All Articles Tagged "african american filmmaker"
Film Circuit Not for Faint of Heart
(The Root) — Living in New York City gives you a perspective of struggle, of hustle — the belief that if you deprive yourself and focus on your craft, you, too, can have it all. Leaving New York, even for a day, can deliver a certain clarity, akin to learning that razor blades are not an effective form of weight loss. New York is seen as a mecca for culture and diversity — a view that is both our gift and our curse. We are a city wrapped in ourselves; we dwell in our circles and use our friends and interests to reinforce our views of the world. The city keeps a lot of artists suffocated like the roots of a plant that has overgrown its pot. Darius Clark Monroe, John Goff and I left our tightly woven Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn, community for a much-needed vacation, exchanging our unlimited Metro cards for the highway. My friend Darius’ latest short film, Slow, was in competition at the 2011 Martha’s Vineyard African-American Film Festival. Slow is the story of two black men who arrange a date after meeting on the Internet. The film had previously premiered at some of the more esteemed gay film festivals, but Martha’s Vineyard was its first foray into the black arena.
Filmmaker on Mission to Root Out Injustice
(Eurweb) — Award-winning filmmaker, Keith Beauchamp found his calling while making his first documentary about Emmett Louis Till, the 14-year-old black boy who was abducted and tortured to death in August of 1955 for allegedly whistling at a white woman. The suspects subsequently arrested for the lynching were all acquitted by an all white jury. That heart-wrenching story of a young boy, beaten, shot, and thrown in a river, ignited the early civil rights movement. Decades later, the case was re-opened by the FBI because Keith Beauchamp uncovered new information in the course of his research for The Untold Story of Emmett Louis Till. Bolstered by his ability to connect with potential witnesses who otherwise might not come forward in communities where such Civil Rights crimes have occurred, Beauchamp has become a passionate advocate for survivors seeking justice for victims and has assisted the FBI by developing new leads for some of the still unsolved cases from this shameful troubled chapter in American history.
Salim and Mara Brock Akil Ink Major BET Deal
(Variety) — “The Game” exec producers Mara Brock Akil and Salim Akil are deepening their ties to BET, inking a mega-production deal with the cabler. Three-year overall pact encompasses a series commitment and multiple pilot commitments for the hyphenates, who are married. The deal with Akil Prods. is highly unusual for BET. It’s another sign that the Viacom-owned net is serious about expanding its scripted programming slate. ”This is a very important deal for us. It reflects our belief in (the Akils) as storytellers and creators and our commitment to the world of scripted TV in general,” said Loretha Jones, prexy of original programming for BET Networks. “Mara and Salim are going to play a very important role in our strategic planning for this channel going forward.” ”Game” has led the charge into scripted comedy for BET this year. The sitcom delivered a boffo opening of 9 million viewers for BET in its January bow, which came more than a year after the show was canceled by the CW. “Game” was renewed for another 22 episodes that will roll out early next year.
