Release Date: 8/21/20 – 8/30/20; American Black Film Festival (Virtual)
Genre: Drama
Rating: NR
Director: Chris Bailey
Running Time: 85 mins.
Cast: Dwight Henry, Alex Henderson, Thaddeus Street
Story: Suffering from schizophrenia, a former basketball star is triggered down a dark path when he discovers his championship ring is missing. Source(s): abff.com/2020; IMDB.
Release Date: 8/21/20 – 8/30/20; American Black Film Festival (Virtual)
Genre: Drama/Comedy
Rating: NR
Director: Khaled Ridgeway
Studio(s): Datari Turner Productions
Running Time: 90 mins.
Cast: Jackie Earle Haley, Lamorne Morris, Haley Joel Osment, Alisha Wainwright, Sujata Day, Ian Verdun, Woody McClain, Gil Ozeri, Fernando Martinez, Starletta DuPois, Leli Hernandez.
Story: A smooth-talking telemarketer finds himself at the mercy of the man he tried to swindle. Source(s): abff.com/2020; IMDB.
Release Date: 11/27/20; Limited (Original Release: August 2020; American Black Film Festival)
Genre: Action
Rating: NR
Director: Preston A. Whitmore II
Studio(s): Dutch Film Productions, Imani Entertainment Group, Imani Films, Faith Media Distribution
Running Time: 101 mins.
Cast: Lance Gross, Melissa L. Williams, Macy Gray, Tyrin Turner, Michael Blackson, Jeremy Meeks, James Hyde.
Story: The film is based on Teri Woods’ hit novel of the same name. Bernard “Dutch” James Jr., is an ambitious drug dealer who has his sights set on becoming the East Coast’s top drug lord while battling a high-profile court case. From his early skill as a car thief, Dutch recognized the opportunity to rule the streets and he seized it. With both the protection and respect of the Mafia, Dutch becomes the most terrifying force on the streets. District Attorney Anthony Jacobs is determined to take down Dutch and his crew, and he’s confident that his witnesses will testify against them. The book “Dutch” was part of a trilogy series that first began in 2003. It was followed by “Dutch II: Angel’s Revenge,” and “Dutch III: International Gangster.”Source(s): vibe.com; abff.com/2020; IMDB; defpen.com.
Trailer:
a/k/a Born In The Game
Release Date: 6/12/19 – 6/16/19; American Black Film Festival
(Original Release: 2018)
Genre: Drama
Rating: NR
Director: Ibrahim Yilla
Studio(s): Mega Mind Media
Running Time: 105 mins.
Cast: Niatia ‘Lil Mama’ Kirkland (Keema), Elise Neal (Gina), Robert Christopher Riley (Lance), Dennis L.A. White (Dupree), Lyric Hurd (Treasure), Jim Jones (Assailant), Lena Anthony (Imani).
Story: A dysfunctional single mother gets pulled back into a life of crime while trying to make a better future for her three children. Source: Blackfilm.com.
Release Date: 6/12/19 – 6/16/19; American Black Film Festival (Original Release: 2018)
Genre: Romance
Rating: NR
Director: Coke Daniels
Studio(s): Flixville Studios, Flixville USA, Supremacy Films
Running Time: 90 mins.
Cast: Ashley A. Williams (Tanya), Brad James (Alan), Cocoa Brown (Mrs. Smith), Terri J. Vaughn (Craig’s Mom), Autumn Dial (Becky), Ashani Roberts (Rhonda), Dorien Wilson (Mr. Smith), Dawn Halfkenny (Tamela), Duane Finley (Teddy).
Story: Behind every great love story, there are three stories: his, hers and the truth. Alan and Tanya meet on a blind date when they’re both fresh out of college. The date is disastrous as these two are the furthest thing from compatible. Alan is self-centered and cocky, and Tanya is a self-assured, independent career woman. They part ways only to reconnect many years later. This time they both mutually agree to be platonic friends. This doesn’t last long as they begin dating. Things fall apart as Alan can’t put aside his narcissistic ways long enough to form a genuine bond. They again part ways. Alan immediately realizes how much he misses Tanya and how much he needs her in his life. He bends over backwards in an attempt to win her back. Source: hishersthetruth.com, official site; Blackfilm.com.
Trailer:
Release Date: 1/8/2021; In Theaters (Original Release – 6/13/19; American Black Film Festival)
Genre: Drama
Rating: NR
Directors: Meagan Good, Tamara LaSeon Bass
Studio(s): Krazy Actress Productions
Running Time: 126 mins.
Cast: Meagan Good, Meagan Holder, Mekia Cox, Tamara Bass, Niles Fitch, Valarie Pettiford, Edwin Hodge, Lexi Underwood .
Story: If Not Now, When? introduces us to Suzanne, Patrice, Tyra and Deidre, who have been friends since meeting at the age of fourteen. Over the course of their lives fights, disagreements and love have caused friction and distance to manifest between some of them, particularly Suzanne and Patrice, who haven’t spoken in almost fifteen years. When Tyra, who is mother to fourteen year-old Jillian, suffers a crisis, all four women are drawn back together to make it through, and soon discover that they also need each other, and sisterhood, to make it through what is currently happening in their lives.
Tears, laughter and most importantly heart are at the center of this poignant drama. If Not Now, When? captures the essence of those female bonding movies that were prevalent in the 90’s, while telling a story that is stirring and will most certainly tug at your emotions. Source(s): Blackfilm.com; krazyactressproductions.com.
Trailer:
Black Cinema Connection 