Film director Rick Famuyiwa's critically acclaimed film, Dope, sponsored by the Motion Picture Association of American, will open the 19th annual American Black Film Festival (ABFF) on Thursday, June 11, at the SVA Theatre, 333 West 23rd Street, NYC. With its New York City premiere, Dope is one of the buzziest and most talked about film releases of the 2015 summer season.
Dope is a coming of age comedy/drama for the post hip hop generation. High-school senior Malcolm (Shameik Moore) and his friends Jib
(Tony Revolori) and Diggy (Kiersey Clemons) bond over '90s hip-hop
culture, their studies and playing music in their own punk band. A
chance encounter with a drug dealer named Dom lands Malcolm and company
at the dealer's nightclub birthday
party; when the scene turns violent, they flee -- with the Ecstasy that
Dom secretly hid in Malcolm's backpack. A wild adventure ensues as the
youths try to evade armed thugs who want the stash.
Recently, I had the opportunity to have a sneak peek VIP screening
hosted by Open Road Films, Mack Wilds, Angela Yee and the 135th Street Agency. I found the film to be a fresh 2015 voice for a new generation that is often misunderstood. The film evoked full belly laughs and thought provoking reflection on the state of affairs for this coming of age generation. I can see why it is being hailed as a classic in the same status as Boys In The Hood. The film opens in theaters June 19th. For tickets to the American Black Film Festival (June 11 - 14, 2015) go to www.abff.com. #DOPEMOVIE Check out this video clip of the 'Dope' trailer in the 'ABFF Playlist' on the Robin Downes Network:
In addition to providing updates on my blog here, I will be reporting about the filmmaking process from a socially conscious (mind, body spirit / Yoga Flava) perspective for my new TV Series "Focus Friday's With Yoga Flava" Subscribe to the show for free on the Focus Broadcasting Network.
The American Black Film Festival (ABFF) announced their highly
anticipated roster of films that will screen at this year’s festival.
More than 30 documentaries, web originals, short films and narrative
features will showcase at the AMC Empire 25 in Times Square to a
devoted, movie-going audience. (READ MORE HERE)
Check out this video clip of 2015 ABFF Ambassador Welcome - Taraji P. Henson:
For Festival passes and ticket information, visit www.ABFF.com.
I had the opportunity to meet for the first time, actor, Omari Hardwick at The American Black Film Festival 2014 in New York City and report about it. Beyond sharing his pride and power (pun intended) with the success of his starring roles in "Being Mary Jane" and "Power", he also shared his humility with the fact that he slept in cars and it paid off toward his success. (See the full interview in the video clip below)
Check out this episode of "What's Up With Downes?" as Robin Downes
reports from the red carpet of the 2014 American Black Film Festival.
Interview highlights include: Spike Lee, Eriq La Salle, Kevin Hart,
Robert Townsend and Omari Hardwick
For more information on the American Black Film Festival: http://www.abff.com
Save the dates - June 19th - 22nd, 2014 to celebrate its 18th year, American Black Film Festival is
relocating to the diverse metropolis of New York City: a place
synonymous with bringing people from all walks of life together. I will be on the scene bringing you exclusive updates, reviews, interviews and news!
They are
designing a magical village within it, where you will be able to delve
into all kinds of diverse stories not available at your local theater.
Four days of Hollywood premieres, indie films and dynamic events such as
ABFF’s new Entertainment and Lifestyle Expo, celebrity
conversations, master classes, film and TV focused panels, plus our hit
comedy show, are all being staged to entertain, inform and connect
people with a common passion for Black culture.
Check back, for all the exclusive updates, reviews, interviews and news!
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."
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.
The 2011 American Black Film Festival (ABFF) will take place July 6-9th in Miami, FL on South Beach. Four action packed days of films and events. There’s something for everyone: the latest independent films from around the world, industry workshops, thought-provoking discussions and exclusive parties. ABFF is a perfect blend of business and pleasure!
Founded in 1997, the American Black Film Festival (www.abff.com) is dedicated to strengthening the Black filmmaking community through resource sharing, education, artistic collaboration and career development.
