The American Black Film Festival (ABFF) has set its lineup of narrative and documentary features for its 28th edition, including Jussie Smollett’s return to acting in “The Lost Holliday,” filmmaker Christine Swanson’s latest drama “Albany Road” and the acclaimed Luther Vandross doc “Never Too Much.”
This year’s festival takes place June 12-16 in Miami Beach, Fla., followed by a virtual segment June 17-24 on ABFF Play. Winners of film festival competition will be announced on June 15, during the “Best of ABFF Awards” hosted by Emmy-nominee Dondré Whitfield.
The 2024 narrative lineup includes “Albany Road,” directed and written by Swanson, starring Renée Elise Goldsberry, Lynn Whitfield and J. Alphonse Nicholson; “The Lost Holliday” directed by, co-written and starring Smollett alongside Vivica A. Fox, produced by Mona Scott-Young; “The Waterboyz,” directed by Coke Daniels and produced by Ben Crump, starring Akil McDowell, Alani “La La” Anthony and Quavo; and “Black Heat,...
This year’s festival takes place June 12-16 in Miami Beach, Fla., followed by a virtual segment June 17-24 on ABFF Play. Winners of film festival competition will be announced on June 15, during the “Best of ABFF Awards” hosted by Emmy-nominee Dondré Whitfield.
The 2024 narrative lineup includes “Albany Road,” directed and written by Swanson, starring Renée Elise Goldsberry, Lynn Whitfield and J. Alphonse Nicholson; “The Lost Holliday” directed by, co-written and starring Smollett alongside Vivica A. Fox, produced by Mona Scott-Young; “The Waterboyz,” directed by Coke Daniels and produced by Ben Crump, starring Akil McDowell, Alani “La La” Anthony and Quavo; and “Black Heat,...
- 4/24/2024
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Miriam Silverman (The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel), newcomer Emily Arancio, Nestor Carbonell (The Morning Show), and Holland Taylor (The Chair) have been set to star in Motherland, an indie drama from MPI Original Films that has entered production in New York under an interim agreement.
Silverman leads the cast as Cora, who forms a protective bond with her estranged daughter Zinnia (Arancio) in an alternate present society where parents are forbidden from knowing or raising their children. Evan Matthews (The Teleios Act) is directing from a script by Nicole Swinford. Summer Crockett Moore, Tony Glazer, Lana Link, and Rob Pfaltzgraff are producing alongside executive producer Nick Reid.
Silverman is coming off Tony and Drama Desk Award wins for her turn on Broadway in The Sign in Sidney Brustein’s Window, opposite Oscar Isaac and Rachel Brosnahan. Recently seen on the film side in Bleecker Street’s true-life veteran thriller Breaking with John Boyega,...
Silverman leads the cast as Cora, who forms a protective bond with her estranged daughter Zinnia (Arancio) in an alternate present society where parents are forbidden from knowing or raising their children. Evan Matthews (The Teleios Act) is directing from a script by Nicole Swinford. Summer Crockett Moore, Tony Glazer, Lana Link, and Rob Pfaltzgraff are producing alongside executive producer Nick Reid.
Silverman is coming off Tony and Drama Desk Award wins for her turn on Broadway in The Sign in Sidney Brustein’s Window, opposite Oscar Isaac and Rachel Brosnahan. Recently seen on the film side in Bleecker Street’s true-life veteran thriller Breaking with John Boyega,...
- 11/7/2023
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Vertical has secured North American rights to the MPI Original Film Pinball: The Man Who Saved the Game, starring BAFTA- and Tony Award-nominated West Side Story breakout Mike Faist and Teen Wolf‘s Crystal Reed, slating it for a day-and-date release on March 17, 2023.
The film based on a true story centers on Roger Sharpe (Faist), a GQ journalist and real-life pinball wizard who, in 1976, helped overturn New York City’s 35-year ban on pinball.
An unsettled writer with a fantastic mustache, Sharpe finds solace and confidence in the one thing he has mastered: pinball. When a police raid destroys the only machines he can find in 1970s New York City, he learns the game is illegal in the state. Roger then reluctantly joins forces with the Music and Amusement Association to overturn the ban while falling in love with Ellen (Reed), an artist and single mother. Roger’s path...
The film based on a true story centers on Roger Sharpe (Faist), a GQ journalist and real-life pinball wizard who, in 1976, helped overturn New York City’s 35-year ban on pinball.
An unsettled writer with a fantastic mustache, Sharpe finds solace and confidence in the one thing he has mastered: pinball. When a police raid destroys the only machines he can find in 1970s New York City, he learns the game is illegal in the state. Roger then reluctantly joins forces with the Music and Amusement Association to overturn the ban while falling in love with Ellen (Reed), an artist and single mother. Roger’s path...
- 12/19/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: MPI Original Films and BET have added to the cast of their feature Kemba, inspired by the life of criminal justice reform advocate Kemba Smith, with Michelle Hurd (Star Trek: Picard), Sean Patrick Thomas (Till), Siddiq Saunderson (Wu-Tang: An American Saga) and June Carryl (Helstrom) signing on for roles. Nesta Cooper will lead the cast of the film directed by Kelley Kali, which is currently shooting in Atlanta, as previously announced.
The upcoming film follows Kemba (Cooper) as a young college student who falls in love with a man, only to learn he is a drug kingpin who leads her down a path of abuse and manipulation, placing her in the middle of the government’s “war on drugs,” and ultimately landing her in federal prison. While Hurd and Thomas will play Kemba’s loving parents Odessa and Gus, details as to Saunderson and Carryl’s roles haven’t been disclosed.
The upcoming film follows Kemba (Cooper) as a young college student who falls in love with a man, only to learn he is a drug kingpin who leads her down a path of abuse and manipulation, placing her in the middle of the government’s “war on drugs,” and ultimately landing her in federal prison. While Hurd and Thomas will play Kemba’s loving parents Odessa and Gus, details as to Saunderson and Carryl’s roles haven’t been disclosed.
- 11/4/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Sophia Bush (Good Sam) and Jeremie Harris (Fargo) will star alongside Simona Brown in MPI Original Films’ drama Freedom Hair from Oscar nominee Dianne Houston, which is currently in production in Atlanta.
The film written and directed by Houston and produced by MPI is based on the true story of Melony Armstrong (Brown), a determined mother who sets out to start a natural hair braiding business to achieve financial independence, but must overcome unexpected obstacles imposed by a powerful cosmetology cartel and the state of Mississippi. Melony’s efforts led to thousands of African American women in Mississippi following in her footsteps and realizing their own entrepreneurial dreams.
Bush will play the lawyer Dana, who helps Melony in her fight, with Harris as Melony’s loving husband, Kevin. Stacey Parks, Lana Link, and Rob Pfaltzgraff are producing, with Armstrong, Kim Coleman and Nick Reid exec producing. Bush is represented by CAA,...
The film written and directed by Houston and produced by MPI is based on the true story of Melony Armstrong (Brown), a determined mother who sets out to start a natural hair braiding business to achieve financial independence, but must overcome unexpected obstacles imposed by a powerful cosmetology cartel and the state of Mississippi. Melony’s efforts led to thousands of African American women in Mississippi following in her footsteps and realizing their own entrepreneurial dreams.
Bush will play the lawyer Dana, who helps Melony in her fight, with Harris as Melony’s loving husband, Kevin. Stacey Parks, Lana Link, and Rob Pfaltzgraff are producing, with Armstrong, Kim Coleman and Nick Reid exec producing. Bush is represented by CAA,...
- 10/14/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Nesta Cooper (See) has signed on to star in the feature-length drama Kemba, inspired by the life of criminal justice reform advocate Kemba Smith, which Kelley Kali (I’m Fine (Thanks for Asking)) is directing for MPI Original Films and BET.
Kemba picks up with its title character (played by Cooper) as a college student, as she falls in love with a man, only to learn he is a drug kingpin who leads her down a path of abuse and manipulation, placing her in the middle of the government’s “war on drugs,” and ultimately landing her in federal prison. The film will focus on themes paramount in today’s national conversations, including institutional racism, racial inequality and the vital need for criminal justice and prison reform — having its television premiere on BET, with additional launch and distribution plans to be announced at a later date.
MPI’s Stacey Parks,...
Kemba picks up with its title character (played by Cooper) as a college student, as she falls in love with a man, only to learn he is a drug kingpin who leads her down a path of abuse and manipulation, placing her in the middle of the government’s “war on drugs,” and ultimately landing her in federal prison. The film will focus on themes paramount in today’s national conversations, including institutional racism, racial inequality and the vital need for criminal justice and prison reform — having its television premiere on BET, with additional launch and distribution plans to be announced at a later date.
MPI’s Stacey Parks,...
- 9/16/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: MPI Original Films has acquired film and TV rights to William Forstchen’s bestselling John Matherson Trilogy, consisting of the books One Second After, One Year After and The Final Day, for series development with Michael J. Straczynski attached to write the pilot. MPI will co-produce with Vince Gerardis’ Startling Inc. (Game of Thrones).
The potential series is described as an emotionally poignant and terrifyingly real story of America’s immediate and devastating return to a pre-technological dark age in the wake of a terrorist attack.
Set in the hills of North Carolina, college professor and former military officer John Matherson must fight to preserve the lives of his family and neighbors in the wake of an electromagnetic pulse (Emp) attack. In just one second the US is completely incapacitated, thousands are killed, and millions are stranded. Planes fall from the sky, electricity goes out everywhere, supply lines collapse,...
The potential series is described as an emotionally poignant and terrifyingly real story of America’s immediate and devastating return to a pre-technological dark age in the wake of a terrorist attack.
Set in the hills of North Carolina, college professor and former military officer John Matherson must fight to preserve the lives of his family and neighbors in the wake of an electromagnetic pulse (Emp) attack. In just one second the US is completely incapacitated, thousands are killed, and millions are stranded. Planes fall from the sky, electricity goes out everywhere, supply lines collapse,...
- 11/23/2021
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Gia Sandhu (The Mysterious Benedict Society) has signed on to executive produce and star in Alterations, the first feature from writer-director Sean Wainsteim.
In the film, a woman and a non-verbal girl serving as live-in caregivers are invited to stay in a house where their every desire is fulfilled, as long as they mend mysterious clothing for fairytale creatures.
Sandhu will play Leila, the woman traveling with rebellious 12-year-old Nadia and a suitcase of her belongings, who is desperate for a safe place to call home. When she finds a situation that seems too good to be true, she’s willing to ignore some… odd occurrences and make the best of things. As she starts to uncover her role in a larger narrative, Leila is forced to balance her time with Nadia with explorations into her own power, creativity and ability to change.
Rosemary Dunsmore, John Stocker and Shazdeh Kapadia...
In the film, a woman and a non-verbal girl serving as live-in caregivers are invited to stay in a house where their every desire is fulfilled, as long as they mend mysterious clothing for fairytale creatures.
Sandhu will play Leila, the woman traveling with rebellious 12-year-old Nadia and a suitcase of her belongings, who is desperate for a safe place to call home. When she finds a situation that seems too good to be true, she’s willing to ignore some… odd occurrences and make the best of things. As she starts to uncover her role in a larger narrative, Leila is forced to balance her time with Nadia with explorations into her own power, creativity and ability to change.
Rosemary Dunsmore, John Stocker and Shazdeh Kapadia...
- 10/20/2021
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Joel Courtney and Crystal Reed have signed on to star in Pinball: The Man Who Saved the Game for MPI Original Films.
The dramatic comedy produced by MPI is based on the true story of writer and pinball wizard Roger Sharpe, chronicling his journey to overturn New York City’s 35-year ban on pinball.
Austin and Meredith Bragg wrote and directed the film, which heads into production in October.
Stacey Parks, Lana Link, and Rob Pfaltzgraff will produce, with Nick Reid and Roger Sharpe on board as exec producers.
“Joel and Crystal bring so much remarkable talent and warmth to the project,” said The Bragg Brothers. “We’re thrilled to have them on board to bring Roger’s story to the screen.”
Courtney is currently in production on the Netflix film Players, starring alongside Damon Wayans Jr. and Gina Rodriguez. He...
The dramatic comedy produced by MPI is based on the true story of writer and pinball wizard Roger Sharpe, chronicling his journey to overturn New York City’s 35-year ban on pinball.
Austin and Meredith Bragg wrote and directed the film, which heads into production in October.
Stacey Parks, Lana Link, and Rob Pfaltzgraff will produce, with Nick Reid and Roger Sharpe on board as exec producers.
“Joel and Crystal bring so much remarkable talent and warmth to the project,” said The Bragg Brothers. “We’re thrilled to have them on board to bring Roger’s story to the screen.”
Courtney is currently in production on the Netflix film Players, starring alongside Damon Wayans Jr. and Gina Rodriguez. He...
- 7/28/2021
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Bvlgari and Tribeca Studios have recruited Oscar-nominee Cynthia Erivo to host its Female Trailblazers Series focused on highlighting resilient and extraordinary women through short films.
On Monday, the singer-actress will host virtual panels for two films, Lot 448 and Ezinma. The series, which starts at 6 p.m. Et, will kick off with Bella Monticelli’s Lot 448. Monticelli’s short work follows an art activist as she attempts to stop a rare artifact from falling into corrupt hands.
Ezinma, from Alison Chernick, follows a violinist who is revolutionizing the world of classical music. The titular character takes her rigorous classical training and transforms it into a fresh, radical and intersectional genre of her own, gaining the recognition of notable artists including Beyoncé.
The two films are among the six titles produced across Bvlgari’s three-year partnership with Tribeca Studios and the final to premiere in association with Tribeca Film Festival. The complete...
On Monday, the singer-actress will host virtual panels for two films, Lot 448 and Ezinma. The series, which starts at 6 p.m. Et, will kick off with Bella Monticelli’s Lot 448. Monticelli’s short work follows an art activist as she attempts to stop a rare artifact from falling into corrupt hands.
Ezinma, from Alison Chernick, follows a violinist who is revolutionizing the world of classical music. The titular character takes her rigorous classical training and transforms it into a fresh, radical and intersectional genre of her own, gaining the recognition of notable artists including Beyoncé.
The two films are among the six titles produced across Bvlgari’s three-year partnership with Tribeca Studios and the final to premiere in association with Tribeca Film Festival. The complete...
- 1/28/2021
- by Alexandra Del Rosario and Amanda N'Duka
- Deadline Film + TV
Dianne Houston, an Oscar nominee for her 1995 short Tuesday Morning Ride and the first and, so far, only Black woman to be Oscar nominated for a work she directed, has been tapped to write and direct the Moving Picture Institute original film The Melony Armstrong Story.
The film is based on the inspiring, true story of Melony Armstrong, a mother who works at a shelter for battered women and decides to start a natural hair braiding business to achieve financial independence for herself and others. But to do so she must overcome unexpected obstacles imposed by a powerful cartel and the state of Mississippi.
Lana Link, Rob Pfaltzgraff and Stacey Parks are producing the project, with Armstrong and Nick Reid serving as executive producers. Production is anticipated to commence spring 2021. Mpi previously produced the 2019 film Miss Virginia starring Uzo Aduba.
Houston recently co-wrote the upcoming Charlie Stratton-directed drama Seacole...
The film is based on the inspiring, true story of Melony Armstrong, a mother who works at a shelter for battered women and decides to start a natural hair braiding business to achieve financial independence for herself and others. But to do so she must overcome unexpected obstacles imposed by a powerful cartel and the state of Mississippi.
Lana Link, Rob Pfaltzgraff and Stacey Parks are producing the project, with Armstrong and Nick Reid serving as executive producers. Production is anticipated to commence spring 2021. Mpi previously produced the 2019 film Miss Virginia starring Uzo Aduba.
Houston recently co-wrote the upcoming Charlie Stratton-directed drama Seacole...
- 6/9/2020
- by Amanda N'Duka
- Deadline Film + TV
In today’s film news roundup, Bill Pullman, Eddie Izzard, Diplo and Nina Dobrov get cast and Treehouse Pictures is developing John Grisham’s “The Confession” as a movie; Uzo Adaba’s “Miss Virginia” gets sold.
Castings
Bill Pullman, Eddie Izzard and Diplo have joined the cast of the Focus Features comedy “Covers” opposite Dakota Johnson, Tracee Ellis Ross and Ice Cube.
“Covers” is set within the talent, fame and fast-paced world of Hollywood’s music scene. “Late Night” director Nisha Ganatra is helming from a screenplay by Flora Greeson. Production is currently underway in Los Angeles.
Pullman’s credits include “Battle of the Sexes” and USA Networks’ “The Sinner.” Izzard most recently starred in “Victoria & Abdul.” Diplo has worked with artists including Beyoncé, Justin Bieber and Madonna. His most recent acting credit was in Detective Pikachu.
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Nina Dobrev is executive producing and starring in the female-driven comedy “Sick Girl,...
Castings
Bill Pullman, Eddie Izzard and Diplo have joined the cast of the Focus Features comedy “Covers” opposite Dakota Johnson, Tracee Ellis Ross and Ice Cube.
“Covers” is set within the talent, fame and fast-paced world of Hollywood’s music scene. “Late Night” director Nisha Ganatra is helming from a screenplay by Flora Greeson. Production is currently underway in Los Angeles.
Pullman’s credits include “Battle of the Sexes” and USA Networks’ “The Sinner.” Izzard most recently starred in “Victoria & Abdul.” Diplo has worked with artists including Beyoncé, Justin Bieber and Madonna. His most recent acting credit was in Detective Pikachu.
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Nina Dobrev is executive producing and starring in the female-driven comedy “Sick Girl,...
- 7/26/2019
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Vertical Entertainment has acquired North American rights to Miss Virginia, which stars Orange Is the New Black Emmy winner Uzo Aduba in a drama inspired by a true story of a struggling inner-city mother who sacrifices everything to give her son a good education. R.J. Daniel Hanna directed the pic written by Erin O’Connor, and Matthew Modine, Aunjanue Ellis and Vanessa Williams also star. Vertical has set an October 18 day-and-date theatrical and VOD release. The deal was negotiated by Josh Spector at Vertical and Stacey Parks and Rob Pfaltzgraff on behalf of the Moving Picture Institute, which produced.
Abramorama has come aboard to release K-12, a full-length feature film based on singer Melanie Martinez’s latest album of the same name that hits shelves September 6. The Atlantic Records album, Martinez’s follow-up to her 2015 platinum debut Cry Baby, serves as a soundtrack companion to the musical film, which is written,...
Abramorama has come aboard to release K-12, a full-length feature film based on singer Melanie Martinez’s latest album of the same name that hits shelves September 6. The Atlantic Records album, Martinez’s follow-up to her 2015 platinum debut Cry Baby, serves as a soundtrack companion to the musical film, which is written,...
- 7/23/2019
- by Patrick Hipes
- Deadline Film + TV
Australian actress Emma Hamilton is set to star in Fatal Beauty, a Mar Vista Entertainment indie feature written and directed by Joel Soisson. It follows Trevor and Michelle Gustafson (Hamilton) who have what most would think is the typical suburban life. When new neighbors move in next door, tensions between Michelle and Trevor build up, and sinister motives from neighbors turn this quiet neighborhood into a place of chaos, shame, and fear. Margret Huddleston, Michael Leahy, and Lori Leahy are producing the project which will begin filming this month. Hamilton, whose credits include the Australian series, Hyde & Seek, and Showtime’s The Tudors, is repped by The Rosenzweig Group, Abrams Artists and Troika in the UK.
Kimberly Hebert Gregory has signed on for the indie drama, Miss Virginia, joining Uzo Aduba, Matthew Modine, Aunjanue Ellis, and Vanessa Williams. R.J. Daniel Hanna is directing the inspired-by-a-true-story pic about a struggling...
Kimberly Hebert Gregory has signed on for the indie drama, Miss Virginia, joining Uzo Aduba, Matthew Modine, Aunjanue Ellis, and Vanessa Williams. R.J. Daniel Hanna is directing the inspired-by-a-true-story pic about a struggling...
- 4/20/2018
- by Amanda N'Duka
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Aunjanue Ellis (The Help) and Vanessa Williams (Ugly Betty) are joining Emmy-winning actress Uzo Aduba (Orange is the New Black) and Matthew Modine in the independent production of Miss Virginia. Also, Australian actor Christopher Egan, known for his work in Letters to Juliet and Resident Evil, has joined Hanna Griffiths (Macbeth, Underbelly Rush) in the new Warren Zide and James Wallace-produced romantic drama Brookers.
First, for Miss Virginia: Niles Fitch, Nadji Jeter, Amirah Vann and Michael Beasley also round out the cast in the film which is being directed by R.J. Daniel Hanna (Shelter) and produced by Erin O’Connor, Rob Pfaltzgraff, and Maurice Black of the Moving Picture Institute, Stacey Parks of Media Sparks Films and M. Elizabeth Hughes. Miss Virginia is set to commence production later this month in Los Angeles.
Inspired by a true story, Miss Virginia follows a struggling inner-city single mother who moves...
First, for Miss Virginia: Niles Fitch, Nadji Jeter, Amirah Vann and Michael Beasley also round out the cast in the film which is being directed by R.J. Daniel Hanna (Shelter) and produced by Erin O’Connor, Rob Pfaltzgraff, and Maurice Black of the Moving Picture Institute, Stacey Parks of Media Sparks Films and M. Elizabeth Hughes. Miss Virginia is set to commence production later this month in Los Angeles.
Inspired by a true story, Miss Virginia follows a struggling inner-city single mother who moves...
- 4/10/2018
- by Anita Busch
- Deadline Film + TV
“Stranger Things” star Matthew Modine is joining Uzo Aduba in the independent drama “Miss Virginia,” playing Congressman Cliff Williams.
The film, to be directed by R.J. Daniel Hanna (“Shelter”), is produced by Erin O’Connor, Rob Pfaltzgraff and Maurice Black of the Moving Picture Institute, Stacey Parks of Media Sparks Entertainment, and M. Elizabeth Hughes. The movie is set to commence production this month in Los Angeles.
Inspired by a true story, “Miss Virginia” follows a struggling inner-city single mother who moves her at-risk son from his dangerous neighborhood school to a safe — but expensive — one. Sacrificing everything but still unable to make the tuition payment, she launches a movement that could vastly improve her son’s future and that of many other children in the community.
Variety first reported Aduba’s attachment in November. She is best known for the role as Suzanne “Crazy Eyes” Warren in the Netflix...
The film, to be directed by R.J. Daniel Hanna (“Shelter”), is produced by Erin O’Connor, Rob Pfaltzgraff and Maurice Black of the Moving Picture Institute, Stacey Parks of Media Sparks Entertainment, and M. Elizabeth Hughes. The movie is set to commence production this month in Los Angeles.
Inspired by a true story, “Miss Virginia” follows a struggling inner-city single mother who moves her at-risk son from his dangerous neighborhood school to a safe — but expensive — one. Sacrificing everything but still unable to make the tuition payment, she launches a movement that could vastly improve her son’s future and that of many other children in the community.
Variety first reported Aduba’s attachment in November. She is best known for the role as Suzanne “Crazy Eyes” Warren in the Netflix...
- 4/2/2018
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
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