ColorCreative, the management/production company founded by Issa Rae and Deniese Davis, is revealing the inaugural cohort for its Find Your People Program, first announced in February.
Fypp is unique in that it provides training, resources and mentorship to creatives from seven different filmmaking fields, grouping them together to form interdisciplinary production teams to develop, pitch and ideally eventually create a short film to screen next year.
Twenty-eight creatives were chosen from more than 1,500 applicants around the world and matched by ColorCreative managers into four production teams, with one representative from each of the seven disciplines:
Writers: Brian Cohen, Cassandra Hunter, Nzinga Kadalie Kemp, Yolanda Morgan Costume designers: Jalissa Jackson, Kaij, Raquel “Rocky” Avalos, Salina Hernandez Directors: Aisha Amin, Ifeanyi Ezieme, Jeremie Cander, Yeajoon (Joon) Cho Producers: Chidi Amadiume, Fabiola Rodriguez, Maia Miller, Vivy Yupanqui Cinematographers: Anna Mendes, B.P. Edwards, Matt Kleppner, Rayna Rasamee Production Designers: Chidinma Dureke, Jolien Louis,...
Fypp is unique in that it provides training, resources and mentorship to creatives from seven different filmmaking fields, grouping them together to form interdisciplinary production teams to develop, pitch and ideally eventually create a short film to screen next year.
Twenty-eight creatives were chosen from more than 1,500 applicants around the world and matched by ColorCreative managers into four production teams, with one representative from each of the seven disciplines:
Writers: Brian Cohen, Cassandra Hunter, Nzinga Kadalie Kemp, Yolanda Morgan Costume designers: Jalissa Jackson, Kaij, Raquel “Rocky” Avalos, Salina Hernandez Directors: Aisha Amin, Ifeanyi Ezieme, Jeremie Cander, Yeajoon (Joon) Cho Producers: Chidi Amadiume, Fabiola Rodriguez, Maia Miller, Vivy Yupanqui Cinematographers: Anna Mendes, B.P. Edwards, Matt Kleppner, Rayna Rasamee Production Designers: Chidinma Dureke, Jolien Louis,...
- 8/15/2023
- by Rebecca Sun
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Andrew Keenan-Bolger will direct “Mikey’s Army,” a coming-of-age story that is described as “fierce and fabulous.”
“Mikey’s Army” is produced by Jamie Forshaw, executive producer of Madison Wells Live and Evan Mayer, the company’s associate producer. They are joined by Kyle Beckley (“Submissions Only”), Mike Mosallam (“Breaking Fast”) and Thomas Laub (“Slave Play”).
The short film boasts a script by Eric Ulloa (“The Nana Project” and Nickelodeon’s “Meet the Alphabeats”). It tells the story of 16-year-old Mikey Alvarez who finds himself at a pivotal moment where he must decide whether or not to be open and honest about what he is feeling inside. Not feeling quite ready for such a moment, Mikey unwittingly conjures courage from a trio of guides who appear in an explosion of glitter and glitz. Can a Drag Queen, an international pop star and an action film heartthrob tackle a mission this...
“Mikey’s Army” is produced by Jamie Forshaw, executive producer of Madison Wells Live and Evan Mayer, the company’s associate producer. They are joined by Kyle Beckley (“Submissions Only”), Mike Mosallam (“Breaking Fast”) and Thomas Laub (“Slave Play”).
The short film boasts a script by Eric Ulloa (“The Nana Project” and Nickelodeon’s “Meet the Alphabeats”). It tells the story of 16-year-old Mikey Alvarez who finds himself at a pivotal moment where he must decide whether or not to be open and honest about what he is feeling inside. Not feeling quite ready for such a moment, Mikey unwittingly conjures courage from a trio of guides who appear in an explosion of glitter and glitz. Can a Drag Queen, an international pop star and an action film heartthrob tackle a mission this...
- 8/1/2022
- by Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Inside Out, Canada’s largest 2Slgbtq+ film festival and single largest promoter and distributor of 2Slgbtq+ content in Canada, has announced eight new feature film projects that will participate in the festival’s fifth annual Finance Forum during the festival’s 31st year.
The Finance Forum, taking place online from May 31-June 4, during the festival (running May 27-June 6), will provide 2Slgbtq+-identified producers and/or producers creating 2Slgbtq+ content an opportunity to pitch their projects directly to top decision makers. All participating executives will be taking one-on-one meetings online with the creative teams.
Among those taking part are executives from the U.S.’s Neon, Bleecker Street, Killer Films, Cinetic Media, The Film Collaborative, Verve, Powderkeg Media, Little Punk, Symbolic Exchange, Chicago Media Angels, and GLAAD; the U.K.’s Protagonist Pictures and Bankside Films; France’s MK2 Films; Germany’s Films Boutique; and Canada’s CBC Films and WaZabi Films.
The Finance Forum, taking place online from May 31-June 4, during the festival (running May 27-June 6), will provide 2Slgbtq+-identified producers and/or producers creating 2Slgbtq+ content an opportunity to pitch their projects directly to top decision makers. All participating executives will be taking one-on-one meetings online with the creative teams.
Among those taking part are executives from the U.S.’s Neon, Bleecker Street, Killer Films, Cinetic Media, The Film Collaborative, Verve, Powderkeg Media, Little Punk, Symbolic Exchange, Chicago Media Angels, and GLAAD; the U.K.’s Protagonist Pictures and Bankside Films; France’s MK2 Films; Germany’s Films Boutique; and Canada’s CBC Films and WaZabi Films.
- 5/13/2021
- by Leo Barraclough
- Variety Film + TV
Chicago – After a successful festival run, the film “Breaking Fast” – a heartwarming gay romantic comedy – was released through Video-On-Demand on January 22nd, 2021. One of the key screenings previously was at Reeling, the international Chicago LGBTQ+ film fest, and during that time an actor from Chicago with a vital role, Rula Gardenier, talked about “Breaking Fast” and her move to Los Angeles.
“Breaking Fast” features Haaz Sleiman (”The Visitor”) as Mo, a gay Muslim doctor living in West Hollywood, and whose Mother (Gardenier) and family celebrates his orientation. He tries to resist the charm of Kal (Michael Cassidy), a charismatic non-Muslim he meets at a party and who surprises him by offering to break fast with him during the holy month of Ramadan. Through these two characters, director Mike Mosallam (who directed the 2015 short film on which the feature is based) delves into Muslim-American culture with a tenderness and wit that comes from the heart.
“Breaking Fast” features Haaz Sleiman (”The Visitor”) as Mo, a gay Muslim doctor living in West Hollywood, and whose Mother (Gardenier) and family celebrates his orientation. He tries to resist the charm of Kal (Michael Cassidy), a charismatic non-Muslim he meets at a party and who surprises him by offering to break fast with him during the holy month of Ramadan. Through these two characters, director Mike Mosallam (who directed the 2015 short film on which the feature is based) delves into Muslim-American culture with a tenderness and wit that comes from the heart.
- 1/25/2021
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
The two lovers “meet cute.” One has an overbearing mother and an overly garrulous best friend constantly trying to interfere in his love life. The other has deep-rooted family issues. A trivial misunderstanding nearly derails their relationship before it begins. In other words, Breaking Fast contains the stuff of many formulaic romantic comedy-dramas.
So what makes Mike Mosallam’s debut feature so special? The easy answer is that one of its main characters is a religiously observant, gay Muslim, not exactly a familiar character in such stories. The deeper reason is that it’s a witty, beautifully observed and ...
So what makes Mike Mosallam’s debut feature so special? The easy answer is that one of its main characters is a religiously observant, gay Muslim, not exactly a familiar character in such stories. The deeper reason is that it’s a witty, beautifully observed and ...
- 1/20/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The two lovers “meet cute.” One has an overbearing mother and an overly garrulous best friend constantly trying to interfere in his love life. The other has deep-rooted family issues. A trivial misunderstanding nearly derails their relationship before it begins. In other words, Breaking Fast contains the stuff of many formulaic romantic comedy-dramas.
So what makes Mike Mosallam’s debut feature so special? The easy answer is that one of its main characters is a religiously observant, gay Muslim, not exactly a familiar character in such stories. The deeper reason is that it’s a witty, beautifully observed and ...
So what makes Mike Mosallam’s debut feature so special? The easy answer is that one of its main characters is a religiously observant, gay Muslim, not exactly a familiar character in such stories. The deeper reason is that it’s a witty, beautifully observed and ...
- 1/20/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
"You always spin things in a way that ignores what's wrong." Vertical Ent. has released an official trailer for an indie romantic comedy titled Breaking Fast, the first feature film from filmmaker Mike Mosallam. This premiered at the Cinequest Film & Creativity Festival earlier this year, and also played at the Out on Film: Vancouver Queer Film Festival. Haaz Sleiman stars as Mo, a practicing Muslim living in LA's West Hollywood, who is learning to navigate life post heartbreak. Enter Kal, an All-American guy who surprises Mo by offering to break fast with him during the holy month of Ramadan. The two start to discover they have more in common than meets the eye. Get some! Co-starring Michael Cassidy as Kal, with Amin El Gamal, Patrick Sabongui, Christopher J. Hanke, Rula Gardenier, Veronica Cartwright, and Aline Elasmar. This looks super sweet and amusing, and very much a film capturing life in WeHo.
- 12/17/2020
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
Chicago – The 38th edition of Chicago’s Reeling LGBTQ+ fest – virtual and online in 2020 – kicked off on September 24th with the film “Breaking Fast.” Portraying the mother of main character Mo is Rula Gardenier, a former Chicago actor who now lives in Los Angeles. “Breaking Fast” is available for download for Illinois residents through September 27th by clicking here.
Rula Gardenier began her acting career in Chicago, and appeared on stage in several productions, before moving to Los Angeles to pursue the industry there. She made her debut in a short film “The Miracle” (2007) that received notable acclaim, and has appeared on TV’s “Chicago Med,” “New Amsterdam” and “Pearson,” as well as the Hulu miniseries “The Looming Tower.” “Breaking Fast” is her first feature film role.
Rula Gardenier of ‘Breaking Fast’
Photo credit: Gray Talent Group
“Breaking Fast” features Haaz Sleiman (”The Visitor”) as Mo, a gay Muslim doctor living in West Hollywood,...
Rula Gardenier began her acting career in Chicago, and appeared on stage in several productions, before moving to Los Angeles to pursue the industry there. She made her debut in a short film “The Miracle” (2007) that received notable acclaim, and has appeared on TV’s “Chicago Med,” “New Amsterdam” and “Pearson,” as well as the Hulu miniseries “The Looming Tower.” “Breaking Fast” is her first feature film role.
Rula Gardenier of ‘Breaking Fast’
Photo credit: Gray Talent Group
“Breaking Fast” features Haaz Sleiman (”The Visitor”) as Mo, a gay Muslim doctor living in West Hollywood,...
- 9/27/2020
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Chicago – Like many of the other film festivals in 2020, the 38th edition of Chicago’s Reeling LGBTQ+ fest will be virtual and online. Over the course of 11 days, 30 features and 54 short films from 21 countries will be presented. Click here for details.
The 30 feature films can be downloaded for four days once they premiere (to Illinois residents only), and the shorts programs will be available throughout the U.S. Virtual Q&As with filmmakers will be available as part of many of the films, see the website for more details.
’Breaking Fast’ Opens the 38th Reeling LGBTQ+ International Film Festival
Photo credit: ReelingFilmFestival.org
Reeling38’s official Opening Night film is the romantic love story “Breaking Fast,” starring Haaz Sleiman (”The Visitor”) as Mo, a Muslim doctor living in West Hollywood, who tries to resist the charm of Kal (Michael Cassidy), a charismatic non-Muslim he meets at a party and who...
The 30 feature films can be downloaded for four days once they premiere (to Illinois residents only), and the shorts programs will be available throughout the U.S. Virtual Q&As with filmmakers will be available as part of many of the films, see the website for more details.
’Breaking Fast’ Opens the 38th Reeling LGBTQ+ International Film Festival
Photo credit: ReelingFilmFestival.org
Reeling38’s official Opening Night film is the romantic love story “Breaking Fast,” starring Haaz Sleiman (”The Visitor”) as Mo, a Muslim doctor living in West Hollywood, who tries to resist the charm of Kal (Michael Cassidy), a charismatic non-Muslim he meets at a party and who...
- 9/24/2020
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Vertical Entertainment has picked up the North American distribution rights to Breaking Fast, a romantic comedy from first-time writer/director Mike Mosallam. The film stars Haaz Sleiman (The Visitor), Michael Cassidy (Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice) and Amin El Gamal (Good Trouble). Set to screen at the upcoming Outfest Film Festival, the pic is set against the twinkling lights of West Hollywood and follows Mo, a practicing Muslim still reeling from heartbreak. When an All-American guy named Kal offers to join him in his nightly Iftars –the traditional meal eaten by Muslims during Ramadan– meal after meal, the two start to discover they have more in common than meets the eye. Producers are Seth Hauer, Sarah Bazzi, Alex Lampsos, Davin Michaels, and Bay Dariz under his Minutehand Pictures label. Breaking Fast premiered earlier this year at the CineQuest Film Festival is slated for release in US theaters and on VOD early next year.
- 8/12/2020
- by Amanda N'Duka
- Deadline Film + TV
Outfest Los Angeles is going virtual this year and they have unveiled their stacked lineup for the 11-day festival which kicks off August 20.
The LGBTQ film fest fest will include over 160 films with 35 world premieres, 10 North American premieres and 4 U.S. premieres to Los Angeles for 2020. The fest will live on http://www.outfestla2020.com and there will also be “Outfest LA Under the Stars”, a drive-in experience will take place at the stunning Calamigos Ranch in Malibu, where for two extended weekends the Festival will be hosting a series of drive-in screenings across six-nights on two lots, including both kick-off and closing events. The drive-in screenings will start with the Sundance pic The Nowhere Inn starring musicians Annie Clark and Carrie Brownstein. Other screenings will be announced in the upcoming weeks.
Over 70% of films at Outfest LA directed by female, trans, and Poc filmmakers. The Breakthrough Centerpiece will be...
The LGBTQ film fest fest will include over 160 films with 35 world premieres, 10 North American premieres and 4 U.S. premieres to Los Angeles for 2020. The fest will live on http://www.outfestla2020.com and there will also be “Outfest LA Under the Stars”, a drive-in experience will take place at the stunning Calamigos Ranch in Malibu, where for two extended weekends the Festival will be hosting a series of drive-in screenings across six-nights on two lots, including both kick-off and closing events. The drive-in screenings will start with the Sundance pic The Nowhere Inn starring musicians Annie Clark and Carrie Brownstein. Other screenings will be announced in the upcoming weeks.
Over 70% of films at Outfest LA directed by female, trans, and Poc filmmakers. The Breakthrough Centerpiece will be...
- 8/11/2020
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
The Bentonville Film Festival set the lineup for its sixth edition Tuesday, with the festival co-founded by Geena Davis unveiling its spotlight and competition program of indie feature films, shorts and episodic titles.
The fest is set to run August 10-16 in the Arkansas city and is being engineered as a hybrid event because of coronavirus concerns, with digital screenings, panels and events to run alongside some on-the-ground premieres and conversations.
This year’s lineup includes four Spotlight pics including the U.S. premiere of Misbehaviour, starring Keira Knightley and Gugu Mbatha-Raw, which tells the true story of protest and controversy at 1970 Miss World contest, and Parkland Rising, a documentary that looks at the students of Parkland, Fl, who started an international movement to call attention to the need for better gun laws.
As per usual, this year’s lineup focuses on underrepresented voices in film. Of the 68 titles, more...
The fest is set to run August 10-16 in the Arkansas city and is being engineered as a hybrid event because of coronavirus concerns, with digital screenings, panels and events to run alongside some on-the-ground premieres and conversations.
This year’s lineup includes four Spotlight pics including the U.S. premiere of Misbehaviour, starring Keira Knightley and Gugu Mbatha-Raw, which tells the true story of protest and controversy at 1970 Miss World contest, and Parkland Rising, a documentary that looks at the students of Parkland, Fl, who started an international movement to call attention to the need for better gun laws.
As per usual, this year’s lineup focuses on underrepresented voices in film. Of the 68 titles, more...
- 7/22/2020
- by Patrick Hipes
- Deadline Film + TV
Inside Out, one of the world’s leading Lgbtq film festivals and Canada’s largest distributor of Lgbtq content, has given Variety exclusive access to the lineup of 10 feature film projects that will participate in the festival’s fourth annual Finance Forum during its 30th anniversary year. Executives taking part will include reps from Netflix, Bleecker Street, IFC Films, Gamechanger Films, Killer Films, MK2, Bankside Films, Powderkeg Studios and GLAAD. Inside Out executive director Andria Wilson and director of programming Andrew Murphy spoke to Variety about the program, and the commercial and creative health of Lgbtq cinema.
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, this year’s finance forum will proceed entirely online during the festival’s original May dates. As previously announced, the full festival will now take place from Oct. 1-11.
Inside Out’s Lgbtq Finance Forum, taking place May 26-29, provides Lgbtq-identified producers and/or producers creating Lgbtq content...
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, this year’s finance forum will proceed entirely online during the festival’s original May dates. As previously announced, the full festival will now take place from Oct. 1-11.
Inside Out’s Lgbtq Finance Forum, taking place May 26-29, provides Lgbtq-identified producers and/or producers creating Lgbtq content...
- 5/8/2020
- by Leo Barraclough
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Outfest has unveiled their lineup for the 17th annual Outfest Fusion — or the more official title: Outfest 2020: Culture. Film. Music. Story. The fest will run March 6-10 and include screenings, performances, panels, galas, workshops, and world premieres in Los Angeles.
Outfest Fusion brings together one of the largest, inclusive and diverse cross-sections of the Lgbtq+ community and its allies. The fest is a space the next generation of storytellers and cultural ambassadors are discovered. This year, Outfest Fusion 2020 will feature more than 60 films, including 11 World Premieres, 4 North American Premieres, 12 West Coast Premieres, 13 Los Angeles Premieres and 1 International Premiere.
Films featured this year include El Principe (The Prince) directed by Sebastián Muñoz’s El Principe (The Prince) which won the Queer Lion at the 2019 Venice Film Festival. The fest will also feature the L.A. premiere of Andrew Ahn’s Driveways which stars Hong Chau and Golden...
Outfest Fusion brings together one of the largest, inclusive and diverse cross-sections of the Lgbtq+ community and its allies. The fest is a space the next generation of storytellers and cultural ambassadors are discovered. This year, Outfest Fusion 2020 will feature more than 60 films, including 11 World Premieres, 4 North American Premieres, 12 West Coast Premieres, 13 Los Angeles Premieres and 1 International Premiere.
Films featured this year include El Principe (The Prince) directed by Sebastián Muñoz’s El Principe (The Prince) which won the Queer Lion at the 2019 Venice Film Festival. The fest will also feature the L.A. premiere of Andrew Ahn’s Driveways which stars Hong Chau and Golden...
- 2/20/2020
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
Inside Out, Canada’s largest Lgbtq film festival, distributor, and booster of Lgbtq content, has unveiled to Variety the 10 feature projects and eight international executives participating in its third annual Finance Forum.
“There’s a great variety to the projects this year,” Inside Out executive director Andria Wilson said before the official Finance Forum announcement. “We’ve got docs in the lineup for the first time, and two really exciting U.K. projects. The directors and producers represent a diverse cross-section of perspectives, both from their lived experiences and their bodies of work.” The festival’s 2019 film slate will be announced May 3.
The Finance Forum takes place May 30-31, during the 29th edition of the Toronto Lgbt Film Festival. The first and only Lgbtq finance event of its kind in the world, Inside Out’s forum holds an open submission call, and also reaches out to international film funds, institutions,...
“There’s a great variety to the projects this year,” Inside Out executive director Andria Wilson said before the official Finance Forum announcement. “We’ve got docs in the lineup for the first time, and two really exciting U.K. projects. The directors and producers represent a diverse cross-section of perspectives, both from their lived experiences and their bodies of work.” The festival’s 2019 film slate will be announced May 3.
The Finance Forum takes place May 30-31, during the 29th edition of the Toronto Lgbt Film Festival. The first and only Lgbtq finance event of its kind in the world, Inside Out’s forum holds an open submission call, and also reaches out to international film funds, institutions,...
- 4/29/2019
- by Jennie Punter
- Variety Film + TV
Jack Ryan actor Haaz Sleiman and Michael Cassidy, who played Jimmy Olsen in 2016’s Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, will lead Breaking Fast, a romantic comedy about a gay Muslim navigating life, love, and loss during the holy month of Ramadan. Mike Mosallam wrote and directed the indie feature, which is based on his 2016 Cannes short film of the same name. Set in West Hollywood, the film centers on Mo (Sleiman), a practicing Muslim still reeling from heartbreak, when an All-American named Kal (Cassidy) offers to join him in his nightly Iftars, the traditional meal eaten by Muslims during Ramadan after sunset, the two start to discover they have more in common than meets the eye. Amin El Gamal ( Prison Break), Patrick Sabongui (Homeland), Christopher J. Hanke (Odd Mom Out), Brian Dare (Jane the Virgin), Aline Elasmar (unReal), and Veronica Cartwright (Alien) round out the supporting cast. Producers are Seth Hauer,...
- 2/8/2019
- by Amanda N'Duka
- Deadline Film + TV
By Piet Levy
Religion News Service
(Rns) Many TV network executives, advertisers and producers would sell their souls to get the kind of audience God has. But giving religion a starring role in prime time? Not so much.
Religion, God and spirituality have made cameos across the dial from "The Sopranos" to "The Simpsons" -- though usually as a prop or walk-on role. But shows where religion is a central part of the premise are rare, and the ratings are generally far from heavenly.
Short of touchy-feely shows like "Touched By an Angel" or "Highway to Heaven," why is religion so radioactive in Hollywood?
This month, cable network TLC canceled "All-American Muslim" after only about 700,000 viewers watched the season finale of the reality show featuring Muslims in Dearborn, Mich.
Meanwhile, ABC's saucy new drama "Gcb" -- think "Desperate Housewives" in choir robes -- that's based on Kim Gatlin's novel...
Religion News Service
(Rns) Many TV network executives, advertisers and producers would sell their souls to get the kind of audience God has. But giving religion a starring role in prime time? Not so much.
Religion, God and spirituality have made cameos across the dial from "The Sopranos" to "The Simpsons" -- though usually as a prop or walk-on role. But shows where religion is a central part of the premise are rare, and the ratings are generally far from heavenly.
Short of touchy-feely shows like "Touched By an Angel" or "Highway to Heaven," why is religion so radioactive in Hollywood?
This month, cable network TLC canceled "All-American Muslim" after only about 700,000 viewers watched the season finale of the reality show featuring Muslims in Dearborn, Mich.
Meanwhile, ABC's saucy new drama "Gcb" -- think "Desperate Housewives" in choir robes -- that's based on Kim Gatlin's novel...
- 3/15/2012
- by Jahnabi Barooah
- Aol TV.
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