Cynthia Ervio talks how she got the role of Harriett tubman in Harriett

Black and Blue closes Urban World Film Festival in NYC Sept 21 8pm

A rookie policewoman in New Orleans inadvertently captures the shooting death of a young drug dealer on her body cam. After realizing the murder was committed by corrupt cops, she teams up with the only person from the community who's willing to help her. Now, she finds herself on the run from both the vengeful criminals and the lawmen who desperately want to destroy the incriminating footage.

HARRIET opens up Urban World Film Festival in NYC Sept 18 8pm

Based on the thrilling and inspirational life of an iconic American freedom fighter, HARRIET tells the extraordinary tale of Harriet Tubman's escape from slavery and transformation into one of America’s greatest heroes. Her courage, ingenuity, and tenacity freed hundreds of slaves and changed the course of history.

Just Mercy to premiere in NYC at Urban World Film Festival Sept Friday Sept 20 8pm

A powerful and thought-provoking true story, "Just Mercy" follows young lawyer Bryan Stevenson (Jordan) and his history-making battle for justice. After graduating from Harvard, Bryan might have had his pick of lucrative jobs. Instead, he heads to Alabama to defend those wrongly condemned, with the support of local advocate Eva Ansley (Larson). One of his first, and most incendiary, cases is that of Walter McMillian (Foxx), who, in 1987, was sentenced to die for the notorious murder of an 18-year-old girl, despite a preponderance of evidence proving his innocence and the fact that the only testimony against him came from a criminal with a motive to lie. In the years that follow, Bryan becomes embroiled in a labyrinth of legal and political maneuverings and overt and unabashed racism as he fights for Walter, and others like him, with the odds and the system stacked against them.

The Mistreatment of Ballroom Boys

Split Screen Festival NYC May 29 thru June 3

If youre in NYC this week take a look at this dope festival that will be taking place at the IFC Center. For more info on the festival log on to their website at www.splitscreensfestival.com

Opening Night event May 29 830pm
When They See Us

Based on a true story that gripped the country, When They See Us is a sweeping drama chronicling the notorious case of the Central Park Five–Antron McCray, Kevin Richardson, Yusef Salaam, Raymond Santana and Korey Wise–five teenagers of color from Harlem who were convicted of a rape they did not commit. Beginning in the spring of 1989, when the teenagers were first questioned about the incident, Netflix’s four-part limited series spans 25 years, highlighting their exoneration in 2002 and the settlement reached with the city of New York in 2014.

When They See Us was created by Ava DuVernay, who also co-wrote and directed all four parts of the series. The phenomenal ensemble cast includes Michael K. Williams, Vera Farmiga, John Leguizamo, Felicity Huffman, Niecy Nash, Blair Underwood, Christopher Jackson, Joshua Jackson, Omar J. Dorsey, Adepero Oduye, Famke Janssen, Aurora Perrineau, William Sadler, Jharrel Jerome, Jovan Adepo, Aunjanue Ellis, Kylie Bunbury, Marsha Stephanie Blake, Storm Reid, Dascha Polanco, Chris Chalk, Freddy Miyares, Justin Cunningham, Ethan Herisse, Caleel Harris, Marquis Rodriguez, and Asante Blackk.

June 2

Queen Sugar Season 4 premiere

Created by Academy Award-nominated filmmaker Ava DuVernay and focusing on a multi-generational, African-American family of sugar farmers, Queen Sugar follows the Bordelon siblings as they fight to preserve their father’s legacy and deal with the everyday drama and joys of life. As season four picks up, Charley (Dawn-Lyen Gardner) continues to battle the Landry family while also trying to ensure Micah’s (Nicholas Ashe) safety and future. Nova (Rutina Wesley) publishes her memoir and is unnerved to encounter significant people from her past while on book tour. Ralph Angel (Kofi Siriboe) adjusts to co-parenting  with his ex-fiancé Darla (Bianca Lawson) after learning he is not the biological father of his son, Blue (Ethan Hutchison), and is encouraged by an old friend to create opportunities for formerly incarcerated men.

Executive produced by Ava DuVernay, Oprah Winfrey, Paul Garnes and Anthony Sparks, who also serves as showrunner, the series is helmed by an entirely female directorial team, led this season by producing director Cheryl Dunye.  Split Screens is proud to screen the premiere episode of season four of Queen Sugar, followed by a discussion with key cast-members, creators, and filmmakers.

In attendance: Actors Dawn-Lyen Gardner, Kofi Siriboe, and Rutina Wesley, showrunner and episode writer Anthony Sparks, and producing director and episode director Cheryl Dunye

June 2

Twilight Zone

Created by Rod Serling, the classic anthology series The Twilight Zone never shied away from political and social themes. CBS All Access’ re-imagining of the show, executive produced by Jordan Peele (Get Out, Us) and Simon Kinberg (X-Men), continues the tradition in a distinctly contemporary voice. One of the highlights from its first season is “Replay,” an ominous, unforgettable thriller about police brutality and institutional racism.

Star Sanaa Lathan (The Affair, Native Son) and “Replay” screenwriter Selwyn Seyfu Hinds join us for a closer look into this chilling episode, centered around Nina (Lathan), a mother who discovers her old camcorder can rewind time during a trip with her college-bound son Dorian (Damson Idris of Snowfall). Their journey turns nightmarish when they are continually targeted by Officer Lasky (Glenn Fleshler).

Now available to watch in stunning black-and-white, “Replay” turns a persistent modern American tragedy into a parable that also evokes elements of the classic series.

In attendance: Actress Sanaa Lathan and screenwriter Selwyn Seyfu Hinds

Official Trailer: ‘Queen Sugar’ Season 4 | Queen Sugar | Oprah Winfrey N...

Looks like Nova's book will have everlasting effects on this season of Queen Sugar when it returns for Season 4 on June 12 at 10pm on OWNTV. Get into the trailer above, I can't wait to see what is in store for the Bordelon clan.

Ambitons New series coming to OWN starring Robin Givens, Essence Atkins, and Brian J. White June 18

Ambitions premieres on OWN on June 18th at 10 p.m. ET/PT.
Take a sneak peek and read more info below: And make sure to catch it at ABFF on Friday June 14v at 8pm at Regal Cinemas Theater 17



The drama series “explores the sexy, deceitful machinations of love, power and politics in America’s hottest urban mecca, Atlanta, Georgia.” The cast includes Will Packer, Robin Givens, Essence Atkins, Brian White, Kendrick Cross, Brely Evans, and Erica page.

Los Angeles – OWN’s steamy new family saga “Ambitions” from record-breaking producer Will Packer (“Girls Trip”) is set to premiere on Tuesday, June 18 at 10 p.m. ET/PT following Tyler Perry’s hit drama “The Haves and Have Nots” (9-10 p.m. ET/PT).
Created by executive producer/writer Jamey Giddens and produced by Will Packer Media in association with Lionsgate and Lionsgate-owned distributor Debmar-Mercury, “Ambitions” stars a dynamic ensemble cast including Robin Givens (“Riverdale”), Brian White (“Scandal”), Kendrick Cross (“Acrimony”), Brely Evans (“Being Mary Jane”), Erica Page (“Ozark”) and Essence Atkins (“Marlon”).
“Ambitions” explores the sexy, deceitful machinations of love, power and politics in America’s hottest urban mecca, Atlanta, Georgia. The series centers around the intense rivalry between formidable legal eagles Stephanie Lancaster (Robin Givens) and Amara Hughes (Essence Atkins), former best friends from college who find themselves adversaries in both their personal and professional lives. Full descriptions of ensemble below:
Robin Givens is the sophisticated ‘Stephanie Lancaster.’ Hailing from a long line of distinguished attorneys, Stephanie desperately wants to be in charge of her family’s prestigious law firm and will stop at nothing to get what she wants.
Brian White is ‘Evan Lancaster,’ the Mayor of Atlanta, who is married to attorney Stephanie Carlisle. Evan’s dream is to be the first African-American governor of Georgia and there’s no line he won’t cross to get there.
Kendrick Cross stars as ‘Titus Hughes,’ a passionate attorney and dedicated husband to Amara (Essence Atkins). Titus has accepted the challenge of being in-house counsel for a big pharma company run by Hunter Purifoy (Brian Bosworth) to fight a class action suit brought by the powerful Carlisle family.
Brely Evans stars as ‘Rondell Lancaster,’ the sister of Atlanta Mayor Evan Lancaster and manager of the Thelma’s Place restaurant. As the new face of an anti-gentrification campaign, she never thought she’d become a crusader for the people, but it’s a badge she wears with pride – and nobody is removing it.
Erica Page plays the role of ‘Bella (Tru) Trujillo,’ Atlanta’s newest and trendiest fashion designer. She’s the exclusive dress designer for First Lady Stephanie Lancaster (Robin Givens) but has set her sights much higher.
Essence Atkins plays the role of ‘Amara Hughes,’ a lawyer in the U.S. Attorney’s Office who has newly arrived in Atlanta with her husband, Titus (Kendrick Cross). Originally from Texas, she is quickly gaining attention from the U.S. Attorney’s Office as a diligent investigator and prosecutor.
In addition, Brian Bosworth (“What Men Want”), Matt Cedeño (“Power”), Deena Dill (“Conrad & Michelle”), Gino Anthony Pesi (“Shades of Blue”) and Kayla Smith (“Star”) will appear in recurring roles.
“Ambitions” is produced for OWN by Will Packer Media in association with Lionsgate and its producer-distributor Debmar-Mercury. Will Packer is executive producer. Kevin Arkadie is executive producer/showrunner. Creator/writer Jamey Giddens and Will Packer Media’s Sheila Ducksworth also serve as executive producers. Benny Boom directed and served as a producer on the pilot episode.

The Bobby Debarge Story premiere at ABFF June 14 in Miami

THE BOBBY DEBARGE STORY, slated to premiere June 2019. The film’s stars include Roshon Fegan (Shake It Up, Greenleaf) in the lead role as Bobby DeBarge, Tyra Ferrell (Boyz InThe Hood, White Men Can’t Jump) as Etterlene DeBarge, and Adrian Marcel as James DeBarge. Big Boi (Outkast) portrays legendary music mogul Berry Gordy, while Lloyd appears as Switch member Gregory Williams.

The movie explores the tumultuous life of the former lead singer of 70’s R&B/Funk Band Switch, also the eldest sibling of the world-famous pop group DeBarge. Despite his success in music, the iconic falsetto found his life in peril as he struggled with fame and fortune while coping with the memories of his dysfunctional childhood.




The Bobby Debarge Story debuts on TVONE in June and ABFF has your exclusive first look at the movie before it hits the airwaves, you can catch it at 230pm on Thursday June 13 at the New World Center

Shaft to open 2019 ABFF in Miami June 12

When his best friend dies under mysterious circumstances, an FBI cyber security expert joins forces with his father -- the legendary cop John Shaft -- to scour the streets of Harlem, N.Y., and uncover the truth.


The film will be premiere at American Black Film Festival opening night movie in Miami at New World Center at 830pm on Wednesday June 12, 2019. The entire cast and director Tim Story will be on hand for the premiere.