,

The 16th Annual American Black Film Festival (ABFF) Wrapped Up a Package of Provacative Films Concluding with “The Winners Circle,” a Presentation of Awards and Accolades to Rising Talent and Filmmakers

Highlights Included the HBO® Short Film Competition Winner, “Cherry Waves,” and Russ Parr’s “The Undershepherd” Taking High Honors for Best Narrative Feature, Best Director and Best Actress to Malinda Williams for “The Undershepherd”

NEW YORK, NY, June 29, 2012 – In its 16th year, the American Black Film Festival (ABFF), took place in Miami Beach, June 20th – June 23rd and was an unforgettable experience for this year’s attendees. Festival-goers shared in the revelry and experienced a collective generosity of spirit that encouraged and inspired.

The four-day festival was well-attended by talented rising actors and filmmakers who were honored for their impressive work in the films that slated the festival lineup. On hand to pay tribute to the honorees at the concluding event, “The Winners Circle,” were festival Ambassador, actor Tracee Ellis Ross, Grand Jury President, actor Mekhi Phifer, ABFF founder, Jeff Friday and his wife Nicole Friday, actor, producer, director Robert Townsend and actor, producer, director Bill Duke. Acceptance speeches from winners didn’t leave a dry eye in the audience as recipients shared their personal struggles and triumphs and illustrated how perseverance has been the backdrop to their success stories.

The festival opened with “Beasts of the Southern Wild,” one of the most talked about independent films that has been making waves at festivals across the country. Actor Tracee Ellis Ross, joined ABFF founder Jeff Friday and together they carried the torch for opening day as they left their mark throughout the festivities attending an array of events celebrating black film. Ross walked the red carpet at the opening night film, dazzled at the City of Miami’s VIP Reception, and finished off the evening at the celebratory after-party at Arkadia Lounge in the Fontainebleu Hotel.

Each day of the festival, attendees experienced unparalleled events, film screenings, red carpet premieres, panel discussions and master classes led by industry experts such as Dianne Ashford and Charles Swanson. Nielsen and Black Enterprise sponsored a dynamic panel focused on the future of black entertainment within the digital space, another discussion around current syndication practices and technology took place during the festival and was sponsored by Grab Media and HuffPost Black Voices. Filmmakers had the fortunate opportunity to listen to established writers talk about what it takes to pitch a series to television executives during a panel presented by Nickelodeon and CNN presented the documentary, “Who Counts,” followed by dialogue led by Don Lemon on the importance of the black vote in the upcoming election.

Festival-goers relaxed at the American Airlines Black Atlas travel lounge, indulged in style while being driven to various events courtesy of the Cadillac Shuttle, enjoyed refreshments and networking at the Stella Artois Mixers, Gold Peak Tea Bars and Ciroc “Red Carpet” cocktail hour. An additional festival highlight was the sponsor hospitality and diversity suites hosted by gmc Television Network, NBCUniversal and One Village Entertainment, Nickelodeon and SAGIndie.

At the festival’s peak, Hollywood power couple, Salim Akil and Mara Brock-Akil were spotlighted for their exceptional work in the world of visual entertainment with “A Conversation with…” sponsored by American Airlines. The festivities continued with the introduction of ABFF’s first ever Webisode Challenge, hosted by funny man Chris Spencer, where winner Donnie Leapheart, was awarded with a plaque and a check for $2,500 for his outstanding work on “Osiris: The Series.” Attendee’s also had the opportunity to view an exclusive sneak peak of Film Life TV’s first ever webseries, “The Q&A Show” starring creators Quin Walters and Addison Henderson, now airing on filmlifetv.com. Before the night ended, ABFF held an evening with filmmakers and cast of the hit film “Think Like a Man.” Will Packer, Rob Hardy, Tim Story and Terrence J took part in the panel and in the end, ABFF Founder, Jeff Friday, awarded filmmakers Will Packer and Rob Hardy with the ABFF Hall of Fame award for their outstanding achievements in the film industry, which has undoubtedly helped rewrite the future of black cinema. The cast and creators led a shoes-off panel offering anecdotes about the film and thanking ABFF creators and supporters for being the bookend to their success story; Packer and Rob Hardy began their careers at ABFF with the premiere of their first feature film “Trois” in 2000 and have since been a pivotal part of the ABFF journey. The event was sponsored by Crown Royal.

The final day of the ABFF, was one filled with reward, recognition, and of course, “Raising Izzie.” The supercharged day began with a rewarding panel which featured some of Black Hollywood’s most noted female tastemakers who participated in a verbal walk thru of their journey navigating the film industry in “Beyond the Barriers & Biases – Black Women in Hollywood Panel.” The panel, moderated by African American Cinema Scholar Michele Prettyman Beverly and featured Twinkie Byrd, casting director and producer, Elizabeth Hunter, writer, Angi Bones, SVP of Development (BobbCat Films) and actors Malinda Williams and Tracey Heggins.

ABFF Sponsor, HBO, hosted a panel entitled “HBO Presents…” featuring some of the cable networks hottest black talent who are shining this season on series such as “Veep,” “True Blood,” and many others. Actors Sufe Bradshaw, Adina Porter, Michael K. Williams, Nelsan Ellis, JB Smoove and Essence magazine’s Cori Murray were on hand to give perspective to attendee’s on the importance of diversity in the industry and how it strengthens the HBO experience.

The evening continued with the closing night film, gmc Television Network’s “Raising Izzie.” The film, which was directed by Roger Bobb, stars Vanessa Williams and Rockmond Dunbar, and is a visual result of last year’s gmc Television Network’s Faith and Family screenplay competition. Bobb, Williams, Dunbar and the rest of the cast were in attendance.

Annually, the American Black Film Festival presents films that are diverse and provocative, from the best emerging filmmakers, and this year was no exception. The goal of the ABFF is to be a platform for independent showcases for people of African descent and to strengthen to African American filmmaking community through resources sharing, education, artistic collaboration and career development.

The complete list of ABFF Winners Circle awards are as follows:

  • HBO® Short Film Competition – “Cherry Waves” presented by Lucinda Martinez, Vice President of Domestic Network Distribution & Multicultural Marketing, HBO® and Bevy Smith, TV personality. Prize of $20,000 sponsored by HBO®
  • gmc Television Network Faith and Family Screenplay Competition – Nzinga Kadalie for “In the Meantime” ” presented by Brad Siegel, Vice-Chairman, gmc and De Etta West, gmc Television Networks. Prize of $5,000 awarded by gmc Television Networks
  • 2012 ABFF Star Project Winners – Sherial McKinney and Robert Hunter awards presented by Kendra Carter, Director of Talent Diversity Initiatives, NBCUniversal Casting
  • Grand Jury Prize for Best Documentary – “Soul Food Junkies,” directed by Byron Hurt award presented by Keisha Taylor, Senior Manager, CNN Marketing
  • Grand Jury Prize for Best Actor (male/female) – A tie between Malinda Williams for her role as Cassandra in “The Undershepherd,”and to Sheldon Shepherd for his role as Ricky in “Better Mus Come” awards presented by Mark Pitts, Vice President and General Manager of Coffee and Tea, Coca-Cola. Prize of $5,000 awarded by Gold Peak Tea
  • Grand Jury Prize for Best Screenplay – “The Last Fall” written and directed by Matthew Cherry, award presented by Roderick Blaylock, Senior Brand Manager, Crown Royal
  • Grand Jury Prize for Best Director – Russ Parr for “The Undershepherd,” award presented by Don Butler, US VP of Marketing, Cadillac
  • Grand Jury Prize for Best Narrative Feature – Russ Parr for “The Undershepherd,” award presented by Connie Orlando, Vice President of Original Programming, BET Networks

Monica Billinger, Manager, Diversity Markets/Chicago of American Airlines made a special presentation of travel gift cards to each Grand Jury Prize Winner, which 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.

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

Established in 1997, the core mission of the ABFF is to promote cultural diversity within the motion picture industry by strengthening the Black filmmaking community through resource sharing, education, artistic collaboration and career development. Through its film showcases and special contests, it annually introduces the top echelon of emerging artists to the film and television industry. The ABFF is a property of Film Life, Inc., a New York-based event marketing, production and distribution company founded in 2000 by Jeff Friday (CEO).

The official festival program guide can be digitally downloaded from the homepage of the festival website: www.abff.com

Photos: http://ls-pr.com/?p=1130

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

,

Fox Searchlight Pictures & Cinereach “BEASTS OF THE SOUTHERN WILD” continues its magical journey opening Film Life’s 16th Annual American Black Film Festival (ABFF)

Closing the festival is the premiere of the 2011 gmc Faith and Family screenplay competition winner “Raising Izzie”

NEW YORK, NY, June 4, 2012 – Film Life, Inc., today announced its opening and closing films for the 16th Annual American Black Film Festival (ABFF) held in Miami Beach, FL, June 20 – 23. This year, “Beasts of the Southern Wild,” will open the festival on Wednesday, June 20, while “Raising Izzie,” which was the winner of the 2011 gmc Faith and Family Screenplay Competition, will close out the festival on Saturday, June 23.

“Beasts of the Southern Wild,” has been the most talked about film coming out of both Sundance and the Cannes Film Festival. Earlier this year, the film took Sundance by storm after earning the coveted Grand Jury Prize, along with the cinematography award for Ben Richardson and most recently won one of the highest honors at Cannes, the Caméra d’Or award, for best first film. “Beasts of the Southern Wild” is set in a forgotten but defiant bayou community cut off from the rest of the world by a sprawling levee where a six-year-old girl exists on the brink of orphanhood. Buoyed by her childish optimism and extraordinary imagination, she believes that the natural world is in balance with the universe until a fierce storm changes her reality. Desperate to repair the structure of her world in order to save her ailing father and sinking home, this tiny hero must learn to survive unstoppable catastrophes of epic proportions.

The film, helmed by first-time feature director Benh Zeitlin, stars a cast of non-actors whose portrayals of the characters has captured attention and critical acclaim from audiences as well as the filmmaking community around the world.

ABFF’s closing film, “Raising Izzie,” was the winner of the 2011 gmc Faith and Family screenplay competition. Starring Vanessa Williams (“Lincoln Heights,” “Soul Food”), and Rockmond Dunbar (“Soul Food”), “Raising Izzie” centers on a pair of sisters who have lost their mother and are forced to become each other’s ally in an adult world. Unable to maintain this new set of circumstances, a loving teacher unexpectedly comes into their lives changing everything around them.

The producer and director of “Raising Izzie,” Roger M. Bobb (“Meet the Browns,” “For Colored Girls”), makes his feature film directorial debut with this film. Bobb is also a two-time ABFF past award winner in the “Best Film” category.

Full pass and ticket information for the 2012 ABFF can be found at www.abff.com.

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

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

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

For photos of the ABFF Opening and Closing films, please visit: http://ls-pr.com/?p=1100

Connect with us:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/American-Black-Film-Festival/47321635722
Twitter: @ABFF
Follow the conversation on twitter at: #ABFF2012

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

,

The 16th Annual American Black Film Festival (ABFF) to Host a Special Evening in Celebration of the Hit Film “Think Like a Man”

Filmmakers Will Packer, Rob Hardy and Tim Story to join select cast members in celebration of the film’s success

NEW YORK, NY, May 31, 2012 – On Friday, June 22, at the 16th Annual American Black Festival in Miami Beach, FL, ABFF will celebrate the success of the hit film, “Think Like A Man” (Screen Gems) produced by Will Packer (Rainforest Films). This very special evening will feature a conversation with the film’s producer, Will Packer, his business partner Rob Hardy, the film’s director, Tim Story as well as select cast members. Jeff Friday, CEO of The Film Life Inc., and founder of ABFF, planned the evening as a celebration of the film’s remarkable success and unprecedented impact on the entertainment industry.

On April 20, 2012, “Think Like a Man,” opened to $33.6 million on just 2,015 screens, unseated “The Hunger Games” and became Screen Gems’ highest opener ever targeting African-American audiences. Still holding strong at the box office, “Think Like a Man” is close to crossing a record-breaking $100 million dollar mark domestically. The film, based on Steve Harvey’s best-selling book, follows four interconnected and diverse men whose love lives are shaken up after the ladies they are pursuing buy Harvey’s book and start taking his advice to heart, stars Taraji P. Henson, Michael Ealy, Gabrielle Union, Terrence J., Regina Hall, Romany Malco, Jerry Ferrara, Meagan Good, and Kevin Hart. “Think Like a Man” has proven that ensemble casts featuring primarily African-American actors can be hugely successful at the box office.

Attendees can expect to hear an open conversation about how the film came together and then quickly became one of the top-grossing African-American films of all time. The conversation will spotlight every aspect of the film, from production and the marketing process, to casting and the use of social media as well as traditional marketing techniques, all of which has fueled its success at the box office and beyond.

Rainforest Films’ Will Packer and Rob Hardy have a very long history with ABFF. In 2000, “Trois” was the first Rainforest Films project to screen at ABFF and became the fastest African-American distributed film to ever surpass the $1 million dollar mark. Since then, five other Rainforest Films’ projects; “Pandora’s Box,” “The Gospel,” “This Christmas,” “Stomp The Yard 2: Homecoming,” and “Takers,” have screened at the festival. Jeff Friday states, “Will Packer and Rob Hardy are very talented filmmakers.” He adds, “They are have a long history with the festival and are the perfect example of how effective ABFF’s platform can be.”

Full pass and ticket information for the 2012 ABFF can be found at www.abff.com.

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

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

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

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

,

Film Life, Inc. Launches First-ever Webisode Challenge to Showcase Promising Online Content at the 16th Annual American Black Film Festival

NEW YORK, NY, May 24, 2012 – Film Life Inc., today announced the launch of the American Black Film Festival (ABFF) Webisode Challenge taking place at this year’s festival in South Beach Miami, FL, June 20th – 23rd. This inaugural competition is a national platform that will identify talented writers, directors and producers who demonstrate outstanding promise in creating episodic television ideal for broadcast on the Internet.

This emerging genre, as well as the potential for success within the genre, has allowed for innovative opportunities for content creators to expand their ideas. Moreover, this, the first-ever ABFF Webisode Challenge, will allow for talented filmmakers to showcase their work in a spirited and competitive atmosphere.

For consideration, entrants were required to submit three (3) episodes of a webisode series. Each webisode must be directed, written and produced by a person of African descent, feature a person of African descent in the leading role or a multicultural cast and must not have any exclusive broadcast deal/agreement with any digital platform or television network.

“The Webisode Challenge is an exciting opportunity for us to continue to support thought leaders and emerging talent in entertainment,” said Jeff Friday, CEO of Film Life and ABFF founder. “Our next generation of stars and industry success stories are in digital media.”

Each of the four competing webisodes will be viewed by the festival audience at a special hosted event. After viewing the webisodes, audience members will use their mobile device to vote for their favorite via text message. The results will appear live on a screen in the room and the winner will be presented with a cash prize of $2,500 by the ABFF. As an additional honor, Warner Bros. Digital Distribution will fly the winner to Los Angeles, CA for a pitch meeting and lunch with one of their distribution and digital executives.

ABFF 2012 Webisode Challenge Contestants:

Eeazy
Directed by John Wheatley, produced by Benny Demus

SYNOPSIS: A series with a storyline based on family loyalty and what happens when murder, family relations and friendships become entangled.

Gettin’ Grown TV
Directed by Aaron Greer, produced by Anthony Ferraro

SYNOPSIS: GGTV is a slice-of-life family friendly series about growing up in the city where some get lost…and some get grown!

Osiris
Directed by Donnie Leapheart, produced by Redd Claiborne, Rodney Breedlove and LaQuanda Plantt

SYNOPSIS: Osiris is a new 10-episode action/thriller series featuring mystery, espionage and gritty crime fiction.

12-Steps to Recovery
Produced and directed by Tony Clomax

SYNOPSIS: 12-Steps to Recovery is a romantic comedy about a New York City actor and jingle writer who gets dumped by his corporate girlfriend.

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

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

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

For ABFF Webisode Challenge Contestant photos, please visit: http://ls-pr.com/?p=1093

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

,

GMC TV Announces Finalists in 2012 GMC Faith and Family Screenplay Competition

2011 Winner “Raising Izzie” to Premieres on Closing Night at ABFF Before its Exclusive World Television Premiere on GMC Friday, July 21

ATLANTA, May 2012 – GMC TV, America’s favorite channel for uplifting music and family entertainment, announced today the three finalists in the 2012 GMC Faith and Family Screenplay Competition. In the Meantime by Nzinga Kadalie Kemp, The Substance of Things Hoped For by Marc A. Cunningham and Kissed by the Sun by Ronice Johnson will each vie for the grand prize of $5,000. The contest, promoting the development of faith and family-friendly entertainment screenplays is a component of GMC’s “Official Sponsorship” of Film Life’s 16th annual American Black Film Festival (ABFF), which will be held June 20 – 23 in Miami.

In its second year, the 2012 competition generated 148 entries, up from 131 in 2011. Judging the three finalists will be Rhonda Baraka (writer, Trinity Goodheart and Pastor Brown); Roger M. Bobb, (For Colored Girls, “House of Payne”), Bobbcat Films and producer/director of Raising Izzie; and DeVon Franklin, vice president of production for Columbia Pictures, a division of Sony Pictures Entertainment.

The three finalists will have portions of their screenplay performed as “tablereads” at the festival by well-known actors and in front of a live audience of festival attendees and industry tastemakers. A grand prize winner will be announced at the festival.

“We are pleased to continue to build our partnership with ABFF encouraging the African American creative community to come to us with natural stories that intrinsically incorporate faith and family friendly elements, and speak to broad audiences,” said Brad Siegel, vice chairman, GMC. “The interest level and quality of submissions over the competition’s first two years, along with the reinforcement that GMC is the right home for these types of stories, is exactly what we hoped to achieve by creating this opportunity.”

The three 2012 finalists are:

In the Meantime
by Nzinga Kadalie Kemp of Los Angeles, California

A bride-to-be gives her fiancé “creative” freedom before their wedding day, but ends up finding faith and the meaning of true love in the meantime. Jazmin “Jazz” Welles and her fiancé “Blac” are taking a non-traditional approach to their nuptials. They’ve agreed to take nine months off to discover themselves and if it is indeed true love, they’ll show up on the wedding day, no questions asked.

The Substance of Things Hoped For
by Marc A. Cunningham of North Hollywood, California

After a tremendous number of setbacks, Lacy Scott decides to leave home to pursue his dream of being a lawyer. As he tugs along on his journey with just hope and a dream, he finds out anything is possible when you have faith.

Kissed by the Sun
by Ronice Johnson of Charlotte, North Carolina

Life was comfortable for Summer, a graceful, stylish and popular young girl living in Harlem, NY with her mom. Upon deciding to spend the summer with dad in Burlington, Vermont, Summer is enrolled in a camp that exposes her to new kids and an unexpected experience – racial bullying. Summer has to decide whether to ignore the problem or expose it.

The 2011 winner of the GMC Faith and Family Screenplay Competition, Raising Izzie, was filmed as a GMC World Premiere Movie earlier this year and will close out ABFF on Saturday, June 23, at 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. GMC’S World Premiere Movie Raising Izzie stars Daytime Emmy© nominee and NAACP Image Award© winner Vanessa Williams (“Lincoln Heights,” “Soul Food”), Rockmond Dunbar (“Soul Food”), Kyla Kenedy (Three Stooges, “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation”) and Victoria Staley (“My Parents, My Sister and Me”, “Surface”). Directed by Roger M. Bobb (For Colored Girls, “House of Payne”), the film is based on the winning screenplay submitted by David Martyn Conley. Raising Izzie will have its world television premiere exclusively on GMC at 7 p.m. on Saturday, July 21 with encore broadcasts at 7 and 9 p.m.

The 2011 second runner-up, “Somebody’s Child” written by Siddeeqah Powell will begin production in the summer and will premiere on GMC later in the year.

About GMC TV
GMC (www.watchGMCtv.com) is America’s favorite television channel for uplifting music and family entertainment. The Parents Television CouncilTM has twice awarded its Entertainment Seal of ApprovalTM to GMC for being “an authentic family-friendly cable network.” GMC is the only television network brand to be so honored. GMC can be seen in more than 51 million homes on various cable systems around the country, as well as DISH Network on channel 188, DIRECTV on channel 338 and Verizon FiOS on channel 224. Follow GMC TV on Facebook and Twitter at http://facebook.com/gmctv and http://twitter.com/gmctv.

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).

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]

,

Kimberly Elise, Isaiah Washington, Common & S. Epatha Merkerson are among the stellar list of Grand Jury nods from Film Life’s 16th Annual American Black Film Festival

NEW YORK, May 15, 2012 – Film Life Inc., today announced the Narrative Features Competition selections and Grand Jury Award nominees for the 16th Annual American Black Film Festival (ABFF) taking place in South Beach Miami, FL, June 20th – 23rd. Kimberly Elise, Isaiah Washington, Common and S. Epatha Merkerson are among the stellar list of thespians nominated to receive the Grand Jury prize for their work.

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

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

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

BETTER MUS’ COME
Written and directed by Storm Saulter, produced by Paul Bucknor

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

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

 

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

CAST: Kadeem Hardison, Marcus Patrick and Tiffany Hines

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

 

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

 

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

 

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

Best Screenplay, presented by Ciroc
Best Director, presented by Cadillac
Best Actor, presented by Gold Peak Tea
Best Narrative Feature, presented by BET Networks

 

The specific nominees are as follows:

Grand Jury Prize for Best Screenplay, presented by Ciroc
Storm Saulter – BETTER MUS’ COME
Matthew Cherry – THE LAST FALL
Mariettte MonPierre and Mama Keita – ELZA
Russ Parr – THE UNDERSHEPHERD

Grand Jury Prize for Best Director, presented by Cadillac
Sheldon Candis – LUV
Matthew Cherry – THE LAST FALL
Russ Parr – THE UNDERSHEPHERD
Storm Saulter – BETTER MUS’ COME

Grand Jury Prize Best Performance by an Actor (Male or Female), presented by Gold Peak Tea
Common – LUV
Lance Gross – THE LAST FALL
Sheldon Sheppard – BETTER MUS’ COME
Isaiah Washington – THE UNDERSHEPHERD

Nicole Behari – THE LAST FALL
Kimberly Elise – TIES THAT BIND
Malinda Williams – THE UNDERSHEPHERD

Grand Jury Prize for Narrative Feature, presented by BET Networks
THE LAST FALL
ELZA
LUV
THE UNDERSHEPHERD

Grand Jury Prize for Documentary, presented by CNN
THE CONTRADICTIONS OF FAIR HOPE, co-directed by S. Epatha Merkerson and Rockell Metcalf FORCE M.D.s RELIVED, directed by Frazier Prince THINK NFL, LOVE DAD (The DeSean Jackson Story), co-directed by Byron Jackson and Kern Konwiser SOUL FOOD JUNKIES, directed by Byron Hurt

 

Full pass and ticket information for the 2012 ABFF can be found at abff.com

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

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

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

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

,

S. Epatha Merkerson’s ‘THE CONTRADICTIONS OF FAIR HOPE’ and The Desean Jackson Story ‘THINK NFL, LOVE DAD’ are among Film Life’s 16th Annual American Black Film Festival documentary competition selections

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

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

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

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

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

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

THE CONTRADICTIONS OF FAIR HOPE, co-directed by S. Epatha Merkerson and Rockell Metcalf
An unprecedented window into the lives of freed slaves who courageously formed benevolent societies in America as they transitioned from slavery to freedom. The film examines the historical impact of the Fair Hope Benevolent Society juxtaposed against the worldly pleasures of its modern day “Foot Wash” celebration.

FORCE M.D.s RELIVED, directed by Frazier Prince (World Premiere)
Historic musical footage and heart wrenching interviews tell the incredible story of Hip Hop and R&B’s most dynamic innovators.

THINK NFL, LOVE DAD (The DeSean Jackson Story), co-directed by Byron Jackson and Kern Konwiser (World Premiere)
This film is the result of over 20 years of documenting every aspect of the NFL star DeSean Jackson and his family’s rocky journey trying to stay together through it all.

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

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

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

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

For documentary photos please visit: http://ls-pr.com/?p=1047.

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

,

Film Life’s 16th Annual American Black Film Festival Announces the HBO® Short Film Award Competition Selections

Winner of the 15th Annual HBO® Short Film Award Competition to be presented with $20,000 grand prize

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

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

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

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

ZERO, written and directed by Kimberly Townes (World Premiere)
An introverted teen is forced to defend herself when her bullies threaten to spill the beans about her crush on the math teacher.

CHERRY WAVES, written and directed by Carey Williams (World Premiere)
A story of love, loss, and finding oneself set against the world of underground street fighting.

SLEEP, written and directed by Donald Conley (World Premiere)
Rashad assumes the responsibility of his household during the one morning that changes the rest of his life.

WOMACK, written and directed by André Wilkins (World Premiere)
A vicious crime leaves a Brooklyn man wrestling with his conscience, searching for an escape to greater purpose.

BUSTED ON BRIGHAM LANE, written and directed by Talibah Newman (World Premiere)
A teenage girl takes precariously creative measures to reconcile her relationship with her estranged father for her 18th birthday after spotting him singing on the train.

 

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

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

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

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

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

For photos please visit: http://ls-pr.com/?p=1015 .

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

,

Film Life’s 16th Annual American Black Film Festival Announces the 2012 Star Project Grand Prize Winners – Sherial Mckinney and Robert Hunter

One grand-prize winner will receive a walk-on role on NBC’s daytime drama “Days of our Lives”

Sherial McKinney and Robert Hunter

NEW YORK, May 4, 2012 – Film Life, Inc., announced that winners of its 16th annual American Black Film Festival (ABFF) Star Project are Sherial McKinney of Sherman Oaks, CA and Robert Hunter of Cleveland, OH. Sponsored by NBCUniversal, this program is an international acting competition designed to spotlight emerging multi-cultural talent.

The ABFF Star Project was launched in 2009 as part of the common goal to encourage serious pursuit of the craft by providing a platform for undiscovered actors while supporting their career advancement. The winners, Sherial McKinney and Robert Hunter, where selected among a stellar group of finalists which included Ozioma Akagha (Los Angeles, CA), Stephanie La Capra (New York, NY), Justin Chu Cary (Berkeley, CA) and Kenny Cooper (Los Angeles, CA).

Star Project entrants were required to submit two videotaped monologues online, one of their choice, and one selected by NBCUniversal and ABFF. The Star Project jury, comprised of an esteemed panel of accomplished actors, directors and casting executives, selected three female and three male finalists. From the six finalists, the two winners, one male and one female, will receive all-expense-paid trips to Miami, Florida, to this year’s ABFF festival. One grand-prize winner will be selected by NBCUniversal to appear in a walk-on role on “Days of our Lives” and will have the opportunity to audition before a leading casting director.

“NBCUniversal is honored to partner with the ABBF to encourage and reward promising young film artists with a chance to elevate their work in order to receive instruction, guidance and our full support in their endeavors,” said Kendra Carter, Director of Talent Diversity Initiatives, NBCUniversal. “We look forward to provide these actors with the right platform that could launch their careers and allow an even greater audience to enjoy their talents.”

In addition to the paid trips to the ABFF in Miami, the Star Project winners will be introduced to the festival audience at The Winners Circle awards presentation on the closing day of the festival.

Emayatzy E. Corinealdi In 2010, Emayatzy E. Corinealdi was the Star Project winner. This year, she will appear in two starring roles on BET; the emotionally dramatic film, “Middle of Nowhere,” with Omari Hardwick, and the dramatic series “Gun Hill” with Larenz Tate.

Jeff Friday, founder and CEO of ABFF states, “I am pleased to provide a platform for fresh, hopeful, talented actors to get exposure. Through our commitment to the Star Project, we will continue to offer our winners opportunities to advance their careers as actors.” He adds, “Next year we plan to bring this contest to the web to provide more visibility for the finalists and the winners.”

Sherial McKinney bio:
Sherial McKinney Sherial McKinney, an Orange County native, was raised (along with her five sisters) by her adoptive family from the age of 10 years old. Taking an early interest in vocal performance and university-wide Shakespearean competitions, it came as no surprise when McKinney decided to pursue acting full time.

Though her professional career began just a few years ago, McKinney’s talent and determination have allowed her to work with hit director Melina Matsoukas in the UK release of Leona Lewis’s “Bleeding Love” as the dramatic lead, garner a lead role in the Netflix featured film “He’s on My Mind” (2009), and host for Style Network’s producers of Vimby.com. Recently, McKinney has also been seen in TV One’s newest series “Will to Live.”

Praised by industry talents such as Kym Whitley and Alphonso McAuley for her comedic timing, authenticity and dedication to her craft; the sky is the limit for this gifted young actress.

Robert Hunter Robert Hunter bio:
Robert Hunter is a Cleveland native who moved to Los Angeles at the age of 18. He started in theatre with the roles of Frank Elgin in the Clifford Odets play “The Country Girl” and East in John Cariani’s romantic comedy “Almost Maine.” Hunter made his film debut in 2011 when he starred in a short film entitled “LA Bros.” Hunter is a young actor who is focused on traveling and learning from the best.

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

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

PHOTOS: For finalist and winner photos, please visit www.ls-pr.com.

For more information on the ABFF Star Project competition, please visit: https://www.abff.com/miami/theStarProject/2012/.

Media contact: Lisa Sorensen, LSPR office: 646-330-5458, email: [email protected]

,

Film Life, Inc.’s 15th Annual American Black Film Festival Announces the 2011 Star Project Winners and Finalists with First-time Sponsorship by NBCUniversal

Tiffany D. Hobbs of Dallas and Sheaun McKinney of Los Angeles are Winners in Competition that Underscores Commitment to Discovering New Talent

One Grand Prize Winner will Receive a Walk-on Role on NBC’s Daytime Drama “Days of our Lives”

NEW YORK CITY, July 17, 2011 – Film Life, Inc., announced that the grand-prize winners of its 15th annual American Black Film Festival (ABFF) Star Project are Tiffany D. Hobbs of Dallas and Sheaun McKinney from Los Angeles. Sponsored by NBCUniversal, the program is an international acting competition designed to spotlight emerging multi-cultural talent.

The ABFF Star Project was launched in 2009 as part of the common goal to encourage serious pursuit of the craft by providing a platform for undiscovered actors while supporting their career advancement. In addition to Hobbs and McKinney, the finalists also included two female entrants, Osa Ighodaro (The Bronx, N.Y.) and Kim Pettiford (New York City) as well as two males, Donald George (Los Angeles) and James Holloway (New York City).

The two grand-prize winners will receive all-expense-paid trips to Miami, Fla., to this year’s ABFF convention from July 6-9.

Star Project entrants were required to submit two videotaped monologues: one of their choice, and one selected by NBCUniversal and ABFF. The Star Project Jury was comprised of an esteemed panel of accomplished actors, directors and casting executives.

This year’s Star Project mentor is Kendra Carter, Director of Talent Diversity Initiatives, NBCUniversal Casting.

“We at NBCU are honored to work to with the ABFF as the primary sponsor of this year’s Star Project,” said Carter. “There are so many young and diverse artists out there who deserve a chance to showcase their talents and vision with a program that will nurture and boost their early careers.”

Hobbs began acting, dancing and singing at the age of 3. In 2009, she was accepted to the attend Southern Methodist University’s (SMU) prestigious three-year Master of Fine Arts graduate acting program on full scholarship. To date, Hobbs has been cast in the lead role in numerous SMU campus production, including Carise in “La Dispute,” Mrs. Gibbs in “Our Town,” and Gloria in “You Never Can Tell.” She is currently in Santa Rosa, Calif., in rehearsals for the Summer Repertory Theater’s productions of “Hairspray,” “Company” and “The Piano Lesson.” Hobbs will be entering her final year in graduate school at SMU in the fall.

McKinney has appeared in professional commercial, TV and feature-film projects. His film and television credits include “Know Thy Enemy” for Lionsgate, “Bahama Hustle” for Maverick Entertainment and “Burn Notice” for USA Network. He has also expanded his repertoire in co-writing and producing while starring in his own Web-based show “Make It Happen,” for which he has received many accolades and is looking to shop around to networks later this year. McKinney attended Miami-Dade College and received an Associate in Arts degree in theater education.

In addition to the winners’ free trip to the ABFF convention in Miami, the Star Project winners will be presented before the festival audience during its culminating event — the ABFF Honors on July 9. Additionally, one grand-prize winner will be granted a walk-on role on the award-winning NBC daytime drama “Days of our Lives” and will have the opportunity to audition before a leading casting director.

HBO (Founding & Premier Sponsor); Grey Goose and Team Sizzle Worldwide (Premier Sponsors); the gmc Television Network, Cadillac, American Airlines, Gold Peak Tea, Wells Fargo and AT&T (Official Sponsors); The Nielsen Company, Nickelodeon, NBCUniversal, Codeblack Entertainment, Grab Networks and CNN (Supporting Sponsors); Miami Beach Visitor & Convention Authority and The Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (Host Sponsors); CBS, Stella Artois, Writers Guild of America West, SAGIndie and FOX Searchlight Pictures (Diversity Partners). Media Sponsors include: Black Enterprise, The Michael Baisden Show and Uptown (Official Level); AOL Black Voices, Heart & Soul, Automotive Rhythms, Monarch and Precious Times (Supporting Level).

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

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

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Nate Kirtman, NBC Publicity, 818/777-3111, [email protected]
Lisa Sorensen or Chandra McQueen, the Sorensen McQueen Group, 646/330-5458, [email protected] or [email protected].