1 on 1 with Marsha Ambrosius 10/23/16 NYC

Last Sunday in NYC after the Love Jones Musical we got an opportunity to sit down and chat with Marsha Ambrosius get into the interview below.

1 on 1 with Chrisette Michele talks New Milestone tour, Love Jones Musicality 10/23/16

Last sunday after the Love Jones Musical in Brooklyn we got an opportunity to chat with Chrisette Michele after the show where she talks about the musical, milestone tour second leg and more... So get into the interview below.

1on1 with Issa Rae talks HBO Insecure and more

 A few weeks ago we talked with former youtube star Issa Rae on her new HBO series "Insecure" that debuts later this evening as well as so much more get into the interview above and tune into the series premiere at 1030pm tonight on HBO. Insecure the half-hour comedy series Insecure, starring Issa Rae, Yvonne Orji, Jay Ellis and Lisa Joyce, looks at the friendship, experiences and tribulations of two black women.

1on1 with Romeo Miller talks new season Growing Up Hip Hop, New Music and more

We Tv held a press screening and red carpet event in NYC 9/29/16 where we got to talk to the cast of season 2 growing up hip hop, check out the interview below.

1 on 1 with Stephan James talks new series shots fired and more 9/24/16 NYC

We got an opportunity to chat with stephan james about new series shots fired and much more at urban world film festival in nye over the weekend.

1on1 with New Edition/Bell Biv Devoe at Urban World Film Festival in NYC 9/24/16

We got an opportunity to chat with Bell Biv Devoe in nye where they were on hand to show clips from the upcoming BET Biopic on their life which comes out in January..

1on1 with Jay Ellis talks new series insecure, black livers matter and more

We talk with Jay Ellis from BET The Game he talks new series coming to HBO insecure as well as the current events police brutality and more so get into the interview below.

Durand Bernarr performance in NYC 9/17/16 Rockwood Music Hall

After a 2 year absence Durand Bernard returned to New York City to kick off The Full Effect Tour and to kick off his birthday weekend celebration. Durand also released his new EP Soundcheck which is available now for purchase https://durandbernarr.bandcamp.com/releases for $7.00 He performed in front a sold out audience for about a little over an hour and performed several tracks off the new EP including his new single which I love Fly On The Wall. Below is a snippet from his show and make sure to catch him in a city near you.

1 on 1 with Akon talks Royole Moon 3D, Solar Power Energy, New Music & more

Yesterday in New York City at Rubin Museum of Art we got an opportunity to sit and talk to rapper Akon about his new Royole Moon 3D Virtual Mobile theater as well as other topics get into the interview below and thanks for the interview.

Fox's Shots Fired & HBO's Insecure starring Sanaa Lathan & Issa Rae Coming to Urban World Film Festival

Sanaa Lathan new series coming to Fox debuts in the winter but will be screened here at Urban World Film Festival on Saturday Sept 24 at 730pm AMC Empire Theater in New York City, Below is the trailer for the series as well as the description. From the moment i first heard about this I was intrigued and can not wait to view the 10 episodes series. The series also stars Tristan Wilds and Stephan James.





FOX's all-new show, SHOTS FIRED, is a compelling event series examining the dangerous aftermath of racially charged shootings in a small Southern town.

Examining the dangerous aftermath of racially charged shootings in a small Southern town, SHOTS FIRED is a dramatic new event series that is a “why done it?” and a “who done it?” From Gina Prince-Bythewood (“Beyond the Lights,” “The Secret Life of Bees,” “Love & Basketball”) and Reggie Rock Bythewood (“Beyond the Lights,” “Notorious”), the 10-hour event series is an explosive look at the criminal justice system.

When an African-American police officer kills an unarmed white college student, a small town in North Carolina is turned upside-down. Before the town has a chance to grapple with this tragedy, the neglected murder of an African-American teen is brought to light, re-opening wounds that threaten to tear the town apart. Leading the Department of Justice’s inquiry into these shootings is seasoned investigator ASHE AKINO (Sanaa Lathan, “The Perfect Guy”) and a young Special Prosecutor, PRESTON TERRY (Stephan James, “Race,” “Selma”), both of whom are African-American. As they start to pull back the layers of both cases, they suspect a cover-up that may involve some of the state’s most powerful people, including fiercely political North Carolina Governor PATRICIA EAMONS (Academy-, Emmy- and Golden Globe-winning actress Helen Hunt, “As Good As It Gets,” “The Sessions”). She’s in a tough re-election fight, and the recent shootings in her state are making it even tougher. Meanwhile, real estate mogul and owner of a privatized prison ARLEN COX (Academy- and Golden Globe Award-winning actor Richard Dreyfuss, “The Goodbye Girl,” “Jaws,” “Madoff”), is pulled into the case, as LT. ERIC BREELAND (Stephen Moyer, “The Bastard Executioner,” “True Blood”), a seasoned veteran in the town’s Sheriff’s Department, gets caught in the middle of the investigation. SHOTS FIRED tackles the racial divide from all perspectives. As Ashe and Preston navigate the media attention, public debate and social unrest that come with such volatile cases, they learn that everybody has a story, and that the truth is rarely black and white.

Insecure a new series from Issa Rae who we all know and adore from her youtube series Awkward Black Girl. The half-hour comedy series INSECURE, starring Issa Rae, Yvonne Orji, Jay Ellis and Lisa Joyce, looks at the friendship of two black women and their uncomfortable experiences and racy tribulations. The cast will be on hand for the screening on Friday Sept 23 at 8pm at AMC Empire Theater. The show also stars Jay Ellis from the hit BET series "The Game" and Yvonne Orji.

Urban World Film Festival Lineup announced Sept 21-25 in NYC

Tickets and passes for the festival are on sale now. For additional announcements in September, go to www.urbanworld.org. Follow @UWFilmFest and use #UW20 to join the conversation about Urbanworld on social media.

URBANWORLD 2016 FILM SLATE

SPOTLIGHT PRESENTATIONS

Queen of Katwe – Directed by Mira Nair, Presented by Disney
Class Divide – Directed by Marc Levin, Presented by HBO Documentary Films
Black – Directed by Adil El Arbi & Bilall Fallah, Presented by Saboteur Media
Honeytrap – Directed by Rebecca Johnson, Presented by ARRAY
TITLE VII: First Look Clips & Conversation – Directed by Nicole Franklin

THE REVOLT YOUNG FILMMAKERS SHOWCASE

Loved Like This – Directed by Christopher Lewis Dawkins (U.S. Premiere)
Madaran – Directed by Rayka Zehtabchi (East Coast Premiere)
Hush – Directed by Whitney Clinkscales (New York Premiere)
AMERIKKKA – Directed by Sheila Wilson (New York Premiere)
The Bench – Directed by Cameron Burnett
A Silent Night – Directed by Gino Ricardo Green (World Premiere)

U.S. NARRATIVE FEATURES

72 Hours: A Brooklyn Love Story? – Directed by Raafi Rivero (New York Premiere) Chee & T – Directed by Tanuj Chopra (East Coast Premiere)
Destined – Directed by Qasim Basir (New York Premiere) Lucky – Directed by Bari Kang (World Premiere)
My B.F.F. – Directed by Greg Carter (World Premiere) No Regrets – Directed by Mark Harris (World Premiere)
Sepulveda – Co-Directed by Jena English & Brandon Wilson (World Premiere)
She’s Got A Plan – Co-Directed by Fatima Washington & Corey Johnson (World Premiere)
Steps – Directed by Jay Rodriquez and Rock Davis

WORLD NARRATIVE FEATURES

A Moving Image (UK) – Directed by Shola Amoo (New York Premiere)
Brotherhood (UK) – Directed by Noel Clarke (U.S. Premiere)
Dar Noir (Tanzania) – Directed by Hamadi Mwapachu (U.S. Premiere)
Gidi Blues (Nigeria) – Directed by Femi Odugbemi (U.S. Premiere)
Like Cotton Twines (Ghana) – Directed by Leila Djansi (East Coast Premiere)
The Farm / La Granja (Puerto Rico) – Directed by Angel Manuel Soto Vazquez (New York Premiere)

DOCUMENTARY FEATURES

Beatbox Boom Bap Around The World (France/Germany/U.S.) – Directed by Pascal Tessaud (U.S. Premiere)
Daddy Don’t Go (U.S.) – Directed by Emily Abt Jewel’s Catch One (U.S.) – Directed by C. Fitz
Martha & Niki (Sweden) – Directed by Tora Mkandawire Mårtens
The Revival: Woman and the Word (U.S.) – Directed by Sekiya Dorsett (East Coast Premiere)
Until 20 (U.S.) – Directed by Geraldine Moriba Meadows & Jamila Paksima Rowell

SHORT FILMS

[Re]defined – Directed by Danae Grandison (New York Premiere)
A Gentleman Always – Directed by Drue Metz (New York Premiere)
A Silent Night – Directed by Gino Ricardo Green (World Premiere)
AMERIKKKA – Directed by Sheila Wilson (New York Premiere)
After The Storm – Directed by Jessica Oyelowo (World Premiere)
And Nothing Happened – Directed by Naima Ramos-
Chapman Balcony – Directed by Toby Fell-Holden
Blessed – Directed by Jennifer Derwingson (East Coast Premiere)
Bird – Directed by Booker T Mattison
Born In Battle – Directed by Yangzom Brauen (New York Premiere)
Buried Deep – Directed by Timothy Naylor (World Premiere)
Chameleon – Directed by Reza Dahya (New York Premiere)
Class 15 – Directed by Dean Leon Anderson (World Premiere)
Flowers – Directed by Yvonne Michelle Shirley, Nikyatu Jusu (New York Premiere)
Hush – Directed by Whitney Clinkscales (New York Premiere)
I Rise – Directed by Yoruba Richen (World Premiere)
Leche – Directed by Gabriella A. Moses (New York Premiere)
Lilly’s Secret – Directed by Emanuele Michetti (World Premiere)
Loved Like This – Directed by Christopher Lewis Dawkins (U.S. Premiere)
Madaran – Directed by Rayka Zehtabchi (East Coast Premiere)
Mast Qalandar – Directed by Divij Roopchand
Mixtape: An Unauthorized Biography – Directed by David F. Mewa – (New York Premiere)
Mrs. Nebile’s Wormhole – Directed by Pinar Yorgancioglu (World Premiere)
Olde E – Directed by Xavier L. Neal-Burgin (East Coast Premiere)
On Time – Directed by Xavier L. Neal-Burgin (East Coast Premiere)
One Per Person – Directed by Nasheet Zaman & Jacquelyn ‘Jac’ Piette (East Coast Premiere)
Peace the Policy – Directed by Kervin Marseille & William Leonard (U.S. Premiere)
Post Life – Directed by Salli Richardson-Whitfield (World Premiere)
Samaria – Directed by Kiel Adrian Scott (World Premiere)
Second Words – Directed by Jake Hull (New York Premiere)
Slumflower – Directed by Tremaine Romeo & Nicole Taylor Roberts (New York Premiere)
Sugar – Directed by Dime Davis (World Premiere)
The Bench – Directed by Cameron Burnett
The Jump – Directed by Jamal Hodge (New York Premiere)
The Suit – Directed by Jarryd Coetsee (U.S. Premiere)
Three Minute Warning – Directed by Iqbal Mohammed (East Coast Premiere)
Univitellin – Directed by Terence Nance (New York Premiere)
Victor XX – Directed by Ian Garrido

SCREENPLAYS

Fried Catfish – Written by Inda Craig-Galván
Generational Curses – Written by Kenya Branch
Take the L – Written by Kim Washington
The Turnpike – Written by Keith Josef Adkins

Queen of Katwe opens Urban World Film Festival in NYC Sept 21-25

Disney’s Queen of Katwe  will be featured on Thursday, September 22 at 7:45 p.m. The film “Queen of Katwe” is the colorful true story of a young girl selling corn on the streets of rural Uganda whose world rapidly changes when she is introduced to the game of chess, and, as a result of the support she receives from her family and community, is instilled with the confidence and determination she needs to pursue her dream of becoming an international chess champion. Directed by Mira Nair, the film stars Golden Globe nominee David Oyelowo, Tony nominee and Academy Award winner Lupita Nyong’o and newcomer Madina Nalwanga. A Q&A with Oyelowo, recently announced as one of Urbanworld’s 2016 festival ambassadors, and Nair will immediately follow the screening of the film.

Donald Glover "Atlanta" screening in NYC 8/23/16

On Tuesday August 23 the cast of "Atlanta" which stars Donald Glover,Brian Tyree Henry, Lakeith Stansfield and Zadie Beetz. The new series was screened in front of an pack Paley Center for Media where the audience was given an chance to view the first 2 episodes of the show, both episodes are 30 mins long. The show centers around two cousins working in the city's rap music scene. Below is Q&A session with the cast which was moderated by New York POWER 105 VJ Angela Yee of The Breakfast Club.





Part 1






Part 2

Frank Ocean "Blonde" officially released

On Saturday evening, Ocean launched a handful of pop-up shops in major cities, where fans could get their hands on his much-talked-about zine as well as his highly anticipated second studio album. Shortly after that announcement, he released the project, titled Blonde,on iTunes.


Since the release of Ocean’s debut studio album in 2012, the world has been eager to hear what the 28-year-old singer was going to release next. His follow-up to channel ORANGE has been making headlines for years, specifically for its slew of rumored release dates that never came. Well, the wait is finally over.

Frank Ocean NIKES Music Video

After giving us “Endless” the visual album, Frank Ocean & Apple sneak in one more video on us with this new song & video titled “Nikes”. This will have the fans on alert now knowing Frank Ocean album, “Boys Dont Cry” is close to being released. For now check out the official video below and tell us what you think?

Frank Ocean Visual Album "Endless"

Frank Ocean has released a 45-minute long video titled “Endless.” A representative from Apple Music calls it his new “visual album.” The rep also told Pitchfork to “keep an eye out this weekend for more from Frank.” It features new Frank songs and takes place in the same warehouse where Ocean has been hosting a web stream. The status of Ocean’s Boys Don’t Cry and its long-reported accompanying print publication are currently unclear. Find the tracklist below, and watch “Endless” here. 

Earlier tonight, Frank Ocean returned to the mysterious web streamthat began on his website www.boysdontcry.co two weeks ago. He assembled the wooden boxes that he had hand-built into a spiral staircase. The stream featured new music.

https://itunes.apple.com/us/music-video/endless/id1143705097

Endless Trackless:

01 Device Control
02 At Your Best (You Are Love) (Isley Brothers cover)
03 Alabama
04 Mine
05 U-N-I-T-Y
06 Ambience 001: “In a Certain Way”
07 Commes Des Garcons
08 Ambience 002: “Honeybaby”
09 Wither
10 Hublots
11 In Here Somewhere
12 Slide on Me
13 Sideways
14 Florida
15 Deathwish (ASR)
16 Rushes
17 Rushes To
18 Higgs

Black LGBT film "Moonlight" starring Janelle Monae and Mahershala Ali

Moonlight is a coming-of-age story following a kid named Chiron as he faces various obstacles with masculinity, his sexuality and falling in love for the first time. The film takes place in Miami during the late '70s War on Drugs. Written and directed by Barry Jenkins (best known for 2008's Medicine for Melancholy),Moonlight stars Mahershala Ali (House of Cards, Luke Cage), Naomie Harris (Spectre), Andre Holland (Selma), Jaden Piner, Alex R. Hibbert, Ashton Sanders (Straight Outta Compton), Trevante Rhodes (Westworld) and singer Janelle Monáe in her film debut.

Look out for its theatrical premiere on Oct. 21, following screenings at the New York and Toronto Film Festivals. The credit block on the trailer gives screenplay credit to Jenkins and story credit to Tarell Alvin McCraney. McCraney’s play “In Moonlight Black Boys Turn Blue” is the basis for the movie.

How to Kick Love Out by D. Rashad Battle

Seven Toussaint doesn't believe in love anymore. At least that's what he tells himself over and over again until he believes it. Then he meets Jacques De Costa in the most peculiar way at a gathering one evening. As Seven and Jacques' love blossoms, Seven realizes that the secret that he keeps from potential lovers could be the reason why all of his past relationships have failed. Not only does Seven have to decide whether this love is for him, but his brother, Peter, who is fresh out of prison, moves in with him, causing more ruckus in his life 

What happens when two people fall in love and one of them has a past they can't seem to let go of?

The book by Mr. Battle will be out later this week and the author's second book, his first book " Tattooed Teardrop" which came out in the fall of last year. Kudos dominic on your upcoming second release of your new book. 

One on One with Tichina Arnold in Miami at ABFF 20

Over the weekend I hd the opportunity to talk to Tichina Arnold who we all love and adore as Pam James from the hit 90s show Martin at American Black Film Festival which celebrated its 20th year in Miami so get into the interview.

Webseries: Episode 1 Love at First Night "Cheres" (Pilot)

"LOVE AT FIRST NIGHT" IS A COMEDY BASED WEB SERIES ABOUT 2 MEN FINDING LOVE AFTER A HOOK UP. ALTHOUGH THEIR CONNECTION IS SEAMLESS, THEY CAN'T ESCAPE THE ISSUES AFFECTING THEIR BLOSSOMING RELATIONSHIP. SPENCER AND JAYDEN WALKS US THROUGH THE STAGES OF THEIR UNCONVENTIONAL LOVE STORY.

From the outside looking in, Spencer and Jayden appear to be the cliche. Two young black men hooking up after a house party. However, their story takes a unique twist once they realize their attraction for each other is more than a one night stand. One night turns into a weekend of pillow talk, fun, engagement and passion that sometimes takes months to create. Almost instantly they recognize that their connection shouldn't be ignored, but no good thing is met without resistance.

Episode 1 (Cheers)

Nate Parker is giving a first look of "The Birth of a Nation" film at ABFF Friday June 17 1130am

An enlightening conversation with The Birth of a Nation director, writer filmmaker and actor Nate Parker (Beyond the Lights, Red Tails), along with actress Aja Naomi King (How To Get Away with Murder) and actress Gabrielle Union (Being Mary Jane, Bad Boys II). They will and will showcase behind-the-scenes clips on the making of the film, as well as discuss the film’s incredible journey to date.

Moderator: Star Jones, journalist & author

Get more info on the talk at www.abff.com  

Tmobile Tuesdays kicks off today Thanks T-Mobile

Today in New York City, Tmobile launched Tmobile Tuesdays where they are giving customers free giveaways just for being a customer and each week, the gifts are different. This week it was A Free Medium 2 topping pizza from Dominos, A small Frosty from Wendys as well a free movie ticket to see the movie Warcraft. Me being me and loving free stuff, lol downloaded the application and redeem my prizes. So thank you T Mobile for this appreciation for being a loyal customer.

WebSeries: Love @ First Night debuts June 13

My favorite LGBT creators are back with a fresh and exciting new series entitled "Love @ First Night" from the folks that brought you No Shade and BGU. Below is a synopsis of the web series which debuts on June 13 on Artkutec a new digital indie-streaming network featuring original series and movies from LGBT of color.


Spencer and Jayden walks us through the stages of their unconventional petty love story.

"LOVE AT FIRST NIGHT" IS A COMEDY BASED WEB SERIES ABOUT 2 MEN FINDING LOVE AFTER A HOOK UP. ALTHOUGH THEIR CONNECTION IS SEAMLESS, THEY CAN'T ESCAPE THE ISSUES AFFECTING THEIR BLOSSOMING RELATIONSHIP. SPENCER AND JAYDEN WALKS US THROUGH THE STAGES OF THEIR UNCONVENTIONAL LOVE STORY.

From the outside looking in, Spencer and Jayden appear to be the cliche. Two young black men hooking up after a house party. However, their story takes a unique twist once they realize their attraction for each other is more than a one night stand. One night turns into a weekend of pillow talk, fun, engagement and passion that sometimes takes months to create. Almost instantly they recognize that their connection shouldn't be ignored, but no good thing is met without resistance.

Darnell Lamont Walker & Alex Hardy May 20 NYC "Here's The Fuck I Think"

Alex and Darnell do a comedic exchange in an segment called " Here's The Fuck I Think" which took place May 20 at the Malcolm X & Betty Shabazz Memorial & Educational Center in Washington Heights section of New York City the same place where Malcolm X was assassinated.

Andresflava 2 cover American Black Film Festival in Miami June 15-19

Andresflava is excited to announce that we will be covering the American Black Film Festival again this year for the 4th consecutive year. This years opening night film will be “Central Intelligence,” starring Dwayne Johnson and Kevin Hart, presented by the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA), courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures, will make its debut at the festival opening night, Wednesday, June 15, at 7:45 p.m. at the Olympia Theater, located at 174 East Flagler Street.

American Black Film Festival will be celebrating their 20th year this year hence the return to Miami after being in New York City for the past 3 years. Andresflava is excited to be back at ABFF and make sure to check our social media feeds if you're not following us on Instagram, Twitter and Snapchat all Andresflava for behind the scenes video and pics with a full recap on the weekend here on the site on Monday June 20. 

Also Below is a list of the various films that will be screening through out the weekend on South Beach 

“This year’s films not only reflect diverse storytelling and diversity within the Black experience, but also the technological advances of the times — from the 1936 Berlin Olympic Games, to a narrative feature film shot entirely on the iPhone 6s. We have people coming from all around the nation to support the work of these talented filmmakers, and we hope that the local community will take part in ABFF as well,” said Jeff Friday, ABFF CEO and Founder.

The complete list of films selected for the Narrative Features, Web Originals and Documentary sections, as well as the HBO Short Film Competition, follow below – some you will recognize, given that we’ve covered them on this blog. Those that haven’t been previously profiled will be in future posts, leading up to the festival:

NARRATIVE FEATURES “IN COMPETITION”

DESTINED
Writer/Director: Qasim Basir
Producers: Tommy Oliver, Rick Rosenthal, Matt Ratner
Cast: Cory Hardrict, Jesse Metcalfe, Margot Bingham, Robert Christopher Riley, Zulay Henao, Jason Dohring, Mo McRae, La La Anthony, Hill Harper, James McCaffrey, Curtiss Cook

“Destined” tells the parallel stories of Sheed and Rasheed (Cory Hardrict) as they explore the idea of destiny as well as how the smallest incident can become a life-changing
event.

EVERYTHING BUT A MAN
Writer/Director: Nnegest Likké
Producers: Nnegest Likké, Jimmy Jean-Louis, Steven J. Wolfe
Cast: Monica Calhoun, Jimmy Jean-Louis, Camille Winbush

A successful career woman has a life-changing romance with a mysterious man from another culture, whose radical lifestyle differences challenge her perspective on love, relationships and what it means to be a “strong” woman.

THE FIX
Director: Paris Bauldwin
Writer: Paris Bauldwin
Producers: Paris Bauldwin, Kenny Lofton, Brenton Earley
Cast: Meta Golding, Eric Roberts, Asia Queen, Nicole Steinwedell, Blaine Gray, Jeremy Suarez, Sean O’Bryan, Timon Kyle Durrett, Jeremy Luke

Abigail witnesses the shooting of an unarmed teen by an LAPD officer, with whom she is carrying on an affair. To further complicate things, a teenaged girl appears claiming to be the daughter Abigail gave away at birth.

HOW TO TELL YOU’RE A DOUCHEBAG
Director: Tahir Jetter
Writer: Tahir Jetter
Producers: Julius Pryor, Marttise Hill, Tahir Jetter
Cast: Charles Brice, DeWanda Wise, Jenna Williams, William Jackson Harper, Tonye Patano, Alexander Mulzac

A womanizer falls in love in this modern romantic comedy about chauvinism, courtship and millennial woes.

SERVICE TO MAN *World Premiere
Directors: Aaron Greer, Seth Panitch
Writer: Seth Panitch
Producers: Aaron Greer, Seth Panitch
Cast: Morgan Auld, Christopher Livingston, Lamman Rucker, Keith David

Two outsiders from radically different backgrounds struggle to find a common purpose within the pressure cooker of Nashville’s all-black medical school in the 1960s.

NARRATIVE FEATURES “WORLD SHOWCASE”

HALFWAY
Director: Ben Caird
Writer: Ben Caird
Producer: Jonny Paterson
Cast: Quinton Aaron, Jeffrey DeMunn, Gillian Zinser, Amy Pietz, TJ Power, Marcus Henderson
A recently released convict finds himself trapped between his urban criminal past and his new life on probation as the only back man in a conservative, white Wisconsin farming town.

9 RIDES
Director: Matthew A. Cherry
Writer: Matthew A. Cherry
Producers: Jerome Caldwell, Matthew Keene Smith, Datari Turner, Monica Young, Natasha Ward, Jaia Thomas, R. Vaughn Gill
Cast: Dorian Missick, Omar J. Dorsey, Robinne Lee, Xosha Roquemore, Amin Joseph, Thomas Q. Jones, Skye P. Marshall, Aasha Davis, Sujata Day, Tracie Thoms
On the busiest night of the year, an Uber driver in Los Angeles gets life-changing news.

FINDING HER *U.S. Premiere
Director: Vlad Feier
Writers: Vlad Feier, Peter Gutter
Producers: Vlad Feier, Ana Paula Rivera, Regina Bang
Cast: Johnny Whitworth, Maurice McRae, Afton Williamson, Jeremy Holm, Larry Pine, Danny Johnson
Monique Watson goes missing. Police are not doing anything to find a lead. The mission drops on the desk of journalist Christian Baker.

KILLING LAZARUS
Director: Desmond Faison
Writer: Desmond Faison
Producer: Jahmela Biggs
Cast: Deji LaRay, Tracey Dukes, Wade Maurice Johnson, Jr., Robert Davis, Jahmela Biggs, Rome Green, Jr., Amanuel Richards, Shayla Hale, Billy Mayo
Childhood friends turned adult drug dealers struggle to define what’s next in their strained friendship. Anything but typical, “Killing Lazarus” is unlike anything you’ve seen.

SECRETS
Director: Juwan Lee
Writers: Juwan Lee, Jamal Hill
Producers: Jamal Hill, Kia Hicks Freeman, Gregory Freeman
Cast: Harold Moore, Denyce Lawton, Denise Boutte, Dennis White, Tobias Truvillion
When a successful businessman has a sexual appetite larger than what’s on his plate at home, chaos erupts. Tarron’s irresistible co-worker serves it up, while his wife, who’s ironically named Secret, releases a few secrets of her own.

ILLICIT *World Premiere
Director: Corey Grant
Writers: Corey Grant, Lanett Tachel
Producers: Kevin Fleming, Lanett Tachel Corey Grant, McKinley Freeman, David Ramsey
Cast: David Ramsey, Shireen Crutchfield, McKinley Freeman, Michele Weaver, Lanett Tachel, Dean Cain, Vivica A. Fox, Dionne Gipson, Michael Monks, Essence Atkins, Vincent A. Ward, Sade Kimora Young, Durrell “Tank” Babbs, Charlie Farrell, Adam Senn
Sasha and Guy’s marriage is tested when sexy, young lovers, both with dark pasts and hidden nefarious agendas, independently seduce by.

HBO SHORT FILM COMPETITION

*A panel of HBO executives will judge the final entries during the festival. A grand prize of $10,000 will be awarded by HBO to one filmmaker at the ABFF Awards on June 16, 2016, with runners-up each receiving $5,000. All finalists will have the opportunity to have their entries licensed by HBO for exhibition on the HBO service, HBO Go, and HBO Now.

THE BIG CHOP *World Premiere
Director: Derek Dow
Writer: Alisha Cowan
Producer: Cayman Grant
Cast: Simone Missick, Chinedu Unaka, McKenzie Franklin, Kevin Kilumbu

“The Big Chop” takes a look inside the world of natural hair, following a child’s once positive outlook on her hair, through to her adult years, when her perspective is shaken by negative hints from peers, family and media.

FLOWERS *World Premiere
Directors: Nikyatu Jusu, Yvonne M. Shirley
Writers: Nikyatu Jusu, Yvonne M. Shirley
Producers: Nikyatu Jusu, Yvonne M. Shirley
Cast: Amee Apedo, Belle LeGrand, Tambellini

When Brooklyn teens Mya and Erin seek revenge on a teacher their well-calculated plans quickly spiral out of control.

GUBAGUDE KO (Blood Is Upon Them) *World Premiere
Director: Philiane Phang
Writer: Philiane Phang
Producers: Annick Jaegy
Cast: Mahershala Ali, Erica Tazel

A man witnesses a young woman’s rape and experiences the guilt of his inaction.

ON TIME *World Premiere
Director: Xavier Burgin
Writers: Xavier Burgin, Tiara Marshall
Producers: Tony Ducret, Kendra Cole, Tim Astor, Angelica Lopez
Cast: Inger Tudor, Araija DaCosta, Kevin Craig West, John Marrot, Louis Baker, Jordana Berliner, Amani Starnes

Renee Johnson, a mother living in South Central LA, must make a difficult decision when she’s late for her job interview.

UGLY *World Premiere
Director: LeRon Lee
Writer: LeRon Lee
Producer: Derrick Williams
Cast: Devon Moyd, Andrea-Rachel Parker, Jamal Steven Defreitas, Jo Lee, Kevin Bennett, Jr.

A coming-of-age story about a boy looking for love in the wrong place…his own environment.

ABFF WEB ORIGINALS

2 SELF HELP BOOKS AWAY FROM PERFECT
Director: Lopez Williams
Writer/Creator: Kimberly Young
Producers: Lopez Williams, Kimberly Young, Morris Young, Richard Monroe, Lori Stewart Tannis, Sam Baumel
Cast: Kimberly Young, DJ Cipha Sounds, Nate Gill, Carmen Lynch, Sharron Paul, Jourdan Guyton, Jared Prudoff-Smith, Lauren Besser, Gibran Saleem, Godfrey Taylor, Jr., Sue Berch
In “2 Self Help Books Away from Perfect,” we follow Kimmy Monroe, a bright-eyed Brooklynite who, through a series of hilarious and sometimes awkward events, learns that finding true love first begins by accepting one’s true self.

BLACK ACTRESS
Director: William Alexander Runnels
Writers: Andrea Lewis, Austin Hall
Producers: Andrea Lewis, Brian Walker, Essence Atkins, Tatyana Ali
Cast: Andrea Lewis, Allison Edwards Crewe, Rob Vincent, Tristan Wilds
“Black Actress” is a scripted meets documentary style series. Every episode opens with the testimony of a celebrity Black actress, while viewers get to follow the life of Kori Bailey (Andrea Lewis), a struggling Black actress living in New York City, who desperately needs to get out of her own way.

FIRST DATES
Director: Talibah Newman
Writers: Talibah Newman, Uzo Ometu
Producers: Talibah Newman, Uzo Ometu
Cast: Angela Wildflower, Justin Sams, Shana Solomon, Laci Mosley, Andre Columbus
Samantha, a newly divorced political consultant, tries to get her love life back in order, only to find men, friends and her career getting in the way of finding true love.

GET YOUR LIFE
Directors: Amanda Seales, James Bland
Writers: Amanda Seales, Steven Chew
Producers: Amanda Seales, Issa Rae, Benoni Tagoe, Quan Lateef-Hill, Marshon Thomas
Cast: Amanda Seales, Lil Rel, Godfrey, Issa Rae, Yvonne Orji, BT Kingsley, Tehran
“Get Your Life” is an edgy scripted comedy about the very non-scripted life of comedian/actress Amanda Seales and her continuing effort to keep it real and find the funny amidst dating cornballs, Hollywood BS and being a new New Yorker to Los Angeles.

KINGMAKERS OF OAKLAND
Director: Cheo Tyehimba Taylor
Writer: Cheo Tyehimba Taylor
Producers: Christopher Chatmon, Judd Flemming, Shaka Jamal
Cast: Christopher Chatmon, Jerome Gourdine, Baayan Bakari, Jahi, AAMA students
“Kingmakers of Oakland” follows the teachers and students of OUSD during the 2015-16 school year as they overcome obstacles both at school and home, and redefine what it means to be a “king.”

THE MOVEMENT
Directors: Christian Mazza, Jimmy Shelton, Justine Bo
Writers: Antonia Hylton, Darnell Moore, Jimmy Shelton
Producers: Antonia Hylton, Regina Delea, John Lagomarsino
“The Movement” is an original docuseries that explores the work of individuals fighting to reclaim and recover marginalized communities and spaces across America.

ABFF DOCUMENTARY COMPETITION

DADDY DON’T GO
Director: Emily Abt, Andrew Osborne
Writer: Emily Abt
Producers: Emily Abt, Keryn Thompson, Suzette Burton, Omar Epps, Malik Yoba
“Daddy Don’t Go” explores the crisis of fatherlessness in America, documenting two years in the lives of four disadvantaged fathers in New York City as they fight to defy the odds against them. It provides compelling portraits of men who are unwavering in their commitment to parenthood despite the challenges they encounter.

JIM BROWN’S AMER-I-CAN DREAM
Director/Writer: Aurora Ferlin
Producers: Aurora Ferlin, Keith Cardwell, Ronnie Barron
Cast: Jim Brown, Monique Brown, Ray Lewis, John Wooten, Rockhead Johnson, Ronnie Barron, Aqeela Sherrills, Julian Mendoza, Tonie Jackson, Anthony Blanks, Jacques White-Barron
NFL legend Jim Brown forges an unlikely coalition with former convicts and gang members to stop the deadly wave of violence on America’s streets.

OLYMPIC PRIDE, AMERICAN PREJUDICE
Director: Deborah Riley Draper
Writer: Deborah Riley Draper
Producer: Deborah Riley Draper
Executive Producer: Blair Underwood, Dr. Amy Tiemann, Michael Draper, Deborah Riley Draper
Cast: Isiah Thomas, Carl Lewis, Ambassador Andrew Young, Joanna Hayes, Dr. Tommie Smith, Anita DeFrantz

In 1936, when 18 African American athletes, dubbed the “black auxiliary” by Hitler, participated in the Berlin Olympic Games, defying Nazi Aryan supremacy and Jim Crow racism, history forgot all except one – Jesse Owens. This is the story of the other 17.

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