Random Movie News....

Sorry for the light posting as of late--be patient with me....I've been on an extended stay in the South, and am going back home to Cali and have business to tie up for a minute. Let me put it this way, after experiencing life as a Southerner, I never want to be out of arm's reach of a Chambord martini (or beach) or the possibility of one ever again! No liquor on Sunday? GTFOH!
Some things have been piling up; of course Sergio has been sending me Black Cinema news, being the sweetie pie he is. I'll share a few of the film tips he sent over...first up, hopefully Isaiah Washington can recoup his film career (I felt he was too big for TV anyway). From The H'wood Reporter:

Isaiah Washington has booked his first major feature film role since exiting "Grey's Anatomy" in June.Washington will star opposite Forest Whitaker in "Patriots," the Dimension's sports drama being directed by Tim Story. Also joining the cast are Taraji P. Henson, Robbie Jones, Jackie Long, Eric Hill, Bow Wow, Lil' Wayne, Irma Hall, Jarod Einsohn, J.B. Smoove and Chyna McClain.

"Patriots," based on a true story, is set in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, when Al Collins, a high school basketball coach in Marrero, La., assembled a team of players who previously attended five different schools and led them on the path to the state championships.

Washington will play an assistant coach at John Ehret High who helps lead the squad.

Robert Eisele ("The Great Debaters") and Greg Allen Howard ("Remember the Titans") wrote the script. Raymond Brothers and Scott Glassgold of IAM Entertainment and Stephanie Allain and Michael Beugg are producing. Shooting begins this week in New Orleans.


From IW: Not really my flavor, but good to see Isaiah working. And me love Jackie Long.

Next up for all of you aspiring filmmakers; here is an interesting way to gain some exposure;--it is also telling about how new media will be working in the millennium. From AOL:

Always the innovative filmmaker, Spike Lee's next project is somewhat unique in its own way.

The Hollywood Reporter states that Spike Lee has linked up with Nokia to direct a movie made with cell phone footage from everyday people in what he calls the democratization of film.


The film by Nokia Productions will consist of three acts. An 'assignment' for each act will be announced online and people will then have four weeks to produce their submission.

'You are seeing first hand the democratization of film," Lee said in a statement on Thursday. "Aspiring filmmakers no longer have to go to film school to make great work. With a simple mobile phone, almost anyone can now become a filmmaker.'

The film's theme will evolve around the way music tells the story of humanity, and people can submit text, music, video or images at certain times between now and August 21.

Nokia will choose 25 submissions, then people can vote online for their favorite for a top 10 from which Spike Lee will then choose the winning submission from each act.

Lee will direct the film through the Web site.

The final film with the three winning submissions and other contributed content will premiere later this year in Los Angeles.


From IW: And finally, a heartfelt thank you to Ms. Marvelous at "Opinionated Black Woman". She graced me with the Red Rose Award and this mini-poem:

A single Red Rose is a wonderful gift

It shows the heart

and gives the spirit a lift

I feel the same about her blog 100%. She puts her pure thoughts and feelings out there, no holds barred, and it is very brave. Kudos to her for making us all know life is universal, whether we care to admit it or hide it. Love ya, MM!

Update: Hey Atlanta fam! There is a free screening tonight of "Neo Ned" with Gabrielle Union that some folks say is very similar to the film that Halle is to star in about a woman with multiple personalities, one a racist. Here is the info:

Event Name: Urban Film Review
DATE: Tonight, Monday, April, 28th
TIME: 7:00pm
LOCATION: Woodruff Arts Center, 1280 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309

MORE: FREE! Arrive early, limited seating.


Click here to RSVP