A New Day For Black Cinema? You. Me.

No groups. No associations. Just you. Just me.    

There's much chatter going on in the afrosphere about what 2008 will bring for black cinema.  Many are hopeful that we will see good things this year. Many believe this year will make a difference. People talk about things that are in the pipeline and I believe there is a collective hope and desire that finally, we will begin to experience good things in black cinema.    

With that said, I ask what can you do? What are you committed to doing to do your part?    

It can be anything.

(And I don't mean starting a blog. There's a place for us -- bloggers who blog about black cinema. Some might say a need. That's all fine and good -- to talk about it.  Obviously, I believe it is extremely necessary we do so.)

Starting a blog is just fine. But I do believe that for those desiring to produce even the tiniest change, the smallest of efforts can be undertaken to effect such change and express our rage dissatisfaction with what we are seeing. So, the question remains... what will we do? Write a letter to a studio exec? Write 200? Withhold your financial support? Learn to write a script? Become a casting agent? Blah Blah Blah. In one of her posts, the Invisible Woman urged us to support black film festivals. Maybe that is something you or I could do.   

I'm not the activist type or anything. I'm just askin'.

Comments

[Kimi]

I think one thing I will continue to do, is withhold my financial support from AA movies that I don't think represent us well or from the same type of flicks that are made consistently.

I have always wanted to go to a film festival, but usually find out about it like the week it's happening or too late. I'll do better to find out about & attend those in 2008.

[guerreiranigeriana]

great questions...i will commit to attending film festivals...money allowing...i have always loved theater and decided to teach myself to write plays...i realize that i may need to also learn how to write screenplays...

[theblackactor.com]

@ Kimi

definitely cosign witchu on this!

@ ...riana

Thank you. :) I feel the same way about film festivals. And that's cool -- you wanting to learn to write plays and/or screenplays. I myself, am a self-taught screenwriter. I was able to learn enough to write one script. There's lot more to learn and plenty to master. But you gotta start somewhere. Good for you! And good luck!

[Clayton Broomes Jr.]

What can I do?

Well, I produced my first feature film for less than 9K, and I'm in post-production for it right now.

The title is a secret right now. The working titled is "Untitled Black Activist Project."

LOGLINE: Character-driven satirical drama about a young, extraordinarily intellectual “black activist” wannabe(RASHAD DOLAN) who is discovered as the political critic sending out anonymous emails that criticize today’s black leadership. Instead of holding it against him, the black leader who finds him out hires his worst critic as a second adviser.

The cast entirely consists of unknown actors who possess more than enough talent to usher in a new generation of actors, black and white.

This film promotes individuality, celebrating our differences and those brave enough to be true to themselves, especially when that truth is most unpopular in society or a particular community of people.

Some scenes from the film can be seen here by copying and pasting http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.channel&ChannelID=63368404 or http://www.veoh.com/channels/blackactivistproject.

So, as you can see, I'm trying to do my part. I'm just hoping people will like the film.

The main thing I need right now for this film is general audience support.

I'm hoping it can be a film accepted by all audiences, especially being appreciated by people of color looking for a new voice.

[theblackactor.com]

@ Clayton.

Congratulations on your achievement!! That's just great!! You should be proud. Actually, that's a very interesting logline (and I'm not just saying that!).

I will look at your links and site.

I wish you the very best of luck in this endeavor. This ain't easy. And it ain't cheap.

I hope too, that people will like your film. Lots of people want to do you what you did, Clayton, but never start.

I hope you enjoy success with this project. In many ways, as far as I'm concerned, you already have.

Best.

[Clayton Broomes Jr.]

@ Laverne

And allow me to praise what you're doing with this incredible blog? You're provoking much needed dialogue about black cinema. Our sights need to be set beyond the tunnel we journey upon. We should avoid pigeon holding our creativity to pretentious, uninteresting characters used to replace the more stereotypical ones. I'm hoping your blog can be the start of something new. Thank you for the encouragement.

Sincerely,

Clayton Broomes Jr.
writer/director/producer
Junebug Presents, LLC.

[theblackactor.com]

@ Clayton

Thank you so much for your kind words, Clayton. Very nice of you to say these thngs. That's the idea over here; heightening awareness, informing and encouraging dialog.

I am hopeful for the future. I believe things will change. They have to.

Thank you for visiting theblackactor.com. :)

I haven't had an opportunity to look at your stuff yet but I'll get back witcha.