Arsenio Hall And George Lopez To Co-Host LA Dodgers Foundation Blue Diamond Gala Headlined By John Legend
The Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation (LADF) announced today that comedy icons Arsenio Hall and George Lopez will co-host its fourth annual Blue Diamond Gala Monday, June 11, at Dodger Stadium.
The evening will kick off with a star-studded blue carpet and pre-show dinner party followed by two hours of entertainment and post-show food trucks. Multi-award winning, platinum-selling singer-songwriter John Legend will headline the show — all to celebrate the foundation’s impactful work.
LADF has invested more than $21 million into the Los Angeles community in the form of direct programs and grants to local organizations.
Proceeds from the Blue Diamond Gala will support the expansion of its direct programs — Dodgers Dreamfields and Dodger RBI (Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities) — and help LADF reach its goal of building 50 baseball fields in underserved communities.
“The Blue Diamond Gala is one of the most exciting nights of the year, and we know that Arsenio and George will make it even more memorable,” said Mark Walter, Dodger owner and chairman of the LADF Board. “Our vision is for the foundation’s programs, including the 50th Dodgers Dreamfield that will be built with gala proceeds, to improve the lives of 10,000 children annually.”
The Los Angeles Dodgers Ownership Group is presenting the 2018 Blue Diamond Gala. The group includes Walter; Earvin Magic Johnson; Todd Boehly; Robert “Bobby” Patton, Jr.; and Peter Guber. Serving as this year’s event chairs are Emily and Teddy Greenspan; Terri and Eric Holoman; William McMorrow; Stephanie and Nicholas Sandler; Sarah and Kurt Rappaport, Cindy Starrett and Allan Bates; and Renata and Ken Simril.
Blake Griffin Lands In New Sci-Fi Action Comedy For Paramount!
Paramount has picked up a sci-fi action comedy pitch from Mortal Media, the banner of the NBA’s Blake Griffin and NFL’s Ryan Kalil.
The untitled feature hails from duo Aaron Buchsbaum and Teddy Riley, who penned MGM’s proposed Shanghai Noon sequel, Shanghai Dawn, and put together the pitch with theDetroit Pistons forward and Carolina Panthers center.
Plot details are being kept under wraps, but the project is shaping up to be the first original feature being developed by the shingle. Mortal is developing a reboot of Disney’s Rocketeer (1991) that will be headlined by a black female character and a White Men Can’t Jump remake from Black-ish creator Kenya Barris at Fox.
Buchsbaum and Riley, who are repped by WME, Mosaic and McKuin Frankel, are also developing animated series Fairfax with Amazon.
Mortal is represented by UTA and Ziffren Brittenham.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter
It’s Official: Jamie Foxx Lands The Lead Role In New ‘Spawn’ Film!
Jamie Foxx is set to star in Spawn, the Blumhouse film that marks the directorial debut of Todd McFarlane from his scripted adaptation of his comic book creation. Foxx will play the character who started out in the comics as Al Newman, a member of a CIA black ops team who is betrayed twice. After being set up by his cohorts to be murdered with his corpse set aflame, Newman is double-crossed in Hell. He is convinced to become a Hellspawn warrior in exchange for being able to be reunited with his wife. But Spawn finds himself stuck in a demonic creature shell, and that his wife moved on and married his best friend. So this is one pissed off antihero who attends to dispatching the scum of the city in good and evil battles that encompass earth, heaven and hell.
The comic was huge in the 1990s and was previously turned into an animated film and a live action pic with Michael Jai White playing the character. McFarlane has long gotten overtures on a new live action film that could launch a franchise, but he always had creative issues that led him to his own gritty low-budget version at Blumhouse, with McFarlane making his directorial debut. He expects the budget to be between $10M-$12M for a dark R-rated realization of his vision that will stack up favorably from both a creative and a financial standpoint.
He doesn’t intend to tell Spawn‘s origin story and he expects his anti-hero to be a man of few words.
Courtesy Todd McFarlane
“The scariest movies, from Jaws to John Carpenter’s The Thing, or The Grudge and The Ring, the boogeyman doesn’t talk,” McFarlane told Deadline, acknowledging that he’s gotten odd stares from studio suits in the past on this approach. “It confuses people because of the comic book industry, and because they all default into their Captain America mindset and I keep saying, no, get into John Carpenter’s mindset or Hitchcock. This is not a man in a rubber suit, it’s not a hero that’s going to come and save the damsel. It’s none of that. At the end of the movie, I’m hoping that the audience will say either, is this a ghost that turns into a man, or is it a man that turns into a ghost? I’ve got a trilogy in mind here, and I’m not inclined in this first movie to do an origin story. I’m mentally exhausted from origin stories. Luckily, there’s a movie that just came out that helps my cause. In A Quiet Place, the first thing on screen is a card in black and white letters that says Day 89. It doesn’t care about what happened in those first 88 days. There are a couple headlines, but then we are on day 450. That movie doesn’t worry about explaining and giving all the answers. What it said in that case was, if you can hang on for a story of survival of this family, this movie will make complete sense for you.”
Courtesy Todd McFarlane
McFarlane wants to challenge Spawn aficionados and newcomers in the same fashion. “If you want to see something creepy and powerful where you go, just what the hell was that? I’m not going to explain how Spawn does what he does; he is just going to do it. We’ll eventually do some of the background if we make a trilogy, but that’s not this first movie. The first movie is just saying, do you believe? And if you believe than that’s good because I’m hoping to take you for a long ride with this franchise.”
McFarlane expects the envelope-pushing take might turn his biggest fans into his most ferocious critics. If there’s a touchstone film to his approach, it’s Jacob’s Ladder, a film that left audiences questioning whether or not the action on the screen was real or a nightmare.
If Spawn doesn’t have much to say, then why Foxx, the Oscar-winner who delivered so many memorable lines in everything from Django Unchained to Collateral and Ray?
Courtesy Todd McFarlane
“There are five or six moments where I’m going to need things from my actors, and a couple of them have to come from Jamie, and I’ve seen him deliver them onscreen,” McFarlane said. “He gets into a zone, with body language and a look that basically will say way more than anything i could type on a piece of paper, and this movie is going to need those moments. And in the odd moment where he has to deliver a line that’s short, curt and has impact, he can do it in a way that makes you go, ‘whoa, I don’t want to mess with that guy. What a badass.’”
McFarlane adds that Foxx was the actor in his mind when he wrote the script.
“Jamie came to my office five years ago, and he had an idea about Spawn and we talked about it,” McFarlane said. “I never forgot him, and when I was writing this script, you sort of plug people in, and he was my visual guy and I never let go of him. When I got done and my agents and everybody was talking about what actor, I said, I’m going to Jamie first and until he says no I don’t want to think about anyone else because I’ve never had anyone else in my head. Luckily, he hadn’t forgotten either. I said, ‘hey, I’m back to talk about Spawn again, and he was like, let’s do it.’”
Blumhouse chief Jason Blum sparked to the pairing.
“We are thrilled Jamie Foxx will be playing the title role in our movie adaptation of Spawn,” he said in a statement. “He is an incredible actor and a huge fan of the Spawn Universe that Todd McFarlane created. With the depth of talent Jamie can commit to the role and Todd at the helm bringing the world of Spawn to life, we could not be more excited for this film.”
Foxx sparked to the idea that his five year wait to play the character will be worth it.
Said Foxx: “A few years back I flew out to Arizona to meet the man behind one of the most incredible comic book characters in the universe… Todd McFarlane. He was taken aback when I told him with the enthusiasm of a young child that more than anything I wanted to put my name in the hat to embody his beloved character Spawn…. I told him no one would work harder than me if given the opportunity… well… the opportunity is here!! I’m humbled and ready to transform… and to top things off the young Jason Blum is lending his brilliance to the project! Time to be great!!!! #Spawn.”
Foxx is repped by CAA and LBI Entertainment.
Source: Deadline
‘Superfly’ Set To Open American Black Film Festival In Miami Beach
The 2018 American Black Film Festival will open with the premiere screening of “Superfly” on June 13 at the Fillmore Theater in Miami Beach, Fla., Variety has learned exclusively.
Sony Pictures is opening the title nationwide on the same date to get a two-day jump on Disney and Pixar’s “Incredibles 2.”
“Superfly” is directed by Director X in his feature film debut from Alex Tse’s script. It stars Trevor Jackson, Jason Mitchell, Michael Kenneth Williams, Lex Scott Davis, and Jennifer Morrison.
The original 1972 “Super Fly” starred Ron O’Neal as a cocaine dealer who is trying to quit the underworld drug business. Directed by Gordon Parks, the $500,000 film was massively profitable with box office of $30 million.
“We are thrilled ‘Superfly’ will be the opening night film at the 2018 ABFF,” CEO Jeff Friday said. “For many, the title resonates as a cultural touchstone, not only for the look and style of the film itself, but also for Curtis Mayfield’s legendary soundtrack, and for its place in history. ‘Superfly’ is one of the few films of its era that featured African-American characters with agency and power. In bringing ‘Superfly’ to a new generation, Director X has transitioned a timeless classic into a modern day, entertaining film that will be enjoyed by all.”
Katt Williams Appears In Court Today Over 2016 Charges
Comedian Katt Williams appeared at a Fulton County courthouse Tuesday for a much-delayed hearing over a 2016 charge of battery.
In the courtroom, the judge presiding over the case wanted to hear from a witness not in court at that time. The case has been postponed for the witness to appear.
Williams — whose real name is Micah Sierra Williams — was arrested on an outstanding warrant after he turned himself in for a different warrant in September 2016.
He was charged with second-degree criminal damage to property, jail records show, stemming from a man who accused Williams of throwing his cellphone earlier that year in February.
Police in East Point discovered the warrant from the alleged incident after Williams turned himself in after he failed to appear in court on charges concerning a confrontation at an East Point restaurant, police said. In that confrontation, which happened in April 2016, Williams allegedly threw a salt shaker at a restaurant manager, bloodying the employee’s lip.
The new court date for Williams has not been set.
The Associated Press and FOX 5 Atlanta contributed to this report.
‘Roseanne’ Canceled At ABC Following Racist Tweet
ABC in a stunning move has decided to cancel its Roseanne revival following star Roseanne Barr’s racist tweet Tuesday.
“Roseanne’s Twitter statement is abhorrent, repugnant and inconsistent with our values, and we have decided to cancel her show,” ABC Entertainment president Channing Dungey said Tuesday.
Regina Hall Joins Issa Rae In Universal’s New Comedy Titled ‘Little’!
Hall was already on board as an executive producer.
Regina Hall will join Issa Rae and Black-ish star Marsai Martin in the Universal comedy Little.
Hall was previously attached as an executive producer, but now also will star in the movie that centers on a woman who gets the chance to relive the carefree life as her younger self (Martin), when the pressures of adulthood become too much.
Drumline scripter Tina Gordon is attached to direct. Tracy Oliver penned the first draft of the screenplay, based on Martin’s idea, with Camilla Blackett (Fresh Off the Boat, New Girl) working on a rewrite of the latest draft from Gordon.
Will Packer and James Lopez, who worked with Hall on the box-office hit Girls Trip, are set to produce via the Uni-based Will Packer Productions, alongside Black-ish creator Kenya Barris. Martin will exec produce, with Hall and Josh Martin.
Erik Baiers and Mika Pryce are overseeing the project for the studio.
Hall, who is repped by ICM, Artists First and Stone Genow, will next be seen in the upcoming YA adaptation The Hate U Give and is set for the Shaft sequel.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter
Wanda Sykes Leaving Roseanne After Barr’s Racist Tweet
Roseanne is down another behind-the-scenes comedian.
Wanda Sykes, who is a consulting producer on the ABC revival, tweeted Tuesday that she won’t be returning to the sitcom for Season 11.
The announcement comes after star and series creator Roseanne Barr’s racist tweet Tuesday, which described the African-American former Obama advisor Valerie Jarrett as a combination of the Muslim Brotherhood and Planet of the Apes.
Barr later apologized for her tweet, calling it a “bad joke.”
Sykes is Roseanne‘s second big departure; Whitney Cummings, who served as co-showrunner for Season 10, recently stepped down. She cited “work commitments and my tour schedule” as the reasons for her departure.
Source: TV Line
Mike Epps Lands A Role In ‘Troupe Zero’ With Viola Davis!
Mike Epps has been added to the cast of Amazon Studios’ Troupe Zero, joining Viola Davis, Allison Janney, Jim Gaffigan and Mckenna Grace. Bert & Bertie are directing the film from a script by Beasts of the Southern Wild scribe Lucy Alibar.
Epps will play Dwayne Boudraux in the film, which is begin produced by Todd Black. Filming will take place in New Orleans.
Epps, who recently appeared in Acts of Violence opposite Bruce Willis and Eli Roth’s Death Wish also starring Willis, will next be seen in Lionsgate’s Uncle Drew comedy, out next month. His upcoming film slate includes The House Next Door, the sequel to the 2016 comedy, Meet The Blacks, The Cat and the Moon, and The Trap with T.I.
Epps is repped by CAA and attorney Todd Rubenstein.
Source: Deadline
The American Black Film Festival Announces The 2018 Official Selection
The American Black Film Festival (ABFF) continues its 22-year legacy of providing a platform for diverse storytelling and emerging filmmakers, by announcing the 2018 official selections in all screening categories. The festival returns to Miami Beach, FL from June 13-17.
From nearly 700 submissions, more than 40 films were selected for the 2018 ABFF lineup, representing a varied group of filmmakers who explore thought-provoking topics affecting people from around the world. The list also includes five alumni filmmakers and four world premieres.
“ABFF attendees will experience groundbreaking works from a global selection of independent filmmakers. We are excited to showcase the films from our finalists this June in Miami Beach, Florida,” says Lamonia Deanne Brown, Director of Programming at ABFF Ventures.
In 2017,the festival drew more than 8,500 attendees, generating millions of dollars in economic activity in Miami Beach and supported numerous local businesses along Lincoln Road.
The 2018 American Black Film Festival Line Up (all categories):
NARRATIVE FEATURES (In Competition)
ANIMATOR/ U.S.A. Director:Logan Hall and Julian Jones Cast: Levenix Riddle, McKenzie Chinn, Phillip Edward Van Lear, Anita Chandwaney and Geno Walker
An artist gains the power to draw the future. When his girlfriend commits suicide, he learns he can erase the past, with chilling consequences. World Premiere BEFORE THE VOWS/ Ghana Director:Nicole Amarteifio Cast:John Dumelo, Maame Adjei and Nathaniel Kweku
Nii and Afua, a happy couple based in Ghana, devise an unconventional plan to ensure a long and happy marriage.
CANAL STREET/U.S.A. Director:Rhyan LaMarr Cast: Bryshere Y. Gray, Mykelti Williamson, Mekhi Phifer, Woody McClain and Jamie Hector
After a young man is accused of murdering his classmates, his father, who is an attorney, defends him in court and struggles to hold onto his faith. World Premiere
JINN / U.S.A. Director: Nijla Mu’min Cast: Zoe Renne, Simone Missick, Kelvin Harrison Jr., Hisham Tawfiq,
Kelly Jenrette, Ashlei Foushee, Damien Smith and Maya Morales
A shape-shifting, pepperoni-loving black teenage Instagram celebrity, explores her identity and sexuality in the midst of her mother’s conversion to Islam.
SPRINTER/Jamaica, U.S.A. Director: Storm Saulter Cast:Dale Elliott, Kadeem Wilson, Shantol Jackson and Bryshere Y. Gray
A Jamaican teen hopes a meteoric rise in track and field can reunite him with his mother who has lived illegally in the U.S. for over a decade. World Premiere
NARRATIVE SHOWCASE (Non-Competitive)
A BOY. A GIRL. A DREAM./ U.S.A. Director: Qasim Basir Cast: Omari Hardwick, Meagan Good, Jay Ellis and Dijon Talton
On the night of the 2016 presidential election, Cass, an L.A. club promoter, takes a thrilling and emotional journey with Frida, a Midwestern visitor.
CHILDREN OF MUD/Nigeria Director: Imoh Umoren Cast: Liz Benson, Matilda Obaseki and Bassey Ekpenyong Children of Mudis a Nollywood story about love, hope and overcoming obstacles.
THE FLEA/U.S.A. Director: Nicanson Guerrier Cast: Isaac Beverly, Sh’Kia Dennis and Kendall Mason
Set in the Miami landmark, Flea Market USA, we follow assistant manager Quentin Parker on what is supposed to be his last day at the flea market. World Premiere
HBO SHORTS
EMERGENCY /U.S.A. Director: Carey Williams Cast: Darrell Lake, Jason Woods, Peter Pasco, Michael Segovia and Shaw Jones
A group of young Black and Latino boys come home to their worst nightmare: An unconscious White girl on the floor of their apartment. Faced with this emergency, they weigh the pros and cons of calling the police.
HAIR WOLF / U.S.A. Director: Mariama Diallo Cast: Kara Young, Taliah Webster, Madeline Weinstein, Trae Harris and Jermaine Crawford
Set in a black hair salon in rapidly gentrifying Brooklyn, New York, the local residents fend off a strange new monster: white women intent on sucking the lifeblood from black culture.
MOTHS & BUTTERFLIES / U.S.A. Director: Alfonso Johnson Cast: Amari Cheatom and Gillian Glasco
“Moths” follows Lenny, a socially awkward, schizoaffective man & Cherisse, a high-energy boundless soul, as they try to accept themselves in this New York tale about mental illness, love, and the longing to be understood.
DAYS AFTER YOUR DEPARTURE / Haiti, U.S.A. Director: Sam Sneed Cast: Joekenneth Museau
After losing his mother to a years long battle with cancer, Joekenneth Museau is left to question the meaning of his own existence.
SUITABLE /U.S.A. Director: Thembi L. Banks Cast: Kelli Jordan, Tiffany Tenille and Derick Anthony
Brandy, a high school tom boy, comes to terms with her sexuality when she decides what she’ll wear to the prom. At its core, this film tackles issues of sexuality, gender and the realities young, black women face as they come-of-age in modern society.
WEB SERIES
AVANT GUARDIANS /U.S.A. Director: Clarence Williams, IV Cast:Alesia Etinoff and Zainab Johnson
A woke dramedy that covers a range of social justice topics such as mass incarceration, trans/homophobia, and bullying. The Guardian Angel to the 12 year-old future 3rdBlack President, Razz, is mandated to go to therapy with an ArchAngel, Dr. Hanniel.
THE YARD / U.S.A. Director:John “Dr. Teeth” Tucker Cast:Fonzworth Bentley, Montrel Miller, Shaina Farrow, DJ Baby Yu and Korey Bryant
Set on the campus of Booker A&T, a fictional historically black university, The Yard, is an animated sitcom that follows the comical adventures of five freshmen. Together these flawed students are about to get their first taste of the real world and experience numerous missteps as they navigate college and life.
KELOID U.S.A. Director:Huriyyah Muhammad Cast:Reynaldo Piniella and Kenna Jackson
The story revolves around know-it all teenager Keloid, who is born with super abilities he neither wants nor is able to control and his strong-willed, overprotective mother, Marielle. Together they must find a way to survive Keloid’s adolescence, while maintaining secrets that keep them safe, and hiding from mistakes in their past that haunt them.
BROOKLYNIFICATION / U.S.A. Director: Keith Miller Cast: Karl Williams, Felecia Harrelson, Lamar Cheston and Tallie Medel Brooklynificationis an uncomfortable comedy series about gentrification in New York’s most storied borough. This diverse cast of characters takes on the good, the bad, and the awkward as transforming neighborhoods face the unexpected encounters of Brooklyn’s rapidly changing streets.
I AM NOT CHARLOTTE/U.S.A. Director:Jean Pierre Chapoteau Cast: Yani Simone and Darriel Violenes
Charlotte, a college student, discovers she is in love with Jake and is convinced that inviting him to dinner will seal the deal. Charlotte takes advice from a few people that she knows all too well to help her win over her crush.
DOCUMENTARIES
FANTASTIC: THE LEGACY OF SLUM VILLAGE /U.S.A. Directors: Moe Lynch Cast: T3, Baatin, J Dilla, Q-tip, Common, Sway and Elzhi
Fantastic tells the story of how three young men from the east side of Detroit formed one of the most underrated groups in hip hop history. From hustle to success through tragedy and breakups, the legacy of Slum Village lives on. World Premiere
NOT IN MY NEIGHBOURHOOD South Africa, Brazil, U.S.A. Director:Kurt Orderson Cast:Real life citizens Not in my Neigbourhood gives the account of citizens on the frontline of the struggle against the intersectional nature of Gentrification from three seemingly World Class Cities: Cape Town, Sāo Paulo, and New York. It follows their daily struggles, trials and triumphant moments, as they try to shape the cities they live in, from the bottom up.
MAYNARD U.S.A. Director: Sam Pollard Cast:President Bill Clinton, Ambassador Andrew Young, Rev. Al Sharpton,
Mayor Kasim Reed, Mayor Shirley Franklin, Mayor Bill Campbell, Mayor Sam Massel, Rev. Jesse Jackson and Rev. Joseph Lowery
He was Obama before Obama, Maynard Holbrook Jackson became first black Mayor of Atlanta, Georgia in 1973 and this film is an exploration into a man who had dreams and ambitions to be a public servant for his people seeing that it was the next logical step in the journey that had been started by Dr. King and so many others who had blazed the trail during the years of horrific segregation.
EMERGING DIRECTORS – Section #1
UP NORTH U.S.A. Directors:Emil Pinnock, Damaine Radcliff Cast:Eugene Clark, Ian Duff, Gabriel Ellis, Kris Lofton, Emil Pinnock, Damaine Radcliff
When it comes to the prison system, it’s just as hard getting out as going in. Mothers and daughters, fathers and sons, predators and prey fight to survive on the streets of Harlem and in the prisons of New York. Up North, an Independent Original Series for TV, explores systems of incarceration, and systems of marginalization in modern day America.
SEARCHING FOR ISABELLE /U.S.A. Director: Stephanie Jeter Cast: Charlee Marie Cotton, Stephanie Stockstill, Aida Delaz, Gage Wallace, Joshua J. Volkers
While being held captive, Isabelle discovers a mysterious ability to project herself to the outside world. When she appears to her friends in a desperate appeal for help, they work together to try and find her – but time is running out.
LALO’S HOUSE/Haiti, U.S.A. Director: Kelley Kali Cast:Garcelle Beauvais, Jimmy Jean-Louis, Jasmin Jean-Louis, Kyra Rose
Inspired by true events, two young sisters must escape a child sex trafficking
ring disguised as a Catholic orphanage after being taken from their home in Haiti.
MOTHERS/ U.S.A. Director:Aurora Ferlin Cast:Mickaëlle X. Bizet, Marta Cross, Mark Anthony Williams, Victor Rodriguez, Keena Ferguson
When the teenage son of Denise Matthews is murdered, she struggles not to surrender to her grief. Despite her husbands’ concerns, Denise is determined to confront the accused killer in court. The morning of the arraignment she finds support in a chance encounter with an unlikely stranger. World Premiere
EMERGING DIRECTORS – Section #2
PAS HONTEUX U.S.A. Director:John D. Tucker Cast:Travis LaBranch, Leon Lamar, Javicia Leslie, LaToya Edwards
The story of a young African American slacker that wakes up one day speaking French. The film brings to light the fact that we not only judge people by their looks but also by the way they speak. So, what if a young urban African American suddenly speaks French? World Premiere
FRENCH FRIES U.S.A. Director:Janine Sherman Barrois Cast: Rebecca Naomi Jones, Carl McDowellMAYNARD
A young, hip African-American foodie couple fights to resolvecommunication problems in a modern marriage of six years, four months and three and a half days. Sydney comes home to find that her husband, Jason, having an impromptuguys’ night. She winds up escaping to a hotel to work in silence, though that is not how the night unfolds. World Premiere
TRAPEZE /U.S.A. Director:Mark Anthony Green Cast:Rance Nix, Otmara Marrero, Kitty Cash, Sinead Bovell, David Deblinger
Oren got the email of his dreams—an invitation to a meeting his company’s CEO. That is if he can actually make it to the meeting. As he navigates through New York City’s decrepit public transportation, women who are out of his league, and a right-winged pedi-cab driver, he’s faced with an even bigger obstacle: political correctness. World Premiere
JITTERS U.S.A. Director: Otoja Abit Cast: Otoja Abit, Jason Patric, Walker Hare
Minutes before nuptials, a neurotic young man locks himself away in the back room of a church with the best man he knows.
EMERGING DIRECTORS – Section #3
A CRAFTSMAN /U.S.A. Director:Sanford Jenkins Jr. Cast: Marvin Gay, Shirley Jordan, Leonard R. Garner Jr.
Overcome with grief, as his late wife’s presence permeates the space they once share, a rural woodworker builds a coffin to be his final resting place. Until a neighbor visits.
A FATHER’S LOVE / U.S.A. Director: RonReaco Lee Cast:Terayle Hill, Adriyan Rae, Tichina Arnold, E Roger Mitchell
On the toughest day of his life, high school football stand-out Andrew is dealing with what teenagers go through and he has a difficult choice to make in regard to his girlfriend and her being pregnant. World Premiere
BODEGA! U.S.A. Directors: Donna Augustin-Quinn & Talibah L. Newman Cast: Aleksandr Krasnopolskiy, Anna Orlova, Eric Jennings, Hadiyah Robinson, Asha Winter, Eden Marryshow, Layla Silvestre, Sawandi Wilson, William Perry
In a community facing rapid gentrification, Bodega takes an intimate, yet comedic and dramatic, look at what can happen when people are made to feel like strangers in a city they helped build. When a middle-class family moves into Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, an elder in the family says something inappropriate, causing the local African American community to take extreme measures in order to receive an apology.
FEVAH U.S.A. Director:Randall Dottin Cast:Russell Hornsby, LaRoyce Hawkins, and Melissa Jackson
Indira holds onto her heartbreak like a lost treasure. It’s hers and no one is going to tell her what to do with it. Her one-and-only love disappeared 18 months ago leaving her alone to take care of their son. Finally back on her feet with a new place and a new man, she’s ready for the next chapter when her child’s father shows up—making her question the very nature of the treasure she’s been holding onto for so long.
PROTOTYPE /U.S.A. Director: Christopher Ortega Cast:Adrian Snow, Milena Phillips, Preston Butler, III, Kali Raquel
An Afrofuturist, sci-fi film about a mother and daughter living in isolation on a remote science compound who work to quickly patent the most human-like artificial intelligence on Earth. As prototype after prototype fail, Sol, who conducts empathy tests on her mother’s android creations, is pressured by her mom, Annette, to deliver a passing test or continue to be confined to the limits of the property. World Premiere
WHERE THE WATER RUNS /U.S.A. Director: DuBois Ashong Cast: Darryl Dunning II, Bria Wade, Kyra Locke, Joseph Callari
Set during the worst drought in LA history a water transporter uncovers a plot to privatize South Central’s dwindling water supply.
For a complete festival schedule and to purchase passes and tickets for events, panels and screenings at the American Black Film Festival, log on to http://www.abff.com/festival-passes/.
Join the conversation on social media by logging on to the ABFF’s multiple social media platforms:
Sponsors for the 2018 American Black Film Festival are HBO® (Founding and Presenting Sponsor); Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (Host and Presenting Sponsor); TV One, Cadillac, Comcast NBCUniversal (Presenting Sponsors); BET, Prudential Financial, Turner (Premier Sponsors); AMC, American Airlines, Codeblack Films, The Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA), Sony Pictures, Verizon (Official Sponsors); ASPiRE, Facebook, Gentleman Jack, LOL Networks, Miami Beach VCA, Netflix, OWN, Streampix, truTV (Supporting Sponsors); and Creative Artists Agency (CAA), Google, SAGIndie, Warner Bros., Walter Kaitz Foundation (Industry Partners).
