Showing posts with label movies. Show all posts
Showing posts with label movies. Show all posts

Tuesday, December 26, 2023

The Color Purple Has $18M Christmas Day Opening

The Color Purpel came up big — much bigger than expected on its first day with an estimated $18.15M. The film surpassed all expectations that put its opening day gross between $8 million and $13 million

Not only was that haul enough for Color Purple to win Christmas Day ahead of Aquaman 2 ($10.6M) and Wonka ($10.3M), but it’s the biggest Christmas Day opening since 2009, and the second biggest Christmas Day opening after Warner Bros’ 2009 Sherlock Holmes ($24.6M).

The Color Purple is playing in theaters now and stars Fantasia Barrino, Taraji P. Henson, Danielle Brooks, Colman Domingo, Corey Hawkins, Phylicia Pearl Mpasi, Halle Bailey, Ciara, H.E.R., David Alan Grier, and Deon Cole.

The movie is directed by Blitz Bazawule and produced by several people including Oprah Winfrey, Alice Walker, Steven Spielberg, and Quincy Jones

Sunday, March 19, 2023

THE AFRICAN DIASPORA INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL CELEBRATES WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH: March 24 – 26, 2023

The African Diaspora International Film Festival Women’s History Month presents a selection of 10 films centering on women of color from various social backgrounds in the USA, Egypt, Peru, India, Senegal, Puerto Rico and Burkina Faso.

Highlights include:

Ludi by Edson Jean (USA/HAITI).
After a half truth lands her under immense financial pressure, Ludi Alcidor embarks on a frantic scour through Miami's private care-taking world in an increasingly desperate attempt to send money to her family in Haiti.

Ticha Shaher Hona / City Personified by Rasika Agashe (INDIA)
This Mumbai-based story follows Archana, a professional woman leading a routine life who meets confident and vocal house help Kiran. Tragically, Kiran dies in a road accident witnessed by Archana, who is left shattered. This incident changes Archana's perspective and life forever.

Colorism in Latin America: White Like the Moon by Marina Palmier & Angelica by Marisol Gómez-Mouakad (USA / Puerto Rico).
In White Like the Moon, a Mexican-American girl struggles to keep her identity when her mother forces her to bleach her skin. In Angelica, a young Black woman returns to Puerto Rico when her father suffers a stroke, forcing her to confront her strained relationships with family members who judge her for her skin color.

Zora Neale Hurston: Jump at the Sun by Sam Pollard (USA)
A documentary about the pioneering novelist and anthropologist who established African American vernacular as an important voice in American literature. This definitive film biography captures her complexity, presenting her as a gifted, flamboyant, and controversial yet fiercely original figure in the American literary canon.
Q&A with writer / producer Kristy Andersen after the screening!

ADIFF Women’s History Month Program will be at Teachers College, Columbia University - 525 W 120th St. Room 408 Zankel. Tickets are $11 and $13. Weekend Pass is $45.
WEB SITE: http://www.NYADIFF.org
For more information about the African Diaspora International Film Festival, to receive links and high resolution images please contact Diarah N’Daw-Spech at (212) 864-1760/ fax (212) 316-6020 or e-mail pr@nyadiff.org.

The African Diaspora International Film Festival is a 501(c)(3) not for profit organization.


SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE

ADIFF WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH COMPLETE LINE-UP

Friday, March 24
7:30pm Ludi by Edson Jean (USA)

Saturday, March 25
1:00pm Scheherazade, Tell Me a Story by Yousry Nasrallah (Egypt)
3:30pm Angels on Diamond Street by Petr Lom (USA)
5:20pm Rosa Chumbe by Jonatan Relayze (Peru)
7:00pm Ticha Shahar Hona (City Personified) by Rasika Agashe (India)

Sunday, March 26
1:00pm Colorism in Latin America: White Like the Moon by
Marina Palmier + Angelica by Marisol Gómez-Mouakad (USA)
3:20pm The Silent Monologue by Charles Van Damme and Khady Sylla
(Senegal/Belgium)
4:30pm An Uncommon Woman by Abdoulaye Dao (Burkina Faso)
6:30pm Zora Neale Hurston: Jump at the Sun by Sam Pollard (USA)


The African Diaspora International Film Festival WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH PROGRAM is made possible in part thanks to the support of the following institutions and individuals: ArtMattan Productions; the Office of the Vice President for Diversity and Community Affairs, Teachers College, Columbia University; the New York City Council in the Arts and WBAI.

ABOUT THE AFRICAN DIASPORA INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

Established in 1993, the African Diaspora International Film Festival (ADIFF) is a Harlem based minority-led not-for profit international film festival that presents, interprets and educates about films that explore the human experience of people of color all over the world in order to inspire imaginations, disrupt stereotypes and help transform attitudes that perpetuate injustice.
The mission of The African Diaspora International Film Festival (ADIFF) is to expand the traditional views and perceptions of what the Black experience is by showcasing award-winning socially relevant documentary and fiction films about people of color, from Peru to Zimbabwe, from the USA to Belgium and from New Zealand to Jamaica. Visit nyadiff.org for details about the festival.

Sunday, March 12, 2023

CREED III passes $100 million at the boxoffice

After 10 days in release the Micheal B. Jordan directed movie, CREED III has made over $100 million at the boxoffice.

After an opening at #1 last weekend with boxoffice of $58.3 million CREED III grossed another $27.1 this weekend to bring it's running total to $101 million.

The movie will soon outgross both CREED ($109 Million) and CREED 2 ($115 Million) to become the top film in the franchise which is an achievement for the third film in any series not mafe by Marvel Studios.

CREED III is projected to gross $150 Million total.

CREED III stars Jonathan Majors, Michael B. Jordan, and Tessa Thompson. The film was directed by Michael B. Jordan from a screenplay by Keenan Coogler, Zach Baylin, based on a story from Ryan Coogler.

CREED III is playing in theaters now.

Tuesday, November 08, 2022

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever Advance Ticket Sales Over $45M in U.S.

Ryan Coogler’s Black Panther: Wakanda Forever has already raced past $45 million in advance U.S. box office ticket sales, and there are several days to go before the highly anticipated Marvel Studios sequel officially opens in roughly 4,300 cinemas domestically.

On Wednesday, Wakanda Forever begins its international rollout on its way to opening everywhere by the weekend (excluding China and Russia). Projections show the tentpole opening to at least $175 million domestically — some exhibitors are suggesting $185 million to $200 million — and anywhere from $155 million to $195 million at the international box office.

As of Sunday, Wakanda Forever‘s advance ticket sales in the U.S. stood at $45 million, which is more than Thor: Love and Thunder but behind the (frontloaded) Doctor Strange and the Multiverse of Madness, according to Disney insiders. By Friday, advance ticket sales for the Wakanda Forever number could be in the $60 million-$65 million range, which would rank above the $55 million collected by the first Black Panther.

Among superhero movies released in the pandemic era, Sony and Marvel’s Spider-Man: No Way Home opened to $260.1 million in December 2021. Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness opened to $187.4 million in early May of this year, while Thor: Love and Thunder scored $144.2 million in July (both were from Marvel/Disney). In March 2022, DC and Warner Bros.’ The Batman flew to $134 million in its launch. More recently, DC’s Black Adam, starring Dwayne Johnson in his first live-action superhero role, opened to a more subdued $67 million domestically.

[SOURCE: HOLLYWOOD REPORTER]

Sunday, October 09, 2022

IS THAT BLACK ENOUGH FOR YOU?!? documentary coming to Netflix

From celebrated writer and film historian Elvis Mitchell, IS THAT BLACK ENOUGH FOR YOU?!? is both a documentary and deeply personal essay. The film examines the craft and power of cinema from a perspective often overlooked: the African American contribution to films released from the landmark era of the 70s. It is a deep dive into the impact that point of view had on movies, as well as popular culture, and serves as a love letter to film, posing questions that have never been asked, let alone answered. Crucial artistic voices, including director Charles Burnett, Samuel L. Jackson, Whoopi Goldberg, Laurence Fishburne, Zendaya and others, offer their distinctive prism on the creators and films that dazzled and inspired. The film provides insight into the history of Black representation going back to the earliest days of cinema, and the cultural impact of witnessing unapologetic Blackness. Produced by Steven Soderbergh, David Fincher, Angus Wall and Ciara Lacy, IS THAT BLACK ENOUGH FOR YOU?!? marks Mitchell’s directorial debut.

IS THAT BLACK ENOUGH FOR YOU?!? will be released on Netflix November 11, 2022.

WATCH THE TRAILER BELOW

Wednesday, September 14, 2022

Help make The Woman King a boxoffice success this weekend!

By George L. Cook III African American Reports

The Woman King starring Viola Davis opens this Friday and is expected to open #1 at the box office, but only with a $15 million opening per Variety.


That is simply not good enough if we wish to see different African American or Black stories told on the big screen. Black people, we need to show up at the theater this weekend and support this movie!


I read all the time on social media how many in the Black community love Viola Davis. I read how great of an actor many believe she is. I read how everyone is proud and supports her work to support women and Black people in the entertainment industry.


 I read how many African Americans are tired of comedies and "gangsta" movies featuring a majority Black cast. I read how you want to see different stories featuring Black people! I read how you would love to support different and something that was a quality motion picture.


If all of that is true then those same people who love Viola Davis on social media should show up to the movie theater this weekend and help The Woman King gross over $25 million.


Don't just show up because the cast is majority Black (although if that's your reason I ain't mad at you), show up because the reviews are excellent and The woman King currently holds a 98% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Go see it because many reviews say that it's a rousing action adventure.


Most importantly go see it if you truly want to see different Black stories told!


Support The Woman King!

Wednesday, July 06, 2022

Check out the trailer for THE WOMAN KING starring Viola Davis

Check out the first trailer for the "The Women King" starrring Viola Davis.

The Woman King is the remarkable story of the Agojie, the all-female unit of warriors who protected the African Kingdom of Dahomey in the 1800s with skills and a fierceness unlike anything the world has ever seen. Inspired by true events, The Woman King follows the emotionally epic journey of General Nanisca (Oscar®-winner Viola Davis) as she trains the next generation of recruits and readies them for battle against an enemy determined to destroy their way of life. Some things are worth fighting for.

The fiim is directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood and stars Viola Davis,Thuso Mbedu Lashana Lynch, Sheila Atim, Hero Fiennes Tiffin, and John Boyega.

Monday, May 09, 2022

Kering and the Cannes Film Festival to present the 2022 Women In Motion Award to Viola Davis

Viola Davis is set to be honored with the Women In Motion Award at this year’s Cannes Film Festival.

François-Henri Pinault, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Kering, Pierre Lescure, President of the Festival de Cannes and Thierry Frémaux, Executive Director of the Festival de Cannes, will present the award during the official Women In Motion dinner in Cannes on Sunday, May 22, 2022.

Viola Davis, known throughout the world for her acting roles and her commitment to the rights of women and minorities, is one of the most influential American actresses and producers of her time.

Her talent, hard work, choice of roles and the way she interprets them have earned her the very highest recognitions in the film industry. Viola Davis is one of the few Hollywood personalities to have won a Golden Globe, a BAFTA, four SAG Awards, and what Hollywood calls the Triple Crown of Acting: two Tony Awards, an Oscar and an Emmy, for her roles in the stage play King Hedley II, Fences and its remarkable film adaptation, and the TV series How to Get Away with Murder. This astonishing record also makes her the only African American actress to have received so many nominations and awards for her roles in theater, television and film.

A committed activist, Viola Davis has regularly called for greater inclusion in the film industry and campaigned for gender equality. In January 2018, she took part in a Women's March that included female politicians, women in the film industry and feminists, along with members of the public. In a passionate address to the crowd, she said: “I am speaking today not just for the #MeToos, because I was a #MeToo. But when I raise my hand, I am aware of all the women who are still in silence. The women who are faceless. The women who don’t have the money, and don’t have the Constitution, and who don’t have the confidence, and who don’t have the images in our media that gives them a sense of self-worth enough to break their silence that’s rooted in the shame of assault, that’s rooted in the stigma of assault.” Her emotional speech drew on her personal experience of trauma, poverty and her many struggles in life, along with her incredible resilience. Broadcast on every TV channel, and followed and shared on social media networks, this powerful speech was a source of encouragement, both in the way she spoke and her sense of empathy, for everyone to speak up.

Viola Davis also called out the blatant lack of diversity in the film industry, whether in production, writing or directing, which remains a very powerful brake on equality. Another speech to make its mark on Hollywood and the rest of the world came in 2015, as she received her Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for her role in How to Get Away with Murder. After quoting Harriet Tubman, she told the audience: “The one thing that separates women of color from anyone else is opportunity… you cannot win an Emmy for roles that simply aren’t there.” She was the first African American to win the award.

This lack of diversity in the industry led her to create her own production company, JuVee Productions, with her husband Julius Tennon. The move enabled her to develop many stories and roles that would not have existed otherwise.

In addition to her fight for the rights of women and minorities, Viola Davis also combats the effects of poverty, particularly through her involvement since 2014 with the campaign against undernutrition Hunger Is, and the No Kid Hungry campaign, of which she is a spokesperson since 2020. She plays an active part in many fundraising events, helping schools in the state of Rhode Island where she grew up.

Viola Davis has just published her autobiography, Finding Me. The book immediately became a #1 New York Times bestseller. Finding Me is an intensely personal account, written during lockdown, that reveals her childhood in an underprivileged environment, growing up with what would seem were insurmountable odds. Viola Davis describes what she saw and experienced during her childhood and youth, highlighting the harassment and abuse faced by the most disadvantaged people in society. She also provides a glimpse of how to find your own path in life, embracing your past.

Kering and the Festival de Cannes wish to recognize her activism and achievements by presenting her with the Women In Motion Award. Since its launch in 2015, the program has been rewarding and highlighting women’s creativity and unique contribution to culture and the arts, and their role in helping to transform our vision of the world through their work.

The Women In Motion Awards at Cannes have honored the careers and commitment of iconic women in the film world: Jane Fonda in 2015, Geena Davis and Susan Sarandon in 2016, Isabelle Huppert in 2017, Patty Jenkins in 2018, Gong Li in 2019 and Salma Hayek in 2021.

About Viola Davis

Born in 1965 in Saint Matthews, South Carolina, Viola Davis is an American actress and producer. She began her career in the theater in the 1990s, before winning critical acclaim in the film The Help. In 2014, she took the lead role in the TV series How to Get Away with Murder, produced by Shonda Rhimes, for which she won an Emmy Award. In 2016, she starred in Fences alongside Denzel Washington, who also directed the film, and won both a Golden Globe and an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress. She was nominated again for a Golden Globe and an Oscar for Best Actress in 2020 for playing blues singer Ma Rainey in Ma Rainey's Black Bottom. She is currently on screen in the series The First Lady, broadcast on Show Time in the United States since April 17, where she plays the iconic Michelle Obama. In April 2022, her memoir Finding Me was released in the United States.

About Women In Motion

Kering's commitment to women is at the heart of the Group's priorities and extends, through Women In Motion, to the field of arts and culture, where gender inequalities are still glaring, even though creation is one of the most powerful vectors for change.

In 2015, Kering launched Women In Motion at the Festival de Cannes with the ambition of highlighting women in cinema, both in front of and behind the camera. The program has since expanded in a major way to photography, but also to art, design, choreography and music. Through its Awards, the program recognizes inspirational figures and young female talent, while its Talks provide an opportunity for leading personalities to share their views on the representation of women in their profession.

For the past eight years, Women In Motion has been a platform of choice that contributes to changing mind sets and thinking on the place of women - and the recognition they receive - in the arts and culture.

About Kering

A global Luxury group, Kering manages the development of a series of renowned Houses in Fashion, Leather Goods, Jewelry: Gucci, Saint Laurent, Bottega Veneta, Balenciaga, Alexander McQueen, Brioni, Boucheron, Pomellato, DoDo, Qeelin, as well as Kering Eyewear. By placing creativity at the heart of its strategy, Kering enables its Houses to set new limits in terms of their creative expression while crafting tomorrow’s Luxury in a sustainable and responsible way. We capture these beliefs in our signature: “Empowering Imagination”.

Sunday, January 09, 2022

12 Black actors nominated for Golden Globe Awards

The Hollywood Foreign Press Association has announced nominees for their annual Golden Globe Awards,. Twelve of those nominated in the acting catergories for both film and televison are Black Or African American. This inlcludes Denzel Washington, Ruth Negga, Issa Rae, Anthony Anderson, and more.

FILM CATEGORIES

Best Actor in a Drama:

Mahershala Ali ("Swan Song")

Will Smith ("King Richard")

Denzel Washington ("The Tragedy of Macbeth")

Best Supporting Actress in a Drama

Aunjanue Ellis ("King Richard")

Ruth Negga ("Passing").

TELEVISION CATEGORIES

Actress in a drama

Uzo Aduba, “In Treatment”

Actor in a drama

Billy Porter, “Pose”

Omar Sy, “Lupin”

Actress in a comedy or musical

Issa Rae, “Insecure”

Tracee Ellis Ross, “Black-ish”

Actor in a comedy or musical

Anthony Anderson, “Black-ish”

Actress in a limited/anthology series or TV movie

Cynthia Erivo, “Genius: Aretha”

Saturday, December 11, 2021

‘The Harder They Fall' Tops African American Film Critics Association List Of 2021

'The Harder They Fall' headlined the African American Film Critics Association's annual list of the top 10 films of the year. The film, directed by Jeymes Samuel, and produced by rap mogul Jay-Z, stars Idris Elba, Jonathan Majors, Regina King, Zazie Beetz and Lakeith Stanfield portraying historical Black figures Rufus Buck, Nat Love, Trudy Smith, Stagecoach Mary and Cherokee Bill, respectively.

"Selections for this year's Top 10 speak to history's importance in informing who we are, as a people and as a community," said AAFCA president and co-founder Gil Robertson. "Although our top film 'The Harder They Fall' from Netflix is a fictionalized Western, it introduced the world to an incredible array of real-life Black cowboys and cowgirls who helped to transform the West, prompting many to discover the prominent role Black people played in that storied chapter of American history that has long been a Hollywood go-to genre."

"With Richard Williams in 'King Richard' and Aretha Franklin in 'Respect,' you get an examination of two figures who have left an indelible mark on society and world culture. Mr. Williams, through the cultivation of the talent of his daughters, Venus and Serena, has forever transformed tennis. Their success has become a door-opener by which others can enter a sport that has historically been very closed to them," Robertson continued. "Obviously not enough can be said about Ms. Aretha Franklin who shaped and transformed the world through her music. These films, along with the rest of AAFCA's Top 10 films of 2021, celebrate culture, history and history-makers. AAFCA is thrilled to recognize their contributions to cinema."

The full list of AAFCA'S Top 10 Films of 2021:

  1. The Harder They Fall

  2. King Richard

  3. Respect

  4. The Tragedy of Macbeth

  5. Passing

  6. Belfast

  7. Who We Are

  8. House of Gucci

  9. The Power of the Dog

  10. West Side Story

As previously announced, AAFCA will reveal winners of the 13th Annual AAFCA Awards honoring outstanding achievement in film in 15 competitive categories on Jan. 17,2022. An in-person celebration in Los Angeles will follow on March 2.

For more information on the AAFCA Awards and the organization's other programs and activities, visit http://AAFCA.com.

[SOURCE: BROADWAY WORLD]

Wednesday, September 22, 2021

Influential Filmmaker Melvin Van Peebles Dead at 89

Melvin Van Peebles, an actor, writer, director, producer and icon of Black cinema whose films include Sweet Sweetback’s Baadasssss Song and Watermelon Man, died Tuesday night at his home. He was 89.

His death was confirmed by his son, Mario Van Peebles, who said in a statement: “Dad knew that Black images matter. If a picture is worth a thousand words, what was a movie worth? We want to be the success we see, thus we need to see ourselves being free. True liberation did not mean imitating the colonizer’s mentality. It meant appreciating the power, beauty and interconnectivity of all people.”

Van Peebles probably is best known for writing, directing, producing and starring in Sweet Sweetback’s Baadasssss Song, the landmark 1971 blaxploitation pic that was selected for the Library of Congress’ National Film Registry last year.

[SOURCE: DEADLINE]

Wednesday, September 15, 2021

BET LAUNCHES BET STUDIOS

BET, a unit of ViacomCBS (NASDAQ: VIAC; VIACA), today launched BET Studios, an unprecedented studio venture that offers equity ownership for Black content creators. Propelled by the infrastructure and financing of BET and ViacomCBS, BET Studios will create premium television series and films for an array of internal buyers, including Paramount+, SHOWTIME, CBS, Nickelodeon, BET+ and BET, in addition to select third-party platforms that seek best-in-class content from both leading and rising Black creatives. BET Studios will launch with principal partners Kenya BarrisRashida Jones and Aaron Rahsaan Thomas.


“The demand for premium content from Black creators has accelerated dramatically as a result of both the rapidly changing media and social landscapes.  BET, with our 40-year legacy of celebrating Black culture, and the full power of the ViacomCBS ecosystem—is uniquely positioned to service this demand,” said BET President Scott Mills. “As a company with its origin in Black entrepreneurship, we are incredibly excited to create the first major studio to provide Black creators with ownership, creative freedom and the unparalleled partnership and support of BET. I am thrilled to have Aisha at the helm of this venture, and I look forward to our collaboration with our amazing creative partners in BET Studios.”


“BET Studios is an exciting and novel extension of the storied BET brand, and we have a structure well-suited to our times to bring top talent into this production company with real ownership,” said David Nevins, Chief Content Officer, Scripted Originals, Paramount+ & Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Showtime Networks Inc. “Scott Mills deserves tremendous credit for driving this innovative new business from idea to reality – and Kenya, Rashida and Aaron, could not be a more talented or in-demand group to lead this venture along with Aisha Summers.”


“The investment being made by Scott, David Nevins, Bob Bakish and the ViacomCBS team into BET Studios is not only an investment in Black storytelling, it is also an investment in the culture,” said Barris. “And while individual success is great, being able to amplify and champion underrepresented storytellers has been equally exciting and this venture allows that to continue to be a key focus in this next chapter of my career.”


“There is such power in the creative talent that the principal partners bring to the table and BET Studios’ unique ability to tell Black stories at scale,” said Jones. “This joining of forces is super exciting for me in the multitude of ways that people of color see themselves represented on screen.”


“As a new venture, BET Studios offers an opportunity to expand the brand’s legacy of delivering Black stories,” said Thomas. “This is a chance to bring nuanced, layered narratives to life, partnering with a forward-thinking team, interested in surprising and engaging the audience.”


BET Studios will be headed by Aisha Summers Burke, who was recently appointed Executive Vice-President and General Manager of the new venture. In this role, Burke will be responsible for working collaboratively with the Studio’s formidable creative partners and key internal constituencies.  Along with overseeing the day-to-day creative affairs for the company, she will also be responsible for the BET Studios content slate and focusing on growing the Studio’s production output across both internal and external platforms. Burke will report to BET President Scott Mills.


“BET has long been celebrated for excellence in producing quality programming that authentically depicts experiences lived within the Black community,” said Summers Burke.


“With the launch of BET Studios, we are excited to introduce a new model that opens the aperture to a broad array of platforms and supports the full range of content from Black creators.’ This entrepreneurial environment offers creatives the opportunity to produce diverse high-end content reflecting all aspects of entertainment.”


Prior to joining BET, Burke spent thirteen years at Warner Bros. Television, most recently serving as Vice-President of scripted television for the cable and streaming division of Warner Horizon before it merged with Warner Bros. TV in 2020.


Sunday, August 29, 2021

Candyman opens in 1st place with $22.4 million weekend take

Universal/MGM/Monkeypaw’s Candyman, which is a direct sequel to the 1992 original starring Tony Todd got off to a great late August start with $22.4M in it's opening weekend.

The R-rated slasher film, written by Jordan Peele and directed by “Captain Marvel 2” filmmaker Nia DaCosta, surpassed industry expectations despite fears the delta variant would keep people from going to the movies.

“Candyman” cost $25 million to produce — MGM financed and produced the film, while Universal handled marketing and distribution — and appears on track to become one of the rare pandemic-era releases to become profitable during its theatrical run.

“Nia DaCosta crafted an intense thriller that audiences responded to extraordinarily well this weekend. The debut of Candyman exceeded all industry expectations, and with the very positive audience reaction scores and a three-day holiday in our second weekend, we’re anticipating a strong theatrical run at the domestic box office,” exclaimed Universal’s Domestic Theatrical Distribution President Jim Orr.

Candyman stars Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Teyonah Parris, Nathan Stewart-Jarrett, and Colman Domingo.

Sunday, February 07, 2021

Chadwick Boseman Makes History With Four SAG Award Nominations

The late Chadwick Boseman scored four 2021 SAG Award nominations on Thursday, becoming the first person to earn four Screen Actors Guild film nods in a single year.

Boseman earned a nomination in the Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role category for his performance in “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” and a nod for male actor in a supporting role for his part in “Da 5 Bloods.”

He also scored two ensemble nominations for both films in the Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture category.

The 27th annual ceremony for the Screen Actors Guild Awards is set to air on TNT and TBS on Sunday, April 4, at 9 p.m. EST.

[SOURCE: HUFFPOST]

Wednesday, October 07, 2020

SEVEN BUCKS TURNING PHIL HEATH’S COMEBACK QUEST FOR 8TH MR. OLYMPIA TITLE INTO FEATURE DOCUMENTARY

Seven Bucks Productions announced that they will executive produce “The Untitled Phil Heath Story,” a documentary film that will unveil the extraordinary life story of seven-time Mr. Olympia, Phil Heath, as he rises through the ranks, battles the scrutiny of the media, and takes on bodybuilding’s scariest foes. All while standing on the brink of becoming the greatest Mr. Olympia champion to walk the earth.

Written and directed by award-winning Canadian filmmaker Brett Harvey (Inmate # 1: The Rise of Danny Trejo, Ice Guardians) the film chronicles Heath’s extraordinary comeback journey as he battles his way back to the 2020 Olympia stage after a two year hiatus, in an attempt to reclaim his throne and cement his legacy among bodybuilding’s all-time greats. Heath, who claimed the title of Mr. Olympia every year from 2011 to 2017, is now plagued by injuries that come with 18 years of physical and mental sacrifice. Adding to the challenge of his comeback is COVID-19 and its looming implications on his training schedule and the Olympia event itself, presenting an entirely new dynamic to the hill that Heath must climb, as he once again stands on the edge of bodybuilding history.

“As a fellow bodybuilder, I am endlessly in awe of Phil’s abilities and unprecedented career,” said Executive Producer Dany Garcia. “Not only is his physique iconic but his work ethic, mental persistence and relentless commitment are simply unmatched in the sport. I am excited to be collaborating with Phil, alongside our partners, to tell his story with conviction as well as to bring an authentic glimpse into his world as he cements his legacy.”

“Phil is one of the greatest bodybuilders of all time and when it’s all said and done, he could become the greatest to ever step on stage,” said Executive Producer Dwayne Johnson. “For good reasons, his nickname is “The Gift” and his bodybuilding surname is “the Dream Killer”. This is going to be fun to produce. I can’t wait.”

“I’m thrilled to partner with Brett Harvey and the Seven Bucks Productions team whose creative minds and trust make them the ideal partners to finally share my story with the world. I look forward to offering unprecedented access as I compete in yet another Mr. Olympia and using this opportunity for self-expression and honesty to allow my fans around the world to finally understand who I really am,” said Phil Heath.

“It’s a rare opportunity to step inside the personal voyage of an elite athlete who has been as dominant as Phil Heath,” said Brett Harvey. “Even more rare is the ability to do so while he battles back from injuries and attempts to alter the course of bodybuilding history within the landscape of a world pandemic. I’m intrigued to be joining Phil’s fascinating journey.”

Johnson and Garcia will executive produce the film on behalf of Seven Bucks Productions alongside Adam Scorgie for Score G Productions and Super Channel, and Phil Heath. Seven Bucks Productions’ Hiram Garcia, Brian Gewirtz and Kevin Hill will also serve as executive producers, along with Erin Lardy and Nikki Cuff on behalf of The Garcia Companies. Stephen Green will edit.

Wednesday, January 15, 2020

Spike Lee, President of the Jury at the 73rd Festival de Cannes

The American director Spike Lee is to serve as President of the Jury at the next Festival de Cannes. He becomes the first Black person to lead the jury.

At 62, the filmmaker, who is also a screenwriter, actor, editor and producer, has made numerous films that have become cult objects, and he brought the questions and contentious issues of the times to contemporary cinema. But he’s never lost sight of the public, setting out to raise their awareness of his causes in film after film.

Surrounded by his Jury, which will be announced in mid-April, Spike Lee will award the Palme d'or at the close of the 73rd edition, which will take place from 12 to 23 May 2020.

Sunday, January 12, 2020

Just Mercy has $10 million plus opening weekend

By George L. Cook III AfricanAmericanReports.Com

The Michael B. Jordan produced movie, Just Mercy opened wide this weekend with $10,435,000.

The movie stars Michael B. Jordan, Jamie Foxx, and Brie Larson.

The film stars Jordan as Bryan Stevenson as a lawyer who left behind a potentially lucrative career to help overturn wrongful convictions. In the film, he takes on the case of Walter McMillian (Jamie Foxx), a black man wrongfully accused of killing a white woman in Alabama.

While $10 million may not seem like a lot in this day of mega-blockbusters but the movie has a few things going in its favor as it looks toward a long and hopefully profitable run.

Just Mercy film has received great reviews and is the first film of 2020 to receive A+ Cinema Score. Jordan and Fox have also received accolades for their performances which should hopefully lead to Oscar nominations for both of them. (Don't hold your breath on either of them winning though). That and word of mouth should increase audience turnout.

My prediction is that the film eclipses Harriet's 43 million dollars gross and comes in near the $49.3 million that Blackkklansman made.

Wednesday, January 01, 2020

EDDIE MURPHY TO BE HONORED WITH LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD AT 25TH ANNUAL CRITICS’ CHOICE AWARDS

The Critics Choice Association (CCA) announced today that film icon Eddie Murphy will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 25th Annual Critics’ Choice Awards. Murphy will be feted for his extraordinary roles over the years, most recently his brilliant portrayal of the legendary Rudy Ray Moore in Netflix’s Dolemite Is My Name, for which he is nominated for Best Actor.

The star-studded gala will once again be hosted by film, television, and stage star Taye Diggs, and broadcast live on The CW Television Network on Sunday, January 12, from 7:00 – 10:00 p.m. ET (delayed PT). As previously announced, Kristen Bell will receive the fourth annual #SeeHer Award during the ceremony.

Eddie Murphy is the most commercially successful African American actor in the history of the motion picture business and is one of the industry’s top-five box-office performers overall. Murphy is on the very short list of actors who have starred in multiple $100 million pictures over the past three decades, from Beverly Hills Cop to Daddy Day Care. Some of his other most beloved hits include 48 Hours, Trading Places, Coming to America, Harlem Nights, The Distinguished Gentleman, Bowfinger, The Nutty Professor and Shrek.

Murphy can currently be seen portraying the legendary underground comic personality Rudy Ray Moore in Dolemite Is My Name from Netflix and recently wrapped production on Coming 2 America, the long-anticipated sequel to the 1988 box office hit.

In 2007, Murphy received critical acclaim for his portrayal of James “Thunder” Early in the DreamWorks film Dreamgirls, a performance which would garner him the Critics’ Choice Award for Best Supporting Actor as well as earning him his first Academy Award nomination in the same category.

Sunday, November 03, 2019

Harriet over performs with $12 million opening weekend

By George L. Cook III AfricanAmericanReports.Com

Debra Martin Chase, as well as the cast and crew of the Harriet Tubman movie, Harriet, all have reason to celebrate this weekend

Despite an online movement to hurt the films opening weekend Focus Features Harriet over performed and beat predictions of an $8 million opening weekend by opening with $12 million.

The movie opened in 4th place at the box office but with a budget of $17 million should wind up being very profitable. In comparison, Spike Lee's BlackKklansman had a $10 million opening and went on to gross $48.7 million.

The film boasts a rare A+ Cinemascore from audiences, signaling the historical drama could continue to benefit from positive word of mouth. Older female moviegoers drove inaugural sales: 62% were women, and 59% were over the age of 35. African Americans accounted for nearly 50% of ticket buyers.

Another factor helping Harriet going forward is that it’s doing well with older movie goers who tend not to come out on opening weekend, but in the following weeks. So the movie should do well next weekend as well.

Harriet has a 98% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and an A+ CinemaScore from audience members which bodes well for the film’s future.

Wednesday, October 30, 2019

John Witherspoon dead at 77

John Witherspoon, a prolific character actor best known for a run of comedic turns in acclaimed films and cult classics like “Hollywood Shuffle” and the “Friday” franchise, died Tuesday in his Sherman Oaks home. He was 77.

Witherspoon’s family released a statement posted to his Twitter account.

Born John Weatherspoon in Detroit (he changed his name to Witherspoon later) in 1942, he began his career in the 1960s, performing as an actor, comedian and occasional model. He made his television debut in 1970 on an episode of “Barnaby Jones,” and later in the decade appeared on episodes of “Good Times,” “What’s Happening!!” and “The Incredible Hulk,” as well as “The Richard Pryor Show.” Other television appearances include “WKRP in Cincinnati,” “St. Elsewhere,” “L.A. Law.”

During the 1980s, Witherspoon became closely associated with the rise in television shows created by and featuring African American performers, with appearances on “227,” “What’s Happening Now!!,” “Amen,” as well as “Living Single.” He had a major role on the 1995-1998 sitcom “The Wayans Bros.,” portraying the main characters’ father. On movie screens, Witherspoon’s other film credits include classics like “I’m Gonna Get You Sucka,” “The Five Heartbeats,” “The Meteor Man,” and “Vampire in Brooklyn,” and he most notably appeared as Willie Jones in all three “Friday Films.”

[SOURCE: YAHOO]