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
Jussie Smollett could soon be back behind bars after an Illinois appeals court today backed the ex-Empire actor’s disorderly conduct convictions stemming from a faked hate crime and playing fast and loose with the truth with Chicago cops.
“We affirm the judgment of the circuit court of Cook County,” said appellate Justices David Navarro and Mary Ellen Coghlan for the majority in a largely procedural based opinion released Friday.
On March 10 last year, after multiple trips to court, Smollett was sentenced to 150 days in jail and 30 months’ probation over the staged early 2019 incident on the freezing Windy City streets. Proclaiming his innocence, Smollett was let out of the Cook County jail on March 16, 2022 after an Appellate Court granted a motion from his lawyers for a stay of the sentence pending appeal.
Now that appeal has failed with a 2-1 opinion.
Which means Smollett will likely go back to jail...
“We affirm the judgment of the circuit court of Cook County,” said appellate Justices David Navarro and Mary Ellen Coghlan for the majority in a largely procedural based opinion released Friday.
On March 10 last year, after multiple trips to court, Smollett was sentenced to 150 days in jail and 30 months’ probation over the staged early 2019 incident on the freezing Windy City streets. Proclaiming his innocence, Smollett was let out of the Cook County jail on March 16, 2022 after an Appellate Court granted a motion from his lawyers for a stay of the sentence pending appeal.
Now that appeal has failed with a 2-1 opinion.
Which means Smollett will likely go back to jail...
- 12/1/2023
- by Dominic Patten
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Mark Strong (TÁR), Jahleel Kamara (Nanny), Marvin “Krondon” Jones III (Black Lightning), Natalia Reyes (Terminator: Dark Fate), Yoson An (The Plane) and Ed Quinn (The Oval) have signed on for roles in Lionsgate’s action-thriller Shadow Force, from director Joe Carnahan, which has entered production in Colombia. The actors join an ensemble led by Kerry Washington and Omar Sy, which also includes Da’Vine Joy Randolph and Cliff “Method Man” Smith, as previously announced.
The film penned by Leon Chills and Carnahan follows Kyrah (Washington) and Isaac (Sy), who were once the leaders of a multinational special forces group called Shadow Force. They broke the rules by falling in love, and in order to protect their son, they go underground. With a large bounty on their heads, and the vengeful Shadow Force hot on their trail, one family’s fight becomes all-out war.
Details as to the roles the film...
The film penned by Leon Chills and Carnahan follows Kyrah (Washington) and Isaac (Sy), who were once the leaders of a multinational special forces group called Shadow Force. They broke the rules by falling in love, and in order to protect their son, they go underground. With a large bounty on their heads, and the vengeful Shadow Force hot on their trail, one family’s fight becomes all-out war.
Details as to the roles the film...
- 8/30/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Jussie Smollett is ready to turn over a new leaf. The former Empire star, 40, dished about his plans for the future while walking the red carpet at the 2022 BET Awards on June 26. His arrival at the star-studded event comes just three months after Smollett was released from prison after being found guilty of filing a false police report in 2019. Keeping his ensemble laid-back and classy, Smollett sported a white shirt, tan blazer, brown pants and black shoes. He completed his look with multiple gold necklaces and a matching gold bracelet. However, Smollett, who directed the upcoming BET+ film B-Boy Blues, isn't calling his return to entertainment a...
- 6/27/2022
- E! Online
Click here to read the full article.
Jussie Smollett says that after the alleged hate crime against him in 2019 and amid the police investigation that followed, his family shielded him from public responses.
In a wide-ranging interview for SiriusXM’s Sway Calloway-hosted Sway’s Universe tied to promoting the writer-director’s new BET+ movie, B-Boy Blues, which dropped on June 9, Smollett spoke about his family protecting him, the shame he felt after the incident and how that played into regret over his decision to do an interview with Good Morning America’s Robin Roberts in February 2019.
After he was allegedly beaten by two men on a Chicago street in January of 2019, Smollett was accused of staging the anti-gay, racist attack and lying to the police. He was convicted in December 2021 on five felony counts of disorderly conduct. He was sentenced to 150 days in jail but was only served about a...
Jussie Smollett says that after the alleged hate crime against him in 2019 and amid the police investigation that followed, his family shielded him from public responses.
In a wide-ranging interview for SiriusXM’s Sway Calloway-hosted Sway’s Universe tied to promoting the writer-director’s new BET+ movie, B-Boy Blues, which dropped on June 9, Smollett spoke about his family protecting him, the shame he felt after the incident and how that played into regret over his decision to do an interview with Good Morning America’s Robin Roberts in February 2019.
After he was allegedly beaten by two men on a Chicago street in January of 2019, Smollett was accused of staging the anti-gay, racist attack and lying to the police. He was convicted in December 2021 on five felony counts of disorderly conduct. He was sentenced to 150 days in jail but was only served about a...
- 6/23/2022
- by Abbey White
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Jussie Smollett acknowledged his legal difficulties Thursday at a Harlem premiere screening for his gay romantic drama “B-Boy Blues,” expressing gratitude for finishing his feature directorial debut despite his personal issues.
“Sometimes we all go through things, you know, but what I know for sure is I am so… if I don’t know nothin’, I know how blessed I am,” Smollett said in his first major public appearance since receiving a five-month prison sentence in March for lying to Chicago cops about a racist and homophobic 2019 attack. “I know how grateful I must be. It is not up for debate. I must be grateful. To the universe, to God, to our ancestors, whoever you want to believe it is.”
The former “Empire” acknowledged the challenges of making the film — based on the bestselling 1994 novel of the same name from author James Earl Hardy, who co-wrote the script along with Smollett.
“Sometimes we all go through things, you know, but what I know for sure is I am so… if I don’t know nothin’, I know how blessed I am,” Smollett said in his first major public appearance since receiving a five-month prison sentence in March for lying to Chicago cops about a racist and homophobic 2019 attack. “I know how grateful I must be. It is not up for debate. I must be grateful. To the universe, to God, to our ancestors, whoever you want to believe it is.”
The former “Empire” acknowledged the challenges of making the film — based on the bestselling 1994 novel of the same name from author James Earl Hardy, who co-wrote the script along with Smollett.
- 6/3/2022
- by John Hogan
- The Wrap
Three years is enough time for a comeback… right? (Take note, Ezra Miller.) On Thursday, BET+ announced that it had picked up B-Boy Blues, an LGBTQ film directed and written by Jussie Smollett. It’s his first project since being found guilty of making false reports of a hate crime.
The film is an adaptation of a James Earl Hardy novel of the same name and stars folks such as Timothy Richardson, Brandee Evans, Heater B, Marquise Vilson, and Jabari Reed. Mona Scott-Young is set to be a producer on the film.
The film is an adaptation of a James Earl Hardy novel of the same name and stars folks such as Timothy Richardson, Brandee Evans, Heater B, Marquise Vilson, and Jabari Reed. Mona Scott-Young is set to be a producer on the film.
- 5/26/2022
- by Tomás Mier
- Rollingstone.com
Former “Empire” actor Jussie Smollett’s directing debut has finally found a home: BET+ has picked up “B-Boy Blues,” which will debut on the streamer on June 9 in time for Pride Month. As part of the pickup, Mona Scott-Young and her Monami Entertainment has joined the film as a producer and was instrumental in getting the deal done with BET+.
“B-Boy Blues” reps the first project for Smollett since being found guilty of making false reports about what he alleged to be a hate crime. He was later sentenced to 30 months of felony probation, including 150 days in jail, and ordered to pay a fine for making false reports to police, following his report that he was the victim of a hate crime in January 2019.
“B-Boy Blues” is the film adaptation of James Earl Hardy’s novel, and stars Timothy Richardson (“David Makes Man”), Ledisi (“Selma”), Brandee Evans (“P-Valley”), Heather B...
“B-Boy Blues” reps the first project for Smollett since being found guilty of making false reports about what he alleged to be a hate crime. He was later sentenced to 30 months of felony probation, including 150 days in jail, and ordered to pay a fine for making false reports to police, following his report that he was the victim of a hate crime in January 2019.
“B-Boy Blues” is the film adaptation of James Earl Hardy’s novel, and stars Timothy Richardson (“David Makes Man”), Ledisi (“Selma”), Brandee Evans (“P-Valley”), Heather B...
- 5/25/2022
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
BET+’s “Martin: The Reunion” has been given a premiere date: The special, which reunites the cast of the iconic 1990s Fox sitcom, will debut June 16 on the streamer.
That’s one of several summer premiere dates BET+ is set to announce on Wednesday, Variety has learned exclusively. According to BET+, the 90-minute reunion brings back original stars Martin Lawrence, Tisha Campbell, Tichina Arnold and Carl Anthony Payne II to reminisce about the show’s five seasons.
The show even takes place on the iconic “Martin” living room set and is hosted by Affion Crockett. “The cast will look back on the show’s most hilarious moments, revisit the iconic characters Martin made famous and pay an emotional tribute to the late, great Tommy Ford,” the streamer said. “Complete with musical performances and drop-ins by celebrity super fans, ‘Martin: The Reunion’ brings back the wazzup wazzup wazzup passion fans have been waiting for.
That’s one of several summer premiere dates BET+ is set to announce on Wednesday, Variety has learned exclusively. According to BET+, the 90-minute reunion brings back original stars Martin Lawrence, Tisha Campbell, Tichina Arnold and Carl Anthony Payne II to reminisce about the show’s five seasons.
The show even takes place on the iconic “Martin” living room set and is hosted by Affion Crockett. “The cast will look back on the show’s most hilarious moments, revisit the iconic characters Martin made famous and pay an emotional tribute to the late, great Tommy Ford,” the streamer said. “Complete with musical performances and drop-ins by celebrity super fans, ‘Martin: The Reunion’ brings back the wazzup wazzup wazzup passion fans have been waiting for.
- 5/25/2022
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Marquise Vilsón (Blindspot), April Parker Jones (Supergirl) and Albert Mwangi (Bump) round out the series-regular cast for the CW’s Nancy Drew spinoff Tom Swift. They join previously announced leads Tian Richards and Ashleigh Murray in the series from Nancy Drew co-creators/executive producers Josh Schwartz and Stephanie Savage, their Fake Empire banner and CBS Studios.
Co-created by Melinda Hsu Taylor, Noga Landau and Cameron Johnson, Tom Swift follows the serialized adventures of its titular gay billionaire inventor (Richards), who is thrust into a world of sci-fi conspiracy and unexplained phenomena after the shocking disappearance of his father. Tom takes to the road on a quest to unravel the truth, leaving behind the comforts of his usual moneyed lifestyle, all while fighting to stay one step ahead of an Illuminati-scale group that’s hellbent on stopping him. Tom’s missions will require his genius and flair for innovation guided by love,...
Co-created by Melinda Hsu Taylor, Noga Landau and Cameron Johnson, Tom Swift follows the serialized adventures of its titular gay billionaire inventor (Richards), who is thrust into a world of sci-fi conspiracy and unexplained phenomena after the shocking disappearance of his father. Tom takes to the road on a quest to unravel the truth, leaving behind the comforts of his usual moneyed lifestyle, all while fighting to stay one step ahead of an Illuminati-scale group that’s hellbent on stopping him. Tom’s missions will require his genius and flair for innovation guided by love,...
- 2/17/2022
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Jussie Smollett told a Chicago courtroom today that he was not only a victim of an attack on the streets of Chicago nearly three years ago, but a potential shakedown too.
On the stand for the second day in the nearly weeklong trial, the ex-Empire actor reignited a $2 million bombshell accusation against Abimbola and Olabinjo Osundairo.
The brothers are the prosecution’s primary witnesses that the January 29, 2019, attack on Smollett wasn’t a hate crime but a set-up by the star himself. Right near the end of his long stint on the stand and continuing to insist on his innocence, Smollett declared the brothers sought $1 million each to “go away” and tell authorities that the assault wasn’t faked.
Held by Chicago Police investigators for nearly two days back in early 2019, in the final hour before they were to be released or charged, the brothers broke down and told the...
On the stand for the second day in the nearly weeklong trial, the ex-Empire actor reignited a $2 million bombshell accusation against Abimbola and Olabinjo Osundairo.
The brothers are the prosecution’s primary witnesses that the January 29, 2019, attack on Smollett wasn’t a hate crime but a set-up by the star himself. Right near the end of his long stint on the stand and continuing to insist on his innocence, Smollett declared the brothers sought $1 million each to “go away” and tell authorities that the assault wasn’t faked.
Held by Chicago Police investigators for nearly two days back in early 2019, in the final hour before they were to be released or charged, the brothers broke down and told the...
- 12/7/2021
- by Dominic Patten
- Deadline Film + TV
A disorderly conduct trial that is expected to start Monday in Chicago will be drawing worldwide attention. That’s because the accused is former Empire actor Jussie Smollett, whose now-discredited claim of a racially motivated attack in January 2019 shocked the world.
The twists in the Smollett saga are legendary. After claiming he ventured forth on a freezing cold night at 2 Am to get a sandwich, Smollett said he was attacked by two men wearing “Maga” gear. After a struggle, they left him battered and with a noose around his neck.
Subsequent investigations purportedly showed Smollett staged the attack with the help of two brothers he met at a local gym. He was severed from his Empire role and has since occupied himself with producing and directing an independent film, B-Boy Blues, which opened last week.
Smollett was eventually indicted on 16 counts of providing false information, but had them all dismissed...
The twists in the Smollett saga are legendary. After claiming he ventured forth on a freezing cold night at 2 Am to get a sandwich, Smollett said he was attacked by two men wearing “Maga” gear. After a struggle, they left him battered and with a noose around his neck.
Subsequent investigations purportedly showed Smollett staged the attack with the help of two brothers he met at a local gym. He was severed from his Empire role and has since occupied himself with producing and directing an independent film, B-Boy Blues, which opened last week.
Smollett was eventually indicted on 16 counts of providing false information, but had them all dismissed...
- 11/28/2021
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
Jussie Smollett is back in the spotlight amid an ongoing scandal that has derailed his acting career. On Friday, Nov. 19, the 39-year-old actor attended the New York City premiere of his movie B-Boy Blues, his film directorial debut. This marked the first red carpet event for the former Empire actor since January 2019, when he reported to authorities that he was the victim of an alleged racist, homophobic hate crime in Chicago. He was later indicted for making false police reports and is set to stand trial over the matter later this month. At the time, he told authorities that two masked men threw a noose around his neck and poured chemicals on him...
- 11/21/2021
- E! Online
Jussie Smollett was apparently doing more than visiting Subway since his enforced downtime.
The former Empire star has a new film, B-Boy Blues, an effort that marks his directorial debut. He screened the film, which still needs a distributor, on Friday in Harlem, and the auteur appeared in-person for a rare sighting outside the court room.
Smollett will stand trial in Chicago starting on Nov. 29 for his role in a phony hate crime that he allegedly helped stage. Smollett originally told police he was attacked by two men who shouted racial and homophobic slurs. But two men who helped him stage the incident later confessed that Smollett paid them $3,500 to enact the attack, which Smollett hoped to capture on a camera. The case briefly outraged the nation until the details were revealed.
Charges were originally dropped in the case and Smollett forfeited a $10,000 bond. But nearly a year later, Cook...
The former Empire star has a new film, B-Boy Blues, an effort that marks his directorial debut. He screened the film, which still needs a distributor, on Friday in Harlem, and the auteur appeared in-person for a rare sighting outside the court room.
Smollett will stand trial in Chicago starting on Nov. 29 for his role in a phony hate crime that he allegedly helped stage. Smollett originally told police he was attacked by two men who shouted racial and homophobic slurs. But two men who helped him stage the incident later confessed that Smollett paid them $3,500 to enact the attack, which Smollett hoped to capture on a camera. The case briefly outraged the nation until the details were revealed.
Charges were originally dropped in the case and Smollett forfeited a $10,000 bond. But nearly a year later, Cook...
- 11/21/2021
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Nat Faxon, Kevin Dunn, Marquise Vilsón, Marinda Anderson, Don Fanelli and Nancy Lenehan are set for major recurring roles opposite lead Abbi Jacobson in Amazon’s A League of Their Own, a reimagining of Penny Marshall’s 1992 film, from co-creators Jacobson (Broad City) and Will Graham (Mozart in the Jungle) and Sony Pictures TV.
The hourlong series, described as a fresh approach to Marshall’s classic about the real-life All-American Girls Professional Baseball League, will follow new characters who embody the spirit of a generation of women who dreamed to play professional baseball. “The show takes a deeper look at race and sexuality, following the journey of a whole new ensemble of characters as they carve their own paths towards the field, both in the league and outside of it,” according to the streamer.
Faxon will play Marshall, the Rockford Peaches’ team manager who works for league owner...
The hourlong series, described as a fresh approach to Marshall’s classic about the real-life All-American Girls Professional Baseball League, will follow new characters who embody the spirit of a generation of women who dreamed to play professional baseball. “The show takes a deeper look at race and sexuality, following the journey of a whole new ensemble of characters as they carve their own paths towards the field, both in the league and outside of it,” according to the streamer.
Faxon will play Marshall, the Rockford Peaches’ team manager who works for league owner...
- 11/8/2021
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
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