There are a lot black films in existence today. Some you’re very familiar with and others only come into view during that occasional visit to the video store. A number of them, however, make their way through film festivals before being released to the public.
On Sept. 30th through Oct. 4th, the International Black Film Festival of Nashville (IBFFN) will unfold at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel and Convention Center. The festival has served many inspiring filmmakers by providing a venue to showcase their work and gain access to movers and shakers that can help take projects to the next level. For local and independent filmmakers in need of project financing, it’s an opportunity to make contact with deep-pocket individuals who can make that happen.
The event will be hosted by actor, director and producer Robert Townsend, who has produced such groundbreaking projects as “Hollywood Shuffle” and “The Five Heartbeats.” And I know you have seen “Holiday Heart” on BET. He directed that one too. Television network TV One will also be involved as they premiere a new episode of “Life After,” which tells the story of celebrities and what happened to them after major turning points.
Of course with an event such as this one, participants will get the opportunity to get a first hand look at unreleased films that are being showcased. Yours truly is planning to take plenty of vitamins because there are so many films I’d love to see.
For instance:
“Dirty” is a documentary that chronicles the life of the late rapper Ol’ Dirty Bastard or ODB for those who knew of his music and his antics when he was alive. I was a fan of ODB as well as the Wu Tang Clan, the hip-hop group of which he was a member. If this movie is as intriguing and entertaining as his life, Ill probably be glad I caught this one.
“I Am a Man” follows Elmore Nickleberry as he guides his garbage truck through the streets of downtown Memphis providing a present-day link to 1968 andthe courageous stand of sanitation workers.
From Bill Cosby to Chris Rock, Kennen Ivory Wayans and other African-American comedy greats, “Why We Laugh: Black Comedians on Black Comedy” follows the history of African-American comedy in America. It talks about how African-American comedy has evolved from minstrels in blackface to the accomplishments of Eddie Murphy and Whoopi Goldberg.
Other films that I plan to catch include “A Mother’s Prayer,” which stars singer Johnny Gill, “American Violet” with Alfre Woodard and Charles Dutton, and “Still Bill,” which is a documentary on the life and career of singer Bill Withers.
My visit to Nashville to gather all the information I can get my hands on means you will get the inside scoop on these films and more. For registration information or to find out more about the film line up, visit
www.ibffnashville.com.
Ask Myron:Q: “Do you think Frankie Beverly and Maze will ever release any new material? They are my favorite group; they are the reason why I fell in love with my husband.”
P. Harris, Memphis
A: Doubtful if they will. They really don’t have to. They have had a long string of hit songs that still sound good today. Frankie Beverly and Maze is an amazing group. Established in the early 70’s in San Francisco, the band went from being named The Butlers to Raw Soul. Not long after being established, they became affiliated with soul veteran Marvin Gaye. By the late 70’s, singer Gaye insisted that they change their name from Raw Soul to Maze and in 1976 introduced them to Capital Records VP of black music, Larkin Arnold. Now over 30 years later, they are still going strong. Even though they have never earned a platinum album, they still one of the most quintessential bands in the history of R&B music.
(Myron Mays is a freelance columnist and host of “Myron at Midnite” on WRBO Soul Classics 103.5. Got an entertainment question? Send me an email at myron@myronmays.com or catch me on Facebook and Twitter. If your question is printed in the column, I’ll send you a couple of free tickets to the Stax Museum of American Soul Music.)
