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
Film
Netflix’s ‘Meet Me Next Christmas’ Starring GOAT and Christina Milian Is Everything I Need in a Holiday Movie
There was a point in my life when I was a supporter of Christina Milian. I bought all of her albums when it was time to go to the shop and spend physical money on such endeavors. I was convinced it was her song from 2004 “Whatever You Want” featuring Joe Budden was a hit that catapulted her to the highest, if only the label would really get behind it. I had many conversations with friends during which I confessed my love for her as a person and my appreciation for her art. To know me in the start was to know the way I handled Christina Milian. I’m sure I’ve watched her movie “Love Don’t Cost” more times than Christian and Nick Cannon ever did.
So you’ll be able to imagine my delight (possibly not, but sway with me) when I noticed that Christina Milian had entered the Hallmark movie market on Netflix as a leading lady, starting with the 2019 movies “Falling Love for an Inn” where her heroine wins an inn in New Zealand and finds love. Then it was 2021 “Escape to Love” where her character is a pop star who has to sing at her ex’s resort wedding… and finds love. Listen, because I love love and Christina Milian, I am committed to this era of her life.
I was lucky when I turned on Netflix a few weeks ago and watched a movie called “Meet Me Next Christmas” starring Christina Milian and Devale Ellis and something like Kofi Siriboe.
I love Christmas movies. First of all, I love a good romantic comedy, and most Christmas movies are romantic comedies. I especially love black romantic comedies because, you recognize, I’m black and they sometimes star people I know since the Black Hollywood actor base is not very large. Plus, Christmas movies are frequently so sweet; they are frequently family friendly, and with love in the air, hope and the promise of joy are never far-off. Christmas movies are stuffed with good things, and I like good things. I principally watch all of the Christmas movies that come out on all of the streaming services, like “Meet Me Next Christmas.”
“Meet Me Next Christmas” is the story of Layla (Milian) who tries to go home to her boyfriend for Christmas, but meets James (Siriboe) in an airport lounge. they hit and he fired. They conform to meet on the Pentatonix concert NEXT Christmas in the event that they are each single. Plus, Pentatonix… is hilarious in this movie. Anyway, a 12 months later, single Layla is trying to seek out tickets to Pentatonix in hopes of meeting James, who will bring their legendary meeting full circle and begin essentially the most epic love story of all time. But to get a ticket to the sold-out Christmas show at Rockefeller Center, he has to make use of the concierge. Teddy (Ellis) enters. Shenanigans ensue.
I won’t spoil the movie because, again, I like good things and I guess you do too. But let me inform you. In this movie there may be comedy, there may be love and there may be the promise of affection. It has essentially the most random antics, Poughkeepsie and, most significantly, Christina Milian, who is actually great in these kinds of movies. I cannot say this enough: I would watch a marathon of Christina Milian in Hallmark-adjacent movies. She just has that something that makes romantic comedies work.
Devale Ellis can also be great in this movie. Let me inform you, Devale could have a serious profession ahead of him in this romantic comedy. He seems down-to-earth and likable enough to play the male romantic role. And it’s funny. I cannot pretend to know a ton about his film and TV profession; I watched “Zatima” and a few episodes of “Sistas”, but let’s just say the fabric didn’t quite let it…cook. I’ve seen him here and there, but I hope he gets more probabilities to play a number of the leads. I’m not saying his role as Teddy in this movie was an Oscar-worthy performance, but you recognize what, it worked and I thought he must have added a little more bite to the most important character’s energy.
Look, most Christmas movies are a lot of crap, and “Meet Me Next Christmas” is just the best amount of fluff with equal parts ballyhoo. You know where the movie goes. There are not any surprises in the ending. But I don’t think Christmas movies needs to be as twisty as “The Sixth Sense”; Christmas movies are comfort food that could be played in the foreground or background while the family sits and drinks hot chocolate (or wine for the adults in the room). This movie is great for that. Maybe I’m biased because I expressed my honest attitude towards all the pieces related to Christina Milian. But I liked this movie enough to observe it multiple times, not because I missed things the primary time, but since it was charming enough and had enough “shudder, why not” moments that I now got into it to my annual canon of holiday viewing. If you watch this, it’d do the identical for you. It has all the pieces I need for Christmas.
And do you recognize what meaning?
We’ll all… get together next Christmas to observe it together… again? NO?
I’ll see you.
Film
Denzel Washington Claims His Same-Sex Kiss Was Cut From ‘Gladiator II’; “I think they have chicken.”
Denzel Washington has been a long-time topic rumors about his stance on kissing white women on screen; But based on the acting icon, viewers will now miss his first known on-screen same-sex kiss. Washington claims that the “full lip” moment between his character and one other male character was not the ultimate montage of the upcoming epic “Gladiator II.”
“I actually kissed a man in the video but they took it down. They cut it; I think they have chicken,” the veteran actor revealed Gayeta press service in response to the query: “How gay is the Roman Empire?” As he noticed Variety magazinethe “Gladiator II” script mentions that Washington’s character, Macrinus, was in a same-sex relationship. Confirming the characterization and the footage that ended up on the cutting room floor, he said: “I kissed a man hard on the lips and I do not think he was ready for it yet. I killed him about five minutes later. It’s “Gladiator”. It’s the kiss of death.”
What is unquestionably not the kiss of death is Washington’s portrayal of a wealthy and powerful Roman who “maintains a stable of gladiators for sport.” Although Ridley Scott’s sequel to the 2000 hit “Gladiator” doesn’t debut until November 22, the role has already earned the two-time Oscar winner in Washington, D.C., a nomination for second best supporting actor. The veteran actor attributes these accolades to his reunion with “American Gangster” director Scott.
“I have to be inspired by a director, and Ridley inspired me tremendously,” Washington previously said Empire Magazine. “We did great in the primary round and here we’re. He is engaged. He is worked up about life and his next film. He is an inspiration. We should all wish to feel this manner at 86.
“Gladiator II” in cinemas from November 22.
Rome is teetering on the edge “Gladiator II” by Ridley Scott. It is alleged that its collapse is inevitable. The dream it once symbolized is dead. The once lofty ideals of the Roman Empire have deteriorated in a venal land now ruled by a pale-faced emperor.
On the throne is Geta (Joseph Quinn), who sits next to his weeping brother Caracalla (Fred Hechinger). The heart of this Rome is, in fact, the Colosseum, where crowds cheer on gladiators who fight and die. The timeless Scott feels especially at home there. The arena, stuffed with spectacle and violence, replaces the director’s own vision of the big screen: go big or go home.
This dichotomy – a failed society and its insatiable need for entertainment – provides a clever and unflattering backdrop to the “Gladiator” movies. The second part, which takes place 20 years after the events of the first film, introduces a brand new fighter to the Colosseum – a mysterious outsider named Lucius Verus, played by Paul Mescal. And to answer the inevitable query: yes. Yes, I had quite an excellent time.
“Gladiator II” just isn’t as prestigious a movie as his first film, the 2001 Best Picture winner. Rather, it’s a panoramic sword-and-sandal epic that values the need for entertainment above all else. No one in Gladiator II understands this higher than Denzel Washington. His performance as Machiavellian power broker Macrinus is a pleasant mixture of robes and smiles – so compellingly over-the-top that it almost reaches Al Pacino’s ’90s standards.
Inside Rome, there are scattered interests intent on overthrowing it, including Marcus Acacius, a decorated general who has just returned from a successful campaign to capture Numidia in northwest Africa. (This siege provides a panoramic opening to the film, with the armada racing at almost NASCAR speeds towards the walled city, with towers on the bow of the boats from which you’ll be able to scale the parapets.)
Acacius is a loyal Roman, but when he learns that the emperors are only out for the blood of more territory and war, he and his wife Lucilla (Connie Nielsen) begin a plot to overthrow their brothers.
Featured Stories
In a movie where everyone keeps a secret, few stay hidden for long. The most significant of them is Lucius Verus, a warrior from Numidia who was taken prisoner and compelled to fight as a gladiator. He is the son of Lucilla and Maximus (Crowe from “Gladiator”). After the events of this film, Lucilla sent him, the heir to the empire, to Numidia to grow up outside the empire’s power struggles.
Mescal, an incredible Irish actor “After Sunset” AND “All of Us Strangers” for the first time, it easily enters the arena of blockbusters. “This is interesting,” says Makrinus, taking a look at him for the first time. Lucius Mescala is vengeful – the Roman army kills his warrior wife at the Battle of Numidia. “Rage pours out of you like milk,” says Macrinus admiringly. The glint of mischief in Mescal’s eyes gives Lucius a little bit more character than the average gladiator out for revenge.
We watch as Lucius cleverly survives arena after arena. Meanwhile, Macrinus manipulates him to divert public attention away from the emperor. It’s a wealthy, if somewhat cartoonish, tapestry of palace intrigue for which Macrinus skillfully pulls all the strings.
But the truth is, none of the machinations of power are as fascinating as the increasingly carnival-like scenes in the Colosseum. During the gladiators’ first trip there, they’re greeted by man-eating monkeys. Then it is a rider on top of an enormous charging rhinoceros. Then the piece de resistance: a flooded Colosseum stuffed with sharks. There are even small false islands covered with palm trees.
Now “Gladiator II” may not live up to it many inquiries from historians. (Some issues were also raised in connection with Scott’s recent historical epic, “Napoleon,” which was also written by David Scarpa). But this is not a movie built for accuracy. It’s designed to take just a few bits of history and inflate them into the treat and delights of watching Washington’s Macrinus flail around with a head recently free of his body.
Yes, heads are turning for Scott’s Gladiator sequel. Macrinus manages to throw Rome right into a frenzy. In fact, he does it so easily and cunningly that when things start to go improper for him, the air leaves “Gladiator II.” You cannot quite consider his recklessness after he tightened the screws so patiently and artfully.
Nevertheless, two possible successors emerge – Lucius, who has the birthright to the throne, and Macrinus, who comes into its reach solely through his own wit. Is it any wonder I used to be rooting for Macrinus the entire time? How could you not, with Washington chewing up such landscapes and making impassioned (and relatively accurate) statements like, “That, my friend, is politics!”
“Gladiator II” – premiere of Paramount Pictures. is rated R by the Motion Picture Association for “strong, bloody violence.” Duration: 148 minutes. Three stars out of 4.
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