“TransMexico,” “Edge of Everything” and Andragogy” are among the winners of the 39th annual Santa Barbara International Film Festival.
The Sbiff, whose mission is to discover and showcase the “best in independent and international cinema,” has become one of the leading film festivals in the United States – attracting roughly 100,000 attendees for a packed week slatted with screenings of over 200+ films.
A panel of jury members selected the winners, which included Lesley Chilcott, Alex Keledjian, Chris Landon, Lael Loewenstein, Jacqueline Lyanga, David Magdael, Gail Mancuso, Greg Nava, Pituka Ortega Heilbron, Carla Renata, Gil Robertson, Ondi Timoner, Clay Tweel and Ali Wolfe.
“We are so grateful to our dedicated group of jurors for their fine selections,” Claudia Puig, Sbiff’s programming director, said in a statement. “The winning films tell stories that span the globe, from the magic of movie palaces in the Atacama Desert to the stunning mystery of ice caves...
The Sbiff, whose mission is to discover and showcase the “best in independent and international cinema,” has become one of the leading film festivals in the United States – attracting roughly 100,000 attendees for a packed week slatted with screenings of over 200+ films.
A panel of jury members selected the winners, which included Lesley Chilcott, Alex Keledjian, Chris Landon, Lael Loewenstein, Jacqueline Lyanga, David Magdael, Gail Mancuso, Greg Nava, Pituka Ortega Heilbron, Carla Renata, Gil Robertson, Ondi Timoner, Clay Tweel and Ali Wolfe.
“We are so grateful to our dedicated group of jurors for their fine selections,” Claudia Puig, Sbiff’s programming director, said in a statement. “The winning films tell stories that span the globe, from the magic of movie palaces in the Atacama Desert to the stunning mystery of ice caves...
- 2/17/2024
- by Diego Ramos Bechara
- Variety Film + TV
The African American Film Critics Association, representing the largest group of Black film critics globally, said Friday it has partnered with Delta Air Lines to curate a collection of films that celebrate Black History Month.
This in-flight collaboration marks a first for Aafca and promises to bring diverse stories representing the Black cinema experience to Delta customers during the month of February.
The films featured in this collection have been selected by Aafca members, working closely with Delta’s In-flight Entertainment team and Bold, Delta’s Black Community Business Resource Group, to encompass a range of genres and narratives that showcase the richness and depth of Black-themed stories in film.
“In-flight movies offer a great way to discover titles that were previously unknown to me,” says Aafca president, Gil Robertson. “Over the years, I have been introduced to phenomenal stories that broadened my point of view about different people and cultures from around the world.
This in-flight collaboration marks a first for Aafca and promises to bring diverse stories representing the Black cinema experience to Delta customers during the month of February.
The films featured in this collection have been selected by Aafca members, working closely with Delta’s In-flight Entertainment team and Bold, Delta’s Black Community Business Resource Group, to encompass a range of genres and narratives that showcase the richness and depth of Black-themed stories in film.
“In-flight movies offer a great way to discover titles that were previously unknown to me,” says Aafca president, Gil Robertson. “Over the years, I have been introduced to phenomenal stories that broadened my point of view about different people and cultures from around the world.
- 2/2/2024
- by Valerie Complex
- Deadline Film + TV
The African American Film Critics Association revealed on Thursday that it has teamed up with Delta Air Lines to curate a collection of films celebrating Black History Month.
The movies in the collection include If Beale Street Could Talk, The Five Heartbeats, Dreamgirls, Shaft, The Best Man, School Daze, Friday, Dear White People, Crooklyn, The Wood, Sarafina! and more. The films will be available in-flight for Delta customers.
“In-flight movies offer a great way to discover titles that were previously unknown to me,” says Aafca president Gil Robertson. “Over the years, I have been introduced to phenomenal stories that broadened my point of view about different people and cultures from around the world. It is my hope that Delta passengers will enjoy a similar experience from our collection, which provides a showcase for the richness of Black-themed stories.”
The Aafca, the largest group of Black film critics globally, said it...
The movies in the collection include If Beale Street Could Talk, The Five Heartbeats, Dreamgirls, Shaft, The Best Man, School Daze, Friday, Dear White People, Crooklyn, The Wood, Sarafina! and more. The films will be available in-flight for Delta customers.
“In-flight movies offer a great way to discover titles that were previously unknown to me,” says Aafca president Gil Robertson. “Over the years, I have been introduced to phenomenal stories that broadened my point of view about different people and cultures from around the world. It is my hope that Delta passengers will enjoy a similar experience from our collection, which provides a showcase for the richness of Black-themed stories.”
The Aafca, the largest group of Black film critics globally, said it...
- 2/2/2024
- by Carly Thomas
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
More than two years have passed since it was announced that MGM, Bron, and Hidden Empire Film Group were teaming with director Deon Taylor to conjure up a reboot of the 1972 blaxploitation classic Blacula (watch it Here). Last night (and one year late), a 50th anniversary screening of Blacula was held at the Fine Arts Theater in Beverly Hills – and while promoting that event, Variety happened to include a long-awaited update on the Blacula reboot, saying the new film is slated for a Halloween 2024 release.
The new Blacula has been described as a “modern reimagining” of the original film, but Variety has also made it sound like it’s going to be a follow-up to Blacula and its sequel Scream Blacula Scream (watch that one Here). According to Variety, “the reboot picks up where the original saga left off, after the 1973 sequel Scream Blacula Scream, and will be set in...
The new Blacula has been described as a “modern reimagining” of the original film, but Variety has also made it sound like it’s going to be a follow-up to Blacula and its sequel Scream Blacula Scream (watch that one Here). According to Variety, “the reboot picks up where the original saga left off, after the 1973 sequel Scream Blacula Scream, and will be set in...
- 10/25/2023
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
The African American Film Critics Association (Aafca) has teamed with independent film producers Roxanne and Deon Taylor to host a special Halloween screening of “Blacula,” commemorating the 1970s Blaxploitation classic’s 50th anniversary.
The screening will be held on Oct. 24 at the Fine Arts Theater in Beverly Hills, with the vampire classic shown in its original 35mm format.
The special event also comes ahead of the Taylors’ upcoming “Blacula” reboot, which is slated for release next Halloween. In 2021, Variety exclusively revealed that that film was in the works with Deon Taylor directing from a script he co-wrote with Micah Ranum. Roxanne Avent Taylor produced the new movie on behalf of Hidden Empire Film Group.
“We are creating an evening that transcends time as we bring together prestigious filmmakers and trailblazers to pay homage to this iconic classic,” said Deon Taylor. “‘Blacula’ was a celebration of storytelling that influenced Blaxploitation filmmaking.
The screening will be held on Oct. 24 at the Fine Arts Theater in Beverly Hills, with the vampire classic shown in its original 35mm format.
The special event also comes ahead of the Taylors’ upcoming “Blacula” reboot, which is slated for release next Halloween. In 2021, Variety exclusively revealed that that film was in the works with Deon Taylor directing from a script he co-wrote with Micah Ranum. Roxanne Avent Taylor produced the new movie on behalf of Hidden Empire Film Group.
“We are creating an evening that transcends time as we bring together prestigious filmmakers and trailblazers to pay homage to this iconic classic,” said Deon Taylor. “‘Blacula’ was a celebration of storytelling that influenced Blaxploitation filmmaking.
- 10/24/2023
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
The African American Film Critics Association (Aafca) today announced the winners of its 5th Annual TV Awards, a list that includes Niecy Nash-Betts for Best TV Acting (Female) for her role in the limited series “Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story,” J. Alphonse Nicholson and Nicco Annan for their roles for Best TV Acting (Male) for their work on “P-Valley,” Quinta Brunson for Best TV Writing for “Abbott Elementary,” “P-Valley” from Starz as both Best TV Drama and Best Ensemble, “Abbott Elementary” as Best TV Comedy and Jessica Williams from “Shrinking” as Breakout Star.
Also honored this year were Netflix’s “Mo” as Best New Show,” Hulu’s “The 1619 Project” as Best Documentary, Peacock’s “The Best Man: The Final Chapters” as Best Limited Series, Peacock’s “Shooting Stars” as Best TV-Movie and Mary Lou Belli, Debbie Allen, Tasha Smith, Henry Chan and Jordan E. Cooper sharing the...
Also honored this year were Netflix’s “Mo” as Best New Show,” Hulu’s “The 1619 Project” as Best Documentary, Peacock’s “The Best Man: The Final Chapters” as Best Limited Series, Peacock’s “Shooting Stars” as Best TV-Movie and Mary Lou Belli, Debbie Allen, Tasha Smith, Henry Chan and Jordan E. Cooper sharing the...
- 7/19/2023
- by Ray Richmond
- Gold Derby
Niecy Nash-Betts, Quinta Brunson and P-Valley are among the winners at the African American Film Critics Association’s fifth annual TV Honors, recognizing achievements in streaming and broadcast television.
Brunson was recognized for her writing on ABC’s Abbott Elementary, Nash-Betts for her performance in Netflix’s Dahmer — Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story and actors J. Alphonse Nicholson and Nicco Annan for their work on Starz’s P-Valley.
In addition, Abbott Elementary was named best comedy series, while P-Valley landed the award for best drama.
Also among the winners are Netflix’s Mo for best new show and the Peacock series The Best Man: The Final Chapters for best limited series.
Additionally, the Aafca previously announced its plans to present special achievement honors to several recipients, including Egot winner Jennifer Hudson, who will be honored with the We See You Award; actor Delroy Lindo, known for roles in such films as Crooklyn,...
Brunson was recognized for her writing on ABC’s Abbott Elementary, Nash-Betts for her performance in Netflix’s Dahmer — Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story and actors J. Alphonse Nicholson and Nicco Annan for their work on Starz’s P-Valley.
In addition, Abbott Elementary was named best comedy series, while P-Valley landed the award for best drama.
Also among the winners are Netflix’s Mo for best new show and the Peacock series The Best Man: The Final Chapters for best limited series.
Additionally, the Aafca previously announced its plans to present special achievement honors to several recipients, including Egot winner Jennifer Hudson, who will be honored with the We See You Award; actor Delroy Lindo, known for roles in such films as Crooklyn,...
- 7/19/2023
- by Xennia Hamilton
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
“Abbott Elementary” and “P-Valley” are among the top winners of the African American Film Critics Association (Aafca)’s fifth annual TV Honors, which recognizes exceptional achievements in broadcast television and streaming with an emphasis on entertainment representing the Black diaspora.
“Abbott Elementary” took home titles for best TV comedy and best TV writing (awarded to Quinta Brunson) while “P-Valley” was awarded best TV drama and best ensemble. Niecy Nash-Betts and Jessica Williams were also awarded best TV acting (female) and breakout star, respectively.
They join a slate of awardees including “P-Valley” stars J. Alphonse Nicholson and Nicco Annan sharing the win for best TV acting (male) and Mary Lou Belli, Debbie Allen, Tasha Smith, Henry Chan and Jordan E. Cooper from “The Ms. Pat Show” for best TV directing.
“Aafca is proud to recognize the brightest talents in television,” said Aafca co-founder and president Gil Robertson. With the entertainment industry...
“Abbott Elementary” took home titles for best TV comedy and best TV writing (awarded to Quinta Brunson) while “P-Valley” was awarded best TV drama and best ensemble. Niecy Nash-Betts and Jessica Williams were also awarded best TV acting (female) and breakout star, respectively.
They join a slate of awardees including “P-Valley” stars J. Alphonse Nicholson and Nicco Annan sharing the win for best TV acting (male) and Mary Lou Belli, Debbie Allen, Tasha Smith, Henry Chan and Jordan E. Cooper from “The Ms. Pat Show” for best TV directing.
“Aafca is proud to recognize the brightest talents in television,” said Aafca co-founder and president Gil Robertson. With the entertainment industry...
- 7/19/2023
- by McKinley Franklin
- Variety Film + TV
The 5th Annual African-American Film Critics Association (Aafca) appears to be aligning somewhat with this year’s Emmy nominations in the recognition of Black talent both in front and behind the camera. ABC’s “Abbott Elementary” and its creator-star Quinta Brunson claimed the Best TV Comedy and Best TV Writing prizes (the latter of which won an Emmy in 2022), Niecy Nash-Betts claimed the Best TV Acting (Female) prize and “Shrinking” star Jessica Williams, who netted her first Emmy nomination last week, received the Breakout Star award.
Other winners included the highly-acclaimed but still Emmy-less “P-Valley,”, the winner of Best TV Drama and Best TV Acting (Male) for actors J. Alphonse Nicholson and Nicco Annan, Netflix’s “Mo” taking Best New Show, and Limited Series honors went to Peacock’s “The Best Man: The Final Chapters”, reuniting cast members such as Terrence Howard, Morris Chestnut and Nia Long, among many from...
Other winners included the highly-acclaimed but still Emmy-less “P-Valley,”, the winner of Best TV Drama and Best TV Acting (Male) for actors J. Alphonse Nicholson and Nicco Annan, Netflix’s “Mo” taking Best New Show, and Limited Series honors went to Peacock’s “The Best Man: The Final Chapters”, reuniting cast members such as Terrence Howard, Morris Chestnut and Nia Long, among many from...
- 7/19/2023
- by Jason Clark
- The Wrap
Exclusive: The African American Film Critics Association (Aafca) will commemorate Hip-Hop’s 50th anniversary with a screening series that spotlights the genre’s lasting influence on the cinematic arts. The selected films will serve as the centerpiece of Aafca’s sixth annual summer screening series, -a nationwide program that provides a platform for films that illuminate the African American experience. Running from July to October, the screenings will take place in Los Angeles, Atlanta, and Washington DC, with additional dates expected to be added.
“As hip hop celebrates fifty years, the members of Aafca are thrilled to pay homage to the culture that the art form has inspired,” says Gil Robertson, president of the organization. “With deliberate intention given to the sounds, dance, and storylines inherent to the genre, hip hop has made rich contributions to the cinematic landscape, which have captivated audiences in the States and around the world.
“As hip hop celebrates fifty years, the members of Aafca are thrilled to pay homage to the culture that the art form has inspired,” says Gil Robertson, president of the organization. “With deliberate intention given to the sounds, dance, and storylines inherent to the genre, hip hop has made rich contributions to the cinematic landscape, which have captivated audiences in the States and around the world.
- 7/17/2023
- by Valerie Complex
- Deadline Film + TV
Amazon Studios is taking to the streets to promote Ben Affleck’s “Air,” which chronicles the beginnings of the iconic Air Jordan sneaker brand.
The studio has teamed up with iconic sneaker culture icon Jason Markk to host a multi-city consumer experience, dubbed “Fresh Air,” which ties into the film’s social campaign, “A shoe is just a shoe until I step into it.”
The activation will see guerilla street teams flood U.S. cities including Los Angeles, New York, Miami and Chicago, in a unique opportunity to bring together sneakerheads and celebrate the culture and history of the sneaker community. The street team will also have a presence at the Jason Markk flagship store in L.A.
Free to the public, the “Fresh Air” activation allows attendees to celebrate self-expression through fashion as they share their sneaker stories while getting a complimentary shoe cleaning, with premium care products from...
The studio has teamed up with iconic sneaker culture icon Jason Markk to host a multi-city consumer experience, dubbed “Fresh Air,” which ties into the film’s social campaign, “A shoe is just a shoe until I step into it.”
The activation will see guerilla street teams flood U.S. cities including Los Angeles, New York, Miami and Chicago, in a unique opportunity to bring together sneakerheads and celebrate the culture and history of the sneaker community. The street team will also have a presence at the Jason Markk flagship store in L.A.
Free to the public, the “Fresh Air” activation allows attendees to celebrate self-expression through fashion as they share their sneaker stories while getting a complimentary shoe cleaning, with premium care products from...
- 3/22/2023
- by Jazz Tangcay and Charna Flam
- Variety Film + TV
Studio executive Sherry Lansing, TriStar’s Dr. Jennifer Turner, Hallmark Media’s Wonya Lucas, Apple’s Rita Cooper Lee, and the documentary A Tree of Life: The Pittsburgh Synagogue Shooting will be among this year’s honorees of The African American Film Critics Association at the association’s 6th Annual Aafca Special Achievement Awards Luncheon on Saturday, April 8 at the California Yacht Club in Marina Del Rey.
The invitation-only event will honor:
Producer and studio executive Sherry Lansing with the Legacy Award for her prolific contributions to the industry as well as for her philanthropic endeavors; Executive Vice President of TriStar Television Dr. Jennifer Turner will receive the Salute to Excellence Award for her leadership and commitment to quality programming with an eye on inclusive casts and storylines; President and CEO of Hallmark Media Wonya Lucas will receive the TV Vanguard Award for her vision and leadership in guiding the...
The invitation-only event will honor:
Producer and studio executive Sherry Lansing with the Legacy Award for her prolific contributions to the industry as well as for her philanthropic endeavors; Executive Vice President of TriStar Television Dr. Jennifer Turner will receive the Salute to Excellence Award for her leadership and commitment to quality programming with an eye on inclusive casts and storylines; President and CEO of Hallmark Media Wonya Lucas will receive the TV Vanguard Award for her vision and leadership in guiding the...
- 3/20/2023
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Winners and special honorees were celebrated at the 14th Annual Aafca Awards at the Beverly Wilshire, a Four Seasons Hotel in Beverly Hills on March 1. Prior to the festivities, Gold Derby associate editor Latasha Ford caught up with a few of the night’s presenters and honorees on the red carpet.
Watch her chats with “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” director Ryan Coogler, Aafca President and Co-Founder Gil Robertson, “Emancipation” star Charmaine Bingwa, “Double Cross” star Ashley A. Williams, “Black Beauty Effect” executive producer C.J. Faison, Amazon Studios Head of Global Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Latasha Gillespie and “Till” star Jalyn Hall above.
“The Woman King,” “Till,” “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” and “Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery” each won two Aafca Awards with “The Woman King” taking Best Picture and Best Director for Gina Prince-Bythewood, “Till” for Best Actress (Danielle Deadwyler) and the Emerging Face award (Hall), “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever...
Watch her chats with “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” director Ryan Coogler, Aafca President and Co-Founder Gil Robertson, “Emancipation” star Charmaine Bingwa, “Double Cross” star Ashley A. Williams, “Black Beauty Effect” executive producer C.J. Faison, Amazon Studios Head of Global Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Latasha Gillespie and “Till” star Jalyn Hall above.
“The Woman King,” “Till,” “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” and “Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery” each won two Aafca Awards with “The Woman King” taking Best Picture and Best Director for Gina Prince-Bythewood, “Till” for Best Actress (Danielle Deadwyler) and the Emerging Face award (Hall), “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever...
- 3/3/2023
- by Latasha Ford and Denton Davidson
- Gold Derby
Winners and special honorees were celebrated at the 14th Annual Aafca Awards at the Beverly Wilshire, a Four Seasons Hotel in Beverly Hills on March 1. Prior to the festivities, Gold Derby associate editor Latasha Ford caught up with a few of the night’s presenters and honorees on the red carpet. Watch her chats with actress Meagan Good, “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” production designer Hannah Beachler and “Nanny” writer/director Nikyatu Jusu above.
“The Woman King,” “Till,” “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” and “Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery” each won two Aafca Awards with “The Woman King” taking Best Picture and Best Director for Gina Prince-Bythewood, “Till” for Best Actress (Danielle Deadwyler) and the Emerging Face award (Jayln Hall), “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” for Best Supporting Actress (Angela Bassett) and Best Song (Rihanna’s “Lift Me Up”) and “Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery” for Best Writing (Rian Johnson) and Best Ensemble.
“The Woman King,” “Till,” “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” and “Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery” each won two Aafca Awards with “The Woman King” taking Best Picture and Best Director for Gina Prince-Bythewood, “Till” for Best Actress (Danielle Deadwyler) and the Emerging Face award (Jayln Hall), “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” for Best Supporting Actress (Angela Bassett) and Best Song (Rihanna’s “Lift Me Up”) and “Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery” for Best Writing (Rian Johnson) and Best Ensemble.
- 3/2/2023
- by Latasha Ford and Denton Davidson
- Gold Derby
Aafca and BAFTA in North America announced a joint program designed to engage Black creatives and entertainment executives in the U.S. and U.K. around their shared challenges in the industry. Titled “The Struggle to be Seen,” the discussion series will offer a deep dive into topics, sectors and industry roles faced by both groups within current industry structures and systems.
The series kicked off on February 27 with an event at Soho Works West Hollywood. The panel, moderated by Tamara Houston (Icon Mann) features panelists Leah Daniels-Butler (Casting Director), Charles Murray (Writer/Producer), Tamara-Lee Notcutt (Casting Director), Chike Okonkwo (Actor), Cassandra Butcher (Marketing Executive) and Franklin Leonard (Founder and CEO of The Black List). The series concludes in October to coincide with UK Black History Month. In all, there will be a total of nine in-person and virtual discussions curated monthly by Aafca and BAFTA.
“We want our series...
The series kicked off on February 27 with an event at Soho Works West Hollywood. The panel, moderated by Tamara Houston (Icon Mann) features panelists Leah Daniels-Butler (Casting Director), Charles Murray (Writer/Producer), Tamara-Lee Notcutt (Casting Director), Chike Okonkwo (Actor), Cassandra Butcher (Marketing Executive) and Franklin Leonard (Founder and CEO of The Black List). The series concludes in October to coincide with UK Black History Month. In all, there will be a total of nine in-person and virtual discussions curated monthly by Aafca and BAFTA.
“We want our series...
- 3/1/2023
- by Valerie Complex
- Deadline Film + TV
‘The Woman King’ headlines the African American Film Critics Association’s annual list of the top 10 films of the year. The film, directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood, has ensemble cast led by Viola Davis which includes Lashana Lynch, Sheila Atim and Thuso Mbedu as the Agojie, an all-female army of fierce warriors. John Boyega also stars as King Ghezo.
“The best films of this year prove that diverse stories – the true and the fantastical – are not only important to the culture but are equally important to the movie-making business,” said Aafca president and co-founder Gil Robertson. “Black films which make an impact on our minds and hearts are also making a sizable impact at the box office. Our top film, ‘The Woman King’, bridges the gap between telling important, heartfelt stories, and providing an entertaining experience for movie-going audiences. These true tales of black empowerment and accomplishment, such as ‘Emancipation,’ ‘Devotion’ and ‘Sidney,...
“The best films of this year prove that diverse stories – the true and the fantastical – are not only important to the culture but are equally important to the movie-making business,” said Aafca president and co-founder Gil Robertson. “Black films which make an impact on our minds and hearts are also making a sizable impact at the box office. Our top film, ‘The Woman King’, bridges the gap between telling important, heartfelt stories, and providing an entertaining experience for movie-going audiences. These true tales of black empowerment and accomplishment, such as ‘Emancipation,’ ‘Devotion’ and ‘Sidney,...
- 12/8/2022
- by Jazz Tangcay and Michaela Zee
- Variety Film + TV
The Woman King
Gina Prince-Bythewood's epic tale of the Dahomey amazons The Woman King has topped this year's Best Film list from the African American Film Critics Association (Aafca), edging out blockbuster hit Black Panther: Wakanda Forever in a year which saw a significant increase in big budget titles focused on black characters.
“The best films of this year prove that diverse stories – the true and the fantastical – are not only important to the culture but are equally important to the movie-making business,” said Aafca president and co-founder Gil Robertson. “Black films which make an impact on our minds and hearts are also making a sizable impact at the box office. Our top film, The Woman King, bridges the gap between telling important, heartfelt stories, and providing an entertaining experience for movie-going audiences.
"These true tales of black empowerment and accomplishment, such as Emancipation, Devotion and Sidney, as well as.
Gina Prince-Bythewood's epic tale of the Dahomey amazons The Woman King has topped this year's Best Film list from the African American Film Critics Association (Aafca), edging out blockbuster hit Black Panther: Wakanda Forever in a year which saw a significant increase in big budget titles focused on black characters.
“The best films of this year prove that diverse stories – the true and the fantastical – are not only important to the culture but are equally important to the movie-making business,” said Aafca president and co-founder Gil Robertson. “Black films which make an impact on our minds and hearts are also making a sizable impact at the box office. Our top film, The Woman King, bridges the gap between telling important, heartfelt stories, and providing an entertaining experience for movie-going audiences.
"These true tales of black empowerment and accomplishment, such as Emancipation, Devotion and Sidney, as well as.
- 12/8/2022
- by Jennie Kermode
- eyeforfilm.co.uk
Click here to read the full article.
The African American Film Critics Association has released its list of the best films of 2022, topped by The Woman King.
The Gina Prince-Bythewood film stars Viola Davis and tells the story of the Agojie all-female army of fierce warriors. The movie also stars John Boyega, Lashana Lynch, Sheila Atim and Thuso Mbedu.
The Black Panther sequel, Wakanda Forever, took the No. 2 spot; followed by Chinonye Chuku’s Till, about how Mamie Till-Mobley turned her grief over the lynching of her 14-year-old son into activism; and the Sidney Poitier documentary Sidney.
“The best films of this year prove that diverse stories — the true and the fantastical — are not only important to the culture but are equally important to the movie-making business,” Aafca president and co-founder Gil Robertson said in a statement. “Black films which make an impact on our minds and hearts are also...
The African American Film Critics Association has released its list of the best films of 2022, topped by The Woman King.
The Gina Prince-Bythewood film stars Viola Davis and tells the story of the Agojie all-female army of fierce warriors. The movie also stars John Boyega, Lashana Lynch, Sheila Atim and Thuso Mbedu.
The Black Panther sequel, Wakanda Forever, took the No. 2 spot; followed by Chinonye Chuku’s Till, about how Mamie Till-Mobley turned her grief over the lynching of her 14-year-old son into activism; and the Sidney Poitier documentary Sidney.
“The best films of this year prove that diverse stories — the true and the fantastical — are not only important to the culture but are equally important to the movie-making business,” Aafca president and co-founder Gil Robertson said in a statement. “Black films which make an impact on our minds and hearts are also...
- 12/8/2022
- by Hilary Lewis
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The Woman King headlined the African American Film Critics Association’s annual list of the top 10 films of the year. The film, directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood, boasts an ensemble cast led by Viola Davis which includes Lashana Lynch, Sheila Atim, and Thuso Mbedu as the Agojie, an all-female army of fierce warriors. John Boyega also stars as King Ghezo.
“The best films of this year prove that diverse stories – the true and the fantastical – are not only important to the culture but are equally important to the movie-making business,” said Aafca president and co-founder Gil Robertson. “Black films which make an impact on our minds and hearts are also making a sizable impact at the box office. Our top film, The Woman King bridges the gap between telling important, heartfelt stories, and providing an entertaining experience for movie-going audiences. These true tales of black empowerment and accomplishment, such as Emancipation,...
“The best films of this year prove that diverse stories – the true and the fantastical – are not only important to the culture but are equally important to the movie-making business,” said Aafca president and co-founder Gil Robertson. “Black films which make an impact on our minds and hearts are also making a sizable impact at the box office. Our top film, The Woman King bridges the gap between telling important, heartfelt stories, and providing an entertaining experience for movie-going audiences. These true tales of black empowerment and accomplishment, such as Emancipation,...
- 12/8/2022
- by Valerie Complex
- Deadline Film + TV
“Death of a Salesman” actor Wendell Pierce, “The Piano Lesson” director Latanya Richardson Jackson and “Till” star John Douglas Thompson are among the honorees set for the inaugural Salute to Broadway presented by the African American Film Critics Association.
The event is set for Oct. 17 at The Lambs Club in the heart of Midtown’s theater district.
“It’s no secret that some of our greatest actors have come from the stage or have tested their chops on it,” said Gil Robertson, co-founder of Aafca. “Sidney Poitier, Ruby Dee and Ossie Davis are just a handful of our beloved icons for which this was true, with Tony winners Denzel Washington, Viola Davis, Audra McDonald, Adrienne Warren and Myles Frost among those continuing that legacy. As a reliable pipeline for outstanding Black talent in front of the camera as well as behind it, Hollywood has benefited greatly from this esteemed training...
The event is set for Oct. 17 at The Lambs Club in the heart of Midtown’s theater district.
“It’s no secret that some of our greatest actors have come from the stage or have tested their chops on it,” said Gil Robertson, co-founder of Aafca. “Sidney Poitier, Ruby Dee and Ossie Davis are just a handful of our beloved icons for which this was true, with Tony winners Denzel Washington, Viola Davis, Audra McDonald, Adrienne Warren and Myles Frost among those continuing that legacy. As a reliable pipeline for outstanding Black talent in front of the camera as well as behind it, Hollywood has benefited greatly from this esteemed training...
- 10/12/2022
- by William Earl
- Variety Film + TV
The African American Film Critics Association (Aafca) held the 4th Annual Aafca Awards today to celebrate and recognize outstanding work in the television industry.
Abbott Elementary was one of the winners, not only taking the accolade for Best TV Comedy but the creator, writer, and producer of the show, Quinta Brunson, took the award for Breakout Star. Apple TV+’s Pachinko won for Best International Production and Swagger tied with HBO’s Winning Time: the rise of the Lakers dynasty tied in the Best Limited Series/Special category.
Courtney B. Vance accepted the award for Best TV Acting (Male) for 61st Street while Patina Miller, who appeared virtually, won for Best TV Acting (Female) for Power Book III: Raising Kanan.
HBO’s Insecure was also honored with the prestigious Impact Award, with Yvonne Orji accepting the award on the show’s behalf.
Aafca bestowed special achievement honors on several industry...
Abbott Elementary was one of the winners, not only taking the accolade for Best TV Comedy but the creator, writer, and producer of the show, Quinta Brunson, took the award for Breakout Star. Apple TV+’s Pachinko won for Best International Production and Swagger tied with HBO’s Winning Time: the rise of the Lakers dynasty tied in the Best Limited Series/Special category.
Courtney B. Vance accepted the award for Best TV Acting (Male) for 61st Street while Patina Miller, who appeared virtually, won for Best TV Acting (Female) for Power Book III: Raising Kanan.
HBO’s Insecure was also honored with the prestigious Impact Award, with Yvonne Orji accepting the award on the show’s behalf.
Aafca bestowed special achievement honors on several industry...
- 8/20/2022
- by Armando Tinoco
- Deadline Film + TV
The African American Film Critics Association (Aafca) held their 4th Annual Aafca Awards today in Los Angeles. “Abbott Elementary” won for Best TV Comedy and the show’s creator Quinta Brunson took home the Breakout Star trophy. The freshman ABC sitcom is nominated for seven Emmy Awards this year including Best Comedy Series. Patina Miller (“Power Book III: Raising Kanan”) and Courtney B. Vance (“61st Street”) took top acting honors. Read the full list of Aafca TV Honors winners below.
See Quinta Brunson, Lee Jung-jae, Desi Lydic and Rhea Seehorn celebrate Emmy nominations [Exclusive Video Interview]
As previously announced, Aafca bestowed special achievement honors on several industry leaders including Universal Studio Group Chairman Pearlena Igbokwe who received the Ashley Boone Award, Alex Kurtzman who received Aafca’s Ally Award, and Aafca’s Inclusion Award went to the Warner Bros. Television Group. Warner Bros. Discovery Senior Vice President of Equity and Inclusion Karen Horne...
See Quinta Brunson, Lee Jung-jae, Desi Lydic and Rhea Seehorn celebrate Emmy nominations [Exclusive Video Interview]
As previously announced, Aafca bestowed special achievement honors on several industry leaders including Universal Studio Group Chairman Pearlena Igbokwe who received the Ashley Boone Award, Alex Kurtzman who received Aafca’s Ally Award, and Aafca’s Inclusion Award went to the Warner Bros. Television Group. Warner Bros. Discovery Senior Vice President of Equity and Inclusion Karen Horne...
- 8/20/2022
- by Denton Davidson
- Gold Derby
The 2022 Easterseals Disability Film Challenge Awards announced presenters for this year’s ceremony, including “Special” creator Ryan O’Connell and “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” producers Phil Lord and Chris Miller. The awards will be held on May 5 at Sony Pictures Studios’ Cary Grant Theater in Los Angeles.
Additional presenters include Paul Raci (“Sound of Metal”), Max Borenstein (“Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty”), Blake Stadnik (“This is Us”) and “As We See It” actors Rick Glassman, Sue Ann Pien and Albert Rutecki.
Launched in 2014 and created by Nic Novicki, the film challenge gives filmmakers the chance to write, produce and complete short films that tell unique stories showcasing disability in many forms. Submissions can come from filmmakers with or without disabilities, and this year’s challenge saw a record-breaking submission of 95 films from around the world.
The finalists will be announced on April 29, with four competitors to move forward...
Additional presenters include Paul Raci (“Sound of Metal”), Max Borenstein (“Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty”), Blake Stadnik (“This is Us”) and “As We See It” actors Rick Glassman, Sue Ann Pien and Albert Rutecki.
Launched in 2014 and created by Nic Novicki, the film challenge gives filmmakers the chance to write, produce and complete short films that tell unique stories showcasing disability in many forms. Submissions can come from filmmakers with or without disabilities, and this year’s challenge saw a record-breaking submission of 95 films from around the world.
The finalists will be announced on April 29, with four competitors to move forward...
- 4/28/2022
- by Sasha Urban
- Variety Film + TV
The Santa Barbara Film Festival unveiled winners for its 37th edition on Saturday morning, bestowing its Audience Choice award to the Irish-language film Róise and Frank.
Juried winners at this year’s festival include Jon-Sesrie Goff’s After Sherman as Best Documentary, and Shawkat Amin Korki’s The Exam (Ezmûn) winning the Jeffrey C. Barbakow Award for best international feature film.
Róise and Frank (Mo ghrá buan), directed by Rachael Moriarty and Peter Murphy, centers on Róise (Brid Ni Neachtain), a widow in mourning who befriends a dog who just might be her late husband reincarnated. The pic earlier this week screened at the Dublin Film Festival where it won the Best Ensemble award.
Overall, this year’s in-person festival attracted 200 films from 54 countries along with its usual A-list of panel galas celebrating the year’s best in film – a traditional stop on the awards circuit. This year included Q...
Juried winners at this year’s festival include Jon-Sesrie Goff’s After Sherman as Best Documentary, and Shawkat Amin Korki’s The Exam (Ezmûn) winning the Jeffrey C. Barbakow Award for best international feature film.
Róise and Frank (Mo ghrá buan), directed by Rachael Moriarty and Peter Murphy, centers on Róise (Brid Ni Neachtain), a widow in mourning who befriends a dog who just might be her late husband reincarnated. The pic earlier this week screened at the Dublin Film Festival where it won the Best Ensemble award.
Overall, this year’s in-person festival attracted 200 films from 54 countries along with its usual A-list of panel galas celebrating the year’s best in film – a traditional stop on the awards circuit. This year included Q...
- 3/12/2022
- by Patrick Hipes
- Deadline Film + TV
The African American Film Critics Association (Aafca) announced the recipients of their special achievement honors — “Attica” filmmakers Stanley Nelson and Traci A. Curry; producer and Hidden Empire Film Group co-founder Roxanne Avent-Taylor; Oscar-nominated and Grammy-winning composer Terence Blanchard; John Gibson, the Motion Picture Association’s VP of external and multicultural affairs; and Sony Motion Picture Group.
The honors will be presented at the 13th annual Aafca Awards, held on March 2 at the Sls Hotel in Los Angeles, co-hosted by Charlamagne tha God and Alesha Reneé.
Aafca’s Stanley & Karen Kramer Award for Social Justice will be awarded to “Attica” director Stanley Nelson and co-director Traci A. Curry for their work crafting the Oscar-nominated documentary. Established in 2016 in collaboration with the Stanley Kramer Library and Stanley Kramer Foundation, the honor recognizes a film, filmmaker or artist who honors the robust legacy of the late Kramer, spotlighting those who use the creative...
The honors will be presented at the 13th annual Aafca Awards, held on March 2 at the Sls Hotel in Los Angeles, co-hosted by Charlamagne tha God and Alesha Reneé.
Aafca’s Stanley & Karen Kramer Award for Social Justice will be awarded to “Attica” director Stanley Nelson and co-director Traci A. Curry for their work crafting the Oscar-nominated documentary. Established in 2016 in collaboration with the Stanley Kramer Library and Stanley Kramer Foundation, the honor recognizes a film, filmmaker or artist who honors the robust legacy of the late Kramer, spotlighting those who use the creative...
- 2/24/2022
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
The African American Film Critics Association (Aafca) has selected “The Harder They Fall” as the No. 1 film on their annual top 10 list.
Written and directed by Jeymes Samuel and produced by Jay-Z, the big-budget Netflix western sees Idris Elba, Regina King, Jonathan Majors, Zazie Beetz and Lakeith Stanfield portray historical Black figures Rufus Buck, Nat Love, Trudy Smith, Stagecoach Mary and Cherokee Bill, respectively.
“Although our top film, ‘The Harder They Fall’ from Netflix is a fictionalized Western,” said Aafca president and co-founder Gil Robertson. “It introduced the world to an incredible array of real-life Black cowboys and cowgirls who helped to transform the West, prompting many to discover the prominent role Black people played in that storied chapter of American history that has been a Hollywood go-to genre.”
In chronological order, the other nine movies on Aafca’s top ten list are “King Richard,” “Respect,” “The Tragedy of Macbeth,...
Written and directed by Jeymes Samuel and produced by Jay-Z, the big-budget Netflix western sees Idris Elba, Regina King, Jonathan Majors, Zazie Beetz and Lakeith Stanfield portray historical Black figures Rufus Buck, Nat Love, Trudy Smith, Stagecoach Mary and Cherokee Bill, respectively.
“Although our top film, ‘The Harder They Fall’ from Netflix is a fictionalized Western,” said Aafca president and co-founder Gil Robertson. “It introduced the world to an incredible array of real-life Black cowboys and cowgirls who helped to transform the West, prompting many to discover the prominent role Black people played in that storied chapter of American history that has been a Hollywood go-to genre.”
In chronological order, the other nine movies on Aafca’s top ten list are “King Richard,” “Respect,” “The Tragedy of Macbeth,...
- 12/8/2021
- by Jennifer Yuma
- Variety Film + TV
The African American Film Critics Association said Wednesday that it has selected Netflix’s Western The Harder They Fall as its film of the year. It leads a Top 10 list that also includes King Richard, Respect, The Tragedy of Macbeth, Passing, Belfast, Who We Are, House of Gucci, The Power of the Dog and West Side Story.
The Aafca will reveal winners of the 13th annual Aafca Awards on January 17, 2022 in 15 competitive film categories, with an in-person ceremony set for March 2 in Los Angeles.
The Harder They Fall, directed and co-written by Jeymes Samuel and which premiered at this year’s London Film Festival, hit about 600 theaters in October before its debut on the streamer November 3. It was No. 1 across all streamers the week of its debut, according to Nielsen.
The ensemble case includes Jonathan Majors, Zazie Beetz, Delroy Lindo, Lakeith Stanfield, Danielle Deadwyler, Edi Gathegi, R.J. Cyler, Damon Wayans Jr.,...
The Aafca will reveal winners of the 13th annual Aafca Awards on January 17, 2022 in 15 competitive film categories, with an in-person ceremony set for March 2 in Los Angeles.
The Harder They Fall, directed and co-written by Jeymes Samuel and which premiered at this year’s London Film Festival, hit about 600 theaters in October before its debut on the streamer November 3. It was No. 1 across all streamers the week of its debut, according to Nielsen.
The ensemble case includes Jonathan Majors, Zazie Beetz, Delroy Lindo, Lakeith Stanfield, Danielle Deadwyler, Edi Gathegi, R.J. Cyler, Damon Wayans Jr.,...
- 12/8/2021
- by Patrick Hipes
- Deadline Film + TV
Easterseals Southern California has announced finalists for the 2021 Easterseals Disability Film Challenge: Home Edition 2.0.
Created in 2013 by Nic Novicki, the challenge gives filmmakers the opportunity to create short films that showcase disabilities in its many forms. The week-long filmmaking contest received a record number of submissions, with 93 from across the globe. Winners will be announced during a virtual awards ceremony on May 6 on the organization’s website.
Here is the list of finalists:
Awareness Award:
Couples Therapy – Melanie Rivera Waldman
The Roommates – Jennifer Msumba
So You Wanna Be an Actor – Rachel Handler
Social Fitness – Anna Pakman
Editor Award:
Archaic Intergalactic Extraterrestrials – Matthew Placencia
Breaking Cody – Victoria Elena Nones & Nathaniël Siri
The Home Office (The Making of Cartoon Hr) – Dani Bowman
Superheroes – Grace Kelly
Actor Award:
Breaking Cody – Cody Lascala
Dwarfo-psychosis – Pancho Moler
Extra Special – Andy Arias
Nay Nay Too Bomb – Natalie Trevonne
Director:
Dwarfo-psychosis – Maria Didomenico
Extra Special – Luke Terrell...
Created in 2013 by Nic Novicki, the challenge gives filmmakers the opportunity to create short films that showcase disabilities in its many forms. The week-long filmmaking contest received a record number of submissions, with 93 from across the globe. Winners will be announced during a virtual awards ceremony on May 6 on the organization’s website.
Here is the list of finalists:
Awareness Award:
Couples Therapy – Melanie Rivera Waldman
The Roommates – Jennifer Msumba
So You Wanna Be an Actor – Rachel Handler
Social Fitness – Anna Pakman
Editor Award:
Archaic Intergalactic Extraterrestrials – Matthew Placencia
Breaking Cody – Victoria Elena Nones & Nathaniël Siri
The Home Office (The Making of Cartoon Hr) – Dani Bowman
Superheroes – Grace Kelly
Actor Award:
Breaking Cody – Cody Lascala
Dwarfo-psychosis – Pancho Moler
Extra Special – Andy Arias
Nay Nay Too Bomb – Natalie Trevonne
Director:
Dwarfo-psychosis – Maria Didomenico
Extra Special – Luke Terrell...
- 4/30/2021
- by Antonio Ferme
- Variety Film + TV
Nonprofit disability services provider and resource Easterseals Southern California announced today that Critics Choice Award-winning comedian and actor Michelle Buteau, Actor Matthew Jeffers (New Amsterdam), Academy Award nominee Paul Raci (Sound of Metal), and Tony Award-winning actor Ali Stroker (Oklahoma!), will all serve as presenters during the 2021 Easterseals Disability Film Challenge: Home Edition 2.0 virtual awards ceremony on Thursday, May 6.
Stroker will also serve as a mentor for one of this year’s winners, along with Gena Desclos, Tiffany Smith-Anoa’i, Brett King, and Emerlynn Lampitoc (Vice President of Inclusion – Talent & Content for NBCUniversal).
The second at-home edition of the Easterseals Disability Film Challenge saw a record-breaking number of submissions, with 93 films put forth from the US and places all across the world including India, The Netherlands, Ireland, Australia, Canada, and more. Entries can be viewed at disabilityfilmchallenge.com. Finalists will be announced on Thursday, April 29, with the virtual Awards...
Stroker will also serve as a mentor for one of this year’s winners, along with Gena Desclos, Tiffany Smith-Anoa’i, Brett King, and Emerlynn Lampitoc (Vice President of Inclusion – Talent & Content for NBCUniversal).
The second at-home edition of the Easterseals Disability Film Challenge saw a record-breaking number of submissions, with 93 films put forth from the US and places all across the world including India, The Netherlands, Ireland, Australia, Canada, and more. Entries can be viewed at disabilityfilmchallenge.com. Finalists will be announced on Thursday, April 29, with the virtual Awards...
- 4/1/2021
- Look to the Stars
Leading Black filmmakers, producers and writers opened up about what inspired them to enter cinema and the importance of capturing the Black diasporic experience on screen during a virtual panel co-hosted by the American Cinematheque and the African American Film Critics Association.
In celebration of Black History Month, the “Black Identity Through Cinema” panel featured Cynthia Erivo, Philippe Lacôte, Franklin Leonard, Ekwa Msangi and Euzhan Palcy, as well as Shaka King and Kemp Powers, both of whom were named Variety’s 2020 “Screenwriters to Watch.” The conversation, moderated by Aafca president Gil Robertson, explored the diversity of Black identity in film and how the panelists’ works delve into core themes of freedom and justice in relation to their own personal identities.
The panelists discussed how the lack of Black creatives in front of and behind the camera and the first Black-led films they saw, such as “The Color Purple” for Erivo...
In celebration of Black History Month, the “Black Identity Through Cinema” panel featured Cynthia Erivo, Philippe Lacôte, Franklin Leonard, Ekwa Msangi and Euzhan Palcy, as well as Shaka King and Kemp Powers, both of whom were named Variety’s 2020 “Screenwriters to Watch.” The conversation, moderated by Aafca president Gil Robertson, explored the diversity of Black identity in film and how the panelists’ works delve into core themes of freedom and justice in relation to their own personal identities.
The panelists discussed how the lack of Black creatives in front of and behind the camera and the first Black-led films they saw, such as “The Color Purple” for Erivo...
- 2/20/2021
- by Natalie Oganesyan
- Variety Film + TV
The African American Film Critics Association announced that Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom director George C. Wolfe, Mariah Carey, streaming giant Netflix, and voter suppression documentary, All In: The Fight for Democracy will receive Aafca Special Achievement Awards at the 12th Annual Aafca Awards, taking place April 7.
Wolfe, whose remarkable career in theatre spans over 40 years, is the 2021 Aafca Special Achievement Salute To Excellence honoree, while Carey will be honored with the Innovator Award.
“Even with the challenges of the pandemic, we look forward to providing audiences with a memorable virtual experience. As with every year, this year’s honorees represent the highest standards of excellence in their fields,” said Aafca CEO and President Gil Robertson. “Mariah Carey is often recognized as a global icon for her musical gifts, but rarely is she celebrated for the visual storytelling in her music videos and specials. As an artist who is all-hands-on-deck...
Wolfe, whose remarkable career in theatre spans over 40 years, is the 2021 Aafca Special Achievement Salute To Excellence honoree, while Carey will be honored with the Innovator Award.
“Even with the challenges of the pandemic, we look forward to providing audiences with a memorable virtual experience. As with every year, this year’s honorees represent the highest standards of excellence in their fields,” said Aafca CEO and President Gil Robertson. “Mariah Carey is often recognized as a global icon for her musical gifts, but rarely is she celebrated for the visual storytelling in her music videos and specials. As an artist who is all-hands-on-deck...
- 2/16/2021
- by Amanda N'Duka
- Deadline Film + TV
The African American Film Critics Association will honor Mariah Carey, George C. Wolfe and Netflix with Aafca’s 2021 Special Achievement Awards, the organization announced Tuesday.
Aafca, the world’s largest Black film critics group with 90 members, also will bestow a Special Achievement Award on Amazon’s 2020 voter suppression documentary “All In: The Fight For Democracy,” directed by Lisa Cortes and Liz Garbus, who also co-produced the film with activist Stacey Abrams. “All In” was honored with the Stanley Kramer Award for Social Justice.
“They all in some way embody excellence,” Aafca CEO and president Gil Robertson told TheWrap. “The Special Achievement Award is meant to be a shout out to the body of work vs. the particular performance.”
Carey is often recognized for singing, Robertson said, but rarely celebrated for the visual storytelling in her music videos and television specials. Wolfe, best known as a theater director, has also brought...
Aafca, the world’s largest Black film critics group with 90 members, also will bestow a Special Achievement Award on Amazon’s 2020 voter suppression documentary “All In: The Fight For Democracy,” directed by Lisa Cortes and Liz Garbus, who also co-produced the film with activist Stacey Abrams. “All In” was honored with the Stanley Kramer Award for Social Justice.
“They all in some way embody excellence,” Aafca CEO and president Gil Robertson told TheWrap. “The Special Achievement Award is meant to be a shout out to the body of work vs. the particular performance.”
Carey is often recognized for singing, Robertson said, but rarely celebrated for the visual storytelling in her music videos and television specials. Wolfe, best known as a theater director, has also brought...
- 2/16/2021
- by Diane Haithman
- The Wrap
The African American Film Critics Association (Aafca) has selected Mariah Carey, George C. Wolfe, Stacey Abrams’s “All In” and Netflix as its special achievement award honorees for the 12th annual Aafca Awards.
Carey will receive the Innovator Award, while Wolfe earns the Salute to Excellence. Netflix is the Cinema Vanguard recipient, while the Stanley Kramer Award for Social Justice goes to “All In: The Fight for Democracy” with Stacey Abrams and filmmakers Lisa Cortés and Liz Garbus.
Describing this year’s batch of special honorees as “resilient, dedicated, purposeful in their crafts, in their intentions and their meaning” Aafca CEO and President Gil Robertson tells Variety, “When you think about all four of these projects and individuals, they’re being very intentional in wanting to utilize their talents for good, for information and with the intention to uplift and empower.”
The Aafca special achievement honors are presented to salute...
Carey will receive the Innovator Award, while Wolfe earns the Salute to Excellence. Netflix is the Cinema Vanguard recipient, while the Stanley Kramer Award for Social Justice goes to “All In: The Fight for Democracy” with Stacey Abrams and filmmakers Lisa Cortés and Liz Garbus.
Describing this year’s batch of special honorees as “resilient, dedicated, purposeful in their crafts, in their intentions and their meaning” Aafca CEO and President Gil Robertson tells Variety, “When you think about all four of these projects and individuals, they’re being very intentional in wanting to utilize their talents for good, for information and with the intention to uplift and empower.”
The Aafca special achievement honors are presented to salute...
- 2/16/2021
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
Wednesday saw a unique red carpet unfold in Los Angeles. It had actors and interviewers, but there was no premiere or awards show. And the real stars were the reporters.
The reporters were 10 students from the Los Angeles Center for Enriched Studies (Laces), a public high school in Mid-City Los Angeles. The occasion was the conclusion of the inaugural Micheaux Project, the outreach program launched earlier this year by Variety and the African American Film Critics Assn., designed to introduce high school students from Bipoc communities to potential careers in the entertainment industry.
Laces is the first school to host Micheaux Project workshops. The eight-week course covered such topics as film criticism, interviewing, finding a point of view and working with a newsroom. And though the students had dipped their toes into interviewing over seven previous workshops, with the virtual red carpet assembled for the final installment, the budding reporters...
The reporters were 10 students from the Los Angeles Center for Enriched Studies (Laces), a public high school in Mid-City Los Angeles. The occasion was the conclusion of the inaugural Micheaux Project, the outreach program launched earlier this year by Variety and the African American Film Critics Assn., designed to introduce high school students from Bipoc communities to potential careers in the entertainment industry.
Laces is the first school to host Micheaux Project workshops. The eight-week course covered such topics as film criticism, interviewing, finding a point of view and working with a newsroom. And though the students had dipped their toes into interviewing over seven previous workshops, with the virtual red carpet assembled for the final installment, the budding reporters...
- 11/6/2020
- by Variety Staff
- Variety Film + TV
In today’s film news roundup, “Waiting for the Barbarians,” “Don’t Tell a Soul” and “Daddy Issues” get distribution and the African American Film Critics Association is launching a virtual Strong Summer 2020 programming slate.
Acquisitions
Samuel Goldwyn Films has acquired North American rights to Ciro Guerra’s feature film “Waiting for the Barbarians,” starring Johnny Depp, Robert Pattinson, Mark Rylance, Gana Bayarsaikhan, and Greta Scacchi.
Goldwyn said the film was originally slated for a theatrical release, but due to the Covid-19 pandemic, it will be released on cable on-demand and digital platforms in August.
Rylance plays a magistrate in an isolated frontier settlement on the border of a large empire who looks forward to an easy retirement until the arrival of a colonel (portrayed by Depp), whose task it is to report on the activities of the “barbarians” and the security situation on the border. The colonel’s ruthless interrogations...
Acquisitions
Samuel Goldwyn Films has acquired North American rights to Ciro Guerra’s feature film “Waiting for the Barbarians,” starring Johnny Depp, Robert Pattinson, Mark Rylance, Gana Bayarsaikhan, and Greta Scacchi.
Goldwyn said the film was originally slated for a theatrical release, but due to the Covid-19 pandemic, it will be released on cable on-demand and digital platforms in August.
Rylance plays a magistrate in an isolated frontier settlement on the border of a large empire who looks forward to an easy retirement until the arrival of a colonel (portrayed by Depp), whose task it is to report on the activities of the “barbarians” and the security situation on the border. The colonel’s ruthless interrogations...
- 5/21/2020
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
The African American Film Critics Association has partnered with Los Angeles City Councilman Marqueece Harris-Dawson to present the inaugural Aafca Day at City Hall on April 27, the two announced on Monday.
The day will aim to celebrate film and TV projects that show Los Angeles and its residents through complex and original depictions. This year, USA limited series “Unsolved: The Murders of Tupac and The Notorious B.I.G.” will be honored, with cast members and collaborators from the show set to gather with the city council on Friday.
“‘Unsolved,’ by showing a full L.A., from areas very familiar to tourists to those known only to natives, is certainly exemplary,” Gil Robertson, president of the Aafca, said in a statement. “In addition to showcasing the notable landscape of the city and the larger metro area, the limited series offers provocative depictions of life in L.A. not often seen or heard elsewhere.
The day will aim to celebrate film and TV projects that show Los Angeles and its residents through complex and original depictions. This year, USA limited series “Unsolved: The Murders of Tupac and The Notorious B.I.G.” will be honored, with cast members and collaborators from the show set to gather with the city council on Friday.
“‘Unsolved,’ by showing a full L.A., from areas very familiar to tourists to those known only to natives, is certainly exemplary,” Gil Robertson, president of the Aafca, said in a statement. “In addition to showcasing the notable landscape of the city and the larger metro area, the limited series offers provocative depictions of life in L.A. not often seen or heard elsewhere.
- 4/23/2018
- by Kirsten Chuba
- Variety Film + TV
Ray, the Ray Charles biopic from Universal Pictures, was named the best film of year Wednesday by the African American Film Critics Assn. The organization, founded last year, honors films with universal appeal to the black community, while also emphasizing films about the black experience. Other films on the group's top 10 list run the gamut from major Hollywood studio films like Miramax's Martin Scorsese-helmed The Aviator to Rodney Evans' independent art house flick Brother to Brother and also includes movies that are not considered "black-themed," like Miramax's Finding Neverland. "The films selected this year boldly reflect a cross-section of perspectives that captures the essence of humanity," AAFCA president Gil Robertson IV said. "2004 was another groundbreaking year for African-American talent as seen by the impressive performances given by Morgan Freeman, Don Cheadle and Jamie Foxx in the films that are included on our list."...
- 12/30/2004
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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