getWOKE! Festival Throwbacks 2: PAFF 2010

The Pan African Film & Arts Festival celebrated its 18th year in Los Angeles last week (February 10-17th). You should definitely check out the full playlist over at PAFF.org, but I have to let you know

More Ways to Get Involved

SEARCH EFFORTS, DONATE

http://www.google.com/relief/chileearthquake/

Google provides immediate portals for donation through UNICEF and the Red Cross via the link above. This site is also for people in search of family members and loved ones, or for folks who may have information about missing individuals. Share and search, fam. The world really isn't that big at times like these.

SEARCH, STAY UPDATED

Follow @WHAAsstSecty, @DipNote, and @TravelGov on Twitter to stay updated about what the U.S. is doing in response to these disasters. @WHAAsstSecty tweets: Looking for a loved one in #Chile? Use this person finder: http://chilepersonfinder.appspot.com/
http://bit.ly/awYlXb

NPR: 1000x More Power than Haiti Quakes [breathtaking]

As Hawaii and the West coast brace for the tsunami side effects of this morning's quakes in Chile (8.8 magnitude, CBS oh, and 6.3 magnitude, Argentina), here's how we can jump to action:

Crisis Camp @ the World Bank (look. i know...)

http://bit.ly/9Jpvd4

http://www.crisiscommons.org/

9:00A - 5:00P

1850 I St., NWDC 20006 (Farragut West)

If you're in DC and have tech skills OR DON'T Participants will need to use the side entrance (19th & I) on Saturday, and should bring a picture ID and a laptop. The World Bank will provide coffee and donuts in the morning and pizza/water/sodas at lunch. CrisisCamp has brought together technology volunteers in six countries across numerous cities to provide local opportunities for citizens to assist in activities such as crisis mapping, data and RSS feed aggregation. In addition, people with specialized skills such as translation, computer programing and literacy advocates are encouraged to participate. This event is free and open to the public. You don't have to be technical to volunteer time. We request that you bring a laptop, your creativity and a power strip with you (to share with others).

Twitter

Stay updated, and follow @terremotochile

TTs to follow (trending topics): #terremotochile #tsunami #Chilean #earthquake

Department of State
blogs.state.gov
Locating U.S. citizens in Chile
888/407-4747
2/501-4444

Embassy of Chile
chile-usa.org
1732 Massachusetts Ave., NWDC
2/785-1746
2/872-1334
2/997-5475

usgs.gov >> Thanks, Political Jones

WIFV Media Job Fair, TOMORROW

The Annual WIFV Media Job Fair will be held on Saturday, February 27, 2010 at The Charles Sumner School, 1201 17th St., NW, Washington, DC 20036, from noon until 4:00 pm. Meet representatives from the most interesting media employers in the DC region and learn about job opportunities.This is the only Media Job Fair in the DC-region! Co-sponsored by the DC Office of Motion Picture & Television Development.

$20 for non-members; $10 for WIFV Members
First 100 DC Residents receive $5 discount courtesy of DC Film Office.

Participating Companies (as of February 19, 2010)
ABC7/News Channel 8
American University, School of Communications
Art Institute of Washington
Double R Productions
Education & Entertainment Foundation
Entertainment Power Players
Fortex Audio Visual & Computer Services, Inc.
Future Media Concepts
Interface Media Group
PBS (Public Broadcasting Service)
RHED Pixel
TeamPeople & Team Group
WHUT-TV
WILL Interactive
Word Wizards, Inc.

Date: 2/27/10
Time: 12:00 PM-4:00 PM
Place: Charles Sumner School 1201 17th Street, NW Washington, DC Farragut North,
Farragut West and Dupont Circle METROS On-street parking and garages in area.

For more infomation go to www.wifv.org or call 202-429-9438

And yet another (disheartening, but...) magical tweet from Aaron McGruder

The premiere of The Boondocks Season 3 has been pushed up to May 2nd on Adult Swim.

I know.

Me too.

getWOKE! Festival Throwbacks 1: Sundance 2010

It's not because of any hype coming from a major studio. It's not because of any insider information I possess. Not any connection I have to folks related to these flicks. It's not even because I've seen these films. But there are a few trailers and director interviews that have me 'syced' to keep up with the following motion pictures.

I told you at New Year's beck and call: 2010 is the year to get literate in pictures and sounds. It's the year to GET 'WOKE and STAY 'WOKE--and that is my hope for this online space. In that spirit, the following films have me a bit energized about their potential to keep your eyelids way strong.



Sundance 2010
While I didn't hear any comparisons to the Park City Blackout of 2009, there were two pieces in particular that get me giddy. (No. 'Waiting for Superman' is not one of them. I am hating on that movie.) Funny enough, both come from rookies. The first is from Rookie Director Eyad Zahra.

The Taqwacores
Eyad Zahra
LOGLINE
based on the novel by Michael Muhammad Knight
getWOKE APPEAL
problematizing--and altogether screwing--assumptions about religious and cultural identification, and performance of the same
LEARN MORE
www.punkislam.com




Now here's the trailer:



So, besides the fact that The Roots (!) have done the score for this film...
Besides the fact that Anthony Mackie stars...
Besides the fact that he's reuniting with my homie-ette, Kerry Washington...
This film, though fictional, centers around two individuals who can't do bourgeois romance after being Black Panthers. Meet Tanya Hamilton (!)(I know! Black woman director! WHOO!!) and read up on first-time producer, Ron Simon.

Night Catches Us
Tanya Hamilton
LOGLINE
In 1976, complex political and emotional forces are set in motion when a young man returns to the race-torn Philadelphia neighborhood where he came of age during the Black Power movement.
getWOKE APPEAL
with the dearth of 'Black loooooove' flicks, I'm sometimes tempted to want something light and fluffy like 'romance'; i want to see if we can really view a Black man and Black woman engaged in the business of revolutionary love , particularly at a time when our movement-building is being pre-empted by marriage statistics
LEARN MORE
www.nightcatchesus.com







Next Up: Pan African Film Festival 2010 (and all the Black love you can stand)

Put It In Celluloid: Black Capitalism (via PoliTrickin)

Hip Hop Wired reports that Russell Simmons is joining up with Stan Lathan again to produce a comedy series that might top the original Def Jam bit.

But that's a sidebar as far as I'm concerned.

He and Hov, to the best of my understanding, are bidding or had been bidding on a contract that would permit the awarded firm so many thousands of lottery terminals at a horse racing facility in NY.

Jay-Z's bid--in collaboration with the Aqueduct Entertainment Group (AEG)--won. According to Hip Hop Wired, the partnership Hov has with AEG is under federal investigation because Gov. David Patterson has a 7 per cent stake in AEG. (Keep it real: NY Post and the federalies know just as well as anybody that a federal investigation is the biggest, fattest, obese-est hypocriticism that could be executed.)

Nevertheless, Simmons claimed it wasn't "good for the people"--because his bid ain't win.

Headscratcher of the ungodly hour:

What's the ultimate goal of this venture, family?

How are we staying awake in the midst of this?

What "people" are you speaking on behalf of?

I feel like they're expecting people to read this the way the Congressional Black Caucus does following that Times article: yeah...we drink, we smoke, we gamble, we're owed by those who benefit from that reality--but can we build?

Listen--I'm not hating. I'm asking.

*sighs...

In the meantime, cue Lupe.

Happening TONIGHT: When you can't get close to Fela, get like DMV!

TONIGHT, February 25, 2010

AfroCuba!
Tabaq Bistro
1336 U Street, NW
Washington, DC 20009
www.tabaqdc.com

9:00P

FREE (U St.- Cardozo)

A new bi-weekly party with all the AfroCuban vibes & beyond. Music by resident DJ Asho playing the best of salsa, timba, guanguaco, rumba y yoruba. www.myspace.com/djasho
These events will include Film Screenings (!), Live music performances. Salsa, timba and rumba classes. :-)

TONIGHT, February 25, 2010
Bossa
2463 18th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20009
http://www.bossa-dc.com/
10:00 P, 21+
cover: $5.00 Ladies Free All Night
LunchBox Theory Presents: BLACK LIGHT SPECIAL: AfroBeat for Ya Soul! Every Last Thursday on Your Mayan 2012 Calendar with DJ Underdog. AfroBeat, Afro Soul, Cubanismo, and all that funky ish in Adams Morgan. LIVE BAND DOWNSTAIRS FROM Ekilah.

Friday, February 26, 2010
Sankofa Video & Books
2714 Georgia Ave, NW
Washington, DC 20001
Black Power in Bermuda, Book signing and discussion
6:30P
FREE A transnational, pan-African youth movement, Black Power in Bermuda sought freedom for Blacks from the island's White oligarchy and independence from British colonialism. It was spearheaded by activists such as Pauulu Kamarakafego and the Black Beret Cadre. The Cadre maintained relationships with revolutionary organizations across the African Diaspora, such as the Black Panthers. Emerging in the late 1960s, the Movement witnessed the assassinations of Bermuda's British Chief of Police and Governor (1972-1973). Assistant Professor of History at Howard University, Quito Swan carefully details the island's colonial government's attempts to destroy the Movement through military tactics, extensive propaganda, and the implementation of token social concessions. (P.S. You should, like, spend your whole weekend at Sankofa this weekend. Just saying: Sunday's gonna be kinda like that!)

2Cool: Reel Around the DMV>>Get Inspired.

TONIGHT, February 24, 2010

Liv DC

2001 11th St., NW

Doors open @7:00P

$15 at the door

Shine On Me presents Georgia Anne Muldrow & Declaime (aka Dudley Perkins)

YES! I KNOW! For more information, call 202.299.0800 or visit http://georgiaanne.eventbrite.com. Appetizer below.

TONIGHT, February 24, 2010

Busboys & Poets

2021 14th St., NW (U St. - Cardozo)

6:30P-8:00P

Free and Open to the Public (catch V-Day DC Fever early ;-))

Eve Ensler, V-Day Founder & Author of "I Am an Emotional Creature"

Eve Ensler is an American playwright, performer, feminist and activist, best known for her play The Vagina Monologues. Her experience performing The Vagina Monologues inspired her to create V-DAY, a global movement to stop violence against women and girls. "I am an Emotional Creature" is a celebration of the authentic voice inside every girl and an inspiring call to action for girls everywhere to speak up, follow their dreams, and become the women they were always meant to be. Through rants, poetry, questions, and facts, we come to understand the universality of girls everywhere: their resiliency, their wildness, their pain, their fears, their secrets, and their triumphs. The event will open with a performance by drummers from The Young Women's Drumming Empowerment Project (http://www.youngwomendrum.org/). Visit busboysandpoets.com for more information!

Thursday, February 25, 2010

The Fridge DC art gallery

Rear Alley

516 8th St. SE (Eastern Market)

7:30P

$10 Admission for Live Cinema, After Party

Call 2 Presence, an Interactive Live Cinema Performance with VJ Um Amel

Be a part of this historic art event as we bring in the audience to participate in the live VJ storytelling, tracking the crowd's emotions via real-time imagery. The audience gets to decide how the story is told in this interactive live cinema performance on Thursday, February 25th at

The Fridge in Washington, DC's historic Eastern Market neighborhood. In this 30- minute performance, VJ Um Amel (Arabic for ‘Mother of Hope’), an animated cyborg who is also a mother, invites the audience to get present with our post- 911 world. Visit LailaShereen.com to get your tickets in advance and see previews of this awesome sounding event.

DEADLINE: February 26, 2010

Dreams For Kids Art Fundraiser looking for art submissions (via District Insider)

Contact: Jackie Cantwell

e-mail: jcantwell@dreamsforkids.org

phone: 703.888.7591

Dreams For Kids, located in Adams Morgan, is a NON-PROFIT organization that has helped hundreds of local children fulfill their dreams through outreach programs. On Thursday March 4th, Dreams For Kids and Albus Cavus are partnering w/ a number of the area’s best ARTISTS to put on an evening of ART, MUSIC and FUN — DreamWorks: Dreams for Kids Art Fundraiser. All artists showing will donate proceeds from their sold pieces to Dreams for Kids summer programming. Here’s How YOU Can Help: If you are an artist or know someone who would like to be considered for this show, please contact, Jackie Cantwell (Dreams for Kids, Art Director/ Event Coordinator) at Jcantwell@dreamsforkids.org or 703-888-7591 for more information. The DEADLINE for submissions is February 26th. OR Have an empty space on your wall? Fill it up! Come to show as a bidder and walk away feeling great about your purchase!

Friday, February 26, 2010

Exclusive Screening of 'Teza' by director Haile Gerima (!)

Regal Royale Stadium 14

6505 America Blvd.

Hyattsville, MD 20782

In celebration of Black History Month, the

Anacostia Trails Heritage Area, (ATHA) Inc. and the Hyattsville Community Development Corporation (CDC), in cooperation with the City of Hyattsville , are proud to present the premiere Maryland showing of TEZA , the latest release from world-renowned, independent filmmaker Haile Gerima. A one-week limited engagement of TEZA will begin on February 26th at Regal Entertainment’s Royale Stadium 14, at the University Town Center, in Hyattsville, Maryland. Movie Tickets will be on sale at the Regal Royale’s box office or online at www.fandango.com or www.regalentertainmentgroup.com.

Friday, February 26, 2010

Rock and Roll Hotel

1353 H St, NE

Doors open at 8:30P

Commonwealth Presents...US Royalty/PHIL.ADE/Poor But Sexy

U.S. Royalty | Phil.Ade | Rock and Roll Hotel 2.26 from Luke Adams on Vimeo.

These are all of my personal favorites for now, but OMG there's so much more out there. Check out District Insider, Brightest Young Things, Fusicology DC/Baltimore, BloomBars.com, BusboysandPoets.com, Sankofa.com--just for starters. d-_-b GET INSPIRED!

Marlon Wayans set to star in Richard Pryor biopic

Marlon Wayans Lands The Role of Richard Pryor via What the Flick

No. I'm not opposed. THXMCH.

The comments section over at BET is abuzz, though. Do visit the link.

After Eddie Murphy passed, Marlon Wayans became a front runner for the role. Folks--among them, Richard Pryor fans--are questioning whether his acting chops are sophisticated enough in light of 'White Chicks' style comedy.

BUT, I think it's a good look. And I think generational-ism is telling on itself.

Diversify yo' portfolio, boyeeeeeee!

MTV pushing out 'cynical' Generation X -- The Live Feed | THR

MTV pushing out 'cynical' Generation X -- The Live Feed | THR

I think you need to read this.

As an excuse for their expansion of 'Jersey Shore'-like programming--that is, the final nail in MTV 'M's coffin--the network claims Generation Y is much more receptive to the family values Snookie'n'nem promote.

...Right.

INSTALLMENTtwo : Le Grand Hustle

As promised...

Here is the 2nd installment of (quasi) bi-weekly roundup of opportunities that have caught my eye for your professional advancement. I want you to step your game up with me in 2010. That being said, this entry is divided into 2 main sections as well: Online and Offline. There's a lot you can do without ever leaving your precious computer. But you'd be whack if you stopped there, so I've included a few offline opportunities you need to get into as well. All tidbits marked with an asterisk(*)are those resources you'll see every week, because I love them just that much. Now, here's where I stop gabbing and let you go to work.

Happy trails!

internships, jobs & auditions.

Ø CoolKidsForeverFilms@gmail.com | Cool Kids Forever Films Model Casting Call, 2/27. 12P-5P. 411 New York Ave, NE, 3rd Fl @TheLoft, entrance in alley behind the bldg. 4th & Penn Sts.) Inquire about additional projects as well by e-mail.

Ø patrick@woollymammoth.net | Booty Candy, Equity Principal Auditions by appointment in WDC, AUDITION. TUES 3/30, 10A – 6P, 641 D St., NWDC; Contact Patrick Magill by phone/e-mail with name, contact information, audition time request. Patrick@woollymammoth.net, 2/289-2443 x274. (Equity members without appointments will be seen throughout the day as time permits; prepare 3-min. comedic contemporary monologue, as well as picture and resume stapled together.) Inquire about additional audition opportunities at Woolly Mammoth. See character specifications and salary information here.

yearoftheblacksmith.com (originally posted 2/15) | Blacksmith TV is still looking for interns! If you're into Talib Kweli, Jean Grae (side-tackler MVP >> Happy Couples, beware.) , Pete Rock, Strong Arm Steady and think you can play with the majors--go get your resume did-ed[sic] up! Check out the link above for more info.

centralcastingusa.com (1st, 3rd Wednesdays) | Central Casting Open Call. Open to union and nonunion actors, models in the DMV. Offices are located at 623 Pennsylvania Ave., SE. Call 202-547-6300 or e-mail netsai@centralcastingusa.com for more information. This is not for extras.

submit.

Ø cedarlanestage.org/news.html | Cedar Lane Stage (Cedar Lane Unitarian Universalist Church), Call for one-act scripts (20-30 Min) in preparation for the Annual Summer Sampler of One Acts, can send more than one; send original one-act scripts by MON 3/1. FMI Susanne Caviness 3/523-6773.

Ø www.getmortified.com/casting | ‘Mortified’ open call, submit anything you’ve ever written between the ages of 6-21 that’s melodramatic and…mortifying to share in public. Unspecified deadline. FMI or to request a screening session, visit the link above.

hiphopcinemacafe.com | Hip Hop Cinema Cafe is looking for short films. Rolling deadline. HHCC is launching its TV show next month, so if you have a good short film, they are looking to spotlight them on the show. For submission info hit up hiphopcinemcafe@gmail.com.

get technical.

ScreenwritingU.com*

Hal Croasmun will upgrade your writing, indeed. Check out his latest post about using what comes naturally to you to become a naturally talented screenwriter. Indulge the training available via the former Script4Sale site. You won't be sorry you did.

TheStoryDepartment.com.au*

Who cares about your movie if there is no story? I'm the number one advocate for a pretty picture, but the arthouse look will never be anything more than a 'look' without the narrative kicker. My weakness by far. Beefed up storytellers go back and forth over method at The Story Department, which can only be good for the aspiring screenwriter or any writer--fiction filmmaker, novelist or journalist-bent documentarian. Check it out.

Revision3.com/filmriot*

In this week's edition of Film Riot, Ryan Connolly is going to teach you how to create your own foley sound effects. This is a podcast worth subscribing to if you're the MP3 downloader type. Here you'll find extremely practical advice that comes GRATIS. Catch up on what you've been missing via Film Riot's site or over at the iTunes store.

DCFilm.org*

If you do indeed have the moolah to spare, visit DCFilm.org for information on classes and workshops happening from here to B-More in acting, directing, editing--you name it, they've probably got it. DO. NOT. SLEEP. On this indispensable resource.

get inspired.

WeResistSimple.com*

I 'sice' this man often, but, honestly, Pete Chatmon's words of wisdom are always timely. Follow him regularly at Tanqueray's go-getter outfit, We Resist Simple. (That is, if you're 21 and over.) Every industry presents its challenges, as you'll see across the site, but there's nothing like the humility of being a rookie. If you are to maintain focus against all odds and find your muse, too, you'll need some TED-like food for thought. Following these entries are theory put into practice--it's not simply the fluffy stuff.

TempDiaries.com*

So the infamous Hollywood Temp knows how to keep you entertained and informed. For example, when this guy isn't putting the UTA Joblist out there (that is, the beginner's drool pool of dream jobs--an "internal document" of the United Talent Agency), Temp X is producing the "only thing scarier than Ari Emanuel"--his Espresso Macchiato--with 3 shots. Definitely a must-read while ye dream dreams of Major-dom.

bytwenty8.blogspot.com

Uh...do I NOT tell you about some pretty cool places to be every week?? That is not for your health or because of any charity or goodwill on my part. It's for inspirational purposes. Come see me for local stimuli. You never know what occurrence will move you to a screenplay, a short or even a poem. So your welcome in advance. :-D Search for "Reel Round Town."

required listening.

Double Down Film Show, every WEDNESDAY @ 9:00P

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/doubledownfilmshow

WEEN: Emerging Women Leaders Roundtable, every TUESDAY @ 9:00P

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/weenthepinksuite

meet people.

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Penn Quarter Conference Ctr., US Navy Memorial

701 Pennsylvania Ave., NW

An Evening With Kyle Cooper of Prologue Films

6:30P, $15 w/ valid student ID

The Art Directors Club of Metropolitan Washington presents celebrated art director, Kyle Cooper just above the Archives-Navy Memorial Metro station in downtown DC. This man squeezes drama out of the opening credits through his design expertise. Pick his brain and those around you at this event next Tuesday.

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Docs In Progress

5015 Connecticut Ave., NW

7:30P

Documentary Appreciation Salon on Personal Documentaries at Modern Times Coffeehouse @ Politics & Prose Bookstore, docsinprogress.org. RSVP. This event is an exploration of documentary techniques. Consider it a technical opportunity to build relationships with like-minded people.

Thursday, February 25, 2010

WIFV Documentary Roundtable

Interface Media Group

1233 20th St., NW

6:00P

Documentary Roundtable on Summer Camps for Filmmakers, wifv.org.

Thursday, February 25, 2010

DC Film Alliance

U.S. Navy Memorial's Burke Theater

701 Pennsylvania Ave., NW

7:00P

New Voices Human Views is brought to you by the DC Shorts Film Festival and the Washington Jewish Film Festival. In case you missed Tuesday (2/23) events, it's brought to you again. This event is free and open to the public. To make a seat reservation , visit the following link: http://tinyurl.com/yafxns4.

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

The Writer's Center

4508 Walsh St., Bethesda, MD

7:00P

Work in Progress Screening at the Writer’s Center, docsinprogress.org. Meet some brave folks who want you, total stranger, to see their rough cut. This event is sponsored by Docs In Progress.

i challenge you to a duel.

subscribe to WITHOUTABOX.com* immediately. They have Film Festival open calls and competitions for DAYS.

7^th Annual Screenwriters Challenge 2010

Registration deadline: March 11th

Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to write an original short screenplay (15 pages max.) based on the genre assigned to you and your randomly selected heat. The first round is 4/16-4/24. The entry fee for this competition is $39.

SilverDocs 8th Annual Film Festival

Silver Spring, MD

Deadline: March 12th

AFI/Discovery Channel SilverDocs is accepting submissions through March 12th for its 8th Annual Film Festival. Learn more via SilverDocs.com. Participants will be notified of their status by May 21, 2010.

The 2010 DC Shorts Film Festival & Screenwriting Competition

Washington, DC

Deadline: April 15th (Early Deadline for Screenwriting is March 31st)

DC Shorts holds its 7th annual film competition in fall 2010. If you are looking to be a part of the revelry, gather your coins now and start writing/sprucing up what you've already got. Submission requirements and entrance fees are available at www.DCShorts.com.

DMV!FF 2010

Washington, DC

Be a Volunteer!

Contact volunteer@dmviff.com to participate in this international film festival and get a feel for global cinema in the DMV. This is the self-proclaimed "festival for the people." Find out specifications for entry via DMVIFF.com or visit their fan page over at Facebook.

BROTHER MALCOLM: "Because that's what you and I are--Africans," May 19, 1925-February 21, 1965

It's so important to me that you see El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz in word and action before you cling to the 1992 Spike Lee Joint, as we take time--ON PURPOSE--to celebrate the life and continued legacy of Brother Malcolm X. There is no national day of service--even on an elementary level--to honor his life, so we must be intentional on our own as we reclaim this monumental Mentor to our people. if you want more, visit MALCOLMXFILES.BLOGSPOT.COM

That being said, here are a few videos I've been able to find around the world wide web. I have a friend that uses his iPod for the purposes of downloading these words to live by in mP3 format as well. So do visit iTunes for downloads of--not only the latest hotfirejams, but wisdom and praxis as well.

I've said enough. Videos.

This is an excerpt from his words, "By Any Means Necessary," given to a crowd at the same Audubon Ballroom he'd be assassinated in about six months later. This moment in time comes after his break with NOI, but it is OH-SO-IMPORTANT NOT to mistake his break with NOI for a fundamental shift in his chantdown of white supremacy's function in our society. His politics were no less potent.




Malcolm X appears on a Chicago TV show called, "City Desk." This is dated March 17, 1963.

"Our History Was Destroyed by Slavery"




The Ballot or the Bullet, given April 12, 1964 in Detroit, Michigan. (You MUST hear the whole thing.)

Malcolm X discusses why he doesn't see Martin Luther King's non-violent philosophy rocking well with progress. June 12, 1963.



And...yes, dear. You can catch Spike Lee's filmic interpretation on Centric tonight at 7P.