Blog Archives

[MUSIC] GRAMMY NOMINATED RECORDING ARTIST RAHEEM DEVAUGHN - NEW SINGLE "MARVIN USED TO SAY"

8/28/2020

For over a decade, singer Raheem DeVaughn has been on a mission to create music that evokes change while maintaining the energy of love. Today he pushes that goal forward with the release of his latest single, “Marvin Used To Say.” The poignant and timely song speaks directly to the ongoing social turmoil and the unfortunate fact that not enough has changed since fellow D.C.-native Marvin Gaye asked “What’s Going On?” nearly 50 years ago.

Over a soothing, guitar-driven track produced by The Colleagues, DeVaughn sings the plight of the people, the sometimes disheartening feeling that our prayers fall on deaf ears and even the added uncertainty created by COVID-19. But he also sings hope and encouragement, not just through the song’s lyrics, but with a direct shout out to community and thought leaders like activist Tamika D. Mallory, journalist Angela Rye and rapper Mysonne.

Arriving on the anniversary of the March On Washington, “Marvin Used To Say” also serves to introduce Raheem DeVaughn’s eighth studio album, “What A Time To Be In Love”. Produced entirely by The Colleagues, the forthcoming project finds the three-time Grammy Nominated crooner fully embracing what he sees as his social responsibility: to inspire and encourage his listeners as they fight for justice and equality. While the album is defined as Movement Music, DeVaughn recognizes the importance of also nurturing and encouraging the emotional connections needed to sustain us during this fight. As such, fans can also expect the new album to embody and reflect the musical legacy that has earned the singer his place amongst R&B royalty as the “Love King.”

Listen Now

0 Comments

#TrendingWithMsTre - Top Projects in American Black Film Festival

8/23/2020

0 Comments

ABFF: Emerging Directors

Director: Jay Snow
Screenwriter: Jay Snow
Producer: Vita Esperança Amore
Cast: Jay Snow, Shantelle Cuevas, Ariel Brown, Chinedu Unaka

Logline: An LA Comic is forced to come clean about his terminal illness after his condition is severely triggered while hooking up with his girlfriend for the first time.

Director: Letia Soloman
Screenwriter: Wes Akwuobi
Producers: Anne Brashier, C. Craig Patterson, Ben Cory Jones
Cast: Nigel Cox, Kerrice Brooks, Juan Gil, O’Shay Neal, Nelcie Souffrant, Alexander Robinson, Michael Devon

Logline: A young Black rapper in Philadelphia must confront his sexuality when he finally gets the chance to perform on the big stage.

Director: Phillip Yaw Domfeh
Screenwriter: Phillip Yaw Domfeh
Producers: Priya Domfeh, Taylor Rae, Phillip Yaw Domfeh
Cast: Emily Anne Browning, Amanda Tarver, Candice Renee, Bret VandenBos, Sire Dhone

Logline: Afraid that she’ll be negatively associated with unfavorable patrons of a Jamaican Restaurant, a white woman falsely claims to be the distant cousin of mid 2000s Dancehall Super Star Sean Paul

Director: Sebastian Sdaigui
Producers: Michelle Budnick, Nick Stuart, Carol-Anne Dolan, Melissa Potter
Cast: Repeter ‘Pete’ Monsanto Junior

Logline: Pete’s personal story, the special bond he shared with his incarcerated dad and his experience with the 26-mile race are the subject of “Run for His Life”.

Director: Felicia Pride
Screenwriter: Felicia Pride
Producer: Regina Hoyles
Cast: Trishauna Clarke, Farelle Walker

Logline: After an unexpected one-night stand, two women at very different stages of their lives share an even more intimate morning after.

Director: Moise Morancy
Screenwriter: Moise Morancy
Cast: Moise Morancy, Teren Carter, Joniece Abbott-Pratt, Kayden Jackson, Chinyere Stevens, Marc-Antoine Louis, Rodrikus Springfield, Keenan Scott II

Logline: “When a Tree Falls,” tells the story of a 19-year-old African-American male who is caught in the cycle of poverty, drugs and violence. One day he finds out a devastating secret that will change his life forever.

ABFF Narrative Features - U.S.

Director: Khaled Ridgeway
Screenwriter: Khaled Ridgeway
Producers: Datari Turner, Meagan Good, James Yi.
Cast: Lamorne Morris, Jacky Earle Haley, Alisha Wainwright, Haley Joel Osment, Sujata Day, David So, Matt McGorry, Woody McClain, Starletta DuPois, Gil Ozeri, Ian Verdun, Leli Hernandez, Fernando Martinez.

Logline: A smooth-talking telemarketer (Lamorne Morris) finds himself at the mercy of a father and his son (Oscar Nominees Jacky Earle Haley, Haley Joel Osment) he tried to swindle.

ABFF: HBO Short Film Competition

Director: Martina Lee
Screenwriter: Michelle Sam
Producers: Nasir Kenneth Ferebee, Jhanvi Motla, Elizabeth Franco
Cast: Will Catlett, Evan Alex, Montae Russell

Logline: Black Boy Joy is an introspective slice of life story about two generations of Black men, living within the same household, juggling the demands of raising a young son with autism.

Director: Ethosheia Hylton
Screenwriters: Joan Iyiola, Chibundu Onuzo
Producers: Joan Iyiola, Chibundu Onuzo, Millie Marsh
Cast: Doyin Ajiboye, Katie Friedli Walton, Joan Iyiola, Gina Mckee, Pamela Nomvete, Joseph Mydell, Luke Gasper, Thamilvani Umaipalan

Logline: Soon to leave her very British boarding school, Dọláp?` is pressured to conceal her natural hair, and to change her name.

Director: Letia Soloman
Screenwriter: Wes Akwuobi
Producers: Anne Brashier, C. Craig Patterson, Ben Cory Jones
Cast: Nigel Cox, Kerrice Brooks, Juan Gil, O’Shay Neal, Nelcie Souffrant, Alexander Robinson, Michael Devon
Logline: A young Black rapper in Philadelphia must confront his sexuality when he finally gets the chance to perform on the big stage.

0 Comments

[MIAMI] ABFF: HBO Short Film Competition - THE CYPHER

8/21/2020

0 Comments

ABFF: HBO Short Film Competition - THE CYPHER
Starring Nigel Cox (Love @ First Sight), Juan Gil (Snowfall), and O’Shay Neal (Dave)

After reviewing the The Cypher, which is a finalist for the American Black Film Festival, 2020 Short Film Competition, the film focuses on a man who struggles with his identity and sexuality. The main character, Nigel is living in an intercity community while make his presence in the music industry. Most artist start doing cyphers in their neighborhood and this was just the beginning for Nigel.

Definitely check out the film and let me know what you think...

The Cypher Trailer from L. Solo Productions on Vimeo.

Director Letia Solomon is an African American filmmaker from Los Angeles and a graduate of USC's MFA program in the School of Cinematic Arts. The Cypher has been nominated for Best Student Film in the 2020 Tribeca Film Festival and she also won USC’s 2020 First Look Award for Outstanding Director. Letia has Co-Founded the African World Film Festival in Detroit, MI. The Cypher blends freestyle rap and dynamic cinematography to bring the intense battle arena to life.

THE CYPHER WEBSITE

0 Comments

#TrendingWithMsTre American Black Film Festival - Online Edition Schedule

8/20/2020

0 Comments

American Black Film Festival EVENTS, SCREENINGS, AND PANELS

Friday, August 21

UMC and Partners in Rhyme (MC Lyte & Bentley Kyle Evans) have teamed up for a national casting call for a leading role in the new UMC series.
Panelists:

Brett Dismuke, Chief Content Officer
Nikki Love, VP, Production & Development
MC Lyte, Co-creator of Partners in Rhyme
Bentley Kyle Evans, Co-creator of Partners in Rhyme
Jeff Friday, Founder & CEO, ABFF Ventures

Moderator: Leah Daniels-Butler, Casting Director
6:00 pm EST: Immediately followed by IG Live Takeover with MC Lyte.

This year the festival will host its Legendary All-White Party on opening night. Join us in your White Attire. Celebrity drop-ins include MC Lyte to announce the winner of the Partners in Rhyme National Casting Call.
Music by: DJ Kiss & M.O.S.
Join Zoom Meeting: https://abff.zoom.us/j/81480038171
Meeting ID: 814 8003 8171

Saturday, August 22

Enjoy a spirited conversation with young actors making their mark in Hollywood.
Panelists:

Lexi Underwood, Little Fires Everywhere
Miles Brown, Black-ish
Niles Fitch, This Is Us
Shahadi Wright Joseph, Us

Moderator: Gia Peppers, Host, BET’s Black Coffee

A conversation with Kenya Barris on his career as writer/producer and creator of the hit television series black-ish, which generated two spin-offs, grown-ish and mixed-ish, and the Netflix original series #blackAF, his life behind and now in front of the camera, as well as his new projects.
Moderator: Angela Rye, Host, On 1 podcast

Sunday, August 23

Join NBC and Universal Television’s senior executives for an illuminating conversation as they walk aspiring show creators through the progression of a TV series from both the network and studio perspectives. Get an inside look at how these separate entities work together from development to series pick-up and what decision-makers are looking for when considering a project. This crash course on the pitch-to-production cycle will also touch on how to transform a story for episodic life after the festival circuit.
Panelists:

Bruce Evans, EVP, Current Programming, NBC
Brittany Little, VP, Drama Development, Universal Television
Michael Swanson, SVP, Production, Universal Television

Moderator: Jacqueline Coley, Editor, Rotten Tomatoes

Actor, author and entrepreneur, Gabrielle Union talks about her career, while balancing motherhood and growing her various multi-faceted business enterprises.
Moderator: Raymone Jackson, Executive Director, National Diversity Officer for Morgan Stanley Wealth Management

Comedian/Actor Yvonne Orji (Insecure) hosts a funny and insightful discussion with Lil Rel Howery (LIVE in Crenshaw, HBO Comedy Special) and four of the former winners of the Comedy Wings Competition.
Panelists:

Zainab Johnson, 2013 Comedy Wings Winner
Amberia Allen, 2014 Comedy Wings Winner
Blaq Ron, 2018 Comedy Wings Winner
Ty Davis, 2019 Comedy Wings Winner

Monday, August 24

AspireTV presents the short film Endangered with a talk-back discussion featuring the writer, director, producer and lead actors of this relevant, powerful and provocative film.

Panelists:

Nakia Stephens, Writer
Shanay Campbell, Producer
Kiana Woodson, Director
Abdul Quddus, Lead Actor
Bianca Bethune, Lead Actor

Senior Black executives from across the WarnerMedia brands discuss their careers and trajectories in entertainment. While people of color experience significant adversity in this industry, many have and continue to climb the corporate entertainment ladder to break glass ceilings for future executives and creators.

Panelists:

Courtney Armstrong, EVP, Worldwide Business Affairs, Warner Bros. Pictures
Kalia Booker, VP, Drama Programming, HBO
Kevin Fortson, EVP, Production, Warner Horizon Television
Natasha Foster-Owens, VP, Production, HBO
Niija Kuykendall, EVP, Film Production Warner Bros. Pictures
Michael Quigley, EVP, Content Acquisitions for TNT, TBS, truTV, HBO and HBO Max
Moderator: Abby Phillip, Political Correspondent, CNN

Journalist Jemele Hill (The Atlantic, Unbothered) interviews Mary J. Blige, the 2020 ABFF Ambassador, about her career in music and successful transition to film and television.

Tuesday August 25th

A candid conversation with content creators who have current and upcoming projects at Amazon. Each will highlight their Prime Video titles as well as their respective experiences across the entertainment industry and the importance of diverse and inclusive representation.

Panelists:

Little Marvin (THEM) Creator, Writer and Executive Producer
Lena Waithe (THEM) Executive Producer
Tracy Oliver (Untitled Tracy Oliver Project) Creator, Writer and Executive Producer
Barry Jenkins (The Underground Railroad) Writer, Director, Executive Producer
Tayarisha Poe (Selah and the Spades) Writer, Director
Eugene Ashe (Sylvie’s Love) Writer, Director
Moderator: Latasha Gillespie, Head of Amazon Studios Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

A conversation with director/writer Nia DaCosta, talking all things CANDYMAN as well as clips of select scenes from the upcoming October release.

Moderator: Jacqueline Coley, Editor, Rotten Tomatoes

Wednesday, August 26

Panelists discuss the history of race and representation in media across the last 100 years and their role in the industry as well as offer advice for the next generation.

Romany Falco, Night School
Carlos Watson, Host of “The Carlos Watson Show”
Lamorne Morris, Actor, Woke, New Girl
Moderator: Ramcess Jean-Louis, Global Head, Diversity & Inclusion, Verizon Media

Thursday, August 27

A discussion with actor and producer/director, Salli Richardson-Whitfield about her long-standing career and approach towards financial planning.

Moderator: Delvin Joyce, Managing Director of the South Florida Financial Group, Prudential Financial

Friday, August 28

Join the cast and creators to discuss the newest chapter in the POWER universe.

Panelists:

Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson – Executive Producer
Michael Rainey Jr. – Actor/ portrays Tariq St. Patrick
Naturi Naughton – Actor/ portrays Tasha St. Patrick
Mary J. Blige – Actor/ portrays Monet Stewart Tejada
Cliff “Method Man” Smith – Actor/ portrays Davis MacLean
Moderator: Yohana Desta, Editor, Vanity Fair

Saturday, August 29

A candid, thought provoking and hilarious conversation with the writer, producer, lead actor and directorial debut from Radha Blank, the highly anticipated THE FORTY-YEAR-OLD VERSION – produced by Lena Waithe.

Moderator: Tre’vell Anderson, Writer

Sunday, August 30

Bravo Media presents an intimate conversation in which our panelists discuss their personal experiences and perspectives around diversity both in front of and behind the camera. To further the dialogue regarding unscripted television, they will exchange thoughts on the importance of Black producers ensuring that our stories aren’t overlooked and we are represented equally in today’s diverse culture landscape.

Panelists:

Garcelle Beauvais from “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills”
Gizelle Bryant from “The Real Housewives of Potomac”
Kandi Burruss from “The Real Housewives of Atlanta”
Dr. Simone Whitmore from “Married to Medicine Atlanta”
Salena Rochester, Director, Current Production, Bravo
Moderator: Alicia Quarles, Senior News correspondent for DailyMailTV

The culminating event of the festival where the competitive film award winners are announced.

Presenters:

Best Director – Telva Mcgruder, Cadillac; Lee Daniels, Director (The United States vs. Billie Holliday)
Best U.S. Narrative – Salene Hitchcock-Gear, Prudential Financial and La La Anthony, Actor (The Chi)
Best Screenplay – Sinqua Walls, Actor (BET’s American Soul)
John Singleton Award for Best First Feature – Spike Lee, Director (Da 5 Bloods) and Jeff & Nicole Friday (ABFF)
Best International Narrative – Keith La Goy, Sony Pictures Entertainment and Boris Kodjoe & Nicole Ari Parker
HBO Short Film Award – Bevy Smith, Television Personality (Bevelations sirusXM)
Best Web Series – Keesha Boyd, Comcast and Logan Browning, Actor (Dear White People)
Best Documentary – Latasha Gillespie Amazon Studios and Laz Alonso, Actor (The Boys)

EVENTS PRIOR TO #ABFF EVENTS, PANELS, AND SCREENINGS

FULL #ABFF2020 SCHEDULE

0 Comments

ABFF: Short Film - Pride Fim: F.A.M. - FAMILY.ALWAYS.MATTERS

8/19/2020

0 Comments

F.A.M.
Screenwriter: Anthony E. Williams

When you watch the film F.A.M. - Family Always Matter starred and, written by Anthony E. Williams, you will notice the importance of a strong family foundation.

F.A.M. Family Always Matters Stars:

"Trey" - Anthony E. Williams
"Olivia" - Acacia Leigh
"Traci" - Breana Cymore
"Chris" - Moses Jones
"Dara" - Candace West

Director: Kyle Romanek
Screenwriter: Anthony E. Williams
Producers: Sean Morse-Barry, Mallory Cunningham

Q: Growing up in the African American community, when creating and speaking about Olivia's sexuality, how was the conversation presented and the importance of making awareness of being ?
A: I have many friends who advised of the hard conversation with friends and families, to be accepted or explain sexuality, Many families

Q: Dealing with two women and maintaining a #GirlDad relationship, how will the character Trey, maintain a balance relationship?
A: Trey doesn't completely find the balance to maintain the relationship. However, he lets everyone know Olivia is the primary focus in his life. As long as this remains, co-parenting will be extremely effective.

Q: Let's speak about Tracey (Ex-wife): Will Tracey and Dara get along and maintain a cordial relationship for Olivia?
A:: The next few episodes will showcase a roller-coaster of situations, but Tracey will always make sure Olivia is first priority.

Q: Will the Trey's friend, Chris have a recurring role in the series?
A: Yes, you will see Chris and his life throughout, with his family

Q: What should we expect in the upcoming episodes for F.A.M.?
A: Alot of family issues, funny moments and the love of a positive black family co-parenting. The series have more to come and stay tuned to see what's next.

Q: What do you want the viewers to take away from the fi;m, F.A.M. - Family Always Matters?
A: The viewers will take away a different feel to black families on TV, a little bit of "This Is Us' and the quality of "Power"

I truly enjoyed the film and everyone should check it out and definitely share the project.

Watch F.A.M. on www.ABFF.com

VIEW THE FILM

F.A,M. WEBSITE

0 Comments

[MIAMI] AMERICAN BLACK FILM FESTIVAL - ONLINE EDITION #ABFF2020

8/13/2020

0 Comments

STACEY ABRAMS, KENYA BARRIS, MARY J. BLIGE, CURTIS ‘50 CENT’ JACKSON, BARRY JENKINS, GABRIELLE UNION, LENA WAITHE AND MORE TOPLINE PROGRAMMING SLATE FOR 2020 AMERICAN BLACK FILM FESTIVAL

The first virtual edition of the American Black Film Festival
(ABFF), now in its 24th year, will feature a robust slate of speakers including Stacey Abrams,
Kenya Barris, Mary J. Blige, Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, Barry Jenkins, Gabrielle Union and Lena
Waithe, as well as panels ranging from the business of Hollywood to spotlights on new films and
television series. The festival will offer a mix of live and on demand content from August 21st to 30th at abff.com.

Opening night will feature the HBO Short Film Competition, a platform which has been
responsible for showcasing the early work of such industry notables as Ryan Coogler (Black
Panther), Ben Watkins (Hand of God) and Stephen Caple Jr. (Creed II) followed by a virtual
version of ABFF’s legendary “White Party.” It will close with “The Best of American Black Film
Festival Awards” Ceremony, hosted by Boris Kodjoe and Nicole Ari Parker and simulcast on
IMDb.com, followed by a post awards celebration. Presenters include: Lee Daniels (The United
States vs. Billie Holiday), Laz Alonso (The Boys), Bevy Smith (BEVELATIONS) Logan Browning
(Dear White People) and Spike Lee (Da 5 Bloods).

Jemele Hill will host a Cadillac sponsored one-on-one conversation with Blige, who is this year’s
festival ambassador. In addition to “Conversations With” Blige and Abrams, Angela Rye will
moderate a discussion with Barris. Evening programming will also include “Comics on Comedy”
hosted by Yvonne Orji (Insecure) featuring Lil Rel Howery (Get Out), a screening of Yusuf
Hawkins: Storm Over Brooklyn, presented by HBO, a first look at the highly anticipated
Universal Pictures film, Candyman with director/co-writer Nia DaCosta, and a panel on the new
animated series Woke from Sony Pictures Entertainment. Additional highlights include a
conversation with directors Gina Prince-Bythewood (The Old Guard), Christine Swanson (The
Clark Sisters: First Ladies of Gospel) and Jacqueline Olive (Always in Season). Amazon
Studios presents a Hot at Amazon panel featuring Barry Jenkins, Lena Waithe and Tracy Oliver;
a Garrett Bradley Time conversation as well as a discussion with Stacy Abrams. STARZ
presents Power Book II: Ghost panel with Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, Michael Rainey Jr., Naturi
Naughton, Mary J. Blige and Cliff “Method Man” Smith. Netflix brings a discussion with The
40-Year-Old Version writer/director Radha Blank.

There will be opportunities to meet the filmmakers from the competitive categories, panel
discussions on “The Hollywood Executive Experience Through The Black Lens,“ ”Navigating the
Network and Studio Process,” and ”Black Female Perspectives on Directing and Storytelling”
among others. The 90 films featured during the program will be available on demand for the
duration of the festival. The schedule is available here.

“We are gratified by the outpouring of industry support for this year’s ABFF, creating an
opportunity for us to reach a global audience with a broad range of compelling content both live
and on demand,” said Jeff Friday, founder and CEO ABFF Ventures. “Although we plan to be
back in Miami for 2021, this year’s virtual festival enables us to engage with an audience that
might never be able to attend a destination event. Thanks to our sponsors and everyone who
participated, we are able to deliver provocative conversation and compelling entertainment
when our community most needs it.”

Sponsors to date include WarnerMedia, HBO® (Founding), Greater Miami Convention &
Visitors Bureau (Presenting Sponsors); Comcast NBCUniversal, Amazon Studios (Premier
Sponsors); Cadillac, Sony Pictures Entertainment, IMDb, Netflix, Motion Picture Association
(MPA), Jeff Friday Media, Prudential Financial, Starz, a Lionsgate company UMC, Verizon
Media (Official Sponsors); AspireTV, Facebook, Morgan Stanley, and Universal Production
Music (Supporting Sponsors); Blackfilm.com, Film Independent, and Variety (Marketing
Partners).

For more information on ABFF and up-to-date news, go to abff.com and follow @ABFF on
Twitter and @AmericanBlackFilmFestival on Instagram and Facebook. Join in on the
conversation by using #ABFF20 and #ABFF.

0 Comments