "Now, we can bring the best of these festivals to urban film fans around the country who are seeking something new and fresh."
Based in New York City, Clarendon Entertainment is a premier provider of high-end short-form filmed entertainment aimed at the urban market. To purchase the DVD or obtain a free DVD demo, please visit www.urbanslam.com
For more information on Clarendon Entertainment, please visit www.clarendonent.com
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Los Angeles, CA (BlackNews.com) (2/9/06) - The World Premiere of the urban family dramedy movie, REUNION, was met with a sold out, standing room only audience on Saturday, February 4th at the Noir Film Festival in San Diego, CA.
Audience comments included:
"Good Family Movie"
"Forgiveness is a gift, Fantastic Movie; I could relate reminded me of my family"
"Touched the very core of my heart. Excellent Actor/Actresses"
"Great Message"
"I loved the storyline. The actors were incredible."
"Outstanding the entire movie & cast, it touch many aspects of so many people's life."
The inspiring new feature film, REUNION, was also a hit with the festival jury, winning awards for "Best Actress, Drama" for Carolyn Owens' portrayal of the lead character "Dominique", "Best Supporting Actress, Drama" for Trisha Mann's portrayal of "CeCe" and "Best Director" for writer/director Sheila Marie Norman's directorial debut.
REUNION breaks from convention with a touching universal family story with a cast of realistic and memorable characters. As relatives struggle to communicate and let guards down to let love in, the story unfolds into powerful confrontations and honest dialogue. The movie is a heartfelt dramedy about a spiritually bankrupt woman who attends a dysfunctional family reunion to ask for a life saving kidney transplant from her sister whom she blames for their father's death and has despised for the last twenty years.
"REUNION is dripping with attitude and looking fine," said Bruce Fessier of The Desert Sun. The movie spotlights powerful black women as well as strong, family oriented black men in openly spiritual settings. The film features dozens of up and coming talent led by Carolyn Owens, Trisha Mann, Dickie Wrightsil, Sid Burston, Dominiqua Lint and Micah Marie. REUNION was filmed in four locations including Palm Springs, CA and Hot Springs, AR.
Public screenings of REUNION will continue this weekend at the Magic Johnson Theaters in Los Angeles during the Pan African Film Festival on Sunday, February 12th at 1:25pm and on Monday, February 13th at 4:05pm.
For Pan African festival screening information, visit www.paff.org
For more information about REUNION, visit www.reunion-movie.com
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In this issue . . . BLACK COMEDY 30 YEARS TO LIFE ON HOME VIDEO & DVD TUESDAY, APRIL 6 OMARION GRANDBERRY TO STAR IN FAT ALBERT; GRANDBERRY TO PLAY REGGIE IN THE FOX FEATURE FILM - GRANDBERRY'S SOLO ALBUM SET FOR RELEASE THIS FALL ON T.U.G./ EPIC RECORDS; ALBUM TO BE THE FIRST SOLO ALBUM FOR THE FORMER B2K SUPERSTAR |
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Actor Paul Winfield Dies of Heart Attack
Child Molestation Allegations Brought Against King of Pop
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New York, NY - (3/30/04) Universal Home Video is pleased to announce the release of the acclaimed urban comedy 30 Years to Life. An official selection at the Sundance Film Festival, the film has won numerous awards and nominations at both American and international film festivals. 30 Years to Life stars Tracy Morgan (The Tracy Morgan Show), Erika Alexander (Living Single), Allen Payne (Jason's Lyric), Melissa De Sousa (Miss Congeniality), Kadeem Hardison (A Different World), Paula Jai Parker (Phone Booth) and T.E. Russell (Swimming with Sharks). The film was written and directed by Vanessa Middleton (Saturday Night Live, Cosby) and features an original score by renowned music producer Timbaland (Missy Elliott, Justin Timberlake). 30 Years to Life will be available on DVD and VHS on Tuesday, April 6th. SYNOPSIS REVIEWS AWARDS |
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