Thursday, June 20, 2013

Jennifer Hudson in "The Inevitable Defeat of Mister and Pete" Opened ABFF 2013

The Inevitable Defeat of Mister and Pete, from Codeblack Films, a LIONSGATE® company, opened ABFF 2013 -  American Black Film Festival, on June 19th.  A very moving film, we laughed and cried.  Sniffles all throughout the theater, there wasn't a dry eye in the house. The film is amazing.

The film features a stellar cast including Skylan Brooks, Ethan Dizon, Jordin Sparks (Sparkle), Jeffrey Wright (Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close) and Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje (Thor: The Dark World) with Anthony Mackie (Pain & Gain, The Hurt Locker) and Academy Award®-winner Jennifer Hudson ("Smash," Sex and the City 2, Dreamgirls). The film, directed by George Tillman, Jr. (Notorious, Soul Food), 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.


The Inevitable Defeat of Mister and Pete: Two young boys in Brooklyn are left to fend for themselves during a summer after they are abandoned by their parents. "Obviously, we're really exited about it," Jeff Friday, Founder of The American Black Film Festival says. "It's the opening-night film and stars Jennifer Hudson, Jeffrey Wright, and Anthony Mackie. Alicia Keys is one of the executive producers. Great film." 

Follow ABFF on Social Media:
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/abff
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com//pages/American-Black-Film-Festival/47321635722
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/americanblackfilmfestival
Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/user/abfftv

Hashtag: #ABFF2013

Let me know if you have any questions or comments.

Also View More Posts From Robin Downes: 




American Black Film Festival 2013 - June 19th - 23rd [VIDEO]

Jason Seymour's Big Break "I'm Able To Follow My Dreams" [EXCLUSIVE VIDEO]
"Hands To The Sky", Uplifting And Spirited Documentary [VIDEO]

Monday, June 17, 2013

American Black Film Festival 2013 - June 19th - 23rd [VIDEO]

I'm so looking forward to Film Life’s 17th Annual American Black Film Festival (ABFF).  I will be providing you with updates about the 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.  (Click here for a full schedule of events and to buy tickets.)

The ABFF film program is primarily composed of world premieres of narrative, documentary and short films. As such, it is the leading film festival in the world for African American and urban content. Since its inception, the ABFF has showcased more than 600 films, rewarding and redefining artistic excellence in independent filmmaking.
With diversity and social responsibility at its core, the festival supports aspiring actors, filmmakers and industry executives in unprecedented ways, and has generated a tremendous amount of goodwill in Hollywood. In addition to its cinematic showcases, the ABFF nurtures its attendees in a variety of disciplines, offering panel discussions, workshops and symposiums hosted by leading media companies. Upscale entertainment and exclusive social events complete the festival experience.

Check out my clip from the 2011 ABFF Opening Night Event with Robert Townsend:



The festival program continues to grow by adding innovative programs and activities. In 2010, the ABFF introduced the Pro-Hollywood Initiative, a pilot program designed to give professional athletes a crash course in the art of moviemaking and introduce them to the various disciplines and careers in the film business. 2011 ushered in the gmc Television Network Faith & Family Screenplay Competition, which offers writers a chance to be discovered and their work optioned. A new mobile entertainment section was launched at the 16th ABFF, to showcase quality short form content ideal for distribution via the internet and mobile devices.



Each year, the ABFF attracts approximately 5,000 artists, executives and film fans, providing a strategic vehicle for companies to reach this trendsetting and influential audience. Top-tier corporations have engaged in partnerships with the festival to promote their products, services, multicultural initiatives and branded entertainment content. This support fuels the growth of the festival and furthers the evolution of the Black independent film community. HBO is the festival's founding sponsor.

Follow ABFF on Social Media:
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/abff
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com//pages/American-Black-Film-Festival/47321635722
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/americanblackfilmfestival
Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/user/abfftv

Hashtag: #ABFF2013

Let me know if you have any questions or comments.

Also View More Posts From Robin Downes: 

Jason Seymour's Big Break "I'm Able To Follow My Dreams" [EXCLUSIVE VIDEO]

"Hands To The Sky", Uplifting And Spirited Documentary [VIDEO]
 
Honoring Lynn Allen Jeter | "PR Spin From Mama Lynn!" [VIDEO]  




Sunday, June 9, 2013

Jason Seymour's Big Break "I'm Able To Follow My Dreams" [EXCLUSIVE VIDEO]

Jason Seymour  is the only African American golf contestant of 12 professionals on "Big Break Mexico." They are ready to pursue their dreams of playing golf on either the LPGA or the PGA Tour.

“Big Break Mexico” airs Mondays at 9 p.m. ET on The Golf Channel. The Big Break show concept pits highly skilled golfers against each other in a variety of challenges that test their physical skills and mental toughness.
 
Jason is returning to competitive golf full time for the first time in nine years, following a motorcycle accident that almost claimed his life. He hung up the golf clubs and turned to a successful construction business. Growing up in suburban Los Angeles, golf provided him a way out of “the bad things that surrounded me” and he has dreams of giving back to the game that has meant so much to him. He also is competing with a heavy heart as his father passed away three weeks prior to the filming of the series.

In May of 2013, Jayson Seymour along with his cast members from "The Big Break Mexico" were in New York City for the premiere of their TV Show on The Golf Channel.  Check out Jason's reflections on his golf journey as he shares his experiences, hopes and dreams during this exclusive video interview in Central Park, New York City.

 Follow Jason Seymour on twitter http://www.twitter.com/thagolfer.

I originally me Jason in 2002 during Steve Harvey's golf tournament as I warmed up the golfers with some Yoga Flava 
Picture above: (2002) Chuck Vincent (Golfer, who I worked with on "The Cosby Show"), Steve Harvey (Host of the Golf Tournament), Robin Downes (Me / Yoga Flava), Jason Seymour (Golfer / Currently a contestant on "The Big Break Mexico")
Also View More Posts From Robin Downes: 

"Hands To The Sky", Uplifting And Spirited Documentary [VIDEO]
 

Honoring Lynn Allen Jeter | "PR Spin From Mama Lynn!" [VIDEO]






Megan Good: "Deception" [Exclusive Video Interview]
 
Blair Underwood: Breaks Down Raw Male Emotion In "Women Thou Art Loosed"


Robin Downes' Yoga Flava

Robin Downes' Yoga Flava
Not Just Yoga, Also The Flava Of Life!