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McDonald’s and the American Black Film Festival Challenge Rising Filmmakers to Show Lovin’ through a National Video Competition

Best Man Holiday film director, Malcolm D. Lee, to mentor finalists

OAK BROOK, Ill. (Feb. 10, 2015) – McDonald’s USA and the American Black Film Festival are joining forces to launch the McDonald’s Lovin’ Video Competition. To complement the new “Lovin” campaign, up-and-coming filmmakers are challenged to create one 90-second film that brings to life McDonald’s philosophy that, “A little more lovin’ can change a lot.”

Aspiring filmmakers nationwide are encouraged to enter their best, original submissions by 11:59 p.m. Eastern March 24, 2015, for their chance to win the grand prize and earn accolades from film industry leaders. Three finalists will be selected to attend the 19th annual American Black Film Festival in New York City, June 11 -14 and have an exclusive opportunity to be mentored by critically-acclaimed film director Malcolm D. Lee (Best Man; Best Man Holiday), who will provide the finalists with invaluable film industry tips and advice.

The top three films will premiere at the highly-anticipated festival and will be judged by a panel of industry experts. Each submission will be critiqued on creativity, implementation of concept and quality. In the end, only one finalist will take home the grand prize — a film equipment package valued at $2,500 and an opportunity to have their film featured on prominent websites, including McDonald’s 365Black.com and other media entities. More information about the competition can be found at www.abff.com.

“We are excited to partner with McDonald’s USA on this most unique digital video contest,” said Jeff Friday, American Black Film Festival founder and chief executive officer. “The ABFF is committed to supporting emerging artists and providing trailblazing opportunities for them to gain exposure and visibility in the film and television industry.”

“I’m honored to mentor our next generation of aspiring filmmakers through ‘Lovin’ Video Competition’,” said Malcolm D. Lee. “Many have mentored and guided me along my journey to make an impact in film, and it’s important for all of us to do our part to bring the next generation up.”

McDonald’s newest campaign reignites the spirit of “i’m lovin’ it” and will inspire everything the brand does moving forward. By focusing on the lovin’ people show each other every day, the campaign provides an opportunity to celebrate and bring more lovin’ to customers.

“McDonald’s is excited to embark on this initiative with ABFF and the filmmakers of the future from the communities we serve,” said Kristen Wells, External Communications Manager, McDonald’s USA. “We hope that the idea of sharing love throughout our communities will motivate and inspire the filmmakers as they work tirelessly to make their dreams a reality.”

The Lovin’ Video Competition and ABFF’s vision to promote diversity in the film and television industry align with McDonald’s 365Black platform — an initiative that celebrates the pride, heritage and achievements of African-Americans year round.

McDonald’s encourages those who live out lovin’ in their lives each day to follow @365Black on Twitter and join the conversation using #365LovinFilm. To learn more about the 365Black initiative, visit www.365Black.com.

To learn more about the American Black Film Festival and the Lovin’ Video Competition, visit www.abff.com. Follow @ABFF on Twitter and @AmericanBlackFilmFestival on Instagram.

About McDonald’s
McDonald’s USA, LLC, serves a variety of menu options made with quality ingredients to more than 27 million customers every day. Nearly 90 percent of McDonald’s 14,000 U.S. restaurants are independently owned and operated by businessmen and women. Customers can now log online for free at approximately 11,500 participating Wi-Fi enabled McDonald’s U.S. restaurants. For more information, visit www.mcdonalds.com, or follow us on Twitter @McDonalds and Facebook www.facebook.com/mcdonalds. To learn more about the 365Black initiative, visit www.365Black.com and follow @365Black on Twitter.

About The American Black Film Festival
The American Black Film Festival (ABFF) is a four-day event dedicated to showcasing quality film and television content by and about people of African descent. Annually held during the month of June, the ABFF is committed to the belief that Black artists and content creators deserve the same opportunities as their mainstream counterparts. ABFF founder Jeff Friday, conceived the festival in 1997 as a vehicle to promote diversity in the motion picture industry. Today, the festival is widely recognized for showcasing established and new Black talent, both in front of and behind the camera, and is regarded as one of the leading film festivals in the world. The ABFF is produced by Film Life, Inc. and Black Enterprise.

McDonald’s and 365Black are trademarks of McDonald’s Corporation and its affiliates.

© 2015 McDonald’s

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Kristen Wells, McDonald’s USA
(630) 623-2901
[email protected]

Taryn Williams-Clark, Burrell Communications
(312) 297-9886
[email protected]

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The 2015 American Black Film Festival Announces Actress Taraji P. Henson As Celebrity Ambassador

New York, New York (March 4, 2015) – ABFF announced today that Oscar-nominated actress Taraji P. Henson, has been selected as the 2015 American Black Film Festival’s (ABFF) celebrity ambassador. The 19th annual Festival will be held June 11-14, 2015, in New York City at the New York Hilton, AMC Empire 25 and the historic Ziegfeld Theater.

Actress and Producer Taraji P. Henson has a stellar body of work, including such memorable roles as Yvette in Baby Boy, Shug in Hustle and Flow and Queenie in The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, for which she was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. Henson also co-starred in the CBS drama Person of Interest and currently stars on the hit FOX musical drama series, Empire.

“I want to thank Jeff Friday and everyone at ABFF for the honor of serving as your 2015 Ambassador. It is a privilege to join my fellow filmmakers to celebrate and support Black artists and the artistry that resides in all of us.” -Taraji P Henson

“I have a great deal of admiration and respect for Taraji. She is one of the industry’s finest actors and has a true sense of community; allowing others to stand in her light. We are extremely pleased to have her as our 2015 Ambassador,” says ABFF Founder Jeff Friday.

Film Life, Inc. Founder and CEO Jeff Friday and Black Enterprise President and CEO Earl “Butch” Graves Jr. recently created a new joint venture, representing a partnership between two prominent black-owned media and event companies with powerful brands, each with legacies of showcasing the best of African American culture and achievement. Black Enterprise and Film Life Inc. have formed ABFF Ventures, an equity partnership to produce the American Black Film Festival (ABFF), and the return of the Black Movie Awards, formally on TNT and other content focused on the entertainment, film and television industries.

Sponsors of the 2015 American Black Film Festival are: HBO (Presenting & Founding), TV One (Presenting), Cadillac, Comcast NBCUniversal and Prudential Financial Services (Premier Sponsors), American Airlines, AMC Theatres and McDonald’s (Signature Sponsors), Motion Picture Association of America (Supporting), Uptown Magazine and The YBF (Media Partners).

For Festival passes and ticket information, visit www.ABFF.com.

About ABFF:
The American Black Film Festival (ABFF) is a four-day event dedicated to showcasing quality film and television content by and about people of African descent. Annually held during the month of June, the ABFF is committed to the belief that Black artists and content creators deserve the same opportunities as their mainstream counterparts. ABFF founder Jeff Friday, conceived the festival in 1997 as a vehicle to promote diversity in the motion picture industry. Today, the festival is widely recognized for showcasing established and new Black talent, both in front of and behind the camera, and is regarded as one of the leading film festivals in the world. The ABFF is produced by Film Life, Inc. and Black Enterprise.

Follow us on our Social Media Platforms:
Twitter: http://twitter.com/abff
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/American-Black-Film-Festival/47321635722
Instagram: http://www.Instagram.com/AmericanBlackFilmFestival

CONTACT: HUFF Events & PR
Michelle Huff Elliott
[email protected]
917-405-3453

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The ABFF Launches an Array of Talent Competitions in Partnership with HBO®, Comcast NBCUniversal and McDonald’s

FESTIVAL EXTENDS ITS LEGACY OF DEVELOPING TALENT IN FRONT OF AND BEHIND THE CAMERA

THE 19TH ANNUAL ABFF RETURNS TO NEW YORK CITY FROM JUNE 11 – 14, 2015

February 19, 2015, New York, New York – Being the largest and longest running film festival for African American filmmakers, the American Black Film Festival (ABFF) prides itself on carving out unique opportunities and partnerships. With this being said, ABFF has partnered with HBO, Comcast NBCUniversal and McDonald’s, to create showcases for up and coming actors, comedians, filmmakers and television hosts. These platforms provide exposure for tomorrow’s rising stars and leaders in television and film.

“The opportunities for minorities in Hollywood are still marginalized, and it’s as necessary as ever to push to promote diversity throughout the industry, from the images projected on screen, to the creative forces behind the scenes. We work with our partners to help advance talented newcomers with their careers,” stated ABFF Founder & CEO, Jeff Friday.

Comcast NBCUniversal is partnering once again with the American Black Film Festival on The Star Project, to find the next fresh face for daytime television.

If you are an actor ready to compete for the opportunity to audition in front of executive judges and casting directors from NBC, perform two of NBC’s selected monologues on videotape and submit by March 20, 2015. Visit https://www.abff.com/miami/festival-program/talent-contests/ for full details.

New to ABFF this year, Comcast NBCUniversal will launch a Television Host Workshop designed to help emerging TV hosts sharpen their skills, and identify dynamic personalities ready for on-air opportunities. Details to be announced at www.abff.com by mid-March.

ABFF’s 3rd annual Comedy Wings Competition, sponsored by HBO, is a national search to identify outstanding comedic talent. People who demonstrate a natural ability to be funny! The Comedy Wings Competition has been created to showcase talented, yet undiscovered comedians and introduce them to the industry at large.

Up to ten semi-finalists will be selected from the 2015 pool of entries, to perform at a renowned NYC comedy club in April/early May and will prove themselves funny to secure a position as a finalist.

The four finalists will be flown to the 2015 ABFF in June, to perform before a panel of esteemed judges, where one will be crowned the winner. Enter by March 20, 2015. Visit https://www.abff.com/miami/festival-program/talent-contests/ for full details.

The HBO Short Film Competition is regarded as one of the most prestigious short film showcases in the country. Each year five filmmakers (writers and/or directors of African descent) are selected to screen their film at the American Black Film Festival in NYC, where one winner will be selected to receive the HBO Short Film Award and cash prize of $10,000. Submission deadline is March 10, 2015. Visit https://www.abff.com/miami/festival-program/talent-contests/ for full details.

The inaugural McDonald’s Lovin’ Video Competition offers an exciting new opportunity for aspiring filmmakers. McDonald’s is challenging you to create a 90-second to 2-minute video, based on their “Lovin” concept. Use your imagination and show us what “Lovin” means to you!

Three finalists will be selected to attend the Festival, screen their “Lovin” video before the festival audience, where one winner will be selected. In addition, finalists will attend a private “Mentor Luncheon” with Director Malcolm D. Lee (The Best Man, The Best Man Holiday). Submit your video by March 24, 2015. Visit https://www.abff.com/miami/festival-program/talent-contests/ for full details.

Sponsors of the 2015 American Black Film Festival are: HBO (Presenting & Founding), Cadillac, Comcast NBCUniversal and Prudential Financial Services (Premier Sponsors), AMC, American Airlines and McDonald’s (Signature Sponsors), MPAA (Supporting), Black Enterprise and Uptown Magazine (Media).

For Festival passes and ticket information, visit www.ABFF.com.

About ABFF:

The American Black Film Festival (ABFF) is a four-day event dedicated to showcasing quality film and television content by and about people of African descent. Annually held during the month of June, the ABFF is committed to the belief that Black artists and content creators deserve the same opportunities as their mainstream counterparts. ABFF founder Jeff Friday, conceived the festival in 1997 as a vehicle to promote diversity in the motion picture industry. Today, the festival is widely recognized for showcasing established and new Black talent, both in front of and behind the camera, and is regarded as one of the leading film festivals in the world. The ABFF is produced by Film Life, Inc. and Black Enterprise.

Follow us on our Social Media Platforms:

Twitter: http://twitter.com/abff

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

Instagram: www.Instagram.com/AmericanBlackFilmFestival

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