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The summer is always a ripe time for conventions, expos, and festivals to consider. From Oprah’s tour to the annual American Black Film Festival, here is our list of ten 2014 summer events to enjoy and get inspired from.

Perhaps the ABFF will have a better understanding of black films like “Madea’s Witness Protection.”

Ever read a review of a black film in a general interest publication and think “Wow, the reviewer just didn’t get it”? Sometimes there is a cultural disconnect when it comes to the appreciation or criticism of African-American films. So Film Life, Inc., a multifaceted entertainment company best known for creating the American Black Film Festival (ABFF), has decided to launch ABFF Movie Review. It debuted last week and is a weekly online podcast offering critical reviews of current Hollywood films, highlighting black characters, issues, stereotypes, and performances.

The podcast is hosted by film critic Reggie Ponder, who is the resident critic for WBEW 89.5 FM Chicago/Vocalo.com.

“People of color rarely have the benefit of a film critique from a person who fully understands the nuances of their culture,” said Jeff Friday, CEO of Film Life, Inc., and founder of ABFF, in a press statement. “It is my hope that the ABFF Movie Review will not only entertain, but generate dialogue, encouraging people to respond on our social media. Reggie is the perfect critic for this because of his passion and understanding of black culture.”

Since its inception 17 years ago, the ABFF has showcased more than 600 films.

Cedric the Entertainer at the Soul Train Music Awards. (Photo by Frank Micelotta/PictureGroup) via AP IMAGES

Do people (other than your mom) think you’re funny? Always thought about being the next Chris Rock?

Film Life, the company behind the African Black Film Festival (ABFF) has launched The Comedy Wings Competition, the search for undiscovered comedic talent. The winner of the competition will get a trip to the ABFF, taking place in Miami Beach June 19 through 23, and get the chance to perform in front of the festival crowd.

Among the Festival’s past performers are Kevin Hart, Cedric the Entertainer, Bill Bellamy, and J.B. Smoove. This is a first for the Comedy Wings Competition, but the Festival has previously hosted an acting competition, the Star Project, which launched in 2009.

To enter, applicants must submit either a stand-up performance in the three- to four-minute range or an original sketch. Click here for more info and to toss your hat in the ring. The deadline is March 22. A panel will decide the winner.

Good luck to all the entrants!

Though she may not be a household name, Vanessa Bell Calloway has one of the most recognizable faces in Black Hollywood. The thespian has been acting since the early 80s and has appeared in countless television shows and movies. We got the chance to talk to the actress at the American Black Film Festival in Miami where she was promoting her latest project “The Last Fall.” Check it out.

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We can’t get enough of looking at cutie pie Boris Kodjoe so we were very happy that we got to catch up with him at the American Black Film Festival in Miami. We found out something new about the actor, whose career apparently encompasses more than just entertainment. Did you know that Mr. Kodjoe had a clothing company for one? Yeah, he seems to have a lot going on these days. Check out what he’s been up to.

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Madame Noire had the honor of attending the American Black Film Festival in Miami this year and got to catch up with a variety of talent including actor Michael Beach, who sat down to discuss the themes in his new movie “A Fool and His Money” out on DVD from One Village Entertainment. Check it out.

More on Madame Noire!

• HALF ON A BABY: The Top 7 Ways You’ll Know He’s Ready For Kids
• Race To The Ring: Will These Women Get Their Famous Men To Put A Ring On It?
• Are You an Alpha Female?
• Let’s Talk, Ladies: Are You Afraid Of The “S” Word?
• My Story: For Colored Girls Who’ve Considered Suicide When the Law Couldn’t Protect Them From Incest
• Locs to Love: 7 Celebs With Fabulous Locs
• Noire Naturals, Episode 1: The Natural Twist Out

(AP) — One of the most prestigious festivals honoring black cinema returned to Miami Beach on Wednesday to promote cultural diversity and recognize the contributions of black directors, writers and actors to the film industry.  Now in its 15th year, the American Black Film Festival promotes cultural diversity within the film industry by strengthening the black filmmaking community through four days of film screenings, networking, workshops for both actors and directors and panel discussions.  Jeff Friday, the festival’s co-founder, said he wanted to change America’s tone of African-American characters on television and films.  “I had always been disturbed by images of people with color in films. There was always a level of struggle,” he said of black people on the television shows he grew up watching, such as “Good Times” or “The Jeffersons.”

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