2017 Spotlight Screenings
GIRLS TRIP
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Presented by the MPAA, Courtesy of Universal Pictures
WED 6/14 | 8:00 PM | OLYMPIA THEATRE
When four lifelong friends—Regina Hall, Queen Latifah, Jada Pinkett Smith and Tiffany Haddish—travel to New Orleans for the annual Essence Festival, sisterhoods are rekindled, wild sides are rediscovered, and there’s enough dancing, drinking, brawling and romancing to make the Big Easy blush. James Lopez, head of motion pictures for Will Packer Productions, and Preston Holmes, executive produce.
Director: Malcolm D. Lee | Screenplay by: Kenya Barris & Tracy Oliver | Produced by: Will Packer, Malcolm D. Lee | Executive Producers: Preston Holmes, James Lopez | Cast: Regina Hall, Queen Latifah, Jada Pinkett Smith, Tiffany Haddish, Larenz Tate, Kate Walsh, Mike Colter, Kofi Siriboe
TALES
60 min World Premiere
Courtesy of BET
THU 6/15 | 11:00 AM | COLONY THEATRE
A one-hour anthology series that distills classic hip-hop records down to their thematic essence and builds inspired cautionary tales for each hit song.
Q & A with Irv Gotti will immediately follow the screening.
Directors: Jessy Terrero, Benny Boom, Irv Gotti, Erik White | Writer: Joy Kecken | Executive Producer: Irv “Gotti” Lorenzo | Producer: Ron Robinson | Principle Cast: Boris Kodjoe, Clifton Powell, Woody McClain, Jennifer Freeman, Keith Powers, Lance Gross
STEP
83 min World Premiere
Courtesy of Fox Searchlight
THU 6/15 | 11:00 AM | MB CINEMATHEQUE
STEP is the true-life story of a girls’ high-school step dance team against the background of the heart of Baltimore. These young women learn to laugh, love and thrive – on and off the stage – even when the world seems to work against them. Empowered by their teachers, teammates, counselors, coaches and families, they chase their ultimate dreams: to win a step championship and to be accepted into college.
Director: Amanda Lipitz | Producer: Steven Cantor, Amanda Lipitz | Principle Cast: Blessin Giraldo, Cori Grainger, Tayla Solomon, Gari McIntyre, Paula Dofat
SPOTLIGHT ON CLASSIC CINEMA
90 min
Courtesy of National Museum of African American History and Culture
THU 6/15 | 1:30 PM | MB CINEMATHEQUE
Two films by pioneer filmmaker Madeline Anderson presented by the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture followed by Madeline Anderson in conversation with Rhea L. Combs, Ph.D., Curator of Photography & Film and Head of the Earl W. and Amanda Stafford Center for African American Media Arts (CAAMA).
Director: Madeline Anderson | Producer: Madeline Anderson
WHEN LOVE KILLS: THE FALICIA BLAKELY STORY
84 min World Premiere
Courtesy of TV One
THU 6/15 | 2:45 PM | COLONY THEATRE
Becoming an exotic dancer seemed like a harmless way for Falicia to make and save money, but it doesn’t take long for her to get swept up in the glamour of quick cash. However, after meeting Dino, everything in her life changes. He is the only man who ever said “I love you,” to her, and for this she would do whatever he asks. Falicia becomes Dino’s puppet, and it was kill or be killed.
Q & A with director Tasha Smith, Lance Gross, Lil Mama, and Tami Roman will immediately follow the screening.
Director: Tasha Smith | Cast: Lance Gross, Lil Mama, Tami Roman
SNOWFALL
58 min World Premiere
Courtesy of FX
FRI 6/16 | 11:00 AM | COLONY THEATRE
Snowfall is a one-hour drama set against the infancy of the crack cocaine epidemic and its ultimate radical impact on the culture as we know it.
Q & A with John Singleton will immediately follow the screening.
Directors: Adil El Arbi & Bilall Fallah | Writers: John Singleton, Dave Andron, Eric Amadio | Executive Producers: John Singleton, Dave Andron,Thomas Schlamme, Eric Amadio, Michael London,Trevor Engelson | Principle Cast: Damson Idris, Carter Hudson, Sergio Peris Mencheta, Emily Rios, Juan Javier Cardenas, Michael Hyatt, Amin Joseph, Angela Lewis, Alon Aboutboul, Malcolm Mays, Isaiah John, Filipe Valle Costa
LA 92
114 min
Courtesy of Nat Geo & Lightbox
FRI 6/16 | 1:45 PM | MB CINEMATHEQUE
Twenty-five years after the verdict in the Rodney King trial sparked several days of protests, violence and looting in Los Angeles, LA 92, a new feature documentary from National Geographic Documentary Films, immerses viewers in that tumultuous period through stunning and rarely seen archival footage. Produced by two-time Oscar winner Simon Chinn (“Man on Wire”) and Emmy winner Jonathan Chinn (“American High”) and directed by Oscar winners Dan Lindsay and TJ Martin (“Undefeated”), the film looks at the events of 1992 from a multitude of vantage points, bringing a fresh perspective to a pivotal moment that reverberates to this day.
Q & A with producer Jonathan Chinn and ABFF Founder Jeff Friday will immediately follow the screening.
Directors: Dan Lindsay & TJ Martin | Producers: Jonathan Chinn, Simon Chinn & Sarah Gibson
DOWNSIZED
84 min World Premiere
Courtesy of TV One
FRI 6/16 | 3:00 PM | COLONY THEATRE
Michael and Ebony Nelson’s middle-American, suburban lifestyle is disrupted when they become teenage parents. Forced into a modern-day “shotgun” wedding, they must put their personal goals on hold in order to do what is best for their new family. Amazingly, the two high school sweethearts manage to overcome the odds, and even establish an ideal life. However, life isn’t as perfect as it seems. The success that initially was meant to strengthen their family becomes the very thing that drives them apart. As a result, Michael desperately tries to hold onto everything he’s worked for his entire life. This leads the family on an unconventional adventure to restore their faith, hope, and trust.
Followed by Q & A with cast members Boris Kodjoe and Nicole Ari Parker
Director: Rhonda Baraka | Writer: Michelle McKissic | Producers: Eric Tomosunas, James Seppelfrick | Cast: Boris Kodjoe, Nicole Ari Parker
90 DAYS
20 min
Courtesy of AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF)
FRI 6/16 | 5:00 PM | MB CINEMATHEQUE
A riveting story of love, integrity and compassion, 90 DAYS is an award-winning short film based on a true story that explores a couple’s life altering decision after ninety days of dating. Fueled with gripping performances by an extraordinary cast led by Teyonah Parris, Nic Few and Pauletta Washington, 90 DAYS is groundbreaking in the way that it confronts the human experience of overcoming one of life’s greatest perceived challenges. Written by Nathan Hale Williams and directed by Williams and Jennia Fredrique Aponte, 90 Days is touching hearts while navigating the definition of ultimate compassion. Love is greater than anything, including HIV. Executive Produced by Jussie Smollett.
Q & A with the Cast & Directors will immediately follow the screening.
Director: Nathan Hale Williams & Jennia Fredrique Aponte | Writer: Nathan Hale Williams | Producer: Sol Aponte | Principle Cast: Teyonah Parris, Nic Few, Pauletta Washington, Rodney Chester, Emmett Short
THE DEFIANT ONES
60 min World Premiere
Courtesy of HBO
FRI 6/16 | 6:00 PM | COLONY THEATRE
The first of a four-part documentary series that tells the stories of Jimmy Iovine and Dr. Dre.
Director: Allen Hughes | Writer: Allen Hughes | Producer: Allen Hughes, Doug Pray, Andrew Kosove, Broderick Johnson, Laura Lancaster, Jerry Longarzo, Michael Lombardo and Gene Kirkwood
MR. CHIBBS
86 min
Courtesy of the Miami International Film Festival
FRI 6/16 | 8:45 PM | LOEWS HOTEL
Reeling from his mother’s death and a subsequent DUI, NYC basketball prodigy and retired NBA All-Star Kenny Anderson looks to discover himself in the midst of a mid-life crisis. Anderson traces past footsteps to confront haunting memories and find solace in becoming the father he never had time to be. Combining unseen footage with raw moments of reflection, “Mr. Chibbs” explores what happens when the talent fades and a sports legend searches for a meaningful future. Directed by Jill Campbell.
Director: Jill Campbell | Writer: Jill Campbell | Executive Producer: Barry Greenstein | Producer: Jill Campbell, Barry Greenstein, Gregory Gerhard | Principle Cast: Kenny Anderson
BIGGIE: The Notorious Life of B.I.G.
126 min
Courtesy of A+E Networks
SAT 6/17 | 10:30 AM | COLONY THEATRE
“Biggie: The Life of Notorious B.I.G” premiering Wednesday, June 28 at 9PM ET/PT on A&E is the first biography to be authorized by his estate and will allow the late Christopher Wallace to narrate his own life story through exclusive archival footage and audio recordings and new interviews by those who loved him most.
Director: Mark Ford | Producers: Mark Ford, Kevin Lopez, John Moryaniss, Tara Long, Voletta Wallace, Faith Evans, Elaine Frontain Bryant, Shelly Tatro, Brad Abramson | Principle Cast: Christopher Wallace, Faith Evans, Voletta Wallace, Lil Cease, Junior Mafia, Sean “Diddy” Combs, Shawn “Jay Z” Carter and Nas
CLAWS
60 min
Courtesy of Turner
SAT 6/17 | 2:30 PM | COLONY THEATRE
Claws is a midnight-dark, wickedly funny meditation on female badness set in a South Florida nail salon. It follows the rise of five diverse and treacherous manicurists working at the Nail Artisan of Manatee County salon, where there is a lot more going on than silk wraps and pedicures. Claws is about good women caught in bad places with worse men. It’s the story of hardworking women trying to get by in this economy, set against the surreal, bright, gritty landscape of Florida and the luscious, absurd, extreme excesses of the crime world.
Talk back with Karrueche Tran, Judy Reyes, and Executive Producer Janine Sherman Barrios to immediately follow the screening.
Cast: Niecy Nash, Karrueche Tran, Judy Reyes
WOMEN IN CINEMA
90 min
Courtesy of Facebook in association with Daughters of Eve Media
SAT 6/17 | 2:30 PM | MB CINEMATHEQUE
Women in Cinema: This year we shine a light on award-winning filmmaker, Tracy Heather Strain, on her journey as a feature documentarian over the past 28 years. Strain will share her career path and a look into her latest documentary, Sighted Eyes/Feeling Heart – the first feature biography documentary about Lorraine Hansberry, the artist and activist best known for writing A Raisin in the Sun – which debuts on PBS as a part of the Emmy-winning American Masters series in 2018.
Director: Tracy Heather Strain | Writer: Tracy Heather Strain | Producer: Tracy Heather Strain
QUEEN SUGAR
60 min World Premiere
Courtesy of OWN
SAT 6/17 | 5:30 PM | COLONY THEATRE
Charley and Davis remain entangled, Ralph Angel tries to find his footing on the family farm, and Aunt Violet confronts her feelings for Hollywood. Plus, Micah has a dangerous encounter with a police officer and Nova deals with the loss of her relationship with Calvin and later holds a community fundraiser.
Director: Kat Candler | Writer: Monica Macer | Executive Producers: Ava DuVernay, Oprah Winfrey, Monica Macer | Principle Cast: Rutina Wesley, Dawn-Lyen Gardner, Kofi Siriboe, Omar J. Dorsey, Tina Lifford, Nicholas L. Ashe, Dondre T. Whitfield, Timon Kyle Durrett, Ethan Hutchison
INSECURE
30 min World Premiere
Courtesy of HBO
SAT 6/17 | 8:00 PM | COLONY THEATRE
Insecure returns this season with Issa, Molly and Lawrence trying to come to terms with the reality of being in their 30’s. Premieres July 23rd on HBO.
Director: Melina Matsoukas | Writer: Issa Rae | Producers: Issa Rae, Larry Wilmore, Prentice Penny, Dave Becky, Michael Rontenberg, Jonathan Berry, Melina Matsoukas | Principle Cast: Issa Rae, Yvonne Orji, Jay Ellis, Lisa Joyce, Y’lan Noel, Natasha Rothwell, Amanda Seales
ALL EYEZ ON ME
137 min
Courtesy of Lionsgate, Codeblack Films and Morgan Creek Productions
SAT 6/17 | 9:15 PM | REGAL CINEMAS
“ALL EYEZ ON ME” tells the true and untold story of prolific rapper, actor, poet and activist Tupac Shakur. The film follows Shakur from his early days in New York City to his evolution into being one of the world’s most recognized and influential voices before his untimely death at the age of 25. Against all odds, Shakur’s raw talent, powerful lyrics and revolutionary mind-set propelled him into becoming a cultural icon whose legacy continues to grow long after his passing.
Director: Benny Boom | Writers: Jeremy Haft, Eddie Gonzalez, Steven Bagatourian | Executive Producer: Wayne Morris | Producers: James G. Robinson, David Robinson, L.T. Hutton | Cast: Kat Graham, Lauren Cohan, Hill Harper, Jamal Woolard, Danai Gurira and Demetrius Shipp Jr. as Tupac Shakur