Tag Archives: Urbanworld Film Festival

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Egypt Sherrod & Terri J. Vaughn Explain ‘Life, Love, Soul’

Stars of the indie film share their personal connection to script and advice for expectant mothers on the job

Egypt Sherrod & Terri J. Vaughn dish on Life, Love, Soul, an indie film on…

By Starrene Rhett

Posted: March 20, 2012 Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,
Mary Mary shares gospel truth with host Marc Lamont Hill. (Photo courtesy Columbia Records)

Preview Our World: Gospel Stars Mary Mary

Also: the state of independent film and Black filmmakers

Host Marc Lamont Hill sits down with Mary Mary, then discusses the state of Black…

By BlackEnterprise.com

Posted: December 23, 2011 Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
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Writer Nelson George Documents the Brooklyn Renaissance Movement

The noted scribe explores the cultural impact of his Brooklyn, NY neighborhood in new film

With Brooklyn Boheme, writer Nelson George documents the creative energy and public figures of note…

By Tomika Anderson

Posted: October 6, 2011 Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Mooz-Lum director Qasim Basir steps from behind the camera and into the spotlight (Press) A lot goes into making an independent movie. Beyond securing budgets (or the lack thereof), talent and equipment, it takes a lot of patience and perseverance to actually see a screenplay go from just words on a page to a finished reel. Still, the best most indie filmmakers can hope for are a few screenings on the film fest circuit and critical acclaim, but that wasn’t enough for writer/director Qasim “Q” Basir. Not only did Basir get to complete his first feature film, Mooz-Lum, but the 30-year-old Michigan native secured an all-star cast—including Nia Long, Danny Glover, Evan Ross, Roger Guenveur Smith and Dorian Missick—and a direct distribution deal with AMC Theatres for his independent picture. Promoted primarily through social media and word of mouth, Mooz-Lum, which took home Best Narrative Feature honors at last year’s Urbanworld Film Festival, garnered so much public support that Eventful reached out to Basir about distributing the film along with AMC, which is virtually unheard of for a non-mainstream project and a first-time feature director. “Eventful has worked with films that have been part of a studio and AMC has too,” Basir explains. “But there hasn’t been an independent film that’s had Eventful.com as a primary marketing partner and literally we open in the top 10 cities that demand the film.” Thanks to this groundbreaking distribution deal, Mooz-Lum, which tells the coming of age story of a young Muslim American man trying to find a balance between his faith and the secular world, opens today (February 11) in limited release. In the midst of drumming up moviegoer turnout for opening weekend, Basir sat down with BLACKENTERPRISE.COM to share tips for aspiring filmmakers looking to get their film on the silver screen. —Anslem Samuel

5 Keys to Success for Independent Filmmakers

Writer/director behind the critically acclaimed film Mooz-Lum tells you how to make movies by any means necessary

<em>Mooz-Lum director Qasim Basir steps from behind the camera and into the spotlight (Press)</em> <ul>…

By Anslem Samuel

Posted: February 11, 2011 Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Long and Basir between takes (Press)

Nia Long Reshapes Image of Muslim Women in Indie Film

The veteran actress shows her dramatic range and aims to break down stereotypes in the process

The veteran actress shows her dramatic range and aims to break down stereotypes in the…

By Anslem Samuel

Posted: February 9, 2011 Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
DuVernay with I Will Follow star Salli Richardson-Whitfield (Marcia Wade Talbert)

Filmmaker Takes AFFRM-ative Action to Promote Black Cinema

Ava DuVernay unites black film festivals to encourage national releases of more movies for us and by us

DuVernay with I Will Follow star Salli Richardson-Whitfield (Marcia Wade Talbert)
Ava DuVernay has accomplished three…

By Marcia Wade Talbert

Posted: February 4, 2011 Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Mooz-lum to Address Muslim-American Identity Post-9/11

Actors Nia Long and Evan Ross tackle anti-Islam sentiments in award-winning project

Nia's long overdue return to the silver screen
Although it’s been more than nine years…

By Anslem Samuel

Posted: December 15, 2010 Tags: , , , , , , , ,

WATCH: Actor Jamie Hector on Film Roles, Philanthropy

Star talks character, inspiration in Urbanworld festival feature, Night Catches Us

Actor Jamie Hector sat down with BlackEnterprise.com to talk about his latest role, his best…

By BlackEnterprise.com

Posted: September 20, 2010 Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

WATCH: Urbanworld Film Festival Draws Top Black Talent

Founder seeks to give minority directors prominent voice

On the opening night of the Urban World Film Festival, BET host Free, far left,…

By Marcia Wade Talbert

Posted: September 20, 2010 Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,

Kerry Washington Shines at Urbanworld Film Festival

Actress talks "breathtaking" roles and best money advice

Actress Kerry Washington discusses the Urbanworld Film Festival, the best money advice she’s received, and…

By Janell Hazelwood

Posted: September 17, 2010 Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,