,

17th Annual American Black Film Festival (ABFF) Culminates with the Announcement of the 2013 Award Winners

Highlights Included the HBO® Short Film Competition Winner, “A Different Tree, ” and Second-Time ABFF Winner Stephen Lloyd Jackson’s Latest Film “Sable Fable” which took High Honors for Best Director and Best Narrative Feature presented by Cadillac

Nia Long, Nick Cannon, Kevin Hart, Spike Lee, Robert Townsend, Sanaa Lathan, Malcolm D. Lee, Boris Kodjoe, Terrence Jenkins, LeBron James, Derek Luke, Bill Duke, Dwyane Wade, Chris Spencer, Anthony Anderson and more Gather to Support the American Black Film Festival in Miami

MIAMI BEACH, FL, June 24, 2013 – Film Life’s 17th Annual American Black Film Festival (ABFF), wrapped an engaging five days, June 19 – 23, of substantive program of diverse films, industry panels and educational workshops and events yesterday. Celebrating 10 years in Miami Beach, the Festival was created to support the promotion of diversity within the film and television industry, both in front of and behind the camera. The Festival drew to a close with the ABFF Awards Presentation where this year’s film and talent competition winners were revealed.

The five-day celebration was heavily supported by Hollywood’s top actors and was led by this year’s Celebrity Ambassador Omari Hardwick. Spike Lee, Robert Townsend, Bill Duke, Nia Long, Derek Luke, Salli Richardson-Whitfield, Nick Cannon, Morris Chestnut, Boris Kodjoe, David E. Talbert, Roger Bobb, Sanaa Lathan, Anthony Anderson, Terrence Jenkins, Shaun Robinson, Reggie Bythewood, George Tillman, Jr. and Kevin Hart all participated in lively panel discussions and other Festival events. This year’s ABFF was also attended by Miami Heat’s Dwyane Wade, Udonis Haslem and Lebron James, the 2013 NBA Finals champions.

The ABFF Awards Presentation recognizes and rewards filmmakers, writers and actors for excellence through its Grand Jury Prizes and Talent Competitions, supported by major corporations. ABFF founder and CEO of Film Life, Inc., Jeff Friday, presented the awards, along with corporate partners and filmmakers. In what was an emotional event, winners shared intimate stories about their personal journeys and diligent efforts to pursue their craft through moving acceptance speeches, which emphasized the importance of the American Black Film Festival’s mission to promote Black film and to expose Black filmmakers.

The complete list of 2013 ABFF Award Winners are as follows:

Talent Competitions

  • 2013 ABFF Star Project Winners – Actors Latoya Codner and Vladmir Versailles, announced by Kendra Carter, Director of Talent Diversity Initiatives, NBCUniversal.
  • UP (Formerly known as gmc TV) UP Faith and Family Screenplay Competition – Keronda “Kiki” McKnight for Mary Jo’s Candy announced by Brad Siegel, Vice Chairman, UP and De’Eta West, UP. Prize of $5,000.
  • ABFF Webisode Challenge – “Roomieloverfriends,” written by Dennis Dortch and Numa Perrier, directed by Dennis Dortch, announced by Smokey Fontaine, Chief Content Officer, Interactive One.
  • ABFF Comedy Wings, presented by HBO – Comedienne Zainab Johnson, announced by Jeff Friday, ABFF Founder and Dennis Williams, Vice President of Corporate Social Responsibility.

Film Competitions

  • HBO® Short Film Competition – A Different Tree, directed by Steven Caple, Jr., announced by Dennis Williams, Vice President of Corporate Social Responsibility, HBO®. Prize: $10,000 and the opportunity to broadcast on HBO in 2014.
  • CNN Films Best Documentary Award – Homegoings, written by Christine Turner, announced by Keisha Taylor, Strategic Marketing, CNN.
  • Grand Jury Prize for Best Screenplay – Things Never Said, written by Charles Murray, announced by Salli Richardson-Whitfield.
  • Grand Jury Prize for Best Actor, presented by Marriot – Shanola Hampton for Things Never Said, announced by Kristine Friend, Sr, Director of Marketing, Marriott International.
  • Grand Jury Prize for Best Director – Stephen Lloyd Jackson for Sable Fable, announced by Robert Townsend.
  • Grand Jury Prize for Best Narrative Feature, presented by Cadillac – Sable Fable, written and directed by Stephen Lloyd Jackson, presented by Spike Lee and Crystal Wilson, Diversity Communications, Cadillac.
  • ABFF Audience Award, presented by Nielsen – Things Never Said, written and directed by Charles Murray.

Supporting Sponsor Nielsen, conducted surveys to gauge audience response to the four films in the Narrative Feature Competition, the survey results determined the audience favorite, Things Never Said, and filmmaker Charles Murray will receive a full detailed analysis of the audience reaction to the film. The analysis helps filmmakers determine if the message is being delivered to the target audience and contributes to the marketing of the film.

Monica Billinger, Manager of Diversity Markets, Chicago at American Airlines, made a special presentation of travel gift cards to each Grand Jury Prize winner. These gift cards can be used towards a purchase of a future flight on American Airlines. In addition, each winner in the competition received a gift certificate from Macy’s.

“It is deeply rewarding to be able introduce new storytellers and artists from all over the world and watch them ascend from here, through connections they make or awards they receive at ABFF. Our ultimate goal is to be the most direct pipeline to Hollywood for Black talent,” says Jeff Friday, ABFF founder and CEO of Film Life, Inc.

The Festival was headlined by the opening day presentation of The Inevitable Defeat of Mister and Pete, courtesy of Codeblack Films, a Lionsgate company. The film, directed by George Tillman Jr., and written by Michael Starrbury, received high praise for its poignant portrayal of two boys’ struggle to survive a summer without their parents in a Brooklyn housing development. The red carpet was attended by Tillman, Julito McCullum, who stars as ‘Dipstick’ in the film, Sufe Bradshaw (HBO’s “VEEP”), Nelsan Ellis (HBO’s “True Blood”) and others who came out to support the film, which was co-executive produced by GRAMMY® Award-winning singer Alicia Keys.

The first day of the Festival, commenced with a press conference and unveiling of the Miami Film Life Center at The Chapman House. Attended by ABFF founder and CEO of Film Life, Inc., Jeff Friday, City of Miami Commissioner Michelle Spence-Jones and ABFF’s Celebrity Ambassador, Omari Hardwick celebrated the recent collaboration of the Southeast Overtown/Park West Community Redevelopment Agency (SEOPWCRA) and the City of Miami, Miami-Dade County Public Schools (MDCPS), along with the Black Archives History and Research Foundation of South Florida, and Film Life, Inc., to open the Miami Film Life Center (MFLC).

The Center’s purpose is to develop awareness and accessibility of cinema and the art of filmmaking to the residents of the area, by providing resources, training programs and opportunities to network and connect to the industry in a progressive way. The press conference ended with an overview of the week’s power packed schedule, as well as an in imperative to continue the dialogue of ABFF’s commitment to Miami and the Overtown community.

For the first time ever, American Airlines, official sponsor of the ABFF, flew in to create a modernized, urban space, The New American Lounge, where attendees enjoyed complimentary massages, hors d’oeuvres, and a luxurious experience courtesy of the Cadillac shuttle. Attendees indulged and shared experiences while mingling with rising filmmakers and industry executives at the Rosa Regale Night Caps and the Marriott Lounge. Additional festival highlights included the sponsor hospitality, diversity and recruitment suites, hosted by Dr. Miracle’s, FOX/HBCU, Rosa Regale, SAGIndie and UP/Aspire and Viacom Media Networks.

Among the many superlative Festival events, ABFF was proud to present the inaugural “Hollywood TrailerFest,” in partnership with the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA). “Hollywood TrailerFest” was a dynamic presentation that enraptured the audience with a slate of theatrical trailers from the six member studios including Paramount Pictures, Sony Pictures, 20th Century Fox, Universal Pictures, Walt Disney and Warner Bros.

Friend to ABFF, director David E. Talbert, was joined by his Baggage Claim cast members, Boris Kodjoe, Terrence Jenkins and Derek Luke, inside the Cadillac Lounge, to discuss the film and share time with Festival attendees.

ABFF guests were treated to a first look and discussion of Malcolm D. Lee’s The Best Man Holiday, a follow-up to his highly celebrated, cult classic film, The Best Man. The panel, moderated by Access Hollywood’s Shaun Robinson and sponsored by Comcast/NBCUniversal, featured Malcolm D. Lee, writer and director, and multi-talented cast members, Sanaa Lathan, Morris Chestnut and Nia Long, joined one another to relish in their respective accomplishments since they were all onscreen together fourteen years ago.

Other informative panels such as, “Diversity…It’s Just Good Business,” presented by Comcast/NBCUniversal, included guest speaker Nick Cannon and discussed promoting diversity in Hollywood and the importance of diversity as a good business strategy. Nickelodeon covered valuable topics on their panels such as “How to Pitch a Series,” and “The Art of Voice Acting,” in addition to providing an open call casting opportunity for young comedic actors, between the ages of 9 and 15. This casting call attracted close to 1,000 applicants.

At the height of the Festival, Regina King, known for her charisma and dedication to her craft, was the very special featured guest of one of ABFF’s marquee panels, “A Conversation With…,” presented by American Airlines. King discussed her Hollywood journey, the arc of her ambitious career and exchanged advice and wisdom with festivalgoers.

Sponsored by HBO and new to the Festival this year, was the Comedy Wings Competition Finals, hosted by actor and comedian Chris Spencer. Four animated comics performed for a packed house, showing off their comedic prowess to win the coveted title. The standout and crowd favorite was New York City’s own Zainab Johnson, who captured the win.

Festival attendees had the unique opportunity to learn from and trade ideas with Spike Lee, who is best known for his edgy and provocative films, during a panel presented by Grab Media and HuffPost Black Voices, “The Artist’s Vision: Cultural Criticism and the Filmmaker’s Voice” which discussed the question of artistic responsibility in Black filmmaking. “As an artist, do I glamorize the violence that is going on? I’m not going to diminish the value of life and I don’t want to create any art that diminishes the value of life. That’s genocide,” says Lee.

Fashion and film collided when industry style experts provided ABFF attendees an opportunity to discover the history and evolution of both disciplines within film and television during the panel, “Examining the Influence of Fashion Trends in Film and Television,” presented by HBO and Macy’s. The panel was moderated by Food & Lifestyle Expert Nicole Friday and participants included Lloyd Boston (Television Style Expert for NBC’s “Today Show”), John Dunn (Costume Designer for “Boardwalk Empire”), Johnetta Boone (Hollywood Costume Designer), and Shawn Outler (GVP, Leased Businesses, Vendor Collaboration and Multicultural Business Development). The panelists spoke about how fashion undeniably impacts films and the iconic stars that set classic style trends. Actor Michael K. Williams (“Boardwalk Empire,” “The Wire”) walked the catwalk in a “Boardwalk Empire” inspired outfit inspiring the audience to make their mark in fashion.

New to the Festival was sponsor American Family Insurance who premiered their “Through A Black Lens,” contest winner’s film, Good Morning: The Dream of Sean Jones, directed by famed producer/director team Coodie and Chike. The event was moderated by actor Harry Lennix, Jr. (Man of Steel) and opened with a festive reception, where attendees networked over popcorn and refreshments.

Another Festival highlight and crowd favorite was the Alumni Spotlight Screening of Fruitvale Station, courtesy of The Weinstein Company. This film is a true story about the final day of 22-year-old Oscar Grant, who was infamously shot to death by a BART transit police officer in the San Francisco Bay area on New Year’s Day in 2008. In 2011, Ryan Coogler, who wrote and directed the film, was the winner of the prestigious HBO® Short Film Competition at ABFF for his film, Fig.

UP followed their 2012 highest-rated original movie, with another original production In the Meantime, both procured from their Faith & Family Screenplay Competition, held for the third year at the ABFF. Written by Nzinga Kadalie Kemp, directed by Roger Bobb, starring Kali Hawk and Darren Dewitt Henson, In the Meantime, premiered at this year’s festival to rave reviews.

As if the ABFF weekend could not get any better, one of the most anticipated events of the week was the coveted Closing Night Screening of Kevin Hart: Let Me Explain the concert film that captures one of the fast-talking, high-energy performances on Hart’s comedy tour of the same name. Hart’s celebrity friends, 2013 NBA Champions Dwyane Wade and LeBron James of the Miami Heat, Chicago Bulls’ Rip Hamilton, rapper Flo Rida, actress Claudia Jordan, Spike Lee, music mogul Irv Gotti, Jeff Clanagan of Codeblack Films and actor Michael K. Williams filled the red carpet prior to the screening and showed support to ABFF and Kevin Hart.

The Festival wrapped with the “Films Over Miami” Community Showcase, which was held on Sunday, June 23, at the Colony Theatre. The day consisted of a screening of local emerging filmmakers’ films, as well as two sold out premiere screenings of Robert Townsend’s Playin’ For Love. This initiative between the ABFF and the Southeast Overtown Parkwest Community Redevelopment Agency (SEOPW-CRA), included twenty local Overtown students participating in the ABFF Youth Filmmaker’s program, as well as a tour for ABFF Filmmakers to the Miami Film Life Center to see key filming locations in the City of Miami. The 17th Annual American Black Film Festival’s effort to educate and entertain Festival attendees and the ability showcase one of the best slate of films in recent years affirms the Festival’s support of Black film.

Announcements will be made soon about the 2014 American Black Film Festival dates.

*For images from the Festival weekend, please contact HUFF Events & PR at 212-239-1732 or [email protected]

About The American Black Film Festival (ABFF)
The American Black Film Festival (ABFF) is a five-day retreat and international film market dedicated to strengthening the Black filmmaking community. 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.

About Film Life, Inc.
The ABFF is a property of Film Life, Inc., a multi-faceted entertainment company headquartered in New York City. The company was founded in 2001 by Jeff Friday, a veteran of the consumer product marketing and advertising industries. While best known for creating the American Black Film Festival (ABFF), Film Life’s operations center on developing/licensing innovative content across all forms of media and providing strategic advisory services to a wide range of companies in the entertainment, media and consumer product industries.

2013 Sponsors:
HBO® (Founding and Premier Sponsor), Cadillac (Premier Sponsor), American Airlines, UP (formerly gmc TV), CNN Films, Codeblack Films a Lionsgate Company, Comcast/NBCUniversal, Nickelodeon and Marriott International (Official Sponsors), American Family Insurance, BET Networks, Grab Media, Nielsen and Stella Artois (Supporting Sponsors), Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB), Southeast Overtown/Park West Community Redevelopment Agency, Miami Beach Visitor and Convention Authority (MBVCA), Miami-Dade Chamber of Commerce and Miami-Dade County Tourist Development Council (TDC) (Host Sponsors), Dr. Miracle’s, Macy’s and Rosa Regale (Promotional Partners), AMC, Fox Searchlight Pictures, Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA), New York Women In Film and Television, News Corporation, One Village Entertainment, SAGIndie, Walt Disney Studios, Writers Guild of America West (Industry Partners).

2013 Media Sponsors: Black Enterprise, Huff Post Black Voices and Uptown (Official Media), GIANTlife.com, Precious Times and Upscale (Supporting Media).

For full details on this year’s festival, please visit www.ABFF.com

Follow us on social media:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/abff

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/American-Black-Film-Festival/47321635722

Instagram: www.Instagram.com/AmericanBlackFilmFestival

YouTube.com: http://www.youtube.com/user/ABFFTV

CONTACT: HUFF Events and PR

Michelle Huff
[email protected]

Kelley Jackson
[email protected]

212.239.1732

,

World Premiere of Kevin Hart: Let Me Explain to Close 17th Annual American Black Film Festival as Part of Festival’s Overall Official Line-up

“The Inevitable Defeat of Mister and Pete,” Co-Executive Produced by GRAMMY® Award-Winner Alicia Keys, to Open the Festival and Ryan Coogler’s Award-Winning “Fruitvale Station” to Serve as the Festival’s Alumni Spotlight Screening

NEW YORK, NY, June 4, 2013 – Today Film Life’s 17th Annual American Black Film Festival (ABFF), announced its official slate of films, including Opening and Closing Night screenings, Gala screenings along with selections for the Narrative Features Competition, HBO® Short Film Competition and CNN Films Documentary Competition. The Festival will be held in Miami Beach, FL, June 19-23, 2013.

The Inevitable Defeat of Mister and Pete, from Codeblack Films, a LIONSGATE® company, opens the festival, featuring a stellar cast including Skylan Brooks, Ethan Dizon, Jordin Sparks (Sparkle), Jeffrey Wright (Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close) and Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje (Thor: The Dark World) with Anthony Mackie (Pain & Gain, The Hurt Locker) and Academy Award®-winner Jennifer Hudson (“Smash,” Sex and the City 2, Dreamgirls). The film, directed by George Tillman, Jr. (Notorious, Soul Food), was co-executive produced by GRAMMY® Award-winning singer Alicia Keys. This unique and affecting film is a coming of age story about two boys trying to survive the summer in their Brooklyn housing projects without parental supervision.

Closing the festival on June 22 is the feature film Kevin Hart: Let Me Explain starring actor and comedian Kevin Hart (Think Like A Man, BET’s “Real Husbands of Hollywood”). Kevin Hart: Let Me Explain, filmed at Madison Square Garden, captures one of the fast-talking, high-energy performances on Hart’s comedy tour of the same name. The 2012 international, multi-city comedy concert tour generated over $32.7 million in ticket sales and surpassed the then #1 urban comedy tour of all time, The Kings of Comedy. Summit Entertainment, a LIONSGATE® Company, will release the feature film nationwide on July 3, 2013.

Also announced is Ryan Coogler’s award-winning Fruitvale Station, from The Weinstein Company, as the Festival’s Alumni Spotlight Screening, along with UP’s (formerly known as gmc TV) world premiere of In the Meantime written by the 2012 UP’s screenplay competition winner Nzinga Kadalie Kemp and the world premiere of Playin’ For Love, produced and directed by Robert Townsend (In the Hive), as Gala Screenings.

In 2011, Ryan Coogler was the winner of the prestigious HBO® Short Film Competition at ABFF for his film, Fig. He is commanding attention again with his directorial debut, Fruitvale Station, an independent drama set in the San Francisco Bay area about the final day of 22-year-old Oscar Grant, who was infamously shot to death by a BART transit police officer in the early hours of New Year’s Day, 2008. The film was produced by Significant Productions, Academy Award-winner Forest Whitaker’s production company, and has proven to be a breakthrough role for Michael B. Jordan (Red Tails), who is best known for his acclaimed turn on HBO’s “The Wire,” and Academy-Award winner Octavia Spencer (The Help) rounds out the cast as Grant’s mother. The film will be released theatrically July 2013.

UP’s In the Meantime, stars Kali Hawk as Jazmin “Jazz” Welles as a bride-to-be who gives her fiancé “creative” freedom before their wedding day, but ends up finding faith and the meaning of true love in the meantime. Taking a non-traditional approach to their nuptials, they have agreed to take nine months off to discover themselves and if it is indeed true love, they will show up on the wedding day, no questions asked. The cast includes an ensemble of multi-talented actors including Darrin Dewitt Henson (The Express, “Soul Food”) as “Blac,” Terri J. Vaughn (Friday, Daddy’s Little Girls, “Sugar Mommas”) and neo-soul recording artist Musiq Soulchild in his film debut. Roger Bobb (Raising Izzie, For Colored Girls) directed and produced the film and it will premiere on UP in July 2013.

Playin’ For Love is a romantic comedy that centers on the head coach of a high school basketball team and a single mother who are ultimately responsible for a reversal of fortune for the team’s future. Shot in Miami, Florida, Playin’ For Love is unique in that local talent was utilized and the project was financed in part by grants from the Southeast Overtown/Park West and Omni Redevelopment District Community Redevelopment Agencies, and the generous support of the City of Miami.

With over fifteen world premieres, the ABFF is renowned for showcasing preeminent cinematic content and this year’s slate of films will prove no exception. The Festival will screen artful and diversified feature films, shorts and documentaries with broad thematic elements. Things Never Said, starring ABFF’s Celebrity Ambassador, Omari Hardwick (Sparkle, For Colored Girls) seeks to determine how the spoken word defines self-worth and the resilience and depth of relationships among women provides salvation in The Magic City.

Jeff Friday, ABFF Founder and CEO of Film Life, Inc. states, “We are excited to be at seventeen years and counting. This year we have a diverse selection of films, some returning alumni and new webisode creators. With that said, it is especially rewarding to watch alumni take their next steps into the mainstream marketplace.” He adds, “We are steadfast in our commitment to support aspiring filmmakers, leading them to opportunities that will hopefully help them to build rewarding careers.”

Below is the full 2013 film lineup by section:

NARRATIVE COMPETITION

Feature-length films in this section compete for the ABFF’s Grand Jury prizes for Best Screenplay, Best Actor presented by Marriot International, Best Director and Best Film, presented by Cadillac.

The Magic City, World Premiere
Written, produced and directed by R. Malcolm Jones
Cast: Jennifer Lewis, Keith David, Jamie Hector and introducing Latrice Jackson, LaShay Jackson and Amiya Thomas

Sable Fable, World Premiere
Written, produced and directed by Stephen Lloyd Jackson
Cast: James Williams, Nicole Hartley, Sheila Nortley, Jasmine Munting, Daniel Bailey, Alex Marx, Stephen Lloyd Jackson and Lily Joseph

The Suspect, World Premiere
Written and directed by Stuart Connelly, Produced by Mary Jo Barthmaier
Cast: Mekhi Phifer, William Sadler, Sterling K. Brown, James McCaffrey and Rebecca Creskoff

Things Never Said
Written, produced and directed by Charles Murray
Cast: Omari Hardwick, Shanola Hampton and Elimu Nelson

CNN FILMS DOCUMENTARY COMPETITION

Nonfiction films in this section compete for the Best Documentary Award, presented by CNN Films.

Films selected for the 2013 Documentary Competition is as follows:

Children of the Wind
Directed by Daphne Schmon, Produced by Robert McCormick
Narrated by Gbenga Akinnagbe

Homegoings
Produced and directed by Christine Turner

The Sunflower County Freedom Project, World Premiere
Produced and directed by Carmen L. Scott

HBO® SHORT FILM COMPETITION

Five emerging filmmakers compete for the HBO Short Film Award.

The Adventures of Edison Jean, World Premiere
Written and directed by Edson Jean

Black Girl in Paris, World Premiere
Written and directed by Kiandra Parks

A Different Tree, World Premiere
Directed by Steven Caple Jr.

Stone Cars, World Premiere
Written and directed by Reinaldo Marcus Green

Sweet Honey Child, World Premiere
Co-written and directed by Talibah Newman

WORLD SHOWCASE

A non-competitive showcase of feature-length films.

Full Circle, World Premiere
Written, produced and directed by Solvan Naim
Cast: Rob Morgan, Solvan Naim, Eden Marryshow, Celestine Rae, Kelvin Hale and Devale Ellis

Home, World Premiere
Written and directed by Jono Oliver, Produced by Jono Oliver, Daniela Barbosa and Ged Dickersin
Cast: Gbenga Akinnagbe, Joe Morton, Fawny Cypress and Victor Williams

Home Again
Written by Jennifer Holness and David Sudz Sutherland, Directed by Sudz Sutherland, Produced by Jennifer Holness, Don Carmody and Anita Lee
Cast: Tatyana Ali, Lyriq Bent, Stephan James, Fefe Dobson, Richard Chevolleau, Paul Campbell and CCH Pounder

Monica, World Premiere
Written and directed by Gregory Carter Produced by Datari Turner
Cast: Omari Hardwick, Ali Cobrin, Mariel Hemingway, James Remar, Lynn Whitfield, Robert Hoffman, Datari Turner, Briana Evigan and Obba Babatunde

Newlyweeds
Written and directed by Shaka King, Produced by Michael Matthews, Jim Wareck, Gbenga Akinnagbe and Shaka King
Cast: Amari Cheatom, Trae Harris, Tone Tank, Colman Domingo and Hassan Johnson

ABFF WEBISODE CHALLENGE

A showcase of short form content created for distribution on the Internet and other digital platforms. Three finalists compete for the ABFF Webisode Award.

The Couple: The Moo Moo
Written by Jeanine Daniels, Directed by Dennis Dortch

Roomieloverfriends
Written by Dennis Dortch and Numa Perrier, Directed by Dennis Dortch

Unwritten Rules
Written by Kim Williams, Directed by Natasha “Tash” Gray

FREE COMMUNITY SCREENINGS

Free public screenings presented by the City of Miami SEOPW CRA

Playin’ for Love, World Premiere
Written and directed by Robert Townsend

“Films Over Miami” Community Showcase: Highlighting Miami’s Emerging Filmmakers
Films to be announced

Movie Tickets: Ticket prices are $12.00. Walk-up tickets will be on sale day of show only at the at the Colony Theatre & Miami Beach Cinematheque box offices. The box office wait line forms 45 minutes prior to show time. There are no advance sales.

Festival Event Tickets/Passes: Individual event tickets go on sale June 5-15 in limited quantity on ticketweb.com. Festival passes will be available on-site starting Wednesday, June 19, 2013, at the Ritz-Carlton, South Beach. For more information visit www.ABFF.com or call 646-375-2144.

HBO® (Founding and Premier Sponsor); Cadillac (Premier Sponsor); American Airlines, UP (formerly gmc TV), CNN Films, Codeblack Films a Lionsgate company, Comcast/NBCUniversal, Nickelodeon and Marriott International (Official Sponsors); American Family Insurance, BET, Grab Media, Nielsen and Stella Artois (Supporting Sponsors); Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB), Southeast Overtown/Park West Community Redevelopment Agency, Miami Beach Visitor and Convention Authority (MBVCA), Miami-Dade Chamber of Commerce and Miami-Dade County Tourist Development Council (TDC) (Host Sponsors); Dr. Miracle’s, Macy’s and Rosa Regale (Promotional Partners); Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA), New York Film In Film and Television, One Village Entertainment, SAGIndie, Writers Guild of America West (Industry Partners)

Media Sponsors: Black Enterprise and Uptown (Official Media); GIANTlife.com, Precious Times and Upscale (Supporting Media)

About The American Black Film Festival (ABFF):
The American Black Film Festival (ABFF) is a five-day retreat and international film market dedicated to strengthening the Black filmmaking community. 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.

About Film Life, Inc.:
The ABFF is a property of Film Life, Inc., a multi-faceted entertainment company headquartered in New York City. The company was founded in 2001 by Jeff Friday, a veteran of the consumer product marketing and advertising industries. While best known for creating the American Black Film Festival (ABFF), Film Life’s operations center on developing/licensing innovative content across all forms of media and providing strategic advisory services to a wide range of companies in the entertainment, media and consumer product industries.

About Summit Entertainment:
Summit Entertainment, a LIONSGATE® company, is a worldwide theatrical motion picture development, financing, production and distribution studio. The company handles all aspects of marketing and distribution for both its own internally developed motion pictures as well as acquired pictures. Summit also represents international sales for both its own slate and third party product.

For full details on this year’s festival, please visit www.ABFF.com

Follow us on social media:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/abff

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/American-Black-Film-Festival/47321635722

Instagram: www.Instagram.com/AmericanBlackFilmFestival

YouTube.com: http://www.youtube.com/user/ABFFTV

CONTACT: HUFF Events and PR

Michelle Huff
[email protected]

Kelley Jackson
[email protected]

212.239.1732

,

Film Life’s 17th Annual American Black Film Festival Announces “A Conversation With” The Talented And Dynamic Regina King

NEW YORK, NY, May 1, 2013 – Film Life, Inc. today announced actress Regina King as the featured guest for “A Conversation With” at the 17th Annual American Black Film Festival (ABFF). This event, presented by American Airlines, is an exciting opportunity for the festival audience to engage with King, celebrate her work and learn about her journey within the entertainment business first-hand. “A Conversation With Regina King” is scheduled to take place on Friday, June 21 from 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm at the Ritz Carlton, South Beach. The festival runs from June 19-23.

Regina King, probably best known as the feisty and bright Brenda on the popular sitcom “227,” has carved out a very impressive Hollywood career. After five seasons of “227,” King made her film debut starring with Ice Cube in John Singleton’s commanding film and one that would become a cultural touchpoint, Boys N the Hood. She would go on to work with Singleton again in Poetic Justice and Higher Learning. King’s memorable role as Cuba Gooding Jr.’s savvy wife Marci in Jerry Maguire changed the arc of her career, as it led to starring roles in How Stella Got Her Groove Back with Angela Bassett and the hit action thriller Enemy of the State opposite Will Smith.

King’s turn as Lydia Adams on TNT’s cop drama “Southland” has been praised throughout Hollywood and Entertainment Weekly recently listed King as one of six actresses who deserve an Emmy nod for her role on the well-received show. In between filming “Southland,” King made her feature film directorial debut with the teleplay adaptation of the best-selling book, Let The Church Say Amen, for BET Networks, slated to air later this year.

Jeff Friday, ABFF Founder and CEO says, “Regina has supported our festival since the very beginning and I am thrilled to have her as the subject of “A Conversation With,” as she is an immensely talented and highly respected artist.” He adds, “We want to always provide memorable festival experiences and this year, Regina King will do just that.”

Past “A Conversation With” guests have included: Salim Akil and Mara Brock-Akil, Paula Patton, Idris Elba, Jeffrey Wright and Cuba Gooding Jr.

About The American Black Film Festival (ABFF):
The American Black Film Festival (ABFF) is a five-day retreat and international film market dedicated to strengthening the Black filmmaking community. 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.

About Film Life, Inc.:
The ABFF is a property of Film Life, Inc., a multi-faceted entertainment company headquartered in New York City. The company was founded in 2001 by Jeff Friday, a veteran of the consumer product marketing and advertising industries. While best known for creating the American Black Film Festival (ABFF), Film Life’s operations center on developing/licensing innovative content across all forms of media and providing strategic advisory services to a wide range of companies in the entertainment, media and consumer product industries.

2013 Sponsors: HBO© (Founding and Premier Sponsor); Cadillac (Premier Sponsor); American Airlines, gmc TV, CNN, Codeblack Films a Lionsgate company, Comcast/NBCUniversal and Nickelodeon (Official Sponsors); American Family Insurance, BET, Grab Media, Nielsen and Stella Artois (Supporting Sponsors); Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB), Southeast Overtown/Park West Community Redevelopment Agency, Miami Beach Visitor and Convention Authority (MBVCA), Miami-Dade Chamber of Commerce and Miami-Dade County Tourist Development Council (TDC) (Host Sponsors); Macy’s and Rosa Regale (Promotional Partners); Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA), One Village Entertainment, SAGIndie and the Writers Guild of America West (Industry Partners).

2013 Media Partners: HuffPost/AOL Black Voices, Black Enterprise and Uptown Magazine (Official Media); Precious Times and Upscale Magazine (Supporting Media). Black Enterprise and Uptown (Official Media); GIANTlife.com, Precious Times and Upscale (Supporting Media).

For full details on this year’s festival, please visit www.ABFF.com

Follow us on social media:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/abff

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/American-Black-Film-Festival/47321635722

Instagram: www.Instagram.com/AmericanBlackFilmFestival

YouTube.com: http://www.youtube.com/user/ABFFTV

CONTACT: HUFF Events and PR

Michelle Huff
[email protected]

Kelley Jackson
[email protected]

,

The 17th Annual American Black Film Festival (ABFF) Announces Finalists in The Comedy Wings Competition

FOUR EMERGING COMEDIANS WILL COMPETE FOR TOP SPOT AT ABFF IN JUNE

NEW YORK, NY, April 22, 2013 – Film Life, Inc., producers of the American Black Film Festival (ABFF), announced today the selection of the four finalists who competed in The Comedy Wings Competition semi-finals round held last night at the world-famous Comedy Store in Los Angeles, CA. The four finalists, who received the highest scores out of nine semi-finalists, are: LA’s own Raneir Pollard, Bronx native Trev Houston, Michael Head from Cleveland, OH and New York City’s Zainab Johnson. Selected from an incredibly talented group, these charismatic and gregarious comics will travel to Miami Beach to take the stage in front of a lively festival audience in the final round of the The Comedy Wings Competition. Sponsored by HBO, the final round will take place on Friday, June 21st from 9:30PM – 11:00PM in the Main Hall at the Ritz Carlton, South Beach Hotel.

The participating comics were judged by the industry’s foremost artists and industry experts, including Anthony Anderson, Brely Evans and Affion Crockett, casting director, Robi Reed and “Def Comedy Jam” producer Bob Sumner, along with senior talent executives from HBO, NBCUniversal, Nickelodeon, TBS and Comedy Central, on their overall performance, originality of material and audience reaction. The show was attended by some of the top names in comedy, including Damon Wayans and Robert Townsend.

“One of our goals is to highlight new talent in creative and relevant ways, both in front and behind the camera,” states Jeff Friday, ABFF Founder and CEO of Film Life, Inc. “The Comedy Wings Competition is an extension of this goal, with hopes of creating pathways to opportunities within the industry for emerging comedians.” He adds, “The concept of this competition and the talent discovered through this process is unique and transfers to other mediums, such as television and even as a web series.”

The Comedy Wings Competition is one of several platforms innovated by the ABFF designed to uncover talent and introduce them to a broader audience. ABFF has always participated in the cultivation of Black talent and has provided a stage over the years for dynamic performers such as Kevin Hart, Cedric the Entertainer, Craig Robinson, Tommy Davidson and Bill Bellamy.

About The American Black Film Festival (ABFF):
The American Black Film Festival (ABFF) is a five-day retreat and international film market dedicated to strengthening the Black filmmaking community. 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.

About Film Life, Inc.:
The ABFF is a property of Film Life, Inc., a multi-faceted entertainment company headquartered in New York City. The company was founded in 2001 by Jeff Friday, a veteran of the consumer product marketing and advertising industries. While best known for creating the American Black Film Festival (ABFF), Film Life’s operations center on developing/licensing innovative content across all forms of media and providing strategic advisory services to a wide range of companies in the entertainment, media and consumer product industries.

HBO (Founder and Premier), Cadillac (Premier); American Airlines, GMC TV, CNN, Codeblack Entertainment, Comcast/NBCUniversal, Nickelodeon (Official); American Family Insurance, BET, Grab Media, Nielsen,and Stella Artois (Supporting); Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB), Southeast Overtown/Park West Community Redevelopment Agency, Miami Beach Visitor & Convention Authority (VCA) and Miami-Dade County Tourist Development Council (Host Sponsors); GIANTlife.com and Macy’s (Promotional Partners); Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA), One Village Entertainment, SAGIndie, Writers Guild of America West (Industry Partners).

Media Partners: HuffPost/AOL Black Voices, Black Enterprise and Uptown Magazine (Official Media); Precious Times and Upscale Magazine (Supporting Media).

For full details on this year’s festival, please visit www.abff.com

Follow us on social media:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/abff

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/American-Black-Film-Festival/47321635722

Instagram: www.Instagram.com/AmericanBlackFilmFestival

YouTube.com: http://www.youtube.com/user/ABFFTV

CONTACTS:
HUFF Events and PR

Michelle Huff
[email protected]

Kelley Jackson
[email protected]

,

GMC TV Seeks Screenwriters for the Third Annual GMC Faith and Family Screenplay Competition at the American Black Film Festival

THREE FINALISTS WILL BE CHOSEN TO COMPETE FOR $5,000 GRAND PRIZE

ATLANTA, March 25, 2013 – GMC TV, America’s favorite channel for uplifting family entertainment, announced today that it is partnering with the American Black Film Festival (ABFF) on the third annual GMC Faith and Family Screenplay Competition. The competition, promoting the development of faith-friendly, family entertainment screenplays, with a focus on the American Black cultural experience, is a component of GMC’s “Official Sponsorship” of Film Life’s 17th annual ABFF event, which is the pre-eminent festival promoting cultural diversity within the film and television industry. The 2013 ABFF will be held June 19-23 in Miami.

Submissions for the GMC Faith and Family Screenplay Competition are being solicited now through April 11 by the ABFF through the organization’s web site (https://www.abff.com/miami/festival/) and newsletter. All eligible screenplays received will be sent to GMC for review by a select panel, which will choose three finalists. The three finalists will have portions of their screenplay performed by actors in attendance at the festival and in front of a live audience of festival attendees and industry tastemakers. One Grand Prize winner will receive $5,000.

“We are once again thrilled to renew our partnership with ABFF to present the GMC Faith and Family Screenplay Competition for a third year,” said Wendy McCoy, senior vice president of marketing at GMC TV. “Each year, the response to the competition grows and draws a wide range of talent submitting work across various genres such as family, adventure, romantic comedy and drama. We look forward to premiering last year’s winner In the Meantime on GMC TV this year and to finding additional exciting projects in this year’s competition.”

Brad Siegel, vice-chairman of GMC TV, added, “We take pride in the fact that GMC’s Faith and Family Screenplay Competition is a natural extension of our network’s commitment to showcase inspiring multicultural themed faith friendly family stories. As we conclude production on last year’s winning screenplay, In the Meantime, it reaffirms that our partnership with ABFF and this competition is a valuable proving ground to bring these stories to life and new exciting talented storytellers to the forefront.”

Entries for GMC’s Faith and Family Screenplay Competition should: be formatted for a two-hour television movie, or approximately 88 minutes of content excluding commercials; center around faith-friendly, family-friendly topics with a focus on the American Black cultural experience with a wide audience appeal, and; focus on genres/formats that tell these inspiring stories like romantic comedies, comedies, dramas and family adventures. All submissions should be a non-period piece, and; submitted in a printed form only. Electronic entries will not be accepted. Submissions should be mailed to: GMC Faith and Family Screenplay Competition 2013, c/o Film Life, Inc., 116 West 23rd Street, 5th Floor, New York, NY. All submission materials must be received no later than 5 p.m., Thursday, April 11.

Production recently wrapped in Atlanta on last year’s GMC’s Faith and Family Screenplay Competition winner In the Meantime written by Nzinga Kadalie Kemp. The GMC original World Premiere feature film stars Kali Hawk (Bridesmaids, Couples Retreat), Darrin Dewitt Henson (The Express, “Soul Food”), Terri J. Vaughn (Friday, Daddy’s Little Girls, “Sugar Mommas”), Thomas Mikal Ford (“Martin”), Rodney Perry (Madea’s Big Happy Family), David Mann (Madea’s Big Happy Family, “Meet the Browns”), Tamela Mann (Sparkle, Madea’s Big Happy Family, “Meet the Browns”) and Grammy© -nominated artist Musiq Soulchild in his film debut. In The Meantime is directed and produced by former Tyler Perry Studios executive Roger M. Bobb (Raising Izzie, For Colored Girls, “The Rickey Smiley Show”) and will make its world television premiere on GMC TV in July 2013.

In the inaugural GMC Faith and Family Screenplay Competition, the Grand Prize was presented to writer David Martyn Conley for his original screenplay Raising Izzie, a story of two young orphaned sisters and the caring teacher who changed their lives. Raising Izzie, produced and directed by former ABFF award winner Roger M. Bobb (For Colored Girls, “House of Payne”), was nominated for two NAACP Image Awards and was one of GMC TV’s highest rated originals. Additionally, Raising Izzie child star Kyla Kennedy won a 2012 Gracie Award for her performance in the film. Raising Izzie held its World Premiere at the ABFF Festival in July 2012 and premiered on GMC that same month. Bobb is the only two-time winner of the Best Film Award at the ABFF.

2011’s runner-up winner, Somebody’s Child, an original screenplay written by Siddeeqah Powell, premiered on GMC in August 2012.

ABOUT ABFF
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, and production and film distribution company founded in 2000 by Jeff Friday (CEO). Visit www.abff.com for more details.

About GMC TV
GMC TV, (www.watchGMCtv.com) based in Atlanta, is America’s favorite network for uplifting music and family entertainment. The network presents original and acquired movies, series, stage plays and music specials along with gMovies, the first faith-friendly streaming movie service. The GMC TV brand is reflected in “Uplift Someone,” the network’s successful pro-social initiative. GMC TV can be seen in more than 61 million homes on various cable systems around the country, as well as DIRECTV on channel 338, DISH Network on channel 188, and Verizon FiOS on channel 224. Follow GMC TV on Facebook and Twitter at http://facebook.com/gmctv and http://twitter.com/gmctv.

Contacts:
Chelsye J. Burrows
770.692.4559
[email protected]

Jackie Bazan-Ross
212-643-4664 X704
[email protected]

Evelyn Santana
212-643-4664 X702
[email protected]

,

Concert Flick ‘Kevin Hart: LET ME EXPLAIN’ Will Make its National Premiere at the 17th Annual American Black Film Festival (ABFF) as the Closing Night Film

NEW YORK, NY, March 8 2013 – Quickly establishing himself as the pulse of comedic entertainment, funny man Kevin Hart, will bring his threshold of jokes and laughter to the 17th Annual American Black Film Festival (ABFF). Film Life, Inc. announced that Hart’s upcoming concert film “Kevin Hart: Let Me Explain” (Codeblack Films/ Lionsgate) will make its national premiere as the esteemed festival’s closing night film. Undoubtedly hilarious and primed to be a hit, ABFF is thrilled to deliver this comedic treasure to festival-goers on Saturday, June 22. The 17th Annual American Black Film Festival runs June 19th to the 23rd in Miami, Florida.

Hart, who hosted NBC’s ‘Saturday Night Live,’ this past weekend (March 2nd), has been climbing his way to the top of entertainment in the same fashion as a young Eddie Murphy by using a three part platform inclusive of successful runs in stand-up, television, and film. Currently, Hart is the star of BET’s (Black Entertainment Television) mock reality series “Real Husbands of Hollywood,” a hilarious crack at the never-ending phenomenon we know as reality television. Having already garnered success with his film, “Laugh at My Pain,” (Codeblack Films) Hart’s new film, “Kevin Hart: Let Me Explain” is a cinematic echo of his triumphant 2012 comedy tour ‘Let Me Explain,’ which sold 540,000 tickets and generated $32 million in ticket sales. It is unquestionably one of the most successful comedy tours of all time, and has helped to establish Hart as one of the biggest names in entertainment.

Hart was one of the stars of last years hit movie “Think Like a Man,” (Screen Gems), a relationship flick based on the Steve Harvey book of the same title. “Think Like a Man” producers Will Packer & Rob Hardy (Rainforest Films), along with its director Tim Story and cast, were honored last year by Film Life Inc. at the 16th Annual American Black Film Festival for its theatrical success. The films monumental run at the box office gave a bigger wingspan to the plight of preserving and ensuring black voices in cinema. Harts performance in the movie, along with its incredible cast, helped procure the films nearly 100 million dollar box office gross -a welcomed rarity for movies specifically targeted at African American audiences.

“We’re excited to have ‘Let Me Explain’ with us at this years festival for its national premiere. We couldn’t be more pleased about the opportunity. We admire Kevin Hart and have been watching his career flourish throughout the years. He’s been a long time supporter of the festival and an inspiration to comedians and filmmakers everywhere, and we know that this movie is an incredible way to close out what we are certain will be an excellent year of commemorating black film,” said Jeff Friday, ABFF Founder and CEO of Film Life, Inc.

HBO® (Founding and Premier Sponsor). Cadillac (Premier Sponsor); American Airlines, gmc Networks, CNN and Comcast/NBCUniversal (Official Sponsors); American Family Insurance, Nielsen and Stella Artois (Supporting Sponsors); Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB), Miami Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA), Miami Beach Visitor and Convention Authority (MBVCA) and Miami-Dade Chamber of Commerce (Host Sponsors); Media Sponsors: Black Enterprise, Uptown and Upscale.

The American Black Film Festival (ABFF) is a five-day retreat and international film market dedicated to strengthening the Black filmmaking community. 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 multi-faceted entertainment company headquartered in New York City. The company was founded in 2001 by Jeff Friday (link to photo bio), a veteran of the consumer product marketing and advertising industries. While best known for creating the American Black Film Festival (ABFF), Film Life’s operations center on developing/licensing innovative content across all forms of media and providing strategic advisory services to a wide range of companies in the entertainment, media and consumer product industries.

Let Me Explain trailer:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AuNoaDeACHE&feature=share&list=UULRmIdRJgLfmdpJufmBhBuA

Festival passes and tickets are available now for purchase at:
https://www.abff.com/miami/festival/buy/passes-and-tickets.php

Deadline for early registration discounts: March 15

For media inquiries, contact Lisa Sorensen at 646-330-5458 or [email protected]

Follow us on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/abff

Follow us on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/pages/American-Black-Film-Festival/47321635722

,

The 17th Annual American Black Film Festival (ABFF) Partners With AMC Theatres® To Feature Distribution Deal For Narrative Feature Winner

NEW YORK, NY, March 4, 2013 – Film Life, Inc., the unyielding force behind the American Black Film Festival (ABFF), the premiere film festival for celebrating diversity in cinema, is excited to partner with AMC Theatres® to raise the stakes and bring a national element to a mainstay competition at the ABFF. Through this alliance, filmmakers who participate in the 17th Annual ABFF Narrative Feature Competition will now be vying for an invaluable opportunity: the theatrical release of their movie in up to 10 U.S. markets. The label will be launched as ABFF AMERICA.

During its nearly two decade run, the ABFF has been known for creating indispensable opportunities for up-and-coming filmmakers through its Narrative Feature Competition, which has always offered localized exhibition for its participants to have their work viewed by approximately 5,000 attendees each year. However, with the introduction of ABFF AMERICA, competitors in the 17th Annual ABFF Narrative Feature Competition will see their film transcend the festival circuit, and be seen by general audiences around the country.

AMC is partnering with the ABFF through the AMC Independent (AMCi) program, which highlights independent films and filmmakers.

“The AMCi program is designed to provide smaller budget films, which don’t have the substantial studio backing, an audience at theatres throughout the country,” said Nikkole Denson-Randolph, vice president of alternative and specialty content. “We’re proud to support film festivals like ABFF, which encourage the continuation of diverse and quality movies, and we’re excited to see the film that we’ll be bringing to our guests.”

In October 2011, CEO of Film Life, Inc. and ABFF founder, Jeff Friday started the Black Movie Month movement (www.blackmoviemonth.com), a call to action to shed light on the unfathomable decline in diversity in theatrically released cinema; then African American storylines only accounted for .08% of the films made in 2011. What Friday, proposed is that with African American’s making up 12% of the movie going population and 195 million trips to the theater each year, more responsibility needs to be taken to ensure that content is created to reflect our stories. Now with ABFF AMERICA’s distribution deal in full swing, Friday has found a way to be an important element in administering a solution for circulating diverse cinema to the mass population.

“I am very optimistic about ABFF AMERICA and looking forward to the partnership with AMCi. One thing I’m sure of is African Americans want to see a broader range of Black films in theaters. There is a tremendous amount of goodwill associated with the ABFF brand and I’m encouraged that people will come out in support of our upcoming releases,” said Jeff Friday, ABFF Founder and CEO of Film Life, Inc.

ABFF’s list of alumni stretches far across the entertainment industry’s diverse circuit, and is inclusive of individuals like producers Rob Hardy and Will Packer (Think Like A Man), Roger M. Bobb (For Colored Girls), director Sylvain White (Stomp The Yard) and most recently Ryan Cooger (Fruitvale) , as well as many others who have gone on to create a vast body of work that adhere to the importance of circulating black film. Rather then smothering the fire, ABFF is a kindling for young up and coming filmmakers with a spark for visual creativity.

With the new opportunities for a distribution deal through ABFF AMERICA now on the table, the deadline for submission to the ABFF Narrative Feature Competition has been extended to March 11, 2013, to allow more filmmakers a chance to participate in this life changing opportunity. Submissions are now being accepted at www.abff.com. Up to five finalists will be selected to screen at the 2013 American Black Film Festival in Miami. One winner will be announced at the “ABFF Awards Presentation,” Saturday, June 22nd.

To Qualify: Entrants must meet the following criteria: Minimum run time of 72 minutes. 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. Film must have been completed post January 1, 2012.

How to Submit: To submit your film, log on to www.ABFF.com (the “Website”), click on SUBMIT YOUR FILM and then click on NARRATIVE FEATURES to access the submission form (the “Submission Form”).

Deadline for submissions: March 11, 2013

Festival passes and tickets are available now for purchase at:
https://www.abff.com/miami/festival/buy/passes-and-tickets.php

HBO® (Founding and Premier Sponsor). Cadillac (Premier Sponsor); American Airlines, gmc Networks, CNN and Comcast/NBCUniversal (Official Sponsors); Nielsen and Stella Artois (Supporting Sponsors); Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB), Miami Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) and Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce (Host Sponsors); Media Sponsors: Black Enterprise, Uptown and Upscale.

The American Black Film Festival (ABFF) is a five-day retreat and international film market dedicated to strengthening the Black filmmaking community. 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 multi-facted entertainment company headquarted in New York City. The company was founded in 2001 by Jeff Friday, a veteran of the consumer product marketing and advertising industries. While best known for creating the American Black Film Festival (ABFF), Film Life’s operations center on developing/licensing innovative content across all forms of media and providing strategic advisory services to a wide range of companies in the entertainment, media and consumer product industries.

For full details on this year’s festival, please visit www.abff.com

For media inquiries, contact Lisa Sorensen at 646-330-5458 or [email protected]

Follow us on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/abff

Follow us on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/pages/American-Black-Film-Festival/47321635722

,

The 17th Annual American Black Film Festival (ABFF) Raring To Discover The Next Best Web Series

NEW YORK, NY, February 21, 2013 – As the wave of webisodic entertainment continues to harness viewership on the world wide web, Film Life, Inc. is gearing up to roll out the red carpet for online entertainment. For the second competitive year, the American Black Film Festival (ABFF) has readied their platform to invite talented writers, directors, and producers who demonstrate a superlative command over the creation of television ideal for broadcast on the Internet to submit to ABFF’s Webisode section for consideration. Submissions are now being accepted at www.abff.com. Up to five finalists will be selected to screen at the 2013 American Black Film Festival in Miami. and one winner will be announced at the “ABFF Awards Presentation,” Saturday, June 22nd.

Last year, during the competition’s inception year, Donnie Leapheart, took home the grand prize for his science fiction web series “Osiris.” Film Life, Inc. also saw the launch of their own web series, “The Q&A Show” starring husband and wife team Addison Henderson and Quin Walters. Now in its second year, the inclusion of a Webisode section to ABFF continues to be a response to the changing medium for artistic expression by highlighting and awarding the talented individuals who have found their visual voice on the innovative avenues of the world wide web where art has no limitations and the demand for creativity remains high.

“With the ever increasing demand for short form content, the Webisode section is another way for us to unearth new talent with engaging story ideas that deserve to be highlighted. It is typically a less expensive medium through which filmmakers and content creators can advertise their skills and draw a lot of attention to themselves.” said Jeff Friday, ABFF Founder and CEO of Film Life, Inc.

ABFF’s Webisode section continues to demonstrate Film Life, Inc’s forward moving mission of celebrating and showcasing cultural diversity in film, while also adhering to the changing mediums for broadcast entertainment. The festival welcomes entrants to submit a “Webisode” from their original web series to compete alongside other creative powerhouses for a friendly competition where their work will be showcased and one individual will be receive the 2013 award for Best Webisode along with other possible prizes to be announced at a later date.

Webisode section entrants are required to submit one “Webisode” no longer than 5 minutes in length. The “Webisode” must have been completed post January 1, 2012.

To Qualify: Entrants must meet one the following criteria, Directed, Written, and/or Produced by a Person of African decent. Feature a person of African descent in the leading role, or a multicultural cast. Must not have any exclusive broadcast deal/agreement with any digital platform or television network. Submissions will be judged by a panel of ABFF and independent judges.

How to Enter: To enter the Contest, during the Contest Period log on to www.ABFF.com (the “Website”), click on SUBMIT YOUR FILM and then click on WEBISODES to access the submission form (the “Submission Form”).

Deadline for submissions: March 22, 2013

Festival passes and tickets are available now for purchase at:
https://www.abff.com/miami/festival/buy/passes-and-tickets.php

The American Black Film Festival (ABFF) is a five-day retreat and international film market dedicated to strengthening the Black filmmaking community. 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 multi-faceted entertainment company headquartered in New York City. The company was founded in 2001 by Jeff Friday, a veteran of the consumer product marketing and advertising industries. While best known for creating the American Black Film Festival (ABFF), Film Life’s operations center on developing/licensing innovative content across all forms of media and providing strategic advisory services to a wide range of companies in the entertainment, media and consumer product industries.

For full details on this year’s festival, please visit www.abff.com

For media inquiries, contact Lisa Sorensen at 646-330-5458 or [email protected]

Follow us on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/abff

Follow us on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/pages/American-Black-Film-Festival/47321635722

Film Life Inc. Launches “ABFF Movie Review,” A New Weekly Movie Critique Of Hollywood Releases

NEW YORK, NY, February 6, 2013 – Today, Film Life, Inc., announced the launch of the ABFF Movie Review, a weekly online podcast offering critical reviews of current Hollywood films, highlighting Black characters, issues, stereotypes and performances. Hosted by film critic Reggie Ponder, the ABFF Movie Review will provide fodder for discussion about the images of Blacks in mainstream movies by shedding light on the entertainment, social and cultural content of these films.

The ABFF Movie Review launches today online at: http://www.facebook.com/pages/American-Black-Film-Festival/47321635722 and at ABFFTV YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fBbB7WIGmHQ. The ABFF Movie Review will feature Ponder’s critique of the Warner Bros. film Bullet To The Head, released in theaters February 1, starring Sylvester Stallone and Nigerian-English actor Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje. Reggie Ponder will offer a unique perspective on Akinnuoye-Agbaje’s performance, as well the themes and issues relevant to the Black community portrayed in this film.

Ponder, also known as “The Reel Critic,” is noted for his in-depth yet lighthearted approach to Black film critique. He brings his unique style to the ABFF Movie Review, looking at the entertainment, social and cinematic value of each film from a Black perspective. He will also evaluate films from the stereotypical standpoint in a segment titled “The Black Hole.” Additionally, he will ask such questions as: Is this film worth the price of admission? Can you take your kids? Does it have an important social message? Does it tap into your emotions in a profound way?

“African Americans enjoy going to the movies and after each film we all become critics,” said Ponder. “The ABFF Movie Review might start as a monologue, but it’s really all about the dialogue. We can’t impact the images we see on the big screen if we don’t have a forum to voice our opinions. And the great thing is we are not monolithic, which means the dialogue will be as diverse as the African American diaspora, which should make for interesting conversation.”

“People of color rarely have the benefit of a film critique from a person who fully understands the nuances of their culture,” said Jeff Friday, CEO of Film Life, Inc., and founder of the American Black Film Festival (ABFF). “It is my hope that the ABFF Movie Review will not only entertain, but generate dialogue, encouraging people to respond on our social media. Reggie is the perfect critic for this because of his passion and understanding of Black culture.”

Reggie Ponder is a national film critic with an emerging voice. He is the resident critic for WBEW 89.5 FM Chicago/Vocalo.com, where each Friday he provides his take on the week’s new movie releases. He also serves as the red carpet host for the ABFF, held each year in Miami, FL. Reggie is the critic for The Mix 106, South Bend, IN, where his movie review segment, “The 511,” airs several times during the weekend. He is also the critic for the Urban Access Network, an in-store network found in McDonald’s restaurants as well as beauty and barbershops in the Chicago area. A lifelong Chicagoan, Reggie has a B.A. in sociology from Princeton University, an MBA in marketing and economics from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, and has studied film at Columbia College, Chicago.

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 Movie Review 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 further information, please visit www.abff.com

For media inquiries, contact Lisa Sorensen at 646-330-5458 or [email protected]

Follow us on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/abff

Follow us on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/pages/American-Black-Film-Festival/47321635722

About Film Life Inc.
Film Life, Inc. is a multifaceted entertainment company headquartered in New York City. While best known for creating the American Black Film Festival (ABFF), the company’s operations center on developing and licensing innovative content across all forms of media and providing strategic advisory services to a wide range of corporations in the entertainment, media and consumer product industries. Its services profile include event management, film marketing and distribution, educational program consulting and talent procurement. Film Life was founded in 2001 by Jeff Friday, a veteran of the consumer product marketing and advertising industries. Film Life has partnered with many top-tier organizations, including the National Football League (NFL), HBO, Cadillac, Nielsen, NBC Universal, Warner Home Video, Macy’s, the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA), The City of Miami and TNT.

,

Macy’s Salutes Gordon Parks, An American Master, In Celebration Of Black History Month

Macy’s, in partnership with The Gordon Parks Foundation and the American Black Film Festival, honors Gordon Parks with a series of special events at select Macy’s stores nationwide

NEW YORK, NY, February 4, 2013 – From one icon to another, this February, Macy’s, an American retail institution salutes American cultural hero Gordon Parks in celebration of Black History Month. Via special events and exhibits at select stores across the country, Macy’s will honor the legacy of this artistic master who chronicled and defined a generation and whose work continues to inspire artists today.

A humanitarian with a deep commitment to social justice, Gordon Parks was one of the seminal figures of twentieth century photography. From the early 1940s until his death in 2006, Parks created a body of work that documents many of the most important aspects of American culture, with a focus on race relations, poverty, Civil Rights and urban life. In addition, Parks was a celebrated composer, author and filmmaker who interacted with many of the most prominent people of his era-from politicians and artists to celebrities and athletes. He was also a noted composer and author, and in 1969 became the first African American to write and direct a Hollywood feature film based on his bestselling novel The Learning Tree. This was followed in 1971 by the hugely successful motion picture Shaft.

“Macy’s is thrilled to partner with The Gordon Parks Foundation and the American Black Film Festival to honor the legacy and work of famed artistic master Gordon Parks,” said Dineen Garcia, Macy’s vice-president of Diversity Strategies. “Exemplary Americans like Gordon Parks serve to inspire generations with a rich legacy of achievement that cross boundaries and continue to inform and inspire the work of those who follow in their footsteps. From photography to film and music, Gordon Parks is the perfect American hero to honor during Black History Month celebrations at Macy’s.”

“The Gordon Parks Foundation is pleased to partner with Macy’s to celebrate the centennial of Gordon Parks for Black History Month. Parks’ genius was based on the respect and trust he brought to his subjects not only through the lens of his camera but through his own personal story. Macy’s is committed to keeping icons like Gordon Parks in the public eye to inspire future generations,” said Peter W. Kunhardt, Jr. executive director, The Gordon Parks Foundation.

“The American Black Film Festival is honored to be a part of the celebration of Gordon Parks,” said Jeff Friday, CEO of The Film Life Inc., and founder of the American Black Film Festival. “Gordon Parks had a profound impact on the arts as the first African-American to work at LIFE Magazine and the first to write, direct and score a Hollywood film (Shaft, 1971). He was a true renaissance man; a celebrated photographer, musician, writer, and film director who captured some of America’s most captivating images and told some of American history’s most compelling stories through his lens. We are proud to be part of this tribute to him this Black History Month.”

Gordon Parks: Black American Icon events at Macy’s will consist of a variety of celebrations. Featuring photographic installations Gordon Parks’ iconic images, “In Conversation” events moderated by representatives from The Gordon Parks Foundation and American Black Film Festival, The Learning Tree children’s events, and Soul Jam music, dance presentations; Macy’s stores will examine, honor and celebrate the many arts-based accomplishments of this unique American icon. Taking place at fourteen Macy’s locations nationwide including stores in Atlanta, Bowie, Chicago, Detroit, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, San Francisco and Washington, D.C., each store will offer one or more of these event elements. The “In Conversation” discussions will focus on Gordon Parks’ influence on film and the future of African-American cinema. Featured speakers at select locations will include actors Omari Hardwick (For Colored Girls…, Sparkle), Eriq La Salle (ER), Lamman Rucker (Tyler Perry’s Meet the Browns, Why Did I Get Married?), Terrell Tilford (Soul Food, One Life To Live), Malinda Williams (A Thin Line Between Love and Hate, Soul Food) and Malik Yoba (NY Undercover, Why Did I Get Married?).

The children’s Learning Tree events held in conjunction with The Reading Circle, will highlight Parks’ literary life as children build their own unique books. Finally, the artist’s musical legacy will get the party started with special Soul Jam events geared towards a younger generation. Featuring DJ’s and dancers, the Soul Jam sessions will highlight the Shaft era in music for a new audience.

From February 1-28, visitors to macys.com/celebrate will be offered the opportunity to enter for the chance to win a trip for two to the American Black Film Festival in Miami and a $1000 Macy’s shopping spree courtesy of American Airlines. (Please visit www.macys.com/celebrate for complete entry rules or visit the event store for more information).

Below are the stores and select event information for Macy’s – Gordon Parks: Black American Icon celebrations:

Macy’s Herald Square – New York, NY – February 7th
Macy’s Pleasanton Stoneridge – San Francisco, CA – February 8th
Macy’s Downtown Brooklyn – New York, NY – February 9th
Macy’s Baldwin Hills – Los Angeles, CA – February 9th
Macy’s Northland Center – Detroit, MI – February 9th
Macy’s Center City – Philadelphia, PA – February 13th
Macy’s State Street – Chicago, IL – February 14th
Macy’s Lenox Square – Atlanta, GA – February 16th
Macy’s Metro Center – Washington, D.C. – February 21st
Macy’s Union Square – San Francisco, CA – February 21st
Macy’s Galleria at Hidalgo – Houston, TX – February 21st
Macy’s Downtown Pittsburgh – Pittsburgh, PA – February 23rd
Macy’s Bowie Town Center – Bowie, MD – February 23rd
Macy’s Aventura – Miami, FL – February 23rd

For a complete listing of Macy’s Black History Month events, please visit www.macys.com/celebrate.

About Macy’s
Macy’s, the largest retail brand of Macy’s, Inc., delivers fashion and affordable luxury to customers at more than 800 locations in 45 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Guam. Macy’s stores and macys.com offer distinctive assortments including the most desired family of exclusive and fashion brands for him, her and home. Macy’s is known for such epic events as Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks® and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade®, as well as spectacular fashion shows, culinary events, flower shows and celebrity appearances. Building on a 150-year tradition, Macy’s helps strengthen communities by supporting local and national charities that make a difference in the lives of our customers.

For Macy’s media materials, images and contacts, please visit our online pressroom at www.macys.com/pressroom.

About The Gordon Parks Foundation
The Gordon Parks Foundation permanently preserves the work of Gordon Parks, makes it available to the public through exhibitions, books, and electronic media and supports artistic and educational activities that advance what Gordon described as “the common search for a better life and a better world.” The Foundation is a division of the Meserve-Kunhardt Foundation. gordonparksfoundation.org

CONTACT: Orlando Veras
646-429-7450
[email protected]