{"id":63482,"date":"2012-06-25T16:15:38","date_gmt":"2012-06-25T16:15:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/0de2709a84.nxcli.net\/0-kjasnb\/2012\/06\/25\/omari-hardwick-aspire-abff-independent\/"},"modified":"2018-12-18T10:45:52","modified_gmt":"2018-12-18T10:45:52","slug":"omari-hardwick-aspire-abff-independent","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.blackfilm.com\/read\/omari-hardwick-aspire-abff-independent\/","title":{"rendered":"Omari Hardwick to host ASPiRE’s first original series, ABFF Independent"},"content":{"rendered":"

Omari Hardwick to host ASPiRE<\/a>‘s first original series, ABFF Independent<\/strong>Posted by Wilson Morales<\/p>\n

June 25, 2012<\/p>\n

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ASPiRE<\/a><\/strong>, the new African-American television network from Magic Johnson Enterprises, today announced its first original series, \u201cABFF Independent<\/strong>.\u201d<\/p>\n

The weekly two-hour show, hosted by actor Omari Hardwick<\/strong> (\u201cSparkle,\u201d \u201cDark Blue,\u201d) will present the best independent shorts, feature films and documentaries from emerging black artists, \u201cABFF Independent\u201d will air Mondays at 8 p.m. (EST), with repeat airings Monday at 11 p.m., Saturday at 2 p.m., 8 p.m. and 11 p.m., and the following Monday at 2 p.m. The series will premiere on the network\u2019s launch date, Wednesday, June 27, with back-to-back episodes starting at 8 p.m.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe are proud to partner with ABFF to launch ASPiRE\u2019s first original series, \u2018ABFF Independent,\u2019 a show that brings provocative, entertaining and moving work by African-American filmmakers to our viewers,\u201d said Paul Butler<\/strong>, General Manager, ASPiRE. \u201cAt the same time, we are proud to provide an outlet for some of the most creative and talented new voices in cinema to receive much-deserved national exposure.\u201d<\/p>\n

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\u201cASPiRE is the perfect platform to deliver the cream of the crop from ABFF and other festivals to a wider audience,\u201d said Jeff Friday<\/strong>, ABFF founder, and Founder and CEO of Film Life Inc. \u201cWe are thrilled to partner with this exciting new network on such a groundbreaking series.\u201d<\/p>\n

The premiere episodes of \u201cABFF Independent\u201d will include:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Jump the Broom: A Musical<\/strong> \u2013 When a beautiful, fun-loving young bride-to-be is confronted by a sexy ex-lover on her wedding day, she begins to question her decision. Directed by Kena Tangi Dorsey<\/strong>, it stars Lamman Rucker, Renee Goldsberry<\/strong> and Brandon DeShazer<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Weekends in Brooklyn<\/strong> \u2013A British black man and woman fall for each other one evening in Brooklyn, but their love is put to the test when they discover she is pregnant. Directed by David Canady<\/strong>, it stars O.T. Fagbenle, Naomi Ryan and Namakula<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

I Want You<\/strong> \u2013 The story of a whirlwind romance told through poetry, shot in a unique style in black and white and set to soulful music. The director is Nefertite Nguvu<\/strong>; it stars Jazz Smollett and Ohene Cornelius<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Sistahs In The Name of Love<\/strong> \u2013 Tensions arise between two sisters, one a career-driven professional, the other a traditional wife and mother, during a family visit. Kena Tangi Dorsey<\/strong> directs; Laura Bart, Jonas Chaka<\/strong> and Vincent Heckard<\/strong> star.<\/p>\n

Stitches<\/strong> \u2013 A teen fashionista displaced by Hurricane Katrina finds herself living with an untrendy new roommate who provokes her to show who she really is inside all the pretty clothes. Directed by Pamela K. Johnson<\/strong> and starring Gabi Rojas, Chelsea Makela, LeShay N. Tomlinson<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Father\u2019s Day?<\/strong> \u2013 A young girl struggles to rise above her feelings of abandonment and confront her absent father. Directed by Dave Coleman<\/strong> and starring Sharri Jones, Ashley Shant\u00e9, Squeaky Moore<\/strong> and Rosalyn Coleman<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\u201cABFF Independent\u201d is executive produced by Jeff Friday<\/strong>, and Sean Joell Johnson<\/strong> and Ralph Scott<\/strong> of LeftCenter Entertainment, Inc.<\/p>\n

ASPiRE will launch with charter brand partners including Chrysler Group, Nationwide Insurance, L\u2019Oreal USA, Coca-Cola and Walmart.<\/p>\n

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