ABFF to Celebrate Its 10th Year in Miami, Fla., July 19-23, 2006
Deadline for Feature, Short & Documentary Film Entries is April 7

New York, NY, (February 7, 2006) – Film Life and HBO today announced the 2006 dates of the American Black Film Festival (ABFF). The ABFF will be held Wednesday, July 19, through Sunday, July 23, in the South Beach district of Miami, Florida, where the festival will celebrate its tenth anniversary with the support of HBO, the ABFF’s founding and title sponsor, and Wal-Mart Voices of Color,TM its presenting sponsor.

“Although our industry has changed dramatically in the last ten years, particularly in the areas of digital production and distribution, opportunities for persons of color remain limited,” said Jeff Friday, founder, ABFF. “I salute our lead sponsors, HBO and Wal-Mart, for their unwavering support of the ABFF. It is because of these two companies and our other prestigious corporate partners that we have been able to showcase cinema that reflects the talent and true vision of Black artists, while building the commercial market for independent Black films.”

The 2006 ABFF program includes independent film screenings, network and studio premieres, panels, workshops and seminars led by accomplished industry professionals. Other highlights include live entertainment, exclusive networking events and the ABFF Awards presentation.

“As founding and title sponsor, HBO’s partnership with the ABFF has helped create a celebrated and influential forum where new talent can showcase their works in a professional and competitive-friendly environment,” said Olivia Smashum, executive vice president, affiliate marketing, HBO. “We salute the ABFF on the eve of their 10th anniversary, a landmark achievement within the Black filmmaking community and one which we’re very proud to be a part of.”

The ABFF has four film sections: Narrative Feature Films (competitive), World Cinema (noncompetitive), the HBO Short Film Competition and Documentaries (competitive). A total of $80,000 worth of prizes will be awarded to films in the competitive sections. Awards include the HBO Short Film Award ($20,000 cash prize), Audience Award for Best Narrative Feature Film, sponsored by Blockbuster ($20,000 cash prize), Grand Jury Prize for Best Picture, sponsored by Kodak (prize: film stock valued at $20,000), and the Wal-Mart Voices of Color Best Documentary Award ($20,000 cash prize). Winners will be announced at the ABFF Awards Brunch held on the closing day of the festival.

Films submitted for consideration for the 2006 ABFF must be delivered to the New York City office postmarked by the entry deadline: Friday, April 7, 2006. Submission forms and eligibility requirements are available online at www.abff.com.

The American Black Film Festival, formerly known as the Acapulco Black Film Festival, was founded in 1997 by Jeff Friday, president & CEO, Film Life, Inc. ABFF is a five-day retreat and international film market dedicated to strengthening the independent film community. It was born out of a belief in the need to stimulate independent Black film development and promote cultural diversity within the film industry. With limited access to images and opportunities for Black filmmakers in Hollywood, the ABFF created a platform to showcase the cinematic work of independent artists of vision and emerging talent.

Since its inception, the ABFF has explored, rewarded and redefined artistic excellence in international Black cinema. It has grown to be recognized as the premier Black film festival in the United States. Its film slate is primarily composed of world premieres positioning it as the #1 film market for Black and urban content. In addition to its film showcases, the ABFF is committed to nurturing artists in a variety of disciplines and offers educational workshops and seminars for actors, filmmakers and writers throughout the week. The event annually attracts 2,500 attendees.

Members of the ABFF Advisory Board, chaired by Robert Townsend, include Debbie Allen, Bill Duke, Eriq La Salle, Suzanne de Passe, John Singleton and Melvin Van Peebles.

Other festival sponsors include: AXE, Lincoln, Time Warner (Platinum), Black Enterprise, Kodak and Vurv, Inc. (Gold), Nielsen Media Research (Silver). Media sponsors include: EURweb, Upscale, Uptown magazine and Socialstep.com.

Wal-Mart, in partnership with Time Warner’s Global Marketing group, has created the Voices of ColorTM Film Series designed to support African American filmmaking and highlight the range and depth of the African American experience. It is a unique program that aims to give “voice” to a more positive depiction of African American images via a wide range of quality programming for the whole family.

Home Box Office, Inc. is the premium television programming subsidiary of Time Warner Inc., providing two 24-hour premium television services, HBO and Cinemax. Together, both networks reach approximately 39 million subscribers in the United States via cable and satellite delivery. Home Box Office’s international joint ventures bring HBO branded services to more than 50 countries around the globe.

The ABFF 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 and related entertainment content.

Festival information, including eligibility requirements, registration and the 2006 schedule of events, is available online at www.abff.com, via phone 212.966.2411 ext. 400, or by e-mail: [email protected]

Contact:

Chelsye J. Burrows
303.250.3668

Producer and Director Warrington Hudlin to Receive Honor

New York, NY, March 22, 2005 – Award-winning film producer and Black Filmmaker Foundation (BFF) founder Warrington Hudlin will receive the Melvin Van Peebles Trailblazer Award at the 9th Annual American Black Film Festival (ABFF), Jeff Friday, cofounder and producer of the ABFF, announced today . The ABFF is a five-day retreat and international film market held annually in Miami’s South Beach. This year’s festival will take place July 13-17.

“For the better part of 30 years, Warrington has built a distinguished career as a pioneering Black filmmaker, activist and curator. It is for that reason we are pleased to honor him with the ABFF’s Melvin Van Peebles Trailblazer Award,” Friday said.

Hudlin, who began his career making documentary films, cofounded the BFF in 1978 to foster audience development and provide financial assistance to independent Black filmmakers. More recently, Hudlin founded dvRepublic.com and is the executive producer of the BFF DV Lab, a multicultural, socially concerned digital film company.

Born and raised in East St. Louis, Illinois, Hudlin graduated from Yale University in 1974. His work as a film producer includes the teenage hit House Party, the animated feature, Bebe’s Kids, and his first major Hollywood picture, Boomerang. He also won a Cable ACE award for the HBO Special Cosmic Slop. In addition, Hudlin is a cofounder and was also the curator of the Acapulco Black Film Festival.

“Our continued success demonstrates the unparalleled status of ABFF as the premiere international film festival for filmmakers of color,” said Friday. “It is through the continued support of HBO and Time Warner that we are able to give Black artists across the world a platform to express their voices. My sincere thanks to Olivia Smashum of HBO for her vision and help in forging the expanding relationship between Time Warner and Film Life.”

Novelist, playwright, musician, composer, actor, editor, director, producer and cultural icon, Melvin Van Peebles has been credited with paving the way for modern African-American filmmakers. “Melvin Van Peebles is the godfather of modern Black cinema, and his groundbreaking film, Sweet Sweetback’s Baadassss Song, was one of the first truly Black independent film projects,” Friday said. “He is a legend in the history of African-American cinema and his remarkable career and achievements have influenced events in American film history,” Friday added.

Van Peebles made his feature film debut in 1967 as the director, writer and composer of The Story of a Three Day Pass. In 1971, he starred in, wrote, produced directed, financed and distributed the groundbreaking, Sweet Sweetback’s Baadasssss Song, one of the highest-grossing independent films at the time. The film ushered in a new era of Black independent filmmaking. His other directing credits include “The Watermelon Man (1970) and Don’t Play Us Cheap (1973). In addition, he wrote the Tony Award nominated Broadway musical Ain’t Supposed to Die a Natural Death, and Classified X. In 1995, his son, actor/director Mario Van Peebles, directed his screenplay Panther.

Dedicated to strengthening the independent film community, the ABFF attracts more than 2,500 attendees and is recognized as the premiere Black film festival. The ABFF 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 become the leading American brand producing Black movies and related entertainment content.

Time Warner Inc. is the festival’s presenting sponsor and Home Box Office is the founding sponsor. Other festival sponsors include: Lincoln Mercury (Platinum), Blockbuster and UrbanWorks Entertainment (Gold), as well as American Airlines, Fox Searchlight Pictures, Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau, Kodak, Nickelodeon, Nielsen Media Research, Starbucks, Turner Classic Movies, and VURV, Inc. (Silver).

Presented by Time Warner, ABFF’s Program Includes Industry-Focused Panels, Workshops and Special Events

New York, NY, July 7, 2004 – Film Life’s American Black Festival announced today its 2004 Official Selections comprised of a provocative selection of feature-length documentaries, including 14 world premieres, and short films. Presented by Time Warner, with HBO as the founding sponsor, the highly regarded ABFF returns to South Beach, Miami, Wednesday, July 14 though Sunday, July 18, 2004.

The ABFF has four film sections: the Main Section, where feature-length films compete for the Blockbuster Audience Award – Best Feature Film and a cash prize of $20,000; the World Showcase Section, which provides a noncompetitive platform for filmmakers of all ethnicities to showcase stories that emphasize the Black experience and/or feature people of color; the Documentary Section, also noncompetitive, which recognizes artistic achievement in nonfiction filmmaking and the Short Film Section, where short films compete for the HBO Short Film Award and a $20,000 grand prize.

“The diversity of this year’s ‘Official Selections’ again proves that filmmakers of color can make quality films outside the studio system and tell a broad spectrum of stories,” said Jeff Friday, CEO of Film Life, Inc. and ABFF cofounder. “I am encouraged and inspired by their commitment and passion for making movies. Film Life and the American Black Film Festival will continue to support their endeavors and be rewarded by their outstanding achievements.”

This year’s panel discussions are: “From Underground to Mainstream: Transitioning from Music Video to Big-budget Feature Films,” presented by Time Warner; “Lackawanna Blues: From Stage to Screen” presented by HBO; “Home Entertainment: The New Frontier for the Independent Filmmaker,” presented by UrbanWorks Entertainment, and “An Introduction to Digital Filmmaking and Technology” presented by the University of Miami and Cineworks. Workshop topics include: Bill Duke’s “Actors Boot Camp” and the “Filmmaker Workshop 101” sponsored by Fox Searchlight Pictures and BET. Other participants in this year’s program include an elite group of industry executives and artists.

Special events will include the return of Time Warner’s much-anticipated “A Conversation With…,” which features an intimate discussion with a famed celebrity guest to be announced later. In addition, this year’s “Classic Cinema” screening will feature Lady Sings the Blues, hosted by actor/director Robert Townsend and will feature a special appearance by Suzanne de Passe, the film’s co-writer.

The gala Film Life Movie Awards, the only show of its kind to that salutes aspiring and accomplished artists solely for their excellence in motion pictures, will culminate the five-day ABFF on Saturday, July 17, at the Jackie Gleason Theater. Studio film awards will be presented in the following categories: Best Performance by an Actor, Best Performance by an Actress, Best Director, and Film of the Year. Independent Film Awards to be presented are the HBO Short Film Award and the Blockbuster Audience Award – Best Feature Film. Director Spike Lee will receive the Time Warner Innovator Award and actress Rosario Dawson will be presented with the Rising Star Award. The film Lady Sings the Blues will be inducted into the Classic Cinema Hall of Fame presented by Turner Classic Movies.

The Film Life Movie Awards show will be hosted by Robert Townsend and Tracee Ellis Ross. Presenters include: Angela Bassett, Bill Bellamy, Vivica A. Fox, Courtney B. Vance, and Time Warner Chairman and CEO Richard D. Parsons. There will also be a live performance by Atlantic recording artist Tamia.

Following is a list of the ABFF 2004 Official Selections, including the Main Section, the World Showcase, the Documentary Section and the Short Film Section.

Main Section

Brother to Brother – 16mm/Color/USA, 2004/90 min. directed by Rodney Evans. Brother to Brother invokes the glory days of the Harlem Renaissance through the memories of Bruce Nugent. As an elderly man, Nugent meets a gay, African American teenager in a homeless shelter and together they embark on a surreal narrative journey through Nugent’s inspiring past.

Gettin’ Grown – MINI-DV PAL/Color/USA, 2004/75 min. directed by Aaron Greer. The film follows twelve-year-old Eric as he sets out on a seemingly simple errand. When Eric’s journey through the neighborhood turns into a major rite of passage, he’s faced with getting lost or getting grown.

Justice – World Premiere – 16mm/Color/USA, 2004/104 min. directed by Jeanne-Marie Almonor and John Shulman. Justice is an inspirational drama about a lawyer who challenges a criminal justice system that prizes efficiency over real justice. The film explores themes ranging from broad contemporary social issues to the challenges facing a young couple balancing career and family.

Love Sex & Eating the Bones – 35mm/Color/USA, 2003/100 min. directed by Sudz Sutherland. Love Sex & Eating the Bones is an intelligent, sexy romantic comedy about an aspiring photographer who moonlights as a security guard. Frustrated with a life he can’t control, he finds himself with a porn habit that has a hilarious life of its own.

Men Without Jobs – Super 16mm/Color/USA, 2003/107 min. directed by Mad Matthewz. Ish and Oz are best friends and roommates with big dreams of starting their own hip-hop band. The two eccentric slackers make a pact to avoid the dreaded nine-to-five at all costs but come to realize that sooner or later everyone has to get a job.

Woman Thou Art Loosed – 35mm/Color/USA, 2003/94 min. directed by Michael Schultz. Woman Thou Art Loosed tells the dramatic story of Michelle Jordan (Kimberly Elise), a young woman who grows up in an environment of abuse. The circumstances of her childhood lead young Michelle into the dark abyss of drugs, prostitution and prison. Eventually Michelle is forced to do some soul-searching that takes her on a journey to recovery and resolution.

World Showcase

A Night In Compton – World Premiere – HD Sony CineAlta/Color/USA, 2003/110 min. directed by Daven Baptiste. Zion is home for Christmas break with one night to consummate his relationship with Lanise, who became the smartest, finest and “freakiest” girl from high school after losing 75 pounds at fat camp. Lanise, a virgin, has spent the last three months bragging about her sexual experiences and has Zion pressed to rock her world.

Love & Orgasms – World Premiere – 35mm/Color/USA, 2003/82 min. directed by Dana Offenbach. Love & Orgasms is a dramatic comedy about women’s relationships that explores the emotional challenges of healing a broken heart and the importance of sexual pleasure for women.

Love Shorts – World Premiere – Mini-DV/Color/USA, 2003/75 min. directed by Jonathan Woods. Eight passionate women, eight delightful stories and eight turning points on a never-ending journey of love. Intense, often funny, dramatic and always emotional, these heartfelt tales tug at our fear of the unknown and pose that undying question: Can we trust love?

Mindgame – World Premiere – Mini-DV PAL/Color/USA, 2003/70 min. directed by Shawn Martinbrough and Milo Stone. P.S.I., a government agency that employs psychics to assist in counterterrorist operations, sends Agent Crystal Carter to hunt down her former mentor John Cortez, a powerful psychic gone rogue. When Crystal is forced to work with Section 10, the Department of Defense’s technological counterpart to P.S.I., New York City becomes the battleground for a personal and psychic war.

My Big Phat Hip-Hop Family – World Premiere – High Definition/Color/USA, 2003/102 min. directed by Greg Carter. Audrey, a college student and the “odd duck” in a family of outrageous performers, hides her family from the new love of her life, who later becomes the hottest hip-hop hit artist.

Strange as Angels – Sony HD/Color/USA, 2003/94 min. directed by Steven J. Foley. Strange as Angels tells the story of a beautiful painter in Chicago who decides to leave her mundane life behind and search for inner happiness. She meets Rodney Porter, a recently divorced journalist, and the two begin an intense romance. In this story about independence, sex and longing, Marilyn embarks on a soul-searching journey and explores the question of whether it is better to seek happiness within herself or rely on love for all of life’s answers.

Sugar Valentine – World Premiere – 35mm/Color/USA, 2004/91min. directed by Jean Claude LaMarre. One man must choose between his heart and his profession. Based on the true life story of Sugar Valentine, a man born into a family of pimps finds that he is increasingly becoming disillusioned with the “game.” Now he must face his biggest challenge of all: falling in love.

The Evil One – World Premiere – 16mm/Color/USA, 2003/112 min. directed by Parris Reaves. The Evil One is a modern urban horror about a newspaper photographer who discovers a connection between serial killings in Chicago and Herman Webster Mudgett Jr., a serial killer who was buried face-down over a hundred years ago, and who had vowed to seek revenge on the descendants of those who buried him facing Hell.

The Walk – High Def/Color/USA, 2003/79 min. directed by Thomas Forbes. The Walk follows the troubled life of a girl who turns her back on her faith and all things associated with it. After getting in trouble with the law, her life is redirected back to the church where she meets someone who helps her to accept God back into her life.

One Love – 35-mm/Color/USA, 2003/100 min. directed by Rick Elgood. One Love tells the story of the forbidden love between Kassa, a young Rasta reggae musician, and Serena, the gospel-singing daughter of a devout Pentecostal preacher. Brought together through their mutual love of music, One Love explores how the power of music and love can overcome the strongest cultural and religious differences.

30 Miles – HDCAM/Color/USA, 2003/80 min. directed by Ryan Harper. A wealthy agent driving down a deserted highway stops to help a stranded motorist by the side of the road. His act of kindness will change both men forever as day turns to night in a desert that buries all secrets.

Documentary Section

African American – 16mm/Color/USA, 2004/104 min. directed by Askia Holloway. African American is a film that confronts the harsh conflicts between Black Americans and Africans. Shot on location at a historically Black college, the campus serves as a microcosm for Black America and for Africans and their experiences in America.

Barbershops Uncut: East Coast – World Premiere – Mini-DV NTSC/Color/USA, 2003/62 min. directed by Dabo Ché. For years the barbershop has served as the center of communication in the Black community. It is the one place where Black men feel comfortable voicing their opinions and discussing whatever comes to mind. Follow us as we travel the East Coast and visit with an eclectic and entertaining host of characters whose shared stories, jokes, trials and tribulations remind us all why the realities of Urban culture are often imitated but can never be duplicated.

Beef II – World Premiere – Digital Betacam NTSC/Color/USA, 2003-2004/98 min. directed by Peter Spirer. From labels and lawyers to managers and media, these battles rage behind the scenes of the music business. The increasing popularity and commercialization of rap music has created enormous wealth and irrevocably changed the tradition of battling within hip-hop culture. The true hip-hop battle is no longer a fight to prove one’s skills, but a fight for money, power and respect.

Chisholm ’72 – Unbought & Unbossed – Digital Betacam/Color/USA, 2004/76 min. directed by Shola Lynch. Chisholm ’72 – Unbought & Unbossed is the first historical documentary on Brooklyn Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm and her campaign for the Democratic Party presidential nomination in 1972. Following Chisholm from the announcement of her candidacy in January to the Democratic National Convention in Miami, Florida, in July. The story is like her: fabulous, fierce and fundamentally “right on.”

The Donnie McClurkin Story – From Darkness to Light – Digital Betacam NTSC/Color/USA, 2003/85 min. directed by Stephanie Fredric. The Donnie McClurkin Story – From Darkness to Light is an inspirational concert docudrama about the extraordinary life of Grammy Award-winning gospel singer Donnie McClurkin. The film reveals the once-troubled man behind the music and his road to redemption.

Short Film Section

Hold Up – World Premiere – 35-mm/Color/USA, 2004/8:58 min. directed by Tanya Boyd. Kevin is a college student, desperate to be accepted. He is surprised to be invited to pledge a fraternity and wholeheartedly begins his hell week. After days of no sleep, no food, hazing and a series of humiliating exercises, he is now finally about to complete the final night and become a full-fledged member of the organization. The final task will force Kevin into a night he never imagined.

Time Out – 35-mm/Color/USA, 2003/19 min. directed by Xelinda Yancy. Alice wandering in the land of reality would best describe the journey on which you’re invited to travel with first-time director Xelinda Yancy. Time Out offers a chapter in the life of its nine-year-old character, Lauren Martin. Secrets unburied, confrontations boldly faced, and decisions defiantly made, all make way for events that will forever change the road she chooses to follow.

One Flight Stand – 35-mm/Color/USA, 2003/12 min. directed by Saladin K. Patterson. Their first date is dinner and a movie…in Business Class. Ben walks Alexis home…well, back to her seat. He agrees to come in for just one cup of coffee. Cut to the next morning…Ben’s still there. When you’ve gone this far, there’s only one logical next step…move in together. Ben moves his whole life…well, maybe just his carry-on, from Coach to First Class next to Alexis. Things heat up pretty quickly between them and he wonders if he moved in too quickly. A well-timed argument sends Ben running back to Coach…for the life he once knew. After he’s had some time to clear his head, he realizes that Alexis is the seat he wants to commit to for the rest of his life…er, flight. But a beautiful flight attendant seems to have other plans in mind for Ben. Can Ben resist? Or will this relationship be another one-flight stand?

Shooter – World Premiere – Digital Betacam (NTSC)/Color/USA, 2003/24 min. directed by Todd Jeffrey. A recipient of the prestigious Martin Ritt fellowship, Shooter is the suspenseful story of a single day in the life of Tasha Johnson. The young talented teenager is put to the test when detectives question her about her sister’s whereabouts the night before. Tasha protects her older sister and vouches for her, providing an alibi before she knows anything about the situation. As Tasha peels away the layers of the world around her, she learns what the price of her loyalty could be and how far a person must go to protect their family.

The Memo – 35-mm/Color/USA, 2003/15 min. directed by Dahéli Hall. The long-awaited Black Revolution is finally announced through the release of The Memo. Felicia is shocked to find out that her co-worker, Ted, isn’t ready…he didn’t get The Memo! Hilarity and profundity ensues as Felicia uses “any means necessary” to get Ted ready. This fast-paced film turns the concept of revolution upside-down. It stars Undercover Brother’s Gary Anthony Williams and the film’s director, Dahéli Hall. So sharp-tongued and quick-witted you better be sure to not miss The Memo.

Time Warner is the Presenting Sponsor of ABFF. HBO is the festival’s Founding Sponsor. The festival’s Platinum Sponsor is Lincoln. Gold Sponsors are Blockbuster, Fox Searchlight Pictures, Martell Cognac, Phat Farm, Upscale magazine and UrbanWorks Entertainment. Silver sponsors are ABC, Inc., American Airlines, BET, Daily Blossom, Enyce, Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau (GMCVB), Maverick Entertainment, Miami Beach Visitor and Convention Authority (VCA), Miami Dade County Tourist Development Council (TDC) and Nielsen Media Research. This year’s industry partners are Kodak, Miami-Dade County Mayor’s Office of Film and SAGIndie, while Africana.com, AOL Black Focus, Black Elegance, Black Enterprise, Essence, In Focus magazine, Premiere magazine and ProductionHUB.com are media partners.

Jeff Friday is a cofounder of the ABFF, which is now solely produced by Film Life, Inc. Friday has served as executive producer of the ABFF since its inception in 1997. Formerly known as the Acapulco Black Film Festival, the international film market attracts more than 2,500 attendees annually.

Film Life Inc., is a film marketing and distribution company based in New York and established by Jeff Friday. Its mission is to spearhead the commercial development of independent Black films.

Time Warner is the world’s leading media and entertainment company, whose businesses include interactive services, cable systems, filmed entertainment, television networks, music and publishing.

ABFF Returns to South Beach, Miami, July 14-18 to Showcase the Best in Independent Black Cinema

Film Submissions Now Being Accepted

New York, NY, February, 2004 – Film Life, Inc. today announced the dates and call for entries for Film Life’s Eighth Annual American Black Film Festival (ABFF). The ABFF will be held Wednesday, July 14 through Sunday, July 18 throughout South Beach, Miami, Florida. Submissions are now being accepted in all categories for screening consideration. The ABFF is presented by Time Warner Inc.

Under the direction of Film Life’s CEO and ABFF cofounder Jeff Friday, the 2004 ABFF program will showcase a diverse selection of Black films inclusive of features, shorts, documentaries as well as studio/network releases. The ABFF is committed to nurturing filmmakers in a variety of disciplines and offers panel discussions, industry workshops and seminars in addition to its film showcases.

The festival has four film sections: the Main section (Feature Films/Competitive), World Showcase (Feature Films/Noncompetitive), HBO Short Film Award competition and the Documentary Section (Noncompetitive). Awards are presented to films in all competitive sections. The awards include, the HBO Short Film Award ($20,000 cash prize); the Blockbuster Award for Best Feature Film ($20,000 cash prize), the Filmmaker Trophy (a peer award); the Best Performance by an Actor Award and the Best Performance by an Actress Award.

The deadline for entries for all film sections is Friday, April 15. For complete submission information, please visit www.abff.com.

“Last year’s festival demonstrated the unparalleled status of ABFF as an international film market and a leading film festival for filmmakers of color,” said Friday. “We’d like to acknowledge our corporate partners, especially Time Warner, HBO and Lincoln Mercury. It is through their continued support that we are able to give Black filmmakers across the world an alternative voice.”

“Time Warner is pleased to lend its support again this year and build upon its strong, productive and diverse partnership with the ABFF,” said Gerri Warren Merrick, vice president, corporate community relations, Time Warner. “We are committed to seeking opportunities to celebrate the creative genius of Black Filmmakers.”

“HBO has been a sponsor of the ABFF since its infancy and it’s proven to be a very successful partnership,” said Olivia Smashum, executive vice president, affiliate marketing, HBO. “We’re proud of how the festival has grown and are pleased to continue our long-standing and enthusiastic support because we too share the same vision – that of mining new talent.”

The American Black Film Festival formerly known as the Acapulco Black Film Festival, was founded in 1997 by Jeff Friday, president & CEO, Film Life Inc. ABFF is a five day retreat and international film market dedicated to strengthening the independent film community. The festival was born out of a belief in the need to stimulate independent Black film development and promote cultural diversity within the film industry. With limited access to images and opportunities for Black filmmakers in Hollywood, the ABFF created a platform to showcase the cinematic work of independent artists of vision and emerging talent.

Since its inception, the ABFF has explored, rewarded and redefined artistic excellence in international Black cinema. Members of the ABFF Advisory Board, chaired by Robert Townsend, include: Debbie Allen, Bill Duke, Eriq La Salle, Suzanne de Passe, John Singleton and Melvin Van Peebles. This year marks the festival’s third year in South Beach. It attracts 2,500 attendees and is recognized as the premiere Black film festival.

Sponsors of this year’s ABFF include: Time Warner (Presenting), HBO (Founding) and Lincoln Mercury (Platinum). Gold sponsors include: Blockbuster, Upscale and Fox Searchlight Pictures; the Silver sponsor is American Airlines. The festival’s media partner is Black Enterprise.

The ABFF is a property of Film Life, Inc., a New York based film marketing and distribution company. Its mission is to spearhead the commercial development of independent Black films.

Time Warner Inc. is the world’s leading media and entertainment company whose businesses include filmed entertainment, interactive services, television networks, cable systems and publishing.

For information on eligibility requirements, registration and schedule of events for the ABFF, visit www.abff.com.

Russell Simmons to Receive AOL Time Warner’s Innovator Award Gabrielle Union to Receive the AOL Time Warner Rising Star Award at FILM LIFE Movie Awards Show Gala in South Beach, Miami June 21

New York, NY, May 30, 2003 – Film Life, Inc. and AOL Time Warner announced today that it will salute the outstanding work and exceptional achievements of entertainment mogul and activist Russell Simmons along with actress Gabrielle Union at the upcoming American Black Film Festival (ABFF) in South Beach, Miami. The star-studded Film Life Movie Awards Show, sponsored by Lincoln, will be held at 6:30 p.m., Saturday, June 21, in the Jackie Gleason Theater.

Russell Simmons will be presented with the AOL Time Warner Innovator Award. His close friend, Cedric the Entertainer, will present the award. Gabrielle Union will accept the AOL Time Warner Rising Star Award. AOL Time Warner is the ABFF’s presenting sponsor.

“AOL Time Warner is proud to honor Russell Simmons and Gabrielle Union — both luminaries in the entertainment industry,” said Gerri Warren-Merrick, vice president, community relations, AOL Time Warner. “Mr. Simmons’ and Ms. Union’s careers have made a profound impact on the African American community, as well as on the entertainment industry.”

“We are honored to salute the accomplishments of Russell Simmons and Gabrielle Union,” said Jeff Friday, president and CEO of Film Life, Inc., and ABFF executive director. “Undoubtedly, Russell Simmons is an icon in the entertainment industry. He has galvanized hip-hop from a small subset of music into a worldwide cultural explosion. The AOL Time Warner Innovator Award is a symbolic reminder of his distinctive and visionary career. Gabrielle Union in a short time has proven her ability as a television and film actress. She is indeed one of the industry’s preeminent rising stars,” Friday said.

As chairman and CEO of Rush Communications, Russell Simmons’ career has successfully built upon his vision of hip-hop as a deep cross-cultural common center. In his position, his watchful eye is on music, Def Jam Records; film, the SimmonsLathan Media Group; television, HBO’s “Def Comedy Jam” and Peabody Award-winning “Russell Simmons Presents Def Poetry”; Broadway, the critically acclaimed stage production “Russell Simmons Def Poetry Jam on Broadway”; the fashion industry, the Phat Farm and Baby Phat; finances, Uni Rush Financial Services; advertising, the dRush agency; technology, Rush Mobile; magazine publishing, “One World” Magazine; and most of all, in the community with Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation and the Hip-Hop Summit Action Network.

Gabrielle Union has made an indelible impact on Hollywood in a short time. She will next be seen in Columbia Pictures’ summer release Bad Boys II. Currently she can be seen co-starring with Jet Li and hip-hop artist DMX in Cradle to the Grave. Her other film credits include Deliver Us From Eva, Welcome to Collinwood, Abandon and Bring It On. On television she has appeared in the hit series “Friends,” “Moesha,” “ER,” “Dave’s World,” “The Steve Harvey Show,” “Sister Sister” and “7th Heaven.” Recently, Union was selected as Entertainment Weekly’s “IT Girl,” and one of E!’s “Sizzling 16” and Vogue Magazine’s “Next Generation of Movie Stars.”

The Film Life Movie Awards were established in 1997 and traditionally have been held as the culminating event of the American Black Film Festival. Uniquely, the Film Life Movie Awards salute the work high profile Hollywood talent as well as independent filmmakers.

“The Film Life Movie Awards were developed to bring together established entertainment icons with independent filmmakers who are moving toward establishing their body of work,” said Friday, creator of the Awards. “Like the ABFF, the Film Life Movie Awards provide a platform to honor artistic excellence in Black cinema.”

Other awards to be presented at the Film Life Movie Awards Show include the HBO Short Film Award, the Blockbuster Audience Award for Best Feature Film, the Lincoln Filmmaker Trophy, the Best Performance by an Actor, presented by Phat Farm and the Best Performance by an Actress, presented by ESSENCE. Arista recording artists Kenny Lattimore and Chante Moore will perform at the gala event that will be hosted by actor/director Robert Townsend, who also serves as chairman of the ABFF Advisory Board, and Shaun Robinson of “Access Hollywood”.

Now in its seventh year, Film Life’s ABFF was created to redefine, discover and honor artistic excellence in Black cinema. ABFF provides a platform for the innovative work of contemporary Black filmmakers. Formerly known as the Acapulco Black Film Festival, the five-day retreat and international film market attracts more than 2,500 attendees annually. This year marks the Festival’s second year in South Beach.

Film Life, Inc., is a film marketing and distribution company based in New York and established by Jeff Friday. Its mission is to spearhead the commercial development of independent Black films. Friday, a cofounder of the ABFF, has served as executive producer of the Festival since its inception in 1977.

AOL Time Warner is the world’s leading media and entertainment company whose businesses include interactive services, cable systems, filmed entertainment, television networks, music and publishing.