ABFF ANNOUNCES GRAND JURY NOMINATIONS

KIMBERLY ELISE, ISAIAH WASHINGTON, COMMON & S. EPATHA MERKERSON ARE AMONG THE STELLAR LIST OF GRAND JURY NODS FROM FILM LIFE’S 16th ANNUAL AMERICAN BLACK FILM FESTIVAL

NEW YORK, NY, May 16, 2012 – Film Life Inc., today announced the Narrative Features Competition selections and Grand Jury Award nominees for the 16^th Annual American Black Film Festival (ABFF) taking place in South Beach Miami, FL, June 20^th – 23^rd.  Kimberly Elise, Isaiah Washington, Common and S. Epatha Merkerson are among the stellar list of thespians nominated to receive the Grand Jury prize for their work.

The films in ABFF’s 2012 Narrative Features section reflect a creative multiplicity which can be seen, felt and heard in controversy through rhythmic Jamaican patois (Better Mus’ Come) to a young Parisian woman’s search for her father (Elza).  Struggle and disappointment between generations is candidly explored (LUV) and two men of the cloth face consequences (The Undershepherd).

Each film in the narrative features section must be directed by a person of African descent, tell a story of the Black experience or feature a person of African descent in a leading role. Films that are submitted for consideration are reviewed by a team of film industry professionals, which comprises the ABFF’s screening committee. Each film is graded on artistic merit and impactful subject matter.  As this year’s Grand Jury President, Actor, Mekhi Phifer (“Lie to Me,” “ER”), will serve as a judge and will present prizes in front of the festival audience at The Winners Circle awards presentation on the closing day of the festival.

The complete list of the 2012 Narrative Feature films is as follows:

BETTER MUS’ COME

Written and directed by Storm Saulter, produced by Paul Bucknor

CAST: Sheldon Shepherd, Nicole ‘Sky’ Grey, Everaldo Creary, Ricardo Orgill and Roger Guenveur Smith

SYNOPSIS:  The film follows warring political factions in 1970s Jamaica as they enlist the support of gangs to enforce their policies, and advanced their political agenda.

THE DARK PARTY

Written by William Wells, Kadeem Hardison, Salenta Baisden and Terry Wilkerson, produced by Terry Wilkerson, Deji LaRay, Salenta Baisden and William Wells, directed by Kadeem Hardison

CAST: Kadeem Hardison, Marcus Patrick and Tiffany Hines

SYNOPSIS:  When two best friends want to find true love, a radio talk psychologist helps them throw the ultimate blind date party and serous social experiment.

THE LAST FALL

Written and directed by Matthew Cherry, produced by Ellis Hobbs, Monique Hobbs, Nikki Love and Scott Hebert

CAST: Lance Gross, Nicole Behari, Vanessa Bell Calloway, Obba Babatundé, Darrin DeWitt Henson, Michael Moss, Harry Lennix, Keith David

SYNOPSIS: An NFL journeyman struggles to deal with life’s complexities after his professional career is over at twenty-five.

LUV

Written and directed by Sheldon Candis and Justin Wilson, produced by Jason Berman, Datari Turner, W. Michael Jenson, Gordon Bijelonic, Joel Newton, James Rosenthal, Common and Derek Dudley

CAST: Common, Michael Rainey Jr., Dennis Haysbert, Danny Glover, Charles S. Dutton, Michael Kenneth Williams and Meagan Good

SYNOPSIS: An orphaned eleven-year-old boy is forced to face an unpleasant truth about his beloved uncle during one harrowing day in the streets of Baltimore.

ELZA

Written and directed by Mariette MonPierre and Mama Keita, produced by Mariette MonPierre, Gerard LaCroix, Eric Basset  

CAST: Stana Roumillac, Vincent Byrd Le Sage, Christophe Cherki, Sophie Berger

SYNOPSIS: A young Parisian woman of Caribbean descent returns to her native island of Guadeloupe in search of the father she has never known.

THE UNDERSHEPHERD

Produced and directed by Russ Parr, produced by Russ Parr, Eric Tomosunas, Scott Aronson and Isaiah Washington

CAST: Isaiah Washington, Louis Gossett Jr., Lamman Rucker, Malinda Williams, Vanessa Bell Calloway, Elise Neal, Robinne Lee, Clifton Powell, Keith David and John Wesley

SYNOPSIS: Two minister’s opposing decisions destroy their friendship as the ascension of evil verses the struggle of an honest church impact the entire community.

Film awards presented include: Grand Jury Prize for Best Screenplay, sponsored by Ciroc; Grand Jury Prize for Best Director, sponsored by Cadillac; Grand Jury Prize for Best Actor, sponsored by Gold Peak Tea; Grand Jury Prize for Best Narrative Feature, sponsored by BET Networks.  Prizes will be presented at ABFF’s culminating ceremony, The Winners Circle on June 23.

The four films in the narrative features category compete for ABFF’s Grand Jury Prizes for:

Best Screenplay, presented by Ciroc

Best Director, presented by Cadillac

Best Actor, presented by Gold Peak Tea

Best Narrative Feature, presented by BET Networks

The specific nominees are as follows:

 Grand Jury Prize for Best Screenplay, presented by Ciroc

Storm Saulter – BETTER MUS’ COME

Matthew Cherry – THE LAST FALL

Mariettte MonPierre and Mama Keita – ELZA

Russ Parr – THE UNDERSHEPHERD

Grand Jury Prize for Best Director, presented by Cadillac

Sheldon Candis – LUV

Matthew Cherry – THE LAST FALL

Russ Parr – THE UNDERSHEPHERD

Storm Saulter – BETTER MUS’ COME

Grand Jury Prize Best Performance by an Actor (Male or Female), presented by Gold Peak Tea

Common – LUV

Lance Gross – THE LAST FALL

Sheldon Sheppard – BETTER MUS’ COME

Isaiah Washington – THE UNDERSHEPHERD

Nicole Behari – THE LAST FALL

Kimberly Elise – TIES THAT BIND

Malinda Williams – THE UNDERSHEPHERD

Grand Jury Prize for Narrative Feature, presented by BET Networks

THE LAST FALL

ELZA

LUV

THE UNDERSHEPHERD               

Grand Jury Prize for Documentary

THE CONTRADICTIONS OF FAIR HOPE, co-directed by S. Epatha Merkerson and Rockell Metcalf

FORCE M.D.s RELIVED, directed by Frazier Prince

THINK NFL, LOVE DAD (The DeSean Jackson Story), co-directed by Byron Jackson and Kern Konwiser

SOUL FOOD JUNKIES, directed by Byron Hurt

ABFF ANNOUNCES DOCUMENTARY COMPETITION SELECTIONS

S. Epatha Merkerson’s ‘The Contradictions of Fair Hope’ and the DeSean Jackson story ‘Think NFL, Love Dad’ are among Film Life’s 16^th Annual American Black Film Festival documentary competition selections  

Winner of the documentary competition to be presented with $5,000

NEW YORK, NY, May 15, 2012 – Film Life Inc., today announced the documentary competition selections for the 16^th Annual American Black Film Festival (ABFF) taking place in South Beach Miami, FL, June 20^th – 23^rd.

This year, the four documentaries featured in the festival showcase an eclectic mix of stories.  From the culture of food within the African-American community, to following the career trajectory of a young athlete, these personal stories and viewpoints are what make the documentary competition so special to ABFF.  One selected documentary will receive The Best Documentary Award and a grand prize of $5,000, which will be presented at The Winners Circle awards presentation on the closing day of the festival.

ABFF Documentary Competition finalists must meet certain criteria; each documentary must be directed by a person of African descent or tell a story of the Black experience. Films that are submitted for consideration are reviewed by a team of film industry professionals, which comprises the ABFF’s Screening Committee. Each film is graded on artistic merit and impactful subject matter.

Jeff Friday, founder and CEO of ABFF states, “I commend the filmmakers for telling these amazing stories.”  Adding, “The themes of the films in the documentary competition reflect various cultural touchstones which are important to the people that make up our festival.”

The complete list of films selected for the 2012 Documentary Competition is as follows:

THE CONTRADICTIONS OF FAIR HOPE, co-directed by S. Epatha Merkerson and Rockell Metcalf

An unprecedented window into the lives of freed slaves who courageously formed benevolent societies in America as they transitioned from slavery to freedom.  The film examines the historical impact of the Fair Hope Benevolent Society juxtaposed against the worldly pleasures of its modern day “Foot Wash” celebration.

FORCE M.D.s RELIVED, directed by Frazier Prince (World Premiere)

Historic musical footage and heart wrenching interviews tell the incredible story of Hip Hop and R&B’s most dynamic innovators.

 (The DeSean Jackson Story), co-directed by Byron Jackson and Kern Konwiser (World Premiere)

This film is the result of over 20 years of documenting every aspect of the NFL star DeSean Jackson and his family’s rocky journey trying to stay together through it all.

SOUL FOOD JUNKIES, directed by Byron Hurt (World Premiere)

Baffled by his dad’s unwillingness to change his traditional soul food diet in the face of a health crisis, Hurt sets out to learn more about this rich culinary tradition and its relevance to Black cultural identity.

HBO (Founding and Premier Sponsor); Gold Peak Tea (Premier); gmc Television Network, American Airlines, Cadillac and CNN (Official Sponsors); Grab Media, NBCUniversal, Nickelodeon, smartwater, Nielsen, BET Networks, Stella Artois and Wells Fargo (Supporting Sponsors); The Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau, Miami Beach Visitor & Convention Authority and Miami Community Redevelopment Agency (Host Sponsors) and SAGIndie, One Village Entertainment, Miami Film Month, thirdREEL (Promotional Partners); Media Sponsors include: Black Enterprise, Uptown (Official Level); Jones Magazine and Precious Times (Supporting Level).

Established in 1997, the core mission of the ABFF is to promote cultural diversity within the motion picture industry. Through its film showcases and special contests, it annually introduces the top echelon of emerging artists to the film and television industry.

The ABFF is a property of Film Life, Inc., a New York-based event marketing, production and film distribution company founded in 2000 by Jeff Friday (CEO). For full details on this year’s festival, please visit www.abff.com.

ABFF ANNOUNCES HBO SHORT FILM AWARD COMPETITION SELECTIONS

FILM LIFE’S 16^th ANNUAL AMERICAN BLACK FILM FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES THE HBO SHORT FILM AWARD COMPETITION SELECTIONS

Winner of the 15^th Annual HBO Short Film Award Competition

 to be presented with $20,000 grand prize

 NEW YORK, NY, May 11, 2012 – Film Life Inc., today announced the HBO Short Film Award competition selections for the 16^th Annual American Black Film Festival (ABFF) taking place in South Beach Miami, FL, June 20^th – 23^rd.

The HBO Short Film Award competition, which has been an integral part of the festival for 15 years, is one of the most prestigious platforms for emerging filmmakers. Five finalists’ films are screened before the festival audience and each vie for a grand prize of $20,000. In addition, the films in competition will also be considered for broadcast on one of HBO’s programming services. Talent discovered through this competition include filmmakers Sylvain White (The Losers, Stomp the Yard), Frank E. Flowers (Haven) and Saladin Patterson (“Psych,” “The Bernie Mac Show” and The Fighting Temptations).

Jeff Friday, founder and CEO of ABFF states, “HBO has consistently demonstrated a commitment to discovering new filmmakers, which is the goal of our festival.”  He adds, “Every year, the HBO Short Film Award competition is a highlight, and we are thrilled to have HBO actively involved as our founding and premier sponsor.”

The complete list of the 2012 HBO  Short Film Award Competition films is as follows:

ZERO, written and directed by Kimberly Townes (World Premiere)

An introverted teen is forced to defend herself when her bullies threaten to spill the beans about her crush on the math teacher.

CHERRY WAVES, written and directed by Carey Williams (World Premiere)

A story of love, loss, and finding oneself set against the world of underground street fighting.

SLEEP, written and directed by Donald Conley (World Premiere)

Rashad assumes the responsibility of his household during the one morning that changes the rest of his life.

WOMACK, written and directed by André Wilkins (World Premiere)

A vicious crime leaves a Brooklyn man wrestling with his conscience, searching for an escape to greater purpose.

BUSTED ON BRIGHAM LANE, written and directed by Talibah Newman (World Premiere) 

A teenage girl takes precariously creative measures to reconcile her relationship with her estranged father for her 18th birthday after spotting him singing on the train.

“The success of the HBO Short Film Award stems from both the hard work and creativity found in the black filmmaking community,” said Lucinda Martinez, vice president, Domestic Network Distribution & Multicultural Marketing at HBO. “It was created to celebrate young filmmakers and we’re extremely proud of all the talent the competition has brought to the forefront.”

HBO (Founding and Premier Sponsor); Gold Peak Tea (Premier); gmc Television Network, American Airlines, Cadillac and CNN (Official Sponsors); Grab Media, NBCUniversal, Nickelodeon, smartwater, Nielsen, BET Networks, Stella Artois and Wells Fargo (Supporting Sponsors); The Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau, Miami Beach Visitor & Convention Authority and Miami Community Redevelopment Agency (Host Sponsors) and SAGIndie, One Village Entertainment, Miami Film Month, thirdREEL (Promotional Partners); Media Sponsors include: Black Enterprise, Uptown (Official Level); Jones Magazine and Precious Times (Supporting Level).

Established in 1997, the core mission of the ABFF is to promote cultural diversity within the motion picture industry. Through its film showcases and special contests, it annually introduces the top echelon of emerging artists to the film and television industry.

The ABFF is a property of Film Life, Inc., a New York-based event marketing, production and film distribution company founded in 2000 by Jeff Friday (CEO). For full details on this year’s festival, please visit www.abff.com.

Home Box Office, Inc. is the premium television programming subsidiary of Time Warner Inc. and the world’s most successful pay TV service, providing the two television services – HBO^® and Cinemax^® – to approximately 93 million subscribers worldwide.  The services offer the most popular subscription video-on-demand products, HBO On Demand^® and Cinemax On Demand^® as well as HBO GO^® and MAX GO^®, HD feeds and multiplex channels.  Internationally, HBO branded television networks, along with the subscription video-on-demand products HBO On Demand and HBO GO, bring HBO services to over 60 countries.  HBO programming is sold into over 150 countries worldwide.

For media inquiries, contact Lisa Sorensen at 646-330-5458 or lisa@ls-pr.com.

CHICAGO, DETROIT, MILWAUKEE, RALEIGH… GET READY FOR SHAQUILLE O’NEAL’S ‘ALL STAR COMEDY JAM’ PRESENTED BY C BY COURVOISIER

In partnership with AEG Live, the hilarious comedy show heads to your city in June

WHAT:           Last year, Shaquille O’Neal took ALL STAR COMEDY JAM on the road after his NBA All-star Weekend show in Los Angeles became such a hit.   Playing to sold out crowds across the country, covering over 30 markets, proved that the ALL STAR COMEDY JAM tour was just what audiences wanted.  Industry buzz and audience feedback is a solid indication that Shaquille O’Neal’s ALL STAR COMEDY JAM is becoming today’s top comedy brand, much like “The Original Kings of Comedy” and “Def Comedy Jam” were in the ‘90s.

With the beautiful and legendary DJ Spinderella as the featured DJ on tour, there is a fresh new ‘spin’ to the show. Having a celebrity house DJ and some of the biggest names in comedy, this year’s tour will undoubtedly continue to entertain sold out crowds nationwide, while offering new entertainment altertnatives for urban audiences.  The ALL STAR COMEDY JAM tour line-up will include: tour Host Gary Owen, fresh off his co-starring role in the blockbuster hit “Think Like A Man” as well as Capone, known as “The Gansta of Comedy,”  Tony Roberts, known as “The Comedians Comedian,” and Michael Blackson, “The African King of Comedy.”  There will also be special surprise guests on select tour dates.

Ticket information:  For tickets, tour updates and more information on ALL STAR COMEDY JAM please visit:  http://www.shaqallstarcomedyjam.com or www.ticketmaster.com

Jeff Clanagan and Lionsgate form Partnership