Sunday, December 27, 2015

Anacostia Web Series returns with a bang






After a year hiatus, Anacostia season 4 resume with 3 new episodes on Christmas Day and I will have to admit it was well worth the wait, hopefully we don't have to wait another year to see how things pan out so get into Episodes 4-6 and if you are unaware of the series or need a refresher please watch previous episodes on their youtube page https://www.youtube.com/user/ANACOSTIASERIES

Episode 4




Episode 5




Episode 6

Wednesday, December 16, 2015

Medino Green feat Bry'Nt Good Dick






Medino Green is back with a new mixtape entitled "M23"




Elle Varner BB Kings 12/15/15 MBK Entertainment Holiday Party



Last night in New York City Elle Varner performed at the MBK Entertainment Holiday party at BB Kings take a look at the performance below...






Fuck It All Performance

B Slade BB Kings NYC 12/15/15







B Slade performed at MBK Entertainment Holiday Party at BB Kings in New York City on 12/15 closing out the party singing 4 songs a mash up of total praise and Make Me Over and 2 Janet Jackson songs. Get into this total slayage as he kills the stage. Having been a fan of B. Slade for the longest it was great to see him up close and personal and he definitely didn't disappoint at all..



Wednesday, December 2, 2015

In Memory of Keith Barbee July 2,1977-Nov 29,2015




Lord the last few days have been very difficult as we lost a great soul in Keith Barbee Ive been trying to put into words what Keith meant to me. It's still difficult to talk to him in the past, but i have too. Keith was a genius in his own right and always had a way with words. He was an author, He was compassionate, He was my tastemaker. We could talk for hours about life and what was going on in our lives. He always had something motivational to say when i was in a funk. Keith, you were a light that touched so many people and I doubt you ever knew that. The impact that you made on the Tennessee State University and the people you touched after with just being you. I will love you always and you will have a piece of my heart as long as their breathe in my body. Thank you for your friendship, love and most of all thank you for being The Tastemaker. 

The funeral for Keitheon Barbee will be on Sat. Dec. 5, 2015 at 11 a.m. at the Morning Star Baptist Church, 222 Scott Drive, Ripley, Tennessee, 38063

The public viewing will be on Friday, Dec. 4, from 1-5 p.m. at Currie Funeral Home, 7560 Hwy. 51 South,  in Henning, Tennessee 38041.


If you would like to donate to funeral which is tomorrow log on to the https://www.gofundme.com/c7cn6gxc



Thursday, November 12, 2015

The Gin Game Play 11/10/15



Pulitzer Prize-winning dramas, D.L. Coburn's popular 1976 two-hander about a pair of retirement home residents who banter and bitch away the hours at a card table is so slight it might almost evaporate as it's unfolding. But it would be churlish to be ungrateful for any play that provides the opportunity to admire wily old pros James Earl Jones and Cicely Tyson as they spark off one another, and to bask in their highly infectious rapport. Hats off to any actors who can manage seven performances a week at the respective ages of 84 and 90, but the co-stars of The Gin Game are doing it with such verve that the insubstantiality of the vehicle hardly matters.    

Jones and Tyson, who last appeared together on Broadway in 1966 and it was an honor to watch them for 2 hrs as I was throughly entertained and laughed the entire 2 hrs at how  marvously these 2 played off each other and jelled perfectly if you are coming to the New York City area between now and January 10 please make your way to the Golden Theatre for a night  of broadway and best believe you won't be disappointed and definely will get your money worth because with these two legends on stage you have no choice but to watch in awe as they put on a master class right in front of you. 

Friday, October 23, 2015

Adele New Music: Hello





Well Adele has surprised folks and released her new single "Hello" moments ago take a listen below and let us know what you think and be sure to buy 25 album which will be available on Nov. 20


Thursday, October 22, 2015

1 on 1 with Robert Ri'chard at UWFF







Back in Sept got an opportunity to talk to Robert Ri'chard who you remember from the hit tv show one on one, hanging with mr cooper and also the voice of cousin skeeter and many other shows, he was at the premiere of his new film the man in 3b.

1 on 1 with Nafessa Williams at UWFF 2015





Got an opportunity to chat with actress Nafessa Williams at the NYC premiere of her new film The Man in 3B you might remember her on the daytime soap opera One Life to Life where she played Deanna Forbes in 2011.

one on one with Charlemane tha god at UWFF 2015





Last month at Urban World Film Festival I got an opportunity to interview Charlemane who walked the carpet at the festival, get into the interview above.

Sunday, October 18, 2015

Adele is back!







Adele is back, after releasing a snippet moments ago on tv show X Factor UK the song which is untitled. Their are rumors that Adele who has been quiet on the music scene for almost 3 yrs now is set to release her album next month.

Wednesday, October 14, 2015

Stop holding on to the person who has let you go..

Stop holding on to the one person who has let you go is something that am i currently dealing with. Why do we hold on to something that doesn't and has clearly moved on from you? Yes you might have been their love of their life but you got to move on to better you and start your healing. You've tried being in other relationships but you sabotage those relationship, because you hope that you guys will be one day reunited and everything will go back to where it use to be. 


You get back together and then what? what do you expect to take place that didn't when you guys were together? what could possible change in the time since and do you honestly believe that love conquers all and the only ting that will help? I don't know just had this on my mind and needed to get it out, why me oh lord, what did i do that after so long from not being together that you have not been able to move on? 

Thursday, October 8, 2015

48 hrs in Cancun Mexico






Last week I was in Cancun basking in the sun and difference of being in a new country where i didn't understand the culture or the  language but i am glad i was able to experience Cancun and Mexico for 48 hrs. A friend on Facebook had posted a deal that Frontier Airlines had posted  $90 roundtrip to Cancun, the only catch is I had to leave out of Philly in order to go. So i debated with self if it would be worth it for a few hrs and finally told myself why the hell not this is definitely a steal that probably won't happen again. So for 3 weeks i researched on what i wanted to do while in Mexico and where to stay and all the necessities that would take place while there. I decided to stay in a hostel which would be my second time staying in one, first time being in Philly in April for Philly Black Pride Weekend and I had no issues so why not a buddy who always travels only stays in hostels and love them. Ticket bought and now where to stay, which hostels? so i researched some more and find one $9 a night, not bad. booked it.


Get to Cancun and after going through customs and figuring out how to exit the airport, I take a $5 shuttle from airport to downtown Cancun to their bus station and from the map the hostel where i would be staying is a 10 min walk coo. Now the hard part, lol I don't know spanish, I don't know how to translate anything and this is where the frustration begins.. After trying to figure out peso to dollar and checking into my room. I took the city bus for about 30 mins to the beach which was called Playa Delfines which was cool. Coming back from the beach, went back to the hostel and rest a while, and get up and go walk around cause a, am hungry and B, i didn't come to cancun to sleep lol.

So i had a taste for rice and beans and chicken but i couldn't find any downtown so i settled on chinese after finding someone who spoke english to guide me n where i could get something good to eat and it was good and full filling. Now its starting to rain so as i was scurrying back to the hostel again i come across a person who's talking about taking a tour of mexico which i wanted to do while there and had researched prior but the prices were ridiculous so i told myself i would wait until i got to cancun and see what i could find. So the guy  initially wanted me to spend $50 USD and i was like nah not happening, so i talked him down to $35 USD and everything was right in the world again lol.


Day 2 i wake up at 6am for my all day excursion to Chichen Itza which is 2.5 hrs north of Cancun and it was worth getting up at 6am. After picking up everyone and getting registered a chartered bus about 40 folks left cancun and our first stop was to the city of Vallaolid where we visited a mayan church for about 30 mins and then back on the bus where we stopped and had lunch for about 1.5 and then it was off to Chichen Itza where we stayed for about 2 hrs and then an hr at the Ik Kil Cenote which is a man made sink hole which was beautiful. afterwards got back to the hostel and crashed and got up for the airport and back to america. The trip was good and I conquered my fears or exploring an foreign country alone.



Photos from Cancun

Rihanna inside the R8 Album Cover Reveal #r8gallery









Rihanna reveals 8th studio album "Anti" forthcoming no details on release date or track listing.

Rihanna reveals 8th studio album cover "Anti"





Rihanna held a special event in Los Angeles this evening where she unveiled the artwork for her 8th studio album, still known by fans as ‘R8’. You’re looking at the official cover of the album (top), that she says was  inspired by her first day of daycare. The artwork was done by artist Roy Nachum. No release date has been announced or track listing. 


Thursday, September 24, 2015

New Music: Janet Jackson Feat Missy Elliott "BurnitUp!"




We first got a taste of Janet Jackson and Missy Elliott’s “BURNITUP!” collaboration when video surfaced of Janet opening her tour with the song. Now, the highly anticipated track is finally here, and it’s every bit as much a jam as you’d hope from the two legends.


The beat is electronic and uptempo, with processed vocal samples and crisp house drums. Janet plays the sci-fi diva, exhorting “Mr. DJ” to “turn it up” and the crowd to “dance like no-one’s watching.” Missy is a burst of exuberance, rapping in double time—”Make it work, make it work, make it work” she bellows.It’s a cutting edge jam from two artists who have never been anything but. Janet Jackson’s Unbreakable drops Oct. 2.






Monday, September 21, 2015

Janet Jackson Unbreakable Tour in Toronto 9/15/15





On last Tuesday I traveled from New York City to Toronto, Canada to witness Janet Jackson my ultimate diva slay the stage at the Air Canada Centre and I am so happy to have witness this experience, because it was just that an experience. I first laid my eyes on Janet Jackson September 2001 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida during the "All For You" tour and she had it then and on this past tuesday she still had it. 90 mins for singing, dancing and taking the sold out venue on an magical journey through all of her hits of the past and also updated us with 4 tracks from her upcoming "Unbreakable Album" which hits on October 2.



If you can see her during her almost year long tour I advised to see her live and witness greatness do its thing.


Below is my photo album from the nights festivities..  Janet Jackson Unbreakable Tour Pics from Toronto

Sunday, September 20, 2015

Emmys 2015 - Regina King Wins Supporting Actress Movie at The 67th Emmy ...





 Congrats to Regina King on winning best supporting actress in an limited series for the tv show American Crime which she played a hell of a role in, so she is so much deserving for her Emmy this evening. Regina has been in the business for over 30 years where she got her first start on the tv show 227.

History: Viola Davis Acceptance Speech at 67th Annual Emmys





After 7 attempts in the category for Best Lead Actress in a Drama Series, Viola Davis wins for How to Get Away With Murder. Congrats..

Viola Davis makes history at Emmys





Congrats to Viola Davis for winning the Emmy for Best Lead Actress in a Drama Series which is the first time after 7 previous nominations has an african american won. "You cannot win Emmys for roles that are simply not there" is one of the stand out lines from her speech this evening. 

Tyrese "Shame" premieres at Urban World Film Festival in NYC 9/26/15




Tyrese plays a conflicted family man who apparently wants to do right by his wife, played by Jennifer Hudson, but ends up doing wrong. Tyrese’s character is part of a musical act that includes two women, but the life he has built with the fellow singer isn’t all that it’s cracked up to be. In one scene, a nasty verbal spat between the couple quickly becomes physical when the singer’s character jumps out of his chair and proceeds to slam Hudson’s character against a wall. short film Shame, which was produced by Oscar-winning actor Denzel Washington and directed by video producer Paul Hunter. The movie was inspired by the singer’s latest single by the same name.

"Shame" will have its world premiere in New York City at 630pm on Saturday Sept. 26 at 630pm AMC Empire Theater at Urban World Film Festival you can purchase tickets at Shame Movie Premiere

Friday, September 11, 2015

2nd Annual The Source 360 Music Festival Sept 17-20 Brookyn,NY





Waka Flocka! Performing live at our #Source360 Kick-Off Party next Thursday, 9/17.



Next Weekend in Brooklyn Sept 17-20 the 2nd Annual SOURCE360 will take place throughout the Brooklyn Cultural District and festivities will include concerts, speakers panels, youth education and training sessions, nightly concerts, a beauty bar, nightlife events and more! In addition, the SOURCE360 Festival Block Party on Saturday, Sept 19th on Rockwell Place will host activities on street art, fashion, break dancing, poetry slams, a Kids360 talent show, Hip-Hop R&B and more. For more information, please visit: http://thesource360.com/ 



THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 17, 2015 – DAY ONE

Youth Development & TRAINING DAY + Educate & Elevate
Time: 12pm – 5pm
Roulette 
509 Atlantic Ave


SOURCE360 Kickoff Concert and Party (Headliner: Waka Flocka Flame)
Time: 9pm – 12pm
Roulette
509 Atlantic Ave

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 18, 2015 – DAY TWO

SOURCE360 Speaker Series at BRIC (3-4 Panels)
Time: 3pm – 7pm
BRIC
647 Fulton St.

PANEL TOPICS:
1. The Global Power of Hip-Hop Culture
2. The Digital Takeover
3. Straight Outta Ferguson
4. Pass The Mic: Women In Hip-Hop Take Center Stage
5. Style360: Fashion & Beauty Panel

SOURCE360 EVENTS ON THE BRIC STOOP
Time: 5pm – 7:30pm
BRIC
647 Fulton St.


Hip-Hop Dance Class at Mark Morris
Time: 6:30pm – 8:30pm
Mark Morris Dance Center
3 Lafayette Ave.


POWER 30 PARTY AT WOODLAND
Time: 7:00 – 9:00 pm

Woodland
242 Flatbush Ave.

Unsigned Hype Concert Competition and Party
Time: 9pm – 1pm
Roulette
509 Atlantic Ave

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 19, 2015 – DAY THREE

SOURCE360 Block Party
Time: 12pm – 6pm
Rockwell Place (btwn. Dekalb and Fulton)

- Kids Talent Show
- Art Festival
- Beauty Activations
- Fashion Shows
- Dance Performances
- Poetry & Spoken Word
- Music Showcases
- Food Vendors


SOURCE360 SPEAKER SERIES ON THE BRIC STOOP
Time: 3pm-5pm
BRIC
647 Fulton St.

SOURCE360 Concert at BRIC (Headliner: David Banner)
Time: 10pm – 12am
BRIC BALLROOM
647 Fulton St.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 20, 2015 – DAY FOUR

SUNDAY BRUNCH AND NFL GAMEWATCH
Time: 12pm – 7pm
Woodland
242 Flatbush Ave.

Urban World Film Festival Sept 23- Sept 27 New York City









Andresflava Media has covered the festival for the past 2 previous years and we are stoked to be covering the festival again this year.

Urbanworld is a five-day festival featuring dynamic multicultural content, including: narrative features, documentaries, short films, spotlight screenings and events, live staged screenplay readings, the Urbanworld Digital track focused on digital and social media panels and workshops, and Urbarld Music, which highlights emerging talent in live performances during after party events.


Muhammad Ali: The People’s Champ is the Urbanworld 2015 opening night film, screening at 7:30 p.m. on Sept 23. Urbanworld 2015 closing night film "A Ballerina's Tale" takes place on Sept 27 starring Misty Copeland.

For a complete list of events taking place through out Urban World 2015 log on www.urbanworld.org 

Saturday, September 5, 2015

Dangelo speaks on tv first time in 10 yrs





D'Angelo's first album in almost fifteen years was released at the end of 2014, and while there's been a handful of huge record releases in the months since, Black Messiah is still seeping into the public conscious. The album came as a legitimate surprise, but in quintessential D'Angelo fashion, we still haven't seen much of the guy since. Thankfully, D'Angelo visited The Tavis Smiley Show on Wednesday for his first televised interview in more than ten years and spoke about the new album, his history in the Pentecostal Church, politics, and way more. 
"Black Messiah is, I think, the most sociopolitical stuff I've done on record," D'Angelo said, according to Pitchfork. "I think in lieu of everything that's been going—the sign of the times, right—something needs to be said. There's so few doing that right now, and that was funny to me because there's so much going on. The Black Lives Matter movement is going on, young Black men and women are getting killed for nothing. I've always been a big reader and fan of history, and I love the Black Panthers. ... I'm not trying to be like a poster child or anything of the movement, but definitely a voice as a Black man—as a concerned Black man and as a father, as well."


Watch the interview below, part 1 & 2.
Part 1




Part 2

Thursday, September 3, 2015

New Music "Unbreakable" Janet Jackson




New music Unbreakable is now available from Janet Jackson 11th studio album which comes out on October 2, 2015.


Janet Jackson Confirms Album Cover, Title and Date Oct 2 Unbreakable





This morning Janet Jackson spoke and announced that her 11th studio album will be entitled "Unbreable" and will be released on Oct 2.  Pre Order Album The 17 track album now.

Tuesday, September 1, 2015

Janet Jackson kicks off Unbreakable Tour in Vancouver 8.31



Last night in Vancouver Janet Jackson, 49 kicked off her "Unbreakable Tour" and I got my entire life via social media of her on stage. From the various videos on instagram Janet did all of her old hits as well as sang new single "No Sleeep" as well as 2 new songs untitled, one by missy elliot and the other which had an social injustice feel to it. All I have to say is when Ms. Jackson comes to your city make sure you are in the building. October 3 Unnreakable album hits shelf.

Thursday, August 20, 2015

Janet Jackson previews new music " The Great Forever"




Janet Jackson got fans in a frenzy again today by releasing several tidbits:

First tidbit was lyrics to new song "The Great Forever"




The Second was on Good Morning America where they were given an Behind the Scenes look into her album photo shoot:



Third Tidbit was a 25 second snippet of the song " The Great Forever"



And lastly we now know the name of her 11th studio album which will be released in the fall as "Unbreakable"

The Unbreakable tour kicks off in 11 days in Vancouver on Aug 31 and we will be at her 9th stop on the tour in Toronto at the Air Canada Centre..

Tuesday, August 18, 2015

Bridget Kelly Live at The DL in NYC 8/15/15 "Act Like That"









 This past weekend in New York City, Bridget Kelly performed at The DL in the lower east side and performed her new single "Act Like That" which features Mack Wild get into the performance and download her new 6 track EP entitled Summer of 17 on iTunes now

Sunday, August 16, 2015

Love, Dating & Relationships Between Men: The iPhone Group Chat Live -- Washington DC


Get into the latest video from Xem Van Adams as he discusses a wide range of topics involving Love,Dating,and Relationships in the 30 min clip, Xem and his friends discuss what its like to be in relationships, the dating scene for them, as well as why is it they are single? If you been following Xem for the last 7 years, then you know that his video presentations are always thought provoking and engaging and this latest piece is exactly the same tradition.

Monday, August 10, 2015

Love & Hip Hop cast Black Gay Couple for Season 2 9/7/15 8pm on VH1




For the first time in the history of the Love & Hip Hop franchise, the reality soap opera will feature an intimate relationship between two men at the center of the show’s plot in the relationship between rapper Miles and producer Milan.

Miles, a west coast rapper, who was raised with church values bravely faces his truth, when he realizes he’s in love with Milan, an openly gay man. The struggle becomes complicated for Miles because his best friend and childhood sweetheart, Amber, is still in love with him. The season follows Miles and Milan’s difficult and emotional journey as they deal with the stigmas often associated with intimate relationships between black men in the music industry. Meet Siir Brock and Milan Christopher who will be making big splash across your tv sets starting Sept 7 8pm on VH1.




Friday, August 7, 2015

New Music: SWV Aint No Man

My girls are back with new music and am loving' it, if you been watching their reality show on WE Tv you heard a snippet of this song but now the new single is out for everyone to hear.

Tuesday, August 4, 2015

Summer Update

Hey folks just checking in with everyone, hope that your summer is going great thus far, can you believe we're already in August and before you know it we will be ringing in 2016. So far summer has been great here in New York City as I've seen Brandy on Broadway in Chicago the Musical, Traveled home to Fort Lauderdale for my little sister graduation, also did a few celebrity interviews which were pretty dope and met a lot of celebrities...  Also had my 33rd birthday 2 weeks ago which was pretty quiet on the day of, but the Friday before I went to see the Minions movie with a group of folks in Times Square and from there we had dinner at Dallas BBQs on 23rd Street.

Monday, July 27, 2015

New Music: Steel Here Tisha Campbell-Martin









Come through Gina Walters lol you all know Tisha can blow and its great to hear new music from get into the new song steel here. Welcome back Tisha.

Thursday, July 23, 2015

New Music: No Sleeep Remix ft J. Cole




J. Cole joins the legendary Janet Jackson on the official remix to her single “No Sleeep,” which is currently No. 5 on Billboard’s Adult R&B airplay chart. After Janet shouts out “Cole World,” the Roc Nation rapper provides some stimulation with a charismatic verse about “friends with benefits” and even references Janet’s brother (“Butterflies like MJ”).
On Sunday, Miss Jackson was spotted with her girlfriends at Cole’s “Forest Hills Drive” show at L.A.’s Staples Center.
According to Billboard, the two recorded the remix in an L.A. studio two weeks ago. The remix is set to appear on Janet’s first album in seven years, due in late September on Rhythm Nation Records/BMG. 
The pop icon will kick off her “Unbreakable Tour” on Aug. 31 in Vancouver. She and director Dave Meyers recently reunited to work on some visuals.

Eden's Garden Teaser: Transmale Docu-series





Eden's Garden is a web series premiering fall 2015. The series is starring an all male transgender cast, created by Seven King. The cast consist of Seven King, Kamar Porter, Chance Lombardi, Bryce Richardson and D'Jamel Young.






Thursday, July 16, 2015

On on One with Actor Cory Hardrict 6/11/15



During the 2015 American Black Film Festival and i got an opportunity to chat it up with actor Cory Hardrict where he talked about his movie Brotherly Love which came out in April as well as his other projects. Get into the interview.

Monday, June 22, 2015

New Music: Janet Jackson - "No Sleeep" (Audio Stream)





Janet Jackson new hotly anticipated new single was justed released moments ago and its hot! get into the new single, welcome back Ms. Jackson! She is indeed the queen of insomnia. "No Sleeep" is what a lot of her fans haven't been getting anticipating this new single.

Saturday, June 20, 2015

New music: Janet Jackson "No Sl333P" Snippet




A snippet of Janet Jackson new single "No Sl333p" which will be impacting the internet on Tuesday June 23 has been leaked take a listen below and also if you have not already got your pre sale tickets to the "Unbreakable Tour" get them now before you miss out at ticketmaster.com


https://instagram.com/p/4It0FAGAVQ/?taken-by=andresflava

Monday, June 15, 2015

Janet Jackson "The Unbreakable Tour announced kicks Sept 8 in Winnipeg





Janet Jackson Fans worldwide were sent into a frenzy moments ago when LiveNation unveiled the first string of dates for Janet Jackson‘s forthcoming world tour.

Titled ‘Unbreakable,’ the tour is set to kick off September 8th in Winnipeg, Manitoba and touch every corner of the North America before jetting off to its international leg.
Will the pop queen be gracing a town near you with her royal presence? See the first set of stops below to find out: Click the link to purchase tickets.







Saturday, June 13, 2015

One on One with Brave Williams of R&B Divas LA 6/11/15



On this past Thursday evening I got an opportunity to chat it up with Brave Williams of R&B Divas LA where she talks about being on the show as well as new music. Get into the interview below.


Friday, June 12, 2015

One on One with Hill Harper 6/2/15 in nyc




During the Gordon Parks Gala that took place in New York City on June 2 got an opportunity to chat it up with actor Hill Harper get into the interview.




Wednesday, June 3, 2015

Janet Jackson launches her own record label Rhythm Nation Records; Album due out in Fall 2015




NEW YORK/BERLIN, 3 JUNE 2015 – BMG is proud to announce that it will release the first album in seven years from Janet Jackson, icon, music artist, B.E.T honored, award-winning songwriter, producer, singer, Oscar and Golden Globe nominee and winner of the NAACP Best Supporting Actor award, publisher, dancer, businessperson, philanthropist and one of biggest-selling artists in popular music history.
The worldwide partnership with Janet Jackson’s Rhythm Nation will see the release in Fall 2015 of her first as-yet-untitled album and a commitment to pursue the full range of options within the broader Bertelsmann group of which BMG is part. With Rhythm Nation Janet Jackson becomes arguably the first female African-American recording artist to form her own record label. At Rhythm Nation Janet plans to offer a home to both new and established recording artists.
The partnership with BMG makes Janet Jackson the biggest worldwide superstar yet to quit the traditional record label system for a so-called artist services deal, designed to put artists in the driving seat. Unlike a traditional record deal, under an artist services deal the artist retains ownership of their recordings and full oversight of all costs and revenues.
With sales of over 160 million records worldwide, Janet Jackson stands as one of the best-selling artists of all time as well as one of the most awarded with a string of hits that have left an indelible impression on pop culture. Her lengthy string of hits has powerfully influenced popular music, leaving an indelible impression on pop culture and opening doors through which other top artists have followed, many acknowledging her impact on their musical perceptions.
BMG CEO Hartwig Masuch said, “Janet is not just a supreme artist, she is a unique cultural force whose work resonates around the world. It is an honor that she has chosen BMG to release her long-awaited new album. We look forward to collaborating with her across every platform.”
Janet commented, “Thank you to the talented team at BMG, my new artistic home. The opportunity to be creative in music and every form of entertainment has great potential here.”
Jon Cohen, EVP of Recorded Music at BMG Chrysalis US said, “Janet is a cultural icon and pop star like no other. The release of her long-awaited new album will undoubtedly be one of the musical highlights of 2015. It is an honor to work with her.”
The announcement comes two weeks after Jackson revealed plans for the new album and world tour.

Tuesday, June 2, 2015

Lauryn Hill, Lenny Kravitz and Kelis headline Afropunk 2015 Aug 22&23 Barry Commodore Park in Brooklyn




AFROPUNK FEST Brooklyn to take place August 22nd & 23rd at Brooklyn’s Commodore Barry Park. The 2015 AFROPUNK Festival, whose lineup includes Grace Jones, Lenny Kravitz, Ms. Lauryn Hill, Kelis, Danny Brown, Suicidal Tendencies, Thundercat, GoldLink, Kaytranda, Curtis Harding and many more (full lineup below) will be the biggest undertaking of the critically acclaimed festival yet. In advance of the fest AFROPUNK will be throwing their first annual AFROPUNK FANCY DRESS BALL w/ special guest Grace Jones, Cakes Da Killa & MikeQ with Special Guest to raise funds for their AFROPUNKGlobal Initiative: an alliance dedicated to moving the needle of progress closer to a holistic, democratic and enlightened representation of people of color within all facets of society with the goal to create unique programming that encourages diversity in media. The AFROPUNK FANCY DRESS BALL will take place August 21st at Commodore Barry Park.


LINEUP Lenny Kravitz Grace Jones Ms Lauryn Hill Kelis Danny Brown Suicidal Tendencies Kele Thundercat Cakes Da Killa Lion Babe Gold Link Raury Petite Noir Young Paris Adia Victoria Curtis Harding Kaytranada Everyday people Soulection Mobile Mondays Mike Q Brenmar UNIIQ3 Nadus Papi Juice WC Kids
PAID / EARNED TICKETS AVAILABLE FOR 11TH ANNUAL FESTIVAL AVAILABLE WEDNESDAY JUNE 3RD afropunkfest2015.eventbrite.com 

Monday, June 1, 2015

Brandy extends her broadway run in Chicago the Musical until Aug 2 in NYC





brandy‬ extended her run on Broadway in ‪#‎chicagothemusical‬ to Aug 2 initially she was scheduled to depart the show June 21 congratulations ‪#‎brandyasroxiehart‬ She will not be in the show on the following dates June 22, June 23, June 27 and June 28 now playing at the Ambassador Theatre.

Sunday, May 31, 2015

Singer Usher Raymond & Actor Robert DeNiro to be honored in NYC on Tuesday June 2 by The Gordon Parks Foundation



The Gordon Parks Foundation Awards Dinner and Auction will take place on Tuesday, June 2, 2015 at Cipriani Wall Street. The event is co-chaired by Alicia Keys & Kasseem "Swizz Beatz" Dean and Karl Lagerfeld and will be honoring Laurent Claquin, Thornton Dial, JR, Usher Raymond IV, and Robert De Niro & Grace Hightower De Niro. Andreflava will be on hand to cover this years red carpet event so stay tuned and for snippets through out the night add me on social media andresflava on twitter and Instagram. 





Andresflava to cover American Black Film Festival in nyc Jun 11-14




We are happy to announce that we will be covering the American Black Film Festival here in NYC for the 2nd consecutive year taking place June 11-14,so stay tuned for everything ABFF! and to purchase tickets and see the film line up please log in to www.abff.com 

Wednesday, May 27, 2015

Danielle Brooks "Tastee' from Orange is the New Black to make Broadway debut in The Color Purple









DANIELLE BROOKS, who plays ‘Taystee’ on the hit TV show, Orange is the New Black, will make her Broadway debut as ‘Sofia’ in the upcoming Broadway musical revival of THE COLOR PURPLE.  A graduate of the Juilliard School, Ms. Brooks joins the previously announced JENNIFER HUDSON and CYNTHIA ERIVO in the critically acclaimed staging from London’s Menier Chocolate Factory.   
 
All three women will be making their Broadway debuts with this production.
 
Directed by Tony Award winner John Doyle, THE COLOR PURPLE will begin preview performances on Monday, November 9th at the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre (242 West 45th street) and will officially open on Thursday, December 10.   THE COLOR PURPLE is produced by Scott Sanders, Roy Furman, Oprah Winfrey, David Babani, and Tom Siracusa. 
 
A Young Hollywood Award Winner, DANIELLE BROOKS stars as "Tasha 'Taystee' Jefferson" in Jenji Kohan's Orange is the New Black, a Netflix original series that follows the lives of prisoners in an all-women’s correctional facility.  Orange is the New Black will return for its third season on June 12th, 2015.  Brooks was born and raised in South Carolina before heading to NYC to attend Juilliard's drama program.  Brooks’ other credits include the Sony/Rovio animated feature, Angry Birds, alongside Maya Rudolph and Josh Gad; HBO's Girls; the indie feature film I Dream Too Much, executive produced by Richard Linklater (SXSW); and Time Out of Mind, written and directed by Oren Moverman, starring Richard Gere.  
 
ABOUT THE COLOR PURPLE
 
John Doyle’s critically acclaimed production opened in summer 2013 in London at the Menier Chocolate Factory. Charles Spencer of The Telegraph said THE COLOR PURPLE“BLOWS THE ROOF OFF THE THEATRE,” and Libby Purvess of The Times says, “IT ROCKS THE HOUSE.  NEVER WAS THERE SUCH STAMPING, CHEERING, HOOTING, ROARING AND WHISTLING.”  And Mark Shenton of The Stage called the production, “A REVELATION.  SOMETHING TRULY EXTRAORDINARY.”
 
Based on Alice Walker’s Pulitzer Prize winning novel and the Warner Bros. / Amblin Entertainment motion picture, THE COLOR PURPLE is adapted for the stage by Pulitzer Prize and Tony award winner Marsha Norman, with music and lyrics by Grammy award winners Brenda RussellAllee Willis and Stephen Bray.  
 
THE COLOR PURPLE is an unforgettable story of enduring love and triumph over adversity.  With a fresh, joyous score of jazz, ragtime, gospel and blues, this stirring family chronicle follows the inspirational Celie, as she journeys from childhood through joy and despair, anguish and hope to discover the power of love and life. 
 
Group tickets are currently available for THE COLOR PURPLE by calling 1-800-432-7780.



PREVIEWS BEGIN MONDAY, NOVEMBER 9
OPENING NIGHT THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10
 Tickets will go on sale to the 
general public on Thursday, July 2.

Tuesday, May 26, 2015

The American Black Film Festival Announces Its 2015 Films June 11-14 in New York City





THE 19TH AMERICAN BLACK FILM FESTIVAL WILL SCREEN A DIVERSE SLATE OF WEBISODES, NARRATIVES, DOCUMENTARIES AND SHORT FILMS IN NEW YORK CITY FROM JUNE 11-14

JOHN SINGLETON’S BOYZ N THE HOOD, ABFF INDEPENDENT, HOSTED BY DAVID BANNER AND TASHA SMITH’S BOXED IN SELECTED AS SPOTLIGHT SCREENINGS 

Director Rick Famuyiwa’s DOPE, will make its New York City premiere at the Festival

New York, New York(May 22, 2015) – The American Black Film Festival (ABFF) announced their highly anticipated roster of films that will screen at this year’s festival.  More than 30 documentaries, web originals, short films and narrative features will showcase at the AMC Empire 25 in Times Square to a devoted, movie-going audience.  

Director Rick Famuyiwa’s DOPEpresented by the Motion Picture Associationwill make its New York City debut at the festival, opening night, on Thursday, June 11th at 7:30 p.m at the SVA Theatre. Produced by the renowned Forest Whitaker, Nina Yang Bongiovi, Pharrell Williams, and Sean “P.Diddy” Combs, this coming of age comedy/drama is one of the buzziest and most talked about film releases of the 2015 summer season.

This year’s Spotlight Screenings, include John Singleton’s Boyz N The Hood, the Season 4 premiere of ABFF Independent, with new host David Banner, Tasha Smith’s Boxed In, as well as features from ABFF alumni Julius OnahRoger Bobb and Datari Turner


The 2015 ABFF selection of narratives, web shorts and documentaries in competition include expansive scope and diversity, which explore such topics as love, race, politics, relationships, crime and fame. 

“This year’s films highlight the importance of giving a voice to diverse storytellers. From a documentary on American mountaineers to a narrative about Black models, our roster of films reflects the breadth of the Black experience. It is also always wonderful to see ABFF alum return to showcase their latest projects. We encourage everyone to come out and support the work of these talented filmmakers,” said Jeff Friday, ABFF CEO and Founder. 

The complete list of films selected for Spotlight, Narrative Features Competition, HBO® Short Film Competition, ABFF Web Originals, and the ABFF Documentary Competition is as follows:

OPENING NIGHT FILM

DOPE
2014 USA 115 MIN HD NY Premiere
Sponsored by the Motion Picture Association of America
Courtesy of Open Road Films
Directed by: Rick Famuyiwa
Written by: Rick Famuyiwa
Produced by: Forest Whitaker, Nina Yang Bongiovi
Executive Producers:  Pharrell Williams, Michael Y. Chow, Rick Famuyiwa, David Lonner
Co-Exec. Prod:  Sean “P. Diddy” Combs. Co-Prods: Mimi Valdes, Caron Veazys
Cast: Shameik Moore, Tony Revolori, Kiersey Clemons, Blake Anderson, Zoë Kravitz, A$AP Rocky, Chanel Iman, Quincy Brown

Opening Night Screening SVA THEATRE                     6/11 7:30 PM

Encore Screening              AMC EMPIRE 25      6/14 5:35 PM


SPOTLIGHT SCREENINGS 2015

ABFF INDEPENDENT – Season 4 Premiere
2015 USA 35 MIN World Premiere
Courtesy of ASPIRE

ABFF Independent is a showcase of popular and award-winning films from the American Black Film Festival (ABFF) hosted by hip-hop artist, record producer and actor David Banner.

AMC Empire 25        6/13 2:15 PM

AN UNEXPECTED HISTORY: THE STORY OF HENNESSY AND AFRICAN AMERICANS
2015 USA 49 MIN HD World Premiere
Courtesy of Hennessy
Directed by: Llewellyn Smith
Produced by: Llewellyn Smith, Annie Stopford
Featuring: Jason P. Chambers, PhD, Herbert P. Douglas Jr., Noel Hankin, Rhonda McDonald, Rodney Williams

An Unexpected History celebrates Moët Hennessy’s hundred-year relationship with African American culture, as well as the role of African Americans in shaping the brand’s identity and success. The film recounts Hennessy’s historic role in bringing respect and opportunities to Black professionals and consumers, by focusing on the remarkable achievements of two of the brand’s most influential Black executives.

AMC EMPIRE 25      6/12 6:15 PM

BOYZ N THE HOOD + Q&A with director John Singleton to follow
1991 USA 108 MIN 35 mm
Courtesy of Turner Classic Movies (TCM)
Directed by: John SingletonWritten by: John Singleton
Produced by: Steve Nicolaides
Cast: Ice Cube, Cuba Gooding Jr., Laurence Fishburne, Morris Chestnut, Nia Long, Angela Bassett, Regina King

John Singleton’s classic saga tells the story of a group of childhood friends growing up in a Los Angeles ghetto.

AMC EMPIRE 25      6/14 2:00 PM

BOXED IN + Q&A with actress and director Tasha Smith to follow
2014 USA 30 MIN HD World Premiere
Directed by: Tasha Smith
Written by: Tasha Smith
Produced by: Tasha Smith, Kim Ogletree
Cast: Walter Fauntleroy, Antonique Smith, Tyra Ferrell

A Black man in NYC struggles with bipolar disorder, while his girlfriend and mother learn to deal with the pain of his manic episodes and struggle for mental survival.

AMC EMPIRE 25      6/13 6:30 PM


RUNAWAY ISLAND + Q&A with the director and cast to follow
2015 USA 85 MIN Estimated HD World Premiere
Courtesy of TV One
Directed by: Dianne Houston
Written by: Christopher Brandt
Produced by: Gingi Rochelle & Allison Wilmarth
Cast: Lorraine Toussaint (Orange Is the New Black), Thomas Q. Jones
(Being Mary Jane), Aisha Hinds (Star Trek Into Darkness), Leon Thomas
(Victorious), A. Russell Andrews (Grey's Anatomy, House of Payne),
Erica Tazel (Justified), Melanie Liburd (CSI, Stalker).

A pastor, an aging widow, and a socialite with cold feet visit a luxurious Gullah Sea Island resort to be rejuvenated by its holistic setting.

AMC EMPIRE 25      6/12 3:20 PM

NARRATIVE FEATURES

fRENCH DIRTy
2015/USA/72min/HD/NY Premiere
Directed by: Wade Allain-Marcus, Jesse Allain-Marcus
Written by: Peter K. Hagen, Wade Allain-Marcus
Produced by: Jason Wolf, Mel Jones
Cast: Wade Allain-Marcus, Melina Lizette, Arjun Gupta

After committing the carnal sin of sleeping with his best friend’s girlfriend, Vincent must deal with the consequences of his betrayal and hope that his bond with his brother-from-another-mother can withstand the blow

AMC EMPIRE 25      SUN 6/14 11:20 AM

GIRLFRIENDS’  GETAWAY 2 ** FEATURED ALUMNI SCREENING
2015/USA/84min/HD/World Premiere
Directed by: Roger M. Bobb
Written by: Cas Sigers-Beedles
Produced by: Roger M. Bobb, Angi Bones, Cas Sigers, Terri J. Vaughn
Cast: Garcelle Beauvais, Terri J. Vaughn, Essence Atkins, Malinda Williams, Stephen Bishop,
Khalil Kane

Four girlfriends travel to Puerto Rico for a destination wedding and chaos ensues when the low-key wedding turns into a disaster.

AMC EMPIRE 25      SUN 6/14 5:30 PM


JOHN OF GOD THE MOVIE
2014/ Democratic Republic of Congo/86min/HD/North America Premiere
Directed by: Selé M'Poko
Written by: Selé M'Poko
Produced by: Selé M’Poko, Alessia Michielan, Jo D. Jonz, Woody T. Richman, Pamela Lubell
Cast: Jo D. Jonz, Jean Shaka Tshipamba, Moïse Ilunga

John of God is the world’s greatest musician…in his own mind.

AMC EMPIRE 25      SAT 6/13 11:20 AM

KNUCKLEHEAD
2015/USA/81min/HD
Directed by: Ben Bowman
Written by: Bryan Abrams, Ben Bowman
Produced by: Gbenga Akinnagbe, Ben Bowman
Executive Producers: Jonathan Gray, Debra Azemar
Cast: Gbenga Akinnagbe, Alfre Woodard, Amari Cheatom, Justin Myrick, Nikiya Mathis, Carla Duren

Convinced prescription drugs will fix his mind, a mentally disabled man leaves Brooklyn for the first time to find the one doctor who he believes can cure him.

AMC EMPIRE 25      FRI 6/12 6:50 PM

LAST NIGHT
2014/USA/93min/HD/NY Premiere
Directed by: Harold Jackson III
Written by: Harold Jackson III
Produced by: Harold Jackson III, Hope Taylor, Prince Levy Jr., Latecia Durham
Cast: Judi Blair, Danny Gavigan, Benton Greene, Nedra McClyde, Nikkole Salter

A woman's last night alone before settling down is sidetracked by a chance meeting with an attractive stranger.

AMC EMPIRE 25      FRI 6/12 12:30 PM

SUPERMODEL *** FEATURED ALUMNI SCREENING
2015/USA/95min/HD/World Premiere
Directed by: Shawn Baker
Written by:  Shawn Baker, Datari Turner
Produced by: Datari Turner
Cast: Tyson Beckford, Sessilee Lopez, Datari Turner, Roger Guenveur Smith, Fat Joe, Toccara Jones, Angela Simmons, Marc John Jefferies, Tatyana Ali, Nichole Galicia, Melissa De Sousa, Don Benjamin, Cassandra Freeman, Tobias Truvillion, Julito McCullum, Adam Senn

A young girl from the Brooklyn housing projects goes from the subway to the runway, becoming one of the most sought after models in the fashion industry. But in the high stakes world of fashion and beauty, things aren't always as pretty and glamorous as they seem.

AMC EMPIRE 25      SUN 6/14 2:45 PM

THE GIRL IS IN TROUBLE *** FEATURED ALUMNI SCREENING
2015/USA/94min/35mm/NY Premiere
Directed by: Julius Onah
Written by: Mayuran Tiruchelvam, Julius Onah
Produced by: Dana Offenbach, Ryan Silbert, Robert Profusek, Jen Gatien
Cast: Columbus Short, Wilmer Valderrama, Alicja Bachelda, Jesse Spencer

A Lower East Side bartender becomes entangled in a murder mystery involving a desperate woman, a missing drug dealer and the scion of a powerful investment firm.

AMC EMPIRE 25      SUN 6/14 8:45 PM

THE NIGHT BEFORE
2015/USA/86min/HD/World Premiere
Directed by: Kenny Young
Written by: Kenny Young
Produced by: Phil James, Lisa D. Washington, Kim Hardin
Executive Producers: Angela White, Felicia James
Cast: Colin Egglesfield, David Faustino, Fred Willard, Anna Hutchinson, Brian White, Gary Owen

A "ladies man" must face his own fear of commitment while hosting his best friend's bachelor party.

AMC EMPIRE 25      SUN 6/14 12:00 PM

THE SIN SEER
2015/USA/119min/HD/World Premiere
Directed by: Paul D. Hannah
Written by: Paul D. Hannah
Produced by: Paul D. Hannah, Angela White, Isaiah Washington
Cast: Lisa Arrindell Anderson, Isaiah Washington, Salli Richardson-Whitfield, C. Thomas Howell,
Michael Ironside, Richard Brooks

A woman becomes trapped in a murderous web deception and uses her gift of discernment to discover the truth.

AMC EMPIRE 25      SAT 6/13 2:00 PM

WHAT LOVE WILL MAKE YOU DO
2015/USA/95min/HD/World Premiere
Directed by: Lisa Haynes
Written by: Lisa Haynes
Produced by: Lisa Haynes, Andre Congo, Justin Bones, Darrin Dewitt Henson, Brad James,
Ty Johnston, Victoria Rowell
Cast: Darrin Dewitt Henson, Judi Blair, Victoria Rowell, Darryl Booker, Sir Brodie,
Carl Anthony Payne II, Brad James

An attorney from a prestigious law firm falls in love with a beautiful woman of his dreams, but later discovers her father is seeking revenge against him over a court case gone terribly wrong.

AMC EMPIRE 25      SAT 6/13 11:25 PM

HBO® SHORT FILM COMPETITION
Saturday, June 13, 8:45 pm          AMC EMPIRE 25

BLACK CARD
2015/USA/14min/HD/New York Premiere
Directed by: Pete Chatmon
Written by: Tony Patrick
Produced by: Christina DeHaven, Tony Patrick, Dorian Missick, Dylan Verrechia, ELEW
Executive Producer: Pete Chatmon
Cast: Dorian Missick, Simone Missick, Hisham Tawfiq, Stephen Hill, Erika Myers, Malikha Mallette, April Matthis, Valence Thomas

In a culture requiring an ID card and commitment to the code, an African American couple is about to find out just how far the boundaries can be pushed....

CHAINING DAY
2014/USA/11min/HD/New York Premiere
Directed by: Dominic Haxton
Written by: Chris Bailey
Produced by: Chris Bailey
Cast: Dusan Brown, Shawn Kenneth

A young boy commits an accidental murder, which causes a stir in the community and forces him to choose between his loyalty to the gang he belongs to OR saving what's left of his innocence by turning himself into the police.

FIRST DATE, LAST DATE
2015/USA/7min/HD/World Premiere
Directed by: Derege Harding
Written by: E.V. Anderson
Produced by: Derege Harding
Cast: Andrea Bordeaux, Daniel Hall

Soul mates Sara and Michael carry on their first date as the world comes to an end.

JOY
2015/USA/15min/HD/World Premiere
Directed by: Solomon Onita Jr.
Written by: Solomon Onita Jr.
Produced by: Elsie Dortelus, Terrence J. Grant, Solomon Onita Jr.
Cast: Sope Aluko, Bayo Akinfemi, Hannah Tarver, Georgina E. Okon, Brooke-Monaé Westbrook

A Nigerian middle-aged woman living in America struggles to convince her traditionalist husband not to circumcise their ten-year-old daughter.

STANHOPE
2015/USA/18min/HD/World Premiere
Directed by: Solvan Naim
Written by: Solvan Naim
Produced by:  Solvan Naim, Akshay Bhansali
Cast: Malik Lockett, Johnnie Mae, Rob Morgan, Nedra McClyde, Simeon Buresch

Stanhope is a drama about a teenage inner-city kid from Brooklyn who gets caught up in a web of violence as a paid assassin.

ABFF WEB ORIGINALS – GROUP 1
Friday, June 12, 9:25 pm   AMC EMPIRE 25

#JOSH
2014 USA 15:35 MIN HD World Premiere
Directed by: Edson Jean, Nick Katz
Written by: Episode-1 Joshua Jean-Baptiste; Episode-2 Mimi Davila, Marckenson Charles,
Maria Corina Ramirez; Episode-3 Joshua Jean-Baptiste, Mimi Davila, Maria Corina Ramirez
Produced by: Edson Jean, Nick Katz, Barry Katz
Cast: Joshua Jean Baptiste, Edson Jean, Shira Abergel, Marckenson Charles

A naive, chaste acting student (Josh) seeks guidance from his immoral problematic roommate in hopes to become a leading man.

AMC EMPIRE 25      FRI, 6/12 9:25 PM

ACKEE & SALTFISH
2015 UNITED KINGDOM 16:21 MIN HD
Directed by: Cecile Emeke
Written by: Cecile Emeke
Produced by: Cecile Emeke, Abraham Popoola
Cast: Michelle Tiwo, Vanessa Babirye

Everyday moments are never mundane with these two hilarious best friends in Ackee & Saltfish.

AMC EMPIRE 25      FRI, 6/12 9:25 PM

ESCORTS
2015 USA 21:37 MIN HD New York Premiere
Directed by: Dave Patten
Written by: Dave Patten, Josh West.
Produced by: Dave Patten, Alexx Ray, Chris Bauer
Executive Producer: David Ricks
Cast: Dave Patten, David Ricks, Alexx Ray, Richard Amezcua

Pragmatic hipster Jay Miller's successful small business of selling sex to his collegiate peers becomes infinitely more difficult when one of his employees dies while "working."

AMC EMPIRE 25      FRI, 6/12 9:25 PM

ALL ABOUT THE MCKENZIES
2014 UNITED KINGDOM 20:51 MIN HD World Premiere
Directed by: Samuell Benta
Written by: Samuell Benta
Produced by: Samuell Benta
Cast: Samuell Benta, Jason Pennycooke, Ria Horsford, Frankie Clarence, Destinee Tombling, Sheldon Nicolls, Fenella James
All about comedy, all about drama, it’s All About The McKenzies.

AMC EMPIRE 25      FRI, 6/12 9:25 PM


BLACK ACTRESS SERIES – SEASON TWO
2015 USA 23:34 MIN HD New York Premiere
Directed by: William Alexander Runnels
Written by: Episode 1-Andrea Lewis; Episode 2-Andrea Lewis, Austin Hall;
Episode 3 - Andrea Lewis
Produced by: Andrea Lewis, Brian Walker, Tatyana Ali, Essence Atkins, Brad Kaaya, Carol Desousa
Cast: Andrea Lewis, Allison Edwards-Crewe, Rob Vincent

The life of an actress who wants to be more than just Black.

AMC EMPIRE 25      FRI, 6/12 9:25 PM

ABFF WEB ORIGINALS – GROUP II
Saturday, June 13, 5:15 pm          AMC EMPIRE 25

DOWNTOWN GIRLS
2014 USA 17:35 MIN HD New York Premiere
Directed by: Emebeit Beyene & Chandra Russell
Written by: Jessica Lamour
Produced by: Jacques Lamour, Emebeit Beyene, Crystal Boyd, Chandra Russell
Cast: Emebeit Beyene, Crystal Boyd, Chivonne Michelle, Chandra Russell

To raise money to launch their own business, four girls turn their Lower East Side apartment into a lucrative nightclub.

AMC EMPIRE 25      SAT, 6/13 5:15 PM

DOCKET 32357

2014 USA 24:11 MIN HD World Premiere
Directed by: Randy Wilkins

Written by: Eljon Wardally
Produced by: Jessica Karen Brown, Juan Caceres
Cast: Tara Gadomski, Ashley Denise Robinson

A successful businesswoman and a grieving housewife struggle to overcome loneliness in the face of a shared tragedy.

AMC EMPIRE 25      SAT, 6/13 5:15 PM

Q’S ONE NIGHT STANDS
2014 USA 17 MIN HD World Premiere
Directed by:  Terrence L. Moore
Written by: Terrence L. Moore
Produced by: Michael Galvan
Executive Producers: Terrence L.  Moore, Jenny Cadenillas, Uana Coccoloni
Cast: Kee Seymore, Susana Victoria Perez, Joshua Windley, Kajuana Shuford, Dominic Marcus,
Gayle Samuels

A comedy about a guy so fed up with traditional dating he commits to having only one-night stands.

AMC EMPIRE 25      SAT, 6/13 5:15 PM

THE INCREDIBLE LIFE OF DARRELL
2015 USA 14:31 MIN HD New York Premiere
Directed by: Darrell Lake
Written by: Darrell Lake
Produced by: Darrell Lake
Cast: Darrell Lake, Tru Collins, Joy Regullano, Larry Karman, Justin Bryant Rapp, Pete George

The spectacularly mundane adventures of an incredible average Joe in small town Wakooki, Arizona.

AMC EMPIRE 25      SAT, 6/13 5:15 PM

AMERICAN KOKO
2015 USA 24 MIN HD New York Premiere
Directed by: Diarra Kilpatrick & Miles Orion Feld
Written by: Diarra Kilpatrick
Produced by: Anna Micayla Feld
Cast: Diarra Kilpatrick, Terrence Colby Clemons, Miles Orion Feld, Elaine Kao, Cedric Sanders


Employees of the "Everyone's a Little Racist (EAR) Agency" do their best to tackle every race problem that comes through their door, but for lead agent Akosua Miller, the biggest case of all may be her own...

AMC EMPIRE 25      SAT, 6/13 5:15 PM

ABFF WEB ORIGINALS – GROUP 1
Friday, June 12, 9:25 pm   AMC EMPIRE 25

#JOSH
2014 USA 15:35 MIN HD World Premiere
Directed by: Edson Jean, Nick Katz
Written by: Episode-1 Joshua Jean-Baptiste; Episode-2 Mimi Davila, Marckenson Charles,Maria Corina Ramirez; Episode-3 Joshua Jean-Baptiste, Mimi Davila, Maria Corina Ramirez
Produced by: Edson Jean, Nick Katz, Barry Katz
Cast: Joshua Jean Baptiste, Edson Jean, Shira Abergel, Marckenson Charles

A naive, chaste acting student (Josh) seeks guidance from his immoral problematic roommate in hopes to become a leading man.

AMC EMPIRE 25      FRI, 6/12 9:25 PM

ACKEE & SALTFISH
2015 UNITED KINGDOM 16:21 MIN HD
Directed by: Cecile Emeke
Written by: Cecile Emeke
Produced by: Cecile Emeke, Abraham Popoola
Cast: Michelle Tiwo, Vanessa Babirye
Everyday moments are never mundane with these two hilarious best friends in Ackee & Saltfish.

AMC EMPIRE 25      FRI, 6/12 9:25 PM

ESCORTS
2015 USA 21:37 MIN HD New York Premiere
Directed by: Dave Patten
Written by: Dave Patten, Josh West.
Produced by: Dave Patten, Alexx Ray, Chris Bauer
Executive Producer: David Ricks
Cast: Dave Patten, David Ricks, Alexx Ray, Richard Amezcua

Pragmatic hipster Jay Miller's successful small business of selling sex to his collegiate peers becomes infinitely more difficult when one of his employees dies while "working."

AMC EMPIRE 25      FRI, 6/12 9:25 PM

ALL ABOUT THE MCKENZIES
2014 UNITED KINGDOM 20:51 MIN HD World Premiere
Directed by: Samuell Benta
Written by: Samuell Benta
Produced by: Samuell Benta
Cast: Samuell Benta, Jason Pennycooke, Ria Horsford, Frankie Clarence, Destinee Tombling, Sheldon Nicolls, Fenella James
All about comedy, all about drama, it’s All About The McKenzies.

AMC EMPIRE 25      FRI, 6/12 9:25 PM

BLACK ACTRESS SERIES – SEASON TWO
2015 USA 23:34 MIN HD New York Premiere
Directed by: William Alexander Runnels
Written by: Episode 1-Andrea Lewis; Episode 2-Andrea Lewis, Austin Hall;
Episode 3 - Andrea Lewis
Produced by: Andrea Lewis, Brian Walker, Tatyana Ali, Essence Atkins, Brad Kaaya, Carol Desousa
Cast: Andrea Lewis, Allison Edwards-Crewe, Rob Vincent

The life of an actress who wants to be more than just Black.

AMC EMPIRE 25      FRI, 6/12 9:25 PM

ABFF WEB ORIGINALS – GROUP II
AMC EMPIRE 25 Saturday, June 13, 5:15 pm  

DOWNTOWN GIRLS
2014 USA 17:35 MIN HD New York Premiere
Directed by: Emebeit Beyene & Chandra Russell
Written by: Jessica Lamour
Produced by: Jacques Lamour, Emebeit Beyene, Crystal Boyd, Chandra Russell
Cast: Emebeit Beyene, Crystal Boyd, Chivonne Michelle, Chandra Russell

To raise money to launch their own business, four girls turn their Lower East Side apartment into a lucrative nightclub.

AMC EMPIRE 25      SAT, 6/13 5:15 PM

2014 USA 24:11 MIN HD World Premiere
Directed by: Randy Wilkins
Written by: Eljon Wardally
Produced by: Jessica Karen Brown, Juan Caceres
Cast: Tara Gadomski, Ashley Denise Robinson

A successful businesswoman and a grieving housewife struggle to overcome loneliness in the face of a shared tragedy.

AMC EMPIRE 25      SAT, 6/13 5:15 PM

Q’S ONE NIGHT STANDS
2014 USA 17 MIN HD World Premiere
Directed by:  Terrence L. Moore
Written by: Terrence L. Moore
Produced by: Michael Galvan
Executive Producers: Terrence L.  Moore, Jenny Cadenillas, Uana Coccoloni
Cast: Kee Seymore, Susana Victoria Perez, Joshua Windley, Kajuana Shuford, Dominic Marcus,
Gayle Samuels

A comedy about a guy so fed up with traditional dating he commits to having only one-night stands.

AMC EMPIRE 25      SAT, 6/13 5:15 PM

THE INCREDIBLE LIFE OF DARRELL
2015 USA 14:31 MIN HD New York Premiere
Directed by: Darrell Lake
Written by: Darrell Lake
Produced by: Darrell Lake
Cast: Darrell Lake, Tru Collins, Joy Regullano, Larry Karman, Justin Bryant Rapp, Pete George

The spectacularly mundane adventures of an incredible average Joe in small town Wakooki, Arizona.

AMC EMPIRE 25      SAT, 6/13 5:15 PM

AMERICAN KOKO
2015 USA 24 MIN HD New York Premiere
Directed by: Diarra Kilpatrick & Miles Orion Feld
Written by: Diarra Kilpatrick
Produced by: Anna Micayla Feld

Cast: Diarra Kilpatrick, Terrence Colby Clemons, Miles Orion Feld, Elaine Kao, Cedric Sanders

Employees of the "Everyone's a Little Racist (EAR) Agency" do their best to tackle every race problem that comes through their door, but for lead agent Akosua Miller, the biggest case of all may be her own...

AMC EMPIRE 25      SAT, 6/13 5:15 PM

ABFF DOCUMENTARY COMPETITION 
Friday, June 12        AMC EMPIRE 25
Times vary. See listing below each film.            

The following films compete for the Best Documentary award. One winner will be announced during the “Best of the ABFF” awards ceremony, Sunday, June 14. 

ALTHEA
2014 USA 77 MIN HD 
Directed by: Rex Miller
Produced by: Nancy Buirski, Elisabeth Haviland James, Rex Miller
Executive Producers: John Amos, Billie Jean King, William Ackman
Principal Subject(s): Billie Jean King, Nick Bollettieri, David Dinkins, Jeanne Moutoussamy-Ashe

Althea Gibson, a truant from the rough streets of Harlem, emerged as a most unlikely queen of the highly segregated tennis world of the 1950s.

AMC EMPIRE 25      FRI 6/12 1:35 PM

AN AMERICAN ASCENT
2015 USA 64 MIN HD New York Premiere 
Directed by: Andy Adkins, George Potter 
Written by: Andy Adkins, James Mills
Produced by: George Potter, Andy Adkins
Principal Subject(s): Stephen Shobe, Erica Wynn, Tyrhee Moore, Scott Briscoe, Billy Long, Rosemary Saal, Ryan Mitchell, Stephen DeBerry, Adina Scott, James Kagambi, Robby Rechord, Madhu Chikkaraju, Aaron Devine, Jon Krakauer, Conrad Anker

An American Ascent documents the first African American expedition to tackle North America’s highest mountain, Denali, while shedding light on the complex relationship many African Americans have with the outdoors.

AMC EMPIRE 25      FRI 6/12 11:15 AM

NAT KING COLE – AFRAID OF THE DARK
2014 UNITED KINGDOM 94 MIN HD New York Premiere 
Directed by: Jon Brewer
Produced by: Jon Brewer
Principal Subject(s): Maria Cole, Natalie Cole, Tony Bennett, Harry Belafonte, Johnny Mathis and more…

A poignant authorized feature documentary on the life and legacy of Nat King Cole.

AMC EMPIRE 25      FRI 6/12 8:35 PM
The ABFF is a four-day event dedicated to showcasing quality films by and about people of African descent. Committed to the belief that Black content creators and artists deserve the same opportunities as their mainstream counterparts, Jeff Friday conceived the festival in 1997 as a vehicle to promote diversity in the film and television industry. Today it is widely recognized as an important pipeline bringing new Black talent to prominence both in front of and behind the camera, and is regarded as one of the leading film festivals in the world.

Sponsors of the 2015 American Black Film Festival to date are HBO®  (Presenting & Founding); Walmart, TV One and Cadillac (Presenting); Comcast NBCUniversal and Prudential Financial Services (Premier); AMC Theatres, American Airlines, McDonald's and TNT (Signature); Macy’s (Official); ASPIRE, Motion Picture Association of America and UPtv (Supporting); RLJ Entertainment, SAGIndie and Walter Kaitz Foundation (Industry Partners); UPTOWN MagazineEBONY and The YBF (Media!Partners); NYCgo.com, New York Urban League Young Professionals, Madiba Harlem, MoMA and The JDot. Agency (Promotional Partners).

About ABFF: 
The American Black Film Festival (ABFF) is a four-day event dedicated to showcasing quality film and television content by and about people of African descent. Annually held during the month of June, the ABFF is committed to the belief that Black artists and content creators deserve the same opportunities as their mainstream counterparts. 
ABFF Founder Jeff Friday conceived the idea for the festival in 1997 as a vehicle to promote diversity in the motion picture industry. Today, the festival is widely recognized for showcasing established and new Black talent, both in front of and behind the camera, and is regarded as one of the leading film festivals in the world. The ABFF is produced by Film Life Inc. and BLACK ENTERPRISE
For additional information about the festival, visit www.ABFF.com