BROOKLYN, NY (October 24, 2011) – The 4th Annual Queer Black Cinema Festival, presented by Our Stories Productions, has announced honors of the The Cheryl Dunye First Womyn Award, The Isaac Julien Experimental Award, Audience Choice Award for best short and Centerpiece Award. In honor of QBC 5th Anniversary, special awards goes to pioneer filmmaker, Patrik-Ian Polk, community activist: Desmond Yvonne, Kim Ford, D. Meredith, Damal Edmond and organizations: Astrea Lesbian Foundation, MIX Queer Experimental Film Festival, Gay Men of African Descent and The Audre Lord Project. The three-day festival was held October 21-23 at the Long Island University – Brooklyn Campus in the Spike Lee Screening Room and concluded yesterday with an awards dinner. QBC Film Festival, which screened 11 films this year, is New York’s longest standing Black LGBT film festival.
The 4th Annual Queer Black Cinema Festival honors are:
The Cheryl Dunye First Womyn Award
Shadows Behind The Rainbow directed and produced by Je-Shawna Wholley, Cyncere White, Moriah Thomas and Moriah Thomas
The Isaac Julien Experimental Award
Bones written and directed by Be Steadwell
Audience Choice Award (best short)
Slow written and directed by Darius Clark Monroe
Centerpiece Award
Finding Me Truth written and directed by Roger Omeus Jr., produced by Sontaia Briggs
Honorable Mention
Say My Name written by Kofi Kofi Kofi.com
Punch Me written and directed by Robert X. Golphine
QBC 5th Year Anniversary Special Honors
Patrik-Ian Polk, Award-winning filmmaker of Punks, Noah’s Arc, The Skinny
Desmond Yvonne
Kim Ford
D. Meredith, Director of Out Music
Damal Edmond, Director of Brooklyn Society For Ethical Culture
The Audre Lord Project
Astraea Lesbian Foundation
MIX Queer Experimental Film Festival
Gay Men of African Descent
About Queer Black Cinema Festival
Queer Black Cinema Festival, created by Angel L. Brown in 2008 is an Avant-garde film festival that will bring you the best films about the Black LGBT experience from around the world. The three-day festival consists of showcasing the work of both gay and straight award-winning filmmakers of African descent groundbreaking films. The festival also includes industry base panel discussions and workshops, great networking social events and parties, closing with an Award ceremony, honoring officially selected film makers.
This project is fiscally operated under 501 c3 non-profit organizations Gay Men of African Descent and MIX Queer Experimental Film Festival, with past financial support from Astraea Lesbian Foundation, GMAD, QBC advance ticket holder audience members and supporters like you!
About Our Stories Productions
Our Stories Productions, LLC is an independent multimedia production company which produces stories in search of truth and spirituality through various mediums. The mission is to enlighten the world by re-introducing experiences from the African Diaspora from a distinct, unconventional perspective, aiming to collapse generations of silence, isms and stereotypes. www.OSPfilms.com
WHAT: Closing film, Leave it on the floor directed by Sheldon Larry and music by Kim Burse
Larry pays tribute to the ballroom community with a made for screen/motion picture musical. In honor of Queer Black Cinema Institute 5th Year Anniversary, The QBC Award Ceremony will include a special presentation paying tribute to supporting organizations for their support throughout the years.
WHEN: Sunday, October 23, at 4 pm
WHERE: Long Island University – Brooklyn Campus (Spike Lee Room 122) 1 University Plaza Brooklyn, NY 11201
WHERE: Long Island University – Brooklyn Campus (Spike Lee Room) 1 University Plaza Brooklyn, NY
FINDING THE RIGHT FILM FESTIVAL WORKSHOP with Angel L. Brown (12 noon)
What Festival work best for your film
Packaging Your Film For Festivals
Funding Your Film Festival Circuit Tour
Getting Press Surrounding Your Film
The Follow-up
MEET THE FILMMAKERS (2 PM)
REEL SHORTS SHOWCASE: (4 PM) The following filmmakers will be in attendance: Be Steadwell(Bones), Darius Clark Monroe(Slow) and Robert X. Golphine(Punch Me) and Elwood Idris Simon (Punch Me)
FIRST LOOK: (6PM) Reshawn’s Desire. Q&A with filmmaker, Terik King
CENTERPIECE: (8PM) Finding Me Truth. Q&A with Kelly Burkhardt /TLA Releasing about “Getting Your Film Distributed.
WHERE: Long Island University – Brooklyn Campus (Spike Lee Room) 1 University Plaza Brooklyn, NY
Photo Op precedes a VIP reception starting at 7pm, followed by special welcome by Patrik -Ian Polk then opening night classic film “PUNKS.” Q&A to follow with Patrik including screening of exclusive clips from his new film, THE SKINNY.
ABOUT: Classic film, PUNKS directed by Patrik-Ian Polk, returns to the big screen for the first time since it’s debut in 2001! Bring your friends and experience the laughter, crying and good old fashion courtship all over again. Watch Seth Gilliam (Marcus) and Rockmund Dunbar (Darby), two great actors at the start of their acting career! The film screens along side exclusive clips from Patrik new film, THE SKINNY. A special welcome by Patrik-Ian Polk !
The 4th ANNUAL QUEER BLACK CINEMA FESTIVAL RETURNS TO BROOKLYN!
OPENING NIGHT CLASSIC FILM “PUNKS” RETURNS TO THE BIG SCREEN
CLOSING NIGHT NEW CLASSIC FILM, “LEAVE IT ON THE FLOOR”
NEW YORK, NY (October 3, 2011) Queer Black Cinema Institute, return to Brooklyn with The 4th Annual Queer Black Cinema Festival presented by Our Stories Productions. Opening Night selection is Patrik Ian-Polk’s classic film, PUNKS (Seth Gilliam, Rockmond Dunbar, Jazzmun and Closing Night selection are New Classic film, Leave It On The Floor directed by Sheldon Larry and music by Kim Burse. The three-day film festival will take place October 21-23, 2011 at Long Island University – Brooklyn Campus(Spike Lee Screening Room) – 1 University Plaza Brooklyn, NY 11201. Festival passes and tickets are available online at www.QBCfilmfest.org
QBC film festival is open to everyone. Canada, Atlanta, DC, Philadelphia and surrounding metropolitan areas including New Jersey and Connecticut make up QBC festival audiences. It is NY’s Longest Standing Black LGBT film festival.
Last year the newly inducted programming, The Producers Series was an outstanding success. Independent producers learned from industry professionals, Ralph Scott, Executive Producer of BET Len’s On Talent, Afua Kafi-Akua, Senior Manager at the Metropolitan Museum of Art and Third World New Reel Distribution Company’s Consultant, Mike Dennis, CEO of Philadelphia’s based Reel Black TV and Hawaii’s based Do-It-Yourself Distribution Company, Eggup.com. QBC Producers series, returns for the 2nd year with two workshops presented by Founding Sponsor, Our Stories Productions: “Finding The Right Festival” tips on searching and preparing your film including how to get the press to write about you. The 2nd workshop is Screenplay Reading Workshop, “For The Love of Hip-Hop,” a story about the bond between two best friends who must choose their love for each other or one’s music career as a multi-platinum hip-hop artist.
The film festival continues with a special screening presentation of a new documentary Rashawn’s Desire – The Untold Story of Rashawn Brazell directed by Terik King. The “documentary exploring the life and death of Rashawn Brazell, whose gruesome 2005 murder is considered one of the most horrific unsolved crimes in New York City history.” “Our youth and young adults lives are being taken away from us all too soon. It is essential that we honor their memory by keeping their stories visible and their spirits alive through thought provoking films and other media outlets” states Angel L. Brown, producer/programmer of QBC Film Festival.
Festival most popular section, Reel Short Showcase, will take place Saturday, October 22, 2011 (6PM) with some of the most enlightening films:
Bones – directed by Be Steadwell
Shadow Behind The Rainbow – directed by JesShawna Wholey, Cyncere White, Moriah Thomas
T’Ain’t Nobody Bizness – directed by Robert Philipson | Voice over by Jewelle Gomez
Self-Inflicted Freedom – directed by Tiye Yayu Elisa Square-LeVias
Slow – directed by Darius Clark Monroe
* Punch Me – directed by Robert X. Golphine (Also screens with Finding Me: Truth – Sat. Oct. 22(8PM) Say My Name – directed by Kofi Agyemang
Newly release on DVD, Finding Me: Truth directed by Roger Omeus is this year Centerpiece film. The film screens, Saturday, October 22, 2011 (8 PM.) Following the screening will be a Q&A with Kelly Burkhardt /TLA Releasing about “Getting Your Film Distributed.”
The festival concludes with Closing Film Leave It On The Floor directed by Sheldon Larry and music by Kim Burse. Larry pays tribute to the ballroom community with a made for screen/motion picture musical.
In honor of Queer Black Cinema Institute 5th Year Anniversary, The QBC Award Ceremony will include a special presentation paying tribute to supporting organizations for their support throughout the years.
Queer Black Cinema Festival will take place October 21-23, 2011 at Long Island University – Brooklyn Campus (Spike Lee Screening Room) – 1 University Plaza Brooklyn, NY 11201. Festival passes, tickets are available online including a complete line-up of events at www. QBCfilmfest.org
ABOUT QUEER BLACK CINEMA
Queer Black Cinema Festival, created by Angel L. Brown in 2008 is an Avant-garde film festival that will bring you the best films about the Black LGBT experience from around the world. The three-day festival consists of showcasing the work of both gay and straight award-winning filmmakers of African descent groundbreaking films. The festival also includes industry base panel discussions and workshops, great networking social events and parties, closing with an Award ceremony, honoring officially selected film makers.
This project is fiscally operated under 501 c3 non-profit organizations Gay Men of African Descent and MIX Queer Experimental Film Festival, with past financial support from Astraea Lesbian Foundation, QBC advance ticket holder audience members and supporters like you!
Irene is on it’s way and the QBC team want everyone to be safe! Below are a few tips I prepare from various emails received in preparation of Hurricane Irene. Be sure to spread the word and add any additional tips you may feel will help with our safer. May our Higher Being watch over us all:
Make sure your cell phones are charged in case we lose electricity.
Stock up on items that don’t have to be heated or cooked so you can limit opening the refrigerator. This will maintain the cold air temperature within to preserve your refrigerated items.
COOK YOUR FOOD (tonight & tomorrow) for the weekend (defrosted foods always spoil first; however, foods that are cooked are ready to be eaten and you don’t have to cook by artificial light
Fill bottles with water for drinking and hand washing
Check on ELDERLY neighbors and be sure they are prepared with cooked foods to eat and that walkways, stairs and hallways are clear in case of limited lighting.
TIPS FOR SMALL BUSINESS (This can also be applied to homeowner/everyone with important documents!)
BEFORE THE STORM
Plan what you will do if your building is not accessible. Define individual responsibilities in advance.
Enroll in the City’s Corporate Emergency Access System (CEAS) to authorize essential employees access to restricted areas following an emergency. Learn more about CEAS by visiting www.NYC.gov/ceas·
Do not flush the toilet or run water during heavy rain because a backwater valve will prevent this water from flowing out of your building.
Report any downed power lines and avoid standing in flood water, as it can carry electrical current or calling 311.
Identify which equipment, such as machinery, computers, or custom parts, is necessary to keep the business running. Elevate equipment off the floor.
Keep important documents, including insurance information, vehicle titles, and receipts at a higher elevation or in a waterproof container.
Turn off gas and electrical utilities at the main switches or valves, and disconnect electrical equipment.
Prepare for 72 hours without power. If necessary, purchase a portable generator to power vital aspects of your business.
Store extra supplies, materials, and equipment for use in an emergency.
Remove debris from catch basins in your area to allow water to enter.
Secure entrances and exits.
DURING THE STORM
Call 911 immediately if your life or health is in danger (you may see rapidly rising water that may reach the electrical system, you are stranded, etc.
Call 311 if your property is threatened (your basement or street is flooded, the sewer is backing up into your business, etc.)
Avoid walking or driving through flooded streets. As few as six inches of moving water can knock a person over. One to two feet of water can carry away a vehicle.
Flood water can be contaminated. Avoid contact with sewer water, as it poses a health risk.
SAVE THE DATE: QBC Film Festival will take place October 21-23, 2011 (A week before NYC Halloween Parade!) Join the mailing list for updates: qbcfilmfest-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
QBC GARDEN PARTY BENEFIT – A NIGHT OF LIVE JAZZ, R&B/SOUL
AT THE BROOKLYN SOCIETY OF ETHICAL CULTURE
Creatively helping New York’s longest standing Black LGBT film festival provide a platform for gay and straight filmmaker of African descent to showcase images about the Black LGBT experience.
New York, NY – Queer Black Cinema Institute (QBCI) will hold a Garden Party Benefit on Saturday, July 16, 2011, to raise funds for its fourth Annual QBC Film Festival in Brooklyn. The Garden party is Co-hosted by Reginald L. Barnes, former winner of NBC’s, “Weakest Link” and host of viral comedy/news show, “Pop Media” along with Davone “Bosslady” Madison, TLC’s, “Say Yes To The Dress” first African-American out lesbian on the show. She is also CEO of Dollhouse Enterprise. Musical performances for the evening include Apollo winner, Moses Harper, Michael Jackson Male Illusionist; Abby Dobson, R&B sensation; Blanco, the silent celebrity R&B/Hip-Hop singer and Buttaflysoul, Def-Jam Spoken Word Artist, playwright and singer. Special Guest feature, phenomenal Jazz/R&B Soul singer and band RAJDULARI. Upcoming independent movie trailers will also be screened throughout the evening. A pre-reception for supporters of the event will take place at 6 PM. Tickets are on sale now at www.QBCfilmfest.org for $40 advance and $50 at the door. Group discount tickets are also available by emailing tickets@qbcfilmfest.org.
The Garden Party Benefit is the first of QBCI founder, Angel L. Brown outreach to the community for financial assistance. She aims to raise funds for the festival and continue the mission of supporting independent filmmakers of color. “ I was saddened when I received the phone call, earlier this year that I will not a recipient for one of my major grants to maintain QBCI. However, I was hopeful, the five year old organization would not end due to the lack of funds.” As the call ended, Angel recalls a burst of energy coming over her, focusing on how she was going to seek funding. She was also thankful the foundation funded QBCI for the past three years. “They were one of the first funders to believe in my organization back in 2006/2007 and awarded QBCI with its first grant. I will never forget their generosity. As I move to the next phase of QBCI, I am confident the Annual Film festival will continue. I am hopeful I can bring some of year-round programming as well. I hope the community will see the importance of the festival by attending the benefit or donating.”
Featured Jazz/R&B vocalist, Rajdulari Barnes of RAJDULARI states, “Queer Black Cinema provide a necessary view into our community. We are thrilled to be lending our music and support to such a worthy organization. For me, growing up, there were no femme lesbians in mainstream media, this is why, I personally do all I can to support Queer Black Cinema. It represents me.” Davone “Bosslady” Madison, CEO/Founder of Dollhouse Enterprises Inc. states, “this benefit is especially important to me because it is a “need” in our community to showcase the work of black, queer filmmakers. Without this festival, some of us will not see “our” faces on the big screen.” Dollhouse Enterprise is a unique and exclusive group designed for professional and like-minded women with alternative lifestyles hosting distinguish safe space events throughout the city.
Industry Media Professional is expected to be in attendance including festival curators local politicians and community leaders. Long-time supporters, straight allies of QBC/advisors, Moikgantsi Kgama and Gregory Gates, Executives of Imagenation will be donating equipment. They will also be in attendance.
The Benefit will take place at the historical beautiful mansion, the Brooklyn Society of Ethical Culture – 53 Prospect Park West 2nd Street Brooklyn, NY 11215.
Guest will enjoy a delicious assortment of complimentary tasty, sweet treats and specially blended cocktails.
Donated items will be auctioned off, and a sneak peak of the upcoming “QBC Celebrates 5 Years” – Multi-media/Photo Exhibition will be displayed. QBCI Founder/Artistic Director will announce the latest news of the state of QBCI.
The night ends with music by legendary DJ MK, spinning classic house, old school R&B blended with new school R&B and hip-hop. Tickets are on sale now at www.QBCfilmfest.org for $40 advance and $50 at the door. Group discount tickets are also available by emailing tickets[at]qbcfilmfest.org.
This event media sponsor includes Dollhouse Media Group and K-Zone187.com, the only 24/7 Urban LGBT Radio Station online.
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If you’d like more information about QBC / THE GARDEN PARTY BENEFIT, or to schedule an interview, please call 646.389.9790 or e-mail info[at]qbcfilmfest.org
CALL FOR FILMS to this year QBC film fest is currently open to both gay and straight filmmaker to submit. The deadline for submissions is July 3o, 2011. Go to qbcfilmfest.org to download the form.
QBCI is fiscally sponsored by GMAD, a 501c-3 not-for-profit. Donations can be made out to GMAD with QBC in the memo section of the check. Please mail it to QBC Film Fest P.O Box 1251 LIC, NY 11101. Donations are also accepted on line at www.QBCfilmfest.org
QBC Film Fest, is an entity of QBCI created by Angel L. Brown-Ross in 2008 is an Avant-garde film festival that will bring you the best films about the Black LGBT experience from around the world. The three-day festival consists of showcasing the work of both gay and straight award-winning filmmakers of African descent groundbreaking films. The festival also includes industry base panel discussions and workshops, great networking social events and parties, closing with a prestigious Award ceremony, honoring officially selected film makers. This year festival takes place October 14 -16, 2011 at the Helen Mills Theater.
Q & A with Director Rashaad Ernesto Green,Reina Gossett, Angel L Brown Ross (Moderator)
Dir. Rashaan Ernesto Green | 2011 |USA
In honor of Lesbian Gay, Bisexual and Transgender History Month, the Brecht Forum and QUEER BLACK CINEMA is proud to present a special screening of the critical acclaimed Gun Hill Road. This film was nominee for the prestigious Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival this year.
After three years in prison, Enrique (Esai Morales) returns home to the Bronx to find the world he knew has changed. His wife, Angela (Judy Reyes), struggles to hide an emotional affair, and his teenage son, Michael (Harmony Santana), explores a sexual transformation well beyond Enrique’s grasp and understanding.
Unable to accept his child, Enrique clings to his masculine ideals while Angela attempts to hold the family together by protecting Michael. Still under the watchful eye of his parole officer (Isiah Whitlock, Jr.), Enrique must become the father he needs to be or, once again, risk losing his family and freedom.
Can a father’s fierce love for his family overcome his street-hardened ideas about manhood and end the vicious cycle controlling his life? Writer/director Rashaad Ernesto Green’s first feature film is an intricate portrait of a family divided told with sensitivity, gentle humor, and a deep understanding of the environment that shapes its people.
New York native Rashaad Ernesto Green received his BA from Dartmouth College, MFA from the NYU Graduate Acting Program, and recently graduated from NYU’s Graduate Film Program. After spending three years acting in theaters nationwide and working with directors such as Spike Lee, Rashaad worked as a teacher in the South Bronx before moving behind the camera to tell stories.
Rashaad was included on the latest edition of Filmmaker Magazine’s elite 25 New Faces of Independent Film list as well as indieWIRE’s 2009 Top Ten New Voices in Cinema.
Reina Gossett joined the Sylvia Rivera Law Project in July of 2010 as the membership coordinator. Along with Gabriel Foster she will staff the newly created Movement Building Team, working to develop SRLP’s membership and community organizing work. She believes creativity & imagination are crucial for growing strong communities and practicing self determination. She also loves making collages, watching re-runs of Battlestar Galatactica and reading anything illustrated by Diane & Leo Dillon.
Angel L Brown Ross is founder and creative director of QUEER BLACK CINEMA, an Avant-garde film festival that screens the best films about the Black LGBT experience from around the world. </p>
PrideIndex.com announced 4 additional recipients of the 2011 Esteem Awards
(CHICAGO – May 4, 2011) Today, PrideIndex.com announced 4 additional recipients of the 2011 Esteem Awards. PrideIndex.com is pleased to announce The Advocate magazine’s Forty Under 40, Jonathan Capehart of The Washington Post, Angel L. Brown-Ross of Queer Black Cinema Institute and SPARK have been named to receive this year’s Esteem Award,” said Phiip Esteem of PrideIndex.com. “These organizations and individuals serve as role models for all,” he continued.
The Esteem Awards honors local and national organizations and individuals for their continued efforts in supporting the African-American and LGBT community in the areas of entertainment, media, civil rights, business and art. The 2011 Esteem Award honorees will be recognized at a special ceremony on Saturday, July 2, at Sidetrack Nightclub, 3349 North Halsted, from 1:00PM – 4:00PM in Chicago.
Here’s a partial list of the 2011 Esteem Awards finalist:
Chicago Honorees
Outstanding Service, Male – Jamal Edwards CEO of Howard Brown Health Clinics
Outstanding Service, Female – Mary F. Morten, Activist, Producer & Director
Outstanding Service, Transgender – Joy Morris, Executive Director of TransActions Chicago
Outstanding Social Services/CBO – Chicago House
Outstanding Magazine Reporter or Columnist – Sukie de la Croix of Gay Chicago Magazine
Outstanding Newspaper Reporter or Columnist – Mary Mitchell of the Chicago Sun-Times
Institutional Award – Keith Elliott, Founder of Dance for Life Chicago
Artistic Expression – Tarell Alvin Mccarney for The Brothers/Sisters plays
Promoters of the Year, Male – Talents of Chicago
Special Recognition – Project SYNCERE
National Honorees
Outstanding Service, Male – Curtis Lipscomb, Executive Director of KICK: The Agency for LGBT African Americans (Detroit)
Outstanding Service, Female – Angel L. Brown-Ross, Executive Director of Queer Black Cinema Institute (New York)
Outstanding Service Transgender – Monica Roberts, Lecturer and Founder of TransGriot Blog (Houston)
Outstanding Social Services/CBO – National AIDS Education & Services for Minorities (NAESM) (Atlanta)
Outstanding Magazine Reporter – Emil Wilbekin Essence magazine/Essence.com
Outstanding Magazine Feature – The Advocate magazine’s 40 Under Forty
Outstanding Newspaper Reporter or Columnist Jonathan Capehart of The Washington Post
Outstanding Website – LoveBScott.com
Outstanding Blog – TheCynicalOnes.com (Los Angeles)
Outstanding Podcast or Webseries – NoMoreDownLow.tv (Los Angeles)
Institutional Award – Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund (Washington, DC)
Artistic Expression – Kenny Leon, Artistic Director of True Colors Theatre (Atlanta)
Promoters of the Year, Male – James Saunders of JSP (New York)
About PrideIndex.com
PrideIndex.com is an online news resource for news for the African-American LGBT and gay friendly communities. It houses profiles of Black Gay Authors, businesses, gay themed parties, conferences, fundraisers, support groups, and other online resources.
New York, NY– (June 2011) The 2011 Queer Black Cinema Festival announces the call for entries for dramatic and documentary feature-length films, short films and web-based series. Submission forms are available for download at the official Queer Black Cinema Institute website www.queerblackcinema.org. The 2011 Queer Black Cinema Festival will be held midOctober with screenings in New York, NY. Queer Black Cinema Festival is the longest standing film festival about the Black LGBT experience in New York and on the East Coast. This is Queer Black Cinema Institute 5th Anniversary, a celebratory multi-media exhibit of 500 photos and video will take place throughout the duration of the 4th Annual international festival.
Deadlines to submit U.S. and International films for the 2010 Queer Black Cinema InternationalFilm Festival are:
June 30, 2011 – EARLY SUBMISSION DEADLINE
July 30, 2011 – FINAL DEADLINE (ALL FILMS)
Completed U.S. and international feature-length, short films and web-based films may be submitted and must arrive in the QBC Post Box by July 30, 2011 for consideration.
Queer Black Cinema Festival accepts film/video submissions produced, written/directed and/or produced by filmmakers both gay and straight of African descent in the U.S and internationally. Films must be LGBTQ themed, highlighting Black LGBTQ characters in leading roles and key supporting roles that are seen in non-stereotypical light, fore-fronting the significance of Black-on-Black LGBTQ relationships, preserve the culture and history through in-depth storytelling. More than half of the key crew positions must be filled by people who identify as a person of color on a daily basis.
All films submitted are eligible for the Audience Choice Award. Selected films are eligible for The Cheryl Dunye First Womyn Award – awarding two award-winning women filmmakers either for outstanding producing, screenwriting, editing and/or directing; The Isaac Julien Experimental Award – awarding a filmmaker with work that is creative out of the box experimental style of filmmaking and TheE Lynn Harris Living The Dream Literary Award given to a published out Black LGBTQ author.
All films are eligible for QBC film series special year-round programming. Some works not officiallyselected for the Annual film festival may still be considered for QBC film series special programming.
The submission form and complete information regarding eligibility and entry rules for the 2011 Queer Black Cinema Festival are available on the Festival website at www.queerblackcinema.org. You may also e-mail questions to info@queerblackcinema.orgSubject: Festival 2011. Be sure to include the subject or your email may get delected due to spam box.
Queer Black Cinema Festival
Founded by Angel L. Brown in 2007/8,Queer Black Cinema Festival is a progressive socially conscious film festival that will bring you the best films about the Black LGBT experience from around the world. The Annual festival provide a platform for both gay and straight filmmakers of African descent an opportunity to display their film work.. The four-day festival consists of not only groundbreaking films but also industry lead panel discussions including BLK !nk: the opened ended Film & Book Market. The Festival takes place mid October and plays a key role in the success of Queer Black Cinema Institute programming throughout the year. The official Website of the Queer Black Cinema Festival is www.QBCNYC.org
Queer Black Cinema Institute
Founded by Angel L. Brown in 2006, Queer Black Cinema Institute is the home of QBC, New York’s first and Only Black LGBTQ monthly micro-cinema series and annual international film festival. QBCI’s mission is dedicated to showcasing independent narrative and documentary works by and about U.S. and international progressive Black LGBTQ filmmakers. We are a socially conscious organization that uses films to create dialogue to address homophobia, alarming health issues and many others, “taboo” issues relating to the Black LGBTQ experiences. We provide an online resource to Black LGBTQ theme films and their makers as well as support LGBTQ youth of color emerging producers. In-addition, we screen and promote all people of color artist trailers and original music.
QBC film series formally took place once a month/quartile at various locations throughout the New York Metropolitan area. The Annual four-day International Film Festival takes place in Harlem, NY Mid October. All are welcome to attend regardless of their sexual orientation, race or gender. We aim to entertain, enlighten and educate through our niche programming.
Queer Black Cinema Institute created by Angel L. Brown is now a hub for various QBC projects since 2006: QBC College Film Tour (A traveling exhibition of Black queer short films creating an open dialogue about the Black LGBT experience), QBC Classics (re-introducing pioneer filmmakers and their film works that made an great impact on Black history), Just|BE (The Black Gay Erotica 72 hour Poetry & Film Competition on HIV/AIDS prevention & awareness), Fades Of Black Womyn Film Showcase (honoring Black Lesbians Womyn) and QBC TV Network (various original TV/web based shows – Musiq w/ a Q, INSIDE The Q, One on One w/QBC & QBC ReelTalk.)
For more info on the festival including sponsorship and volunteering, log on to: info(AT)queerblackcinema(DOT)com | qbcfilmseries@yahoogroups.com | http://www.queerblackcinema.org
Photo of President Obama, of the United States of America and the First Black Family
WE DID IT! Queer Black Cinema sends Congratulations to President Barack Obama which happens to be the first Black President of the United States of America. Yesterday was a beautiful day. It was bright, sunny and full of joy and hope in the air as people stood online waiting to vote patiently. Around 11 PM, Tuesday, November 4, 2008 President Obama defeated McCain and was elected the Presidency.
I have to say, I totally respect McCain for his wonderful, well written and extremely humble concede speech congratulation President Obama for his win. Senator Hillary Clinton should take note. This is how you take your loss in stride. As I stated in the very beginning of this race,if McCain showed the more true side of himself, he may have had a better chance of winning. Always be true to self – You just can’t lose either way.
This is a great day in history. For the first time in my life, I really believe there is hope for a united country. We still have a long ways to go. We all have to do our part. All the isms are not going to go away because a Black man is in the white house. Homelessness, homophobia, hate crimes, the bad economical problems are not going to go away unless we make a change collectively. Electing President Obama is just the beginning. The power is in our hands, let’s do the right thing and hold up our end of the bargain to make this country a better place to live. Let’s hold President Obama accountable for his promise. However,we must also be realistic. Like former Mayor David Dinkins (The first Black New York Mayor), President Obama is also coming into office with major country issues across the board. Fixing the many issues that is happening in the US is not going to fixed within a year or four years. We must be patience and give him time to make things right. Former Major Dinkins did the best he could within his term despite the mess Former Major Ed Coch left him. I believe it would have gotten a lot better if he was re-elected another term. Therefore, be ready to re-elect President Obama in 2012. Remember – Be True, Be Love, Be Real!
Peace & Love,
Angel L. Brown
Founder/Curator
Queer Black Cinema
LtoR: Maurice Jamal(Director of Friends & Lover), Angel L. Brown (Director & Curator of Queer Black Cinema) John (Leading actor in Friends & Lovers) @ The first annual QBC Film & Music Festival
Photo courtesy of Ife Blount
It’s a wrap for the first Annual Queer Black Cinema Film & Music Festival ’08 . Stand by for post festival news on awards, raffles and video clips of the four day festival, the first of it’s kind in New York City! In the meantime, tell your friends to join the yahoogroup: qbcfilmseries- subscribe@ yahoo.com . Thank you all for your support and we look forward to bringing you a bigger and better festival next year. Stay tune for the best of QBC Film & Music Festival screening that is a part of QBC Film Series. Special thanks to Maurice Jamal (our guest of honor), Out FM, Octavia , Ife , Kortney Ryan Ziegler, the QBC Volunteers , the Brecht Forum, the material for the arts, allied Productions, MIX NYC, Madison, Tania, all the musicians including KIN and Monica McIntyre for an encore performance at the Opening and all who supported Queer Black Cinema.
Spread the word!
INSIDE THE Q Queer Black Cinema Entertainment News & Happening
Check out the beginning of the Post QBC Film & Music Festival ’08
http://www.qbcfesti val.wordpress.com
Contact:
Queer Black Cinema®
c/o Our Stories Productions, LLC
PO Box 975
New York, NY 10113
(347) 789-1070
info@queerblackcinema.org
www.queerblackcinema.org
www.myspace.com/queerblackcinema
November 10, 2008 IMMEDIATE RELEASE
KIN4LIFE@ QBC Film & Music Festival
AWARD ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR THE 1ST ANNUAL QUEER BLACK CINEMA FILM & MUSIC FESTIVAL ’08
(New York, NY)—The 1st Annual Queer Black Cinema Film & Music Festival announced the awards for best feature, documentary, short film and music video categories along with festival highest honor awards; The Cheryl Dunye First Womyn Award and The Isaac Julien Experiential Award. The four-day festival was held October 30- November 2 in New York City. The festival wrapped up on November 2 with a Closing Film Gala with award winning filmmaker, Maurice Jamal new film/TV Show, “Friends and Lovers.” The closing gala was followed by a reception including a toast with festival celebrity guest Maurice Jamal. QBC Film & Music Festival is the only New York Black Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender & Queer (LGBTQ) Film and Music festival dedicated to bringing you the best of Black LGBTQ theme films made by filmmakers of African Descent.
The 1st Annual Queer Black Cinema Film and Music Festival are awarded to: The Cheryl Dunye First Womyn Award
Pariah
Directed by Dee Rees Produced by Nekisha Cooper Plaque donated by Materials For The Arts
The Isaac Julien Experimental Award
Still Black: A Portrait of Black Transmen
Directed by Kortney Ryan Ziegler Produced by Awilda Rodriguez Lora Plaques donated by The Materials For The Arts
Best Narrative
Truth Hall
Directed by Jade Jenise Dixon
Best Documentary
U People
Directed by Hanifah Walidah and Olive Demetrius
Honorable Mention
Ebony Chunky Love: Bitch Can’t Get A Date!
Directed by Keith Price and L. Tristan Renteria
Best Web/TV Show
Friends & Lovers
Directed by Maurice Jamal
Best Narrative Short
Crossing
Directed by Ignacio Rivera
Best Documentary Short
Scene But Not Heard
Directed by Cyrille Phipps
Best soundtrack in a film
Truth Hall Directed by Jade Jenise Dixon
Featured Artist: Chaka Khan | Lina | Trenyce
Best Music Video
Make up Girl featuring KIN
Directed by Dorian G. Stone
“Congratulations goes out to all the filmmakers of the first Annual Queer Black Cinema Film & Music Festival,” said Angel L. Brown, founder and curator of Queer Black Cinema. “ Since 2006, Queer Black Cinema has be screening socially conscious films about the LGBTQ people of African Descent experience by LGBTQ filmmakers of African Descent from around the world. It was a long time coming and honor to produce the the Annual Film and Music Festival aside from the monthly film series we do throughout the year.”
The four day festival included not only great films from across the board but music acts as well. KIN For life was in the house, representing Mount Vernon, NY along with Steph the Sapphic Songstress. Tyran Gem blessed the Thursday nigh “Acoustic Soul Social Mixer” along with Saleema and her guitar all the way from New Jersey. However, according to a festival attendee, “Monica McIntyre was amazing. Who knew you could rock a cello and sing with such grace with a mix of hip-hop/R&B and a little reggae flavor. It was truly hot.” states Jennifer.
Highlights of the long awaited New York Black LGBTQ Film Festival – Queer Black Cinema Film & Music Festival included a Opening night screening of Still Black: A Portrait of Black Transmen, directed by Kortney Ryan Ziegler, produced by Awilda Rodriguez Lora. The film follows the lives of six Black transgender men living in the United States. Through the intimate stories of their lives as artists, students, husbands, fathers, lawyers, and teachers, the film offers viewers a complex and multi-faceted image of race, sexuality and trans identity. Short film, They directed by Ignacio Rivera, a self portrait of Rivera’s life journey through fluid and loose gender expression was screened along with Still Black. After the Q&A followed a reception including a toast of congratulations to filmmakers and QBC with an encore performance by cellist and singer Monica McIntyre. Monica McIntyre also run the Black Women of Arts Festival in Philadelphia.
Dreamed Deferred: The Sakia Gunn Project directed by Charles Brack was the festival centerpiece with a special performance by Lavender Light Gospel Choir under Artistic director Ray Gordon. The screening was a Tribute to the many LGBTQ youth of Color around the world who died due to a homophic hate crime. The performance also included a multimedia montage of the many fallen youth. “I wanted to use this opportunity to not only do my part in making the youth lives more visible to the community but also remember and celebrate their lives in a joyous way. I want the world to know our LGBTQ youth of color life is valuable and worthy of being acknowledge when something good or target happens to them. It is up to the people to report and expose these stories of hate crimes. We must make the stories more visible to the mass media; most of all hold key people in office from, Chief of police, local council people to our government accountable for action of change and strong enforcement to all who feel they can just hurt or take the life of an LGBTQ youth of color life. ”
Other special highlights included Centerpiece Truth Hall directed by Jade Jenise Dixon winner of Best Feature Film and Pariah directed by Dee Rees and produced by Nekisha Cooper, honoree of the Cheryl Dunye First Womyn Award.
Queer Black Cinema Film & Music Festival is redefining how film festivals can be used as a great tool to enlighten, educate and entertain at the same time being socially conscious about major issues concerning the Black community. The first annual QBC film and music festival is over but the beginning of many great socially concious events to come to New York.
About Queer Black Cinema®
Queer Black Cinema , New York’s first and Only Black lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer monthly micro-cinema series and annual film festival. We are a not-for-profit volunteer-run organization who mission is dedicated to showcasing independent narrative and documentary works by and about U.S. and international Black LGBTQ filmmakers. We screen and promote all people of color artist by screening their trailers and original music . QBC film series takes place once a month at the LGBT Community Center and other locations throughout the New York Metropolitan area. All are welcome to attend regardless of their sexual orientation, race or gender. We aim to entertain, enlighten and educate through our niche programming.
About Queer Black Cinema Film & Music Festival
Queer Black Cinema International Film & Music Festival is a progressive socially conscious film festival that will bring you the best Black LGBTQ theme films from around the world. The four day festival consist of not only ground-breaking films but also panel discussions with filmmakers, industry professionals and community leaders followed by a music concert from some of the hottest emerging and establish leading musicians.
I just got some great news! QBC will be at the NY Gay Life Expo this weekend. I will be back just in time to spread the word about QBC. Stop by Booth # 519. Check out trailers, win DVD’s, music, film screening passes and more!
Want to go to the expo for FREE ?
If you would like to volunteer some of your time this weekend, please email info@queerblackcinema.orgSubj.Expo Volunteer All volunteers will receive a QBC T-shirt (to wear while volunteering w/sporty tie)
If you would like to volunteer you must be available one of the following shifts:
SATURDAY & SUNDAY
12 PM – 3 PM (Shift One)
3 PM – 6 PM (Shift Two)
12 – 6 PM ( ALL DAY)
HERE IS HOW IT WORKS:
If you volunteer Saturday OR Sunday, SHIFT ONE, you are free after 3PM to enjoy the rest of the expo
If you volunteer ALL DAY Saturday, you can attend Sunday ALL DAY FREE
If you volunteer ALL DAY Sunday, you will receive two comp. tickets to QBC next film screening (December)
DUTIES:
Sign people up to the mailing list
Hand out QBC fliers & press kits throughout the expo
Play film trivia games with expo attendees Snap pictures, assist with video interviews Reach out to me, limited space. We are only looking for 4 volunteers total. Men & trans of color are encourage to apply! Ladies don’t fall back we want you too, after all you are the back, side and front bone of QBC )
Angel Producer of Queer Black Cinema & Kawana, assistant @ Gay Life Expo '08
At the very last minute Queer Black Cinema was given an opportunity to do outreach at the Gay Life Expo -NY. The expo took place in New York City at the famous Jacob Javits Center November 15th & 16th. We manage to pull it off despite the very short notice. Special thanks goes out to Angel L. Brown, Producer/curator of QBC and Raphael for volunteering their time and all the new people they will be collaborating with. Angel express how excited she is about meeting the founder/and former Executive Producers of In the Life, who now runs Chillfest film series in New Jersey.
Queer Black Cinema manage to get over 300 hundred e-mails within two days and give a way over 1000 condoms and safer sex kits. Special thinks to the Lesbian AIDS project at Gay Men Health Crisis and the New York City Department of Health. Want to see more pictures from the QBC@ Gay Life Expo ’08? [Click here]
QBC Film Series Raffle Winners
Congratulations goes out to the winners of the QBC film series raffle. Two free tickets to Queer Black Cinema December 18, 2008 screening was raffle off on Sunday once every hour at the expo. The last screening of the year will be “Jumping The Broom: The New Covenant” written and directed by Debra Wilson. QBC ReelTALK Q&A discussion will follow the screening around the input of people of color and proposition 8 with special invited guest. Audience members will have an opportunity to purchase a raffle to win a copy of Jumpin’ The Broom. Be sure to purchase your tickets online to attend the screening at queerblackcinema.org. There will be a special treat given out to audience members (while supplies last) and cash bar throughout the evening. Be sure to join the mailing list at qbcfilmseries-subscribe@yahoogroups.com. Make sure you check your spam mail and follow the directions to completely sign up to the list or you may just miss out on giveaways. Check out the trailer.
In other news, check out QBC filmmakers, M. F. Stiff, film ” Walk In The Light” on BET J. Congratulations goes out to BET J for great programming. Airing Walk In The Light on BET J is a great move toward highlighting lesbian, gay, transgender people of color experience in a more in-depth non-stereotypical light. To see more programming about the true essence of the Black LGBTQ Experience or to demand great programming, it is important to post your comments on the BET board. For more information on Walk In The Light or Jumpin The Broom visit QBC Resource page .
As you can see we have been on hiatus for about a month but we are BACK! We have lot’s of news and great opportunities for you to win a few items for the holiday season. No need to look elsewhere do your shopping here! Standby for news and updates tonight and for the QBC newsletter tomorrow. In the meantime, join Queer Black Cinema for the last screening of the year this Thursday, December 18 from 6 PM – 8 PM as we screen Jumpin’ The Broom: A New Covenant directed by Debra Wilson and co-produced by Jasmyne Cannick. Check out the video and flyer below. Purchase your tickets online and you will automatically enter a raffle to win a signed copy of Jumpin’ The Broom by director Debra Wilson. Wouldn’t that be a great gift? You can also purchase the film directly from the filmmaker, stand by for the newsletter with details. After the screening we are going to have QBC ReelTALK Q&A with special invited guest, Kenyon Farrow and DJ Baker from Da Do Dirty Show. Special thanks to Debra Wilson, Kenyon Farrow, Dj Baker, Girlzparty.com and Out FM.org for your wonderful support! Be sure to click on their links and show them some love!
Due to unforeseen circumstances beyond my control, QBC December Newsletter was unable to post earlier this week. The newsletter will be posted tomorrow, Friday, Dec. 19th. Thank you for your patience. In the meantime, see you today at QBC Film Series last screening of the year! See details below. Click here for tickets.
LtoR: Angel L.Brown, DJ Baker(Da Doo Dirty Radio Show), Alston(Chillfest.org)
OK, So I didn’t finish the QBC December Newsletter. It’s coming! Please be patient. I promise you, it will be worth the wait. Why? Cause I said so…lol. Just kidding (inside joke) Anyways, I’m working hard to make this final newsletter of the year hot! OK, so you ask why hot, it’s just a newsletter. You are right, however, I have a secret. I can’t tell you right now. Be easy, in time you will know why it took so long to put out the final issue. In the meantime, here are a few pictures from the last screening of the year. Enjoy reading the blog and be merry by making a donation to the
Donate To QBC Now!
I WANT MY QBC! Campaign. You can also write a check for $100 or more to our fiscal sponsor, MIX NYC Queer Experimental Film Festival memo: Queer Black Cinema donation. Be sure to mail the donation to :
Queer Black Cinema
P.O Box 975
New York, NY 10113
We also take matching funds. So if you work for a company that wishes to support Queer Black Cinema, reach out to us. The way matching funds works is you make a donation and your job will match it was the same number. Special shout out to Raphael, QBC newest member. Raphael actually gave a donation and his job matched it. Because of Raphael’s generous donation, we were able to pay for administrative expensive (ie. the center’s room rental, phone and Internet bill for one more month). Thanks Raphael! We look forward to working with you in the new year!
Volunteer w/ the Q!
If you are in college and want to become an intern, please reach out to us. Learn the behinds operations of a not- for-profit film festival organization. In the meantime, check out the volunteer/intern and QBC TV page.
On Thursday, October 18th Queer Black Cinema had their last screening of the month. The film was Jumpin’ The Broom: A New Covenant directed by award winning filmmaker, Debra Wilson. The screening was followed by QBC Reel TALK Q&A discussion with special invited guest, Kenyon Farrow and DJ Baker .Although QBC did not take place at their regular time or room at the LGBT Center, the outcome was pleasing and well attended. Organizations who were in attendance were Donna Redd, founder of Sistahs in Search of Truth, Alliance &
QBC Last Screening of the Year!
Harmony (SiSTAH); Naomi Brussel from the Out FM Collective (WBAI-NY 99.5 FM); Jim Hubbard, founder of Mix Queer Experimental Film Festival and ACT UP Oral History Project; Antwan from Gay Black Men News, Alston Ho from Chillfest.org and many QBC new and returning audience members.
Congratulations to Debra Storm for winning the signed DVD raffle of Jumpin’ The Broom: A New Covenant. Click here to purchase your copy of the film! QBC aim to support filmmaker by purchasing and raffling off a DVD of their film or CD at every screening. We will implement this new goal in the new year. We can’t however bring great opportunities like this to our events without your continued support so again, support the I WANT MY QBC! Campaign. Donate so we can continue QBC programming.
Great news from the Executive Producer/Programmer of Queer Black Cinema
“Finally, I manage to finish the flier and submission form after about two months of getting this project together. I welcome you all to please spread the word and e-mail all of your family and friends. Post away so we can make this an awesome event! For more info e-mail info@queerblackcinema.org OR http://www.queerblackcinema.org/submissions.htm”
Seasons Greetings!
Angel L. Brown
OK people, now is your chance to submit video’s about your election experience. Send your pictures including camera phone photo’s, video blogs, short docs, paintings, spoken word, original music and anything else relating to your election to inauguration experience. We want to view your experience through your eyes. Can’t wait to see them. SO bring the submissions on! Be sure to go to www.queerblackcinema.org/submissions.htm Have any questions? E-mail us at info@queerblackcinema.org. Subject: Yes We Did!
Come celebrate QBC 3rd year and
welcome the 44th President of the United States- Barack ObamaLastly, don’t forget to submit your videos to the
YES WE DID! or did we ?? Film/Video/Art Exhibition The Most Historical Presidential Election Campaign 2008
Through the Eyes of LGBTQ/Straight People of Color! Click here for more info.Much Love in the ’09
This just in- Angel L. Brown, Executive Producer & Curator of Queer Black Cinema just told me so awesome news! Unfortunately, I wish I could tell you the 411 but she wants me to wait until Monday. Why Monday, because I guess that’s when all of the promotional materials will be done. Anyway, who cares, we fam right? Can you keep a secret? OK, you really suppose to join QBC Film Series yahoogroup for top secret info but…..Anyway, just join as soon as possible so you will know a head of time what I’m taking about. Also, don’t forget to confirm your subscription. Be sure to add qcfilmseries@yahoogroups.com to your mailing list so it will not go to your junk mail. I know, I know- I gave Angel my word that I would wait until Monday. The only thing I can say is SAVE THE DATE: January 18th 7 PM QBC will be in Harlem. If you want more exclusives, you have to join the group!
Chillfest.org the first and only LGBT film series in Jersey City!
Angel L. Brown, Director/programmer of Queer Black Cinema will be in Jersey City at Chillfest this Saturday representing the organization. Come out and show your love. Tickets are cheap and if you are a student with an valid ID, it’s even cheaper!
Angel will be participating in a Q&A with Vanessa Domico from OutCast films distribution company following the screening of She’s A Boy I Knew! Afterward, stick around and see how you can purchase the film and mingle with Vanessa, Angel and audience members. The event takes place at a bar/lounge so hang out for a while and have fun. Below are details information about the event.
Chillfest, Jersey City screening info:
SHE’S A BOY I KNEW, Directed by Gwen Hayworth. Q&A with Outcast Film’s Vanessa Domico and Queer Black Cinema’s Angel Brown.
This award winning film chronicles the director’s own male-to-female transformation partially through the voices of her family, friend, and wife. This compellingly intimate journey into the nature of love and identity while navigating interpersonal relationships is funny, touching and uplifting.
“Witty, brave and vulnerable.
…The most affecting and memorable documentary of the year.”
- Vancouver Magazine
Sat, Jan 10, 2:30PM (doors open at 2:00PM). At LITM, 140 Newark Avenue (a half block from Grove Street PATH in Downtown Jersey City). Cash bar and drink specials available.
Tickets: $8 at the door, $3 with student ID
Now in its 4th season, Chillfest is Jersey City’s first and only film series dedicated to the exhibition of LGBT stories and images in film and video.
the BLACK season - shifting the focus to women of color on the L word!
Once again, Queer Black Cinema is presenting you with great programming. Here is a great opportunity to learn everything about the women of color on the L word. Check out this FREE event starting THIS Sunday, January 18th at Billie’s Black Restaurant in Harlem. See details below. Don’t forget to RSVP at Fades of Black Womyn Facebook group
Queer Black Cinema in associated with Billie’s Black presents the BLACK season
Shifting the focus to women of color on the L word
EVERY SUNDAY starting January 18th from 7 PM – 10 PM, join QBC for drink specials, delicious gourmet food and fun as we watch the final season of the L word.
7 PM Pre-show – Mixin’ & mingling
7:30 PM – tBs trivia games around the women of color on the L word (including video interviews)
How well do you know the women in front and behind the lens?
WIN PRIZES!
8 PM – Short film/scene starring one of the women of color L word cast member
9 PM – Watch the premiere of the L word last season!
THIS EVENT IS FREE! e-mail info[at]queerblackcinema.org to get on the guest list
Subscribe to Showtime and receive $25 rebate!
______
This event is fundraiser for Fades of Black Womyn Film Showcase honoring Black Lesbian Filmmaker Campbell Ex . This year theme is CARNIVAL! SAVE THE DATE: Thursday, March 26, 2009 (7 PM -10 PM) at the Brecht Forum http://www.queerblackcinema.org/FOBW.htm
President Obama, of the United States of America and the First Family
Queer Black Cinema sends congratulations to President Barack Hussein Obama and the first Family. President Obama is the 44th President of the United States and first African American President.
Who knew I would in my life time witness the first African American President of the United States. It is indeed a new day! I grow up listening to the stories of Dr. Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., watching films and the same old lesson plan during Black History Month in High School. It was until I got to College that I really got to know who the King was and his legacy. It was too painful for my mom now 67 to talk in-depth about the civil rights movement or just her experience growing up period. Aside from undergraduate African American studies class, I pretty much learned about American History also known as Black history through books, films, music and every now and again a story from my mom when she was in the mood to talk about it.
November 4, 2008 was a special moment in time for my mom and I. It was a beautiful day. The air was clear and it was a sense of calmness floating in the air that somehow, I understood. My mother and I walked to the voting location to vote for a Black man that would later become the first African American President of the United States. We then walked back with our neighbors, a Kenyan women and her college aged daughter. We all reflected and learned a little more about each other. It was a once in a life time moment that I will never forget.
Later that day, I drove to my sister house and witness she and her two girls and boy (10, 4 & 2 yrs old) witness their mom voting. My sister pulled my 10 year old niece in the actual voting booth after she was told not to. Her husband voted earlier that day and went off to work. It was truly amazing. The 10 year old was very excited and articulated her feelings very well. The two little ones was smiling cheek to cheek. Everyone in the parking lot was full of joy and excitement as if we won already.
Later that evening, I witness, President Barack Hussein Obama overwhelmingly win the 2008 President election over John McCain. John McCain humbly conceived and gave the most honorable speech I ever heard from a presidential candidate. He put Hillary Clinton to shame when she lost to Obama. My mom and I was on the phone sharing this moment, crying our eyes out without the tears.
Months later and just 12 hours after a successful sold out premiere of the Black Season: shifting focus to women of color of the L word presented by Queer Black Cinema in association with Billie’s Black, I got a a call from an associate. While I was on the air with OUT FM doing a Dr. Martin Luther King Jr fundraiser for WBAI(99.5 FM) radio station I got word that I would be going to DC. I was ecstatic that I was going to the inauguration all expense paid trip to witness President Obama getting sworn in. It was a surreal moment in time for me. Just days ago, I was planning to attend the celebration at the Tribecca Cinemas in New York that one of QBC advisory committee member suggested. Who knew, I would be there in the flesh experiencing such an historical moment in time. I was unable to get up and close to where the ceremony was happening but I could see the capital monument and was able to see the parade. I shot Lot’s of great footage and interviews that you wouldn’t believe unless you were there. It almost as if your race or the color of your skin wasn’t being judge. It was surreal, for a moment it seemed as if racism was unheard of. Again, you had to be there to fully understand what I’m talking about. I saw women and men of all races form a circle listening very quietly to the radio as President Obama gave his acceptance speech. For that moment we all were one. We all were the same. Until I get home and heard the other side of what happened during the inauguration….
Reflections by Angel L. Brown,
Founding Executive Producer/Curator of Queer Black Cinema
Want to hear more? Check out the Yes We Did segment Angel produced Monday, January 26 on Out FM (WBAI 99.5 FM) from 11 AM – 12 Noon.
Friendly reminder, The YES WE DID! or did we ??Exhibition CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS deadline has been extended to February 10. You still have time to submit. For details information, go to: www.queerblackcinema/submissions.htm
Submit your photo’s| video blogs| short films| docs|art | writings
CONTACT:
QUEER BLACK CINEMA®
C/O OUR STORIES PRODUCTIONS, LLC
PO BOX 975
NEW YORK, NY 10113
info@queerblackcinema.org
www.queerblackcinema.org
www.myspace.com/queerblackcinema
JANUARY 20, 2008 IMMEDIATE RELEASE
the BLACK season premiere
THE BLACK SEASON PREMIERE HUGE SUCCESS DESPITE SNOW
New York, New York (www.queerblackcinema.org) – The premiere of Queer Black Cinema’s “the BLACK season: Shifting focus to women of color on the L word” on Sunday, January 18th was, a great success despite the snow. Audience members packed Billie’s Black Restaurant to enjoy the BLACK season pre-show filled with trivia games based on the L word women of as they enjoyed drink specials and delicious gourmet soul food. The pre-show was followed by the premiere of the L word final season 6. The festivities of the event took place at newest Harlem hot spot, Billie’s Black Restaurant – 271 West 119 Street.
Angel(Curator) and Adriene (Billie's Black owner)
Angel L. Brown, director and curator of Queer Black Cinema, which was responsible for creating and organizing this weekly series, says “I was excited to walk into a full house before 7:30 PM, just under two hours before the premiere of the L word. Nowhere in NYC, did you find an event that specifically catered to and honor women of color around the L word. It was a beautiful yet surprising sight to see. I had no idea there were so many women of color diehard fans out there. Although, I wasn’t sure how many women of color would be interested in the BLACK season series, I knew I wanted do something special with this being the final season of the L word. Highlighting the cast and crew women of color on the L word has been a long time coming and something I wanted to do for quite some time. People should know some of the best episodes in the past seasons were written and directed by Angela Robinson and Rose Troche both women of color including being co-executive producers. Then you have Pam Grier (Kit Porter) and Jennifer Beals (Bette Porter) classic actors whom been in the entertainment business for over twenty years. Rose Rollins (Tasha) newcomer to the L word is defiantly refreshing to see a beautiful chocolate sister on the show. It was wonderful to see women of color fans including a few white women come together in a upscale safe space to enjoy an evening of fun, games and food. Although the L word does not clearly represent all likeness and lifestyles of lesbians, it is clear a diverse group of people are still fans and are tuning in.”
If you weren’t able to attend the premiere of the BLACK season: Shifting focus to women of color on the
the Black season audience
L word”, try to make it to the next event Sunday, January 25th and every Sunday there after. “The BLACK season series will only get better” states Angel. Performances by lesbian artist and special guest will be in attendance each week to keep the weekly series fresh, new and entertaining. Special screenings of trailers and short films will also play during the pre-show. The BLACK season take place at the Harlem’s upscale Restaurant, Billie’s Black – 271 West 119th Street between St Nicholas and Frederick Douglass Blvd. The event is FREE to get in with a two-drink minimum or dinner. Be sure to RSVP at info@queerblackcinema.org. Getting there early is highly suggested due to limited seating.
This event is a fundraiser for the 4th Annual Fades of Black Womyn Film Showcase honoring Black Lesbians filmmakers from around the world who made an impact in the entertainment industry during March Women Month. This year Queer Black Cinema will be honoring Black Hall of Fame Trinidadian British Lesbian Filmmaker, Campbell Ex. The theme is carnival! SAVE THE DATE: Thursday, March 26, 2009 at the Brecht Forum in NYC. For more information on how you can donate or become sponsor e-mail info@queerblackcinema.org.
About QUEER BLACK CINEMA®
QUEER BLACK CINEMA® (QBC) is New York’s first and only monthly micro- cinema and international film & music festival volunteer-ran organization dedicated to showcasing independent narrative and documentary works by U.S. and international Black LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer) filmmakers. QBC encourages filmmakers to create films knowing there is a venue specifically developed to display their works. QBC aims to be to filmmakers what Apollo is to some of the greatest musicians in the world- a home to preserve our history and expose all to our stories.
Check out Nedra Johnson today as she perform her hit song that aired on the L word season three. The BLACK season: shifting focus to women on the L word pre-show starts at 7 PM, the L word screening at 9 PM with lots of fun and drink specials. The event is free ! see you tonight!
the BLACK season:shifting the focus to women of color on the L word
Weekly seriespresented by Queer Black Cinema
Date: EVERY SUNDAY Time: 7 PM – 10 PM
7 PM – 7 : 30 PM Mix & Mingle | 7:30 PM tBs trivia | 8 PM performance | 9 PM the L word Location: 271 West 119 street between St Nicholas & Frederick Douglass Fee:FREE (two drink OR dinner Minimin) Contact: RSVP Guest List required info@queerblackcinema.org
Nedra Johnson A The Black Season, QBC's weekly L word series in NY
New York, New York (www.queerblackcinema.org) – Nedra Johnson rocked the house with her soulful, funk, blues and gospel all wrap into one voice at The Black Season: Shifting focus to women of color on the L word weekly series presented by Queer Black Cinema this past Sunday, January 25th. The series takes place every week at the new upscale Harlem restaurant Billie’s Black – 271 West 119 Street between St Nicholas and Frederick Douglass Blvd. The event is free but you must RSVP at info@queerblackcinema.org. The pre-show is filled with fun trivia Q&A, short films/trailers and live music performances by hot lesbian music acts followed by the L word at 9 PM. If you missed it last week not to worry, it happens every Sunday from 7 – 10 PM. The Black Season was created by Angel L. Brown in hopes to raise funds for Queer Black Cinema 4th Annual women’s month event,” Fades of Black Womyn Film showcase. For more information about the series, log on to www.theblackseason.ning.com.
Nedra Johnson and Winner of the TBS triva Rashida Lee
“Nedra’s self-titled sophomore release is a 2006 OUTMUSIC Award winner. “Nedra’s voice echo’s a sound reminiscent of the music I was much too young to know. I dig her soulful flow,” states Rashida Lee, the winner of the Black Season Trivia that won Nedra’s CD. Johnson opened the set with “Anyway you need her, she will come”, the perfect feel good gospel song about the almighty being a lesbian in her case but what ever you want it to be. Nedra entertains the audience with her fun lyrics, having everyone laughing out loud to this song. Other song’s she performs includes, “Ahh (It’s A Good Thing)” with the help of the audience singing the chorus; and of course “Forever With Me” which played on the L word season three among other songs.
“I really enjoyed Nedra performance. She has a beautiful soulful voice accompanied by her guitar. I love seeing live music performances. Nedra lived way beyond my expectations. I look forward to inviting her back to perform at a later date,” states Angel L. Brown, Creator and organizer of The Black Season.
Check out the award winning album, “Nedra” at www.nedrajohnson.com. There are several other hits I’m sure you will enjoy including “ Scooter Phat featuring God-Des and “Amazon” a Maxine Feldman tribute. “Nedra” is a purchase you will not be disappointed to add to your women music collection.
For more fun trivia, tasty food and music performances, join Queer Black Cinema every Sunday at their weekly series, “the BLACK season: Shifting focus to
Audience
women of color on the L word.” The next event is happening February 1, super bowl Sunday. Yes! there is still an event happening during the supper bowl with a huge 60” x 60” screen. “The BLACK season take place at the Harlem’s upscale Restaurant, Billie’s Black – 271 West 119th Street between St Nicholas and Frederick Douglass Blvd. The event is FREE to get in with a two-drink minimum or dinner. Be sure to RSVP at info@queerblackcinema.org. Getting there early is highly suggested.
This event is a fundraiser for the 4th Annual Fades of Black Womyn Film Showcase honoring Black Lesbians filmmakers from around the world who made an impact in the entertainment industry during March Women Month. This year Queer Black Cinema will be honoring Black Hall of Fame Trinidadian British Lesbian Filmmaker, Campbell Ex. The theme is carnival! SAVE THE DATE: Thursday, March 26, 2009 at the Brecht Forum in NYC. For more information on how you can donate or become sponsor e-mail info@queerblackcinema.org.
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About QUEER BLACK CINEMA®
QUEER BLACK CINEMA® (QBC) is New York’s first and only monthly micro- cinema and international film & music festival volunteer-ran not-for –profit organization dedicated to showcasing independent narrative and documentary works by U.S. and international Black LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer) filmmakers. QBC encourages filmmakers to create films knowing there is a venue specifically developed to display their works. QBC aims to be to filmmakers what Apollo is to some of the greatest musicians in the world- a home to preserve our history and expose all to our stories. All are welcome to attend regardless of their sexual orientation, race or gender. We aim to entertain, enlighten and educate through our niche programming.
Trivia game@ The Black Season: Shifting focus to women of color on the L word weekly series photography courtesy of Natasha M.
New York, New York (www.queerblackcinema.org) – Queer Black Cinema did it again with their new weekly series, The Black Season: Shifting focus to women of color on the L word. This week they manage to take over the super Bowl game screening at Billie’s Black Restaurant in Harlem. There were a few guys at the bar watching the game but they didn’t seem to mind when they found out lesbians were taking over the evening. Angel L. Brown, host and creator of the event started the evening with a cool welcome with biggie smalls popular hit song “Juicy” instrumental playing in the background and a few lively jokes followed by fun trivia questions & answers around the women of color on the L word.
Winner of the TBS Trivia 2/1/09 photography courtesy of Natasha M.
This week winner won Steph, the Sapphic Songstress LP. Steph will be in attendance this Sunday, February 8th to do a set singing songs from her LP and new upcoming album. Steph new album will available to download free online.
The Black Season: Shifting focus to women of color on the L wordis a weekly series presented by Queer Black Cinema to help raise funds for their 4th Annual Fades of Black Womyn Film Showcase March 26. Be sure to attend the free Black season weekly series and make a donation. You can also donate online at www.queerblackcinema.org/IwantmyQBC.htm. This year honoree is award winning Black Hall of filmmakers Trinidadian British Lesbian Filmmaker, Campbell X. For more information on how you can support this event e-mail info@queerblackcinema.org. For more information on the black season, join the network for exclusive photos, videos and more at www.theblackseason.ning.com.
Delicious food at Billie's Black Restaurant@ The Black Season
For more fun trivia, tasty food and music performances, join Queer Black Cinema every Sunday at their weekly series, “the BLACK season: Shifting focus to women of color on the L word. The next event is happening February 8th. “The BLACK season take place at the Harlem’s upscale Restaurant, Billie’s Black - 271 West 119th Street between St Nicholas and Frederick Douglass Blvd. The event is FREE to get in with a two-drink minimum or dinner. Be sure to RSVP at info@queerblackcinema.org. Getting there early is highly suggested. Sponsorship opportunities are available contact www.queerblackcinema.org
About QUEER BLACK CINEMA®
QUEER BLACK CINEMA® (QBC) is New York’s first and only monthly micro- cinema and international film & music festival volunteer-ran organization dedicated to showcasing independent narrative and documentary works by U.S. and international Black LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer) filmmakers. QBC encourages filmmakers to create films knowing there is a venue specifically developed to display their works. QBC aims to be to filmmakers what Apollo is to some of the greatest musicians in the world- a home to preserve our history and expose all to our stories.
If you are in the NY area join Queer Black Cinema at the BLACK season: shifting focus to women of color on the L word weekly L word series Sunday, February 8th at Billie’s Black for another great pre-show before the L word. Special musical guest – Steph, the Sapphic Songstress. This is one performance you do not want to miss. Steph is a in-house favorite artist of QBC. Her last performance at QBC was QBC Visions Pride Benefit 2009. She rocked the house then with her smooth R&B sounds and I’m sure she will not disappoint this time around. Be sure to get to attend QBC Black Season pre-show from 7 PM – 8:55 PM followed by The L word at 9 PM.
Schedule
7PM – 7:30 PM/Mix & Mingle
7:30 PM – 8 PM/The Lovers & Films Show new lesbian web series preview
This event is free and no one will be turned away nor asked for funds directly. However, donations are greatly appreciated via paypal at info@queerblackcinema.org (Credit cards and checks are allowed) or http://www.queerblackcinema.org/iwantmyqbc.htm $5,$10,$15 plus or any amount . You can also place donation in envelopes placed on the table.
Directions: QBC @ Billie’s Black 271 West 119 Street bewteen St Nicholas and Frederick Douglass Blvd. A/C train to 116 Street.
Desperate For Love short lesbian witty film by Angel L. Brown
Greetings , Happy Post Valentines Day!!
If you are in the NY area, join Queer Black Cinema at the Black Season: Shifting focus to women of color on the L word, QBC new weekly series. Today (Sunday 2/15) we have a a special treat for all you single lesbians and couples out there!.
Sign up to the “Lesbian Need Love Too Dating Game” OR if you are a couple, sign up to the “How Well Do You Know Your Lesbian Lover Game.” The games is happening during the Pre-Show at the Black Season TODAY! GREAT PRIZES!
Sign up at info@queerblackcinema.org. The event takes place 7PM – 9 PM followed by the L word at 9 PM. The event is FREE!
The event is located at 271 West 119 Street at Billie’s Black Restaurant! Hot & Classy. For more information go to : http://www.theblackseason.ning.com See ya later today!
SAVE THE DATE: March 26, 2009 Fades of Black Womyn Film Showcase honoring Campbell X Carnival Style! Bring your flags, it’s gonna be Faya!!!
If you weren’t in the house on Sunday, February 8th at Queer Black Cinema newest weekly L word film series then you missed out! Steph, the sapphic songstress graced the stage with her R&B soulful sound. Thoughs who were exposed to Steph voice at the Black season pre-show for the first time were amazed. Off stage you get this shy, humble dark to earth woman who is cool with everyone. On stage, you have a “hersome”, confident, bold, sexy butch looking woman that will seduce you with her words. Her voice will get you soak and wet in places will make you, well let’s just say, you will be happy. All of your erotica dreams and fantasy will come true.
Steph, The Sapphic Songstress@ The Black Season(QBC's Weekly L word series) 2/15/09
If you want to hear more of Steph, the sapphic songstress then check the video above. Free downloadable songs are coming soon to her ouwebsite at www.sapphicsoul.com.
Be sure to check out Queer Black Cinema every Sunday at their weekly series, “the BLACK season: Shifting focus to women of color on the L word. The next event is happening February 15th, the Black season Post Valentine’s Dating Game Pre-Show. “The BLACK season take place at the Harlem’s upscale Restaurant, Billie’s Black - 271 West 119th Street between St Nicholas and Frederick Douglass Blvd. The event is FREE to get in with a two-drink minimum or dinner. Be sure to RSVP at info@queerblackcinema.org. Getting there early is highly suggested. Sponsorship opportunities are available contact www.queerblackcinema.org
About QUEER BLACK CINEMA®
QUEER BLACK CINEMA® (QBC) is New York’s first and only monthly micro- cinema and international film & music festival volunteer-ran organization dedicated to showcasing independent narrative and documentary works by U.S. and international Black LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer) filmmakers. QBC encourages filmmakers to create films knowing there is a venue specifically developed to display their works. QBC aims to be to filmmakers what Apollo is to some of the greatest musicians in the world- a home to preserve our history and expose all to our stories.
Join Queer Black Cinema Sunday, February 22 as well celebrate founder Angel L. Brown Birthday. The social will take place at gourmet soul food restaurant from 6 PM – 9 PM. Special invited guest will be in attendance along with musical acts and a special presentations. Enjoy drink specials and delicious gourmet soul food. This event is free and open to the public but you must RSVP at info@queerblackcinema.org subject- Party!
The Black Season Audience
At 9 PM, the Black Season takes over with the next to last episode of the L word final season. Sit in the back and talk smack or come early for a seat in the front. The Black Season is also free and open to the public with a minimal order of two drinks or dinner. Be sure to RSVP at info@queerblackcinema.org Subject TBS. You may also join the TBS Network at http://www.theblackseason.ning.com
Campbell X photo taken by robert taylor
Finally, advance discount tickets to the 4th Annual Fades of Black Womyn Film Showcase honoring Black Hall Filmmaker, Campbell X (formally known as Inge Blackman) will be available for purchase. This year showcase theme is Carnival! The festivities includes a reception, award presentation with a video montage, dance presentation, special musical performance with multi-media backdrop ending with honoree films collection. The showcase is happening at 451 West Street (Brecht Forum) between Bank and Bethume. Discount tickets will only be available Sundays, February 22 to March 8th during the Black Season: Shifting focus to women of color on the L word weekly series. For more information including sponsorship opportunities e-mail info@queerblackcinema.org Subject:FOBW Tickets
Join Queer Black Cinema at the 16th Annual ORGINAL GLBT Expo from March 21 to 22nd. Stop by and visit our table. Free give aways EVERY hour!
Hey, do you would to go to the expo for FREE ? Come by the Black Season, QBC’s weekly L word series this Sunday March 1st to receive discount tickets. Come by the Black season final party and enter a chance to win FREE tickets to the expo and other great prizes. The Black season is free to attend. You must RSVP at info@queerblackcinema.org. The event takes place March 1 and the 8th at 271 West 119th Street between St. Nicholas and Frederick Douglass, Harlem NY at Billie’s Black Restaurant. Join the Black Season network for exclusive photo’s, videos and more at www.theblackseason.ning.com you may also go to www.queerblackcinema.org
Who wants to see great people of color LGBT theme films? Me too! Check Angel L. Brown, founder and director of Queer Black Cinema a the Out Fusion Film Festival curated by Cheryl Dunye in Los Angeles March 6 and 7th. Come hear her speak on a panel or just stop by QBC table. Want to volunteer? E-mail info@queerblackcinema.org for more information.
The Black Season: Shifting focus to women of color on the L word weekly series is coming to a close March 8th with a boom! Since January 18, 2008, Queer Black Cinema has been doing a weekly series highlighting the women of color on the L word. Each week there would be musical performances, women shorts and or fun trivia games about the women of color on the L word in front and behind the lens followed by a new the L word episode. Audience members had an chance to win prizes each week by testing their knowledge and learning about women like Rose Troche, long time contribute writers of the L word; Angela Robinson one of many director and co-executive producer; Pam Grier, a classic actress of the Black exploitation film movement. She plays Kit Pointer on the L word; Jennifer Beals famous for a role in the classic film,”Flash Dance”. Jennifer plays Bette Poiter on the L word and new comer Rose Rollins who plays the beautiful, fine looking Tasha .
We are now down to the last two episodes of the groundbreaking hit series and then it’s a wrap! Be sure to stop by this Sunday March 1stfor a night of independent short films from the QBC Film Series Collective followed by TBS Trivia proceeded the L word at 9 PM. Get there early because the short is starting on time and you don’t want to miss out! We are also revealing ways to get discount tickets to this years GLBT Expo at the Javist Center as well as tickets to theFades of Black Womyn Film Showcase.
On March 8th, bring your dancing shoes because we are throwing a season finale party! Showtime starts at 7 PM
SAVE THE DATE: Final Sunday, March 8th Party!
with a photo montage of all the pictures taken at the Black Season, short film and our lovely trivia games followed by the L word two hour season finale episode. We are raffling off two tickets to Fades of Black Womyn Film Showcase, Tickets to the GLBT Expo, classic L word T-shirts and many various prizes. The event is going down at 271 West 119th Street, Billie’s Black Restaurant. As promise, the event is still FREE! Be sure to RSVP: info@queerblackcinema.org subject: TBS Visit the BLACK season at: http://theblackseason.ning.com
Want to updates on QBC follow us on twitter!
www.twitter.com/qbcfilmfest
QBC is also looking for a few good volunteers and interns. Send an e-mail to info@queerblackcinema.org for more information or visit us at www.queerblackcinema.org/IWANTMYQBC.htm
CONTACT:
QUEER BLACK CINEMA®
C/O OUR STORIES PRODUCTIONS, LLC
PO BOX 975
NEW YORK, NY 10113
info@queerblackcinema.org
www.queerblackcinema.org
www.myspace.com/queerblackcinema
Facebook: Queer Black Cinema
Campbell X photo taken by robert taylor
New York, New York (www.queerblackcinema.org) – Queer Black Cinema will host the 4th Annual Fades of Black Womyn Film Showcase. The showcase is the exclusive destination in New York that honor Black Lesbians & Bisexual pioneer filmmakers from all over the world exhibiting their film, exposing their stories. This year Queer Black Cinema will honor Black Hall of Fame Trinidadian British filmmaker, Campbell X . The carnival style showcase full of dance, film and music will take place Thursday, March 26 from 7 – 10 PM at The Brecht Forum 451 West Street between Bank and Bethune Avenue. Tickets are available online at www.queerblackcinema.org/tickets.htm or RSVP on Queer Black Cinema Facebook group.
Campbell X is a pioneer filmmaker, curator and artist who work have been seen all over the world including various film festivals like MIX Experimental Queer Film Festival, one of the longest running LGBT film festival in New York of over 25 years; Frameline, the longest running LGBT film festival in the world, London Lesbian and Gay Film Festival and various other film festival.
“She constantly pushes boundaries in visual aesthetics and content in moving image. She started out in making films for UK television and titles include Ragga Gyal D’Bout! about female fans of Ragga Music, the award-winning BD Women about Black lesbian stories and Viva Tabatha about the French porn actress Tabatha Cash.
Campbell also collaborates with other filmmakers and has been the camera person for Jules Nurrish’s Bend It, Lisa Gornick’s Do I love you? and Tick Tock Lullaby as well as Paloma Etienne’s Notebooks and Unladylike Thoughts.” Blackmanvisions.com
Other Campbell film works includes, Paradise and most recently, FEM just to name a few. You can view trailers of her work and learn more about Campbell at http://www.blackmanvisions.com.
This year, Queer Black Cinema includes a Carnival theme and incorporates an award ceremony, multi-media dance tribute; films from Campbell collection, a reception and Q&A with Campbell X live from London, UK via Skype. Audience members will have an opportunity to showoff their dance moves and win prizes in the wheel of Dance contest made up of flags from various Caribbean Islands. Wherever the flag lands, audience members will have a change to do a dance that represents that island. “For a year I’ve waited to present new and older films from Campbell X collection. The time is finally here and I am very excited,” exclaims Angel L. Brown, QBC Executive Director. Reggae Artist DJ Debbie one of the hottest DJ’s in New York will not only host the event but performs her hit singles “Fayah” and “Get on down and party.”
The showcase will take place Thursday, March 26, 2009 (7 – 10 PM) at The Brecht Forum 451 West Street between Bank and Bethune Avenue. Ticket are available online for $10 (more at the door) at www.queerblackcinema.org/tickets.htm or RSVP on Queer Black Cinema Facebook group.
About QUEER BLACK CINEMA®
_________________________________________
QUEER BLACK CINEMA® (QBC) is New York’s first and Only Black LGBTQ monthly micro-cinema series and annual international music and film festival mission is dedicated to showcasing independent narrative and documentary works by and about U.S. and international progressive Black LGBTQ filmmakers. We are a socially conscious organization that uses films to create dialogue to address homophobia, alarming health issues and many other “taboo” issues relating to the Black LGBTQ experiences. We provide an online resource to Black LGBTQ theme films and their makers as well as support LGBTQ youth of color emerging producers. In-addition, we screen and promote all people of color artist trailers and original music. QBC film series takes place once a month at the LGBT Community Center and other locations throughout the New York Metropolitan area. All are welcome to attend regardless of their sexual orientation, race or gender. We aim to entertain, enlighten and educate through our niche programming. Queer Black Cinema is fiscally sponsored by MIX NYC Experimental Queer Film Festival, a 501 C3 Not-For-Profit Organization.
LtoR: Shorty Roc (Out Rapper) & Eric J Parker(Host of INSIDE THE Q! TV) in the Green Room@ Fades of Black Womyn Film Showcase 2009
Check out more clips of Fades of Black Womyn Film Showcase 2009 . Eric J Parker, host of INSIDE THE Q! manages to get an exclusive interview with Shorty Roc. Shorty Roc talks about his upcoming projects and more. Check it out…
New York, New York (www.queerblackcinema.org) –Queer Black Cinema will premiere Drama Queenz, a new Black Gay comedy web-series about three friends and roommates dealing with life, love, and auditioning in New York City.The series stars Dane Joseph (national tour of Aida), Kristen-Alexzander Griffith (national tours of Rent), and Troy Valjean Rucker (national tour of Jesus Christ Superstar). The premiere will take place Thursday, April 23 from 7 PM – 9 PM at 208 West 13th Street New York, NY 10011 (between 7th & 8th Ave). The cast and crew will be in attendance and will participate in a live exclusive taping of QBC ReelTALK, an open discussion and Q&A session after the screening of the series. Tickets are available online for $8 and $10 at the door (http://www.queerblackcinema.org/tickets.htm). Doors open 7:15 PM sharp including photo opt, reception with cash bar followed by the screening at 8 PM. For more information and to view the trailers of this event go to www.queerblackcinema.org.
The Drama Queenz is a ten-minute web-series that focuses on gay actors living in Queen, NY looking to make it big on Broadway. The series follows Jeremiah (Joseph), a dreamer with ridiculously poor audition luck, Davis (Griffith), a perfectionist whose hard work produces uneven results, and Preston (Rucker), a realist whose inhibitions stir-up delightful “drama” for all to enjoy.
“I am very excited to support Drama Queenz. The show brings me back to my college years. I remember going out for parts in plays and dealing with the drama around it [laughter].It is refreshing to finally see a well-produced web-series about a particular aspect of Black folks.Dane and his production company should be applauded for their great efforts in producing a high quality professional show for all to love, laugh, relate and enjoy” states Angel L. Brown, founder and curator of Queer Black Cinema.
Drama Queenz is produced by NovoNovus Productions. The company is committed to defying the traditional hindrances, which restrain creativity; thinking outside the box in order to fully realizes quality.
By creating dynamic works through various mediums and re-envisioning classic ones,Novo Novus hopes to inflict a positive change in society, becoming a catalyst for newthought in a world ripe with endless possibilities.
The Queer Black Cinema premiere of Drama Queenz will take place Thursday, April 23, 2009
(7 – 10 PM) at 208 West 13th Street between 7th & 8th Avenue. Ticket are available online for $8 (www.queerblackcinema.org/tickets.htm) and $10 at the door. RSVP on Queer Black Cinema Facebook group.
About Queer Black Cinema®
Queer Black Cinema®(QBC) is New York’s first and Only Black LGBTQ monthly micro-cinema series and annual international music and film festival mission is dedicated to showcasing independent narrative and documentary works by and about U.S. and international progressive Black LGBTQ filmmakers. We are a socially conscious organization that uses films to create dialogue to address homophobia, alarming health issues and many other “taboo” issues relating to the Black LGBTQ experiences. We provide an online resource to Black LGBTQ theme films and their makers as well as support LGBTQ youth of color emerging producers. In-addition, we screen and promote all people of color artist trailers and original music.QBC film series takes place once a month at the LGBT Community Center and other locations throughout the New York Metropolitan area. All are welcome to attend regardless of their sexual orientation, race or gender. We aim to entertain, enlighten and educate through our niche programming.Queer Black Cinema is fiscally sponsored by MIX NYC Experimental Queer Film Festival, a 501 C3 Not-For-Profit Organization.
One of our goals for Inside the Q is to keep you posted on what’s happenng with filmmakers, artist who came through Queer Black Cinema. This is the first of many posting to come. If you are a writer and have some news or updates on QBC artist, please reach out to us via e-mail at info[AT]queerblackcinema.org
I believe in 2007, Queer Black Cinema screened The DL Chronicles, created by Deondray Gosset and Quincy Lenear. When they got picked up we encourage QBC audience to go out and support the series by signing up to Here tv. When their DVD got release, we actually created QBC DVD Series where we would screen a new Black gay theme films out on DVD. Audience members had an opportunity to win a free copy of the DVD. It saddens me to hear HERE TV is going back on their word to support this series. A few weeks ago, I was in LA at Out Fusion. I reached out to Deondray and Quincy but did not want to ask what happen with the series. They seem to have this look on their face as if they were too through with HERE TV so decline to ask for an update. Last night, I came across a post on Ray Cunningham (From BET College Hill) Bleu Juice blog. Below is his take on the situation and how you may want to proceed in getting your voice out there.
Don’t act like you haven’t heard of HERE TV! They’re another LOGO but it was home to DL Chronicles, created by Deondray Gosset and Quincy Lenear.
I have my dvd of the first season and for the longest time, been waiting for season 2. Well here it is two years later, I’m still waiting on season 2. The only response I could get is that the show producers are still under contract the show has been postponed! In Hollywood terms, that means CANCELED!
What I find funny is that the DL Chronicles is HERE!’s first and only award-winning series and was promoted last year as returning in the fall of 2008 (which means the episodes were all ready written out). There other ‘non black’ shows like Donte’s Cove is currently in its third season.
My thought is, HERE! would rather continue to support their white shows with no respect for the audience of color that came to the channel in support of the DL Chronicles, no shade – I only ordered that channel because of that show. So the creative minds they are, they figure let’s thrown Jensen Atwood on a show for a consolation prize – sorry that doesn’t make it better!
Sounds like a old text book case of use the black folks for ratings then disregard them! Case in point, I knew it was some shade when Deondray and Quincy were nominated for a GLAAD Award, then won but guess who HERE! bought a full page ad for in the Advocate the following month, Dante’s Cove!
Here’s a GREAT quote …
“We are not only honored to have received recognition for this groundbreaking series from GLAAD, but also proud to have this exquisite show on our network. Our renewal of this series for a second season shows just how committed we are to providing the highest quality gay and lesbian television to our viewers,” said Paul Colichman, CEO and Co-Founder of here! Networks.
I say folks, CANCEL your subscriptions to the network, boycot and then let Josh Rosenzweig who is the VP of Corporate Communications/Marketing at HERE! know exactly how disgusted you are at the handling of the DL Chronicles show! His email is Joshr@heretv.com or call him at (212) 920-2857.
Tina Mabry (Writer/Director) Morgan Stiff (Producer/Editor)
Congratulations goes out to power partners Tina Mabry and Morgan Stuff. Mississippi Damned, Tina’s directorial debut narrative feature wins jury award for Best American Independent Feature Film at the Philadelphia Film Festival.
In 2006, Queer Black Cinema had the opportunity to screen both Tina short film, Brooklyn Bridge to Jordan featuring Jossie Thacker and Morgan Stiff film, Walk in the Light that followed members of Unity Fellowship Church in Los Angelesat the premiere of QBC Film Series. You can see both films online at logoonline.com or purchase at wolfvideo.com. Now we are please to support their first feature Narrative.
Mississippi Damned is set in 1986 and 1998, Mississippi Damned is based on the true story of three
Cast and crew of Mississippi Damned @ Slamdance
impoverished kids from a run-down rural community who must navigate their family’s cycle of abuse, addiction and violence. Kari (played by Kylee Russell/Tessa Thompson) is a talented pianist, but she is hiding a dark secret from her family. Kari’s aunt acts as her surrogate mother but she has her own troubles with her husband. Independently struggling to escape their circumstances, each character must decide whether to confront and conquer what has plagued their family for generations or to succumb to that same crippling fate and be forever damned in Mississippi. In Mabry’s carefully observed drama, they are torn between chasing dreams and caring for family members, and sometimes just having a good time gambling away the electric bill money or numbing the pain with alcohol. Resonating with raw emotion, this is a must-see story that has the courage to stand up and champion those who have the courage to be different or free. — Eugene Haynes/Nicole Ross
Congratulations goes out to the talented cast and crew as well including, one of QBC biggest supporters, Debra Wilson. She is one of the co-producers of the award winning film, Mississippi Damned. Debra is currently in production with another great project. You can purchase her latest completed work Jumping the Broom: A New Convenant at www.moyoentertainment.com.
Mississippi Damned is currently making it’s festival rounds. Be sure to visit http://www.mississippidamned.com for screening dates. With Tina writing skills and Morgan’s editing skills, I’m sure the duo will get picked up if they haven’t already. I look forward to hopefully screening it at Queer Black Cinema International Film and Music Festival 2009. Stand by for updates and continue to support QBC so we can bring you thought provoking work such as Tina and Morgans work. Support the I WANT MY QBC campaign by clicking here!
Note from the desk of Executive Producer, Angel L. Brown:
I remember reaching out to Staceyann Chin via e-mail to participate in a documentary I was producing many years ago. Without any hesitation, Staceyann was down for the cause.Unfortunately, the project was put on the shelf along with the scheduling of her interview.
Years later with now a organization in place, Staceyann still remembered me and is still down for the cause to support what I do. From Russell Simmons, Def Poetry Jamon Broadway and HBO to appearing on The Oprah Winfrey Show, Staceyann Chin takes time to talk with Queer Black Cinema.I am proud to announce Staceyann Chin will be the first to be featured on INSIDE THE Q, Queer Black Cinema entertainment news and happening new TV show.Staceyann will give insight on her new book, The Other Side of Paradise.
“Staceyann Chin, acclaimed and iconic performance artist, now brings her extraordinary talents to the page in a brave, lyrical, and fiercely candid memoir about growing up in Jamaica. She plumbs tender and unsettling memories as she writes about drifting from one home to the next, coming out as a lesbian, and finding the man she believes to be her father and ultimately her voice. Hers is an unforgettable story told with grace, humor, and courage. “- StaceyannChin.com
INTRODUCING A TRIUMPHANT MEMOIR FROM ICONIC PERFORMANCE ARTIST STACEYANN CHIN
THE OTHER SIDE OF PARADISE
By Staceyann Chin
“A deeply personal, beautifully written memoir that takes us down a young woman’s road to discovery with all its struggles and heartbreak and ultimate joy. The Other Side of Paradise is a salve and a guidebook for all of our hearts.”
-Tim Robbins
“Set in a Jamaica far from the tourist brochures, The Other Side of Paradise is Chin’s rich and nuanced story of family and abandonment, love and brutality, and a child’s struggle to survive and find a home that will accept her. This is A Portrait of the Artist written for our age. I love this book-and I am completely hamstrung by the feelings it evokes.”
-Walter Mosley
“Staceyann’s courage, sensitivity and bravery are exposed on these vulnerable pages. Captured is the fire, passion and light I experience when she performs. Liberating, beautiful and life-affirming, The Other Side of Paradise is simply incredible.”
-Russell Simmons, author of Do You!
“[Chin] shows me a culture I knew far too little about – the everyday life of young people in Jamaica and the threat of violence looming over anyone who might be too independent or queer or outrageous. How wonderful that this outrageous, talented, determined woman has given us her story.”
-Dorothy Allison, author of Bastard Out of Carolina and Cavedweller
To say that celebrated poet, performer and political activist Staceyann Chin is a force to be reckoned with would be putting it mildly. An opinionated figure, she is beloved the world over and recognized perhaps most famously for her appearance on both Broadway and HBO for Russell Simmons’ Def Poetry Jam. Her work has been featured in the New York Times Magazine, the Washington Post, Jane and on 60 Minutes. She was also a guest on Oprah to discuss homosexuality in other cultures.
THE OTHER SIDE OF PARADISE (Scribner; April 14, 2009) is Staceyann Chin’s long awaited chance to tell her story in writing. Born in Jamaica on Christmas day, 1972, Chin’s arrival into the world was unexpected, as nobody even knew her mother was pregnant to begin with. In the absence of a mother or father to look after her, Chin’s grandmother becomes her and her brother, Delano’s, primary caretaker and biggest advocate.
Despite having their fair share of difficult times, this makeshift but loving family struggled together and Chin felt safe with her grandmother and brother at her side. But when the family’s financial needs forced them to move into a shared household, Chin learned the hard way to repress her vivacious personality in order to blend with her environment. Eventually, events conspired to permanently separate the three. The result is a tale of loss and family, or change and survival.
Later, as Chin came of age in a succession of homes-some dysfunctional, some welcoming and some merely adequate, she developed an unbreakable sense of self. Having always been a lively and spirited child, Chin grew into a bright, headstrong young woman, clearly on the verge of carving out a bigger existence for herself. While her life has had many twists and turns, including a confrontation with the man she believes to be her father and her dangerous coming out in college, she has remained courageous in the face of adversity. Told with grace, humor and courage, THE OTHER SIDE OF PARADISE is an unforgettable story of triumph against the odds.
About the Author
Staceyann Chin is a fulltime artist. A resident of New York City and a Jamaican National, she has been an “out poet and political activist” since 1998. From the rousing cheers of the Nuyorican Poets’ Cafe to one woman shows Off Broadway to poetry workshops in Denmark and London to co writer and performer in the Tony nominated, Russell Simmons Def Poetry Jam on Broadway, Chin credits the long list of “things she has done” to her grandmother’s hard working history and the pain of her mother’s absence.
THE OTHER SIDE OF PARADISE By Staceyann Chin
Scribner; April 14, 2009
288 pages, $24.00
ABOUT SCRIBNER
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Finally, the long awaited FINDING ME feature premiered at the Quad Cinema in New York for one night only on April 15th. The first works feature was written and director by Roger S. Omeus Jr featuring RayMartell Moore, Derrick L. Briggs, Eugene Turner, J’Nara Corbin, Ron De Suze. INSIDE THE Q tv was at the sold out premiere and after party. Eric J. Parker (Host of Inside the Q) got a chance to speak with Nhojj, who music is featured throughout the film including the creative love scene. The film also feature music by Baron.
Baron just recently release his new album Celebrity. The song in the INSIDE THE Q video clip is “Birds” by Baron featuring Nhojj. You can purchase music by Nhojj at www.Nhojj.com and Baron at www.artistbaron.com. Music is also in rotation on DA DO DIRTY Show.Both artist will be releasing music video later next month. Check out our new MUSIQ section for updates.
FINDING ME available on DVD
Independent African-American gay cinema is given a refreshing, realistic twist in this seductive drama. Faybien Allan has it all going on; he’s young, stylish, and knows the importance of being seen with hip friends at NYC’s trendiest spots. But beneath the sparkle of his nightlife and his stunning good-looks, is a man buckling under his father’s homophobia. Filled with self-loathing and desperate for direction, he meanders through life until meeting Lonnie, a confident activist with a flirtatious smile. However, despite their obvious chemistry and fireworks in bed, Faybien’s insecurities have him looking for the door. Can a budding romance and a few good friends keep him from making the biggest mistake of his life?
A true labor of love shot over the course of a dozen weekends, FINDING ME marks the discovery of a promising and humanistic new talent, first-time Haitian-American filmmaker Roger Omeus, Jr.
FINDING ME is available online for purchase starting April 21, 2009 at TLA Releasing, Wolf video.com and all throughout the internet. You also can rent the film at Blockbuster.
Check out the new hit series, Drama Queenz produced by Novo Novus Productions Thursday, April 23, 2009. Queer Black Cinema once again have found a gem. Queer Black Cinema will premiere episodes of the series along with exclusive footage. QBC ReelTALK discussion will follow the screening moderated by Aaron Ingram, Executive Director of ActNOW Foundation/ANF Film Series. Tickets are available online for purchase at http://www.queerblackcinema.org/TICKETS.htm for only $8. Online orders also have an opportunity to win a FREE copy of DIRTY LAUNDRY directed by Maurice Jamal. Lastly, all audience members will receive coupons to the newly release feature film, FINDING ME directed by Roger Omeus, Jr. Read more about Drama Series !
Cheryl Dunye at theAfrican Diaspora Film Festival panel discussion '08
The Watermelon Woman written and directed by Cheryl Dunye screens Monday, May 11 at 8:30 p.m. at REDCAT, in Beta SP. A fundraiser will be held to release the original film negative of the film from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Phyllis Stein Art, 207 W. 5th St., L.A. Below is a wonderful article originally published on May 6, 2009 in the LA weekly by Earnest Hardy – enjoy and support the cause!
Cheryl Dunye: Return of the Watermelon Woman
How the pioneering indie filmmaker got her groove back
It’s fitting that Cheryl Dunye is discussing her new burst of creative energy between sips of iced tea at Mornings Nights. The low-key but bustling Silver Lake café nearly burned down a few years ago, then sat boarded up for a long time before its owner recently reopened it to a still-loyal clientele. Dunye herself burnt out on filmmaking after she cashed in her string of groundbreaking, experimental shorts (anthologized in the recent DVD release The Early Works of Cheryl Dunye) and two controversial but acclaimed features for the chance to direct My Baby’s Daddy (2004), an ill-conceived, poorly received foray into the Hollywood machine. The whole experience of making Daddy was so disillusioning for Dunye that it played a part in her decision to move to Europe for several years, where the Liberian-born director raised her daughter and reconnected with her own muse, before returning to the U.S., newly inspired.
Now Dunye, who teaches film at San Francisco’s California College of the Arts and at UCLA, is working on several fledgling film projects simultaneously — and she makes it clear that she’s steering wide of the Hollywood types who convinced her to abandon her own gifts and instincts five years ago. She’s also focused on a May 11 fundraiser and screening for the restoration of her debut feature, The Watermelon Woman (1996), and used the occasion to reflect on her career.
L.A. WEEKLY:Can you briefly describe the tenor of the early ’90s, when so many queer filmmakers of color were pushing the envelope in terms of form and content?
CHERYL DUNYE: You know, I was doing this lecture at UCLA for the Queer Studies Conference last October and the Queer Studies Program gave me a plenary to present whatever I wanted from the Legacy Collection that Outfest started at UCLA for film preservation. [The Legacy Collection] is massive, almost overwhelming, so the one thing I could do was to look for myself, look for how I started, and that led me all the way back to [Shirley Clarke’s] Portrait of Jason. I started to remember how [as a film student] I was searching for myself in work, and how I was learning about form and putting myself in the picture and all that, and I ran into Jason in some doc film class at Temple [University]. Watching it again in October, the same feelings happened — painful anger, weird pride. I did a little bit more research on Jason Holliday and that led me to look at what we were doing in the ’90s as this seminal moment. From Jason until the ’90s, there was only Michelle Parkerson, Isaac Julien and Marlon Riggs, and then came this explosion in the ’90s. I think what we all got to do in our own way was look at our own Jasons, our own media, from television commercials to what we were starting to see as young queers of color at film festivals, to what we were reading — Kobena Mercer, Audre Lorde, etc., and put that into action.
It’s disappointing how that experimentation gave way to conservative filmmaking from queers of color (e.g.,Noah’s Arc). Now the overwhelming bulk of it is boilerplate in terms of form, materialistic and formulaic in content.
Part of the problem is that Clinton and the Bush administration both wiped out public funding for the arts, the NEA’s funding of independent art, so we don’t see that [kind of] work much anymore.
Any younger filmmakers that inspire you?
There’s Kortney Ryan Ziegler’s work, which content-wise is very strong, so kudos to her. There’s a short called The Young & Evil by Julian Breece, I don’t know if you’ve seen it.
Yes, it’s fantastic.
Woo! When I saw that at Fusion [Film Festival, last year] nobody in the audience knew what to do when it was over. Nobody went up to him. They didn’t know what to say. Aaliyah Williams, his producer, is doing the new project I’m working on, Watermelon Woman 2.
This is on the record?
Ummmmmm…yes, it’s on the record. We’re trying to figure out what this project should be, how to get up and running very quickly with the same kind of spirit [as the original].
Tell me about this fundraiser and how it came to be.
It’s sad to say that we have to do this to make The Watermelon Woman survive. The negative is sitting at DuArt [film lab in New York], where it’s been since the original theatrical run, and it’s scratched up like a cat got to it. They want $4,000 to release it to us, and neither my producer nor I have the money, so. . . . The fundraiser is at Phyllis Stein Art, downtown. The woman who runs the gallery was actually my props manager on Stranger Inside (2001). We’re bringing all the memorabilia out for auction. Once people found out about it, they dug through their own stuff to donate. There’ll be a little burlesque going on, a DJ and some emcees, plus some surprises. I’d questioned heart in this city a little bit, but I now have to look at the city a little differently. People really came through and wanted to help.
The Watermelon Woman screens Monday, May 11 at 8:30 p.m. at REDCAT, in Beta SP. A fundraiser will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Phyllis Stein Art, 207 W. 5th St., L.A.
for photos and more click here to the original post
comments:
This is a wonderful article Ernest. I remember seeing the Watermelon Woman many years ago. A gay boy friend of mine actually taped it off of a TV show that aired on PBS. I was amazed. I was new and fresh out of the closet. I haven’t heard of Cheryl Dunye until that day. Once I saw the film, I immediately begin my quest to find more films, books and images of Black lesbian women, images of myself. Of course, at that time(late ’90s to very early 2000) there were a few or at least VERY hard to find Black LGBTQ theme films. Like Cheryl I began making my own media and archiving it.
I am very excited that Cheryl is working on getting the original film negative of Watermelon Woman out of storage. I am very interested on what take she is going to do with Watermelon two. It’s funny because the film message can still apply to today. There is still far few film works and images about lesbian women of color being made and even more less with experimental.
We screened Kortney Film at our first Annual Queer Black Cinema International Film & Music Festival October 2008. Kortney film was one out of two experimental films we screened. In fact, Kortney film, STILL BLACK: A PORTRAIT OF BLACK TRANS MEN film work is very few and beyond. I believe this is the first feature length work particularly with an all people of color cast. Kortney was honored with The Isaac Julien Experimental Award and Dee Rees with The Cheryl Dunye First Womyn Award for PARIAH.
In 2011 Queer Black Cinema will celebrate our 5th anniversary. We aim to have a grant in place to give to a Lesbian filmmaker of African decent funds towards making a narrative film. In the meantime, we will continue to honor pioneer Lesbian filmmakers of African descent and their work during our annual Women month program, Fades Of Black Womyn Film Showcase. We will also launch ONE ON ONE with QBC show produced by Our Stories Productions with interviews with Cheryl Dunye,Dred, Thomas Allen Harris, Rose Troche and many leading LGBT/LGBT Friendly Filmmakers, producers and curator.
Archiving and making our own images through our eyes is so important to the history of the Black LGBTQ experience. Not for nothing, having funds to do it and the support around you is just as important otherwise, our legacy will be lost.
Queer Black Cinema is sadden to announce the passing of Legendary Octavia Saint Laurent. In 1990, Jennie Livingston showcase Octavia in her most famous documentary on voguing to date,”Paris Is Burning.” In 2003, Wolfgang Busch did a follow up documentary, “How Do I look” featuring Octavia, Willie Ninja and many other great Ballroom Legends before their passing. In 2007, Queer Black Cinema screened ,”How Do I Look” as a tribute to all the Ballroom Legends after the passing of Willi Nina and also raised funds to give to Willie Ninja’s mom. Queer Black Cinema sends our deepest condolence and love to the family, friends and children of Octavia Saint Laurent. Her Legacy will live on through the arts.
The world is a decidedly less chic place this week with the passing on Monday of the legendary transgendered beauty Octavia Saint Laurent, who won hearts and an honorary place in the pantheon of the fabulous with her star turn in Jennie Livingston’s 1990 voguing documentary, “Paris Is Burning.” Octavia, who later changed her name to Heavenly Angel Octavia Saint Laurent Manolo Blahnik before settling on the more recession-friendly Octavia Saint Laurent Mizrahi, will be remembered not only for her encyclopedic knowledge of feminine allure — her deconstruction of the many of the looks of Paulina Porizkova in “Paris Is Burning” should be required viewing for every drag artiste in training heels — but also for having lived a glamorous life worthy of tens across the board. (READ MORE)
Roberta Munroe is Back in New York giving another intriguing workshop on “HOW NOT TO MAKE A SHORT FILM.”
Short Film Seminar with Roberta Munroe
workshop
(90 mins)
Roberta Munroe arrives at NewFest to speak about her craft, both in filmmaking and programming, in an insightful and entertaining lecture that is a must-see event for all filmmakers, students, curators and cinephiles.
Topics covered will range from script development to distribution and funding to how to avoid the 100 most overused film cliches. Roberta knows not only how to help you make a great film but can also show you “How NOT to Make a Rotten, Unwatchable, Unprogrammable Short Film.”
Learn why making short films is good for your career, why you shouldn’t care if your film gets into Sundance, and how to avoid the costly pitfalls filmmakers often encounter. Join us as Munroe dispels the mystery of making short films versus features, guides us through the madness of production for both narrative and documentary, from funding and casting to festival and distribution strategies and reveals insider secrets to help get your film out there!
An articulate and informed speaker, Roberta is considered the go-to expert with a keen insider’s take on the production and business of short filmmaking. In a media world that is increasingly dominated by the short film format, including online and mobile content, Roberta’s knowledge and rock solid advice are more valuable than ever for short-form media makers everywhere.
Roberta Munroe is a former Sundance Programmer and author of “How Not to Make a Short Film: Secrets from a Sundance Programmer.” Copies will be available at this event.
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oh, by the way. How many people got there tickets to the New York premiere of MISSISSIPPI DAMNED?
This must see film is Queer Black Cinema Newfest pick!
The film is by AWARD WINNING FILMMAKERS -
Tina Mabry – writer/director
Morgan Stiff – Produced and edited
Debra Wilson – Co-produced
The tickets are selling fast people, don’t wait.
Click here to purchase cheap tickets and view the trailer http://filmguide.newfest.org/tixSYS/2009/filmguide/films/1093
Feel free to share this people! Let’s gooooo
Tina and Morgan will be in the house so let’s show them some love!!
Left to Right: Angel L. Brown (Founder - Queer Black Cinema), DJ BAKER (host of Da Do Dirty Show), Alston Ho (ChillFest) at the NY Screening of Jumpin the Broom by Debra Wilson and discussion on Gay Marriage with in the Black communiry
Check out DJ Baker on the Rainbow Collective Show. DJ have always been a supporter of Queer Black Cinema’s mission. I’m sure many of you heard our commercials about our monthly screenings on his show. You also can hear a very intriguing, fun, and another side to Angel (that’s me..lol) you haven’t heard before on DA DO DIRTY SHOW hosted by DJ Baker.
The groundbreaking mini-series boldly portrayed the first depiction of a lesbian relationship on south African television, and has been recut into a feature version for theatrical viewing. Billed the South African Sex and the City, Society is an ensemble drama about a group of diverse black women living, loving and thriving in Johannesburg. An unexpected reunion prompted by a sad occurrence challenges the facade of these professional women and risks their relationships and happiness. Co-sponsored by QUEER BLACK CINEMA.org
Tina Mabry (Itty Bitty Titty Committee, Brooklyn’s Bridge to Jordan) returns with an intensely personal story about redemption and family. Set in Mississippi between 1986 and 1998, Mississippi Damned chronicles the lives of three kids burdened by the family’s legacy. Kari and Sammy dream of using their talents, piano and basketball, to escape from their small town, while Leigh daydreams and running away to Memphis with her girlfriend. Standing in their way is a seemingly never-ending cycle of addictions, sexual abuse, and violence that has plagued their family for generations.
Homo Harlem: A Film Retrospective
Friday, June 19th-Saturday, June 27th Curated by Michael Henry Adams
Co-Sponsored by Queer Black Cinema, Men of All Colors Together, and Harlem One Stop In honor of the 40th Anniversary of The Stonewall Rebellion and the subsequent Gay rights movement we celebrate the cinematic representation of Gay life and culture in Black America’s fabled homeland with Homo Harlem: A Film Retrospective. Photo artist and documentary filmmaker Lisa DuBois is exhibiting fine art photographs
“Timeless Harlem” and “Transgender in the nineties” in our lower lounge throughout Homo-Harlem.
All photographs are for sale.
$10 Suggested Donation For All Screenings
Friday,
June 19
6:00 pm
Homo Harlem: A Film Retrospective Opening Night at the Museum of the City of New York
(1220 Fifth Avenue at 103rd St)
6:00 Cocktails
7:00 Discussion: Kirk Shannon-Butts, Michael Henry Adams
7:30 Screening
Blueprint (Short Preview, 7 mins.) Kirk Shannon-Butts, 2008 Harlem shot and set, Blueprint is the story of Keith and Nathan – two New York City college freshmen trying to make a connection.
Billy Strayhorn: Lush Life Robert Levi,1999, 90 min. Today, historians and scholars agree that Billy Strayhorn remains one of the most under-recognized American composers in history. Born in 1915, Strayhorn chose to live openly as a gay black man. It was perhaps this decision—and his lifelong devotion to Ellington—which contributed to his near anonymity as a major American composer. While Ellington is arguably the most influential and celebrated jazz composer of the 20th century, Strayhorn is unrecognized. Billy Strayhorn: Lush Life poses answers to the question of who was Billy Strayhorn, and why is he still relatively unknown?
*9:30pmDinner at Miss Mamie’s Spoonbread Too *Contact: homoharlemtour@aol.com
Saturday,
June 20
2:00 pm
Homo Harlem: A Film Retrospective (Maysles Cinema, 343 Lenox Ave. between 127th & 128th Street,
June 20th-27th)
Co – Curated by Angel L. Brown
The Edge of Each Other’s Battles: The Vision of Audre Lorde
Jennifer Abod, 2002, 59 min. This powerful documentary is a moving tribute to legendary black lesbian feminist poet Audre Lorde (1934-1992). One of the most celebrated icons of feminism’s second wave, Lorde inspired several generations of activists with her riveting poetry, serving as a catalyst for change and uniting the communities of which she was a part: black arts and black liberation, women’s liberation and lesbian and gay liberation.
Litany For Survival: The Life and Work of Audre Lorde Ada Griffin and Michelle Parkerson, 1995, 60 min. From Lorde’s childhood roots in Harlem to her battle with breast cancer, this moving film explores a life and a body of work and makes connections between the civil rights movement, the women’s movement and the struggle for lesbian and gay rights.
Greetings from Africa Cheryl Dunye, 1994, 8 min. In this highly entertaining short, Cheryl Dunye uses her dry wit to ruminate on lesbian dating ’90s style. Cheryl (playing herself) is searching for someone to date. Unfortunately, most of her friends are still stuck in those long-term “relationships from the ’80s”. Just when she thinks all is lost, she meets L, a beautiful, mysterious and captivating woman. Cheryl gets caught up in the chase and L leads her in and out of hot water.
Q&A with Mildred “DRED” Gerestant, Activist, performer and healer
Audre Lorde
Sunday,
June 21
2:00 pm
Homo Harlem: A Film Retrospective
Prepare for Saints: The Making of a Modern Opera
Steven Watson, 1999, 27 mins. A chronicle of the making of the Modernist 1934 Virgil Thomson/Gertrude Stein opera, Four Saints in Three Acts, (which included an all-black cast from Harlem church choirs and nightclubs.) Q&A with Director Steve Watson.
Portrait of Jason Shirley Clarke, 1967, 105 min. Interview with Jason Holliday aka Aaron Payne, house boy, would be cabaret performer, and self proclaimed hustler giving one man’s gin-soaked pill-popped, view of what it was like to be black and gay in 1960′s America.
Q&A with Director Steve Watson
Portrait of Jason
Monday,
June 22
7:00 pm
Homo Harlem: A Film Retrospective
C0- Curator Angel L. Brown
Storme: Lady of the Jewel Box
Dir. Michelle Parkerson, 1987, 21 min. “It ain’t easy…being green” is the favorite expression of Storme DeLarverie, a woman whose life flouted prescriptions of gender and race. During the 1950′s and 60′s she toured the black theatre circuit as a mistress of ceremonies and the sole male impersonator of the legendary Jewel Box Revue, America’s first integrated female impersonation show and forerunner of La Cage aux Folles. Storme herself emerges as a remarkable woman, who came up during hard times but always “kept a touch of class.” Storme was also a witness to the Stonewall Rebellion 40 years ago and is a founding member of the Stonewall Veterans Association.
Stonewall Panel TBA
Tuesday,
June 23
7:00 pm
Homo Harlem: A Film Retrospective
Brother to Brother Rodney Evans, 2004, 87 min. Winner of numerous awards including the 2004 Sundance Film Festival Special Jury Prize and the Gordon Parks Screenwriting Award, Brother to Brother follows the emotional and psychological journey of a young black gay artist as he discovers the hidden legacies of the gay and lesbian subcultures within the Harlem Renaissance.
(with a short clip of an interview with Bruce Nugent on Gay life in the 20s.)
Q&A with Tom Wirth, Literary Executor for Bruce Nugent
Brother to Brother
Wednesday,
June 24
7:00 pm
Homo Harlem: A Film Retrospective
Brother Outsider, The Life of Bayard Rustin Nancy Kates and Bennett Singer, 2002, 83 min. This meditation on the parallels between racism and homophobia illuminates the life and work of Bayard Rustin, a visionary activist and strategist who has been called the “unknown hero” of the civil rights movement. Daring to live as an openly gay man during the fiercely homophobic 1940s, 50s and 60s, Brother Outsider reveals the price that Rustin paid for his openness, chronicling both the triumphs and setback of his remarkable 60-year career.
Panel • Dirs. Bennett Singer and Nancy Kates • Walter Naegle, Rustin’s partner until his passing in 1987 at 75 • Ernest Green, The Little Rock Nine • Adam Green, Historian, Author of “Selling the Race: Culture, Community, and Black Chicago, 1940-1955″ • Moderator: Michael Henry Adams
Brother Outsider, The life of Bayard Rustin
Thursday,
June 25
5:30 pm
7:30 pm
9:30 pm
Homo Harlem: A Film Retrospective
5:30 pmWalking Tour
7:30 pm
How Do I Look (Preview, 5 min.) Wolfgang Busch, 2007
A brief preview of a follow up of sorts to Paris is Burning.
Couture Shock (Preview, 5 min.) Lisa DuBois, work-in-progress Couture Shock is an honest expose on the complications and secrets in the lives of transgendered individuals. Paris is Burning Jennie Livingston, 1990, 78 min.
Many consider Paris Is Burning to be an invaluable document of the end of the “Golden Age” of New York City drag balls, as well as a thoughtful exploration of race, class, and gender in America.
9:30 pm Afterparty at Billy’s Black*
*Complete package (walking tour, screening and after party) cost is $50.00
Contact- homoharlemtour@aol.com
60 person limit on tickets so get them while you can!
Tickets for the screening only can be purchased at the Maysles Cinema the night of.
Paris is Burning
Friday,
June 26
5:30 pm
7:30 pm
9:30 pm
Homo Harlem: A Film Retrospective
5:30 pmWalking Tour
7:30 pm Looking For Langston Isaac Julien, 1988, 45 min.
A black and white, fantasy-like recreation of high-society gay men during the Harlem Renaissance, with archival footage and photographs intercut with a story. The text is rarely explicit, but the freedom of gay Black men in the 1920s in Harlem is suggested and celebrated visually.
James Baldwin: Witness Angie Corcetti, 2003, 60 min.
A minister’s son from Harlem, James Baldwin moved to Greenwich Village and began writing essays for left-wing journals. With the success of his first novel, Go Tell It on the Mountain, and dozens of non-fiction works, Baldwin became an international voice on American Black life in the 1950s and 60s. A look at this Black American Gay icon’s life.
9:30pmDinner at Miss Maude’s Spoonbread Too*
*Complete package (walking tour, screening and dinner at Chez Lucien) cost is $50.00
Contact- homoharlemtour@aol.com
Looking for Langston
James Baldwin: Witness
Saturday,
June 27
11:30 am
1:00 pm
3:00 pm
5:00 pm
Homo Harlem: A Film Retrospective
11:30 am Brunch at Chez Lucien*
1:00 pmWalking Tour
3:00 pm M&M SMITH: For Posterity’s Sake Heather Lyons, 1996, 57 min Morgan and Marvin Smith, twin brothers and prolific African American artists, boldly moved from Kentucky to New York in 1933 to pursue artistic careers. By 1937 they had opened a photo studio next door to Harlem’s renowned Apollo Theatre. Thus began 50-year-long careers as still and motion picture photographers, painters and sound recordists. This story is richly visualized through the Smiths’ photos, films and paintings and poignantly told by Morgan and Marvin Smith and friends such as Eartha Kitt.
Clip of Short Conversation with Marvin Smith (20 mins.)
5:00pm Blueprint Kirk Shannon-Butts, 2008 73 min.
Harlem shot and set, Blueprint is the story of Keith and Nathan, two New York City college freshmen trying to make a connection.
*Complete package (walking tour, screening and brunch at Chez Lucien) cost is $45.00. Contact- homoharlemtour@aol.com
Celebrating at the Apollo Theater in Harlem, NY the life of a World-Wide Music Icon, Pop Star- Michael Jackson
The King of Pop, an American icon, a World Wide legend has passed away, Michael Jackson 1958 – 2009. I knew this day would come but not for years to come. For some reason I always thought MJ would out live me even though I am much younger then him. I am still in disbelief. I can only image what his family is going through. On behave of Queer Black Cinema and Our Stories Productions, our hearts are very heavy; we send condolence to Michael Jackson children, family and close friends.Your legacy will continue to live on forever, you were a genius of music. Rest in peace and sleep well.
Remincing…
I remember when he reunited with his brothers on an award show. I was on punishment and was band from watching television. However, I still turned the TV on low and was silently enjoying the performance of MJ and the Jackson Five. I guess I got over excited because my mom heard the me and screamed,’” Turn that TV off.” Of course I just turned the sound off. the images was enough for me to see and enjoy. Share your memories…
Below is an article, I wish to share from Pride TV. It explains how I felt growing up to the music of Michael Jackson.
In Peace,
Angel L. Brown
Queer Black Cinema founder/Producer
Michael Jackson:
An American Treasure
1958-2009
By Anare V. Holmes
(June 26, 2009) Critically acclaimed author Alice Walker once wrote, “models in art, in behavior, in growth of spirit and intellect–even if rejected–enrich and enlarge one’s view of existence.”
Michael Jackson was such a model for me.
His music gave me permission to escape my immediate cirmcustances of dealing with the loneliness and isolation I felt as a young child adjusting to new family digs in the summer and fall of 1983.
At the time, Jackson’s album Thriller southed my soul with its classic hits “Billy Jean,” “Beat It,” and, of course, the title cut.
Whenever I was feeling low, I’d go up to my room, turn on my boombox, close my eyes and enter into an imaginary world where I was stage performer.
I carefully watched the choreography of Michael Peters, who orchestrated the fancy footwork captured in Jackson’s video Beat It. I had all the steps down as I sang along with Jackson.
Everything had to be perfect because I was performing right in front of Jackson. For it was this poster of him in the brown leather jacket that hung above my bed.
With Jackson watching, I had to be on point.
After the performance I felt better.
I imagined that I, too, would one day have my time to shine in the warm spotlight. The stage Michael Jackson performed on always appeared to be the place where people focused their attention solely on him.
It was the place where people screamed, cheered and shouted his praises.
I wanted that because it seemed like love.
I knew it was possible for a little Black boy to command that level of attention and respect because of Jackson.
And so, I dared to dream.
I began to visualize what was possible for my life.
Jackson may have made his physical transition from Earth yesterday, but the treasure he leaves behind is eternal.
His talent, artistry and the barriers he overcame are a testament to what we all can do when we choose to follow the passion and purpose that live within us.
Send comments to: producer@pridetv.org
LR: NYPD, Kris Hayashi, Executive Director of Audre Lorde Project
NEW YORK – The NorthEast Two-Spirit Society (NE2SS) and Kris Hayashi, Executive Director of Audre Lorde Project were forcefully ejected from this year’s annual Heritage of Pride March in New York City yesterday.
Just before 2PM, Lieutenant Connoly of the Midtown Taskforce demanded that the People of Color Contingent leave the parade. The reason given was that a delay of 6 blocks existed between the People of Color contingent and the contingent in front of them. NYPD raised the issue of the gap once and POC contingent marshals were in the process of closing the gap. Kris Hayashi, Executive Director of Audre Lorde Project (ALP), and Loyda Colon also of ALP explained to Lieutenant Connoly, that they were in the process of closing the gap and Lieutenant Connoly refused to listen. Lieutenant Connoly then insisted that the POC contingent leave the parade, and attempted to arrest both Colon and Hayashi. Lieutenant Connoly then ejected Harlan Pruden, the driver of NE2SS’ support vehicle and co-founder of NE2SS, other members of NE2SS (who led the People of Color Contingent), and Hayashi from the parade. Hayashi was physically dragged off the parade route.
“It should have been a day to celebrate and have fun,” Harlan Pruden, Co-founder of NE2SS.
After being ejected, Pruden and Hayashi asked to get NE2SS back into the parade. Pruden was repeatedly threatened with a summons and towing of the organization’s vehicle. After 30 minutes, the official answer from the NYPD as communicated by Heritage of Pride was that NE2SS could continue to march as long as Pruden was not included. Without their support vehicle, of which Pruden was the only driver, NE2SS could not continue.
Kevin VanWanseele, NE2SS member, “This was supposed to be a proud day for LGBT Native American people in New York City and in the end it was not!”
About NE2SS: NE2SS works to increase the visibility of the two-spirit community and to provide social, traditional and recreational opportunities that are culturally appropriate to the two-spirit community of NYC and the surrounding tri-state area. According to the 2000 US Census, our area is the home to the largest urban American Indian population in the country. At the heart of NE2SS effort is community development for all our peoples.
About ALP: The Audre Lorde Project is a Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Two Spirit, Trans and Gender Non Conforming People of Color center for community organizing, focusing on the New York City area. ALP coordinates the People of Color contingent at Manhattan Pride.
On behalf of Queer Black Cinema, INSIDE THE Q and Our Stories Productions we send final wishes and condolences to the family, friends and fans of MICHAEL JACKSON. Your music will live on and your work of healing the world as well as giving to countless charities will be continued through all of us here on this earth. We Love You Michael and thank God for allowing us to have such a phenomenal person in our lives. Now it’s time to not only remember your legacy but continue your legacy of bringing people together through song but also giving to charities. You are truely an icon and the best entertainer of all times and generation. You are now among two people that were able to bring people together like this and that is, Bob Marley and Princess Diana. Rest in Peace Michael Jackson. WE LOVE YOU!
Part of the series Queer/Art/Film. Presented by artist/director Thomas Allen Harris.
“Marlon Riggs made his groundbreaking film, Tongues Untied, motivated by a singular imperative: “to shatter the nation’s brutalizing silence on matters of sexual and racial difference.” While politicians denounced it as ‘pornographic art’ and PBS stations refused to air it, Tongues Untied showed us the power of film-video-art as a tool for piercing the barricades between culture and politics, using a sharply honed black queer aesthetic as uncompromising as it is beautiful. Twenty years later it still serves up bitter sweet insights into the tortured psyche of modern culture.”
—Thomas Allen Harris Director: Marlon Riggs. 55 min. 1989. 16mm.
Thomas Allen Harris is the founder and President of Chimpanzee Productions, a company dedicated to producing unique audio-visual experiences that illuminate the Human Condition and the search for identity, family and spirituality. Chimpanzee’s innovative and award-winning films have received critical acclaim at international film festivals such as Sundance, Berlin, Toronto, FESPACO, Outfest, Flaherty and Cape Town and have been broadcast on PBS, the Sundance Channel, ARTE, as well as CBC, Swedish broadcasting Network and New Zealand Television. In addition Mr. Harris’ videos and installations have been featured at prestigious museums and galleries including the Museum of Modern Art, Whitney Biennial, Corcoran Gallery, Reina Sophia and London Institute of the Arts. Mr. Harris is a recipient of numerous fellowships and awards including a United States Artist Fellowship, Guggenheim Fellowship, Rockefeller Fellowship, as well as CPB/PBS and Sundance Directors Fellowships. A graduate of Harvard College, Mr. Harris lectures widely on the use of media as a tool for social change. CLICK HERE for details information
New York, NY (July 5, 2009) – Queer Black Cinema, New York’s first and only Black Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) monthly films series & annual film festival in partnership with Maysles Cinema house is proud to announce the 2nd Annual Queer Black Cinema International Film & Music Festival. The four-day multi-media event will celebrate and award the best independent music and films by and about the LGBTQ/straight people of African descent experience. The festival is set to take place October 15 –18th 2009 at the newly opened Maysles Cinema House in Harlem, New York and at the Brecht Forum in Chelsea, New York.
Queer Black Cinema first launched in 2006 as New York’s first and only Black LGBTQ monthly micro-cinema, an ongoing platform dedicated to showcasing independent narrative and documentary works by and about the Black LGBTQ experience in a non- stereotypical way. Two years later in 2008, founder Angel L. Brown expanded the brand by launching QBC Int’l Film & Music Festival. The mission is to screen the best films from around the world that creates dialogue-addressing homophobia, alarming health issues, family and overall in-depth storytelling about the Black LGBTQ experience. The Festival also includes workshops and various musical performances.
WHY HARLEM?
Just three years ago in 2006, Angel L. Brown was asked to curate a small section of Black LGBTQ theme films at Imagenation Film Festival in Harlem, New York. The start of 2009, Queer Black Cinema returned to Harlem with an eight week series, “THE BLACK SEASON: Shifting focus to women of color on the L Word” at the popular intimate restaurant, Billie’s Black. Most recently, Queer Black Cinema Co-sponsored Homo Harlem: A Film Retrospective at Maysles Cinema House. Angel L. Brown was then invited to bring the 2nd Annual Queer Black Cinema International Film & Music Festival 2009 to Harlem at Maysles Cinema House.
“It has always been my dream to produce a film festival highlighting the Black LGBTQ experience in the heart of Harlem. You have some of the most famous Black gay artist that came out of the Harlem Renaissance period and beyond. I aim to continue their legacy by breaking down barriers and creating a safe space for constrictive progressive dialogue through films, music and history”, states Angel L. Brown, QBC Int’l Film & Music Festival founder.
The festival is expected to draw double the numbers from last year over all festival attendance within and beyond the LGBT community. New to the festival are in/outdoor Film & Book Market, special tribute benefit celebration and workshops. The festival will return with films from around the world, talk backs, QBC Acoustic Soul Music Media Mixer with live performances, a multi-media out door performance tribute to LGBT youth of color, music concert with some of the most emerging and establish international artist of color ending with an award ceremony on the last day.
Call for films and multi-media submissions are now open until August 15th. Artist of African descent from around the world are asked to submit their best work. Submission forms are available for download at www.Festival.queerblackcinema.org. Films without submission forms will not considered.
Music artist must have a single or complete CD available to the public with a link to a video performance online in order to qualify for the festival. For complete rules and qualifications, download submission form at www.Festival.queerblackcinema.org.
The showcase will take place October 15 – 18 at Maysles Cinema 343 Malcolm X Boulevard / Lenox Avenue (between 127th and 128th Streets). All inquires including sponsorship opportunities, e-mail info@queerblackcinema.org or via phone 646.209.6497. For international inquires via skype at QueerBlackCinema.
About Maysles Cinema
The Maysles Cinema, a new non-profit theater in Harlem, is dedicated to the exhibition of documentary film and video. The cinema extends the Maysles Brothers’ principle that the lives of ordinary people not only deserve, but demand, our attention. We aim to foster a democratic viewing experience by selecting and presenting movies in collaboration with independent filmmakers, programmers, critics, local film clubs and organizations.
We work hard to solicit material and programs from amateur video-graphers, “hood” documentarians, street vendors, video store-owners, neighbors and citizen-activists. In addition to presenting the masterworks of the documentary tradition, overlooked or under-distributed gems and new releases, we build a space for meaningful social exchange. We offer a forum for the discussion of questions of social, racial, and economic justice and explore liminal areas of knowledge.
About Queer Black Cinema®
Queer Black Cinema®(QBC) is New York’s first and Only Black LGBTQ monthly micro-cinema series and annual international music and film festival mission is dedicated to showcasing independent narrative and documentary works by and about U.S. and international progressive Black LGBTQ filmmakers. We are a socially conscious organization that uses films to create dialogue to address homophobia, alarming health issues and many others “taboo” issues relating to the Black LGBTQ experiences. We provide an online resource to Black LGBTQ theme films and their makers as well as support LGBTQ youth of color emerging producers. In-addition, we screen and promote all people of color artist trailers and original music. QBC film series takes place once a month at the LGBT Community Center and other locations throughout the New York Metropolitan area. All are welcome to attend regardless of their sexual orientation, race or gender. We aim to entertain, enlighten and educate through our niche programming. Queer Black Cinema uses MIX NYC Experimental Queer Film Festival, a 501 C3 Not-For-Profit Organization as their fiscal sponsor.
Call for films and multi-media submissions are now open until August 15th. Artist of African descent from around the world are asked to submit their best work. Submission forms are available for download at www.Festival.queerblackcinema.org. Films without submission forms will not considered.
Music artist must have a single or complete CD available to the public with a link to a video performance online in order to qualify for the festival. For complete rules and qualifications, download submission form at www.Festival.queerblackcinema.org.
SAVE THE DATE: October 15 – 18, 2009
Queer Black Cinema International Film & Music Festival
In this July 7, 2008 file photo, author E. Lynn Harris poses in the living room of his home in Atlanta.
On behalf of myself and the Queer Black Cinema team, condolance and prayers goes out to the family of E. Lynn Harris. Lynn will be missed. I am truly happy E. Lynn Harris was blessed enough to do what he loved to do and that is write. He went after his dream and was a great success. Thank you for leaving your mark on this earth! Thank you for writing about the Black gay culture in one of the most true lights I have every read. Rest in peace. You are missed already.
Harris, 54, died Thursday, July 23, 2009, after being stricken while at the Peninsula Hotel in Beverly Hills,Calif., and said a cause of death had not yet been determined, according to his publicist Laura Gilmore. (AP Photo/John Bazemore, file)
Long before the secret world of closeted black gay men came to light in America, bestselling author E. Lynn Harris introduced a generation of black women to the phenomenon known as the “down low.”
Harris endeared such characters to readers who were otherwise unfamiliar with them, using themes and backdrops familiar to urban professionals, conditioned by their upbringings, their church leaders or their friends to condemn and criticize homosexuality in the African-American community. A proud Razorback cheerleader at the University of Arkansas who struggled with his own sexuality before becoming a pioneer of gay black fiction, Harris died Thursday at age 54 while promoting his latest book in Los Angeles.
Publicist Laura Gilmore said Harris died Thursday night after being stricken at the Peninsula Hotel in Beverly Hills, and a cause of death had not been determined. She said Harris, who lived in Atlanta, fell ill on a train to Los Angeles a few days ago and blacked out for a few minutes, but seemed fine after that.
An improbable and inspirational success story, Harris worked for a decade as an IBM executive before taking up writing, selling the novel “Invisible Life” from his car as he visited salons and beauty parlors around Atlanta. He had unprecedented success for an openly gay black author and his strength as a romance writer led some to call him the “male Terry McMillan.”
In 15 years, Harris became the genre’s most successful author, penning 11 titles, ten of them New York Times bestsellers. More than four million of his books are in print.
McMillan had just spoken to Harris about a week ago, to tell him she would pay tribute to him in her upcoming book by having a character read one of his titles, “And This Too Shall Pass.”
“He was thrilled,” McMillan said. “I loved his spirit and generosity. I loved that he found his own niche in the world of fiction, and I’m grateful to have known him. This just breaks my heart.”
He went on to mainstream success with works such as the novel “Love of My Own” and the memoir “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted.”
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Harris’ storytelling fell into several categories, including gay and lesbian fiction, African American fiction and urban fiction. But he found success in showing readers a new side of African American life: the secret world of professional, bisexual black men living as heterosexuals.
His readers, many of them young black, professional women of dating age, were fascinated and shocked to learn that the men in their lives could be attracted to other men. Harris’ vivid storytelling – at least somewhat grounded in his reality and of others whom he knew – pulled back the curtain for some and held up the mirror for others.
“He was a pioneering voice within the black LGBT community, but also resonated with mainstream communities, regardless of race and sexual orientation,” said Herndon Davis, a gay advocate and a diversity media consultant in Los Angeles. “Harris painted with eloquent prose and revealing accuracy the lives of African American men and the many complicated struggles they faced reconciling their sexuality and spirituality while rising above societal taboos within the black community.”
For years, he was alone in exposing the “down low,” but the phenomenon exploded into mainstream culture in 2004, a decade after “Invisible Life.” That year, J.L. King’s “On the Down Low: A Journey Into the Lives of ‘Straight’ Black Men Who Sleep With Men” hit bookstores and the author appeared on Oprah Winfrey’s TV show.
Harris’ 1994 debut, “Invisible Life,” was a coming-of-age story that dealt with the then-taboo topic.
“If you were African American and you were gay, you kept your mouth shut and you went on and did what everybody else did,” Harris said in an interview last year. “You had girlfriends, you lived a life that your parents had dreamed for you.”
Harris was born in Flint, Mich., in 1955 and raised in Little Rock, Ark. He attended the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville where he was the school’s first black yearbook editor, the first black male Razorbacks cheerleader and president of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity. He graduated with honors with a degree in journalism.
Harris worked in corporate America for 13 years at IBM, Hewlett-Packard and At&T before quitting a career in sales to become an author. He was not living as an openly gay man when “Invisible Life” was published, and could not acknowledge the parallels between himself and the book.
“People would often ask, ‘Is this book about you?’ I didn’t want to talk about that,” he said. “I wasn’t comfortable talking about it. I would say that this is a work of fiction.”
Harris said that the courage readers got from the book empowered him to be honest about himself. He continued to tell stories dealing with similar issues, to tell black middle class readers about people they knew, but who were living secret lives.
Tilia Parks read “Invisible Life” as a 16-year-old and was moved by the struggle of someone so close to her own age.
“I loved the truthfulness of it,” said Parks, now 26, of Atlanta. “I’d never heard that point of view, of a guy finding himself and his sexuality at such a young age.”
Parks had looked forward to the next plot twist for the book’s main character, Raymond Tyler, who reappeared in subsequent titles has not been in Harris’ more recent works. With Harris’ death, Parks is saddened that his story may be gone.
“Loyal readers were looking for that,” Parks said. “I’m so sad. I was waiting for him to come back around and start talking about Raymond.”
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Associated Press Writers Bob Jablon and Solvej Schou in Los Angeles; AP Writer Michelle Locke in San Francisco; AP Writer Noah Trister in Little Rock, Ark.; and AP National Writer Hillel Italie in New York contributed to this report.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 2009
For more information about the exhibit please contact:
Angel L. Brown, Curator info@ospfilms.com
NEW YORK, NY – On Sunday, August 30, 2009 Our Stories Productions in association with Billie’s Black celebrates the opening reception of Gone Too Soon: Black Photographers Tribute to Michael Jackson Photo Exhibit curated by Angel L. Brown from 4 PM to 8 PM. Billie’s Black is located at 271 West 119th Street New York, NYbetween St. Nicholas Ave. & Frederick Douglass Blvd. All are welcomed to attend the reception and may RSVP by emailing info@ospfilms.com
During the exhibition planning process, Angel L. Brown founder of Our Stories Productions and curator of the photo exhibition as well as one of the photographers reached out to over sixteen Black photographers for this unique exhibition. Angel was one of many fans who went to the famous Apollo Theater in Harlem, NY to celebrate the life of Michael Jackson after hearing of his untimely death a few hours earlier. “If you were in New York at the time the death of Michael Jackson was announced, The Apollo Theater was one of the majors places to be among other fans. After a while of feeling sad and depress, a since of joy and happiness came over my body so I started taking pictures with my digital camera. I then notice it was nothing but media outlets, networks and mainly non-people of color professional photographers capturing the moment. I then turned the camera on to every Black photographer taking photos. It was my way of archiving the moment in it’s truth. “ The project took on a life of it’s own and is now a traveling exhibit and ongoing series archiving a series of events the day of and weeks after Michael Jackson death with a focus on his fans. “I want to show his family how much we loved and appreciate his talents” states Angel L. Brown.
The opening exhibition will showcase photography by Kwane Brathwaite, Angel L. Brown, Ricky Day, Lisa DuBois, Gloria “Aziza” Lawyer, Joy Malone and Freddy Rumeci. In addition, there will be mixed media pieces by Angel L. Brown screened throughout the night.
The opening reception is $3 suggested donation and open to the public. All of the photographers are expected at the opening reception. R&B recording artist Tyran Gem will perform Gone Too Soon with a photo-montage of the fans at the Apollo Theater the day Michael Jackson died. For more information, please contact curator, Angel L. Brown at (646) 209 -6497or visit http://www.GoneTooSoonMJPhotoExhibit.com
About Angel L . Brown
Angel L. Brown is the founder/CEO of Our Stories Productions, a multi-media company that produces progressive socially conscious work that continues to explore, expose, enlighten, and in search of truth, spirituality and healing through various forms of storytelling with a focus in film, television, music and exhibition about but not limiting to the African Diaspora experience. Some work includes The Black season: Shifting focus to women of color on the L word, a showcase of women shorts, musical acts and career highlights of the L word cast. OSP Black Filmmakers Showcase screening award winning films: Allergic To Nuts featuring Vanessa Williams and Yolanda Ross produced by Red Wall productions, Silence: In Search of Black Female Sexuality featuring Little X, Nzingha Stewart, Tricia Rose, Punany Poets and Dr. Rev. Jeremiah Wright produced by Mya B/ Shoot Films Not People Productions; Cinematographer for cross over music video, Rumors for hip-hop artist Maino featuring Lil Kim and Babs directed by Zaire Baptise and QBC International Film & Music Festival 2009 happening at The National Black Theater. Angel has premiered in several printed magazines including Time Out magazine and participated on various panels, guest curated and was a consultant for several film festivals most recently served on the Executive Committee for Jubilation, a New York Black Pride event heading the film showcase; Punkmouse & Princess Warriors Queer Media Conference: Women Submit 2008 with Rose Troche (Showtime L word writer/director); Women of Color Film Festival – Santa Cruz chaired by Angela Y Davis (associated with the Black Panthers, Activist, Professor& Author); ImageNation Film Festival guest curator including QBC College Tour at various Universities and production work in East Africa, South Africa.and.the.United.Kingdom.
Jade Jenise Dixon was the big winner at Queer Black Cinema Film & Music Festival 2008. Jade won for Best Narrative Film and Best Sound Track. TRUTH HALL -Some dirty little secrets are about to come out! Riskier and more provocative than Waiting to Exhale, Truth Hall examines the bonds of friendship linking a group of African-American women who were inseparable in college. But now, years after graduation, they reunite for a wedding and find that they have drifted apart. Lingering grudges and long-buried passions from their college days ignite…setting off a firestorm that could stop the wedding and destroy their cherished friendships. Theaward-winning film stars Karimah Westbrook, Tamara ‘Gingir’ Curry,Celeste A. Sullivan,Nicole Prescott and writer, director, producer Jade Dixon. Bet calls her, “THE NEXT TYLER PERRY.” The award-winning soundtrack includes music by Lina and America Idol Trenyce. Don’t sleep on the sound track; trust me, it is as good as the film if not better. You can truly play the soundtrack from the beginning to the end without any interruptions. Check out samples of each song at www.truthhallthemovie.com.
Truth Hall DVD and soundtrack is now available on DVD and digital download. Be sure to check out The Black LGBT Film & Music Market: NYC and enter a chance to win a free copy of TRUTH HALL courtesy of Image Entertainment and HBO Home Video October 17th.
If you are in the PA area, check out REEL BLACK presents a screening of Truth Hall September 18th…
WHAT: Soul Food Cinema Presents TRUTH HALL
Reel Black Presents...
WHERE: The Point of Destination Cafe, 6460 Greene Street (Above the Upsal R8 train station) Philadelphia, PA 19119 215-849-7771. WHEN: Friday September 18, 2009 doors 6:30 / Show 7pm COST: FREE w/ Purchase of a Soul Food Friday Meal ($11 and up.)
Reelblack’s Soul Food Cinema Series returns to The Point Of Destination Cafe on Friday September 18 at 7PM with the Philly Premiere and DVD release celebration for TRUTH HALL, written, Directed and Starring Jade Jenise Dixon. Feature will be preceded by the short film THE STORM by Larry Wright.
Featuring giveaways courtesy Image Entertainment and HBO Home Video.
Queer Black Cinema International Film Festival 2009
New York, NY, September 15th, 2009 – October is not only coming out month for gays and lesbians but also the 2nd Annual Queer Black Cinema International Film Festival presented by Gay Men of African Descent (GMAD). The festival will be held at The National Black Theatre 2031-33 National Black Theatre Way:: Fifth Avenue (Btwn 125th & 126th St) Harlem, NY 10035 and Maysles Cinema 343 Malcolm X Blvd. / Lenox Ave. (betwn 127th & 128th St.) The four-day festival consist of not only groundbreaking films but also panel discussions with industry professionals and community leaders followed by a Gala in honor of Stonewall Activist, Singer and Legendary Male Illusionist, Storme De Laverie. The Gala includes performance by Paris from the classic NYC Ballroom film, Storme De Laverie by Jennie Livingston, Freddy Wright, Melvin as Billie Holiday and introducing Stefon Royce as Storme in “The Jewel within the Box Revue: Harlem Style” directed by Angel L. Brown. Storme De Laverie will be in attendance. Portions of Gala tickets sells will go towards an organization to be announced that serve women (both gay and straight) and their children victims of domestic violence.
Since 2006, Queer Black Cinema gives establish and upcoming talent(s) both filmmaker and musicians a plateau to have their craft displayed to the public and this year is no different. Festival favorite R&B recording artist, Tyran Gem will be in attendance as well as Debra Wilson, Co-producer of award winning films: Mississippi Damned (Opening Film), classic film, “Jumping The Broom: A New Covenant” and “Butch Mystique”. Out Music Executive Director and award winning singer, Deepa Soul will be in attendee as well. You can currently see Deepa Soul music video in rotation on Logo online Pop Lab. Other guest includes Zulema Griffin (Project Runway Season 2) presenting her fashion to film line live action multimedia piece, “Revelations” and a sneak peek at new Documentary, “Ink Bleach” a film about Black designers followed by centerpiece film, “Family” by Faith Trimel.
This year’s festivities will be filled with some new additions including The Black LGBT Film and Book Market: NYC in conjunction with Our Stories Productions, The E. Lynn Harris Living The Dream Literary Award giving to an emerging published author, and Tribute/Remembrance to LGBT Youth of Color featuring community guest speakers. With special performances by The Lavender Light Gospel Choir, spoken word artist/playwright, Nykieria and a host of others. The festival will be summed up with Brunch with Queer Black Writers Panel discussion with special invited guest, closing film followed by an Award Ceremony at Maysles Cinema.
Gay Men of African Descent organization will also be providing free and private HIV/AIDS testing Saturday, October 17 starting at 2 PM. All youth who get tested will receive free entrance to the special youth shorts screening happening at Maysles Cinema. GMAD HIV/AIDS Awareness Public Service Announcement Campaign will be screened before every screening. “There are over 300 seats per screening that will be filled between both theaters, I wanted to take this opportunity to enlighten people on HIV/AIDS and that the fight is far from being over particularly within the Black community. The movement continues…”, states Angel L. Brown, Festival producer/programmer. Queer Black Cinema International Film Festival began October 15 – 18, 2009 at The National Black Theatre 2031-33 National Black Theatre Way:: Fifth Avenue (Btwn 125th & 126th St) Harlem, NY 10035 and Maysles Cinema 343 Malcolm X Blvd. / Lenox Ave. (betwn 127th & 128th St.). For more information go towww.queerblackcinema.org | info@queerblackcinema.org
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For more information or to schedule an interview/write up please contact QBC Press at the above address.
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Queer Black Cinema International Film Festival is a progressive socially conscious film festival that will bring you the best Black LGBTQ theme films from around the world. The four-day festival consists of not only groundbreaking films but also panel discussions with industry professionals and community leaders followed including a Black LGBTQ Film & Book Market.
QBC Int’l Film Festival is an entity of Queer Black Cinema, New York’s first and only Black LGBTQ monthly micro-cinema. Since the 2006 launch of the film series, the organization has expanded into several projects: QBC College Film Tour, Just|BE Black Gay Erotica 72 hour Poetry & Film Competition on HIV/AIDS prevention and awareness and Fades Of Black Women Film Showcase, honoring Black Lesbians Women. For more info on the project including volunteering, log on to: www.queerblackcinema.org
The 2nd Annual Queer Black Cinema International Film Festival sponsored by Gay Men Of African Descent. The festival will take place October 16- 18 at the National Black Theater & Maysles Cinema. Below is the screening schedule and list of events including the Black LGBT Film & Book Market information.
Please take the time to read over and send out to your listserv. Your support is greatly appreciate. VIP All ACCESS PASSES with limited edition silk screened commemorative festival bags are available online for purchase and individual tickets. The Film & Book Market is Free with your purchase of a ticket and/or VIP Pass or $2 without.
We have a great line up of films & Book Readings with special invited guest. See complete schedule at www.queerblackcinema.org. Thank you for your support!
Theater 1-The National Black Theatre | 2031-33 Fifth Ave.(Btwn 125th & 126th St.) Harlem, NY |TRAINS: 4,5,6 ONLINE TICKETS AVAILABLE
Theater 2 – Maysles Cinema | 343 Malcolm X Blvd/Lenox Avenue (betwn 127th &128th St|TRAINS: 1,2,3,A,C,E to 125) RUSH TICKETS ONLY
OCTOBER 16-18 Queer Black Cinema International Film Festival 2009 Curated by Angel L. BrownTickets: $12 – $20|info@queerblackcinema.org|mailing list: qbcfilmseries@yahoogroups.com|www.queerblackcinema.org
Octo October16/Opening Night 6 PM Reception/7 PM Film| MISSISSIPPI DAMNED | Tina Mabry| USA| 120 Mins| 2009
What’s swept under the rug rarely stays hidden. Taking place in 1986 and 1998 and based on a true story, three poor, black kids in rural Mississippi suffer the consequences of their family’s cycle of abuse, addiction, and violence. They independently struggle to escape their circumstances and must decide whether to confront what has plagued their family for generations or succumb to the same crippling fate, forever damned in Mississippi. Wine & Cheese Cake Reception| $20 www.queerblackcinema.org |Theater 1-The National Black Theatre | 2031-33 Fifth Ave.(Btwn 125th & 126th St.) Harlem, NY |TRAINS: 4,5,6
October 16/ 9PM/Vintage Families of Value|Directed by Thomas Allen Harris|1995|Doc
Vintage is an experimental documentary which looks at three African American families through the eyes of lesbian and gay siblings – including the filmmaker and his younger brother. Three groups of queer siblings use video cameras to articulate the multiple stories that co-exist within the space of family, negotiating sexuality as a point of departure to explore these relationships. Vintage crosses the boundaries of truth, gender, time and power to create a collective and autobiographical portrait of modern American families.
QBC Classic is a series that wish to re-introduce and re-examine the work of pioneer Black LGBT filmmakers and their works. This film is sponsored by Third World News Reel and Thomas Allen Harris|$12 www.queerblackcinema.org |Theater 1-The National Black Theatre | 2031-33 Fifth Ave.(Btwn 125th & 126th St.) Harlem, NY |TRAINS: 4,5,6 to 125
October 17/10AM – 11:15AM| MASTER CLASS WITH MAISHA AZADI|$20 www.queerblackcinema.org |Theater 1-The National Black Theatre | 2031-33 Fifth Ave.(Btwn 125th & 126th St.) Harlem, NY |TRAINS: 4,5,6 to 125
October 17/11:30AM – 12:45PM| FILM SERIES/ FESTIVAL THE NEW THEATRICAL RELEASE:Tips on using festivals screened world wide MODERATED BY Moikgantsi Kgama (Executive Director of ImageNation) Confirmed Panelist – Aaron Ingram – Executive Director of ActNow Foundation | Angel L. Brown – Executive Director/Producer Queer Black Cinema| $12 www.queerblackcinema.org |Theater 1-The National Black Theatre | 2031-33 Fifth Ave.(Btwn 125th & 126th St.) Harlem, NY |TRAINS: 4,5,6 to 125
October 17/12: 30 AM |HARLEM: Shorts Showcase sponsored by Women Make Movies
Take The Gay Train | dir. Robert Philipson | USA| 14min. | 2008 Gay sensibility during the Harlem Renaissance is charted through a poetic use of historical stills, contemporary filmmaking, scholarly accuracy, and music of the period.|
B.D Woman |dir. Campbell X|UK| 20Mins | 1994 B.D. WOMEN is a wonderful celebration of the history and culture of Black lesbians. Lively interviews feature Black women talking candidly about their sexual and racial identities. These contemporary views are cleverly interwoven with a dramatized love story, set in the 1920s, in which a sultry romance develops between a gorgeous jazz singer and her stylish butch lover. B.D. WOMEN rewrites the vanished history of Black lesbians’ lives in an eloquent and entertaining way.
Storme: The Lady of The Jewel Box |dir. Michelle Parkerson |USA| 21 mins| 1987 |“It ain’t easy…being green” is the favorite expression of Storme DeLarverie, a woman whose life flouted prescriptions of gender and race. During the 1950’s and 60’s she toured the black theater circuit as a mistress of ceremonies and the sole male impersonator of the legendary Jewel Box Revue, America’s first integrated female impersonation show and forerunner of La Cage aux Folles. The multiracial revue was a favorite act of the Black theater circuit and attracted mixed mainstream audiences from the 1940s through the 1960s, a time marked by the violence of segregation. Parkerson finds Storme in New York’s Chelsea neighborhood, now working as a bodyguard at a women’s bar and still singing in her deep silky voice with an “all girl” band. Through archival clips from the past, STORME looks back on the grandeur of the Jewel Box Revue and its celebration of pure entertainment in the face of homophobia and segregation. Storme herself emerges as a remarkable woman, who came up during hard times but always “kept a touch of class.”Q&A with director Robert Philipson|$12 www.queerblackcinema.org | Theater 2 – Maysles Cinema | 343 Malcolm X Blvd/Lenox Avenue (betwn 127th &128th St|TRAINS: 1,2,3,A,C,E to 125) RUSH TICKETS ONLY $5 youth/Seniors |$12 Adults
October 17/1 PM| ZULEMA GRIFFIN’S(Project Runway Season 2) FILM SHOWCASE – REVOLUTIONIZING FASHION THROUGH FILMS| Dir. Zulema Griffin|Special Film/Fashion |Documentary Ink Bleach featuring Coco Mitchell|Revolutions|Cyclical Mode Q&A with Zulema|$12 www.queerblackcinema.org |Theater 1-The National Black Theatre | 2031-33 Fifth Ave.(Btwn 125th & 126th St.) Harlem, NY |TRAINS: 4,5,6 to 125St
October 17/4:50 PM|FINDING ME| FINDING ME:TRUTH exclusive clips | Roger S. Omeus Jr| USA| 115 mins.| 2008
Faybien Allen (RayMartell Moore) sorely lacks direction in life. His overbearing, homophobic father certainly doesn’t help his self-esteem, but life takes a sharp turn when Faybien is hit on by Lonnie (Derrick L. Briggs), the hunky, self-assured guy he keeps encountering at the bus stop. This is great news to close friends Greg (Eugene Turner), a down-to-earth and upbeat bisexual, and Amera (J’Nara Corbin), a sassy “honorary gay man.” Not everyone is such a good influence, however. Greg’s new roommate, Jay (Maurice Murrell), is downright shady, and could be the type of person Faybien becomes if he makes the wrong decisions now. Can Faybien finally come to peace with his relationships with his father and the uber-flirtatious (and hot) Lonnie? A true labor of love shot on a shoestring budget over the course of a dozen weekends, Finding Me marks the discovery of a promising and humanistic new talent.This screening is sponsored by TLA Releasing | OME Productions, LLC | Q&A with Roger S. Omeus Jr. | $15 www.queerblackcinema.org |Theater 1-The National Black Theatre | 2031-33 Fifth Ave.(Btwn 125th & 126th St.) Harlem, NY |TRAINS: 4,5,6 to 125st.
October 17/5 PM | Queer Youth of Color Cinema Series presents Christopher Street | Steven E. Martinez, Dwight O’Neal|USA60 mins| 2009|Christopher Street is a new independently produced gay television series. The show shares the lives of Chris and his diverse group of friends Jharemy, Ashton, and Shawn. These young men deal with troubles that range from relationship issues, sexual identity, self-love, abuse, HIV/AIDS, and acceptance not only from the world, but from themselves.Q&A with Dwight O’ Neal & Steven E. Martinez |Theater 2 – Maysles Cinema | 343 Malcolm X Blvd/Lenox Avenue (betwn 127th &128th St|TRAINS: 1,2,3,A,C,E to 125) RUSH TICKETS ONLY $5 youth/Seniors |$12 Adults
October 17/7:15 Music Performance/7:30 PM Film|Special live performance by Out Music Executive Director/Recording Artist, Deepa Soul singing two songs featured in FAMILY the movie. Both songs will be on her new album “EGO TRIPPIN” |FAMILY | Faith Trimel | USA| 109 min| 2008 “A group of 30-something lesbians, friends through much already, make a pact to finally come out. The idea is greeted with varying degrees of enthusiasm but, after a series of eye-opening incidents that throw the effects of not coming out into sharp relief, they go to it with surprising results. The film’s spirit rises from the breadth of lesbian experience on show – from the butch basketball sports star with the homophobic agent to the shy doctor with the evangelical family to the actress to the hot, curvy hairdresser (with the er, boyfriend) – and the sense of fun, humour and family that ultimately holds the women together. Q&A with Faith Trimel | $20 www.queerblackcinema.org |Theater 1-The National Black Theatre | 2031-33 Fifth Ave.(Btwn 125th & 126th St.) Harlem, NY |TRAINS: 4,5,6 to 125st.
October17/9 PM | SHE WASN’T LAST NIGHT|Dir. Daris Jones |88 mins |USA|Beautiful activist Shantel Crockett is slammed by drama as her relationship with young Reyna begins to crumble. As Reyna’s dance career goes nowhere, she flounders for something to hold on to. To make matters worse, charming player Jack (Jaqueline) is determined to make Reyna hers…if only for one night. Shantel is forced to face Reyna’s despair and decide what kind of life she wants for herself
Legacy|Dir. Campbell X |17 mins|UK / Caribbean |2006|Legacy is the award-winning single screen video installation exploring the effects of slavery on intimate relationships in Black families several generations after abolition.| $12 www.queerblackcinema.org |Theater 1-The National Black Theatre | 2031-33 Fifth Ave.(Btwn 125th & 126th St.) Harlem, NY |TRAINS: 4,5,6 to 125st.
October 18 1PM|CLOSING FILM: ANACOSTIA (NEW YORK PREMIERE)|dir. Anthony Anderson | Web/TV Series| 80| USA|2009 From the Writer and Producer of the award winning Independent Film The Ties That Bind comes an independent web series like no other. ANACOSTIA the series follows the lives of four friends as they navigate through Love, Deceit, Betrayal, Sex and Death with a season finale that will leave your mouths open. This 13 episode series will be filmed on location in several areas including Washington DC, Landover Maryland, Baltimore Maryland, Virginia and New York City.
Catch up with episodes 3 & 4 and see the exclusive world premiere of episode 5. The director and cast will be in attendance Theater 2 – Maysles Cinema | 343 Malcolm X Blvd/Lenox Avenue (betwn 127th &128th St|TRAINS: 1,2,3,A,C,E to 125) RUSH TICKETS ONLY $15
ABOUT: Queer Black Cinema International Film Festival is a progressive socially conscious film festival that will bring you the best Black LGBTQ theme films from around the world. The four-day festival consists of not only groundbreaking films but also panel discussions with industry professionals and community leaders followed including a Black LGBTQ Film & Book Market.
QBC Int’l Film Festival is an entity of Queer Black Cinema, New York’s first and only Black LGBTQ monthly micro-cinema. Since the 2006 launch of the film series, the organization has expanded into several projects: QBC College Film Tour, Just|BE Black Gay Erotica 72 hour Poetry & Film Competition on HIV/AIDS prevention and awareness and Fades Of Black Women Film Showcase, honoring Black Lesbians Women. For more info on the project including volunteering, log on to: qbcfilmseries@yahoogroups.com | www.queerblackcinema.org
October 17/ 11AM – 7 PM| The Black LGBT Film & Book Market:NYC@ The QBC Int’l Film Festival. FREE MARKET ENTRANCE w/ your purchase of a movie ticket/Brunch Panel and/or
VIP All Access Festival Pass OR pay only $2 (Market only) $12 www.TheBlackLGBTFilmBookMarket.com |Theater 1-The National Black Theatre | 2031-33 Fifth Ave.(Btwn 125th & 126th St.) Harlem, NY |TRAINS: 4,5,6 to 125st.
* Reading Presentation by Author, Rodney Loften* Special Film Trailer by Special Filmmaker & Cast* Film & Book Trailers played throughout the Market* DVD & Book Raffles every hour* Free Swerv Magazines (October ’09 Issue)* Various Filmmakers and Authors vendors plus* TWN Distribution Company and others* CD’s Cheese Cake Cafe|
READING SERIES W/ BLACK GAY AUTHORS:
TIME: 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM TITLE: Letters to Books/Books to stageplays: Creative Storytelling AUTHORS:Lamar Ariel & Laurinda Brown
TIME: 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM|TITLE: The Art of Erotica in it’s Truth AUTHORS: Lee Hayes & Kimberly Q
TIME: 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM TITLE: In his own words AUTHOR: Rodney Lofton
TIME: 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM TITLE: Finding Me the Movie Talk Back FILMMAKER: Roger & Cast from Finding Me
October 18/ 10AM – 1 PM| BRUNCH W/ QUEER BLACK WRITERS moderated by Thomas Allen Harris|The Black LGBT Film & Book Market:NYC@ The QBC Int’l Film Festival.
VIP All Access Festival Pass OR pay only $2 (Market only)|Theater 2 – Maysles Cinema | 343 Malcolm X Blvd/Lenox Avenue (betwn 127th &128th St|TRAINS: 1,2,3,A,C,E to 125) RUSH TICKETS ONLY $15 includes brunch (continental Style including Cheese Cake sponsored by CD’s Cheese Cakes, Valerie’s Bed & Breakfast and Jacob’s Resturant) www.TheBlackLGBTFilmBookMarket.com
The mission of the Market is to create opportunities and a safe space for indie filmmakers, authors, distribution companies, publishers and business companies to market their Black and people of color Lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans-people & Queer (LGBTQ) theme films, books and magazines directly to their audiences. The two day market will premiere at the Queer Black Cinema International Film Festival on October 17-18, 2009. Readings, exclusive trailer screenings and talk backs with authors and filmmakers will take place throughout the market. Special opportunities for market goers to win books, films & various prizes. The Market is expected to travel to major cities throughout the year.
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October 17/3 -5 PM|FALLEN ANGELS: Tribute to lgbt youth of color
“Silence has never brought us anything of worth” -Audre Lorde|SPEAK UP. SPEAK OUT. The QBC International Film Festival will be having a Queer Youth of Color tribute rally to honor those who we have lost to hate crimes, and speak up, and educate the community. We are still looking for Queer youth of Color to come to the mic with poems, songs, or to simply speak their truth featuring the Lavender Light Gospel Choir, Nykiera – Spoken Word Artist, Author, Kenyon Farrow plus more. For more information please contact Chelsea at beats.of.yo.feets@gmail.com|info@queerblackcinema.org followed by Queer Youth Cinema Screening See film schedule.Limited Seats -YOU MUST RSVP to the screening |Theater 2 – Maysles Cinema | 343 Malcolm X Blvd/Lenox Avenue (betwn 127th &128th St|TRAINS: 1,2,3,A,C,E to 125)THIS EVENT WILL TAKE PLACE OUTSIDE THE THEATER FOLLOWED BY THE MARCH AROUND THE BLOCK.
As a space that is intended to give voice to the queer black community, this year the Queer Black Cinema International Film Festival will also being shedding light on issues directly effecting the Queer communities of color. On Saturday, October 17th 3:00-5:00pm film festival will be having a tribute rally to remember queer youth of color who have been killed as a result of hate crimes throughout the country, as well as to shed light on the impact of hate-based violence in our community. The rally will take place in the center of Harlem at Maysles Cinema (Malcolm X Blvd/ Lenox Ave. between 127th & 128th Street – Harlem, NY) and will include queer youth of color organizations in the New York area, tribute performances, speakers, multimedia presentation and a march around the Block in remembrance of the Fallen Angels. Following the Tribute is a Queer Youth of Color Screening of Christopher Street by Dwight O’Neal & Steven Emmanuel.
Directions: Take the 2 or 3 to 125th street. Walk two short blocks on Malcolm X to 127th street (across from Syliva’s Restaurant)
The 2nd Annual Queer Black Cinema International Film Festival winners, presented by GMAD curated by Angel L. Brown, announced the honorees for the Cheryl Dunye First Womyn Award, The Isaac Julien Experimental Award and the QBC Centerpiece Film Award categories. The three-day festival was held October 16-18 in Harlem, New York; wrapping up on October 18 with the New York premiere of AnaCostia, produced by the creator of The Velocity Magazine Awards, Anthony Anderson. Both Anthony Anderson and the Cast & Crew were in attendance followed by an exclusive Q&A. We screened 15 films this year. We are the longest standing Black Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) film festival in New York dedicated to the exhibition of socially conscious independent cinema about the Black LGBTQ experience by LGBTQ and straight people of African descent.
The 2nd Annual Queer Black Cinema Film Festival honorees are:
The Cheryl Dunye First Womyn Award
For Writing & Directing
MISSISSIPPI DAMNED (US)
Tina Mabry
The Cheryl Dunye First Womyn Award
For Editing & Producing
MISSISSIPPI DAMNED (US)
Morgan Stiff
The Isaac Julien Experimental Award
For Creative Out of the Box Filmmaking
Revolutions (US)
Zulema Griffin & Sherie L. Weldon
QBC INT’L FILM FEST CENTERPIECE FILM for Outstanding Filmmaking
FAMILY (US)
Faith Trimel
Honorable Mention
QBC Classic: Storme: The Lady Of The Jewel Box (US) directed by Michelle Parkerson
QBC DVD Highlight: Finding Me (US) directed by Roger S. Omeus, Jr.
QBC First Works: She Wasn’t Last Night (US) directed by Darice Jones
Short: B.D WOMAN (UK) directed by Campbell X
“On behalf of the Queer Black Cinema International Film Festival and our Presenting Sponsor GMAD, I proudly congratulate the outstanding honorees of the Festival’s 2nd annual competition,” said Angel L. Brown, founder of Queer Black Cinema. “Queer Black Cinema aim to recognize and support socially conscious film works by and about the Black LGBT Experience. It is important the artist know they are supported, greatly appreciated and well needed.” Support Queer Black Cinema continues their mission by donating to the I WANT MY QBC campaign. www.queerblackcinema.org
(Interview with Nhojj at the Finding Me premiere 2009)
January 3, 2010 (New York, NY) The new year ends and begins right for Nhojj, a Soul/Jazz/R&B/Gospel/Activist singer first Black male to win an OutMusic Award from the Alliance of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Recording Artists and Performers. His song “Love” was named OUTstanding R&B/Soul Song of the Year. Nhojj is one of the few artist (gay or straight) that is keeping “real music” alive with a socially conscious message behind it – “Peace & Love.”
Nhojj has performed at past QBC events since the launch in 2006. We are proud to know and support his work. We wish him continued success in 2010 and years to come. You can see view video of Nhojj at Musiq with A Q! a new show a part of QBC TV Network. You can also purchase Nhojj’s music at www.Nhojj.com.
Nhojj Wins R&B/Soul Song of the Year and Makes OUTMusic Award history
(Billboard Publicity Wire) December 23, 2009 — Indie recording artist Nhojj made OUTMusic Awards history when his ballad “Love” was voted 2009 Outstanding R&B/Soul Song of the Year by The Alliance of LGBT Recording Artists & Performers. This marks the first time an African American male has won an OMA. The Logo sponsored event was held December 8, 2009, at the legendary Webster Hall in New York City. It is the biggest night in LGBT entertainment, and the only gala ceremony of its kind in the world.
Nhojj at the OUTMusic Awards 2009
Nhojj is also the first artist to win the OUTStanding R&B/Soul song of the year. OUTMusic added this and other categories to the ceremony this year to more fully reflect the music of the LGBT community. After his win, the singer/songwriter took the stage performing “Love” before an audience including OMA Lifetime Achievement recipient Kevin Aviance, Village Voice columnist Michael Musto, LOGO personalities DeMarco Majors and Julie Goldman among many other notables in the LGBT community. The ceremony was hosted by Noah’s Arc star Rodney Chester and GLAAD Media Award winner Kate Clinton.
“Love” features keyboardist Carl Evans (Stevie Wonder, Barry White); David Stark on Guitar (Rick James & Teena Marie); Tommy Aros on percussion (Luis Miguel); and is mastered by by Robert Honablue, whose Gold and Platinum credits include Santana, Roberta Flack, Aretha Franklin, Bob Marley, and Miles Davis.
Director Kirk Shannon-Butts featured “Love” in his highly acclaimed Indie film “Blueprint,” which screened at 2008 Cannes International Film Festival, and also directed the music video “Love.” Unlike many current R&B music videos, it is the sensitive reflection of two male college students who feel a mutual attraction toward each other. “I believe love is for everyone… homosexual and heterosexual” Nhojj says, “One day soon our world will acknowledge this simple truth.”
In 2004, Nhojj’s sophomore CD “Someday Peace Love & Freedom” was nominated for OUTStanding New Male Recording. Songs on that album covered issues ranging from homelessness to homophobia. Nhojj chose “Fighting for Love,” an original composition about a warrior fighting against ignorance and hatred, to perform at a special OMA Nominee showcase held at Fez in NYC that year.
Nhojj grew up in Guyana and Trinidad, where he performed for the Presidents of both countries. He began singing in church at the age of 5, but didn’t embark on a career in music until after graduating from NYU with a BA in Economics. Earlier this year he returned to his Caribbean roots and performed “Love” at the 2009 Barbados Music Awards.
To date Nhojj has released six CDs and an unplugged live DVD by Emmy nominated director Bill Cote. He has performed at Lincoln Center, and toured the United States, Canada, the Caribbean, and the United Kingdom.
In addition to his recording and performance schedule, Nhojj regularly donates his gift of music to people living with HIV/AIDS. He performs in hospitals, hospices, residential facilities and treatment centers throughout New York City , as part of the Lifebeat “Hearts and Voices” program.
What does Gabby Sibide (Precious) & Sandra Bullock (Blind Side) have in common? Sandra They both competes against each other for NAACP Award for Best Actress. Inclusion or lack of good roles for African American actress? What are your thoughts?
Other nominees include:
Anika Noni Rose – “The Princess and the Frog” (Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures)
Gabourey Sidibe – “Precious: Based on the Novel “Push” by Sapphire” (Lionsgate)
Sandra Bullock – “The Blind Side” (Warner Bros. Pictures)
Sophie Okonedo – “Skin” (Jour De Fete Films)
Taraji P. Henson – “Tyler Perry’s I Can Do Bad All By Myself” (Lionsgate)
About Queer Black Cinema International Film Festival ABOUT
Queer Black Cinema International Film Festival is a progressive socially conscious film festival that will bring you the best Black LGBTQ theme films from around the world. The now three-day festival consists of not only groundbreaking films but also panel discussions with industry professionals and community leaders including a Annual Tribute to LGBT youth of color rally in remembrance to Fallen Angels who died due to a homophobic hate crime followed by a Black LGBTQ Film & Book Market.
HISTORY
Queer Black Cinema International Film Festival was created by Angel L. Brown in 2007 and launched in 2008 at the Brecht Forum in New York. Queer Black Cinema International Film Festival is an entity of Queer Black Cinema(QBC). QBC started out as a film series and quickly became a non-profit fiscally sponsored project of MIX Queer Experimental Film Festival. QBC is now a hub for various projects since 2006: QBC College Film Tour, Just|BE Black Gay Erotica 72 hour Poetry & Film Competition on HIV/AIDS prevention & awareness and Fades Of Black Womyn Film Showcase, honoring Black Lesbians Womyn.
For more info on the project including volunteering, log on to: qbcfilmseries@yahoogroups.com | http://www.queerblackcinema.org
About Queer Black Cinema International Film Festival
ABOUT
Queer Black Cinema International Film Festival is a progressive socially conscious film festival that will bring you the best Black LGBTQ theme films from around the world. The now three-day festival consists of not only groundbreaking films but also panel discussions with industry professionals and community leaders including a Annual Tribute to LGBT youth of color rally in remembrance to Fallen Angels who died due to a homophobic hate crime followed by a Black LGBTQ Film & Book Market.
HISTORY
Queer Black Cinema International Film Festival was created by Angel L. Brown in 2007 and launched in 2008 at the Brecht Forum in New York. Queer Black Cinema International Film Festival is an entity of Queer Black Cinema(QBC). QBC started out as a film series and quickly became a non-profit fiscally sponsored project of MIX Queer Experimental Film Festival. QBC is now a hub for various projects since 2006: QBC College Film Tour, Just|BE Black Gay Erotica 72 hour Poetry & Film Competition on HIV/AIDS prevention & awareness and Fades Of Black Womyn Film Showcase, honoring Black Lesbians Womyn.
For more info on the project including volunteering, log on to: qbcfilmseries@yahoogroups.com | http://www.queerblackcinema.org
Cheryl Dunye at the African Diaspora Film Festival '08
Check a brief interview and raw footage of Cheryl Dunye speaking on the early 90′s when the queer people of color movement in (experimental) cinema was born: http://www.vimeo.com/8687438
1.11.21|New York|QBCNYC.org| Queer Black Cinema’s Fades of Black Womyn 2008 honoree Pioneer lesbian filmmaker Cheryl Dunye return with her fourth featured film, The OWLS. THE OWLS is an experimental thriller about four older-wiser-lesbians who accidentally kill a young lesbian and try to get away with it. The film is off to a great start. It was just officially selected for inclusion in the Panorama section of the Berlin International Festival 2010. OWLS was also awarded finishing funds from FRAMELINE.
“THE OWLS does a rare thing: representing lesbian life post baby-dykedom and with no sugar-coating. The film follows four women in long-term relationships trying to make sense of the weight of alcoholism, infidelity, infertility, aging, and murder. “Cheryl Dunye (source THE OWLS facebook group)
Some of The OWLS cast includes: Skyler Cooper (Butch Mystique – Dir. Debra Wilson, Don’t Go – Amber Sharpe), Guinevere Turner (Go Fish- Dir. Rose Troche, Watermelon Woman – Dir. Cheryl Dunye, Don’t Go – Dir. Amber Sharpe), Todd Hughes and P. David Ebersole. According to The OWLS facebook page, it looks like the crew is predominantly professional women and trans filmmakers which is always great especially when women directors only make up less than 6% including co-directors. However, this does not include indie directors (for the most part.) Where does that leave indie women, queer and women of color filmmakers?
Cheryl Dunye, director of The OWLS returns to her roots by bringing back the traditions of old school filmmaking. As I write this, I remember a conversation, Cheryl and I had earlier last year. On our way to a panel discussion in Los Angeles, I manage to capture Cheryl talking about the queer people of color in cinema movement during the early 90′s. The time when indie artist were supported and greatly valued. Cheryl pretty much uses the same method of filmmaking – a collective of artist to make her 4th featured film. “THE OWLS is being made by a small group of film makers from the glory days of new queer cinema, that have formed a film collective, by the name of Parliament Film Collective, and that have all committed to work for basically free. The Parliament Film Collective re-explores the possibility for enjoying the collective/lesbian creative processes and queer community, and making art together outside the mainstream.
Can we go back to old school values of community and commitment given what (and who) we’ve done and learned? THE OWLS will gracefully (if sometimes gruesomely) mix the stories of its thriller characters with those of its behind-the-scene makers to create an end product that complicates easy images of contemporary lesbian identity, cross-generational interaction, and queer media.” Cheryl Dunye (source THE OWLS facebook group)
ABOUT
Queer Black Cinema presents: Fades of Black Womyn Film Showcase, an annual womyn’s month event that pays tribute to Lesbian and Bisexual womyn of African Descent who are establish and pioneers in the media industry. The showcase is a one day event screening film works of the honoree along with trailers and shorts from emerging Lesbian and Bisexual womyn of African Descent filmmakers. The film showcase is followed by an award ceremony then Q&A discussion with the honoree hosted by One on One with QBC, part of QBC TV Network.
MISSION
Fades of Black Womyn Film Showcase (FOBW) mission is to pay tribute to pioneer lesbian and bisexual professional filmmakers of African decent in the media industry who have paved the way for emerging filmmakers. The mission is to not only to acknowledge the honoree but also bring together a group of underrepresented women and their stories to network and build a stronger support system in a challenging field for all women, specifically women of color in celebration of Womyn’s Month.
Fades of Black Womyn is Queer Black Cinema.org project and is fiscally sponsored by 501c3 non-profit organization, MIX experimental Film Festival. We continued our programs thanks to Astrea Lesbian Foundation, Gay Men of African Descent, Women Make Movies, online advance ticket sells to QBC events, and supporters like you!
Help make Fades of Black Womyn Film Awards/Showcase 2010 happen – DONATE TODAY or become a sponsor!
It was brought to my attention, sending packages to Haiti through UPS for free is not exactly true. I just got off the phone with Jennifer, a representative from UPS foundation. She states, the disaster is so bad that it is NOT possible for UPS to send packages in this matter. Please take the time to read the press release below directly from The USP Foundation. It clearly states what they are and have done to date. Jennifer informed me that the USP is working very closely with American Red Cross and other organizations who deal with crisis as such. The stated, they are aware about the mis-communications facebook users are referring people as to sending free packages directly to Haiti. The best thing to do is send out a letter to your groups and friends clarifying the situation and informing them how UPS is helping and how they can help.
If you have any questions etc. the number to The UPS Foundation contact info. is listed in the press release.
Thank you for taking the time to read this. Please continue to keep Haiti in your prayers. PLEASE just do something even if you pass this information along or add to the list of organizations they are DIRECTLY helping the people.
The BIGGEST PARTY WITH A CAUSE IN NYC FEB 19, 2010
New York, NY (www.QBCNYC.org) Angel L. Brown, founder/Producer of Queer Black Cinema teamed of with promoter Ron to throw one of the biggest party of the year at Secret Lounge Friday, February 19. Doors open at 9:30 PM Showtime at 10:15 PM $5 before 12 AM but you must be on the QBC guest list. The musical acts is hosted by DJ Baker from Da Do Dirty Show (on Qnation.FM Monday – Friday 5 PM.)
Angel decided to turn her birthday celebration into a hug fundraiser for the 3rd Annual Queer Black Cinema International Film Festival 2010. “I wanted to start early with raising funds for the festival. This year, I would like to help filmmakers who are exhibiting their work to be in attending which can be very difficult if they live out of state or out of the country. We are the only Black LGBT Film Festival in New York City. If everyone support, there shouldn’t be any reason why this festival can be one of the most successful well attended festivals out there. If we don’t support our own images, you really can’t expect anyone else to” states, Angel L. Brown.
Back in December Angel attended a birthday party at Secret Lounge and had a blast! She enjoyed the music, the atmosphere and the excellent hospitality the promoter and his crew shown. Although Secret Lounge had prominently males in attendance, there was a nice group of ladies there as well. “Everyone was dancing to the music and having a wonderful time. The club is open to all LGBT and LGBT friendly people and had a great time and would attend any of Ron’s parties” states Angel L. Brown. Angel was introduced to Promoter Ron by Recording Artist, Jesse O. Jesse O will be in attending singing his version of “Happy B-day” to Angel.
The QBC Fundraiser is happening Friday, February 19 at Secret Lounge 525 West 29th Street (Btwn 10th & 11th Ave.) Doors open at 9:30 PM the exclusives festivities including musical performances starts at 10:15 PM. $5 before 12 AM but you must be on QBC guest list. RSVP via facebook or e-mail name at queerblackcinema@yahoo.com Subject: Party with a Cause!
ABOUT QUEER BLACK CINEMA
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Queer Black Cinema International Film Festival is a progressive socially conscious film festival that will bring you the best Black LGBTQ theme films from around the world. The four-day festival consists of not only groundbreaking films but also panel discussions with industry professionals and community leaders followed including a Black LGBTQ Film & Book Market.
QBC Int’l Film Festival is an entity of Queer Black Cinema, New York’s first and only Black LGBTQ monthly micro-cinema. Since the 2006 launch of the film series, the organization has expanded into several projects: QBC College Film Tour, Just|BE Black Gay Erotica 72 hour Poetry & Film Competition on HIV/AIDS prevention and awareness and Fades Of Black Women Film Showcase, honoring Black Lesbians Women. For more info on the project including volunteering, log on to: qbcfilmseries@yahoogroups.com | http://www.queerblackcinema.org
New York, NY (www.QBCNYC.org) – Queer Black Cinema’s (QBC), “Party With A Cause Fundraiser” which took place on February 19, 2009 was a night to remember! Funds went towards the 3rd Annual Queer Black Cinema International Film Festival 2010. Performances included Baron also known as B dot performing songs from his sophomore album, “Celebrity.” Newcomer, Eric Joppy also performs and R&B recording artist, Jesse O. The performances were hosted by award-winning radio personal, DJ Baker from Da Do Dirty Show (QNation.FM).
The evening started off with DJ Unknown spinning on the one’s and two’s getting the audience ready for outstanding performances. DJ Baker opens up the event with his charming charismatic personality. Baron then rocked the stage with hit song, “Party with b.” He then slowed it down with “Birds” off the same album. Baron surprised Angel L. Brown, QBC Founder and Executive Producer by asking her to join him on stage singing the chorus of the song. However, Angel did not disappoint the audience with her beautiful voice. “This is one of my favorite songs off the album [Celebrity]. I absolutely love this song so I figured why not hum the chorus. I had a blast!” states Angel L. Brown.
Eric Joppy then made his grand entrance with his rock stylish attire which included a golden masked, black leather pants and a button down checker shirt open for all to see his tone body. His voice defiantly matched his style – hot! The crowed went wild when he begins to whine and sing popular song, “Just Because”. “Both Eric and Baron killed it! I’m glad I came out to support QBC. What they are doing for the community is wonderful.” John Peterson – Audience member. The surprise of the night was Jesse O singing Happy Birthday to good friend and now colleague, Angel L. Brown. Jesse Afriyie (Jesse O) has joined the QBC team as Co-Producer/Consultant over the music department. Jesse is working on his sophomore album, which is set to hit stores in March/April 2010.
Guest included long time pioneer Male Illusionist, milDRED which will appears on QBC TV Network new show, “ONE on ONE with QBC” premiering summer 2010, Eric J Parker, founder of NYC Socialites, award-winning filmmaker, Veronique N. Doumbe, DOLL HOUSE founders Davone “Bosslady” Madison and partner Shaun Jackson including a host of Doll House women. The founders were recently featured in New York Daily Newsfor their emerging event business for women. Shorty Roc was also in attendance, which was scheduled to performed but arrived too late. Other guest included QBC new and old supporters plus more.
The night ended with QBC supporters, Secrets regulars and joint birthday party goers dancing the night away to the amazing talented, DJ Unknown. You can hear DJ Unknown every Friday at Secret Lounge and various other clubs throughout NYC along with promoter Ron. For more exclusive pictures of the fundraiser go to, www.QBCNYC.org
All funds raised from the party goes toward the 3rd Annual Queer Black Cinema International Film Festival 2010. The Film Festival will take place mid October 2010. Donations are now being accepted and sponsorship opportunities are available. For more information go to www.QBCNYC.org and contact: info@queerblackcinema.org Subject: Sponsorship.
QBC next event will take place Friday, March 19, 2010 screening award-winning film, “Butch Mystique” directed by Debra Wilson in honor of Women’s Month. Go to www.QBCNYC.org for updates. Advance ticket holders will have a chance to win a sign copy of Butch Mystique by director. The director will also take part in a live Q&A from Oakland California via Skype.
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About Queer Black Cinema®
Queer Black Cinema®(QBC) is New York’s first and Only Black LGBTQ monthly micro-cinema series and annual international film festival mission is dedicated to showcasing independent narrative and documentary works by and about U.S. and international progressive Black LGBTQ filmmakers. We are a socially conscious organization that uses films to create dialogue to address homophobia, alarming health issues and many others “taboo” issues relating to the Black LGBTQ experiences. We provide an online resource to Black LGBTQ theme films and their makers as well as support LGBTQ youth of color emerging producers. In-addition, we screen and promote all people of color artist trailers and original music. QBC film series takes place once a month at the LGBT Community Center and other locations throughout the New York Metropolitan area. All are welcome to attend regardless of their sexual orientation, race or gender. We aim to entertain, enlighten and educate through our niche programming. Queer Black Cinema uses MIX NYC Experimental Queer Film Festival, a 501 C3 Not-For-Profit Organization as their fiscal sponsor.
Thank you to all who supported QBC. Special thanks to Blondell and her assistant. CLICK HERE if you would like to donate to the 3rd Annual Queer Black Cinema International Film Festival 2010.
Less than a week, Nhojj’s song “LOVE” went from # 7 to #1 on the www.MTVmusic.com music chart. The song is also featured in the award winning film,” Blue Print” directed by Kirk Shannon-Butts. Kirk directed the music video and featured clips from his movie,” Blue Print.” QBC’s “QBC Musiq with a Q” Web/TV series has been following Nhojj for quit a few years. This year is proven to be a great success for Nhojj time and time again. Nhojj made history three times over; he became the first Black gay male artist to win at Out Music Awards. To heighten the momentum, Billboard.com and BET’s Centric TV wrote about the historical moment on their websites. All of Nhojj’s hard work is finally paying off at least in the eyes of the mainstream media. The LGBT community as a whole has always supported Nhojj. For more information about Nhojj, go to www.Nhojj.com.
Below is a QBC vintage clip of Nhojj performing at QBC VISIONS 2008 recorded by Steph via mobile phone.
Also, check out “FINDING ME” directed by Roger S. Omeus Jr . Nhojj music is not only featured in the film but he is in the film playing himself. INSIDE THE Q TV (a part of QBC TV Network) got a chance to catch up with Nhojj at the New York premiere of “Finding Me.” Check out the video below.“Finding Me” is available on www.TLAvideo.com. Be sure to mention QBC code: : FINDING” for a discount (if still available)! Look out for the sequel,“Finding Me TRUTH” featuring comer R&B sensation, Eric Joppy. Be sure to look out for Eric (QBC Musiq with a Q will!)He recently performed at QBC Party with a Cause Fundraiser.
SAVE THE DATE: Friday, March 19, 2010 QBC Film Series presents: Butch Mystique directed by Debra A. Wilson details at www.QBCNYC.org
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About Queer Black Cinema®
Queer Black Cinema®(QBC) is New York’s first and Only Black LGBTQ monthly micro-cinema series and annual international film festival mission is dedicated to showcasing independent narrative and documentary works by and about U.S. and international progressive Black LGBTQ filmmakers. We are a socially conscious organization that uses films to create dialogue to address homophobia, alarming health issues and many others “taboo” issues relating to the Black LGBTQ experiences. We provide an online resource to Black LGBTQ theme films and their makers as well as support LGBTQ youth of color emerging producers. In-addition, we screen and promote all people of color artist trailers and original music. QBC film series takes place once a month at the LGBT Community Center and other locations throughout the New York Metropolitan area. All are welcome to attend regardless of their sexual orientation, race or gender. We aim to entertain, enlighten and educate through our niche programming. Queer Black Cinema uses MIX NYC Experimental Queer Film Festival, a 501 C3 Not-For-Profit Organization as their fiscal sponsor.
or more info on the project including volunteering, log on to: qbcfilmseries@yahoogroups.com | http://www.queerblackcinema.org
Women’s rights and civil rights pioneer Dorothy Height, who was a central figure in gaining parity in voting rights, employment opportunities, and later, AIDS programs, died Tuesday. She was 98.
Height, marched, demonstrated, and strategized for equality with the men who were very well known for their contributions to the Civil Rights movement: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., James Farmer, John Lewis, A. Philip Randolph, Roy Wilkins, and Whitney Young. The New York Times says that among this “Big Six,” as they were known, she was “an unheralded seventh.”
According to reporter Karen Ocamb, Height also supported LGBT rights. In 1996 she lobbied Congress with then-Human Rights Campaign head Elizabeth Birch to get the first vote on the Employment Non-Discrimination Act. Just three decades earlier, Height was present at President John F. Kennedy’s signing of the Equal Pay Act, a landmark employment policy for women.
The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force’s executive director, Rea Carey, and deputy executive director, Darlene Nipper, relayed their sadness in a press release on Tuesday.
“A huge part of Dorothy Height’s legacy will be the grace with which she directed her power for the good of all people,” Nipper said. “As an African-American woman in the struggle for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender rights, I am so honored to have met her, witnessed her leadership and benefited from her extraordinary sacrifices.”
Said Sharon J. Lettman, executive director and CEO of the National Black Justice Coalition: “She took that quantum leap into eternity and we will be grateful to her forever. Instead of enumerating the 20 honorary degrees she received, including those from Princeton and Harvard, and her outstanding list of accomplishments that encompass and champion the history of progress in the 20th century until her final moment, we will pause to acknowledge the legend who wanted to be remembered as someone who used herself and anything she could touch to work for justice and freedom.”
Founder/Executive Producer of Queer Black Cinema International Film Festival, Angel L. Brown announces a new venture she and associates will launch starting June 1, 2010. “This is something I always wanted to do. I am excited to have the right associates on board to make my dream come true. Everything is falling right into place. I can’t wait to announce the big news. This is a great turning point for Queer Black Cinema and can only enhance our mission.” states Angel L. Brown
The conference will take place Thursday, May 13, 2010 at 7 PM. Limited invited press will be in attendance, all others will be able to view the conference live at: http://www.ustream.tv/channel/qbc-tv-live. Registered viewers will be able to ask questions as well in the chat room that will be periodically selected and answered.
For press inquiries contact press”@”queerblackcinema”.”org
The Cast & Crew of Anacostia TV Series@The QBC Int'l Film Fest '09 in NY
VOTE VOTE VOTE for ANACOSTIA TV Series produced by Anthony Anderson and the Southeast Boy Productions. ANACOSTIA the series follows the lives of four friends as they navigate through Love, Deceit, Betrayal, Sex and Death with a season finale left your mouths open. The 10 episode series will be filmed on location in several areas including Washington DC, Landover Maryland, Baltimore Maryland, Virginia and New York City.
Anacostia made it’s New York duet at the 2009 Queer Black Cinema International Film Festival. Anthony Anderson and the cast and crew was in attendance. Award-winning film, Anthony has won several awards including:
2009 Independent Soap Opera Award for Best Ensemble Cast In A Web Series
2010 Los Angeles Web Festival Award for:
Best Supporting Actor – Walter Maxfield Jones
Best Supporting Actress – Tia Dae
Best Theme Song – The Beat Makers of Jersey City
The cast and crew is up for another award and need our support once more. They are up for the 2010 DCTV Viewers Choice Award. Voting closes May 10th and the ceremony is May 17, 2010. Be sure to vote at http://www.dctvonline.tv/VCA_voting.asp
2010 QUEER BLACK CINEMA INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
ANNOUNCES CALL FOR ENTRIES NOW AVAILABLE
New York, NY– (May 2010) The 2010 Queer Black Cinema International Film Festival announces the call for entries for dramatic and documentary feature-length films, short films and web-based series. Submission forms are available for download at the official Queer Black Cinema Institute website www.queerblackcinema.org. The 2010 Queer Black Cinema International Film Festival will be held October 14-17 with screenings in New York, NY.
Deadlines to submit U.S. and International films for the 2010 Queer Black Cinema InternationalFilm Festival are:
June 15, 2010 – EARLY SUBMISSION DEADLINE
July 15, 2015 – FINAL DEADLINE (ALL FILMS)
Completed U.S. and international feature-length, short films and web-based films may be submitted and must arrive in the QBC Post Box by July 15, 2010 for consideration.
Queer Black Cinema International Film Festival accepts film/video submissions produced, written and/or directed by filmmakers both gay and straight of African descent in the U.S and internationally. Films must be LGBTQ themed, highlighting Black LGBTQ characters in leading roles and key supporting roles that are seen in non-stereotypical light, fore-fronting the significance of Black-on-Black LGBTQ relationships, preserve the culture and history through in-depth storytelling. More than half of the key crew positions must be filled by people who identify as a person of color on a daily basis.
All films submitted are eligible for the Audience Choice Award. Selected films are eligible for The Cheryl Dunye First Womyn Award – awarding two award-winning women filmmakers either for outstanding producing, screenwriting, editing and/or directing; The Isaac Julien Experimental Award – awarding a filmmaker with work that is creative out of the box experimental style of filmmaking and TheE Lynn Harris Living The Dream Literary Award given to a published out Black LGBTQ author.
All films are eligible for QBC film series year-round programming. Some works not officiallyselected for the Annual film festival may still be considered for QBC film series year-round programming.
The submission form and complete information regarding eligibility and entry rules for the 2010 Queer Black Cinema International Film Festival are available on the Festival website at www.festival.queerblackcinema.org and Queer Black Cinema Institute website at www.queerblackcinema.org. You may also e-mail questions to info@queerblackcinema.orgSubject: Festival 2010.
Queer Black Cinema International Film Festival
Founded by Angel L. Brown in 2007/8,Queer Black Cinema International Film Festival is a progressive socially conscious film festival that will bring you the best Black LGBTQ theme films from around the world. The Annual festival provide a platform for both gay and straight filmmakers of African descent an opportunity to display their film work about the Black LGBT experience. The four-day festival consists of not only groundbreaking films but also panel discussions and industry professional lead including a Black LGBTQ Film & Book Market. The Festival takes place mid October and plays a key role in the success of Queer Black Cinema Institute programming throughout the year. The official Website of the Queer Black Cinema International Film Festival is www.Festival.queerblackcinema.org
Queer Black Cinema Institute
Founded by Angel L. Brown in 2006, Queer Black Cinema Institute is the home of QBC, New York’s first and Only Black LGBTQ monthly micro-cinema series and annual international film festival. QBCI’s mission is dedicated to showcasing independent narrative and documentary works by and about U.S. and international progressive Black LGBTQ filmmakers. We are a socially conscious organization that uses films to create dialogue to address homophobia, alarming health issues and many others, “taboo” issues relating to the Black LGBTQ experiences. We provide an online resource to Black LGBTQ theme films and their makers as well as support LGBTQ youth of color emerging producers. In-addition, we screen and promote all people of color artist trailers and original music.
QBC film series takes place once a month/quartile at various locations throughout the New York Metropolitan area. The Annual four-day International Film Festival takes place at the National Black Theatre in Harlem Mid October. All are welcome to attend regardless of their sexual orientation, race or gender. We aim to entertain, enlighten and educate through our niche programming.
Queer Black Cinema Institute is now a hub for various projects since 2006: QBC College Film Tour (A traveling exhibition of Black queer short films creating an open dialogue about the Black LGBT experience), QBC Classics (re-introducing pioneer filmmakers and their film works that made an great impact on Black history), Just|BE (The Black Gay Erotica 72 hour Poetry & Film Competition on HIV/AIDS prevention & awareness), Fades Of Black Womyn Film Showcase (honoring Black Lesbians Womyn) and QBC TV Network (various original TV/web based shows – Musiq w/ a Q, INSIDE The Q, One on One w/QBC & QBC ReelTalk.)
For more info on the project including volunteering, log on to: qbcfilmseries@yahoogroups.com | http://www.queerblackcinema.org
What does Foxxjazell, Shorty Roc, Last Offense, and Nano Reyes have in common? A new music on Bossip.com. Foxxjazell is making headlines beyond the LGBT community with her new remix video, “Ride Or Die Boy” featuring hip-hop artist, Shorty Roc, Last Offense and Nano Reyes. Bossip meaning Black gossip, a predominantly “straight” viewership blog site is “the premier destination for African-American popular culture and entertainment, with a voice that’s edgy, viciously hilarious, politically aware-and completely unique. Aside from Bossip being as part of the Top Ten Blogger’s Roll: Yahoo! 2009 Year in Review and voted as the Best Hip-Hop Blog in 2008 by VH1 Hip-Hop Honors the blog site is also recognize in the New York Daily News, Time Magazine, Newsweek, Entertainment Weekly, LA Times, New York Times, Boston Globe, USA Today, Washington Post, VH1, TMZ, and more.”
Bossip staff writer posted the controversial “Ride or Die Boy” music video May 7, 2010 and literally, the video hits shot up from 200 views to over 7,500 views in less then 24 hours. Most of the comments were negative reactions to two dudes kissing each other. However, gay friendly and the LGBT community manage to keep up with the homophobic comments with positive support. The video appeared to be “normal” until the end when all of the male rappers kissed their male love interest in the music video. The kiss seems to be very sensual and pleasing. It was one of the most “real” kisses seen in a long time in a video. Remember the Michael Jackson Kiss with then wife, Lisa Precisely? How about the entire “I want to be a lesbian for a moment kiss” on some of the award shows? Well, you be the judge… view the video.
In the end, we all can agree that Hip-Hop as we know it will never be the same thanks to one bold person on bossip.com that had enough guts to post the video. Some say Bossip.com was making fun of the video. To describe the video they wrote,” The Gayest Video ever.” Well, one can argue that point. However from the heterosexual perspective in their eyes especially based on the comments, it is the “gayest” video they probably every seen. However, if Bossip.com were making fun of the video, wouldn’t it make sense to post it in the “Crazy Video” Section of their blog? The video was actually post it in the “Music Video” Section. Secondly, take a look at the tags, there is nothing homophobic in the tags: Gay, Gayest Video Ever, Music Videos, Video. Again, you be the judge.
Handclap goes to Bossip.com for posting the “Ride or Die boy” music video regardless if people comments were negative or positive. One can focus on the negative comments or one can see this as a platform to discuss homophobia in hip-hop and celebrate diversity. I look forward to seeing more hip-hop sites taking risk and posting video that reflect true life. The fact is, gay people, people who love the same gender has been around long before we all were thought of so deal with that truth.
Shorty Roc has been a long time supporter of Queer Black Cinema. Check out a video from a clipping of INSIDE THE Q below. For more music video’s and discussions, check out gay artist performance videos/music video’s that will be featured on Musiq with a Q, a part of the QBC TV Network originally show airing Summer of 2010.
ABOUT MUSIQ With A Q
Check out music video’s, interviews and discussion from and/about LGBT and gay friendly people of color artist. Listen to more indie artist at www.myspace.com/queerblackcinema . QBC Music Highlights coming soon! We are also looking for a host. So if you have what it takes, reach out to us at info@queerblackcinema.org Subject: Host See a description at www.queerblackcinema.org. Want to perform at QBC next event? Submit your music today at www.Festival.queerblackcinema.org
ABOUT BOSSIP.com
Bossip.com is the premier destination for African-American popular culture and entertainment, with a voice that’s edgy, viciously hilarious, politically aware–and completely unique.
Bossip draws a loyal following of young and influential trend setters who are up to date with what’s hot in society, and has been most recently mentioned by the following media outlets:
Top Ten Blogger’s Roll: Yahoo! 2009 Year in Review
“Bossip.com is leading the charge into the new digital era.” —Black Enterprise, November 2009
“Bossip is the most viciously hilarious gossip website on the internet.” —GQ Magazine, February 2008
Aside from Bossip being voted as the Best Hip-Hop Blog in 2008 by VH1 Hip-Hop Honors, other mentions include recognition in the New York Daily News, Time Magazine, Newsweek, Entertainment Weekly, LA Times, New York Times, Boston Globe, USA Today, Washington Post, VH1, TMZ, and more.
Lena Horne, who was the first black performer to be signed to a long-term contract by a major Hollywood studio and who went on to achieve international fame as a singer, died on Sunday night at New York-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center in New York. She was 92 and lived in Manhattan.
Her death was announced by her son-in-law, Kevin Buckley.
Ms. Horne might have become a major movie star, but she was born 50 years too early, and languished at MGM in the 1940s because of the color of her skin, although she was so light-skinned that, when she was a child, other black children had taunted her, accusing her of having a “white daddy.”
Ms. Horne was stuffed into one “all-star” musical after another — “Thousands Cheer” (1943), “Broadway Rhythm” (1944), “Two Girls and a Sailor” (1944), “Ziegfeld Follies” (1946), “Words and Music” (1948) — to sing a song or two that could easily be snipped from the movie when it played in the South, where the idea of an African-American performer in anything but a subservient role in a movie with an otherwise all-white cast was unthinkable.
“The only time I ever said a word to another actor who was white was Kathryn Grayson in a little segment of ‘Show Boat’ ” included in “Till the Clouds Roll By” (1946), a movie about the life of Jerome Kern, Ms. Horne said in an interview in 1990. In that sequence she played Julie, a mulatto forced to flee the showboat because she has married a white man.
But when MGM made “Show Boat” into a movie for the second time, in 1951, the role of Julie was given to a white actress, Ava Gardner, who did not do her own singing. (Ms. Horne was no longer under contract to MGM at the time, and according to James Gavin’s Horne biography, “Stormy Weather,” published last year, she was never seriously considered for the part.) And in 1947, when Ms. Horne herself married a white man — the prominent arranger, conductor and pianist Lennie Hayton, who was for many years both her musical director and MGM’s — the marriage took place in France and was kept secret for three years.
Ms. Horne’s first MGM movie was “Panama Hattie” (1942), in which she sang Cole Porter’s “Just One of Those Things.” Writing about that film years later, Pauline Kael called it “a sad disappointment, though Lena Horne is ravishing and when she sings you can forget the rest of the picture.”
Even before she came to Hollywood, Brooks Atkinson, the drama critic for The New York Times, noticed Ms. Horne in “Lew Leslie’s Blackbirds of 1939,” a Broadway revue that ran for nine performances. “A radiantly beautiful sepia girl,” he wrote, “who will be a winner when she has proper direction.”
She had proper direction in two all-black movie musicals, both made in 1943. Lent to 20th Century Fox for “Stormy Weather,” one of those show business musicals with almost no plot but lots of singing and dancing, Ms. Horne did both triumphantly, ending with the sultry, aching sadness of the title number, which would become one of her signature songs. In MGM’s “Cabin in the Sky,” the first film directed by Vincente Minnelli, she was the brazen, sexy handmaiden of the Devil. (One number she shot for that film, “Ain’t It the Truth,” which she sang while taking a bubble bath, was deleted before the film was released — not for racial reasons, as her stand-alone performances in other MGM musicals sometimes were, but because it was considered too risqué.)
In 1945 the critic and screenwriter Frank Nugent wrote in Liberty magazine that Ms. Horne was “the nation’s top Negro entertainer.” In addition to her MGM salary of $1,000 a week, she was earning $1,500 for every radio appearance and $6,500 a week when she played nightclubs. She was also popular with servicemen, white and black, during World War II, appearing more than a dozen times on the Army radio program “Command Performance.”
“The whole thing that made me a star was the war,” Ms. Horne said in the 1990 interview. “Of course the black guys couldn’t put Betty Grable’s picture in their footlockers. But they could put mine.”
Touring Army camps for the U.S.O., Ms. Horne was outspoken in her criticism of the way black soldiers were treated. “So the U.S.O. got mad,” she recalled. “And they said, ‘You’re not going to be allowed to go anyplace anymore under our auspices.’ So from then on I was labeled a bad little Red girl.”
Ms. Horne later claimed that for this and other reasons, including her friendship with leftists like Paul Robeson and W.E.B. DuBois, she was blacklisted and “unable to do films or television for the next seven years” after her tenure with MGM ended in 1950.
This was not quite true: as Mr. Gavin has documented, she appeared frequently on “Your Show of Shows” and other television shows in the 1950s, and in fact “found more acceptance” on television “than almost any other black performer.” And Mr. Gavin and others have suggested that there were other factors in addition to politics or race involved in her lack of film work
Although absent from the screen, she found success in nightclubs and on records. “Lena Horne at the Waldorf-Astoria,” recorded during a well-received eight-week run in 1957, reached the Top 10 and became the best-selling album by a female singer in RCA Victor’s history.
In the early 1960s Ms. Horne, always outspoken on the subject of civil rights, became increasingly active, participating in numerous marches and protests.
In 1969, she returned briefly to films, playing the love interest of a white actor, Richard Widmark, in “Death of a Gunfighter.”She was to act in only one other movie: In 1978 she played Glinda the Good Witch in “The Wiz,” the film version of the all-black Broadway musical based on “The Wizard of Oz.” But she never stopped singing.
She continued to record prolifically well into the 1990s, for RCA and other labels, notably United Artists and Blue Note. And she conquered Broadway in 1981 with a one-woman show, “Lena Horne: The Lady and Her Music,” which ran for 14 months and won both rave reviews and a Tony Award.
Ms. Horne’s voice was not particularly powerful, but it was extremely expressive. She reached her listeners emotionally by acting as well as singing the romantic standards like “The Man I Love” and “Moon River” that dominated her repertory. The person she always credited as her main influence was not another singer but a pianist and composer, Duke Ellington’s longtime associate Billy Strayhorn.
“I wasn’t born a singer,” she told Strayhorn’s biographer, David Hajdu. “I had to learn a lot. Billy rehearsed me. He stretched me vocally.” Strayhorn occasionally worked as her accompanist and, she said, “taught me the basics of music, because I didn’t know anything.”
Strayhorn was also, she said, “the only man I ever loved,” but Strayhorn was openly gay, and their close friendship never became a romance. “He was just everything that I wanted in a man,” she told Mr. Hajdu, “except he wasn’t interested in me sexually.”
Lena Calhoun Horne was born in Brooklyn on June 30, 1917. All four of her grandparents were industrious members of Brooklyn’s black middle class. Her paternal grandparents, Edwin and Cora Horne, were early members of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, and in October 1919, at the age of 2, Lena was the cover girl for the organization’s monthly bulletin.
By then the marriage of her parents, Edna and Teddy Horne, was in trouble. “She was spoiled and badly educated and he was fickle,” Ms. Horne’s daughter, Gail Lumet Buckley, wrote in her family history, “The Hornes.” By 1920 Teddy had left his job with the New York Department of Labor and fled to Seattle, and Edna had fled to a life on the stage in Harlem. Ms. Horne was raised by her paternal grandparents until her mother took her back four years later.
When she was 16, her mother abruptly pulled her out of school to audition for the dance chorus at the Cotton Club, the famous Harlem nightclub where the customers were white, the barely dressed dancers were light-skinned blacks, Duke Ellington was the star of the show and the proprietors were gangsters. A year after joining the Cotton Club chorus she made her Broadway debut, performing a voodoo dance in the short-lived show “Dance With Your Gods” in 1934.
At 19, Ms. Horne married the first man she had ever dated, 28-year-old Louis Jones, and became a conventional middle-class Pittsburgh wife. Her daughter Gail was born in 1937 and a son, Teddy, in 1940. The marriage ended soon afterward. Ms. Horne kept Gail, but Mr. Jones refused to give up Teddy, although he did allow the boy long visits with his mother.
In 1938, Ms. Horne starred in a quickie black musical film, “The Duke Is Tops,” for which she was never paid. Her return to movies was on a grander scale.
She had been singing at the Manhattan nightclub Café Society when the impresario Felix Young chose her to star at the Trocadero, a nightclub he was planning to open in Hollywood in the fall of 1941. In 1990, Ms. Horne reminisced: “My only friends were the group of New Yorkers who sort of stuck with their own group — like Vincente, Gene Kelly, Yip Harburg and Harold Arlen, and Richard Whorf — the sort of hip New Yorkers who allowed Paul Robeson and me in their houses.”
Since blacks were not allowed to live in Hollywood, “Felix Young, a white man, signed for the house as if he was going to rent it,” Ms. Horne said. “When the neighbors found out, Humphrey Bogart, who lived right across the street from me, raised hell with them for passing around a petition to get rid of me.” Bogart, she said, “sent word over to the house that if anybody bothered me, please let him know.”
Roger Edens, the composer and musical arranger who had been Judy Garland’s chief protector at MGM, had heard the elegant Ms. Horne sing at Café Society and also went to hear her at the Little Troc (the war had scaled Mr. Young’s ambitions down to a small club with a gambling den on the second floor). He insisted that Arthur Freed, the producer of MGM’s lavish musicals, listen to Ms. Horne sing. Then Freed insisted that Louis B. Mayer, who ran the studio, hear her, too. He did, and soon she had signed a seven-year contract with MGM.
The N.A.A.C.P. celebrated that contract as a weapon in its war to get better movie roles for black performers. Her father weighed in, too. In a 1997 PBS interview, she recalled: “My father said, ‘I can get a maid for my daughter. I don’t want her in the movies playing maids.’ ”
Ms. Horne is survived by her daughter, Gail Lumet Buckley. Her husband died in 1971; her son died of kidney failure the same year.
Looking back at the age of 80, Ms. Horne said: “My identity is very clear to me now. I am a black woman. I’m free. I no longer have to be a ‘credit.’ I don’t have to be a symbol to anybody; I don’t have to be a first to anybody. I don’t have to be an imitation of a white woman that Hollywood sort of hoped I’d become. I’m me, and I’m like nobody else.”
Our Stories Productions. LLC presents CINEMATIQ, a new quarterly publication created to bring readers a unique and distinct perspective on All Black images in cinema and beyond. CINEMATIQ Magazine will be the platform to highlight Black images in cinema. The publication will include how to article, articles on pre-production to distribution, interviews with both independent and mainstream filmmakers with a strong resource component. The sample issue of CINEMATIQ Magazine will be available for review free as a download online June 3, 2010 at www.cineMatiqmag.com.
New York, New York May 25, 2010–CINEMATIQ Magazine is the brainchild of the Founder/Executive Producer of Queer Black Cinema International Festival Angel L. Brown.In 2006, after seeing the lack of representation in various film series/festivals throughout New York City, Angel created Queer Black Cinema, a monthly micro-cinema screening Black LGBT themed films.
Two years later Angel single-handedly launched Queer Black Cinema International Festival, a four day Annual event screening the Best Black LGBT theme films from around the world. Submissions were open to both gay and straight filmmakers to submit stories of the Black LGBT experience. QBC Int’l Festival past line up includes QBC Int’l Festival past line up includes, Opening film, Mississippi Damned directed by Tina Mabry (Winner of Urban World Film Festival/ABFF), Truth Hall directed by Jade Jenise Dixon winner of 2008 QBC Int’l Festival for Best Feature which most recently aired on BET and Finding Me directed by Roger Omeus Jr picked up by TLA Releasing, one of the longest standing LGBT distribution companies in the US.
“Creating CineMatiq Magazine was a natural step for me. I had the idea in my head since the launch of QBC micro-cinema in 2006. It was a matter of time and experience learning the film business and becoming a leading resource/consultant of Black cinema. Launching CineMatiq was another way for me to give back to the community creating a platform in print, archiving film critique for people to discussion and debate for generations long after I leave this earth.” – Angel L. Brown
CINEMATIQ will be a quarterly publication available in print exclusively at www.cinematiqmag.com. It will feature indie and mainstream filmmakers on the cover. Content will include everything from film reviews to equipment suggestions and production advice columns.
Brown has traveled the world shooting and producing projects from London to South & East Africa and has been featured in several printed magazines including GO Magazine popular issue “100 Women We Love”, NYANSAPO, TimeOut NYC and many others.
About Our Stories Productions (www.ospfilms.com)
Our Stories Productions,LLC is an independent multi-media production company officially established in 2005. Our Stories Productions is dedicated to producing stories in search of truth and spirituality reflecting on and preserving people of African Diaspora history. We aim to enlighten and re-introducing experiences of the African Diaspora from a distinct, unconventional thought-provoking storytelling perspective, aiming to breakdown generations of silence, isms and stereotypes. www.ospfilms.com
2010 QBC International Film Festival announces 3rd annual film festival lineup!
New York, NY– (www.queerblackcinema.org) The 2010 Queer Black Cinema International Film Festival presented by Gay Men of African Descent announces 13 films from 3 countries to be screened over 3 days.
QBC International Film Festival, New York’s longest running Black lesbian and gay film festival in New York, is pleased to announce its 3rd Annual program lineup! This year’s festival runs from October 15th to October 17th at the historical Dr. Barbara Ann Teer’s National Black Theatre, 2031Fifth Avenue (bet. 125th & 126th Streets), New York, NY 10035-1503.
Each year QBC International Film Festival curator Angel L. Brown-Ross searches high and low to bring you the best films from around the world about the Black LGBT experience. The festival draws an eclectic group of people throughout New York Metropolitan area and surrounding states. All of the films have done well through the film festival circuit, winning numerous prestigious awards in both non/and LGBT- centered festivals. More than half of the films get picked up and distributed by major LGBT based distribution companies including networks such as Logo, MTV, and BET. This year’s festival includes 11 Harlem, New York Premieres. Queer Black Cinema is made possible with public funds from Astraea Lesbian Foundation. The QBC Int’l Film Festival is presented by Gay Men of African Descent and sponsored by Eggup.com, Our Stories Productions, Swerv Magazine, and Cinematiq Magazine.
Highlights of this year’s Festival include:
● Opening Night Feature, Children of God, directed by award-winning filmmaker Kareem Mortimer, featuring Van Brown, Johnny Ferro Mark Ford, Margaret Kemp and Stephen Tyrone Williams. With beautiful cinematography and stellar performances to match, film has won numerous national and international awards. Set in the beautiful backdrop of the Bahamas, the director takes us on a journey of uncommon portrayals of love, loneliness, tolerance, secrets, and self-acceptance, ending with a startling conclusion. The film is set to make its official theatrical release at the start of next year.
Billy and Aaron, ashort film directed by Rodney Evan, award-winning filmmaker of Brother to Brother featuring Anthony Mackie and Aunjanue Ellis, screens along side Children of God. Rodney keeps the Harlem Jazz movement fresh in your mind with a look at Billy Strayhorn’s, life, love and career as one of the most prominent musicians in world history.
● This year’s Centerpiece film is a double feature: O.W.L.S directed by and featuring Cheryl Dunye, along with Guinevere Turner, Lisa Gornick, Skyler Cooper, and Deak Evgenikos. The film made its world premiere at 60 Berlinale A Festival in Berlin, Germany. O.W.L.S stands for Older Wiser Lesbians, is a great film to watch with a group of friends you haven’t seen in a while. Hooters directed by Anna Margarita Albelo is a documentary (romp, comedy, anthropological investigation) about the making of Older, Wiser, Lesbian Cinema (OWLS)! Anna not only gives full insight about the making of OWLS, but also her true feelings about the highs and lows of making a collective piece with a group of mature women, and two men. Hear directly from the talented cast and crew including Campel X, Cheryl Dunye, and many others. Anna definitely has a hit on her hands. This is the first time both films will be screened as a double feature.
● The Short Cuts Film showcase is not to be missed. Five amazing films speak to the masses, hence telling our stories in truth:
Transcendental: The Adventures of Dicky and Clitti, Created by Zen & Shari Carpenter.
The creation story with a twist.
Realness, Directed by David Barclay Moore.
Tika was born female, but is becoming a man.
Finding Juliet, Directed Kanithea Powell.
Heartbroken and struggling to forget the image of her girlfriend (Akeya Young) cheating on her with an ex, Meeko Brown (Angelica Brooks) attempts to put the past behind her by setting out to find her one true love, her “Juliet.”
Anacostia, Directed by Anthony Anderson.
Anacostia, the series follows the lives of four friends as they navigate through Love, Deceit, Betrayal, Sex and Death with a season 2 premiere that will leave your mouths open.
Betrayal, Directed by Reggie Coleman.
Do you know who your true friends are? Keith and Francis are two close friends with a history, until Francis witnesses an unexpected event that tests the strength of their intimate bond.
● Saturday night ends with a soon-to-be hit TV series, Th3m by award-winning screenwriter Ty Green. Two episodes screen back-to-back to give you a feature-length story of seven sexy, dramatically diverse women on the verge of awakening to their personal daylight as they strive for success, acceptance, and understanding within, in a world driven by opportunity and fueled by the strength of one’s dreams and dedication. Before you hit the club, this is the film to get you all hyped-up to have a great party night.
● Parents of young adults/youth are sure to get a dose of reality with Closing film, Money Matters directed by award winning filmmaker Ryan Richman, produced by Sam Pollard, featuring Aunjanue Ellis, Terri Abney, and James Whalen. The short film Tracks, directed by Deana Williams, screens along with Money Matters. The narrative short goes inside the life of a homeless, teenage lesbian youth who experiences her first romantic relationship on one hand, while trying to be loved and accepted by her bible-preaching mom. In the end, true love puts everything into perspective.
New this year: QBC Producers series
This year, we add two panel discussions and 1 groundbreaking presentation for emerging and established independent producers. We also made it very affordable for all to attend the very informative discussions lead by industry-based moderators. $10 includes brunch, 2 panels and one presentation by Do It Yourself-Distribution Company, Eggup.com. The Reel Deal: Distribution Panel discussion moderated by Afu Kafi-Akua (Third World Newsreel distribution Consultant/Board Member, Senior Manager at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Professor and Activist) will moderate the discussion that will give you insight to what distribution companies are really looking for, indie vs mainstream, and preparing a distribution deal before producing the screenplay.
Discover opportunities you may have thought didn’t exist, but have for many years: Public Access Television. Find out how successful award-winning producers are getting their voices and stories to the masses via free public access television and the world –wide web. Producing just got a little easier with the help of your tax dollars. Our Stories, Our Voices: The New Wave in Television Panel discussion is moderated by Mike Dennis, CEO of ReelBlack TV. A free reception follows the open discussion, premiering the new season of various TV shows from our panelists.
Brunch (by invitation only)
QBC Institute will honor filmmakers of the 3rd Annual Queer Black Cinema International Film Festival with the following prestigious awards: The Cheryl Dunye First Lady Award – for Writing & Producing, The Isaac Julien Experimental Award – for Creative Out-of-the-Box Filmmaking, QBC INT’L FILM FEST CENTERPIECE FILM – for Outstanding Filmmaking, and two special awards that will be announced and included in the festival for the first time. The Audience Choice Award will be announced October 18th via press release on QBCNYC.org
QBC INT’L FILM FEST 2010 Key Festival Dates
Thursday, September 16th, online ticket sales begin at 12 AM.
Tuesday, October 12 QBC Int’l Film Fest Benefit Party at RF Lounge: 531 Hudson Street (bet. W. 10th St. & Charles), West Village, 6:00 PM.
Wednesday, October 13, online ticket sales end 11:45 PM.
Thursday, October 14, In-person ticket sales and registration begins; 6:00-8:00 PM.
Thursday, October 14th the Official Kick-off party at Harlem Lanes in associations with Way out Events.
Friday, October 15, In-person ticket sales and registration; 5 PM.
Friday, October 15th, Opening Night Red Carpet, 5:30 PM, followed by VIP Reception starting at 6:30 PM.
Saturday, October 16, In-person ticket sales; 10 AM – 9 :30 PM (30 minutes before each screening slot)
Saturday October 16th Saturday Night Festival dance party at Yatenga French Bistro & Bar.
See www.queerblackcinema.org/box-office.php for tickets, venue locations and updated press releases.
About Queer Black Cinema International Film Festival
Founded by Angel L. Brown in 2007/8,Queer Black Cinema International Film Festival is a progressive socially conscious film festival that will bring you the best Black LGBTQ theme films from around the world. The Annual festival provides a platform for both gay and straight filmmakers of African descent an opportunity to display their film work about the Black LGBT experience. The four-day festival consists of not only groundbreaking films but also panel discussions and industry professional leads including a Black LGBTQ Film & Book Market. The Festival takes place mid-October and plays a key role in the success of Queer Black Cinema Institute programming throughout the year. The official Website of the Queer Black Cinema International Film Festival is www.Festival.queerblackcinema.org
Queer Black Cinema Institute
Founded by Angel L. Brown in 2006, Queer Black Cinema Institute is the home of QBC, New York’s first and Only Black LGBTQ monthly micro-cinema series and annual international film festival. QBCI’s mission is dedicated to showcasing independent narrative and documentary works by and about U.S. and international progressive Black LGBTQ filmmakers. We are a socially conscious organization that uses films to create dialogue to address homophobia, alarming health issues and many other “taboo” issues relating to the Black LGBTQ experience. We provide an online resource to Black LGBTQ theme films and their makers as well as support LGBTQ youth of color emerging producers. In addition, we screen and promote artist trailers and original music of all people of color.
QBC film series takes place once a month/quartile at various locations throughout the New York Metropolitan area. The Annual four-day International Film Festival takes place at the National Black Theatre in Harlem mid-October. All are welcome to attend regardless of their sexual orientation, race or gender. We aim to entertain, enlighten and educate through our niche programming.
Queer Black Cinema Institute is now a hub for various projects since 2006: QBC College Film Tour (A traveling exhibition of Black queer short films creating an open dialogue about the Black LGBT experience), QBC Classics (re-introducing pioneer filmmakers and their film works that made an great impact on Black history), Just|BE (The Black Gay Erotica 72 hour Poetry & Film Competition on HIV/AIDS prevention & awareness), Fades Of Black Womyn Film Showcase (honoring Black Lesbian Womyn) and QBC TV Network (various original TV/web based shows – Musiq† w/ a Q, INSIDE The Q, One on One w/QBC & QBC ReelTalk.)
For more info on the project including volunteering, log on to: qbcfilmseries@yahoogroups.com | http://www.queerblackcinema.org
# # #
Stay in the know about QBC festival news:
QBC Int’l Film Festival on the Web at www.queerblackcinema.org.
Blog INSIDE THE Q: http://qbcfestival.wordpress.com.
Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/qbcfilmfest.
Facebook: Queer Black Cinema International Film Festival (NYC).
Queer Black Cinema is made possible with public funds from Astraea Lesbian Foundation. The QBC Int’l Film Festival is presented by Gay Men of African Descent and sponsored by Eggup.com, Our Stories Productions, Swerv Magazine and Cinematiq Magazine.
Filmmakers from the SHORT CUTS Showcase@ 2010 QBC Int'l Film Fest
For Immediate Release:
October 21, 2010
press@queerblackcinema.org
www.queerblackcinema.org
SKYPE: QueerBlackCinema
HARLEM, NEW YORK- (Inside The Q – October 21, 2010) – Presented by GMAD, Queer Black Cinema International Film Festival (QBCIFF) proudly presented over a dozen films about the Black LGBT experience from around the world. The three-day festival was held October 15- 17 at the historical Dr. Barabra Ann Teer’s National Black Theatre. The festival wrapped up on October 17 with short, ‘Tracks” directed by Deana Williams and award winning filmmaker, Ryan Richmond, “Money Matters” produced by Sam Pollard featuring Aunjanue Ellis, Terri Abney, and James Whalen. QBC Film Festival is the longest standing Black New York Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender & Queer (LGBTQ) Film festival dedicated to bringing you the best of Black LGBTQ theme films from around the world made by both straight and gay filmmakers of African Descent.
The 3rd Annual QBC Int’l Film Fest announced the awards for best Jury Awards categories along with festival highest honor awards; The Isaac Julien Experiential Award, The Michelle Parkerson Documentary Award, The Marlon Riggs Social Justice Award and the Harlem Renaissance Continuing the Legacy Award. All honorees will be featured in the premiere winter issue of Cinematiq Magazine, a new film magazine highlighting a unique and distinct perspective on Black images in Cinema and beyond.
“This year’s selection of award-winning films represents an eclectic artistic range that pushes the envelope of story telling across the board that addresses key issues in the Black community,” said Angel L. Brown-Ross, Festival Director/Producer. Queer Black Cinema International Film Festival is proud to honor these exceptional filmmakers:
Issac Julian avant-garde Award
Transcendental: The Adventures of Dicky and Clitti, Created by Zen & Shari
The Marlon Riggs Social Justice Award
Money Matters, Directed by Ryan Richmond
The Michelle Parkerson Doc Award
Realness, Directed by David Barclay Moore.
The Harlem Renaissance Continuing the Legacy Award
Billy and Aaron, directed by Rodney Evan,
Centerpiece
Hooters directed by Anna Margarita Albelo
Best Jury International Feature
Children of God directed by Kareem Mortimer
Best Jury Short Award
Tracks, directed by Deana Williams
Best Jury web/Tv Series
Anacostia, Directed by Anthony Anderson
Now in its 3rd year, Queer Black Cinema International Film Festival is the leading venue for the exhibition of Black LGBTQ theme cinema on the East Coast (outside of pride events). The stand alone festival takes place mid October Annually screening over a dozen films of the best films about the Black LGBT experience from around the world. This year the festival included the first Independent Producer Series presented by Eggup.com. Panelist included industry professional such as Executive Producer Ralph Scott of BET/Lens On Talent, Mike Dennis, CEO of Reel BlackTV and Afu Kafi-Akua, Senior Manager at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Panelist gave key incite on how the film & television industry work and the opportunities that exist for producers of color. “The series was a great success and will continued throughout the year. “My team and I look forward to producing series that help to mold the emerging and enlighten the establish filmmakers “ said, Angel L. Brown- Ross, Festival Director/producer.
Other highlights includes: Journalist, Michael Henry Adams honors QBC founder, Angel L. Brown with a letter of acknowledgement and historical representation for providing a platform about the Black LGBT experience in Harlem from New York State Senator Bill Perkins of district 30th District. QBC ReelTALK, an intimate discussion included host, Diedra Meredith, Executive Director of Out Music and Kareem Mortimer for Opening Night Film, “Children of God”; Skyler Cooper and Deak Evgenikos from Centerpiece/Double Feature films, “OWLS” directed by Cheryl Dunye and “Hooter” Director Anna Margarita Albelo and closing with Ryan Richmond director of “Money Matters.” For more information please visit: www.queerblackcinema.org
QBCIFF recognizes the generous support of: GMAD, ASTRAEA, EGGUP.com, SWERV Magazine, CINEMATIQ Magazine, Our Stories Productions
For 2010 festival wrap up including listing of films and film descriptions visit – www.queerblackcinema.org
Festival founded by Angel L. Brown-Ross
For more information, please contact
Media Contacts:
press@queerblackcinema.org
About Queer Black Cinema International Film Festival
Founded by Angel L. Brown in 2007/8,Queer Black Cinema International Film Festival is a progressive socially conscious film festival that will bring you the best Black LGBTQ theme films from around the world. The Annual festival provides a platform for both gay and straight filmmakers of African descent an opportunity to display their film work about the Black LGBT experience. The four-day festival consists of not only groundbreaking films but also panel discussions and industry professional leads including a Black LGBTQ Film & Book Market. The Festival takes place mid-October and plays a key role in the success of Queer Black Cinema Institute programming throughout the year. The official Website of the Queer Black Cinema International Film Festival is www.Festival.queerblackcinema.org
Queer Black Cinema Institute
Founded by Angel L. Brown in 2006, Queer Black Cinema Institute is the home of QBC, New York’s first and Only Black LGBTQ monthly micro-cinema series and annual international film festival. QBCI’s mission is dedicated to showcasing independent narrative and documentary works by and about U.S. and international progressive Black LGBTQ filmmakers. We are a socially conscious organization that uses films to create dialogue to address homophobia, alarming health issues and many other “taboo” issues relating to the Black LGBTQ experience. We provide an online resource to Black LGBTQ theme films and their makers as well as support LGBTQ youth of color emerging producers. In addition, we screen and promote artist trailers and original music of all people of color.
QBC film series takes place once a month/quartile at various locations throughout the New York Metropolitan area. The Annual four-day International Film Festival takes place at the National Black Theatre in Harlem mid-October. All are welcome to attend regardless of their sexual orientation, race or gender. We aim to entertain, enlighten and educate through our niche programming.
Queer Black Cinema Institute is now a hub for various projects since 2006: QBC College Film Tour (A traveling exhibition of Black queer short films creating an open dialogue about the Black LGBT experience), QBC Classics (re-introducing pioneer filmmakers and their film works that made an great impact on Black history), Just|BE (The Black Gay Erotica 72 hour Poetry & Film Competition on HIV/AIDS prevention & awareness), Fades Of Black Womyn Film Showcase (honoring Black Lesbian Womyn) and QBC TV Network (various original TV/web based shows – Musiq w/ a Q, INSIDE The Q, One on One w/QBC & QBC ReelTalk.)
Selected shorts images from the SHORT CUTS SHOWCASE
New York, NY (INSIDE THE Q! – December 2, 2010) Queer Black Cinema returns to it’s roots screening, “The Best Of QBC Int’l Film Festival 2010 showcase.” The screening will take place Wednesday, October 15, 2010 at the South Oxford Space 138 S. Oxford Street Brooklyn, NY. Selected shorts from the SHORT CUTS SHOWCASE includes: the fastest hit series on the net and award winning series, “Anacostia”, this year’s winner of The Isaac Julien Experiential Award, “Transcendental” and the hysterical witty short, “Finding Juliet.” The showcase was screened this past October at the 3rd Annual QBC International Film Festival is set to highlight the evening along bonus film, “TH3M.” Tickets are $10 online (includes raffle) /$13 at the door. For film description and more information go to www.queerblackcinema.org
Nearly 5 years ago, founder/Producer Angel L. Brown- Ross launched Queer Black Cinema, NY’s Only Black LGBT theme monthly micro cinema (renamed Queer Black Cinema Institute) at the Audre Lorde Center (Brooklyn location.) The day the series premiered, the room was filled with every LGBT Network from Logo to Q Network and a crowed of anxious audience members eagerly wanted to see the long awaited series begin it’s first showcase. Angel was scared and nervous the series wouldn’t go over so well. “I reached out to many people in the community to help, most didn’t want to get involved so early on but some did and I am thankful for all who took a risked and supported my vision from day one” – Angel L. Brown-Ross. Although the series is not taking place at the Audre Lorde Center, it is taking place at the community supported, South Oxford Space just across from the original venue it started at.
The evening with be filled with complimentary wine in celebration of a new era for QBC, lot’s of picture taking for a special QBC Anniversary project , socializing and of course films you all will love and enjoy. Advance ticket holders will receive a complimentary raffle ticket. Raffle prizes includes: “Finding Juliet” DVD courtesy of Qwest Films and a QBC Int’l Film Festival Limited Edition Festival bag. Additional raffle tickets will be sold at the event. All funds raised goes toward the QBC 5 Anniversary year long programming. Donations are also accepted at www.queerblackcinema.org
Harlem Stage brings the national debate about Marriage Equality for same-sex couples to Harlem with the world premiere of award-winning filmmaker Thomas Allen Harris‘ new documentary short, “Marriage Equality: Byron Rushing and the Fight for Fairness.”
About the Film
This pioneering film documents how State Representative Byron Rushing, a straight
LGBT civil rights ally, fought successfully for same-sex marriage in Massachusetts. The film provides an in depth look at the issue of Marriage Equality from the perspective of communities of color.
Following the screening, Washington Post Editorial writer and MSNBC contributor, Jonathan Capehart, will moderate a community dialogue, featuring a distinguishedpanel and YOU, the Harlem Community. Join, Alfonso David, Deputy Secretary of CivilRights for Gov. Cuomo, Rev. Irene Monroe, Cathy Marino-Thomas, Marriage Equality New York, advocate David Wilson and others for the largest discussion of same-sex marriage and people of color in thecountry.
Commissioned by Tribeca Film Institute’s Tribeca All Access program in collaboration with 46664 and the Nelson Mandela Foundation, this pioneering film documents how State Representative Byron Rushing, a straight LGBT Civil Rights ally, fought successfully for Same-Sex Marriage in Massachusetts with the aid of his LGBT people of color constituents.
Against a backdrop of scare-mongering and hate, the film, directed by Kareem J. Mortimer, introduces Jonny (Johnny Ferro), a creatively-blocked art student struggling with an obsessive-compulsive disorder that sees him cringe away from any human touch; Romeo (Stephen Tyrone Williams) a young man struggling with his obligations towards his family and his band; and the devoutly religious Lena Mackey (Margaret Laurena Kemp) an anti-gay activist whose hypocritical preacher husband has just given her a sexually-transmitted disease. On the Bahamian island of Eleuthera, these three people’s paths collide, with life-changing results.
In honor OF QUEER BLACK CINEMA ‘s 5th Anniversary, we are giving away a few tickets!
LIKE the Queer Black Cinema page on facebook to learn how you can win a pair of tickets.
ABOUT QUEER BLACK CINEMA
Queer Black Cinema International Film Festival, created by Angel L. Brown-Ross in 2008 is an Avant-garde film festival that will bring you the best films about the Black LGBT experience from around the world. The three-day festival consists of showcasing the work of both gay and straight award-winning filmmakers of African descent ground-breaking films. The festival also includes industry base panel discussions and workshops, great networking social events and parties, closing with a prestigious Award ceremony, honoring officially selected film makers.
The mission of the festival is to provide a platform for both gay and straight filmmakers of African Descent to present their work about the Black LGBT experience from around the world. We aim to provide solid networking opportunities connecting major resource organizations, major industry professionals with the indie artist. We aim to enlighten, educate and entertain our audience with socially conscious films while providing an open forum for the community both gay and straight to discuss various issues dealing with the Black community and beyond in a safe environment.
QBC Int’l Film Festival is an entity of Queer Black Cinema Institute(formerly QBC Film Series, New York’s first and only Black LGBTQ monthly micro-cinema.) Since the 2006 launch of the film series, the organization has expanded into several projects created by Angel L. Brown-Ross now under the umbrella of Queer Black Cinema Institute: QBC College Film Tour, Just|BE: The Black Gay Erotica 72 hour Poetry & Film Competition on HIV/AIDS prevention/ awareness and Fades Of Black Women Film Showcase; honoring Black Lesbians Women Filmmakers. For more info on the project including volunteering, interning or donating log on to: qbcfilmseries@yahoogroups.com | www.queerblackcinema.org | www.twitter.com/qbcfilmfest | www.youtube.com/QBCTV | facebook (new)
This project is fiscally operated under MIX Queer Experimental Film Festival, 501 c3 non-profit organization with financial support from Astraea Lesbian Foundation, Gay Men of African Descent, QBC advance ticket holder audience members and supporters like you!
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LGBT theme films? Me too! Check Angel L. Brown, founder and director of Queer Black Cinema a the Out Fusion Film Festival curated by Cheryl Dunye in Los Angeles March 6 and 7th. Come hear her speak on a panel or just stop by QBC table. Want to volunteer? E-mail info@queerblackcinema.org for more information.
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