Film
American Black Film Festival lineup features Jussie Smollett and Vivica A. Fox, drama “Luther: Never Too Much”, documentary
The American Black Film Festival is back! The beloved film festival returns to Miami in June and has just announced its 2024 schedule of feature movies and documentaries.
Each 12 months, ABFF showcases Black talent from across the diaspora, and this 12 months’s lineup spans a wide range of genres including motion, psychological thriller, romance, biography, drama, comedy and coming-of-age stories that also make clear “culturally relevant themes.” similar to mental health, human trafficking, homelessness, gang violence, gentrification and LGBT promotion,” in response to press materials.
“The 2024 American Black Film Festival returns to continue celebrating artists and participants alike through our robust showcase of diverse filmmaking that spotlights Black culture,” Nice Crowd president Nicole Friday said in a press release accompanying the lineup release. “We are excited to return to Miami and invite everyone to take part in a momentous week dedicated to recognizing emerging filmmakers and bringing a wide range of inspiring stories to our community.”
The festival lineup will include “The Lost Holliday,” directed and co-written by Jussie Smollett, who stars alongside Vivica A. Fox. “After losing her estranged son, Cassandra must deal with grief and guilt while meeting the daughter and husband of the son she knew nothing about,” reads the official synopsis.
“The Waterboyz,” directed by Coke Daniels and produced by Ben Crump, takes viewers to the “streets of the ATL,” where “two young men cross paths, one trying to make a living legally, the other trying to sow chaos and rule the streets,” reads the synopsis . Starring Akil McDowell, Alani “La La” Anthony, Quavo Omar Dorsey and Rockmond Dunbar.
For more details about ABFF, ticket information, event news and more, visit the official website Here. Check out the total lineup below.
NARRATIVE FEATURES (US & International)
“Albany Road”
On the option to an important meeting of her profession, severe weather forces a New York executive to share a rental automotive along with her former nemesis, her ex-fiancé’s mother, only to find that her mother is hiding a serious secret.
USA | 135 minutes
Directed by Christine Swanson
Screenplay: Christine Swanson
Producer: Michael Swanson
Cast: Renée Elise Goldsberry, Lynn Whitfield, J. Alphonse Nicholson, Lisa Arrindell, Gary Dourdan, Joe Holt, Rachel Nicks
“Black Heat”
World premiere
One night, two parents, with no alternative left, infiltrate a top-class drug dealer and a pimp’s apartment constructing to rescue their teenage daughter.
USA | 93 minutes
Directed by Wes Miller
Screenplay: Wes Miller
Producers: Andrew van den Houte, Wes Miller
Cast: Jason Mitchell, Tabatha “DreamDoll” Robinson, NLE Choppa
“Reservoir”
US Prime Minister
Sometimes you may have to take justice into your individual hands.
USA | 103 minutes
Directed by Terrisha Kearse
Screenplay: Steve Fauquier, David Wendell Boykins, Terrisha Kearse, Mico Ramos
Producers: Tara Carbajal, Terrisha Kearse, Keita Don Azu, Seven Bailey, Amber Bolden
Cast: David Wendell Boykins, Dallas Schaefer, Kiya Roberts, Derek S. Orr, Kimberly Bailey
““drip like coffee”
World premiere
An unlikely romance develops between two Brooklyn baristas, Kali, an aspiring coffee pro, and Mel, an aspiring photographer.
USA | 86 minutes
Directed by: Anaiis Cisco
Script: Anaiis Cisco
Producers: Anaiis Cisco, Ryan Rivard, Mary Pena, Kathryn Boyd-Batstone
Cast: Iman Artwell Freeman, Kashanie Lagrotta Butler, Ralphy Lopez
Featured Stories
“Hair of Freedom“
Based on the inspiring true story of Melona Armstrong, a mother working at a battered women’s shelter decides to start out a hair braiding business and must overcome obstacles imposed by the powerful cartel and the state of Mississippi.
USA | 99 minutes
Directed by Dianne Houston
Screenplay: Dianne Houston
Producers: Stacey Parks, Lana Link, Rob Pfaltzgraff
Cast: Simona Brown, Jeremie Harris, Sophia Bush, Erica Taze
“It looked like a postcard”
World premiere
A poet teetering on the verge of single motherhood returns to her hometown to rebuild her life and finds love and way more after receiving a magical postcard at her door.
USA | 97 minutes
Directed by: Qasim Basir
Screenplay: Jessica Care Moore
Producers: Jessica Care Moore, Lasana Hotep, Gingi Rochelle
Cast: Jessica Care Moore, Tobias Truvillion, Jaden Anthony Moore, Nicci Gilbert, Donnell Rawlings, Omar Regan
“Peripheral”
World premiere
The woman’s husband disappears shortly after moving to a brand new house, but upon his return, strange and paranormal events begin to occur.
USA | 88 minutes
Directed by: Sulayman Tahir
Screenplay: Sulayman Tahir, Jordan Tortorello
Producers: Jordan Tortorello, Dallas Hart, Chris Tortorello
Cast: Andrea B. Langston, Patrick Walker, Patricia Mizen, D’Kia Anderson, Sami Tortorello
“Swoon”
World premiere
The woman wakes up tied to a bed and her kidnapper tries to govern her into believing they’re a pair.
USA | 83 minutes
Directed by Byron Manuel
Screenplay: Byron Manuel
Producers: Byron Manuel, Ryan Rojas, JP Ouellette, Cash Oliver, Franco Tavera, George Wriighster, Cameron Duncan, Lily Terrazas, Raul Terrazas, Kassandra Lee Diaz, Rich Morrow.
Cast: Kassandra Lee Diaz, DeRon Cash, Rich Morrow, Efrangeliz Medina, Dean Wil, Herbert Morales, Del Harrison.
“Last game”
US Prime Minister
A retired skilled basketball player searches for true love and a brand new starting, however the traumas of his past threaten his happiness.
USA | 108 minutes
Directed by Tailiah Breon
Screenplay: Jeremy Pargo, Barshea Lowery
Producers: Jeremy Pargo, Valentina Barton, Tailiah Breon, Ernestine Morrison Johnson
Cast: Jeremy Pargo, Hazel Renee, Jerod Haynes, Navv Greene, Vanessa D. Fant, Brea Joy
““Lost Vacation”
World premiere
After losing her estranged son, Cassandra must take care of grief and guilt while meeting the daughter and husband of the son she knew nothing about.
USA | 96 minutes
Directed by Jussie Smollett
Screenplay: Jerrell Chesney, Jussie Smollett
Producers: Jussie Smollett, Mona Scott-Young, Tressa Smallwood, Tom Wilson, Joe “Jody” Williams, Janet Smollett, Eddie Mac, Stephanie Gayle, Jerrell Chesney, Anthony Smallwood, Sheila Legette and Vivica A. Fox
Cast: Vivica A. Fox, Jussie Smollett, Jabari Redd, Marquise Vilsón, Brittany S. Hall, Miriam A. Hyman, London Carter, Memphis Cade, Gina Belafonte, Leslie D. Baker
“Chances”
World premiere
A young man stumbles upon happiness, but it surely attracts the unsuitable attention.
Nigeria | 93 minutes
Directed by: Kewa Oni
Screenplay: Kewa Oni
Producers: Seun Opabisi, Sean McNichol, Phiona Okunmu, Tunji Jamiu Shoyode
Cast: Molawa Davies, Osita Iheme, Gbemi Akinlade, Kelechi Udegbe
““Waterboyz”
World premiere
Two young men meet on the streets of ATL: one tries to earn a living legally, the opposite tries to sow chaos and rule the streets.
USA | 89 minutes
Directed by: Coke Daniels
Script: Cola Daniels
Producers: Coke Daniels, Errol Sadler, Dolapo Erinkitola, Cameron S Mitchell, Brian Sher, Coach K, Pee Thomas, Ben Crump, Tirrell D Whitley
Cast: Akil McDowell, Alani “La La” Anthony, Quavo Omar Dorsey, Rockmond Dunbar
““Young King”
World premiere
As Diondre Howell adjusts to civilian life and deals with the scars of the Iraq War, he increasingly becomes a threat to those he cares about most – his family.
USA | 94 minutes
Directed by: Bryant T. Griffin
Screenplay: Bryant T. Griffin
Producer: Selena Leoni
Cast: Vince Washington, Tarra Riggs, Kirby Griffin, Vaughn Wilkinson, James Arthur Sims
DOCUMENTARY FEATURES
“It’s time to shout: “More than a statue”
World premiere
The passionate activism of former Charlottesville City Council member Dr. Wes Bellamy charts the tumultuous journey for racial justice that began with the controversial removal of Confederate monuments and led to one of the crucial divisive conflicts in America today.
USA | 63 minutes
Directed by Eric W. Newman and Daniel B. Levin
Producers: Eric W. Newman, Daniel B. Levin, Daryl Davis
Cast: Dr. Wes Bellamy, Kristin Szakos, Eze Amos, Will Jones, Courtney Commander
“Family tree“
In the American South, landowners within the Black Forest are fighting to preserve their family heritage and create sustainable forests for future generations.
USA | 97 minutes
Directed by Jennifer MacArthur
Producer: Rupert Maconick
Cast: The Jefferies Family, The Williams Family, Sam Cook, Mavis Gragg, Alton Perry
“It Takes a Village: The Story of East Van”
US Prime Minister
The journey of two Ugandan brothers unfolds in East Vancouver, highlighting the community’s impact in empowering at-risk youth to beat adversity.
Canada| 79 minutes
Directed by Christopher Cho
Producers: Jonathan Mubanda, Christopher Cho, Stephanie Watt-Mubanda, David Mubanda, Wolfgang Klassen
Cast: Jonathan, David, Theresa Campbell
“King of Kings: Chasing Edward Jones“
The European director is in search of the reality about her grandfather, essentially the most famous political king of all time, who, despite discrimination within the Nineteen Thirties, climbed to the heights of monetary and political position in Chicago.
France | 98 minutes
Directed by: Harriet Marin Jones
Producer: Harriet Marin Jones
Executive producers: Quincy Jones, Debbie Allen
Cast: Quincy Jones, Nathan Thompson, Harriet Jones, Timuel Black
“Luther: You can never have too much“
Dawn Porter offers an in-depth have a look at the life and profession of Luther Vandross, who overcame personal and skilled challenges to develop into considered one of the best singers of all time.
USA | 100 minutes
Directed by Dawn Porter
Producers: Trish D Chetty, Ged Doherty, Jamie Foxx, Datari Turner, Leah Smith
Executive producers: Jamie Foxx, Datari Turner, Jon Platt
Cast: Fonzi Thornton, Robin Clark, Carlos Alomar, Danyel Smith, Jon Platt, Ava Cherry, Seveda Williams, Nile Rodgers, Valerie Simpson, Marcus Miller, Nat Adderly Jr., Jamie Foxx, Lisa Fischer, Kevin Owens, Richard Marx, Clive Davis, Mariah Carey, Dionne Warwick and Max Szadek
““Train: The Story of Dick ‘The Night Train’ within the Lane”
World premiere
Follow the extraordinary profession of Dick “Night Train” Lane, from the concrete playing fields of the Twenties to Madden Football stardom as he went from being thrown into the trash can to earning a spot within the Football Hall of Fame.
USA | 133 minutes
Directed by Eric “Ptah” Herbert
Producers: Carlos Mendez, Jennifer Karsting, Richard Lane Jr, Richard Walker, Eric “Ptah” Herbert, Mack Tompkins, Andre Mitchell, Devin Mitchell
Cast: Eric Dickerson, Ray Lewis, Warren Moon, Dick Lebeau, Rod Woodson, Dick Butkus, Leigh Steinberg, Ct Fletcher, Guy Torry, Fred “The Hammer” Williamson, Henry Leverette
“Who the hell is Regina Jones?”
World premiere
Before Rolling Stone, there was Soul. Behind Soul was Regina Jones. Against all odds, Regina forged her own path and, on the age of 80, found herself again.
USA | 99 minutes
Director: Soraya Selene, Billy Miossi
Producer: Alissa Shapiro
Cast: Regina Jones, Matt Jones
Malia Obama is carving her own path. When the previous first daughter made her short film debut on the Sundance Film Festival in January, she did so and not using a name.
While performing in “Pivot Podcast,” former President Barack Obama revealed that his now 26-year-old eldest daughter used a special name in the credits of her short film “The Heart,” which she wrote and directed with the assistance of Donald Glover.
According to her father, as an alternative of using Obama, she submitted the video under her first and middle names, Malia Ann.
“The challenge for us is to be able to help them at all,” Obama explained when asked how he encourages his daughters to follow their very own path.
“They are very sensitive about this. They are very stubborn about this,” he continued. “Malia, she makes movies, so she made her first movie. And, , I’m going to be a dad, I’m bragging slightly… her first movie was shown at Sundance and all these fancy film festivals, and she or he didn’t use Obama as director in the credits.
The former president told his daughter that no matter this omission, it could be inevitable that many viewers would know who she was, she said: “I want them to watch it for the first time and not have that association in any way.”
He added: “So I think our daughters are doing everything they can to not try to take advantage of that.”
Featured Stories
Malia’s 18-minute film tells the story of a son battling guilt after the death of his mother, debuted at Sundance to mixed reviews. Although some called her “nepo’s baby”, others noticed her skills and potential.
Obama made the revelation during a discussion with former NFL podcast stars Fred Taylor and Channing Crowder about how their children are coping with constructing their very own lives under the pressure of powerful parents.
The 63-year-old noted that his daughters’ aversion to visibility intensified during their time in the White House. He recalled having to negotiate at some level with the White House press to keep his daughters out of the narrative.
“They didn’t choose it, did they? Let’s let them grow up,” he said. “And to the press’s credit, they left them alone. Now, when they get older, something happens with the paparazzi and it drives them crazy, you know, because their attitude is, “We’re not looking for all that.” So they are grounded.”
Actor David Harris, best known for his role as “Cochise” in the 1979 cult classic “Warriors,” died Friday at the age of 75.
He died of cancer at his home in New York, said his daughter Davina Harris The New York Times..
“The Warriors,” based on Sol Yurick’s 1965 novel of the same title, tells the story of a New York gang accused of killing a rival gang leader. As a result, Cochise and his gang spend the film fighting rival gangs on a wild journey back home to Brooklyn. Harris’ character was known for her signature style, which included a turquoise necklace, red bandana, and feathers.
The Walter Hill-directed film wasn’t a critical favorite when it was released, however it has since held a very important place in American culture. The film has inspired countless other stories and filmmakers, including Chad Stahelski, director of “John Wick: Chapter 4,” People Magazine reported.
While “The Warriors” could have been Harris’ breakthrough film, his profession began in 1976 with the Emmy-nominated TV movie “Judge Horton and the Scottsboro Boys.” After “The Warriors,” he appeared in several other television roles and episodes, including “In the Heat of the Night,” “Hill Street Blues” and as Officer Simmons on “NYPD Blue.”
Featured Stories
Variation reported that the New York native discovered acting in school. He attended the city’s highly regarded High School of Performing Arts, where one in every of his English teachers suggested he try his hand at the theater department. “I fell in love with it,” he said in a 2022 interview “Claw’s Corner”. “I said, you know what, I think that’s my niche.”
Harris’ acting credits also include the BET revival of “The First Wives Club,” “Elementary,” “Law & Order: Special Ops” and more, though he even admitted that Cochise is his most recognizable role.
Variety also reported that in a 2019 interview Radio ADAMIHarris said, “We thought (‘Warriors’) was a short film that would pass and no one would talk about it anymore.”
“I’ve been to Hong Kong, I’ve been to the Philippines, I’ve been to Tokyo,” he continued. “I’ve made plenty of movies, but once I get off the plane, people say, ‘That’s the guy from ‘Warriors.’
According to Variety, in addition to his daughter, Harris is survived by his mother, Maude Marie Harris; his sister Jeannette C. Harris-Zwerin; brothers, Arthur A. Harris and Vincent J. Harris; and two grandchildren.
Film
Samuel L. Jackson świętował na benefisie filmowym MoMA w gronie najbliższej rodziny i przyjaciół
NOWY JORK (AP) – W środę wieczorem Muzeum Sztuki Nowoczesnej było pełne przekleństw i śmiechu Samuela L. Jacksona rodzina i przyjaciele świętowali podczas corocznego benefisu filmowego bogatą karierę aktora i reżysera, pełną hitów kasowych, niezwykłych postaci i wybuchowych jednowierszówek.
Jackson, znany ze swoich niesławnych bomb F, trzymał się bardziej sentymentalnego przemówienia na benefisie, podczas gdy jego przyjaciele i rodzina uhonorowali go niektórymi z jego ulubionych wypowiedzi.
„Miałem szczęście grać różnorodne postacie, dzięki którym nauczyłem się czegoś nowego o ludzkich doświadczeniach z każdą z nich i zawsze noszę w sobie cząstkę tego, przechodząc dalej” – powiedział.
Mając 75 lat Jackson stworzył hollywoodzkie dziedzictwo, które rozciąga się na przestrzeni 40 lat. Od grania w pełnych akcji hitach kinowych jako Mace Windu w „Gwiezdnych Wojnach” czy Nick Fury w uniwersum Marvela po kultowe postacie Quentina Tarantino – obrzydliwego Julesa w „Pulp Fiction” i Ordella w „Django Unchained” – Jackson pokazał czas i czas po raz kolejny, że z każdą nową rolą może bez wysiłku się przemieniać. Jego wszechstronność sprawiła, że stał się gwiazdą kina.
Ale karierę Jacksona definiuje nie tylko gra na ekranie w filmach i telewizji. Użyczył swoich filmowych talentów na Broadwayu, gdzie zagrał Martina Luthera Kinga Jr. w „Szczycie góry” i Doakera Charlesa w „Lekcji fortepianu”.
Pomiędzy klipami ze wspaniałej kariery Jacksona kameralna grupa rodziny i przyjaciół Jacksona, którzy wracali do czasów studiów w Morehouse, wyszła na scenę, aby go uczcić.
Jego żona LaTanya Richardson Jackson żartowała z benefisu, jak kwestionowała zdolności aktorskie Jacksona aż do momentu, gdy zobaczyła go w „Pulp Fiction”. Powiedziała, że zanim zdecydował się na aktorstwo, Jackson kształcił się na biologa morskiego.
„Przewijając szybko, zobaczyłam Pulp Fiction, usiadłam w kinie i zaczęłam płakać” – powiedziała. Powiedziałam, że moje życie się skończyło, on będzie gwiazdą filmową.
Aktor Denzel Washington po raz pierwszy współpracował z Jacksonem w 1979 roku i od tego czasu minęło 45 lat przyjaźni z aktorem. Niedawno wyprodukował dla serwisu Netflix adaptację „Lekcji fortepianu” Augusta Wilsona, w której występuje jego wieloletni przyjaciel. Podczas wydarzenia Washington powiedział, że pamięta, jak uczył się od Jacksona występującego na scenie i obserwował jego występy na scenie w roli głównej w przedstawieniu, gdy był kiedyś dublerem.
Polecane historie
„Chciałbym być w połowie takim aktorem charakterystycznym jak on” – powiedział Washington.
Filmowiec Spike Lee po raz pierwszy zobaczył Jacksona grającego z żoną na ich dawnym kampusie uniwersyteckim. Od czasów studenckich Lee obsadzał Jacksona w filmach „Gorączka w dżungli”, „Rób, co należy” i „Chi-Raq”.
„Byłem pod wrażeniem ich talentu” – powiedział o Jacksonie i Richardsonie Jacksonach. „Wiedziałem, że jeśli Bóg pozwoli, jeśli zostanę filmowcem, w moich filmach wystąpią ci wielcy artyści”.
Aktorka Brie Larson i reżyser George Lucas wysłali wiadomości wideo, w których chwalili niesamowity katalog Jacksona i jego pełną miłości osobowość. Wśród innych mówców wieczoru, którzy podzielili się miłymi słowami i kilkoma bombami F dla Jacksona, byli zdobywca nagrody Tony, reżyser Kenny Leon i aktor Walton Goggins.
Jako najnowszy laureat nagrody filmowej MoMA, Jackson dołącza do dotychczasowych laureatów, w tym Martina Scorsese, Toma Hanksa, Julianne Moore, Cate Blanchett i Quentina Tarantino. W ramach 16. corocznej akcji nowojorskiego muzeum, organizowanej we współpracy z Chanel, zbierane są pieniądze na konserwację i wprowadzanie filmów do kolekcji muzeum.
„Świętując dziś wieczorem film, pamiętajmy o mocy, jaką ma on do zmiany życia i zainspirowania przyszłych pokoleń, które skorzystają z przejęcia i zachowania przez MoMA filmów takich jak ten, który rozpalił marzenia małego czarnego dzieciaka siedzącego w wydzielonym kinie w Tennessee stoję teraz przed wami” – powiedział Jackson w swoim przemówieniu.
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