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
Winston Duke’s newest character delivers thrills.
In “The Fall Guy,” Duke plays Dan Tucker, a talented stunt coordinator who knows easy methods to make even essentially the most demanding movie stunts seem easy and fun. When his best friend, stuntman Colt Seavers (Ryan Gosling), comes into conflict with several shady characters on and off set, Tucker is tasked with helping his buddy get answers and complete their sci-fi film.
“I was at a point in my life where I said I wanted to do something cool,” Duke explains. “I didn’t want to do something super hard. From the very beginning, the biggest advantage of videos is that they can be layered. So even though the top layer may be very fun and enjoyable, sometimes the depth and seriousness can lie in the three layers below. I wanted something that would start out as a lot of fun and then find meaning.”
While Duke’s character in his recent film could also be fearless, it is a trait he needed to develop in real life. The Tobagonian-Rwandan actor says he’s a “very fearful person” but often challenges himself to look fear in the attention and overcome it.
“I believe fear is a great thing. I all the time see fear as something that tells me I’m taking this seriously,” Duke shares. “Every time I do not feel fear, I ponder why I’m so free. I believe I’m a really fearful person. That’s what I believe builds my integrity because I’m like – I realize that is essential.
“I realize there are consequences. I understand all these items and I’ll do it anyway. Normal? I’ll do it anyway, and I’ll come out higher on the opposite side. I’m afraid of each project I tackle. I’m afraid of each stunt I do. I’m afraid of each recent relationship I start, all these items, but , you continue to do it.
In “The Fall Guy”, Duke decided to perform a lot of his own stunts, no matter fear. The actor hopes the film will introduce audiences to the customarily underappreciated work of stuntmen, including his stunt double, JoJo, who worked with Duke on “The Fall Guy” and “Black Panther.”
Featured Stories
“I always do a lot of stunts,” Duke says. “But I always have the care and cooperation of a really great team. JoJo was on that stunt team. He had a really great relationship with me. He knew my body and how I worked. When he was preparing everything for me, even before I showed up, he had an idea of how to tell the story with certain moves that I knew very well.”
“My relationship with the entire (stunt) team was very helpful,” Duke adds. “I also played a stunt coordinator on this film. So I needed to shadow stunt coordinator Chris O’Hara and the remaining of the stunt team only for my very own learning.
“The Fall Guy” can now be seen in cinemas across Poland.
After winning the hearts of fans around the world on her “Renaissance World Tour,” Blue Ivy joins her mother on her latest project. On April 29, Disney released the trailer for the latest installment of the “Lion King” cinematic universe, “Mufasa: The Lion King.”
The latest prequel to the classic film will star Beyoncé as Queen Nala, a role she played in Disney’s 2019 remake of the 1994 film. And 12-year-old Blue Ivy will make her acting debut, playing the voices of Kiara, Queen Nala and daughter of King Simba.
While performing in “Good morning America” – the film’s director, Barry Jenkins, shared his experience working with the mother-daughter duo.
“Beyoncé is an extraordinary figure, but when she’s working with her daughter, when she’s in the room with her, she’s first and foremost a mom,” Jenkins told GMA. “So much of that energy poured into the film.”
Even as they stood side by side on the Renaissance stage, it was clear that Beyoncé’s role as “mother” trumped every little thing else. In the “Renaissance World Tour” video, fans got a behind-the-scenes take a look at the making of the show, including the moments when the “Cowboy Carter” singer needed to punish a teenager for speaking out of turn.
“Blue told me she was ready to perform and I told her, ‘No,'” Beyoncé said in the video, in line with Washington Post.. “I didn’t think it was an appropriate place on the stadium stage for an 11-year-old.”
Featured Stories
Fans quickly became a highlight of the world tour and watched the star-born teenager’s confidence grow on stage as she performed in front of hundreds of individuals.
“It was magical,” Beyoncé added. “Her confidence kept growing. It was a beautiful thing for her.”
Premiering on December 20, 2024, “Mufasa: The Lion King” will present the bond between Beyoncé and her eldest daughter in a latest way.
“I was so happy that both Beyoncé and Blue Ivy decided to do this, and seeing them work together was really special…” Jenkins added. “I think they also just approached it (like) they both wanted to perform and give it their all. And yet they didn’t have to pretend too much, because they were actually mother and daughter.”
As announced by the festival’s directors on Monday, Naomi Osaka, LeBron James and Joel Embiid will head the selection committee of the Uninterrupted Film Festival 2024.
According to reports, the tennis phenom and NBA superstars will select short movies to premiere at the Los Angeles festival, which focuses on the “intersection of sports culture and cinematography.” Deadline. The movies can be chosen through an open call for proposals and will develop into “the inaugural class of Uninterrupted Film Festival winners,” the website reported.
The Uninterrupted Film Festival, which kicked off in 2023, is supported by film producer Jane Rosenthal and Robert De Niro’s Tribeca Enterprises. Uninterrupted, a brand owned by James and entrepreneur Maverick Carter The SpringHill Company, is hosting the two-day event.
SpringHill was founded by James and Carter in 2020.
“Collaborating with LeBron James and Maverick Carter’s The SpringHill Company in the heart of Los Angeles for the film festival is not only a celebration of storytelling, it is also breaking new ground,” said Rosenthal, co-founder and CEO of Tribeca Rosenthal.
“This partnership is an exciting opportunity for Tribeca to further expand its presence beyond New York and establish itself as a platform for award-winning sports filmmaking and programming. In its second 12 months, Uninterrupted Festival, powered by Tribeca Festival, will mix the passion of sports with the art of filmmaking to offer fans with a one-of-a-kind entertainment experience.
Ricardo Viramontes, CEO of Uninterrupted, added that the brand “has partnered with Tribeca and the industry’s top athletes, all of whom define excellence both on and off the field.”
“These individuals are ideally suited to help us discover the next generation of storytellers, and they stand united in improving storytelling in the athlete and sports community,” he said in a press release.
The submission portal starts on Monday, April 29 and ends on Friday, May 31. According to the selection committee, short movies have to be “gripping stories from athletes” which can be “unique, innovative and inspiring.” Submissions must even be a maximum of 40 minutes in length, produced after January 2022 and could also be a narrative or documentary film.
The Uninterrupted Film Festival will happen on Tuesday and Wednesday, July 9-10 in Los Angeles and can be open to the general public.
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