The Inevitable Defeat of Mister and Pete to open 17th Annual American Black Film Festival (ABFF)Posted by Wilson Morales
June 4, 2013
Today Film Life’s 17th Annual American Black Film Festival (ABFF), announced its official slate of films, including Opening and Closing Night screenings, Gala screenings along with selections for the Narrative Features Competition, HBO® Short Film Competition and CNN Films Documentary Competition. The Festival will be held in Miami Beach, FL, June 19-23, 2013.
The Inevitable Defeat of Mister and Pete, from Codeblack Films, a LIONSGATE company, opens the festival, featuring a stellar cast including Skylan Brooks, Ethan Dizon, Jordin Sparks, Jeffrey Wright and Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje with Anthony Mackie and Academy Award®-winner Jennifer Hudson. The film, directed by George Tillman, Jr., was co-executive produced by GRAMMY® Award-winning singer Alicia Keys. This unique and affecting film is a coming of age story about two boys trying to survive the summer in their Brooklyn housing projects without parental supervision.
Closing the festival on June 23 is the feature film Kevin Hart: Let Me Explain starring actor and comedian Kevin Hart (Think Like A Man, BET’s “Real Husbands of Hollywood”). Kevin Hart: Let Me Explain, filmed at Madison Square Garden, captures one of the fast-talking, high-energy performances on Hart’s comedy tour of the same name. The 2012 international, multi-city comedy concert tour generated over $32.7 million in ticket sales and surpassed the then #1 urban comedy tour of all time, The Kings of Comedy. Summit Entertainment, a LIONSGATE® Company, will release the feature film nationwide on July 3, 2013.
Also announced is Ryan Coogler’s award-winning Fruitvale Station, from The Weinstein Company, as the Festival’s Alumni Spotlight Screening, along with UP’s (formerly known as gmc TV) world premiere of In the Meantime written by the 2012 UP’s screenplay competition winner Nzinga Kadalie Kemp and the world premiere of Playin’ For Love, produced and directed by Robert Townsend (In the Hive), as Gala Screenings.
In 2011, Ryan Coogler was the winner of the prestigious HBO® Short Film Competition at ABFF for his film, Fig. He is commanding attention again with his directorial debut, Fruitvale Station, an independent drama set in the San Francisco Bay area about the final day of 22-year-old Oscar Grant, who was infamously shot to death by a BART transit police officer in the early hours of New Year’s Day, 2008.
With over fifteen world premieres, the ABFF is renowned for showcasing preeminent cinematic content and this year’s slate of films will prove no exception. The Festival will screen artful and diversified feature films, shorts and documentaries with broad thematic elements. Things Never Said, starring ABFF’s Celebrity Ambassador, Omari Hardwick (Sparkle, For Colored Girls) seeks to determine how the spoken word defines self-worth and the resilience and depth of relationships among women provides salvation in The Magic City.
Jeff Friday, ABFF Founder and CEO of Film Life, Inc. states, “We are excited to be at seventeen years and counting. This year we have a diverse selection of films, some returning alumni and new webisode creators. With that said, it is especially rewarding to watch alumni take their next steps into the mainstream marketplace.” He adds, “We are steadfast in our commitment to support aspiring filmmakers, leading them to opportunities that will hopefully help them to build rewarding careers.”
Also Director Malcolm Lee and cast members of The Best Man Holiday will be at the festival discussing the upcoming sequel to the Best Man.
Opening Night Film: The Inevitable Defeat of Mister and Pete
Directed by George Tillman Jr, the film stars 13-year-old Skylan Brooks as Mister and Ethan Dizon as 9-year-old Pete. Also featured in the film are Jennifer Hudson, Jeffrey Wright, Jordin Sparks, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, Julito McCullum, and Anthony Mackie.
During a sweltering summer in New York City, 14-year-old Mister’s hard-living mother is apprehended by the police, leaving the boy and nine-year-old Pete alone to forage for food while dodging child protective services and the destructive scenarios of the Brooklyn projects. Faced with more than any child can be expected to bear, the resourceful Mister nevertheless feels he is an unstoppable force against seemingly unmovable obstacles. But what really keeps the pair in the survival game is much more Mister’s vulnerability than his larger-than-life attitude. The Inevitable Defeat of Mister and Pete is a beautifully observed and tremendously moving film about salvation through friendship and the way transformation sometimes can happen just by holding on long enough.
Michael Starrbury wrote the movie. Jana Edelbaum, Rachel Cohen, and Bob Teitel produced with Alicia Keys, Susan Lewis, Clay Floren, Aimee Shieh, Julio Depietro, Keith Kjarval, Mary Vernieu, and Amy Nauiokas executive producing.
Fruitvale Station
Winner of both the Grand Jury Prize for dramatic feature and the Audience Award for U.S. dramatic film at the 2013 Sundance Film Festival, director Ryan Coogler’s “Fruitvale Station” follows the true story of Oscar Grant (Michael B. Jordan), a 22-year-old Bay Area resident who wakes up on the morning of December 31, 2008 and feels something in the air.
Not sure what it is, he takes it as a sign to get a head start on his resolutions: being a better son to his mother (Octavia Spencer), whose birthday falls on New Year’s Eve, being a better partner to his girlfriend Sophina (Melonie Diaz), who he hasn’t been completely honest with as of late, and being a better father to Tatiana (Ariana Neal), their beautiful four year-old daughter. Crossing paths with friends, family, and strangers, Oscar starts out well, but as the day goes on, he realizes that change is not going to come easily. His resolve takes a tragic turn, however, when BART officers shoot him in cold blood at the Fruitvale subway stop on New Year’s Day. Oscar’s life and tragic death would shake the Bay Area – and the entire nation – to its very core.
The film was produced by Significant Productions, Academy Award-winner Forest Whitaker’s production company, and has proven to be a breakthrough role for Michael B. Jordan (Red Tails), who is best known for his acclaimed turn on HBO’s “The Wire,” and Academy-Award winner Octavia Spencer (The Help) rounds out the cast as Grant’s mother. The film will be released theatrically July 2013.
Closing Night Film: Let Me Explain
Kevin Hart: Let Me Explain captures the laughter, energy and mayhem from Hart’s 2012 concert tour, which spanned 10 countries and 80 cities, and generated over $32 million in ticket sales. Hart’s “Let Me Explain” tour was one of the most successful comedy tours of all time, with more than 540,000 tickets sold. Both of his shows at New York’s Madison Square Garden and his performance at London’s O2 Arena sold out, as well as his appearances in Canada, Norway, Sweden, Denmark and Amsterdam. The tour concluded this past New Year’s Eve in Los Angeles by selling out the Staples Center and grossing over $1 million in revenue in one night. Only five other comedians – Andrew Dice Clay, Dane Cook, Chris Rock, Russell Peters and Eddie Murphy – have sold out Madison Square Garden where Kevin Hart: Let Me Explain was filmed.
Here are some of the films that will be playing at the festival.
Full Circle
Full Circle is a wildly entertaining urban-action tale about a young pizza delivery boy, Anthoni (with an “i” not a “y”) who faces a life-changing crisis when his curiosity pulls him away from his delivery order into an adjacent apartment’s open door. When he stumbles across a large sum of money in the aftermath of what seems to be a drug deal gone bad…he simply can’t resist the temptation. After taking the money, his life is thrown into turmoil as everyone he knows and cares about is put in jeopardy. His focus turns to revenge, when a close friend is mistakenly killed for his actions. Anthoni goes on a comically charged journey for vengeance as outlandish characters banter throughout in this musically in-fused Anthoni goes on a comically charged journey for vengeance as outlandish characters banter throughout in this musically in-fused, escapade. Anthoni is set on avenging the death of his close friend even if it means going up against the neighborhood’s most notorious thug.
Full Circle is the feature film directorial debut for Solvan ‘Slick’ Naim, a 23-year-old Algerian-American rapper and music video director from Bushwick, Brooklyn. Solvan co-directed, wrote, produced, and makes his acting debut as Anthoni (with an ‘i’ not a ‘y’) in this urban action tale, which takes place almost entirely in his very own neighborhood. Slick and music composer, Chris Hierro, crafted an exclusive soundtrack that captures the heartbeat of Brooklyn’s trendy revitalization.
Home
From writer/director/producer Jono Oliver comes a drama titled Home, which stars Gbenga Akinnagbe, Tawny Cypress, Danny Hoch, James McDaniel, Joe Morton, and Isiah Whitlock.
Home is the story of a man (33 year old Jack Hall, played by Akinnagbe), suffering from mental illness, whose goal is to move out of the group home where he resides and into a home of his own. By doing so he hopes to rebuild his life, reconnect with his estranged son, and put himself back on a path to “normalcy.” Despite what some see as difficult subject matter (a man dealing with mental illness) Home is filled with wonderful characters, a lot of humor, strong drama, hope… and ultimately, an uplifiting ending.
A DGA assistant director for many years, Jono Oliver has had a career in film and television production that has included more than 40 projects, including the films The Great Debaters, Notorious, Guess Who, Barbershop 2, John Tucker Must Die, Snake Eyes, Last Action Hero, and Soul Food.
In 2011, he began writing for the hit CBS television show Blue Bloods and his latest project, Home, marks his feature film directorial debut.
In the Meantime
Directed by Roger M. Bobb, ‘In The Meantime’ stars Kali Hawk, Darrin Dewitt Henson, Terri J. Vaughn, Thomas Mikal Ford, Rodney Perry, David Mann, Tamela Mann and singer Musiq Soulchild, who’s making his film debut.
Jazmin “Jazz” Welles (Kali Hawk) and her long-time artist fiancé “Blac” (Musiq Soulchild) are on their way to wedded bliss. Or, are they? With their relationship in a slump before marriage, the vow “’til death do you part” begins to weigh heavily on Blac’s mind. He convinces Jazz to take six months off to discover themselves and decide if what they have is really true love. After Jazz looses her job her sister (Terri J. Vaughn) recruits her to teach for an adult literary program at a local community center where she meets Kwame Davis (Darrin Dewitt Henson), a litigator focused on career advancement, who reluctantly volunteers his Saturdays to teach adults to read in an effort to please his boss. As Jazz and Kwame reach into the community and find new and creative ways to engage their students, guiding them toward individual success, they find themselves drawn into an unlikely friendship that surprisingly blossoms. With her six months relationship break set to expire, and her walk down the aisle imminent, Jazz finds her life changing in unforeseen ways.
Written by Nzinga Kadalie Kemp, who was the grand-prize winner of the second GMC Faith and Family Screenplay Competition presented at the American Black Film Festival in 2012, will make its world television premiere on GMC TV in July.
MONICA
The film is about an engaged aspiring artist couple (Ali Cobrin, Step Up 2′s Robert Hoffman) who make a pact in order for Monica to take a job as an exotic dancer to take care of her cancer stricken father (played by Django Unchained and 48hrs’ James Remar). Once the pact the couple made is broken, there lives are changed forever.
Directed by Greg Carter, the script was written by Carter and Datari Turner, who’s also featured in the film. Gordon Bijelonic and Datari Turner Films (‘Dysfunctional Friends‘) are producing the film along with Michael Becker.
The rest of the cast includes Mariel Hemingway, Lynn Whitfield, Omari Hardwick, Carmen Electra, Lisa Raye, Briana Evigan, Stacey Dash, Nia Peoples, Datari Turner, Omar Gooding, Keith Robinson, Lew Temple, Obba Babatunde, Quinton Aaron, K.D. Aubert, Christian Keyes, Wesley Jonathan, Terrell “T.O.” Owens, Ron Jeremy, and Dennis White.
Laughing to the Bank
Brian Hooks stars in Laughing to the Bank, produced by Make it Rain Films
“Laughing to the Bank” is the story of an almost famous actor striving to get to the next level of stardom. After being rejected by Hollywood, he sets out to raise the funds to create his own project.
Hooks has starred in many independent and low-budget straight-to-DVD hits: including Phat Beach (1996), 3 Strikes (2000), Nothin’ 2 Lose (2000), The Luau (2001), The Chatroom (2002) and Malibooty (2003)
Bernard Bronner, the head of Make it Rain Films, was formerly associated with Rain Forest Films, which has produced hits such as “Think Like A Man,” “Takers” and “Stomp the Yard” among others.
Newlyweeds
Directed by Shaka King, the film stars Amari Cheatom, Trae Harris, Tone Tank, Isiah Whitlock Jr., Tonya Pinkins, Colman Domingo, Hassan Johnson, Adrian Martinez and Anthony Chisholm.
Lyle (Amari Cheatom) and Nina (Trae Harris) are in love—with each other and with getting high, but not necessarily in that order. Wafting through aimless days in New York smoking weed whenever possible, Lyle makes his living repossessing rented furniture from the destitute before heading home to be with his girl. Though caught in a loop of self-medication, Nina yearns for more. When mistakes in judgment escalate out of control, the happy couple find the life they have built is quickly evaporating, and the hole they have dug for themselves is growing beyond repair.
Director Shaka King’s feature debut provokes a thoughtful meditation on the habits that hinder modern relationships, navigating through the perilous and comedic with a natural ease and restraint. Craftily luring the stoner-comedy into a meaningful examination of dependency in all its forms, King confronts a community that refuses to grow up and asks the audience what it really means to be an adult.
Playin’ For Love
Directed by Robert Townsend, the basketball-themed romantic comedy stars Salli Richardson-Whitfield, Jenifer Lewis, Esai Morales, Robert Townsend, Melyssa Ford, and Lawrence Hilton-Jacobs.
The story centers around an arrogant celebrated high school basketball coach who gets his life turned upside down when a superstar player transfers to his school and his mother tries to take over the team. Shot in Miami, Florida, Playin’ For Love is unique in that local talent was utilized and the project was financed in part by grants from the Southeast Overtown/Park West and Omni Redevelopment District Community Redevelopment Agencies, and the generous support of the City of Miami.
The ABFF is a five-day retreat and international film market dedicated to strengthening the Black filmmaking community. Established in 1997, the core mission of the festival is to showcase quality Black films and promote cultural diversity in front of and behind the camera. ABFF’s winning formula comes from the quality of its programming and expert production. Films, coupled with panels, master classes, celebrity conversations and high profile social events hosted by leading media companies, attract top-tier talent and approximately 5,000 festival goers to the annual event. HBO is the festival’s founding and premier sponsor.
Below is the full 2013 film lineup by section:
NARRATIVE COMPETITION
Feature-length films in this section compete for the ABFF’s Grand Jury prizes for Best Screenplay, presented by Nickelodeon, Best Actor presented by Marriot International, Best Director and Best Film, presented by Cadillac.
The Magic City, World Premiere
Written, produced and directed by R. Malcolm Jones
Cast: Jennifer Lewis, Keith David, Jamie Hector and introducing Latrice Jackson, LaShay Jackson and Amiya Thomas
Sable Fable, World Premiere
Written, produced and directed by Stephen Lloyd Jackson
Cast: James Williams, Nicole Hartley, Sheila Nortley, Jasmine Munting, Daniel Bailey,
Alex Marx, Stephen Lloyd Jackson and Lily Joseph
The Suspect, World Premiere
Written and directed by Stuart Connelly, Produced by Scott Aronson
Cast: Mekhi Phifer, William Sadler, Sterling K. Brown, James McCaffrey and Rebecca Creskoft
Things Never Said
Written, produced and directed by Charles Murray
Cast: Omari Hardwick, Shanola Hampton and Elimu Nelson
CNN FILMS DOCUMENTARY COMPETITION
Nonfiction films in this section compete for the Best Documentary Award,
presented by CNN Films.
Films selected for the 2013 Documentary Competition is as follows:
Children of the Wind
Directed by Daphne Schmon, Produced by Robert McCormick
Narrated by Gbenga Akinnagbe
Homegoings
Produced and directed by Christine Turner
The Sunflower County Freedom Project, World Premiere
Produced and directed by Carmen L. Scott
HBO SHORT FILM COMPETITION
Five emerging filmmakers compete for the HBO Short Film Award.
The Adventures of Edison Jean, World Premiere
Written and directed by Edson Jean
Black Girl in Paris, World Premiere
Written and directed by Kiandra Parks
A Different Tree, World Premiere
Written and directed by Steven Caple Jr.
Stone Cars, World Premiere
Written and directed by Reinaldo Marcus Green
Sweet Honey Child, World Premiere
Co-written and directed by Talibah Newman
WORLD SHOWCASE
A non-competitive showcase of feature-length films.
Full Circle, World Premiere
Written, produced and directed by Solvan Naim
Cast: Rob Morgan, Solvan Naim, Eden Marryshow, Celestine Rae, Kelvin Hale and Devale Ellis
Home, World Premiere
Written and directed by Jono Oliver, Produced by Jono Oliver, Daniela Barbosa and Ged Dickersin
Cast: Gbenga Akinnagbe, Joe Morton, Fawny Cypress and Victor Williams
Home Again
Written by Jennifer Holness and David Sudz Sutherland, Directed by Sudz Sutherland, Produced by
Jennifer Holness, Don Carmody and Anita Lee
Cast: Tatyana Ali, Lyriq Bent, Stephan James, Fefe Dobson, Richard Chevolleau, Paul Campbell and CCH Pounder
Monica, World Premiere
Written and directed by Gregory Carter Produced by Datari Turner
Cast: Omari Hardwick, Ali Cobrin, Mariel Hemingway, James Remar, Lynn Whitfield, Robert Hoffman, Datari Turner, Briana Evigan and Obba Babatunde
Newlyweeds
Written and directed by Shaka King, Produced by Michael Matthews, Jim Wareck, Gbenga Akinnagbe and Shaka King
Cast: Amari Cheatom, Trae Harris, Tone Tank, Colman Domingo and Hassan Johnson
ABFF WEBISODE CHALLENGE
A showcase of short form content created for distribution on the Internet and other digital platforms. Three finalists compete for the ABFF Webisode Award.
The Couple: The Moo Moo
Written by Jeanine Daniels, Directed by Dennis Dortch
Roomieloverfriends
Written by Dennis Dortch and Numa Perrier, Directed by Dennis Dortch
Unwritten Rules
Written by Kim Williams, Directed by Natasha “Tash” Gray
FREE COMMUNITY SCREENINGS
Free public screenings presented by the City of Miami SEOPW CRA
Playin’ for Love, World Premiere
Written and directed by Robert Townsend
“Films Over Miami” Community Showcase: Highlighting Miami’s Emerging Filmmakers
Films to be announced
Movie Tickets: Ticket prices are $12.00. Walk-up tickets will be on sale day of show only at the at the Colony Theatre & Miami Beach Cinematheque box offices. The box office wait line forms 45 minutes prior to show time. There are no advance sales.
Festival Event Tickets/Passes: Individual event tickets go on sale June 5-15 in limited quantity on ticketweb.com. Festival passes will be available on-site starting Wednesday, June 19, 2013, at the Ritz-Carlton, South Beach. For more information visit www.abff.com or call 646-375-2144.
