 "MATERIAL GIRL" was written by Mariah D. Hester and produced by Tony Nicholas. "Material Girl is written from the viewpoint of a woman at a crossroads. Should she remain in a relationship that caters to the material and superficial while neglecting what is truly important? In the process of finding herself again, she outlines what is missing: Loyalty. Time. Love. Patience. Teamwork. The things that money cannot buy," mentions Mariah. "I refused to let my voice be muffled by gifts or material things. Flowers, bags, and clothes can’t fill cracks and holes created by words and actions. Once I realized this, I found my strength. I found myself again," she adds.
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 | About Maxwell Maxwell has artfully managed to transfix music lovers for more than two decades, releasing five studio albums, all in his own time and all duly anointed as classics. The soul singer redefined soul music in April of 1996 when he released his critically acclaimed debut on Columbia Music, Maxwell's Urban Hang Suite. It earned GRAMMY® nominations, double-platinum status and RIAA gold for the single "Ascension (Don't Ever Wonder)." Platinum albums Embrya (1998) and Maxwell Now (2001) followed. After an eight-year break between album releases, BLACK summers' night (2009) debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and won two GRAMMY® awards, including Best R&B Album. To date, Maxwell has achieved 4 platinum album certifications from the RIAA. His last album blackSUMMERS’night, the second installment of his musical trilogy, earned Maxwell his third-GRAMMY® (Best R&B Song for “Lake By The Ocean”) an NAACP Image Award (Outstanding Male Artist), and a Soul Train Award (Best R&B/Soul Male Artist). |
| About Ashanti Award-winning singer/songwriter, actor, entrepreneur, and author Ashanti has been tapped to receive the seventh annual Soul Train ‘Lady of Soul’ Award. Among her numerous accolades, Ashanti has received several Soul Train Awards throughout her illustrious career, including R&B/Soul Album – Female, Independent R&B/Soul Performance, two awards for R&B/ Soul Single – Female and the Lady of Soul Awards’ Aretha Franklin Entertainer of the Year Award. Ashanti’s expansive multiplatinum discography has brought her to the top of the charts, meriting eight Billboard awards and a GRAMMY® for Best Contemporary R&B Album (Ashanti). She was the first female to make Billboard history by having her first three chart entries land in the top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100 at the same time, a feat previously accomplished only by The Beatles. With a career that spans decades, Ashanti has established herself as a staple in music and will also receive a Star on the infamous Hollywood Walk of Fame in April 2022. |  |
ABOUT BET
BET, a subsidiary of ViacomCBS Inc. (NASDAQ: VIACA, VIAC), is the nation's leading provider of quality entertainment, music, news and public affairs television programming for the African American audience. The primary BET channel is in 125 million households and can be seen in the United States, Canada, the Caribbean, the United Kingdom, sub-Saharan Africa and France. BET is the dominant African-American consumer brand with a diverse group of business extensions including BET+, the preeminent streaming service for the Black audience; BET.com, a leading Internet destination for Black entertainment, music, culture, and news; BET HER, a 24-hour entertainment network targeting the African-American Woman; BET Music Networks - BET Jams, BET Soul and BET Gospel; BET Home Entertainment; BET Live, BET’s growing festival business; BET Mobile, which provides ringtones, games and video content for wireless devices; and BET International, which operates BET around the globe.
ABOUT JESSE COLLINS ENTERTAINMENT
Jesse Collins Entertainment (JCE) is a full-service television and film production company that has played an integral role in producing many of television’s most memorable moments in music entertainment. The Emmy® nominated company has a multi-year overall agreement with ViacomCBS Cable Networks. On the theatrical film side, the company also has a first look on JCE’s film development projects which could include Viacom’s film entities such as Paramount Players. The award-winning and critically acclaimed television that JCE has produced includes miniseries—”The New Edition Story” and “The Bobby Brown Story;” scripted series—”American Soul” and “Real Husbands of Hollywood;” unscripted series – “Cardi Tries;” talk show – “Face to Face with Becky G;” Emmy Award winning children’s series—”Bookmarks: Celebrating Black Voices;” award shows—”BET Awards,” “Black Girls Rock!,” “BET Honors,” “UNCF’s An Evening of Stars,” “BET Hip Hop Awards,” “ABFF Honors” and “Soul Train Awards;” specials—”John Lewis: Celebrating A Hero,” “Love & Happiness: An Obama Celebration,” “Change Together: From The March On Washington To Today,” “Stand Up for Heroes,” “Dear Mama,” “Amanda Seales: I Be Knowin’,” “Def Comedy Jam 25” and “Leslie Jones: Time Machine;” as well as competition/game shows—”Sunday Best,” “Hip Hop Squares,” “Nashville Squares” and “Rhythm & Flow.” Jesse Collins, founder and CEO of the company, is the executive producer of all programming. He is also an executive producer for the iconic “Grammy Awards” and “The Pepsi Super Bowl Halftime Show” and also produced The 2021 “Academy Awards.” He will next executive produce the 2021 “American Music Awards.” Go to jessecollinsent.com for more information on the company.
ABOUT THE APOLLO
The non-profit Apollo is a performing arts presenter, commissioner, and collaborator that also produces festivals and large-scale dance and musical works organized around a set of core initiatives that celebrate and extend the Apollo’s legacy through a contemporary lens, including the world premiere of the theatrical adaptation of Ta-Nehisi Coates’s Between the World and Me and the New York premiere of the opera We Shall Not Be Moved; special programs such as the blockbuster concert Bruno Mars Live at the Apollo; 100: The Apollo Celebrates Ella; the annual Africa Now! Festival; bi-annual Women of the World (WOW) Festival; as well as other multidisciplinary collaborations with partner organizations. Since introducing the first Amateur Night contests in 1934, the Apollo has served as a testing ground for new artists working across a variety of art forms and has ushered in the emergence of many new musical genres—including jazz, swing, bebop, R&B, gospel, blues, soul, and hip-hop. Among the countless legendary performers who launched their careers at the Apollo are Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, Billie Holiday, James Brown, Stevie Wonder, Gladys Knight, Luther Vandross, H.E.R., D’Angelo, Lauryn Hill, Machine Gun Kelly, and Miri Ben Ari; and the Apollo’s forward-looking artistic vision continues to build on this legacy. For more information about the Apollo, visit www.ApolloTheater.org.
ABOUT SOUL TRAIN
“Soul Train” was created in 1971 by visionary Don Cornelius and predominantly featured performances by R&B, pop, soul, and hip-hop artists, in addition to the occasional funk, jazz, disco, and gospel artists. When the final episode of the show’s historic thirty-five-year run aired in 2006, it was the longest running first-run, nationally syndicated program in television history. “Soul Train” highlighted a cast of incredible, ethnically diverse dancers who famously introduced the world to a whole new series of dance moves and styles on a weekly basis. Cornelius opened every show welcoming the audience to “the hippest trip in America” and closed each show wishing the audience “love, peace and soul.” Today, the legacy of “Soul Train” lives on through the legendary Soul Train dance line, which has become a timeless staple on dance floors across America. In 2016, BET, acquired the “Soul Train” brand and remains dedicated to revitalizing the brand while also honoring its heritage.
ABOUT SOUL TRAIN HOLDINGS
SOUL TRAIN HOLDINGS, LLC was formed in May 2008 and is owned by InterMedia Partners and a partnership between Magic Johnson Enterprises and Ron Burkle's investment firm, The Yucaipa Companies. The iconic franchise and catalog consists of more than 1,100 episodes and 40 specials from Don Cornelius Productions, Inc. Soul Train is the longest running, first-run, nationally syndicated music program in television history. During its 35-year run, the show featured lasting innovations such as the Soul Train line and the legendary sign off “Love, Peace and Soul.” At the heart of the show was Don Cornelius, the dancers and influential artists such as James Brown, Al Green, Ike & Tina Turner, Hall & Oates, Donna Summer, Marvin Gaye, The Jackson 5, Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, Elton John, Whitney Houston, David Bowie, Prince, Run D.M.C. and Destiny’s Child.
BET, a subsidiary of ViacomCBS Inc. (NASDAQ: VIACA, VIAC), is the nation's leading provider of quality entertainment, music, news and public affairs television programming for the African American audience. The primary BET channel is in 125 million households and can be seen in the United States, Canada, the Caribbean, the United Kingdom, sub-Saharan Africa and France. BET is the dominant African-American consumer brand with a diverse group of business extensions including BET+, the preeminent streaming service for the Black audience; BET.com, a leading Internet destination for Black entertainment, music, culture, and news; BET HER, a 24-hour entertainment network targeting the African-American Woman; BET Music Networks - BET Jams, BET Soul and BET Gospel; BET Home Entertainment; BET Live, BET’s growing festival business; BET Mobile, which provides ringtones, games and video content for wireless devices; and BET International, which operates BET around the globe.
ABOUT JESSE COLLINS ENTERTAINMENT
Jesse Collins Entertainment (JCE) is a full-service television and film production company that has played an integral role in producing many of television’s most memorable moments in music entertainment. The Emmy® nominated company has a multi-year overall agreement with ViacomCBS Cable Networks. On the theatrical film side, the company also has a first look on JCE’s film development projects which could include Viacom’s film entities such as Paramount Players. The award-winning and critically acclaimed television that JCE has produced includes miniseries—”The New Edition Story” and “The Bobby Brown Story;” scripted series—”American Soul” and “Real Husbands of Hollywood;” unscripted series – “Cardi Tries;” talk show – “Face to Face with Becky G;” Emmy Award winning children’s series—”Bookmarks: Celebrating Black Voices;” award shows—”BET Awards,” “Black Girls Rock!,” “BET Honors,” “UNCF’s An Evening of Stars,” “BET Hip Hop Awards,” “ABFF Honors” and “Soul Train Awards;” specials—”John Lewis: Celebrating A Hero,” “Love & Happiness: An Obama Celebration,” “Change Together: From The March On Washington To Today,” “Stand Up for Heroes,” “Dear Mama,” “Amanda Seales: I Be Knowin’,” “Def Comedy Jam 25” and “Leslie Jones: Time Machine;” as well as competition/game shows—”Sunday Best,” “Hip Hop Squares,” “Nashville Squares” and “Rhythm & Flow.” Jesse Collins, founder and CEO of the company, is the executive producer of all programming. He is also an executive producer for the iconic “Grammy Awards” and “The Pepsi Super Bowl Halftime Show” and also produced The 2021 “Academy Awards.” He will next executive produce the 2021 “American Music Awards.” Go to jessecollinsent.com for more information on the company.
ABOUT THE APOLLO
The non-profit Apollo is a performing arts presenter, commissioner, and collaborator that also produces festivals and large-scale dance and musical works organized around a set of core initiatives that celebrate and extend the Apollo’s legacy through a contemporary lens, including the world premiere of the theatrical adaptation of Ta-Nehisi Coates’s Between the World and Me and the New York premiere of the opera We Shall Not Be Moved; special programs such as the blockbuster concert Bruno Mars Live at the Apollo; 100: The Apollo Celebrates Ella; the annual Africa Now! Festival; bi-annual Women of the World (WOW) Festival; as well as other multidisciplinary collaborations with partner organizations. Since introducing the first Amateur Night contests in 1934, the Apollo has served as a testing ground for new artists working across a variety of art forms and has ushered in the emergence of many new musical genres—including jazz, swing, bebop, R&B, gospel, blues, soul, and hip-hop. Among the countless legendary performers who launched their careers at the Apollo are Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, Billie Holiday, James Brown, Stevie Wonder, Gladys Knight, Luther Vandross, H.E.R., D’Angelo, Lauryn Hill, Machine Gun Kelly, and Miri Ben Ari; and the Apollo’s forward-looking artistic vision continues to build on this legacy. For more information about the Apollo, visit www.ApolloTheater.org.
ABOUT SOUL TRAIN
“Soul Train” was created in 1971 by visionary Don Cornelius and predominantly featured performances by R&B, pop, soul, and hip-hop artists, in addition to the occasional funk, jazz, disco, and gospel artists. When the final episode of the show’s historic thirty-five-year run aired in 2006, it was the longest running first-run, nationally syndicated program in television history. “Soul Train” highlighted a cast of incredible, ethnically diverse dancers who famously introduced the world to a whole new series of dance moves and styles on a weekly basis. Cornelius opened every show welcoming the audience to “the hippest trip in America” and closed each show wishing the audience “love, peace and soul.” Today, the legacy of “Soul Train” lives on through the legendary Soul Train dance line, which has become a timeless staple on dance floors across America. In 2016, BET, acquired the “Soul Train” brand and remains dedicated to revitalizing the brand while also honoring its heritage.
ABOUT SOUL TRAIN HOLDINGS
SOUL TRAIN HOLDINGS, LLC was formed in May 2008 and is owned by InterMedia Partners and a partnership between Magic Johnson Enterprises and Ron Burkle's investment firm, The Yucaipa Companies. The iconic franchise and catalog consists of more than 1,100 episodes and 40 specials from Don Cornelius Productions, Inc. Soul Train is the longest running, first-run, nationally syndicated music program in television history. During its 35-year run, the show featured lasting innovations such as the Soul Train line and the legendary sign off “Love, Peace and Soul.” At the heart of the show was Don Cornelius, the dancers and influential artists such as James Brown, Al Green, Ike & Tina Turner, Hall & Oates, Donna Summer, Marvin Gaye, The Jackson 5, Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, Elton John, Whitney Houston, David Bowie, Prince, Run D.M.C. and Destiny’s Child.
PRESS RELEASE: BET
Dancehall superstar Demarco releases the track ‘Travel Safe’ featuring Chronic Law. The song comes as part of his highly anticipated debut album ‘Melody’, which was released on October 22, 2021. The song is a nod to his massive 2008 hit ‘Fallen Soldiers’, paying respects to those loved ones we have lost along the way.
Demarco teamed up with California-based Ineffable Records for the release of the ‘Melody’ album. The 16 track album includes impressive features from Sean Paul, Konshens, Sarkodie, Spice, Shaggy, Stephen Marley, Chronic Law, Beenie Man, Bounty Killer, and Ky-Mani Marley.
Demarco teamed up with California-based Ineffable Records for the release of the ‘Melody’ album. The 16 track album includes impressive features from Sean Paul, Konshens, Sarkodie, Spice, Shaggy, Stephen Marley, Chronic Law, Beenie Man, Bounty Killer, and Ky-Mani Marley.
PRESS RELEASE: RIDDIM MARKETING
October and November have been dubbed as Miami’s Entertainment Months by Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau, marketing sponsor for the 6th Annual iGen
Film Festival. The 6th Annual and consecutive iGen Film Festival takes place in the sunny landscape of Miami's Historic Overtown. This festival is a multi-day event that features programming of screenings of international films, masterclasses, workshops, panel discussions, and an annual award show. In the past, we have featured celebrities and influencers such as Romeo Miller, Sope Aluko, Jo Marie Payton, Cee Lo Green, Reggie Scott, and Ghana Wilson. Produced by Miami Filmmaker Elijah Wells, of Elijah Wells Films, this event is an artistic excellence by bringing together cinema enthusiasts, filmmakers, and industry influencers. This year’s ambassador is actress, and youth talent Charity Joy Harrison and will feature the likes of Sandra Justice, Njie Sabik, Tracy Wilson-Mourning, and Tyler Watts. The various master classes, panel discussions, and other events will feature: Ms. Liberty Hull (Miss Black International Ambassador), Tyler Watts (Actor, Rapper, Singer), The Pablo and Paco Youtube Show, Eric Knowles, Nadia Adelay, and more. Each year the festival honors icons, trailblazers, and rising stars in the entertainment
industry. We salute our 2021 honorees: Dr. Dorothy Field Jenkins (Icon Achievement Award), Stamaya Verneret (Rising Star), and Kaige Brown (Rising Star), and more.
The event will take place on October 29th – 31st, 2021 in Historic Overtown, Miami, Florida.
The host venue is Black Archives Historic Lyric Theater Culture Arts Complex located at 819 NW 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33136.
The festival begins with our Reel to Reel Youth Day featuring the Booker T. Washington Marching Band and local middle and high school students. The iGen Film Festival will screen 20 films that include shorts, features and documentaries. There were more than 3,000 international submissions from youth filmmakers. The iGen Film Festival is set to promote and encourage the next generation of young filmmakers who will inspire, lead, and entertain with their stories. For a complete list of films and ticket
information go to www.iGenFilmFestival.com
The festival’s line up this year include directing, content creation, acting for film, and music for films. The iGen Film Festival list of heavyweight film and entertainment industry influencers include Antwan Smith ( Vigorous Films), Wils Felin(CEO-Jitta Flixx, LLC), Passion Roosevelt (P-Say Entertainment) and Shawnnette Longley.
The iGen Mom Manager Talk & Brunch will take place on Sunday, October 31st, 2021 at 2 pm and will feature Keynote Speaker and 2021 iGen Honoree Ms. Tracy Wilson-Mourning. Complimentary bites and cocktails will be provided by our host venue and sponsors Red Rooster Overtown and E11Even Vodka. The panel will be hosted by Ms. Danielle Forbes featuring Martha Wells, Tina Brown, JacQuanda Jackson, and Carmen Morris.
Sponsors for the 2021 iGen Film Festival include: Elijah Wells Film, Simkins Family Foundation, E11EVEN Vodka, Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau, Commissioner Keon Hardemon, Commissioner Watson, SEOPWCRA, Black Archives Historic Lyric Theater Culture Arts Complex, Miami Dade County Public Schools, MIA Magazine, Urban Philanthropies, Overtown Children & Youth Coalition, Overtown Optimist Club, and Miami Dade Chamber of Commerce.
Film Festival. The 6th Annual and consecutive iGen Film Festival takes place in the sunny landscape of Miami's Historic Overtown. This festival is a multi-day event that features programming of screenings of international films, masterclasses, workshops, panel discussions, and an annual award show. In the past, we have featured celebrities and influencers such as Romeo Miller, Sope Aluko, Jo Marie Payton, Cee Lo Green, Reggie Scott, and Ghana Wilson. Produced by Miami Filmmaker Elijah Wells, of Elijah Wells Films, this event is an artistic excellence by bringing together cinema enthusiasts, filmmakers, and industry influencers. This year’s ambassador is actress, and youth talent Charity Joy Harrison and will feature the likes of Sandra Justice, Njie Sabik, Tracy Wilson-Mourning, and Tyler Watts. The various master classes, panel discussions, and other events will feature: Ms. Liberty Hull (Miss Black International Ambassador), Tyler Watts (Actor, Rapper, Singer), The Pablo and Paco Youtube Show, Eric Knowles, Nadia Adelay, and more. Each year the festival honors icons, trailblazers, and rising stars in the entertainment
industry. We salute our 2021 honorees: Dr. Dorothy Field Jenkins (Icon Achievement Award), Stamaya Verneret (Rising Star), and Kaige Brown (Rising Star), and more.
The event will take place on October 29th – 31st, 2021 in Historic Overtown, Miami, Florida.
The host venue is Black Archives Historic Lyric Theater Culture Arts Complex located at 819 NW 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33136.
The festival begins with our Reel to Reel Youth Day featuring the Booker T. Washington Marching Band and local middle and high school students. The iGen Film Festival will screen 20 films that include shorts, features and documentaries. There were more than 3,000 international submissions from youth filmmakers. The iGen Film Festival is set to promote and encourage the next generation of young filmmakers who will inspire, lead, and entertain with their stories. For a complete list of films and ticket
information go to www.iGenFilmFestival.com
The festival’s line up this year include directing, content creation, acting for film, and music for films. The iGen Film Festival list of heavyweight film and entertainment industry influencers include Antwan Smith ( Vigorous Films), Wils Felin(CEO-Jitta Flixx, LLC), Passion Roosevelt (P-Say Entertainment) and Shawnnette Longley.
The iGen Mom Manager Talk & Brunch will take place on Sunday, October 31st, 2021 at 2 pm and will feature Keynote Speaker and 2021 iGen Honoree Ms. Tracy Wilson-Mourning. Complimentary bites and cocktails will be provided by our host venue and sponsors Red Rooster Overtown and E11Even Vodka. The panel will be hosted by Ms. Danielle Forbes featuring Martha Wells, Tina Brown, JacQuanda Jackson, and Carmen Morris.
Sponsors for the 2021 iGen Film Festival include: Elijah Wells Film, Simkins Family Foundation, E11EVEN Vodka, Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau, Commissioner Keon Hardemon, Commissioner Watson, SEOPWCRA, Black Archives Historic Lyric Theater Culture Arts Complex, Miami Dade County Public Schools, MIA Magazine, Urban Philanthropies, Overtown Children & Youth Coalition, Overtown Optimist Club, and Miami Dade Chamber of Commerce.
Friday, october 29
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SATURDAY, OCTOBER 30
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IGEN FILM FESTIVAL PANEL: MUSIC FOR FILM
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IGEN FILM FESTIVAL HONOREES
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ABFF Ventures, LLC today announced Oscar-winning actress and director Halle Berry as ambassador for the 2021 American Black Film Festival (ABFF). Along with her ambassador functions, Berry will headline ABFF’s popular talk series, an intimate one-on-one conversation that will spotlight her distinguished 30-year career. This year’s festival will be a worldwide virtual experience hosted on the festival’s custom-built platform ABFF PLAY November 3–28.
Berry, who is a long-time supporter of the festival, is notably the festival’s first recipient of the ABFF Rising Star Award which was presented at the inaugural ABFF in 1997. Her return to this milestone ABFF with her directorial debut of BRUISED, in which she also stars, is the result of a 25-year relationship with the festival and captures a full circle moment. The feature film is being released on the Netflix streaming platform on November 24, 2021.
“I couldn’t be more thrilled to have Halle as the ABFF Festival Ambassador for our 25th anniversary year said Jeff Friday, founder ABFF and CEO Jeff Friday Media. “When we met her in 1997, she was a talented emerging actor with a bright future. Today, she is an Academy Award-winner, cultural icon and inspiration to women of color across our industry and the world.”
“For 25 years this festival has consistently supported emerging Black filmmakers,” said Berry. “I was honored to be recognized by ABFF early in my career and could not be prouder to return to the festival as its ambassador to help ABFF’s ongoing efforts to provide opportunities for emerging Black creators. I’m also thrilled to present my directorial debut BRUISED to the ABFF audience.”
The first Black actress to win an Oscar in the Best Actress category for her role in MONSTER’S BALL, Berry also earned an Emmy, Golden Globe, SAG and NAACP Image Award for her extraordinary performance in HBO’s telefilm, INTRODUCING DOROTHY DANDRIDGE, which she also produced.
Berry’s career has spanned three decades, with performances in DIE ANOTHER DAY, JUNGLE FEVER, LOSING ISAIAH, BULWORTH, SWORDFISH and JOHN WICK: CHAPTER 3 - PARABELLUM.
In her current film, the gripping sports drama BRUISED, Berry stars as a fighter who reclaims her power, in and out of the ring, when everyone has counted her out.
Former ABFF ambassadors include Mary J. Blige, Idris Elba, Tracee Ellis Ross, Regina Hall, La La Anthony, Jay Ellis, Morris Chestnut, Omari Hardwick, Common, Taraji P. Henson and Earvin “Magic” Johnson.
The ABFF 2021 worldwide virtual experience will include over 100 independent films from 35 countries, spotlight screenings, talks and networking events featuring creators, artists and industry executives. Access to the festival is free. To register, visit https://abff.com.
For festival information visit and follow @ABFF on Twitter and @AmericanBlackFilmFestival on Instagram and Facebook. Join in on the conversation by using #ABFF.
ABFF sponsors to date include Warner Media, HBO® (Founding) Cadillac, Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau, Amazon Studios (Presenting); Comcast NBCUniversal, Sony Pictures Entertainment, American Airlines, AT&T, Facebook, IMDb (Premier); ALLBLK, HBOMax, City of Miami Beach, Netflix, Prudential Financial, TBS, Yahoo!, Starz, Warner Bros, Disney Television Studios, National Geographic, Variety (Official) Accenture, AspireTV, Motion Picture Association (MPA), Morgan Stanley, OWN (Oprah Winfrey Network) (Supporting). Media partners include BIN: Black Information Network, TheGrio and Rolling Out
Berry, who is a long-time supporter of the festival, is notably the festival’s first recipient of the ABFF Rising Star Award which was presented at the inaugural ABFF in 1997. Her return to this milestone ABFF with her directorial debut of BRUISED, in which she also stars, is the result of a 25-year relationship with the festival and captures a full circle moment. The feature film is being released on the Netflix streaming platform on November 24, 2021.
“I couldn’t be more thrilled to have Halle as the ABFF Festival Ambassador for our 25th anniversary year said Jeff Friday, founder ABFF and CEO Jeff Friday Media. “When we met her in 1997, she was a talented emerging actor with a bright future. Today, she is an Academy Award-winner, cultural icon and inspiration to women of color across our industry and the world.”
“For 25 years this festival has consistently supported emerging Black filmmakers,” said Berry. “I was honored to be recognized by ABFF early in my career and could not be prouder to return to the festival as its ambassador to help ABFF’s ongoing efforts to provide opportunities for emerging Black creators. I’m also thrilled to present my directorial debut BRUISED to the ABFF audience.”
The first Black actress to win an Oscar in the Best Actress category for her role in MONSTER’S BALL, Berry also earned an Emmy, Golden Globe, SAG and NAACP Image Award for her extraordinary performance in HBO’s telefilm, INTRODUCING DOROTHY DANDRIDGE, which she also produced.
Berry’s career has spanned three decades, with performances in DIE ANOTHER DAY, JUNGLE FEVER, LOSING ISAIAH, BULWORTH, SWORDFISH and JOHN WICK: CHAPTER 3 - PARABELLUM.
In her current film, the gripping sports drama BRUISED, Berry stars as a fighter who reclaims her power, in and out of the ring, when everyone has counted her out.
Former ABFF ambassadors include Mary J. Blige, Idris Elba, Tracee Ellis Ross, Regina Hall, La La Anthony, Jay Ellis, Morris Chestnut, Omari Hardwick, Common, Taraji P. Henson and Earvin “Magic” Johnson.
The ABFF 2021 worldwide virtual experience will include over 100 independent films from 35 countries, spotlight screenings, talks and networking events featuring creators, artists and industry executives. Access to the festival is free. To register, visit https://abff.com.
For festival information visit and follow @ABFF on Twitter and @AmericanBlackFilmFestival on Instagram and Facebook. Join in on the conversation by using #ABFF.
ABFF sponsors to date include Warner Media, HBO® (Founding) Cadillac, Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau, Amazon Studios (Presenting); Comcast NBCUniversal, Sony Pictures Entertainment, American Airlines, AT&T, Facebook, IMDb (Premier); ALLBLK, HBOMax, City of Miami Beach, Netflix, Prudential Financial, TBS, Yahoo!, Starz, Warner Bros, Disney Television Studios, National Geographic, Variety (Official) Accenture, AspireTV, Motion Picture Association (MPA), Morgan Stanley, OWN (Oprah Winfrey Network) (Supporting). Media partners include BIN: Black Information Network, TheGrio and Rolling Out
For as much as Jada Kingdom twists together dancehall, R&B, pop, and jazz, the Jamaica-born singer, songwriter, model, and designer also merges moments of introspection, seduction, and empowerment. Born and raised in 7 miles Bull Bay (Gold Shore Lane) on the east side of Jamaica, she resided in a two-bedroom home with her mother, brother, and sister—sharing a bed with her siblings. The family used showers outside and cooked outdoors as well.
Despite “growing up in a really rough and dark place,” Jada wrote her first poems at age 8 but fell in love with music when her grandmother first played “The Manhattans” for her. Then she was later inspired by the likes of Nina Simone, Diana King, Sade, Minnie Ripperton, and Amy Winehouse.
At the age of fourteen, she left school, waitressed, promoted events, and modeled. She even launched her own swimwear line and organically built an Instagram following of millions. In 2017, she dropped her debut single “Love Situations.” By the end of the next year, she popped off internationally with “Banana” and the “Banana REMIX Challenge,” amassing 4.4 million Spotify streams and 3.5 million YouTube views. The FADER hailed her as “Jamaica’s alternative voice of pain.”
During 2020, she served up the mixtape, E-Syde Queen (The Twinkle Playlist) #Snacksize, in between collaborating with everyone from YFN Lucci, Popcaan, and Vybz Kartel to Davido, Skillibeng, and Aluna. After amassing 20 million-plus streams and views independently and earning acclaim from The FADER, Rolling Stone, Vibe, and more, she heats up a scorching signature style through a series of singles and her debut project for Money Well Spent/Republic Records led by “Jungle
Despite “growing up in a really rough and dark place,” Jada wrote her first poems at age 8 but fell in love with music when her grandmother first played “The Manhattans” for her. Then she was later inspired by the likes of Nina Simone, Diana King, Sade, Minnie Ripperton, and Amy Winehouse.
At the age of fourteen, she left school, waitressed, promoted events, and modeled. She even launched her own swimwear line and organically built an Instagram following of millions. In 2017, she dropped her debut single “Love Situations.” By the end of the next year, she popped off internationally with “Banana” and the “Banana REMIX Challenge,” amassing 4.4 million Spotify streams and 3.5 million YouTube views. The FADER hailed her as “Jamaica’s alternative voice of pain.”
During 2020, she served up the mixtape, E-Syde Queen (The Twinkle Playlist) #Snacksize, in between collaborating with everyone from YFN Lucci, Popcaan, and Vybz Kartel to Davido, Skillibeng, and Aluna. After amassing 20 million-plus streams and views independently and earning acclaim from The FADER, Rolling Stone, Vibe, and more, she heats up a scorching signature style through a series of singles and her debut project for Money Well Spent/Republic Records led by “Jungle
PRESS RELEASE: RIDDIM MARKETING
MS. TRE
Join The Journey With Ms. Tre, as she explores the fashion, beauty, arts and entertainment industry..
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