Local news anchor Constance Jones and Fox Searchlight are hosting a special screening of BELLE this coming Tuesday, May 13, 2014 at Regal South Beach, 7:30pm. 

BELLE is inspired by the true story of Dido Elizabeth Belle (Gugu Mbatha-Raw), the illegitimate mixed race daughter of a Royal Navy Admiral.  Raised by her aristocratic great-uncle Lord Mansfield (Tom Wilkinson) and his wife (Emily Watson), Belle’s lineage affords her certain privileges, yet the color of her skin prevents her from fully participating in the traditions of her social standing.  Left to wonder if she will ever find love, Belle falls for an idealistic young vicar’s son bent on change who, with her help, shapes Lord Mansfield’s role as Lord Chief Justice to end slavery in England.

Because it is private event, a ticketing system is not being used but a special guest list is being created. RSVP by emailing your name to BelleFloridaScreenings@gmail.com. The deadline is Monday May 12, 2014.

 

 

Wikipedia:  Dido Elizabeth Belle

 

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Check out this very touching  video of Miami's Teddy Bridgewater and his mother, Ms. Rose Murphy. When Teddy was a little boy, he like many other young black boys, dreamed of becoming a professional football Player. Teddy also told his mother he would buy her mother a pink Cadillac Escalade when he went to the pros. As a nine year-old, he didn't know his mother would later be diagnosed with breast cancer. The signature color of the breast cancer awareness campaign is pink.

Of the hundreds of thousands of young boys throughout the United States who dream of playing sports, Teddy has succeeded and accomplished all of his goals thus far. Cadillac has partnered with famed film director Spike Lee to make a documentary on Teddy's life. If the film is anything like this clip we see here, the viewers should be proud of Teddy Bridgewater, his mother and his entire family. Be prepared to cry.

A side note not to be ignored is the incredible positive publicity this video/mini-documentary generates for Miami Northwestern High School. Prayerfully Teddy Bridgewater will be a role model for many children in Miami's inner-city and beyond.

 

Louisville Cardinals Adidas #5 Youth Red Replica Football Jersey (Large)

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CHICAGO, Ill. — As actors Ice Cube and Kevin Hart prepare for the release of their film, Ride Along, the two sat down with JET magazine to discuss making the film, mixing business and entertainment, and building their legacies in Hollywood.

Cube, who has established himself as a hip-hop artist, record producer, actor, screenwriter, film producer, and director, not only stars in the action-comedy, but is also one of its producers.

“From 48 Hours to Lethal Weapon to Bad Boys, I wanted Ride Along to have the same kind of feel as those movies,” said Cube responding to what movie-goers can expect from the film.   

Hart, who has established himself as a mainstream comedian and actor, is anticipated to deliver the same “belly-busting” humor fans expect, if not more.  However, while known for jokes and laughter, Hart is serious about his craft and discusses in detail the sacrifices made during his climb to stardom.

“I took a gamble when I quit my job, which meant putting my all into stand-up comedy,” said Hart.  “When you don’t have a backup plan, you work as hard as you can because you know there cannot be a negative outcome, only positivity.  When you let go of other things, you help yourself to evolve into great things.”

Readers can read the article in its entirety and more in the January 27 issue of JET magazine, on newsstands January 6. Ride Along hits movie theaters on January 17. 

 

Photo: Johnson Publishing Company

 

 

John Sayles, the dean of American indie filmmakers and a two-time Academy Award nominee, brought his latest movie, Go For Sisters, to the Coral Gables Art Cinema for its exclusive South Florida premiere run beginning Friday, December 13.  LisaGay Hamilton and Yolonda Ross star as two long estranged childhood friends who make their way down to Mexico in search of Hamilton's on the lam son, along with a tough-as-nails ex-cop played by iconic Latino actor Edward James Olmos. As much a fascinating character study as it is nominally a thriller, it has just been nominated for an Independent Spirit Award (the art house version of the Oscars). 

Read more at Miami Art Guide.

 

 

 

 

 

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oscar Micheaux: A Self-Made Man, a new release from The Hollywood Press, brings the story of America's greatest African American filmmakers to life. The book is designed for everyone who loves movies and would like to introduce young audiences to the history of film. The illustrated soft cover book provides insightful glimpses into the lives and work of African American filmmakers, memorable screen icons and less familiar figures.

Written by Jeremy Geltzer, a film professor, entertainment lawyer and author, the book is targeted to middle grade readers, ages 9-13. Oscar Micheaux’s life vividly demonstrates the American Dream. The son of ex-sharecroppers, Micheaux worked odd jobs from Pullman Porter to Dakota homesteader before becoming one of the first black filmmakers. He made films outside Hollywood that were tailored to black audiences using his own stars. Among Micheaux’s discoveries were Paul Robeson and Robert Earl Jones, father of James Earl Jones.

In less than 30 years Micheaux directed over 40 films. While the director has been passed over in many film history books, his story remains inspirational. Micheaux believed in his dream; he struggled to share his message of self-reliance and betterment. Other chapters in the book chronicle the African American community’s hard fought battle for recognition in Hollywood, from Sidney Poitier to Octavia Spencer and other black directors from the silent era to Spike Lee and Lee Daniels.

 

 

Looking forward to watching the sequel to the 1999 hit movie, The Best Man, starring Taye Diggs; Morris Chestnut; Nia Long; Sanaa Lathan; Terrence Howard; Monica Calhoun; Harold Perrineau; Melissa De Sousa and Regina Hall. It’s official title is The Best Man Holiday but some folks are calling it The Best Man 2. It will premiere on November 15 and show get great box office vibes based on the internet buzz alone. 

 

All of the main characters return.  This time around, Nia Long’s character, Jordan, appears to have moved on to a nice career at MSNBC judging from the PoliticsNation and The Rachel Maddow Show posters on the wall in her office. Joining the cast as her love interest is Eddie Cibrian (Brian McDonald). 

Although this film is a comedy, I’ve read there is drama and a few tears will likely be shed. Since my birthday is Veteran’s Day, November 11, I’ve already planned to celebrate by seeing The Best Man Holiday on opening night with friends. You’re welcome to join us. Stay tuned for more info. Let the countdown begin, family… Smooches… 

-vb

 

 

 

A new coming of age film about sisters growing up in Liberty City is set for release in 2013. The film’s title is ‘The Magic City.’ It stars some actors you know: Jenifer Lewis; Keith David and Jamie Hector. It also features some new faces: Latrice Jackson; LaShay Jackson; and Amiya Thomas. Check out the trailer below.

 

 

Official website: The Magic City 

 

 

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Miami Beach welcomes TV & Films top Stars to the Fontainebleau's Arkadia tonight

 

In Miami these days when one speaks of a Duo, they're generally talking about the Miami Heat's Lebron James and Dwayne Wade, respectively.  But another dynamic duo is invading Miami for the American Black Film Festival (ABFF).  Collectively, DJ Shogun and Aaron "Mr. MusicIsMyBusiness" Arnold have worked with everyone from Hollywood Actor Idris Elba to Global Icon Sean "Diddy" Combs; They've DJed and hosted everywhere from Switzerland to Harvard University and many places in between.  Tonight at 10pm this duo will be bringing their talents to Miami Beach for the 16th Annual American Black Film Festival (ABFF) opening party where DJ Shogun (@DjShogun) will be spinning and Mr. MusicIsMyBusiness (@MrMimb) MCing.    

This spectacular event, sponsored by Uptown Magazine and Stella Artois, will take place at the Fontainebleau's Arkadia on Miami Beach and not only host some of the top emerging film-makers, producers, directors from all over the world but stars like Will Packer, cast members from “Think Like A Man,” Tracee Ellis Ross, Vanessa Williams, Rockmond Dunbar and many more. 

“This is our third year and as the American Black Film Festival (@ABFF) continues to grow in magnitude and impact we're honored to be growing with it," said the duo (DJ Shogun and Aaron). "We're always excited to support & celebrate the Black arts. To provide the soundscape for the week and rub elbows with legendary & rising stars is a pleasure.” 

Some of the Festival highlights this year will include:  The first ever Webisode Challenge, A Conversation with Salim & Mara Brock Akil;  “Beasts of The Southern Wild” (took top awards at Sundance and Cannes) and the HBO Short Film competition to name a few.  

 

 

About The DJ 

DJ Shogun, a Queens, NY Native, is fast  becoming the go-to-dj for many high-profile events: Miami's  International Fashion week, Russell  Simmon's Globalgrind.com launch party at The W Hotel in LA,  Michael Jordan's Annual Celebrity Golf Tournament @ Atlantis,  Carmelo Anthony's Shoe Launch Party @ Jaguar, LA, Derek Jeter's  All-Star Party @ Marquee, NYC, etc. He also  spins with celebrity-friend, Idris  Elba. His music style (i.e.Hip Hop, House, Electro, etc.). The currently serves as MusicIsMyBusiness' anchor DJ and is a part of the newly form Monster DJ collective.  You can learn more about him at http://www.musicismybusiness.net/about/jason-dj-shogun-murdock/ or www.djshogun.com

 

About The MC

Aaron "mr.musicismybusiness" Arnold is CEO of MusicIsMyBusiness.  The Chicago Native has built MusicIsMyBusiness (MIMB) into one of "America's Smartest New Companies led by people under 30," according to Inc Magazine.  Recently, Sean "Diddy" Combs gave Mr. Arnold a great endorsement to his 5million plus followers as the "future" of music and business.  He's spoken everywhere from Harvard Business to Capital Hill on behalf of Google to hosting parties in ATL-DC-Miami-Chicago and St. Thomas, Vi.   His story and growth continue to peak interest from kids to businessmen across the globe.  In the past, he's been featured in Black Enterprise (twice), Inc Magazine, CNN, MTV, Vh1 and blogs for Fast Company Magazine re: Social Media &TheModernStartup. You can learn more about him at www.musicismybusiness.com or facebook.com/MrMusicIsMyBusiness 

 

About ABFF

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 500 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 more information, please visit www.abff.com.