AAFM 11 Program Book

October 21-23, 2011
Raleigh Studios | Los Angeles, CA

Sponsored by th e
Black Hollywood Education and Resource Center

Table of Contents

10 12 26 32

President’s Message Lifetime Festival At-A-Glance Acknowlegement Page
Achievement Award
5 28 56
10
Youth Diversity Notes
A Great Day in A Salute To Film Festival
Black Hollywood African American 57
Program Makeup and 30
Hair Stylists
8 Meet The Filmmakers
12
Master of Ceremonies 32
Frances E. Williams
9
26

4 18th Annual African American Film Marketplace & S.E. Manly Short Film Showcase

Sandra Evers-Manly

A Message From The Black Hollywood
Education and Resource Center’s President

Dear Friends;

On behalf of the Black Hollywood Education and Resource Center, it is a
great honor to welcome you to the 18th Annual African American Film Mar-

ketplace and S.E. Manly Short Film Showcase.

This year we will again host our our annual Opening Night Ceremony,
“ A Great Day In Black Hollywood” paying tribute to the phenomenal
Ms. Hattie Winston with the Lifetime Achievment Award for her con-
tributions both on and off the screen and her longevity and talent in
the film and television industry.

We will also once again honor some of Hollywood’s unsung heroes
and sheroes, whose work, behind the scenes are often overlooked but
whose contributions are tremendous.

Our honorees this year are African American Hair and Makeup Artists whose
flair can be seen in film, television and in videos and more. These dynamic
individuals have achieved greatness in their own right and we salute them
for giving so many the right look and style.

18th Annual African American Film Marketplace & S.E. Manly Short Film Showcase 5

We are pleased to hold our Third Annual Diversity Youth Film Festival showcasing the diverse works of talented students
throughout Southern California. These young filmmakers are a force to be recognized and we applaud their dedication
along with their school and program advisors for going that extra mile to allow young people an opportunity to share
their vision.

This year’s Youth Diversity Film Showcase is presented by the Francis Williams Artist Fund and we are humbled by the
support. The legacy of Mrs. Williams, a talented actress, will always live on as we give thanks to a life well lived and that
continues to give back.

During our annual S.E. Manly Short Film Showcase, we are excited to present forty-eight amazing short films that bring
diverse perspectives and voices. Our congratulations to this years group of filmmakers for following your dreams and put-
ting in the extra work.

This year is a special one as we celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the groundbreaking film “Daughters of the Dust” by
our friend and gifted filmmaker Julie Dash. We applaud and shine light on the difference Julie continues to make in the
industry and in the lives of so many.

To all of our sponsors, supporters and volunteers, thank you for your continued belief in us.

In closing, my special thanks and appreciation to John Forbes, Mary Miller, Paula White, Heidi Hill, Richard Racklin, and
the entire BHERC family for going that extra mile to make this year’s festival a success. I am humbled beyond words.

Enjoy The Festival!

Sandra

6 18th Annual African American Film Marketplace & S.E. Manly Short Film Showcase

18th Annual African-American Film Marketplace
And S.E. Manly Short Film Showcase

“A GREAT DAY IN BLACK HOLLYWOOD”

A Salute To African Am erican Makeup
and Hair Stylists in Hollywood

Friday, October 21, 2011
Los Angeles Center Studios

18th Annual African American Film Marketplace & S.E. Manly Short Film Showcase 7

Program:

“A GREAT DAY IN BLACK HOLLYWOOD”

A Salute To African Am erican Makeup
and Hair Stylists in Hollywood

Friday, October 21, 2011

Welcome....................................................................................John Forbes, Program Director BHERC
Master of Ceremonies..................................................................... William Allen Young, Actor/Director
Musical Selection............................................................................................ Patrick Minner, Soloist

Introduction of 2011 S.E. Manly Short Film Showcase Filmmakers
Special Tribute........................................................... Assemblyman Mike Davis, 48th Assembly District
Musical Selection............................................................................................ Patrick Minner, Soloist

Salute to African American Makeup and Hair Stylist
Musical Selection............................................................................................ Patrick Minner, Soloist
Lifetime Achievement Award...................................................... Julie Dash, Trailblazing Writer/Director
Closing Remarks......................................................................... Sandra Evers-Manly, President, BHERC

Reception Immediately following Program

8 18th Annual African American Film Marketplace & S.E. Manly Short Film Showcase

William Allen You ng

Master of Ceremonies

William Allen Young rose from a decaying inner city housing project to become an award-winning
actor, inspirational teacher, dynamic orator, social activist, and humanitarian. Mr. Young was
born in Washington, D.C. and raised in South Central, L.A. One of seven children, he studied
acting at an early age and later won a scholarship to the famed Inner City Acting Academy where he
discovered his gift and passion for the performing arts.

Known by millions of fans as Frank Mitchell, the tough-but-loving father on the hit TV series Moesha or as the
corrupt Judge Ratner on CSI: Miami, his illustrious acting career includes performances in the Academy Award-
nominated film A Soldier’s Story and Wisdom (NAACP Image Award nominee). He was Cliff Templeton in the

CBS series Knotts Landing and Howard Bouchard in ABC’s Mariah. He received critical praise
for his performances in Women of Brewster Place, The Atlanta Child Murders, Simple Justice,
and award-winning Lifetime series Any Day Now. Most recently, Young was featured in the film,
Project X, produced by Peter Jackson (Lord of the Rings) and had a guest-starring role in the
TV series Detroit 1-8-7. Mr. Young is also an accomplished director and former Co-Chair of the
African-American Steering Committee of the Directors Guild of America.

In addition to his artistic achievements, Mr. Young is founder and president of the Young
Center for Academic and Cultural Enrichment, where he works to inspire a new generation of
leaders to create positive social change in America. His humanitarian efforts include: the Wil-
liam Allen Young Breakfast to Champions, which helps feed thousands of disadvantaged school
children during the annual Standardized Testing period; Education Incentive Program to help
underperforming students excel in CA public schools; and Very Special Arts Festival to develop
and support visual and performing arts programs for disabled children and adults.

A distinguished USC graduate, he holds a Masters degree in Sociolinguistics, a Bachelors
degree in Rhetoric & Debate, and was twice rated the Top Collegiate Speaker in the Nation
when he led the Trojan Debate Squad to a ‘National Championship’. His dynamic talents as a motivational
speaker and his life-changing inspirational messages are in constant demand by colleges, businesses, and
civic organizations nationwide. He is the recipient of numerous honors and awards including: Outstanding
Social Achievement Award (NAACP), Hero in Education Award (CA Lottery Assoc.), Humanitarian Service
Award (Arts Council for the Disabled); and Thomas Kilgore, Jr. Service Award (USC Black Alumni Assoc.).
He was recently inducted into the African-American Hall of Education and was selected Man of the Year
by the National Organization of Women at Work.

Mr. Young has lived and performed throughout America, Eastern and Western Europe, Asia, and most
recently in South Africa. He currently resides in Los Angeles with his wife and two sons.

18th Annual African American Film Marketplace & S.E. Manly Short Film Showcase 9

Hattie Winston

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

Hattie Winston, acclaimed actress, producer, director, Broadway veteran, both Mother Courage and The Michigan, while garnering Drama-Logue

and philanthropist, continues to entertain audiences on film, in televi- Awards for her roles in To Take Arms and Up the Mountain. For 15

sion and on stage, in an outstanding career that has spanned more years, Ms. Winston and co-writer James Stovall produced, Nativity: A

than three decades. Her love for acting and singing can be traced back Life Story. 

to her childhood in Greenville, Mississippi and later at Howard Univer-

sity in 1963. Ms. Winston is known for Ms. Winston’s television credits including co-starring as a series regu-

her outstanding performance for lar on ABC-TV’s critically acclaimed Homefront, CBS-TV’s Nurse, and

six seasons on the primetime the Emmy Award winning PBS series The Electric Company. She has

series Becker as Margaret for also guest-starred on such shows as Castle, ER, Cold Case, The Game,

which she was nominated and Numb3rs,The Smart Guy, Malcolm & Eddie, Girlfriends, and a recur-

for an NAACP Image Award ring role as Turk’s (Donald Faison) mom on Scrubs, and has also had a

as Outstanding Supporting recurring role on the soap opera Port Charles. Her made for television

Actress in a comedy series. movies and miniseries include: The Cherokee Kid, Saving Grace, Com-

mon Ground, Hollow Image and The Dain Curse.

The prolific actress has

directed and/or starred in Ms. Winston’s feature film credits include: The Battle of Shaker

James Baldwin’s Amen Corner, Heights, Quentin Tarentino’s Jackie Brown, Beverly Hills Cop III, True

Ntosake Shange’s For Colored Crime with Clint Eastwood, Clara’s Heart with Whoopi Goldberg, Meet

Girls who have Considered The Deedles, Panic In Needle Park, and many others.

Suicide/When the Rainbow

is Enuf, August Wilson’s Among her other accomplishments, Winston served as national co-

Piano Lesson and Lee chairperson of AFTRA’s Equal Employment Opportunities Committee;

Blessing’s Going to St. was recognized by the National Black Theatre Festival in Winston-

Ives and The Vagina Salem, North Carolina, with a Hattie Winston Day in 1993, 1997 and

Monologues. She also 2000; and was honored by the University of Louisville (Kentucky) with

co-produced Hattie and a dedication of the library’s Hattie Winston Collection. She is a dedi-

Harold’s Onstage Cabaret. The Lady Herself highlighted Ms. Winston’s cated board member of the Los Angeles Women’s Theater Festival and

range of musical prowess. she serves on the Performers Committee of the Academy of Television

Arts and Science and Screen Actors Guild Women’s Committee.

She became a founding member of the historically famous Negro

Ensemble Company (NEC) started by her esteemed colleague and friend, She is most proud of her recent performances at the Board

actor Robert Hooks. Her stage career includes: Two Gentlemen of Verona, Theatre in Stravinsky’s The Soldier’s Tale, directed by William

I Love My Wife, Scapino, and The Me Nobody Knows, and The Tap Dance Friedkin. Ms. Winston is currently writing a book and resides in

Kid. In addition, the performer earned Obie Awards as Best Actress in Los Angeles, California.

1 0 18th Annual African American Film Marketplace & S.E. Manly Short Film Showcase

Congratulations!

We could not be more
proud of our favorite
leading lady.

With Love,
Harold and Samantha

Julia L. Walker

Emmy Award winning Hairstylist, Julia Walker, began her career as a Wig Stylist in a
salon and worked with wig maker Victoria Woods for fifteen years. She was a dread
lock specialist for the movie Matrix Reloaded and others. She is known throughout

the industry for her expertise in period hairstyling. Her television and film credits are
many including: Grown Ups, Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story, Cold Case, The Unit,
Their Eyes Were Watching God, Star Trek: Nemesis, The 74th Annual Academy Awards,
Girl Interrupted, Life, The Temptations, Hollywood Squares, How Stella Got Her Groove
Back, Woo, Amistad, Cinderella, Volcano, Ghosts Of Mississippi, Sister Act 2: Back In

The Habit, Made In America, Sister Act, Stompin’ At The Savory, , The Long Walk Home,
Ghost, Roots: The Gift, Jumping Jack Flash, Jo, Jo Dancer, Brewster’s Millions, and the

Blues Brothers. Julia is an Emmy Award Winner and has had four Emmy nods. She
was also awarded a Diamond 60th Anniversary Award for contributions to the Art of
Hairstyling, given to her by make-up artists and hairstyling Board of Local 706. Ms.
Walker has had a very lucrative and exciting career spanning over 21 years. Most of

all she enjoys teaching. Ms. Walker officially retired in 2010.   

12 18th Annual African American Film Marketplace & S.E. Manly Short Film Showcase

Kenneth Walker

Kenneth Walker, who is often referred to as the hairstylist-to-the-stars. He has
worked as a hair stylist, key hair stylist, and hair department head on over fifty

mega box office sensations and television programs. He has styled the likes of
Oscar winners Julia Roberts and Denzel Washington (Walker has worked on several
projects with Mr. Washington including The Great Debaters). He too was the hair-
stylist for the movie The Wedding that starred Oscar winner Halle Berry, and Tears of
the Sun, which starred Bruce Willis. Sheryl Lee Ralph, Danny Glover, and countless
other celebrity clients have reaped the benefits of utilizing Walker’s prodigious abil-
ity to create an unrivaled portrait of style. Walker attributes many of his successes

to his humble beginnings.

Walker was raised solely by his mother, Pidgie L. Walker, in Watts, California. He
loved her dearly, and promised to one-day take care of her. Walker attended Los
Angeles City College and Los Angeles Trade Technical College where he majored
in Fashion Design. His flair for design has played an integral part throughout his
career. He also attended Flavio’s Leimert Park Beauty College. He used the twenty-
five dollars a week he received from unemployment to pay for his tuition. Flavio,

the college’s owner, immediately recognized Walkers potential to be a world-
renown stylist. When Kenneth informed Flavio that as a result of his unemployment

benefits being terminated, he would be forced to withdraw from school,
Flavio offered him a paid student worker position. The money he made
as a student worker combined with the tips he received, afforded him

the ability to continue to pay for school. Two years after he finished cos-
metology college he opened his first beauty salon, Mr. Ken’s Sensuous Woman.
It was also at this that time Kenneth received his big break. A colleague invited
Walker to style Marla Gibbs’ hair at her home. Ms. Gibbs loved Walker’s work, and
offered him the opportunity to be her personal stylist on 227, which he readily
accepted. From there he landed his first feature film, To Sleep With Anger. To view
some of Ken’s latest hair designs, check out Tyler Perry’s For Colored Girls Who Have

Considered Suicide When The Rainbow Is Enuf and Madea’s Big Happy Family.

18th Annual African American Film Marketplace & S.E. Manly Short Film Showcase 13

Marietta Carter-Narcisse

Marietta Carter-Narcisse, industry makeup veteran and internationally renowned
educator, has a passion for sharing beauty that’s apparent in everything she does.
Whether she’s standing with a color palette in hand, brush poised before a famous

face ready to be made up or lecturing before a classroom, training a whole new
generation of makeup artists.

Her career in the entertainment industry began as an assistant wardrobe stylist to her
younger brother during the Commodores’ 1983 European Tour. Through him, she met
and toured with Natalie Cole as her image consultant and personal assistant. This led
to a string of hit music videos, commercials, television shows and a successful career
as one of the most sought-after makeup artists in motion pictures. Her film credits
include: Old Dogs, Baby Boy, The Negotiator, The Red Violin, Sphere, Eve’s Bayou, The

Long Kiss Goodnight, A Time to Kill, Strange Days, Tina: What’s Love Got to Do With It?,
Malcolm X, Boyz ‘N The Hood, Ghost, and numerous others.

A respected expert in her field, Carter-Narcisse has been interviewed by such publi-
cations as Vogue, Glamour, Premiere, Seventeen, Vogue Hollywood, Panache, Shades

of Beauty, First Hold, Makeup Artist Magazine as well as several radio and televi-
sion shows and newspapers. She has also written numerous articles for trade

magazines including First Hold, Makeup Artist Magazine, Stage Makeup 9th & 10th
Editions by Richard Corson, James Glavan and Beverly Gore Norcross, Black El-
egance Magazine and many internet sites. Marietta holds a Master of Science

Degree in Higher Education and current cosmetology licenses in both California
and Florida. A voting member of The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sci-

ences and a member of the I.A.T.S.E Local 706, she also manages a select team
of in-demand makeup artists and hairstylists. Most recently she was featured on
WPLG Chanel 10’s 2011 “Holiday Makeup Looks”, “Hurricane House Calls”, as well as
their special “Oscar Winners Always Thank The Academy But Who Is The Academy”.
Carter-Narcisse currently resides in South Florida with her husband and 16-year-old son.

14 18th Annual African American Film Marketplace & S.E. Manly Short Film Showcase

Erma Kent

Erma Kent was born in Mississippi and moved to Los Angeles when she was 6 yrs
old. She graduated from Leimert Beauty College and began working as a Stylist in
the first black hair salon in Beverly Hills. Erma landed her first job in the industry
on the TV series 227. Her TV credits Include: CSI, Sons Of Anarchy, The Unit, Sleeper
Cell, That’s So Raven, Mama Flora’s Family, Miss Evers’ Boys, Laurel Avenue, Roc. Her
Film Credits Include: Dream Girls/Eddie Murphy, Akeelah & The Bee, Hostage, Taxi,

Love Don’t Cost A Thing, A Man Apart, Tears Of The Son, Biker Boyz, 8 Mile, The
Scorpion King, Ali, Dr. Dolittle 2, Double Take, Nutty Professor Ii: The Klumps, Crazy

In Alabama, Why Do Fools Fall In Love, Doctor Dolittle, Amistad, Con Air, Vampire
In Brooklyn, Candyman, Deep Cover. She recently finished working with Lawrence
Fishburne on CSI Las Vegas and continues to work hard to prepare the next genera-

tion of Hair Stylists.

18th Annual African American Film Marketplace & S.E. Manly Short Film Showcase 15

JoAnn Stafford-Chaney

JoAnn Stafford-Chaney is a hair designer and master colorist. She has over 30 years
of experience servicing a long list of television shows and feature films.

JoAnn began her career by training at Universal College of Beauty, and shortly after
was mentored by Ann Waddington the owner of Ann’s Attic in Los Angeles. During

late 70’s, she began working on Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman an American soap op-
era parody. During the course of her career, Jo Ann has been featured in Teen and
Sophisticates Black Hair magazine publications. She has had Emmy nominations
for Facts of Life and Star Trek Deep Space Nine. She continues to work on television
and film by participating in designing hair for many major film and television show

productions as well as industry photo shoots. As of recent, she was nominated for a
daytime Emmy Award for Beyond The Black Board.

Currently, JoAnn specializes in applying lace wigs, coloring and highlighting tech-
niques. JoAnn has mastered the ability to create the look for any time period set
before her. Her core belief is that simplicity is the essence of beauty and everyone

can have beautiful hair.

16 18th Annual African American Film Marketplace & S.E. Manly Short Film Showcase

Stephanie Cozart Burton

Stephanie Cozart Burton works magic with color and brushes defining the best
faces on television and film. She’s on call, especially for high definition productions
because of her flawless ability to create skin perfection for camera. She is a master

with color and skincare.

A licensed Esthetician, Stephanie got her start working for Adrien Arpel where she
honed her skills in color theory and mastered the art of skin perfection. She went on

to study at Joe Blasco Makeup Academy where she was a member of the last class
that Joe taught himself. There she was taught all avenues of makeup artistry includ-

ing special effects and character work.

Stephanie began her career in the situation comedy genre and continues to this
day to specialize in fast paced, creative venues. She earned her first Primetime

Emmy nomination creating characters on the award winning sketch comedy show
In Living Color. Both a Primetime and Daytime multi nominee, she is a member of

IATSE Local 706 and Women in Film.

Currently a part of the magic behind the new ABC comedy Work It, she is having
a ball doing drag to straight to drag changes on her actors while the audi-
ence waits. She has headed the departments of scores of shows including
Girlfriends, Lyricists’ Lounge, Living Single, Where I Live, The Army Show, The

Royal Family, Living Single and many more that stretch way back to The Facts
of Life. Her film credits include White Men Can’t Jump, Ghost Dad, A Low Down

Dirty Shame and the upcoming indie film, And They’re Off...

Stephanie’s celebrity client list is long and varied and speaks to the versatility of her
scope of creativity. You have seen her art on Jim Carrey, Busy Phillips, Queen Latifah,
Jennifer Lopez, Debra Messing, Paulina Porizkova, Cloris Leachman, Jennifer Love He-

witt, Tracee Ellis Ross, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Sandra Bullock, Rosie Perez and more.

Married for 19 years to actor/director, LeVar Burton, she is most proud of their
collaboration and her best production so far - 17-year old daughter Michaela who is

often the house model.

18th Annual African American Film Marketplace & S.E. Manly Short Film Showcase 17

Lalette Littlejoh n

Known for her remarkably star-studded roster of celebrity clients, you’ve seen Oscar
Nominated make-up artist LaLette Littlejohn’s work on Jamie Foxx, Angela Bassett,
Cicely Tyson, Wesley Snipes, Tracey Ellis Ross, Quincy Jones, The Time, Earth, Wind

and Fire, and Beyonce Knowles to name a few. She has an intense passion for il-
luminating the beauty in every face she touches.

Raised in Los Angeles, LaLette started in the business 30 years ago working with
Thelma Hopkins when she was with Tony Orlando and Dawn. Her accomplished work
has been seen everywhere from the most notable red carpet looks, elaborate music

videos, and editorial spreads in Ebony, Jet, Rolling Stones, Essence, and Upscale
magazines. Recognized for her expertise in the industry, she was recently appointed

key makeup artist for BET television shows The Game, Reed Between the Lines and
Let’s Stay Together. This artist in demand has cultivated her talents in creating raw
glamour and has applied her experience, aesthetic, and passion to celebrities, mov-

ies and television shows.

18 18th Annual African American Film Marketplace & S.E. Manly Short Film Showcase

Pauletta Lewis -Irwin

Pauletta showed promise early in her career. While in high school, she studied
cosmetology and earned her license at the same time she received her high school
diploma. She won her first honors in the “Blindfolded Hair Styling” competition in
Northern California. Pauletta moved to LA and landed her dream job working on the
NBC daytime soap opera Days of Our Lives for which she won an Emmy in 1998. She
was later taken under the wings of two of the industry’s most respected hair styl-
ists on her first feature film, The Rocketeer. Dedicated to her craft, she practiced all
of the time to improve her skills with wigs and authentic period hairstyling. These

skills landed her jobs doing retro hair styling for The Mambo Kings, Fried Green
Tomatoes, and The Five Heartbeats. She was hired to be the Department Head on
the Wayans Brothers comedy, In Living Color where she developed a strong working
relationship with comedian Jim Carrey. She was nominated for an Emmy for her
work on the show and went on to work with Jim Carrey on Ace Ventura: Pet Detec-

tive, Dumb and Dumber, and The Cable Guy.

Her talents and diverse skills became widely known throughout the TV and film
industry landing her projects with John Singleton on Poetic Justice, Higher Learn-
ing, and 2 Fast 2 Furious. Pauletta’s TV credits include: Martin, Thea, My Wife and
Kids and Everybody Hates Chris. Her film credits also include 50 First Dates, Knocked

Up, Old School, Ali: An American Hero, Soul Men, Even Money, Memoirs of
a Geisha, Thor, Water for Elephants, 10 Things I Hate about You. She has

also shared her magic on CNN Heroes Awards, Stuntman’s Association
Awards, and the BET Awards. Her third Emmy nomination was for her

outstanding work on Don King: Only In America.

Currently, Pauletta is working on the new TV series, The Playboy Club and continuing
her community work with Aids Walk LA, peace Marches, and as an Executive Board

member of the Make-up Artists and Hair Stylist Guild, IATSE Local 706. She also loves
spending time with her husband Mark and their two sons, Lewis and Matt.

18th Annual African American Film Marketplace & S.E. Manly Short Film Showcase 19

Geneva Morgan

20 Geneva Nash-Morgan is a Journeyman Make-up Artist and Make-up Designer with over
25 years experience. Her work in that time includes blockbuster feature films, network

television shows and Top 40 music videos as well as teaching at the industry’s top
institutions for make-up artistry, make-up design and hairdressing.

While Geneva was introduced to musical theater at a young age, she always aspired
to work behind the scenes, in the visual artistry and creation of characters’ ap-

pearances, set designs and costumes. Following her work on high school musical
productions, Geneva pursued her creative craft and entered the Citrus College School

of Cosmetology, in addition to subsequently attending Mount San Antonio for Fine
Art. Geneva completed her journey for the very best training in her field when she
transferred to California State University, Long Beach. There, she attained a Bachelor

of Arts degree in technical theater with an emphasis in make-up.

It was through Geneva’s relationship to film producer Bonnie Bruckheimer that
Geneva made one of several first “breaks” into the industry and received the op-
portunity to work directly on Bette Midler’s stage show De Tour as Bette’s personal

hairdresser. In addition to the tour, Geneva traveled with Bette for the Saga of
Baby Divine book tour as well as working with photographer Greg Gorman for

Bette’s Architectural Digest shoot. She went on to work in the make-up and hair
departments of several music videos and television shows, including Spike Lee’s

Jungle Fever musical theme song video with Stevie Wonder, Sir Mix Alot’s Baby
Got Back, The Jamie Foxx Show, The Martin Show, Star Trek, and Buffy the Vam-
pire Slayer. Geneva continues to actively work in television today as the Depart-

ment Head Makeup of the new Fox show Brothers.

Her major motion pictures work includes The General’s Daughter, Planet of the
Apes,The Grinch Who Stole Christmas, The Majestic, The Nutty Professor, Austin Pow-

ers Goldmember, Pirates of the Caribbean I, Terminal, and AI.

Attributing the opportunities she had to the many mentors who guided her along
the way, Geneva believes strongly in giving back and is an active mentor, advisor

and educator in the make-up design and hairdressing field. She has taught with
top programs in the industry, including Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandis-

ing (FIDM) and Hollywood Cinema Production Resources.

18th Annual African American Film Marketplace & S.E. Manly Short Film Showcase

Stacye P. Branch e

With over 20 years of experience in the Makeup industry, Stacye Branche is a well-
established makeup artist. The Los Angeles native began her career in the world of
music videos and then advanced to television and film, working on award-winning
films such as The Tuskegee Airmen, Men of Honor and Academy Award winning Jerry

McGuire and Ray. She has also been the personal makeup artist for such noted
actors as Laurence Fishburne, Regina King, Kerry Washington and Academy Award

winner John Voight and Cuba Gooding, Jr.

Stacye has worked her makeup magic at numerous award shows including the
Academy Awards. In the print world, her work has graced the covers of numerous

magazines. She has worked on countless photo shoots with top photographers,
including the legendary Herb Ritts. Along the way, Stacye’s musical background and

artistic abilities have led her to record three albums, as well as contributing her
music to the motion pictures The Biker Boyz, and The Brothers, as well as ABC Fam-

ily’s Lincoln Heights. Over the years, she has shared her knowledge of Makeup and
Skincare with up and coming makeup artists, while also teaching at Hollywood CRP,

a program overseen by the film industry union.

18th Annual African American Film Marketplace & S.E. Manly Short Film Showcase 21

Wynona Price-Gatlin

22 Wynona Price-Gatlin was born in Gene Autry, Oklahoma and raised in Muskogee. Af-
ter High School, she moved to Chicago following her passion for the arts. In 1960
her family moved to Los Angeles where she was able to pursue careers in modeling
and make-up artistry.

Her talents as a model and make-up artist led her to attend both the John Robert Pow-
ers School and the Elegance Make-Up School in Los Angeles. As a trailblazer, in 1970

Wynona became the first African American woman to open a boutique apparel outlet on
the world famous Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills. She named it The Gazebo and it was dur-
ing this time that she forged life-long friendships with such entertainment personalities

as Dionne Warwick who helped introduce her to the world of film and television.

Wynona’s first professional job in the industry was in 1975 on the hit television
series, All in the Family. Her outstanding work on the project afforded her the op-
portunity to work on such hits as Different Strokes, In the Heat of the Night, Who’s
the Boss, Miami Vice, Family Matters, Murder She Wrote and Sister, Sister. She also

became one of the first African Americans to earn the status of journeyman and
hold membership in the Local 706 Make-Up and Hair Union.

Although her career began in television, her talent and tenacity soon awarded her
with opportunities on the big screen. She has since worked with some of the big-
gest names in the industry from Eddie Murphy to Halle Berry on such high profile

films as Metro, What’s Love Got to Do With It, Ghost Dad, Baby Boy, Idlewild, The
Temptations, Dawn of the Dead and The Wedding. Wynona has traveled extensively
throughout the world often working exclusively with Sammy Davis, Jr., Dionne War-
wick, Ving Rhames, Blair Underwood, Jackee and Aretha Franklin. She received Emmy
Award nominations for outstanding achievement in make-up for her work on both

Miss Evers’ Boys and Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story.

Throughout Wynona’s career she has continually been a role model for African American
women by breaking down barriers in a highly competitive industry through not only her
perseverance but also her willingness to help others. She was a young girl with big dreams
and the determination to see them come to fruition. Wynona recently wed businessman,

Mr. Curtis Gatlin, and together they are enjoying retirement with their families.

18th Annual African American Film Marketplace & S.E. Manly Short Film Showcase

Kimberly Kimble

A Los Angeles native, Kimberly Kimble is one of the most sought after hair stylists
in the entertainment industry. Through her dedication, talent, and skill, she has

worked with such high profile celebrities as Beyonce Knowles, Mary J Blige, Garcelle
Beauvais, Shakira, Gabrielle Union, Jada Pinkett-Smith, Serena and Venus Williams.

Hair styling was not unfamiliar to Kimberly Kimble, as she comes from a long line of
hairstylists (mother and grandmother). Kimberly was trained at the Universal College
of Beauty of Los Angeles in Leimert Park, Culver City College of Beauty, Vidal Sassoon

Academy, and Dudley Cosmetology University in North Carolina. In 1995, Kimberly
opened her first salon, “Phase II Hair Salon,” and in 2000, opened her second salon
“Kimble Hair Studio” in West Hollywood. In 1996, she began working in the film indus-
try on a movie called B.A.P.S with Halle Berry and director Robert Townsend. From there
Kim went on to do television shows like The Parenthood, Jamie Foxx, and Moesha. She
has recently been recognized for the incredible Diana Ross hairstyles she created for
Beyonce in Dreamgirls and the Etta James’ hairstyle on Beyonce for Cadillac Records.

With her high profile client base and her reputation as one of the leading hairstyl-
ists, Kimberly Kimble has styled hair for major cosmetic companies including L’Oreal,

CoverGirl, and Neutrogena, and has also worked on campaigns for Pepsi, American
Express, and True Star for Tommy Hilfiger. Kimberly’s cutting edge hairstyles
and innovative contributions to the world of beauty have been featured
in hundreds of magazines including: Italian Vogue, Vogue, V, W, Harper’s

Bazaar, Elle, Rolling Stone, InStyle, Essence, Us Weekly, Blender and Seventeen.

Kimberly’s latest development is a hair product line called “KIMBLE HAIR CARE
SYSTEMS”. Her line of hair care will procure and process the highest quality hair

from the international market. Kimberly also provides a line of maintenance
products to care for the hair. With her successful West Hollywood Salon and a new
product line, Kimberly Kimble continues to beautify the world one head at a time.

18th Annual African American Film Marketplace & S.E. Manly Short Film Showcase 23

Joanetta Stowers

24 Joanetta Stowers was born and raised in Los Angeles, and was first inspired to do
make-up by watching her older sisters applying makeup. Her oldest brother, well

known film Hair Stylist, Robert Stevenson invited Joanetta to visit him on a movie
set and this is where her passion for doing makeup as a profession was ignited.

With his encouragement, she enrolled in the world-renowned Joe Blasco School of
Makeup in Hollywood. After graduating, her first makeup assignments were with
noted actors and filmmakers at press junkets for Universal Pictures. Soon her tal-

ent, friendliness and hard work were recognized, and she landed her first movie –
the critically acclaimed film, Menace to Society.

Joanetta has worked with Chris Tucker, Queen Latifah, Wesley Snipes, Tyrese Gibson,
Gabrielle Union and Samuel L. Jackson. She has worked on many box office hit films,
including all three Rush Hour films, Transformers, Jackie Brown, The Negotiator, Waist
Deep, Never Die Alone, Taxi and Dinner for Schmucks. Her television credits include: The
Bernie Mac Show, The Practice, Snoops, City of Angels, Martin and The Jamie Foxx Show.
She has also served as a make-up artist at many award shows, including the Academy
Awards and the BET Awards. She currently works on the hit BET network shows: Let’s

Stay Together, The Game, as well as the highly anticipated show, Read Between the
Lines, starring Malcolm-Jamal Warner and Tracee Ellis Ross.

As member of Makeup and Hairstylist Local 706, she has been a much sought-
after makeup artist in film and television for over two decades. Known for her
magnificent artistic skills, coupled with an endearing personality, she has trav-

eled the globe working with many of Hollywood’s top stars.

After seeing a need for more black makeup artists, Joanetta and Corrina Archibald, a
former instructor at Joe Blasco, opened a school, Creative Makeup School, in Monrovia,

California, teaching beauty, fantasy and special effects makeup. She still continues to
mentor aspiring artists, helping them to bridge the gap from dream to reality.

With the support of her husband, Charles Stowers, they have raised three children;
Cornell, Brandy and Tiffany. Currently, the greatest joy of her life is her 3 year-old
granddaughter, Leya, another budding star. As a makeup artist, Joanetta continues to
raise the standard within the entertainment industry with beauty, style and grace. 

18th Annual African American Film Marketplace & S.E. Manly Short Film Showcase

Phyllis Williams

Phyllis began her career in the cosmetics business in specialty stores working her
way up the corporate ladder. She spent 10 years freelancing for Borghese, Perscrip-

tives, Chanel, Bobbie Brown and Orlane cosmetics before making the transition
into the world of entertainment. Beginning with music videos, she got her start
with the local production company, FM Rocks and in 1994 she joined the Makeup
Artist and Hairstylist Union Local 706. Joining the union pushed her career in the
direction of Television and films and since 1994, Phyllis has run the makeup depart-
ments of several TV shows, most recently Suburgatory for ABC, Parks and Recreation
for NBC. Other shows include Scrubs and JONAS for The Disney Channel, Entourage,

Girlfriends, and My Wife and Kids.

Her celebrity clientele include: Amy Pohler, Rashida Jones, Chelsea Kane, Zach
Braff, Jada Pinkett-Smith, Queen Latifah, Malcolm-Jamal Warner, Elizabeth Banks,

Jill Marie Jones, Golden Brooks, Tisha Cambell-Martin, Damon Wayans, Donald
Faison and John C. McGinley.

In 2000, Phyllis launched an online magazine www.hautezine.com and later
produced behind the scenes footage of makeup artist and hairstylist for her blog

Haute Off The Set.

“Makeup has given me the opportunity to travel and work with some amazing
people…my goals now are to broaden my range of work to include more fash-

ion and editorial. And develop my web presence via my online sites.”

18th Annual African American Film Marketplace & S.E. Manly Short Film Showcase 25

Frances E. Williams 1905 – 1995

26 Actress, director, theatre producer and activist, Ms. Williams was a pivotal
force in the arts community for more than 70 years. She played the villain-

ess in Oscar Micheaux’s 1939 melodrama Lying Lips, appeared in the film
classic Show Boat (MGM, 1951) and was Miss Marie, “Waitress Emeritus” on

Tim Reid’s 1987 CBS series Frank’s Place.

In Hollywood Frances worked with The Actor’s Lab, Charlie Chaplin at the
Circle Theatre, and co-founded The Negro Arts Theatre, Los Angeles’ first
Black theatre company. Her mid-city garage became the Frances E. Williams
Corner Theatre where musicians, actors, writers and storytellers regularly

gathered for workshops and studio performances.

She studied filmmaking at the Univ. of Southern California, writing and pro-
ducing several political and arts documentaries for television.

A protest organized by Frances forced the Ralph’s supermarket chain in Los
Angeles to begin hiring Blacks. She co-founded the Paul Robeson Center,
helped create the Minority Actor’s Committee of Screen Actors Guild, and

co-produced, with Ed Pearl, Art Against Apartheid, an artists’ teach-in that
toured high schools for two years.


In her will, Ms. Williams established the Frances E. Williams’ Artist Grants

(FEWAG) which has distributed over $200,000 to support socially conscious
arts organizations and provide grants to Black film and theatre artists for
studies to perfect their craft.

“An artist who doesn’t participate in the struggle of his community doesn’t
have much to say.”

18th Annual African American Film Marketplace & S.E. Manly Short Film Showcase

Congratulations To Black Hollywood Education and Resource Center
For Your Commitment to

Diversity and Inclusion In The Film and Television Industry

Best Wishes On Your 2011 African American Film Marketplace and
S.E. Manly Short Film Showcase

Your Friend and Supporter,
Larry Chatman

S.E. MANLY SHORT FILM SHOWCASE 2011

Sch edule At A Glance

SATURDAY 10/22/11 12:30pm – 2:30pm • Fairbanks Theater
Punch Me........................................................14:24 Min.
10:00am – 12:00 noon • Chaplin Theater A Question......................................................11:00 Min.
Chasing the Train..............................................17:45 Min.
High School Student Films Inner Reflection...............................................11:26 Min.
Bump.............................................................18:52 Min.
Films Produced, Written and Directed by High School Students — For Colored Girls................................................ 6:00 Min.
Followed by a Q & A with the young filmmakers discussing the pro- Tale of Two Dragons........................................... 8:00 Min.
cess of student film making.
3:00pm – 6:00pm
12:30pm – 2:30pm • Chaplin Theater On the Grind....................................................26:40 Min.
It Makes Sense.................................................36:00 Min.
Somebody’s Gonna Pay......................................14:22 Min. I Heart Hollywood........................................ 1 Hr. 33 Min.
Redeemer........................................................17:45 Min.
Taharuki (Suspense)..........................................12:00 Min. 6:00pm – 8:30pm
Burned............................................................20:23 Min. Peep Game.................................................. 1 Hr. 16 Min.
Salvation Road ................................................16:00 Min. Secret Beach Party............................................30:00 Min.
Underground....................................................19:21 Min. River Toll.........................................................16:00 Min.
Fig.................................................................16:13 Min.

3:00pm – 5:30pm 12:30pm – 2:30pm • Pickford Theater
The Social Web.................................................12:10 Min.
The Parallax Parallel .........................................16:00 Min. Game Master....................................................14:12 Min.
Snapshot ........................................................22:00 Min. Albert! Or, My Life in the Ocean..........................28:00 Min.
Morning Due....................................................13:48 Min. Sule and the Case of the Tiny Sparks....................11:19 Min.
Battle Buddy....................................................14:33 Min. A Dream Lost.................................................... 2:30 Min.
J – 12 ............................................................20:00 Min. Mental Architecture........................................... 2:30 Min.
Shades of Brooklyn...........................................18:00 Min. My Perfect Man..................................................29:00 Min
Crushed............................................................ 8:00 Min.
6:00pm – 8:00pm
3:00pm – 5:00pm
The Switch .....................................................23:45 Min. Wyld Flower.....................................................15:00 Min.
Wealth............................................................15:30 Min. Swimmin’ Lesson............................................... 9:00 Min.
Breaking News.................................................14:27 Min. Big P..............................................................17:15 Min.
If I Leap.........................................................19:51 Min. Prepping Keisha...............................................19:42 Min.
Engagement ....................................................10:22 Min. Ouch............................................................... 9:17 Min.
The Last Job..................................................... 7:30 Min. Plenty of Fish.................................................... 7:30 Min.
IEP.................................................................14:00 Min. Close Call......................................................... 7:00 Min.

28 18th Annual African American Film Marketplace & S.E. Manly Short Film Showcase

SUNDAY 10/23/11 3:30pm – 5:30pm

12:30pm – 3:30pm • Chaplin Theater Somebody’s Gonna Pay......................................14:22 Min.
Redeemer........................................................17:45 Min.
On the Grind....................................................26:40 Min. Taharuki (Suspense)..........................................12:00 Min.
It Makes Sense.................................................36:00 Min. Burned............................................................20:23 Min.
I Heart Hollywood........................................ 1 Hr. 33 Min. Salvation Road ................................................16:00 Min.
Underground....................................................19:21 Min.
3:30pm – 5:30pm Fig.................................................................16:13 Min.

The Social Web.................................................12:10 Min. 6:00pm – 8:00pm
Game Master....................................................14:12 Min.
Albert! Or, My Life in the Ocean..........................28:00 Min. The Parallax Parallel .........................................16:00 Min.
Sule and the Case of the Tiny Sparks....................11:19 Min. Snapshot ........................................................22:00 Min.
A Dream Lost.................................................... 2:30 Min. Morning Due....................................................13:48 Min.
Mental Architecture........................................... 2:30 Min. Battle Buddy....................................................14:33 Min.
My Perfect Man..................................................29:00 Min J – 12 ............................................................20:00 Min.
Crushed............................................................ 8:00 Min. Shades of Brooklyn...........................................18:00 Min.

6:00pm – 8:00pm 12:30pm – 2:30pm • Pickford Theater

Wyld Flower.....................................................15:00 Min. Peep Game.................................................. 1 Hr. 16 Min.
Swimmin’ Lesson............................................... 9:00 Min. Secret Beach Party............................................30:00 Min.
Big P..............................................................17:15 Min. River Toll.........................................................16:00 Min.
Prepping Keisha...............................................19:42 Min.
Ouch............................................................... 9:17 Min. 3:00pm – 5:00pm
Plenty of Fish.................................................... 7:30 Min.
Close Call......................................................... 7:00 Min. Punch Me........................................................14:24 Min.
A Question......................................................11:00 Min.
12:30pm – 3:00pm • Fairbanks Theater Chasing the Train..............................................17:45 Min.
Inner Reflection...............................................11:26 Min.
The Switch .....................................................23:45 Min. Bump.............................................................18:52 Min.
Wealth............................................................15:30 Min. For Colored Girls................................................ 6:00 Min.
Breaking News.................................................14:27 Min. Tale of Two Dragons........................................... 8:00 Min.
If I Leap.........................................................19:51 Min.
Engagement ....................................................10:22 Min.
The Last Job..................................................... 7:30 Min.
IEP.................................................................14:00 Min.

18th Annual African American Film Marketplace & S.E. Manly Short Film Showcase 29

S.E. MANLY SHORT FILM SHOWCASE 2011

Youth Diversity Film Festival

Presented by the Frances E. Williams Artist Grants
Saturday, October 22, 2011 | Raleigh Studios 10am - 12am

CRASH A SUMMER GRADUATION
by Emily Gillvaro and Amanda Chico by Rosyo Salmeron & Thomas Carlton
“Teens planning to drink and drive” “Graduation comes faster than we thought!”

WHO THE KID NOW?! DATE RAPE
by Samantha Sanchez and Jeremi Johnson by Misty Blease & Richard Scaife
“The Bully gets bullied!” “He didn’t know she knew self defense”

BROKEN PROMIES ABUSIVE RELATIONSHIPS

by Terriann Scott by Marlyne Garcia & Michael Robinson

“A girl wants to fit in with the popular crowd but soon realizes “It’s hard to get out of an abusive relationship”

she is following the wrong footsteps”

POSITIVE SECRETS

DRUGS & BASKETBALL by Dr. M. Andrews adapted by Collateral Damage Prod.

by Tyler Gray “A girl wants to have an HIV test before sex but the boy

“A basketball player falls in with the wrong crowd” says no”

HESITENTLY SMOKING A LIGHT OF HOPE
by Christian Martinez and Ellie Gutierrez by Abner Santos
“A girl gives in to peer pressure” “A boy turns to drugs and his friends try to help him”

THE LIFE OF STEPHAUN REGRETS
by Stephaun Garner by Joeseph Maciel
“Drugs mess up the life of a football player “A girl is saved from drinking by a ghost!”

NEW MISTAKES OLD BEGINNINGS YOUNG GIRL

by Eternity Henry by Brianna Jenkins

“A girl falls into depression when people start talking about her” “Three young girls deal with pregnancy and life”

30 18th Annual African American Film Marketplace & S.E. Manly Short Film Showcase

S.E. MANLY SHORT FILM SHOWCASE 2011

Youth Diversity Film Festival

Presented by the Frances E. Williams Artist Grants
Saturday, October 22, 2011 | Raleigh Studios 10am - 12am

HARMONEY’S WAY WANT IT
by Adrienne Bailey by Nelson Cotton
“A boy falls in love with a girl who doesn’t believe in God “A boy has big dreams of being a rapper but for all the
and he changes her” wrong reasons”

THE BET LOVE GHOST
by Rashanah Belvin & Black Rose Productions by Jerimiah Johnson & Juaquin Castillio
“The girls make a bet on who can get a date with a cute “ A boy is in love with a ghost, he just doesn’t know it
guy first” yet!” LOVE GHOST by Jerimiah Johnson & Juaquin Castillio

A PASSION FOR LOVE The Lonely Ones

by Luis Gallegos by: Daveion Thompson
“A young couple has problems” Four brothers struggle to survive on the streets after their
mother makes a devastating decision.

THINK TWICE The Captive
by Rommell Pennell and Think Twice Productions by: Christopher Denton and Tyraughn “Ty” Barnett
“A party turns tragic” It’s just not Mike’s day—especially when he’s kidnapped by

DROP OUT the dumbest kidnapper…ever.

by Lamuna Robinson What Lays In Tiffany’s Mind
“A girl is thinking of quitting school and her friend helps her” by: Brianna Cochran
A powerful story of a teenage girl’s battle with the opin-
WAKE UP ions of others.
by Juaquin Castillo and Beatriz Ayala

“A kid thinks he going to be a rock star and stops going to

school”

18th Annual African American Film Marketplace & S.E. Manly Short Film Showcase 31

A Dream Lost - Production Stills



5:30pm – 8:00pm Saturday (Fairbanks Theater)
12:30pm – 3:00pm Sunday (Chaplin Theater)

A Dream Lost
2:30 Min.
A young man retreats within himself
to confront his insecurities and inner
darkness.

S.E. MANLY SHORT FILM Gregory Jones & Brandon Lake: Director
SHOWCASE 2011 Gregory Jones graduated from the Massachusetts Institute of Tech-
nology with a Bachelor’s of Science in Art and Design. During that
Meet Th e time, he developed an interest in animation and produced what is
Filmmakers believed to be the world’s first 3D printed animated film. His profes-
sional experience includes clients at BET, ESPN, FOX, Michel Gondry’s
Raleigh Studios: “Be Kind Rewind”, Lindsey Christian’s “Jazz and the Diamond
Saturday, October 22, 2011 District”, Kwesi Davis’ “Take Too Long” and the FX series “Sons of
Anarchy”. Independently, Gregory has directed and executive pro-
YOUTH DIVERSITY FILM FESTIVAL duced gospel recording artist Byron Cage’s music video, “Goodbye”,
10:00am – 12:00pm as well as the behind the-scenes feature for Richard Smallwood’s
Saturday “Promises” album. Currently, he is pursuing an MFA in animation at
USC’s School of Cinematic Arts.

Brandon Lake born and raised in a lively Caribbean household in Los
Angeles, California, always had an interest in story. Starting with
flipbooks and short stories, this interest would eventually lead him
into the Fine Arts program at the University of Pennsylvania where
he graduated with a concentration in Animation. After taking a
short hiatus to work the CG animated short, “Greyed Blues”, he en-
rolled in the University of Southern Californial to pursue a Masters
of Fine Arts in Animation.

Films produced, written and directed by 3:00pm – 5:00pm Saturday (Pickford Theater)
High School Students – Followed with a
Q & A with the young filmmakers dis- 3:30pm – 5:30pm Sunday (Chaplin Theater)
cussing the process of making of stu-
dents films. A Question
11:00 Min.
“A Question” is a gritty slice of life film
depicting a day in the life of a repressed
and detached older woman and her rough
around the edges younger lover who hap-
pens to be her nephew-by-marriage.

32 18th Annual African American Film Marketplace & S.E. Manly Short Film Showcase

Chidiki Whitley: Director 3:00pm – 5:00pm Saturday (Pickford Theater)
He is a filmmaker and digital content author. He wrote and directed
the short film “Death Deferred” starring acclaimed actor Kevin Jig- 3:30pm – 5:30pm Sunday (Chaplin Theater)
getts. The film helped earn him a filmmaking prize from the Painted
Bride Arts Center in Philadelphia, PA. Battle Buddy
14:33 Min.
In 1999, Chidiki wrote and directed the short film “Alleine” a One is the ideal soldier. The other is
German-Language film about a simple but complicated day in the failing her way out of basic training.
life of an Afro-German woman. In 2006, Chidiki wrote “The Kiss”, Now, they need to learn to put their
which was a finalist in the Duke City Shootout International Short differences aside and trust each other
Screenplay Competition. “The Kiss”, has screened at the Duke City because in war, their lives depend on it.
Shootout in Albuquerque, New Mexico and the San Diego Interna-
tional Film Festival. Gerard McMurray: Director
“Changing the way we view the world and one another through
Chidiki is the creator of BestScreenwritingBooks.com, a website film will help create a place of harmony, integrity and a greater
dedicated to providing screenwriters with resources that can help consciousness”, that best suits Gerard’s ambitions as the director of
them to become better screenwriters. He also administers a free “Battle Buddy”. As a child, television and film shaped the way that
screenwriting course that he developed through the website. He is he viewed the world and helped change his perception of life and
also the writer (as ‘Chike Camara’ of How to Write an Award-Winning how he related to others. Gerard worked at a Public Access Televi-
Short Film) which recounts his process for writing his award-win- sion Station in Washington D.C. where he realized that he wanted
ning short screenplay “The Kiss”. It currently sells in eBook format to create and tell his own stories. Prior to acceptance into USC he
on Amazon.com. worked as a production assistant on various commercials, short films
and independent movies to expand his production experience.

3:00pm – 5:30pm Saturday (Chaplin Theater) 3:00pm – 5:00pm Saturday (Pickford Theater)
12:30pm – 3:00pm Sunday (Fairbanks Theater) 6:00pm – 8:00pm Sunday (Chaplin Theater)

Albert! Or, My Life in Big P
the Ocean 17:15 Min.
28:00 Min. Oakland, California. Street Gangs. A
A psychological-realist film set in the early young boy trying to prove himself in
1960’s American Midwest about a thirteen a world ruled by crime and violence;
year old boy whose dream is to run away this is the world in which Peter Elder
to California and surf. A film about love, lives. Peter wants to become the man
abandonment, escapism and surrender. his brother Luke is; a respected gang
member that everyone likes and fears. He sets out on a journey that
Matthew C. Anderson: Director will change his life forever.
Matthew Anderson is a filmmaker living in Los Angeles. www.mat-
thewandersononline.com Kristina Thomas: Director
Kristina Thomas is a current film production graduate student at the
University of Southern California. She started filmmaking in college
and mentored under professor Haile Gerima, director of “Sankofa”;
learning the ins-and-outs of the film business. Kristina started
showing her potential in the documentary side of filmmaking by
winning awards that led her to an opportunity to direct a tv pilot in

18th Annual African American Film Marketplace & S.E. Manly Short Film Showcase 33

New Orleans, Louisiana. The pilot centered around three young peo- as Nine West, Jones New York, Rachel Roy, Robert Rodriguez and
ple, between the ages of 19-24, making a difference to help rebuild Sally Hershberger. BUMP is Rodney’s first creative project under his
New Orleans. Since then, she has tackled different issues in cinema production company, Novorain. Rodney attended Hofstra University
such as injustice in the LGBT community, racism, and homelessness where he studied film. He also studied photography at NYU.
on the streets of Los Angeles, California. Kristina hopes to one day
become an influential and acclaimed filmmaker/writer. 12:30pm – 2:30pm Saturday (Chaplin Theater))

6:00pm – 8:00pm Saturday (Chaplin Theater) 3:00pm – 5:00pm Sunday (Fairbanks Theater)

12:30pm – 3:00pm Sunday (Fairbanks Theater) Burned
20:23 Min.
Breaking News Monica Wilson is a young female veteran
14:27 Min. who is struggling with accepting the
The peace and quiet Kendra Davis cov- fact that she is suffering from the silent
ets eludes her today. Her rambunctious scars of post-traumatic stress disorder
children: nine-year-old, CJ; six-year-old, after returning home from the war in
Melissa; and four year-old, James won’t Iraq. As she struggles to make sense of
let up. Everything from an occasional her life and get it back on track, she has interpersonal conflicts with
sibling disagreement, to an innocent her mother-in-law, who blames her for her son’s involvement in the
melodic song weighs heavy on her psyche. Kendra reaches her break- war. She also has a chance encounter with a sharp-eyed, no nonsense
ing point, while her husband Christian is at work. What happens doctor, who sees through her façade. Monica also finds help from the
next will be tomorrow’s top story. most unexpected place, a seriously wounded combat veteran who
helps to free her from her guilt.
KMarie Walters: Director
KMarie Walters is a 2002 graduate of Tennessee State Univer- Phyllis Toben Bancroft: Director
sity. Since receiving her Masters from California State University, This award-winning filmmaker is the first recipient of BET’s “Lens
Northridge in 2005 she has written, directed and produced a string on Talent” award for the film SPENT, which she created/produced.
of independent films She currently produces the web series ERNIE’S GIRLS, which has also
garnered many honors. Phyllis received her MFA in Producing from
12:30pm – 2:30pm Saturday (Fairbanks Theater) the American Film Institute. However, her first directing credits were
in theater. As one of the original directors of the Lincoln Center’s
3:00pm – 5:00pm Sunday (Pickford Theater) Directors Lab, she has directed 25+ plays in NY & LA. Phyllis hon-
ored to have this screening be her LA Debut!
Bump
18:52 Min.
If you don’t remember the night, then
it’s a night to remember. Trevor wakes
up with an unknown woman in unfamil-
iar surroundings. As he drifts through
New York City, he struggles to put the
pieces together from the night before.

Rodney Lee: Director
Rodney Lee began his career in advertising working on national
campaigns for Revlon, Wella, Alize and Luster. He has conceptual-
ized and directed high-end videos for fashion & beauty clients such

34 18th Annual African American Film Marketplace & S.E. Manly Short Film Showcase

12:30pm – 2:30pm Saturday (Fairbanks Theater) where he portrayed Corporal Cobb in A Soldiers Play.
After working on several projects for different directors, he started
3:00pm – 5:00pm Sunday (Pickford Theater) to gain notoriety as a director of photography, but his passion was
writing and directing films for his own company.
Chasing the Train
17:45 Min. Reuben is currently in pre-production on his first feature film, Grown
When Calvin Dean rushed across town Man Bizness, as well as other projects slated for 2012.
to see his musical idol Train Walker
in concert, he never imagined that 12:30pm – 2:30pm Saturday (Pickford Theater)
an intimate conversation with the 3:30pm – 5:30pm Sunday (Chaplin Theater)
legend would change his life forever.

Charles W. Davidson: Director Crushed
Chasing the Train marks the Directorial debut of Charles W. David- 8:00 Min.
son. Who is an honor Graduate of the famed Morehouse College Britney Matthews and her boss, Donna,
in Atlanta, GA. After finishing his Bachelors of Arts degree in May are keeping a painful secret. Bruises on
2003, Charles decided to stray from the corporate path early and Britney’s arm tell her co-workers that
set a detailed plan in motion to enter a field he was truly passion- there’s trouble in her home life. But
ate about; Entertainment. After various television and film credits, to Britney, those bruises are exposing
the completion of his very first feature length screenplay proved to a life that she doesn’t want anyone to
be the tremendous learning experience that would set him on the know about. If her colleagues find out, it may come with some so-
path to his true passion. Since that time, the entertainment industry cial repercussions. Who knew secret lives could bring so much pain?
has become his world. Charles has completed seven feature length
screenplays, Co-Authored, Co-Produced, & Directed his first film Moe Lynch: Director
(Chasing the Train), and celebrated the Option of his feature Roman- Moe Lynch aka “Moeski”, is CEO of Righteous Entertainment, LLC, a
tic Comedy Co-Written with Victor Dean entitled “The Luckiest Man”. company specializing in producing a high standard of family friendly
programs and films. Pursuing his lifelong dream of becoming a screen-
3:00pm – 5:00pm Saturday (Pickford Theater) writer and director, Moe began writing screenplays at the age of 16.
Since then, as a graduate of Specs Howard School of Media in Detroit,
6:00pm – 8:00pm Sunday (Chaplin Theater) MI, he has written over 10 screenplays and has helped produce
various Television programs for companies such as Ford and Comcast
Close Call Cable. In the summer of 2006, he completed his first full-length fea-
7:00 Min. ture film entitled “Blaze: The Truth Through Hip-Hop”. Since then, he
This is a film where temptation tries to has garnered attention through his award winning screenplays, and
get the best of you. Matthew is a well- his recent film “CRUSHED”. Together along with his wife and co-host
established guy who has found the love Nicki Lynch, Moe is known for his weekly television program entitled
of his life, Isley; they have been together “RETV” a positive Hip Hop music video show. Its purpose is to pro-
for over a year, so Matthew decides to mote artists who present messages in their music in contradiction to
ask for her hand in marriage. Lust rears the negative aspects currently portrayed in Hip Hop today.
its ugly head when Isley’s sister tries to make a play at Matthew, which
road will he choose?

Reuben Johnson: Director 35
Reuben Johnson is a native of Los Angeles California, while in
college he participated in several theater projects, as well as
student short films, he also was a part of an award winning play

18th Annual African American Film Marketplace & S.E. Manly Short Film Showcase

6:00pm – 8:00pm Saturday (Chaplin Theater) Film Festival’s Delta Airlines Fly In Movies Competition, as well as
the American Pavilion Emerging Filmmakers Showcase at the 2009
12:30pm – 3:00pm Sunday (Fairbanks Theater) Cannes Film Festival.

Engagement In 2009, Ryan received the Dana and Albert Broccoli scholarship
10:22 Min. for Filmmaking Excellence, and in 2010, his short film “Gap” was
Jolie is in love with Elam, but her fam- selected for the 2010 BET Lens on Talent Competition. In 2010,
ily can’t stand him. If there is to be a “Coogler “ also received the Jack Nicholson Award for Achievement
future with him, she will have to face in Directing.
her fear of the ultimate commitment
and her family. 12:30pm – 2:30pm Saturday (Fairbanks Theater)

Gianni-Amber North : Director 3:00pm – 5:00pm Sunday (Pickford Theater)
Gianni-Amber North & Melanna Gray grew up in Kansas City, MO,
on East 28th Street. Melanna studied theatre at the University For Colored Girls
of Southern California on a full track and field scholarship. She 6:00 Min.
continued training for the Olympic team in Kansas City and earned Scarred by a lifetime of stringent hair
an MFA from Missouri Rep and spent the next 10 years on New processing, a young woman decides to
York & regional stages. Gianni-Amber studied creative writing and reexamine her definition of beauty in
ethnic studies at the University of Redlands, and then went on to ultimately defining it on her own terms.
complete 8 short films, including, “Affected”, the only American
short accepted in its category to the Pria Film festival in Accra, Lori Webster: Director
Ghana. Finally, the sisters decided to join forces. They are now, East Lori Webster is a graduate of University of North Carolina at Chapel
28th Street Productions. They have completed their first short film Hill where she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Communication
together, “Engagement”. They are currently shooting their second Studies and Afro-American Studies. Her industry experience spans
short, “Do You Know Who God Is”, and are also developing their first everything from development to production to post production for
feature & web series. an array of top companies, including Warner Brothers, NBC, ABC,
USA Network, Disney Channel, MTV, BET, and TV One. Independently,
12:30pm – 2:30pm Saturday (Chaplin Theater)) Lori has written, directed, and produced several projects, ranging
from promos, commercials, short films, and documentaries. In 2008,
3:00pm – 5:30pm Sunday (Fairbanks Theater) she was selected as a television fellow for the Guy Hanks and Marvin
Miller Screenwriting Fellowship, better known as the Cosby Fellow-
Fig ship. In her community she has blazed trails, having co-founded a
16:13 Min. dynamic young adult Creative Media Ministry at West Angeles Church
Candace, a young single mother in of God in Christ. She also served as Editor and Production Coordina-
South Los Angeles, is forced to make a tor for their Media Services Department. She is currently enrolled in
desperate decision, that puts her love USC’s School of Cinematic Arts where she is pursuing an MFA Film &
for her daughter to the ultimate test. Television Production.

Ryan Coolger: Director
Ryan Coogler, graduated in May 2011 from USC’s School of Cinematic
Arts MFA Production Program. After his first semester at USC, Ryan
was named a 2008 recipient of the National Association of Theater
Owners (NATO) scholarship for achievement in directing. In 2009,
his student short film “Locks” was selected for the 2009 Tribeca

36 18th Annual African American Film Marketplace & S.E. Manly Short Film Showcase

12:30pm – 2:30pm Saturday (Pickford Theater) roles for actors and actresses of color led her to co-founding her
3:30pm – 5:30pm Sunday (Chaplin Theater) own production company, Flower Goddess Productions, with fellow
actress Mashari Laila Bain.

Game Master Mashari Laila Bain career started on the equity stages of Chicago
14:12 Min. after receiving her BA from Columbia College. Since moving to Los
An anti-social barista decides to break Angeles, Mashari has booked roles on a variety of television and film
his lonely streak by inviting a woman projects including “Without a Trace“ and “The Young & The Rest-
that he befriended while playing World less”. Recently Mashari starred in the Ovation Award winning play
of Warcraft to have a drink with him “Something Happened” and in the film “Last Shuttle To The Moon”.
at his coffee shop. During the date, One of Mashari’s proudest accomplishments is starting her produc-
everything seems to be perfect, which tion company, Flower Goddess Productions, with fellow actress
is the ultimate problem for his World of Warcraft addicted alter ego CiCi Foster. Their company has completed the feature film “I Heart
who proudly proclaims himself as the GAME MASTER. Hollywood”, being released this year and a series of web-mercials

Kimberly Townes: Director and charity projects. In addition to acting and producing, Mashari is
Kimberly Townes is a MFA candidate at UCLA. Her shorts have played also an accomplished voice over artist.

in festivals across the US and internationally. Her most recent work, 6:00pm – 8:00pm Saturday (Chaplin Theater)
Planting Hope, was sponsored by the Bill and Melinda Gates Founda-
tion to highlight non-traditional education. Recently Planting Hope 12:30pm – 3:00pm Sunday (Fairbanks Theater)

was screened at the Congressional Black Caucus Convention’s Educa- If I Leap

tion Reform film series and Time Warner Cable’s On-Demand channel. 19:51 Min.

Her work can be seen at www.kimtownes.com

A young Catholic sister is dealing with

3:00pm – 6:00pm Saturday (Fairbanks Theater) her desire for something she has never

12:30pm – 3:30pm Sunday (Chaplin Theater) experienced — erotic love. When the
nephew of the Mother Superior seeks

I Heart Hollywood refuge at the convent after deserting
1 Hr. 33 Min. the army refusing to serve a third tour
We’ve all heard of the “celebrity” of duty in Operation Iraq Freedom, the two engage in an intimate
relationship that will change the course of her life.
overnight success story, but what about

those on the rise to stardom.Director Jackie J. Stone: Director/Writer/
Rebecca Hu captures the triumphs of Executive Producer Allison Marek: Producer
rising actresses in Hollywood through J.J Stone began her career in the arts in creative writing and theater,
a selection of interviews and a candid but soon gravitated quickly to the visual medium of film. She is a
peak into their journey. Although these women are diverse in age, graduate of New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts and has
ethnicity, and career levels, they share one common desire; the pas- directed three films: a documentary, “Anniversary”; an award-winning
sion to live their dream. This is their story. Welcome to ‘the grind short, “The Dying Color” and “If I Leap”, music videos; and several
behind the glamour’. spec commercials. Jackie has won numerous honors and awards for

CiCi Foster & Mashari Laila Bain: Producer her short films including: the Vague, Warner Brother’s and Kodak Pro-
Rebecca Hu: Director duction Awards, grants from New York State Council of the Arts Grant
Foster’s writing career began when she penned her debut novel, and the Jerome Foundation. Her scripts have also garnered attention
Sunny Rain. The success of Sunny Rain put CiCi in demand with and awards including: semi-finalist for the Showtime Visions from
urban lit fans who dubbed her ‘The queen of sexy drama.’ After gain- Ground Zero Fund for “Kite”, a Jerome Foundation award winner, and
ing attention as an author, Foster’s desire to provide empowering she has been a finalist for both the Sundance Screenwriting Institute

3718th Annual African American Film Marketplace & S.E. Manly Short Film Showcase

for “The Last Suicide” and the Nickelodeon Screenwriting for a televi- Rainelle Saunders: Director
sion spec script. She was an AICP finalist for her spec commercial Tara Sullivan: Producer
work. Jackie is currently in development on several projects. Rainelle Saunders began her professional career in NYC, acting on
television. Eventually, destiny brought her to Hollywood, where she
12:30pm – 2:30pm Saturday (Fairbanks Theater) became a writer/actor on the hit BET show, LA Friday.

3:00pm – 5:00pm Sunday (Pickford Theater) In 2005, Rainelle completed a feature, “I Dance in Jasmine”, which
she wrote, produced, and starred in. She directed a short film, “The
Inner Reflection Wedding Day”, and a staged reading of her play, “Cut the Crap”.
11:26 Min.
The short film, “Inner Reflection”, Tara Sullivan, a Los Angeles native, is the CEO of Creative Creations
explores destiny and how it can change Interior Design Company. Her company has also been part of staging/
when one reaches their weakest mo- designing for various theatre productions throughout Los Angeles.
ment in life; a moment when life is
reborn and is seen through new eyes Tara co-produced several theatre productions and also became the Pub-
and a new perspective. Backed with a lic Relations Liaison for the 4305 Village Theatre & Leimert Park Village.
highly emotional soundtrack, “Inner Reflection” sweeps you along a She encountered many opportunities to work with various film festivals
mind-blowing ride through brilliant cinematography, mood altering in set design and event planning. Her latest co- producing project.
rhythms and subliminal eye stimuli through vibrant colors.

Jamal Hall: Director 3:00pm – 5:30pm Saturday (Chaplin Theater)
In 2008, armed with a short film script called “Strivin”, Jamal bor-
rowed a camera and got people to help him produce his story. To 6:00pm – 8:00pm Sunday (Fairbanks Theater)
his surprise, “Strivin” caught on and created a life of its own, much
more than Jamal had ever imagined. J – 12
20:00 Min.
After the critically acclaimed success of “Strivin”, Jamal realized Vladimir is a young Haitian immigrant
that he had a natural talent for screenplay writing and began writing living in New York City, struggling to
his next project, “Umi”. He wanted to create a realistic message yet make ends meet. After being forced to
something very different from the “norm”. Soon after, Jamal partnered drop out of school, his mother back in
with Jonathon Sisco, a former colleague, during the filming of Umi. Haiti, encourages Vlad to stay in New
A powerhouse manager and producer, Jonathon Sisco helped take York until he can re-enroll in classes.
Dynomyte Films to the next level as a film production company. On the morning of January 12th, 2010, Vlad is woken up by his
mother’s phone call. By the afternoon, there is news of an earth-
3:00pm – 6:00pm Saturday (Fairbanks Theater) quake in Haiti. Facing eviction, uncertainty, and fearing the worst,
only Sarah, Vlad’s girlfriend can help hold him together.

12:30pm – 3:30pm Sunday (Chaplin Theater) Perri Pierre: Director

38 It Makes Sense After completing high school in Haiti, Perri Pierre moved to New
36:00 Min. York in July 2006 to continue his studies. He decided to exploit his
In this video questionnaire, a variety of talent as an artist and moved towards the art of cinema and theater
people are faced with the answer to a very in college. Thus he graduated in May 2010 with a B.A in Drama and
challenging question. If you had to give Theatre at Queens College. He also appeared on episodes of Law and
up almost everything that makes you the Order, Cupid and other films. His participation in these movies and
person that you are, and had to live with a shows has allowed him to get points in his first race in the field of
severely limited way to communicate your cinema. He recently co-wrote, produced, directed, starred in and
existence in the world, what type of life would you choose? edited the short film J-12.

18th Annual African American Film Marketplace & S.E. Manly Short Film Showcase

Perri studied acting with Prof. Claudia Feldstein and Susan Einhorn. Barbara E. Allen: Director
Barbara E. Allen in 2005 produced the three time Emmy Award win-
He has acted in several plays and musicals, in different cities in ning documentary, Paper Trail: 100 Years of the Chicago Defender
hosted by actor, Harry Lennix, and featuring then Senator Barack
the world. Asides from behind on set or on stage, he loves to play Obama. Shealso executive produced and edited the 2006 Emmy nomi-
Mental Architecture - Production Stills nated documentary, Standing on Common Ground: My Spring Break in
his family, surf the net, watch movies and New Orleans. In 2007 she wrote, produced and directed the film short,
soccer, spend time with Morning Due which screened at the 2008 Cannes Film Festival Short
Corner, the Chicago International Film Festival and won the Jury Prize
listen to music. He is fluent in French, Creole and English. for Best Film at the 2008 Langston Hughes Film Festival.

12:30pm – 2:30pm Saturday (Pickford Theater) 12:30pm – 2:30pm Saturday (Pickford Theater)
3:30pm – 5:30pm Sunday (Chaplin Theater)
3:30pm – 5:30pm Sunday (Chaplin Theater)
Mental Architecture
2:30 Min. My Perfect Man
A journey through the lifecycle of the 29:00 Min.
Tanya Niedamyn is a very talented
human mind at the intersection of the geneticist. If she knew her way around
the dating game, like she knows her
macro-physical and digital world. way around a science lab, Tanya would
not have the man troubles she is having
Gregory Jones: Director now. After several crazy dates, Tanya
Gregory Jones graduated from the Massachusetts Institute of Technol- realizes that she does not have to find the man of her dreams. she
ogy with a Bachelor’s of Science in Art and Design. During that time, can create the man of her dreams, and she knows just how to do it.
he developed an interest in animation and produced what is believed Tanya puts her hilarious plan into affect to steal the DNA from past
to be the world’s first 3D printed animated film. His professional ex- dates and build her perfect man, but Tanya quickly finds out that it
perience includes clients at BET, ESPN, FOX, Michel Gondry’s “Be Kind takes more than genes to be a good man, and that the perfect man
Rewind”, “Lindsey Christian’s” “Jazz and the Diamond District, Kwesi is not always what you imagined him to be.
Davis’”, “Take Too Long” and the FX series “Sons of Anarchy”.
Stephen R. McClain: Director
Independently, Gregory has directed and executive produced gospel Stephen R. McClain graduated from Morgan State with a B.S. in
recording artist Byron Cage’s music video, “Goodbye”, as well as the telecommunications. He went back to Morgan and obtained his M.A.
behind the-scenes feature for Richard Smallwood’s “Promises” album. in English for Writing for TV and Film, which at the time was in
Currently, he is pursuing an MFA in animation at USC’s School of conjunction with Warner Bros.
Cinematic Arts.

3:00pm – 5:30pm Saturday (Chaplin Theater)

6:00pm – 8:00pm Sunday (Fairbanks Theater)

Morning Due Currently, Stephen has a popular webseries he has written and di-
13:48 Min. rected, called “Make Love Not War” on the internet. “Make Love Not
A young couple anticipating the birth War” was voted number 5 on the “Top Ten List of Black Webseries”
of the first child, ponder their future at www.starved.com.
and the fate of their unborn child. The
impact of their love reveals that some- Now, Stephen is completing another feature script, “Prize of the Ghet-
times the hardest things to accept are to” which will be his first full length narrative film. He will direct.
answered prayers. Morning Due is the
story of binding family love in the face of the unlovable.

18th Annual African American Film Marketplace & S.E. Manly Short Film Showcase 39

3:00pm – 6:00pm Saturday (Fairbanks Theater) California African American Museum and Cheeks is currently in post-
12:30pm – 3:30pm Sunday (Chaplin Theater) production on the feature-length version of “On The Grind”.

On the Grind 3:00pm – 5:00pm Saturday (Pickford Theater)

26:40 Min. 3:00pm – 6:00pm Sunday (Chaplin Theater)

“On The Grind” sets out to capture Ouch
9:17 Min.
the thriving skateboard scene, in Long
Beach in the aftermath of a gang-

shooting that ended the life of one of Gina’s entire life has been based on

the city’s most promising skaters. “On her looks. When a neighbor moves in

The Grind” follows a mother’s journey next door unexplainable bruises appear

for justice and brings light to a group of skaters who are elevating all over her body. Destined to find the

themselves out of poverty with their passion of skateboarding. The source leads her to a rude awakening

skaters practice at a skate-park located in the middle of a war zone “beauty is only skin deep”.

where drugs, violence and homelessness run rampant; and over the
past three years, the filmmakers have discovered compelling stories Jerry Jackson: Director

of loss, loyalty and brotherhood that transcend Long Beach. This Bass player, turned producer, turned film director. Jerry “Blindman”

documentary will prove to be an artifact of the urban skate phenom- Jackson is a native from Chicago, IL where he started Smooth Sound

enon, while providing hope for a community struggling to keep its multimedia, one of the largest Black owned music recording and

youth from the undertow of gang-violence. Skateboarding isn’t some production studio’s in Chicago. He also started the “Smooth Sound in-

suburban sport, it’s a means of survival… dustry showcase” which hosted such early stars as Bernie Mac, R Kelly

and Tha brat, to name a few. When he moved to LA in 1996, where

James Cheeks III: Director he continued his studio and showcase legacy working with some of

James M. Cheeks III (Director and Producer) received his MFA de- the top professional’s in the music business. After taking a break from

gree in Film and Television Production at USC’s School of Cinematic music he needed a new venture in life and came across film. Jerry has

Arts in Los Angeles. His career started in high school at the age of had the pleasure of working with a lot of L.A.’s talented actors includ-

16 with an internship at The TV Guide Channel, which later turned ing Vanessa Bell Calloway, C. Thomas Howell, Katt Williams, John

into part-time employment. Cheeks got accepted into art school Amos, etc. He has also directed over three hundred music videos,

but he decided to study Communication and Film at George Mason numerous independent feature films, TV pilots, and short films.

University, where he earned his Bachelor’s degree. In college, James 6:00pm – 8:30pm Saturday (Fairbanks Theater)

worked on various television projects in the DC area including

the Ted Turner documentary mini-series, “Avoiding Armageddon”, 12:30pm – 2:30pm Sunday (Pickford Theater)
which aired on PBS. In 2006, Cheeks served as a sound designer for

Alex Ko’s documentary, “Pok Dong”, which examined the haunting Peep Game
impact of the LA riots on an immigrant family from Korea. Cheeks’ 1 Hr. 16 Min.
interest in missions and social justice has led him to serve in Peru, Mackey Hart is an eighteen year old
Mozambique, Jamaica and downtown LA’s Skid Row. Cheeks is also aspiring singer who lives in Brooklyn,
a skateboarding enthusiast and supports skateboarding for at-risk New York with his father and younger
youth. He manages a volunteer skateboarding team that travelled sister. Mackey is in his final year of high
around the U.S. for 5-months supporting a music and extreme sports school and he is debating the option of
tour. His film, “On The Grind”, had its World Premiere at the 2009 going to a university for higher educa-
Mammoth Film Festival, where it won the award for “Best Documen- tion or to fulfill his burning desire to live out his dreams and to let
tary Short”. It recently won the “Best Documentary Short” award at it be unleashed, his life is entirely focused on music. Mackey shows
the 13th Annual Roxbury International Film Festival. “On The Grind” the music business a new game called peep game.
was also featured during a historical skateboarding exhibit at the

40 18th Annual African American Film Marketplace & S.E. Manly Short Film Showcase

Ben Lee Foster: Director 3:00pm – 5:00pm Saturday (Pickford Theater)
Ben Lee Foster began directing at the age of nine and has twelve
short films to his credit. His projects have been screened in schools 6:00pm – 8:00pm Sunday (Chaplin Theater)
and many film festivals nationwide. He has been nominated for the
Black Enterprise TeenPrenuer of the Year Award, featured in the Prepping Keisha
May 2007 BLACK ENTERPRISE Magazine, the 2005 Culture Magazine 19:42 Min.
and the 2009 Essence Magazine. He has been seen on ABC “Fast Keisha James is a typical Midwest
Forward”, CBS” Speak Up”, NBC “10! Show”, “CNN Headline News”, American Teen at Rick James High.
“Montel Williams” show, and many others. He has been inducted She’s very smart, socially awkward
into the “African-American Hall of Fame” and the “Kids Hall of and can’t dance to save her life. After
Fame”. In addition, he was awarded the Gold Medal winner for the winning the Science Fair at school she
NAACP ACT-SO Competition for Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in the convinces her best friend to try out for
filmmaking category. Ben is presently interning with BET Networks the cheer squad with the popular girls, The Raccoon Raidettes, in
in Los Angeles, CA. order to improve her social status. That doesn’t go so well. Luckily
the same day, Keisha gets a scholarship letter to attend a private
3:00pm – 5:00pm Saturday (Pickford Theater) school in another state for her last year of high school. She hits pay
dirt when the popular girls of the new private school, the Trust Fund
6:00pm – 8:00pm Sunday (Chaplin Theater) Babies, believe she’s the daughter of legendary singer Diana Ross.
Keisha decides to go with the lie.
Plenty of Fish
7:30 Min. Kenyetta R. Smith: Director
“Plenty of Fish” chronicles a day-in- Kenyetta graduated college from Columbia University (NYC) as an
the-life of a quirky AM/BW (Asian Man/ English major and relocated to LA to pursue screenwriting. She
Black Woman) couple who meet on the started her film production track working on many short film sets
internet. and on MTV promos as a script supervisor. She also attended New
York Film Academy and is currently completing the Cinema Produc-
Korean-born Dong decides to test the tion Program at Los Angeles City College. Kenyetta is an alumna of
camera on his new cell phone by filming his African-American girlfriend, the IFP West Screenwriting Lab, HBO Montage Writing Program, and
Georgia. By nightfall Georgia wonders if Dong’s attraction to her goes The Guy Hanks and Marvin Miller (Cosby) Writing program at USC.
beyond sexual curiosity (and even fetishism), or if there is something Additionally, Kenyetta is a New Media and Internet entrepreneur
more substantial to their love – beyond what the eyes can see. specializing in developing and monetizing original content sites.
She is also the visionary behind a writing salon called the Writer’s
Georgia D. Lee: Director Room (www.WritersRoomLa.com) - a quiet salon a membership-
Georgia Danielle Lee makes her independent filmmaking debut with based space dedicated to writers working on their masterpieces
“Plenty of Fish”, a short romantic-comedy featuring a quirky inter- located in the center of Los Angeles
racial couple chronicling their day with a camera phone.

Lee uses her screenwriting and filmmaking talents to bring social
issues to light in mainstream media. Issues such as racism and
prejudice, socio-economic stratification, intercultural differences,
and the meaning of love are among the plethora of what she sees
in the world everyday and wishes to explore both in front of and
behind the lens.

Serious and satirical, and even sometimes with a bit of whimsy, 41
Lee’s writings run the gamut in genre and origin.

18th Annual African American Film Marketplace & S.E. Manly Short Film Showcase

12:30pm – 2:30pm Saturday (Fairbanks Theater) Erma Elzy: Director
Erma Elzy is a multi-talented television, stage and short feature direc-
3:00pm – 5:00pm Sunday (Pickford Theater) tor. As a member of the Directors Guild of America, her credits include
television shows, for the Disney Channel and the CW (formerly
Punch Me UPN and WB). A respected member of the film festival circuit, Elzy
14:24 Min. garnered worldwide attention for direction of two multiple, award-
With a romance on the rocks and a fa- winning short features: the drama “Room 302” and the futuristic
ther on his sick bed, a young man must comedy “Man Made”.
accept his true identity before he loses
the two people he loves most. “Some- 6:00pm – 8:30pm Saturday (Fairbanks Theater)
times A Push Is All You Need”
12:30pm – 2:30pm Sunday (Pickford Theater)
Robert X. Golphin: Director
Robert X. Golphin, perhaps best known for his roles as Dunbar Reed River Toll
in Denzel Washington’s “The Great Debaters” and Son in the multiple 16:00 Min.
award-winning “Punch Me”, is an artist who has yet to scratch the A drama about a kid who struggles in
surface of his potential. As an award-nominated actor, Robert has had class, prompts his teacher to spy on
roles in/on some of the following Film & TV productions: “Remember him. James Triafe a fifth grade student
The Daze”, “Rounding First”, HBO’s “The Wire”, “Un-Perfect”, “Simply who is clearly in a world of his own. He
Untitled”, “Track Marks” and “Beautiful Man In The Buff”. As an also has secret.
award-winning filmmaker, he has written, produced and/or directed
nearly a dozen film projects and garnered at least 21 awards or Kenneth Brown: Director
nominations for his work. He has also worked in various capacities on Kenny Brown has worked on some great projects with great film
feature films, television programs, stage-plays, etc. in the mainstream directors. He interned as assistant editor on the rap documentary’
and independent arena. Robert’s screenwriting has been award- Paper Chasers’ starring Ludicris, fat Joe, flavor and many more.
recognized by the likes of Oscar Nominated Screenwriter, Stephen J. Kenny was the second assistant director on the gang documentary
Rivele (“Ali”, “Nixon”). Robert is the author of the novel, “Abandon- ’Exit Strategy’, a documentary about ex-gang members giving up
ing Adam: Confessions of an HBCU Scholar”, and will release his latest that lifestyle and becoming successful business people.
directorial effort, “I Am Man” in late 2011/early 2012.
12:30pm – 2:30pm Saturday (Chaplin Theater)
Robert holds a B.A. (Magna Cum Laude) in Theater and Film, and a
Diploma in Creative Writing from the Philadelphia H.S. for Creative 3:30pm – 5:30pm Sunday (Fairbanks Theater)
& Performing Arts.
Salvation Road
12:30pm – 2:30pm Saturday (Chaplin Theater) 16:00 Min.
Business becomes unusual when an
3:30pm – 5:30pm Sunday (Fairbanks Theater) unsuspecting hit man senses that he’s
been witnessed executing his traitorous
Redeemer mentor by a 9-year old boy.
17:47 Min.
Eddie “Silk” Jacks has it all – money, a Ka’ramuu Kush: Director
burgeoning career and the love of his Native Detroiter, Ka’ramuu (pronounced kah-rah-moo) is a hyphen-
biggest fan, his Grandmother. But, after ate with roots in the New York theatre. His work as an actor and/or
a fateful night, Silk learns some hard les- director has toured internationally in over 20 film festivals includ-
sons and the meaning of unconditional ing Cannes, Sundance, Hamptons, Tribeca, and LA Film Festival.
love in an attempt to redeem himself.

42 18th Annual African American Film Marketplace & S.E. Manly Short Film Showcase

He holds his BFA in Literature, Writing and The Arts from The New themselves disturbed by the rambunctious and intrusive banter of a
School University, MFA in Classical Drama from Sarah Lawrence Col- group of high school boys coming home from basketball practice.
lege and MFA in Film Directing from AFI Conservatory. “SALVATION
ROAD” premiered at the 2011 ABFF in the HBO short film showcase The second, “Karma” finds Gus, a 40-something-year-old seeks
and will premiere on HBO in 2012. Current feature work includes advice from Lonny 30 something, about a conversation he had with
“Die Enormous”, an action drama inspired by Assata Shakur and his 6-year-old daughter regarding sex.
“Suite”, a feature film in three parts on the lives loves and music of
John Coltrane, Thelonious Monk and Miles Davis. Third, “The Longest Walk” follows 17-year-old young woman, who
has gotten dressed up to impress. As she walks through the neigh-
6:00pm – 8:30pm Saturday (Fairbanks Theater) borhood she gets compliments from some of the men, which she
finds surprisingly flattering. But, the comments and looks become
12:30pm – 2:30pm Sunday (Pickford Theater) more imposing and disgusting.

Secret Beach Party Rahman Ali Bugg
30:00 Min. Rahman Ali Bugg is an award-winning producer/director whose
The cool kids at a local high school body of work spans over 15 years. Throughout his career, Mr. Bugg
sneak off to a secluded beach area for has produced an array of television programs that educate, enter-
an afternoon of beer and fun. While tain, enlighten and inspire audiences on topics that bear relevance
playing volleyball, they find a human to today’s popular culture. He has produced, as well as directed,
skull. They are terrified. Their cell projects for such companies as MTV, blacjac Entertainment Group,
phones don’t work and their friend who dropped them off will not MTV2, VH1, ESPN2, Universal Music Group, The Rock & Roll Hall of
return for hours. One by one they are killed and at first suspect each Fame, BET and The Source Entertainment. Most notably, some of
other. Soon they realize a murderer is stalking them. This comical his credits include VH1’s “Hip Hop Honors”, “BET’s The Deal” and
narrative has a shocking ending. “2009 Presidential Inauguration Special: Yes We Will!”. His credits
go on to include other diverse forms of programming like “MTV’s All
Belinda M. Wilson: Director Eyes On: Nas & Jay Z, Celebrity Rap Superstar”, and BET’s “Hip Hop
Dr. Belinda M. Wilson’s directing career has included several films vs. America”, which won much acclaim as the recipient of the 2008
and theatrical productions in New York, Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Journalism Award in Arts & Entertainment by the New York Associa-
She has also written, directed and produced several of her own films: tion of Black Journalists.
“Tillie”; “Secret Beach Party”; “X-Scape”; “Trollies”; “Girls, Girls,
Girls”; “I Miss You More”; “Go On, Do The Right Thing”; “Women’s Rahman has directed for a variety of reality television shows includ-
Playground”; and Shawnee”. Belinda has written and produced several ing the popular MTV series “Making The Band II” and “Run’s House”
songs, sound tracks, and music videos. You can view trailers for these and BET’s “College Hill”. He has acted as both producer and director
films at tapestryentertainment.net. Promotional videos for her latest for such projects “The Wake Up Show” for MTV, ESPN2’s “The Hook
feature film can be viewed at womensplayground.weebly.com. Up”, and the BET News Special “Dave Chappelle Talks” and many
other television programs and video/film projects.
3:00pm – 5:00pm Saturday (Chaplin Theater)
A graduate of Syracuse University with a B.S. in Television-Radio-Film
6:00pm – 8:00pm Sunday (Fairbanks Theater) Production from the Newhouse School of Communications, Mr. Bugg
also serves as CEO and Founder of PopStar Media, Inc. – A boutique
Shades of Brooklyn production house specializing in Hip-Hop and Urban TV and Films as
18:00 Min. well as Collective Idea Media, an Urban Media licensing company.
Shades of Brooklyn, examines life
in Brooklyn, New York. The first,
“Temporary Insanity”, in which two
working-class subway commuters find

18th Annual African American Film Marketplace & S.E. Manly Short Film Showcase 43

3:00pm – 5:30pm Saturday (Chaplin Theater) 12:30pm – 2:30pm Saturday (Chaplin Theater))
6:00pm – 8:00pm Sunday (Fairbanks Theater) 3:30pm – 5:30pm Sunday (Fairbanks Theater)

Snapshot Somebody’s Gonna Pay
22:00 Min. 14:22 Min.
Esperanza is an aspiring photographer When two Hit Men take on a job for a
from a quiet neighborhood in Pasadena. major crime boss it’s just business as
Her best friend, Rosa, has recently usual. But when Old Skool finds himself
become involved with Al, a gang leader at a crossroad while training his cockier
from a gritty East Los Angeles neighbor- counterpart, this story of obligation, re-
hood. Rosa takes Esperanza to Boyle venge and sacrifice takes a complicated
Heights to meet Al. He shows them around his neighborhood, his turn. And as a result, “Somebody’s Gonna Pay”.
gang, and his family, opening Espeanza’s eyes to both the deprav-
ity and the beauty of life in Al’s barrio. Esperanza’s naivety and Mike Madrid: Director
brandishing of her camera causes a disturbance in Al’s set which Joe Pascual aka Mike Madrid, is the co-founder of Dotfilmz, an
endangers the lives of everyone she cares for. After that tragic day, Production and Entertainment Technology company founded in
Esperanza must decide what her life will become as she faces the August of 2008. As an entrepreneur of Filipino and Spanish decent,
loss of those she loves caused by the art she loves. Pascual’s international background spans three continents and mul-
tiple cultures. In 2008, Pascual made his directorial debut with the
Kevin Coleman: Director award-winning short film, “Somebody’s Gonna Pay” which has gone
Kevin Coleman is the driving force behind Coleman Entertainment LLC, an on to win multiple awards. In January 2009, Pascual went on to win
independent entertainment production company founded in 2005. Kevin an award in the “Project: Direct!” contest hosted by Sundance for
is also a film director and educator. Kevin has taught at the University his comedy short, Good Deeds and the Damage Done. The film also
of Missouri at Kansas City as a visiting professor of film and media and screened at the 2010 Los Angeles International Short Film Festival
St. Louis Community College at Forest Park as the faculty advisor to a stu- and the SSG Summer Shorts Fest where it won an Audience Choice
dent television program. Kevin has directed several short films including Award. Pascual and Dotfilmz followed this success by creating a
the award winning short “Snapshot” which won at the Hollywood Black Good Deeds web series, which led to representation for the company
Film Festival, an official selection at Urbanworld Film Festival, Urban by United Talent Agency (UTA) in March 2009
Media Makers Film Festival, Worldfest Houston, Lionsgate Expose Your
Shorts Showcase and many other festivals and showcases including the 12:30pm – 2:30pm Saturday (Pickford Theater)
AFI showcase at the Director’s Guild of America in Los Angeles. In 2011,
Kevin finished “OSI” a short film which is currently being submitted to 3:30pm – 5:30pm Sunday (Chaplin Theater)
film festivals. Kevin currently lives in St. Louis but wants to relocate any-
where that will allow him a rewarding opportunity in the culture of film. Sule and the Case of
the Tiny Sparks
Kevin is rewriting his first feature script “Elon Settles”, story of a 16- 11:19 Min.
year-old homeless male prostitute living on the streets of St. Louis. When a young girl named Yaa needs to
Kevin seeks to collaborate with other filmmakers on scripts of all know how to persuade her friends to
genres that will challenge a conventional approach to filmmaking. help the new boy in the village with his
laundry, she seeks guidance from a 10
year-old proverb detective named Sule
who takes her on a journey where she learns that Great Fires Erupt
Tiny Sparks

44 18th Annual African American Film Marketplace & S.E. Manly Short Film Showcase

Shawneé Gibbs: Director the Kanye’ West scholarship for emerging writers, and an alumna of
Shawnelle Gibbs: Director the Nickelodeon Writers Lab at the American Black Film Festival. Her
Shawnee’ and Shawnelle Gibbs are award-winning filmmakers with research and essays led to land-marking the last standing home of
an affinity for imaginative projects. They are the creators of the ani- renowned author Richard Wright in Chicago. Shahari is a Diamond
mated shorts, Ravishing Raspberry, Adopted By Aliens, and Old Ladies Life Member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated, a member
Driving, which have screened and received awards at film festivals of the Organization of Black Screenwriters, and a dedicated volunteer
throughout the U.S. The pair are members of The Academy of Televi- with the Writer’s Guild Foundation. In 2010 she was awarded a grant
sion Arts & Sciences, Women in Animation, and The Organization of from the National Endowment for the Humanities to study slavery and
Black Screenwriters. The Gibbs Sisters have a diverse collection of culture on the islands of Ossabaw and Sapelo off the coast of Georgia.
credits in film and TV. Their individual credits include producing for As a finalist for the Page International Screenwriting Award for her
Bravo’s Emmy & Peabody Award-winning series’, Top Chef and Project script, The Smokey Robinson Story, Shahari was recruited by producer,
Runway, and production on Disney’s Emmy Award winning Wizards Trudy Hardin to write, The Law of Love. Shahari received the Echoes
of Waverly Place. The pair were recently honored as part of American of Excellence Award for Women in the Arts in 2010. She currently
Cinematheque’s Focus on Female Directors and are recipients of the teaches African American History and Culture with the Cosby Screen-
USC Guy Hanks/Marvin Miller Screenwriting Fellowship. writing Fellowship at the University of Southern California’s School of
Cinematic Arts.
Rene Rawls: Producer
Rene is an award winning screenwriter whose stories capture and Christine List: Director
reflect the struggles and triumphs of the human experience. She has An independent filmmaker based in Chicago, List has written and
participated in such prestigious programs as the Guy Hanks/Marvin directed several award-winning films including No Nos Tientes: The
Miller (Cosby) Screenwriting Program; Tribeca All Access Connects; the Students of Guatemala which won the Audience Choice Award for
Producers Guild Association Diversity Workshop and Film Independent’s Best Video from the Chicago Latino International Film Festival.
Project: Involve. She is the recipient of the 1st annual Mandela Day/ List was also awarded the Screening Prize from the Wordsworth
Tribeca All Access Award for her animated short, “Sule and the Case of Experimental Video Festival for her experimental short Respuesta.
the Tiny Sparks”. Rene enjoys creating content for all audiences but has Her work has been exhibited domestically at venues such as the
a strong affinity for developing projects geared towards the children’s American Film Institute in Los Angeles and at numerous interna-
markets. She is currently developing her first young adult novel and tional festivals including the Havana International Festival of Latin
rewriting a feature-length sci-fi teen script entitled “Earth High”. American Cinema and the Trieste International Film Festival. List is
currently working on a feature length documentary on the life of
3:00pm – 5:00pm Saturday (Pickford Theater) Alexander Pushkin. She is on the faculty at Chicago State University.

6:00pm – 8:00pm Sunday (Chaplin Theater) 12:30pm – 2:30pm Saturday (Chaplin Theater))

Swimmin’ Lesson 3:30pm – 5:30pm Sunday (Fairbanks Theater)
9:00 Min.
Taharuki (Suspense)
A flash fiction glimpse of a young man 12:00 Min.

who faces the haunting memory of the

day he survived Hurricane Katrina. Set against the backdrop of the start of

the devastating post-election violence

Shahari Moore:Director that took place in Kenya in 2007/2008

Born in Los Angeles and raised on the South side of Chicago, Sha- and has left tens of thousands of

hari Moore brings a unique perspective to storytelling. She is the Kenyans homeless, traumatized or dead,

editor of ESSENCE BESTSELLER, Violets. Her short story titled, Liber- “Taharuki” (Suspense) is the fictional

ation appears in Spaces Between Us, published by Third World Press. account of a man and woman from opposing ethnic tribes who are

She is a recent graduate of Chicago State University, where she earned working for an underground liberation movement to expose a child-

a Masters of Fine Arts in Creative Writing. Shahari is a recipient of trafficking cartel when something goes wrong, and they’re forced

18th Annual African American Film Marketplace & S.E. Manly Short Film Showcase 45

to make tough choices in order to stay alive and complete their “Gilead”, the 20th Anniversary of the Negro Ensemble Company classic,
mission. Time is running out, lives are at stake, and every second “Ceremonies In Dark Old Men”, and “The School For Scandal” at the
counts. What they choose could change the course of history... Tony Award winning South Coast Repertory. He is an acclaimed acting
coach and has taught Acting for the Camera, and Technique at New York
Ekwa Msangi-Omari: Director Film Academy and he has conducted workshops around the country.
Ekwa has directed for some of the biggest TV shows in East Africa Ty is also a noted poet and has performed his original works featuring
including The Agency (MNET) a 13-part TV series which she created, John Densmore of The Doors on drums. As an accomplished screenwriter
show-ran, and directed; the hit show Block-D (KBC), and most via his company Creole Celina Entertainment (www.CreoleCelinaEnt.
recently co-created critically acclaimed Higher Learning (NTV) along com), Ty co-wrote, co-produced and starred in the award winning film
with several short films. She’s written for TV and film, and produced Napoleonic which garnered several nominations in the Action on Film
several shorts. Weakness, a short film she recently produced, has International Film Festival 2011. His directing credits include Tale of
screened worldwide, including New York, Durban and Brazil and was Two Dragons, which he co-wrote and produced with his partner Anna
nominated for a 2010 Kalasha Award and a 2011 AMAA-Award. Yosin. It had its debut at the Action on Film International Film Festival
2011. Ty’s company is also currently developing his edgy, off-beat full-
12:30pm – 2:30pm Saturday (Fairbanks Theater) length action thriller “The Cool And Creepy” (a finalist in the Sundance
Feature Film Program).
3:00pm – 5:00pm Sunday (Pickford Theater)

Tale of Two Dragons 6:00pm – 8:00pm Saturday (Chaplin Theater)

8:00 Min. 12:30pm – 3:00pm Sunday (Fairbanks Theater)

A young lady, who’s a career professional The Last Job

who has embraced and studied Eastern 7:30 Min.

philosophy and Kung Fu Martial Arts,

finds herself destitute and lost in life. Mass unemployment mayhem breaks out

She has lost her way and has lost faith when the President announces a break-

and her spiritual balance with dark and through in the country’s economic stim-

light, good and evil within her soul. In search of her chi, she seeks ulus package. Thousands of Americans

the help of a hypnotherapist and finds herself in another world deep rush down to the U.S. Department of

inside her own psyche on an ancient beach. It’s the battle of her life. Redundancy to apply for the only open

Good versus evil, dark versus light….which one wins. job in America. As the stream of interviewees grows exponentially,

the Department’s interviewer is forced to use her wit and wiles to

Ty Granderson Jones: Director save her own job — the only open job in America.

Ty Granderson Jones is a protégé of the late iconic theatre director,

Alan Schneider, and a former student of the late Lee Strasberg. He has a Angela Gordon: Director

BA in Theatre from FSU and an MFA in Acting from UCSD. His film cred- Angela M. Gordon made her directorial debut in 2010 48HFP with the

its include the Touchstone actioner “Con Air”, co-starring in the #1 box award-winning film “How Do You Spell Love” and recently directed the

office rap cult classic “CB4” from Universal Pictures, Oliver Stone’s Oscar suspense/thriller “The T Party” which is currently in post-production.

nominated “Salvador”, guest starring/recurring as Cue Ball Rodriguez Angela was thrilled to be in the director’s choir again with “The Lost

on “ER” on NBC, the Golden Globe nominated “Everybody Hates Chris”, Job” for the 2011 48HFP. Angela’s very first film production, “The

and starring as the villainous Max Rice in the urban indie “Tapped Out” Velvet Cuffs” premiered in the PAFF in 2OO4 and went on to win several

from Madonna’s Maverick Entertainment. His theatre credits includes awards, including the Audience Award at the Women of Color Film

“Attitudes” and “Big Guns“ (earning him a 2000 ADA Award nomina- Festival in New York City. Angela studied with Bill Duke in his Holly-

tion for Best Actor in a Drama), the Los Angeles premiere of “Buffalo wood Bootcamp and continues to hone her skills, writing screenplays,

Soldier” (earning him a NAACP Theatre Award nomination for Best studying acting, producing and directing. Additionally, Angela was just

Supporting Actor), from Broadway the LA premiere of August Wilson’s brought on board as a producer for the epic drama The Legend of John

“Joe Turner’s Come And Gone”, the West coast premiere of “Balm” in Henry which will go into production in Spring 2012.

46 18th Annual African American Film Marketplace & S.E. Manly Short Film Showcase

3:00pm – 5:30pm Saturday (Chaplin Theater) has given him a unique perspective of the world and shapes his cre-
ative vision. Filmmaking has always been a passion. From the early
6:00pm – 8:00pm Sunday (Fairbanks Theater) school days of drawing comic books and flip pad animations. With
each production he aims to improve technically and more adept
The Parallax Parallel at the art of storytelling. Carter Johnson has a goal to tell visual
16:00 Min. stories that tackle relevant issues and resonate with the audience.
During a heavy rainstorm, a man drives
miles outside of town on Christmas Eve 6:00pm – 8:00pm Saturday (Chaplin Theater)
to find a special gift for his autistic
daughter. After his car breaks down on 12:30pm – 3:00pm Sunday (Fairbanks Theater)
his way home, and his cell phone stops
working. He searches for help and finds The Switch
himself in a strange bar, with a strange bartender, and an even 23:45 Min.
stranger bar patron. The collision course of his world and theirs Brian Jones is an attractive, intelligent
brings about supernatural consequences. and successful businessman who uses
his charisma to lure beautiful women
Michael Clark: Director to his home. It turns out that Brian
Michael Clark, is an actor, writer, director who resides in L.A., CA, but was is no knight in shining armor and
born and raised in Atlanta, GA., where he started his acting and filmmak- unbeknownst to these women he makes
ing career. Currently he can be seen in the film “Best Dramatic Short” as extreme efforts to get them into bed. Eventually, one of his past
the character Jason, directed by James Brown and “The Man Who Could dates catches on to his devious ways and subsequently retaliates as
Lift Pianos”, as the character Joe, directed by Andrew Wesman. Also just she beats him at his own game with one move, “The Switch”!
completed a theater run in the play “3Days” as the character Bartholomew,
directed by Jozanne Marie. In addition, he produced, wrote, directed, and Marc Mdoc Williams: Director
starred in three short films. “Plagued”, a post pandemic thriller, “The Paral- Marc Mdoc Williams has been writing and producing music for
lax Parallel”, a paranormal thriller and “Future I Am”, a philosophical/spiri- over 2O years. In 2OOO, Marc founded Indasoul Entertainment and
tual struggle. “Plagued” has already been screened at Cannes, Palm Springs, grew the company from a small production unit working out of his
Zero Film Fest 08, and Third Screen film festivals. “The Parallax Parallel” basement in Chicago to one of the most highly sought after music
was screened at the Atlanta Underground Film Fest and Zero Film Fest 09. production companies in Los Angeles. Marc, under the Indasoul
“Future I Am” screened at the Hyart Film Fest and at Zero Film Fest 10. Entertainment umbrella produced music for artists such as Madonna,
Janet Jackson, Destiny Child, Platinum artists Kci and Jojo and
12:30pm – 2:30pm Saturday (Pickford Theater) many more. Also a prolific songwriter, Marc has won many awards
for his penmanship.
3:30pm – 5:30pm Sunday (Chaplin Theater)

The Social Web Utilizing skills he acquired writing and directing multiple music
videos, Marc jumped right into the driver’s seat in his newly formed
A popular singer shares her life online film division. Shortly thereafter, Indasoul began shooting a plethora
and unknowingly grants access to an of short films, commercials and music videos. He aspired to write,
internet predator produce and direct his own film. He went on to accomplish that goal
creating a short film titled “The Switch”. “The Switch” deals with the
Carter Johnson: Director controversial topic of date rape. Not only has it successfully brought
Carter Johnson was born into a life of transition and change. His the issue to the forefront and ignited necessary conversation, it has
childhood was truly an international experience. This background garnered enthusiastic reviews from viewers and critics alike. Marc is
now in the process of setting up his next project which is set to be
a feature film he plans on shooting in Spring 2O12.

18th Annual African American Film Marketplace & S.E. Manly Short Film Showcase 47

12:30pm – 2:30pm Saturday (Chaplin Theater)) Darius West: Director
Darius West has been editing video and film since 2000...before this,
3:30pm – 5:30pm Sunday (Fairbanks Theater) he worked as a professional choreographer/dancer for some of the top
Contemporary Christian Artists (Carman, Kirk Franklin and Fred Ham-
Underground mond, to name a few) in the music industry. With a background in
19:21 Min. theatre production, the transition into film was smoother than what
A slave story told through song, “Un- he had anticipated. His first short as a writer/director has been re-
derground” follows Bali, a field slave viewed by Susan Sullivan, a Hollywood actress/writer, who states that
who plans to escape from his oppressive the message of the film “was thought provoking and left me thinking
plantation life after learning that his about it long before the film ended”. He and his wife, Sabrina, are
master is going to sell his young daugh- currently working on production of the feature film, “Gravestown”,
ter, Emala. Discovering instructions which is based on the concept of their first short.
hidden within the lyrics of the Negro Spirituals, Bali finally decides
to flee with Emala 3:00pm – 5:00pm Saturday (Pickford Theater)
.
Akil DuPont: Director 6:00pm – 8:00pm Sunday (Chaplin Theater)
Award-winning Director Akil DuPont graduated from Florida A&M
University with his Bachelor’s Degree in Economics. Akil discovered WyldFlower
his passion for creating and directing while serving as the CEO of 15:00 Min.
Faces Modeling Troupe Inc., a state-wide, 300+ member model- Sasha, a young Black female in her late
ing organization. With Faces, Akil honed his skills in Photography, twenties, is enjoying a girl’s night out
Fashion/Costume Design and Directing. Seeing the opportunity to in the city with a few friends. Toward
fulfill his childhood dreams of working in the film industry, he was the end of the night, she receives a text
accepted into the Master of Fine Arts program at one of the top message from Steven, a young Black
Film Schools in the nation, Florida State University. During his time male in his late twenties she has been
at the Film School, he was honored by his classmates as one of the casually dating. Steven invites her to a late night rendezvous via
Top Production Designers and Cameraman in the class, as well as a text message. With a few drinks in her system, Sasha is in the mood
stand-out Director! With his MFA degree completed and a two-time for companionship. She agrees to meet Steven at a hotel room right
student Emmy award-winning short film “Underground” that he outside the city. They meet up and make love.
directed and co-wrote, Akil hopes to bring stories to the screen that
entertain, captivate and educate! The next morning however, Sasha wakes up to an empty hotel room
and much to her chagrin, she finds a large wad of cash. To preserve
6:00pm – 8:00pm Saturday (Chaplin Theater) her last bit of dignity she leaves without the money.

12:30pm – 3:00pm Sunday (Fairbanks Theater) Justin K. Staley: Director
Justin Staley, a co-founder of Prep School Boys Cinema. His debut
Wealth short film, STAG & DOE, won the 2010 HBO Short Film Award and is
15:30 Min. currently airing on the HBO & Cinemax networks through 2013.
After the murder of his father, Nick Justin’s one-act play CAPITAL, which premiered at the 2011 DC
Klein and his wife, Charity, staged a Black Theatre Festival was optioned by Blue Artists Films and his
near flawless plan to avenge his father’s short script ORIENTATION won second place at the 2011 Las Vegas
death. A son bent on vengeance, ready Film Festival.
to do whatever it took to bring the
guilty to justice. However, when facing Justin holds a BS in Psychology from Penn State University and a
his father’s murderer for the first time, he finds himself at the point MS in Marketing from Hofstra University.
of ultimate decision — “kill or be killed”.

48 18th Annual African American Film Marketplace & S.E. Manly Short Film Showcase

Preview Productions Salutes

The 2011 African American Film Marketplace and
S.E. Manly Short Film Showcase

Congratulations To This Year’s
Honorees and Filmmakers

Jackie Cox, President

Local 706
I.A.T.S.E.

Commemorates

18th Annual African American Film Marketplace
and

S.E. Manly Short Film Showcase

“A Great Day in Black Hollywood”
Honoring Local 706

Make Up Artists & Hair Stylists

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Stephanie KCoeznanretthBuWratlokner

Phyllis Williams

Tommy Cole-Business Representative Susan Cabral-Ebert -President John E. Jackson-Secretary Treasurer