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The 14th Annual American Black Film Festival Announces its Festival Line-up and Screening of TAKERS, As Opening Night Selection – Stomp the Yard: Homecoming to Debut as the Centerpiece Film – Festival Competition Awards Totaling $50,000

Stomp The Yard: Homecoming to Debut as the Centerpiece Film Festival Competition Awards Totaling $50,000

New York, NY (June 10, 2010) – The 14th Annual American Black Film Festival, taking place in Miami, June 23rd – 26th, today announced its festival film slate with, Takers (Screen Gems) as the opening night film selection. Produced by Will Packer, Tip “T.I.” Harris and Jason Geter, and Directed by John Luessenhop, Takers stars Matt Dillon, Paul Walker, Idris Elba, Jay Hernandez, Michael Ealy, and T.I. with Chris Brown & Hayden Christensen.

Takers revolves around a notorious group of criminals (Idris Elba, Paul Walker, T.I., Chris Brown, Hayden Christensen and Michael Ealy) who continue to baffle police by pulling off perfectly executed bank robberies. They are in and out like clockwork, leaving no evidence behind and laying low in between heists. But when they attempt to pull off one last job with more money at stake than ever before, the crew may find their plans interrupted by a hardened detective (Matt Dillon) who is hell-bent on solving the case. Takers releases nationwide on August 20, 2010.

ABFF Founder, Jeff Friday, states “I am honored to present Takers as the opening night film. My goal has always been to open the festival with a film that captivates the audience and represents the work of multi-ethnic filmmakers and actors. I am very grateful to Rainforest Films and Screen Gems for their continued support of the festival.”

Also a highlight of this year’s festival is Stomp The Yard: Homecoming, which will be the centerpiece film. Directed by Rob Hardy and courtesy of Stage 6 Films, RCR Partners & Rainforest Films, Stomp The Yard: Homecoming stars Collins Pennie, Pooch Hall, Terrence J, Lil Duval, Tika Sumpter, Teyana Taylor and Kiely Alexis Williams. Columbus Short will be returning to the yard for a featured cameo.

As the sequel to the box office hit Stomp The Yard, Stomp The Yard: Homecoming will follow a new group of students. Chance Harris (Collins Pennie) struggles with the dynamics of balancing life and the biggest event of the year at Truth University. School, girlfriend woes, a full-time job at his demanding father’s restaurant, and preparing his fraternity for an upcoming nationally televised step competition add drama to an already action packed weekend. Making matters worse, Chance is sidetracked by the fact he has an outstanding debt with a street thug who’s out for blood.

“ABFF is a very special festival to Rainforest Films. From the very beginning, Jeff Friday embraced us as filmmakers. Additionally, the ABFF audience provided the optimum platform to showcase our films and help elevate our careers. Now that Rob Hardy and I have grown as filmmakers, we want to give back to ABFF in whatever way we can. I am happy that we are able to use the 14th Annual American Black Film Festival to showcase both Takers and Stomp The Yard: Homecoming. I look forward to going back to Miami – where I always have an amazing time,” states Producer and Co-Founder of Rainforest Films, Will Packer.

Festival organizers also announced the HBO® SHORT FILM COMPETITION, which has been part of the festival for 13 years. Film awards presented include: The HBO® Short Film Award; Grand Jury Prizes for Best Film Sponsored by Wachovia, a Wells Fargo Company, Best Performance by an Actor, sponsored by Gold Peak Tea. Prizes range from $5,000 to $20,000. “HBO is proud of its long-standing partnership with the ABFF,” said Olivia Smashum, executive vice president, Affiliate Marketing at HBO. “With our HBO Short Film competition housed at the ABFF since its inception, our combined efforts have given much needed exposure to 60 emerging filmmakers to date. We look forward to working with the ABFF again in 2010.”

2010 ABFF OFFICIAL SELECTIONS

GALA SCREENINGS

TAKERS – Opening Night Film, directed by John Luessenhop
Courtesy of Screen Gems

Enter the world of a notorious group of criminals who continue to baffle police by pulling off perfectly executed bank robberies.

STOMP THE YARD: HOMECOMING – Centerpiece Screening, directed by Rob Hardy
Courtesy of Stage 6 Films, RCR Partners & Rainforest Films

Chance Harris struggles with the dynamics of balancing life…the biggest event of the year at Truth University – Girlfriend woes, a full-time job, preparing his fraternity for a nationally televised step competition. Making matters worse, Chance is sidetracked by the fact he has an outstanding debt with a street thug who’s out for blood.

HBO® SHORT FILM COMPETITION

Five films compete for $20,000 grand prize sponsored by HBO.

THE CYCLE, directed by Roy Clovis (World Premiere)
Will the search for a child’s bicycle unite a gentrifying community or ignite a conflict that will tear it apart?

IF I LEAP, directed by Jackie J. Stone (World Premiere)
Zipporah, temporarily professed into the religious order ‘Sisters of Piety,’ engages in an intimate relationship and is forced to decide whether to remain in the religious life or return to the secular world.

MOTH, directed by Hilton Carter (World Premiere)
Based on the painting ‘The Young Martyr’ by Paul Delaroche, Moth tells the story of a beautiful starlet caught up in drugs and stardom.

SAY GRACE BEFORE DROWNING, directed by Nikyatu Jusu (World Premiere)
After meeting her African refugee mother for the first time in six years, 8 year old Hawa is forced to coexist with a woman teetering on the brink of insanity.

STAG & DOE, directed by Daniel Patterson & John Staley (World Premiere)
On the eve before their wedding night, a young engaged couple decides to put their relationship to the test at a joint bachelor/bachelorette party.

NARRATIVE FEATURES (In Competition)

Four films compete for the Grand Jury Prize for Best Film, sponsored by Wachovia, a Wells Fargo Company.

EVERYDAY BLACKMAN, directed by Carmen Madden
A small time grocer has to become the man he used to be when his store is taken over by a drug dealer.

THE INHERITANCE, directed by Robert O’Hara
Friends and Family gather for a “Secret Family” reunion. The reunion turns deadly.

LEGACY, directed by Thomas Ikimi
Idris Elba stars as a black ops soldier who returns home after a set of mysterious circumstances botch his mission.

NIGHT CATCHES, directed by Tanya Hamilton
In 1976 forces are set in motion when a young man returns to the race torn Philadelphia.

NARRATIVE FEATURES (Out of Competition)

BREAKING UP IS HARD TO DO, directed by Tabari Sturdivant
When what looks like the end of the road could be the beginning of a whole new journey.

CONSINSUAL, directed by Paul D. Hannah (World Premiere)
Walk into this seemingly normal marriage where romance quickly turns to lust and morality across the line of corruption.

JOY ROAD, directed by Harry A. Davis (World Premiere)
Public defender Tony Smalls is called to defend his sisters’ boyfriend, a dangerous gang leader.

SUICIDE DOLLS, directed by Keith Shaw (World Premiere)
Two lonely girls plan to commit suicide and decide to film their last 24 hours.

DOCUMENTARIES

ONE NIGHT IN VEGAS, directed by Reggie Rock Bythewood
Tells the story of that infamous fight night – (Sept. 7, 1996) when Mike Tyson, the WBC heavyweight champion, attempted to take Bruce Seldon’s WBA title at the MGM, and the remarkable friendship between Tyson and Tupac, and the tragedy that ensued.

SWEET SCIENCE, directed by Chris Howell
Documents the progress and price paid by 11 boxers as members of the United States Olympic Boxing Team.

THE AVON BARKSDALE STORY, directed by Bruce Brown (World Premiere)
True story of the life of the character played by actor Wood Harris in the HBO series, The Wire.

NEW VISIONS

LEFT UNSAID, directed by Nelson George (World Premiere)
15 women meet via Facebook for Sunday brunch in a Brooklyn brownstone.

B.U.R.N.S, directed by Phil Reid (Festival Premiere)
The story of Kenny Burns’ grind. Showing you don’t have to be somebody’s slave to make it in the entertainment business.

GANGS OF LA 1991, Lamonte Moore (World Premiere)
Follows gang activity during the heightened gang warfare in Los Angeles in 1991.

SPONSORED SCREENING

THE CONFIDANT, directed by Alton Glass (World Premiere)
Courtesy of Codeblack Entertainment

When your closest friend becomes your worst enemy.

Additional festival highlights include:

  • Actor Idris Elba named ABFF Ambassador for the 2010 festival.
  • Oscar Nominated Producer-Director, Lee Daniels will be presented with “Career Achievement Award.”
  • Spike Lee to lead The Art of Filmmaking Master Class.
  • The Pro-Hollywood Workshop (PHI) will launch at ABFF this year-a workshop for professional athletes looking for a comprehensive overview of the creative and business disciplines related to the film industry.
  • Inside Nickelodeon with Janice Burgess, creator of The Backyardigans.
  • CNN Symposium with Soledad O’Brian.
  • HBO’s short film competition awards a $20,000 grand prize.

Tickets:
Movie tickets go on sale June 15. Ticket prices range from $12 – $20.

Advance tickets for screenings held at the Colony Theater will go on sale June 15th and can be purchased at www.ticketmaster.com. Walk up tickets will be on sale at the Colony Theater box office day of show only.

Walk up tickets will be on sale at the Miami Beach Cinematheque box office day of show only. There are no advance sales of screenings held at this theater.

*Further information regarding movie tickets can be found at www.abff.com.

About ABFF:
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).

ABFF Sponsors:
HBO® is the festival’s Founding and Premier Sponsor. Other sponsors on board this year include: Grey Goose and Wachovia, a Wells Fargo Company (Premier Sponsors); American Airlines and BET Networks (Official Sponsors); CNN, Codeblack Entertainment, Gold Peak Tea, Nickelodeon, The Nielsen Company, and Stella Artois (Supporting Sponsors); City of Miami Community Redevelopment Agency, Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau, and Miami Beach Visitor and Convention Authority (Host Sponsors); Fox Searchlight Pictures, Halle Berry Pure Orchid, MTV Networks, SAGIndie and the Writers Guild of America, West (Industry Partners). Media Sponsors: AOL Black Voices, Black Enterprise (Official Level); Automotive Rhythms, Heart & Soul, MIA, Monarch, Precious Times, Upscale and Uptown magazines (Supporting Level).

For media inquiries, call Lisa Sorensen (LSPR) at (646) 330-5458 or via email at [email protected]. General registration information can be obtained by visiting www.abff.com, calling 646-375-2144, ext 1, or contacting the festival via email at [email protected].

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The City of Miami’s Community Redevelopment Agencies (CRA) to Participate as Host Sponsors of the 14th Annual American Black Film Festival as Part of their Film Industry Outreach — June 23-June 27, 2010

CRA to Host Trolley Service for American Black Film Festival participants June 24 and June 25, 2010, to the Overtown, Omni and Park West Redevelopment Districts.

MIAMI, FL (June 2010) – The City of Miami’s Community Redevelopment Agencies (CRA) have signed on as Host Sponsors for the 14th annual American Black Film Festival(ABFF)that will be held June 23-27, 2010, in Miami Beach. As part of their $50,000 sponsorship, the CRA hopes to create strategic partnerships with the film industry and attract filmmakers to consider filming and doing business in the Community Redevelopment Areas that include Overtown, Park West and Omni.

The CRA will roll out their film initiative with an impressive program that includes a trolley service for the ABFF participants on June 24 and June 25 from 10:00 am – 6:00 pm. The trolley will pick up festival-goers from The Ritz-Carlton South Beach hotel and take them to destination points of interest in Overtown, Park West, Omni and downtown Miami. The CRA will also sponsor 15 students from the Overtown area to attend the American Black Film Festival’s master classes. The students will have an opportunity to take master classes on the Art of Filmmaking with director Spike Lee; on cinematography with Cliff Charles, director of photography(When the Levees Broke, Good Hair); and screenwriting, led by Loyola Maramount professor Dean Steve Duncan. In addition, the CRA has put together a filmmakers tour and roundtable discussion that will be held at Big Time Productions facility. The goal is to find out what incentives need to be in place for filmmakers to consider filming in the Community Redevelopment Areas.

The American Black Film Festival culminates with the CRA’s signature community showcase of the soon-to-be-released movie Stomp the Yard 2: Homecoming, which will be held on Sunday, June 27, from 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm. This is a free-ticketed event for the community. The writer, director and actor will be in attendance for a talk-back after the movie.

“We are extremely excited and proud to once again be a Host Sponsor for this year’s American Black Film Festival. Our partnership with Film Life Inc. allows us the unique opportunity to highlight our diverse culture in Miami and promote our growing film industry within the CRA district. We look forward to the events and to attracting future film projects to Miami,” said Commissioner Richard P. Dunn II, Chair of the City of Miami Southeast Overtown/Park West Community Redevelopment Agency.

“The City of Miami is extremely proud to host some of America’s top film makers as part of the American Black Film Festival. The event has a rich tradition and is a prime example of the City’s and the CRA’s commitment to supporting and enriching the arts,” said Commissioner Marc Sarnoff, Chair of the Omni Redevelopment District Community Redevelopment Agency.

“The City of Miami’s Community Redevelopment Agencies are proud to be a Host Sponsor for Film Life’s 14th annual American Black Film Festival. This year we are aggressively reaching out to filmmakers to create a dialogue on how we can be a resource to attract more film projects to the Miami’s Redevelopment Areas,” states CRA Executive Director James Villacorta.

“We are excited about the continued support of the City of Miami’s Community Redevelopment Agency. We remain committed to our community outreach program in Miami and look forward to a successful program this year of helping to facilitate partnerships with the film community and the CRA”, states Jeff Friday, CEO, Film Life Inc.

About the City of Miami’s Community Redevelopment Agencies
The CRAs’ long-range vision is to improve the quality of life for residents and stakeholders of the Overtown, Park West and Omni community redevelopment areas by generating successful redevelopment projects from both the private and public sectors that will improve the appearance of the area, remove slum and blight conditions, create new job opportunities and spur the local economy. Visit www.miami-cra.org.

About the American Black Film Festival
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. With its film showcases, workshops and special contests, it annually introduces the top echelon of emerging artists to the film and television industry. The ABFF is the property of Film Life Inc., a New York-based event marketing, production and distribution company founded in 2000 by Jeff Friday (CEO). Visit www.abff.com.

Media Contact:
Yvette N. Harris
786.897.8854

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Oscar Nominated Producer – Director Lee Daniels To Be Honored at the 14th Annual American Black Film Festival.

Festival to be held June 23-26 in Miami, FL

NEW YORK, NY (May 20, 2010) – Film Life, Inc., Jeff Friday, is pleased to announce Oscar nominated Producer-Director Lee Daniels as honoree at the 14th Annual American Black Film Festival (ABFF). In celebration of his success and in recognition of his great talent, Daniels will be honored with the Career Achievement Award at the festival’s culminating event, ABFF Honors, taking place on Saturday, June 26th, at the New World Symphony Lincoln Theater in Miami, FL. The tribute to Lee Daniels will be presented as the highlight of ABFF’s annual awards ceremony where the festival’s independent film awards are presented and artists are saluted for their achievement in cinema and passionate portrayal of stories about people of color. Past honorees have included: Spike Lee and Melvin Van Peebles.

This past award season, Daniels received tremendous attention for his film Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire. The film received 6 Oscar nominations of which one was for Best Director, distinguishing Daniels as the second African-American to be honored in such a way. In 2002, Daniels also made Oscar history for his film Monsters Ball earning two Oscar nominations – best original screenplay and Best Actress, for which Halle Berry won the Oscar. This impressive accomplishment made Daniels the first African-American sole producer of an Oscar-winning and Oscar nominated film. Daniels is also the first African American to be nominated for a Directors Guild Award.

Daniels wore many hats traveling his road to success. His career in the film industry progressed from screenwriting and managing actors, to producing, followed by directing. In 2001, Daniels made his debut as a producer with Monster’s Ball. In 2004, he produced The Woodsman, in 2006 he made his directorial debut with Shadowboxer and then he went on to direct Precious in 2009. Other film credits include Tennessee starring Mariah Carey, which released in 2008, and Selma, a film about Martin Luther King Jr. and Lyndon Baines Johnson’s lives around the signing of the Civil Rights, due to be released in 2011.

HBO® is the festival’s Founding and Premier Sponsor. Other sponsors on board for this year include: Grey Goose and Wells Fargo (Premier); BET Networks (Official); Nielsen, Nickelodeon, Gold Peak Tea, Stella Artois and Code Black Entertainment (Supporting); Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau, Miami Beach Visitor and Convention Authority and the City of Miami Community Redevelopment Agency (Host); SAG Indie, WGA West and Coty Inc. (Industry partners). Media Sponsors include: AOL Black Voices, Black Enterprise, Uptown, Monarch, Heart & Soul, and Precious Times.

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).

For media inquiries, call Lisa Sorensen (LSPR) at (646) 330-5458 or via email at [email protected]. General registration information can be obtained by visiting www.abff.com, calling 646-375-2144, ext 1, or contacting the festival via email at [email protected] .

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Film Life’s 14th Annual American Film Festival (ABFF) to Kick Off a Groundbreaking Workshop for Professional Athletes

NEW YORK, NY (April 28, 2010) – The American Black Film Festival (ABFF) will launch the Pro-Hollywood Initiative (PHI), a pilot program created to encourage professional athletes to explore careers in the motion picture industry. The program’s main objectives are to stimulate athletes’ interest in the movie business, connecting them with talented filmmakers, educating them about the workings of the industry and promoting their involvement in the production of quality independent films. The inaugural program will be held during the 14th annual American Black Film Festival June 23-26, 2010 in Miami, FL.

The PHI centers on master classes covering a variety of disciplines related to filmmaking, including screenwriting, directing, cinematography, producing, acting and film financing. Instructors will be selected from among leading filmmakers, industry executives and professors at top-tier film schools. The highlight of this year’s program will be the “Art of Directing” master class led by acclaimed filmmaker Spike Lee. The PHI will culminate with a private roundtable luncheon to honor the participants in the 2010 program, and provide them the opportunity to gain valuable industry insight from Mr. Lee and other distinguished filmmakers.

The PHI was inspired by the 2009 meeting between ABFF founder Jeff Friday and Baltimore Ravens All-Pro linebacker Terrell Suggs, who attended the festival for the first time that year after launching a film production company. Mr. Suggs is currently in production on his first film, Sisters, based on a screenplay by a writer he met at the festival. “Last year I attended the ABFF for the first time and left the festival inspired to produce my own film. The ABFF master classes I attended gave me a comprehensive crash course in the filmmaking process and provided a foundation for my future professional pursuits in the motion picture business,” says Mr. Suggs. “I look forward to participating in the Pro-Hollywood activities and commend Jeff for his unique vision to bring this groundbreaking opportunity to the ABFF.”

“I am proud to provide a platform for professional athletes to learn about the filmmaking process,” says festival founder Jeff Friday. “The dedication, focus and commitment to detail exhibited by most great athletes in their careers will suit them well in the film industry, regardless of whether their interest lies in front of or behind the camera. We hope to see more sports stars like Terrell engaged in the film arena as part of their off the field agendas.”

The premier Pro-Hollywood Initiative at this year’s festival is by invitation only and will be limited to ten (10) participants. Current or retired athletes from any professional sport are eligible to attend. This innovative program will seek the support of player associations and major sports leagues, including the NFL, NBA, WNBA and MLB.

In 2011, Mr. Friday will expand the PHI, offering a Bootcamp focusing on the various disciplines of the filmmaking process to professional athletes and sports leagues. The Pro Hollywood Bootcamp is an intensive one-week program which will be held in Los Angeles, the movie capital of the world.

Founded in 1997, the ABFF is a leading international film festival and marketplace dedicated to promoting the work of Black filmmakers. The festival was created to stimulate the development of independent films and to increase cultural diversity in Hollywood. One of the festival’s main objectives is to showcase emerging talent in front of and behind the camera. Aspiring and accomplished filmmakers, actors, producers and other industry professionals gather at the four-day festival to participate in workshops, panel discussions, networking activities and, of course, film screenings, with the intention to build interpersonal relationships that lead to artistic advancements and greater access to coveted positions in the film industry.

HBO® is the festival’s Founding and Premier Sponsor. Other sponsors on board for this year include: Grey Goose (Premier); BET Networks (Official); Nielsen, Nickelodeon, Gold Peak Tea, Stella Artois and Code Black Entertainment (Supporting); Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau, Miami Beach Visitor and Convention Authority and the City of Miami Community Redevelopment Agency (Host); SAG Indie, WGA West and Coty Inc. (Industry partners). Media Sponsors include: AOL Black Voices, Black Enterprise, Uptown, Monarch, Heart & Soul, and Precious Times.

For media inquiries, call Lisa Sorensen (LSPR) at (646) 330-5458 or via email at [email protected]. Program registration information can be obtained by contacting Ghana Wilson at [email protected] or by calling 646-375-2144, ext 5. Regular festival updates are available at abff.com.

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Idris Elba Named Ambassador of the 14th Annual American Black Film Festival. Festival to be held June 23-26 in Miami, FL

Festival to be held June 23-26 in Miami, FL

NEW YORK, March 23, 2010 – Film Life, Inc. names Actor Idris Elba Ambassador of the 14th Annual American Black Film Festival (ABFF), to be held in Miami, Florida, June 23-26, 2010. Known for his commanding and charismatic feature film performances, Elba has taken the entertainment Mecca by storm as one of the most highly sought after talents working alongside Hollywood’s esteemed A-List.

The ABFF is the premier international marketplace for films that showcase the best new work by and about people of African descent. The role of the ABFF Ambassador is to broaden public awareness of the festival as well as its mission which is to encourage collaboration and support between Hollywood and the independent film community.

“It is my honor to serve ABFF in this capacity,” states Elba. “It was this very platform that allowed me to be cast in the starring role of Reverend Charles Fran in the drama film, The Gospel, which is an independent film. Jeff Friday’s vision and passion, allows actors such as myself to emerge and become successful in this business.”

Elba will next be seen as the co-lead in the Warner Bros action thriller, The Losers, alongside Zoe Saldana, Chris Evans and Jeffrey Dean Morgan. The film is due for release at the end of April. Later in the year, he will appear opposite Saldana again in Takers. The movie also stars Hayden Christensen, Matt Dillon, Chris Brown and T.I and is due for release in August. Elba has graced the covers of Uptown and Essence magazines and was also featured as one of the “Ten Hottest Men on the Planet” twice by Essence and chosen as one of People Magazine’s annual 100 Most Beautiful People in the World. His other notable film credits include the number one box office hit Obsessed with Beyonce Knowles, Tyler Perry’s Daddy’s Little Girls, and American Gangster alongside Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe, to name a few. He most recently completed Kenneth Branagh’s much-anticipated epic, Thor, in which he will play Heimdall.

ABFF’s Founder and CEO, Jeff Friday states, “I am honored to have Elba as ambassador of this year’s festival. He is a gifted performer, and has been a loyal supporter of ABFF. His passion for film making and his appreciation of the many creative talents around us represents the very essence of our festival.”

HBO® is the festival’s Founding and Premier Sponsor. Other sponsors on board for this year include Grey Goose (Premiere); Nielsen, Gold Peak Tea, and Stella Artois (Supporting); Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau, and Miami Beach Visitor and Convention Authority (Host). Media Sponsors include: AOL Black Voices, Black Enterprise, Uptown, Monarch, Heart & Soul, and Precious Times.

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 2002 by Jeff Friday (CEO).

For media inquiries, call Lisa Sorensen (LSPR) at (646) 330-5458 or via email at [email protected]. General registration information can be obtained by visiting abff.com, calling 646-375-2144, ext 1, or contacting the festival via email at: [email protected].

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Robert Townsend’s “The Ultimate Pitch Master Class” Tour Kicked Off in New York City

NEW YORK, NY (December 2, 2009) – More than 200 aspiring writers, directors and producers from as far away as Seattle, took part in acclaimed producer/director Robert Townsend’s “The Ultimate Pitch Master Class” lecture series in New York recently. The three-hour session designed to teach aspiring filmmakers how to pitch their ideas to networks and studios, also awarded two lucky participants with a once in a lifetime opportunity to work with Townsend and develop a project to pitch to a Hollywood studio.

“I was truly inspired as I heard pitches from a new wave of writers, directors and filmmakers. Our three hour session turned into six hours, with the last three being held impromptu at a park in the middle of Manhattan. I could feel the spirits of these artists being changed forever,” said Townsend. Over the years, Robert Townsend has created a unique and diverse body of work covering various genres, with comedies like, “Hollywood Shuffle”, musicals like “The Five Heartbeats”, fantasy comedies like “The Meteor Man”, sit-coms like “The Parenthood” and epic dramas like “10,000 Black Men Named George”. Currently, Mr. Townsend is busy at work with seven projects in various stages of development and completion.

Sponsored by Film Life, Inc., producers of the American Black Film Festival, the Ultimate Pitch Master Class tour is a vehicle to bring the educational aspects of the festival to a broader audience. “The festival’s mission is to facilitate distribution opportunities for quality films and introduce the top echelon of emerging artists to the industry at large. Robert is one of the most innovative artists working in Hollywood and his willingness to share his technique from concept to development, through the various stages of rewrites and pitching to studios is a testament to his commitment to the next generation of filmmakers,” said Jeff Friday, CEO of Film Life, Inc.

“I have been making films since 2006 and my first short film, “The Let Out Guys” premiered at the ABFF film festival in 2006. I attended the Ultimate Pitch class to present “The Let Out Guys” as a feature film and to get some feedback on the project,” said Selton Shaw, a DC resident and winner of the pitch contest. “Being able to directly pitch my idea directly to Mr. Townsend, and being selected to present it to a studio was a one in a lifetime opportunity. I’m anxious to get started and move forward with the project,” Shaw added.

Townsend also selected Ronald Hemphill of Washington, DC to work with and develop his story and pitch to a network or studio. “The Ultimate Pitch seminar in New York was empowering! Hemphill said. “It was the first time I’ve been in an environment that everyone wants to help you. After I made my pitch and it was selected, I was so overcome with joy I broke down right on the stage,” he added.

Robert Townsend’s Ultimate Pitch Master Class continues its nationwide tour in 2010, with Charlotte, North Carolina as the second stop on February 20. Townsend will again listen to pitches from class attendees and help critique, refine and further develop those presented in the session.

Film Life, Inc., is a New York-based marketing, media and distribution company that was founded in 2002 by Jeff Friday, its CEO. The company’s mission is to spearhead the global distribution of Black independent cinema and be the leading producer/distributor of Black films, television, events and digital content.

For information on Robert Townsend’s Ultimate Pitch Master Class, please visit abff.com, or e-mail [email protected].

Contact:
Mike Carter
646-375-2144 ext. 1

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Film Life’s American Black Film Festival Announces 2010 Dates and Call for Entries

HBO® Continues as Founding and Premier Sponsor Festival to Spotlight Black Women in Hollywood.

NEW YORK, Nov. 24 /PRNewswire/ – Film Life, Inc., announces the 14th annual American Black Film Festival (ABFF) to be held in Miami, Florida, June 23-26, 2010. The ABFF is an industry retreat and competitive marketplace that facilitates distribution opportunities for independent Black films. Home Box Office, Inc. (HBO), returns for the thirteenth year in support of the festival’s mission.

The 2010 ABFF will feature accomplished women in film and television. Female industry leaders will be thoroughly integrated into all aspects of the festival programming including the creation of the first all women Grand Jury.” Our organization is devoted to diversity, and next year’s festival will bring attention to some key women who are influencing this business. I am delighted that HBO is on board; their loyalty to the ABFF underlines their commitment to develop and promote the work of a diverse group of artists,” says ABFF’s founder, Jeff Friday.

“HBO is proud of its long-standing partnership with the ABFF,” said Olivia Smashum, executive vice president, Affiliate Marketing at HBO. “With our HBO Short Film competition housed at the ABFF since its inception, our combined efforts have given much needed exposure to 60 emerging filmmakers to date. We look forward to working with the ABFF again in 2010.”

ABFF submissions are now open in the Narrative Features, Documentary and Short Film categories. Awards presented include: The HBO Short Film Award; Grand Jury Prizes for Best Film, Best Documentary and Best Performance by an Actor; as well as the newly launched (2009) ABFF Audience Award for the best of festival. Prizes range from $5,000 to $20,000.

HBO® is the festival’s Founding and Premier Sponsor. Other sponsors on board for this year include Grey Goose (Premiere); Nielsen, Gold Peak Tea, and Stella Artois (Supporting); Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau, and Miami Beach Visitor and Convention Authority (Host). Media Sponsors include: Black Enterprise, Uptown, Upscale, Monarch, Heart & Soul, Precious Times, and AOL Black Voices.

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 2002 by Jeff Friday (CEO).

For media inquiries, call Lisa Sorensen (LSPR) at (646) 330-5458 or via email at [email protected]. General registration information can be obtained by visiting abff.com, calling 646-375-2144, ext 1, or contacting the festival via email at: [email protected].

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The 13th Annual American Black Film Festival Culminates with Awards Presentation, a Private Community Reception and Screening of Pastor Brown

The Roe Effect Wins the HBO® Short Film Award, Len Bias Wins Best Documentary and Mississippi Damned Wins Best Feature

Miami, FL – June 30, 2009 – Film Film Life’s 13th annual American Black Film Festival (ABFF) announced the winners of their Independent Film Awards at the Colony Theatre on June 27, 2009. The ABFF is the premier international marketplace for films that showcase the best new work by and about people of African descent. The ABFF Audience Award winner, Blue, was determined by mobile voting as part of the festival’s digital media marketing initiatives.

HBO® is the festival’s Founding and Premier sponsor. In addition, this year marked the launch of the American Black Film Festival’s community initiative and partnership with the City of Miami Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA).

The ABFF Independent Film Awards continues to celebrate the best independent films produced and directed outside of Hollywood. “We are committed to providing new opportunities each year for emerging talent and bringing the best work of these gifted filmmakers to a broad audience,” said Jeff Friday, CEO of Film Life and founder of the American Black Film Festival. “The talent this year was impressive and I believe that the lineup of films and programming is the best we’ve had in 13 years,” added Melanie Sharee, ABFF programming director.

The award winners are as follows:

HBO® Short Film Award, sponsored by HBO® – Prize $20,000
The Roe Effect directed by Kiel Adrian Scott

ABFF Audience Award
Blue directed by Ryan Miningham

Grand Jury Prize for Best Narrative Feature, sponsored by BET Networks – Prize $5,000
Mississippi Damned directed by Tina Mabry

Grand Jury Prize for Best Documentary
Len Bias directed by Kirk Frasier

Allstate Beyond February “Be Reel” Film Contest Winner, sponsored by Allstate – Prize $5,000
The Broken Sole directed by Travis Dent

Grand Jury Prize for Best Actor
Tessa Thompson in Mississippi Damned

Star Project Winner Actor – Khalilah Joi Dubose – sponsored by Vibe magazine
Star Project Winner Actor – Bechir Sylvain – sponsored by Vibe magazine

The partnership of the ABFF with the City of Miami Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) and the City of Miami Commissioner Michelle Spence-Jones provided the community with the opportunity to have access to some of the movers and shakers in the film industry. A youth filmmaker workshop with Vivica Fox, Wendell Pierce, Steven Barnes, Ronald Lang and Kevin Sharpley was held at the Lyric Theater in Overtown. A pastor’s appreciation reception and private screening of the ABFF’s Centerpiece film, Pastor Brown, closed out the 13 annual American Black Film Festival. Trolleys were provided for festival patrons to “Shop, Dine and Explore” some of the City of Miami’s cultural destinations, including Miami Bayside, the Olympic Theater at the Gusman Center for the Performing Arts, Jackson Soul Food, Miami Riverwalk and the historic Ice Palace Film Studios. Shop, Dine and Explore is a new marketing campaign to promote the City of Miami’s Community Redevelopment Agency’s Southeast Overtown, Park West and Omni Redevelopment Districts.

HBO® is the ABFF’s Founding and Premier Sponsor. Other corporate supporters include: Premier Sponsor BET Networks; Official Sponsors: Allstate, City of Miami Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) and Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau (GMCVB); Supporting Sponsors: Nielsen Media Research, Nickelodeon, HSBC Bank USA, ESPN, TNT, Miami Beach Visitor and Convention Authority (VCA), and Parish-Nation; Industry and Marketing Partners: One Village Entertainment, Stella Artois, Fox Searchlight Pictures, Soblu Inc., Codeblack Entertainment, Tyler Perry Studios, SAGIndie, Writer’s Guild of America West, New York Women in Film & Television, Final Draft, FilMiami: Miami-Dade Office of Film & Entertainment, The Governor’s Office of Film & Entertainment, the Broward Alliance, the City of Miami Mayor’s Office of Film & Cultural Affairs, Film in Florida, GMCVB Miami Boutique Hotels, Film Florida; Vegas Style Entertainment and Vitaminwater; Media Partners: Essence, Vibe, Black Enterprise, Uptown, Upscale, Heart & Soul, Automotive Rhythms, Monarch, Black Noir, Precious Times and EUR Web.

Founded in 1997, the American Black Film Festival (www.abff.com) is an industry retreat and competitive marketplace for films by and about people of color. The festival’s mission is to facilitate distribution opportunities for quality films and introduce the top echelon of emerging artists to the industry at large. Since its inception, the ABFF has premiered over 600 films, positioning it as the leading film festival for Black and urban content. The ABFF is a property of Film Life, Inc., a New York-based event marketing, production and distribution company founded in 2002 by Jeff Friday (CEO).

For additional information please contact Yvette N. Harris phone 786.897.8854 or by e-mail: [email protected]. Follow ABFF on twitter.com/abff and abff/facebook.com. Additional photos from the 2009 festival can be found at www.abff.com.

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The 13th Annual American Black Film Festival Culminates with its Awards Presentation and Screening of “Black Dynamite”

The Roe Effect Wins the HBO® Short Film Award and Mississippi Damned Wins Best Narrative Feature

Miami, FL – June 29, 2009 – Film Film Life’s 13th annual American Black Film Festival (ABFF) announced the winners of their Independent Film Awards at the Colony Theatre on June 27, 2009. The ABFF is the premier destination marketplace for films that showcase the best new work by and about people of African descent. The Best Narrative Feature winner was Mississippi Damned which also took home the prize for Best Actor. HBO® is the festival’s Founding and Premier sponsor.

“The ABFF Independent Film Awards continues to celebrate the best independent films produced and directed outside of Hollywood. We are committed to providing new opportunities each year for emerging talent and bringing the best work of these gifted filmmakers to a broad audience,” said Jeff Friday, CEO of Film Life and founder of the American Black Film Festival.

The award winners are as follows:

HBO Short Film Award, presented by HBO (award includes a $20,000 cash prize)
The Roe Effect directed by Kiel Adrian Scott

Best Narrative Feature, presented by BET Networks (award includes a $5,000 cash prize)
Mississippi Damned directed by Tina Mabry

Best Documentary
Len Bias directed by Kirk Frasier

Audience Award
Blue directed by Ryan Miningham

Allstate Beyond February “Be Reel” Contest Winner, presented by Allstate (award includes a $5,000 cash prize)
The Broken Sole directed by Travis Trent

Best Actor
Tessa Thompson in Mississippi Damned

Star Project Winner, presented by Vibe magazine
Khalilah Joi Dubose, female winner
Bechir Sylvain, male winner

“The talent this year was impressive and I believe that the lineup of films and programming is the best we’ve had in 13 years,” said Melanie Sharee, ABFF programming director.

As part of the closing night festivities, the SONY Pictures World Wide Acquisitions Group film Black Dynamite, starring Michael Jai White, was screened to a full audience. “As a part of our closing night presentation, we always try to give our audience a memorable experience, and judging from the fact that we screened to a packed house for both showings, I think we accomplished our goals,” said Friday.

Founded in 1997, the American Black Film Festival is an industry retreat and competitive marketplace for films by and about people of color. The festival’s mission is to facilitate distribution opportunities for quality films and introduce the top echelon of emerging artists to the industry at large. Since its inception, the ABFF has premiered over 600 films, positioning it as the leading film festival for Black and urban content. The ABFF is a property of Film Life, Inc., a New York-based event marketing, production and distribution company founded in 2002 by Jeff Friday (CEO).

HBO® is the ABFF’s Founding and Premier Sponsor. Other corporate supporters include: Premier Sponsor BET Networks; Official Sponsors: Allstate, City of Miami Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) and Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau (GMCVB); Supporting Sponsors: Nielsen Media Research, Nickelodeon, HSBC Bank USA, ESPN, TNT, Miami Beach Visitor and Convention Authority (VCA) and Parish-Nation; Industry and Marketing Partners: One Village Entertainment, Stella Artois, Fox Searchlight Pictures, Soblu Inc., Codeblack Entertainment, Tyler Perry Studios, SAGIndie, Writer’s Guild of America West, New York Women in Film & Television, Final Draft, FilMiami: Miami-Dade Office of Film & Entertainment, The Governor’s Office of Film & Entertainment, the Broward Alliance, the City of Miami Mayor’s Office of Film & Cultural Affairs, Film in Florida, GMCVB Miami Boutique Hotels, Film Florida; Vegas Style Entertainment and Vitaminwater; Media Partners: Essence, Vibe, Black Enterprise, Uptown, Upscale, Heart & Soul, Automotive Rhythms, Monarch, Black Noir, Precious Times and EUR Web.

For additional information please contact Ghana Wilson via phone 646.375.2144 or by e-mail: [email protected]. Photos from the festival can be found at www.abff.com.

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2009 American Black Film Festival Announces Film Sections, Deadlines and Awards

New York, NY (March 20, 2009) – Film Life’s 13th annual American Black Film Festival (ABFF) today announced its film sections, competitions and festival awards. The ABFF is the premier international marketplace for films made by and about people of African descent. The festival will be held from June 24 to 27 in South Beach, Miami. HBO® is the festival’s founding and title sponsor.

Founded in 1997, the ABFF was born out of the need to facilitate distribution opportunities for quality Black cinema, showcase the top echelon of emerging artists and promote cultural diversity within the motion picture industry. Since its inception, the ABFF has premiered over 500, films positioning it as the leading film festival for Black and urban content. “Our mission is to cultivate the careers of the most talented emerging filmmakers and facilitate the distribution of their commercially viable work,” said Melanie Sharee, festival director.

The competition categories are comprised of Narrative Features, Documentaries and the HBO Short Film Competition. Narrative Features are eligible to compete for the Grand Jury Prize for Best Film, Grand Jury Prize for Best Actor and the Melvin Van Peebles Award, an award for the festival’s most innovative film. Entry deadline for Narrative Features is April 14. Documentary Features are eligible to win the Grand Jury Prize for Best Documentary; the entry deadline is March 31. Entry deadline for the HBO Short Film Competition, which includes a prize of $20,000 in cash, is April 7. In addition to the independent films, the ABFF will open and close with special screenings of upcoming studio releases targeted to African American audiences.

The ABFF also features special contests presented in association with its corporate partners. Official Sponsor Allstate® will once again be sponsoring the Beyond February “Be Reel” Film Contest. Entrants must submit a film between 15-90 seconds in length based on the following themes: “Through All This Change, My Change Adds Up” and “What’s Next?” Contest rules and guidelines can be found at www.abff.com and www.allstate.com/beyondfebruary.

In addition to the festival’s film lineup, corporate support for the 13th annual festival includes Founding & Premier Sponsor: Home Box Office, Inc.; Official Sponsor: Allstate, The Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau; Supporting Sponsors: Nielsen Media Research, Nickelodeon, Miami Beach Visitor and Convention Authority; Industry Partners: Writer’s Guild of America West, Film Florida, Miami-Dade County Film & Entertainment Office; Media Partners: Essence, Vibe, Automotive Rhythms, Precious Times, Black Enterprise, Uptown, Upscale, Heart & Soul, Monarch and Black Noir.

The ABFF, cofounded by Jeff Friday in 1997, is a property of Film Life, Inc., a New York-based film marketing and distribution company. Its mission is to spearhead the global distribution of quality Black films and be the leading American brand producing Black movies, television, events and digital content. Film Life’s key properties include the American Black Film Festival (abff.com); The Black Movie Awards on TNT (blackmovieawards.com); and the ABFF DVD Series (thefilmlife.com), a partnership with Warner Home Video.

Festival registration information is available online at www.abff.com, via phone at 646-375-2144, ext. 2, or by e-mail: [email protected].

CONTACT:
For Press Inquiries Only
Ghana O. Wilson
646-375-2144 ext 5
[email protected]