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.

Also See Video:  ABFF Suntrana T. Allen Testimony

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.

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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")

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"Hands To The Sky" INVITATION Documentary Screening and Dance Party - May 25th 2013 [VIDEO]

You are invited to the place to be!   Documentary screening and dance party for "Hands To The Sky".  This Memorial Day weekend.

When:
Saturday, May 25th, 2013.

Time:
7pm and 8:30pm screenings

Dance Party follows to 5am.

Where: 
Mist Harlem
46 W. 116th Street
New York, NY 10026

Cost:
Screening and After Party $25.00
Dance Party Only $15.00

Tickets can be purchased at the door.

Find out what people are saying about the film and the spirit of the dance party in this video:





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

Grass roots documentary, "Hands To The Sky"
is about the uplifting and spirited experience of the outdoor house music movement.

A screening and dance party will take place on Saturday, May 25th, at the Mist in Harlem New York. With showtimes 7pm and 8:30pm there will be an after-party featuring the legendary DJ/Producer Teddy Douglas of the Basement Boys, whose has produced hit songs for Ultranate, Crystal Waters, and so many others. Also spinning is another legend in soulful house scene, Andre Collins

The documentary shares universal love of house music and outdoors events.  Check out the trailer here >>>

Over a two-year period, My House Rocs followed this music out of the clubs and house parties and into the parks and beaches where an estimated 100,000 House Music fans gather to dance, commune and rejoice in the summer heat. From Coney Island to Fort Greene Park to various public spaces in and around New York City, Hands to the Sky interviews dancers, event promoters, deejays and performers who share personal, often poignant anecdotes and recollections of how House Music in general, and these outdoor functions specifically, have shaped their worldviews, established lasting relationships and inspired dreams and aspirations. (READ MORE)

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

 "PR Spin From Mama Lynn" is the affectionate catch phase I use when I refer to my friend, publicist and phenomenal woman - Lynn Allen Jeter.

She helped me give birth to my brand "Yoga Flava" and has been a nurturing guide through the growing pains and the accolades for the past 13 years.  In addition to her support for my skills in the healing arts, Ms. Jeter, has been an advocate for my skills in the media arts.  Her process of "connecting the dots to put relationships together" has been priceless for me. 

Her public relations firm, Lynn Allen Jeter & Associates leverages a multitude of individual services. These services include:  Media Relations, Publicity, Social Media and Implementation, Celebrity Bookings, Event Production, Red carpet management and execution, Strategic Brand Positioning, Consumer Promotions, Content Development, Integrated Marketing Programs, Product Placements, Radio and TV integration. 

Some her notable clients include: Lisa Leslie (WNBA Retired player and Olympic Gold medalist), LisaRaye McCoy (actress, Single Ladies), Judge Mathis (Judge Mathis Show), Kym Whitley (actress, Animal Practice), Wesley Jonathan (actor, Soul Man), Yolanda Adams (Gospel Singer), Nicci Gilbert (R&B Divas, Brownstone) and Dr. Susan Evans (M.D Beauty Expert). Lynn Allen Jeter & Associates also provides public relations services for a variety of brands and products, such as champagne company, Moreno BHLV, fashion lines: Curvato by Nicci Gilbert, DeanZign by Angela Dean as well as renowned casting director, Tracy “Twinkie” Byrd.  We are experts at creative development of unknown brands and talents.

In her honor I have dedicated a playlist entitled "PR Spin From Mama Lynn" on the YouTube Robin Downes Network Channel.  The channel features Lynn Allen Jeter and Associates News and Information. Check her out in this new episode:

.
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R&B Soul Singer, Shaliek, Asks Women " How Do You Forgive THE PAST?" [Exclusive Interview]

Recording Artist, Shaliek, was introduced to me by renowned Music Industry Executive, Ruben Rodriquez.

Shaliek is rolling out his new single THE PAST now available on Pendulum Records.

THE PAST is a passionate, thought provoking, love song that is interpreted by Shaliek's fresh vibe and classic soul.

In honor of Women's History Month and thoughts of Spring Cleaning - "The Past" is a perfect song to encourage women (and men) to let go and forgive what is holding them back to bloom into love.

Shaliek has embarked on a campaign to engage and encourage his audience to share how they have gotten over a past hurt.

Posing the question ...
"How do you forgive THE PAST?"

Check out this week's episode from the Robin Downes Network on Youtube  - Classic Soul Singer, Shaliek, Asks Women " How Do You Forgive THE PAST?" [Exclusive Interview]

Robin Downes, Shaliek, Ruben Rodriquez

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Megan Good: "Deception" [Exclusive Video Interview]

In this candid exclusive video interview with actress, Meagan Good, she shares her experience with her role in the NBC Series, "Deception".

Check Out the Robin Downes Network video here:

Also Read: Megan Good Talks Yoga with Robin Downes of Yoga Flava


Synopsis: When wealthy socialite and notorious party girl Vivian Bowers is found dead of an overdose, no one is really surprised. The heiress to the Bowers pharmaceutical empire has been tabloid fodder for years: wild, pretty, privileged... and now dead at the age of 32. But for FBI agent Will Moreno (Laz Alonso, "Avatar"), things don't add up with this suspicious dynasty. Convinced the troubled girl's death was a homicide, he has a clever plan to get to the truth. Her name is Detective Joanna Locasto (Meagan Good, "Think Like a Man"). Twenty years ago she was Vivian's best friend and practically grew up inside the Bowers' home. And when she appears at Vivian's funeral, the family re-embraces her and no one is the wiser. Joanna quickly begins to uncover dark secrets and clues about why Vivian's life was very much in danger. At the same time, she rekindles an old romantic relationship and rediscovers the allure of the luxurious lifestyle she once knew. She's about to see once again just how the other half lives... and dies.

Also starring are Victor Garber ("Alias"), Tate Donovan ("Damages"), Katherine LaNasa ("Alfie") and Ella Rae Peck ("Gossip Girl"). "Deception" comes from executive producer/writer Liz Heldens ("Friday Night Lights") and director Peter Horton ("Grey's Anatomy," "Dirty Sexy Money"). The series is from Universal Television and BermanBraun.

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