ava duvernay – Black Is

September 4, 2015May 6, 2018

The Break – Looking Back At N.W.A.

KC and Chris come back to talk about the subject matter in the movie Straight Outta Compton, the LA Riots, Rodney King, violence over sex, certain women referred to as a bitch, opening the door for misogyny, and black women’s relationship with rap music.

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July 16, 2013September 25, 2014

LA EVENTS: Leimert Park Looters and Two New Black Indy Films

As I write this post, I’m watching my local news and seeing my beloved neighborhood in the midst of chaos. It makes no sense, it won’t solve anything, and it’s indicative of why many people in the country perceive Black Americans the way they do. Those that attempted to do something positive with a peaceful protest in honor of Trayvon Martin in Leimert tonight had to be outdone by the masses that chose to act foolish and take advantage of a situation for their own selfish purposes. They are lost – on the streets against the police with everything to lose and not serving a single purpose. LA, I’m disappointed. I’m hoping we all get the opportunity to sleep peaceful tonight.

In other news, Ava Duvernay and AFFRM are still at work with their new film release, Big Words. Check out the trailer below:

It looks pretty good to me. Happy to see Dorian Missick aka DJ Tailwind Turner casted as the lead in this. I love him as a DJ and I’m hopeful that will translate onscreen. This film drops in Los Angeles on Friday, July 19th and will be playing at Downtown Independent. Click here to see showings in other cities.

Finally, Fruitvale Station is out and the reviews are favorable. With emotions already running high I expect this to be an effective tear jerker. Prepare for it by checking the trailer here:

Fruitvale Station is currently playing in select theaters.

Stay tuned in to Black Is as we prepare for our live broadcast on Friday!

October 11, 2012May 6, 2018

Culture Connection: Middle of Nowhere

Listen in as Brother Malcolm and KC discuss film director and distributor, Ava DuVernay, and AaFFRM – the African American Film Festival Releasing Movement. DuVernay and AaFFRM drop their fourth project, Middle of Nowhere this weekend in theaters nationwide. Please support this film while in theaters and spread the word to others – you will not be disappointed!

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September 27, 2012May 6, 2018

Culture Connection: Morgan Rhodes

In this episode of Culture Connection, Brother Malcolm chats with DJ and music programmer, Morgan Rhodes, host of KPFK’s (FM 90.7) The Listening Station. Rhodes also holds the honor of being the music supervisor for Ava DuVernay’s latest project, Middle of Nowhere. Listen in as they chat about current music genres, the crucial role of independent radio, and why Black people should embrace a variety of musical styles.

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March 11, 2011

In Need Of A Quality Black Film?

It looks as if 2011 won’t be a repeat of 2010 in the area of Black films. A new independant collective, the African American Film Festival Releasing Movement, is debuting I Will Follow this weekend at the AMC Theatre in Santa Monica. The film, described as a poignant drama about the grieving process, stars veteran actor Salli Richardson-Whitfield. Feature filmmaker Ava DuVernay is the brains behind the film, and the vehicle that is distributing it.

AFFRM plans to release two films a year with the next release scheduled for this fall. Our support of this initial film will help fuel the opportunities for more films of its kind to enter our theatres. AFFRM is currently supported by a collective of Black film festivals including Los Angeles’ own Pan African Film Festival and others in Philadelphia, Atlanta, New York, and Seattle.

I Will Follow is playing at the AMC Criterion 6 located at 1313 Third Street Promenade, Santa Monica, CA. Please check the link for showtimes and support this film!