TYCOR FILMS BLOG

For the past seven years TIFC has supported the American Black Film Festival.   And every year we attend, the experience becomes even greater, bigger and better.   I think its important that festivals who are solely dedicated to the progression of Black filmmaking exist. Without established outlets such as ABFF,  the majority of us would be muddling through a murky pool filled with heavyweight fish and less than equal opportunity.   This is why I have the utmost respect for Founder Jeff Friday as he has worked tirelessly over the years to establish a legit platform for Black motion picture hopefuls to exhibit their work.   Also founder of the Acapulco Black Film Festival, Friday is known as  a “champion of social change and a proponent of diversifying the images of African Americans in film.”  We’d have to agree with that notion.

Taking place in in the Southern hotspot  city of Miami, The 14th Annual American Black Film Festival will host a packed agenda of screenings and  events between June 23-26, 2010.  The Opening Night film will be “Takers” directed by John Luessenhop, and the Centerpiece Screening will premiere “Stomp The Yard Homecoming” directed by Rob Hardy.   The festival will show a total of 10 feature-length films and five short films created by or about Black Americans.   Also big shots out to my big brother Kenny Burns who will have his documentary “B.U.R.N.S Documentary” featured this year as well.  Among other things, ABFF will launch the Pro-Hollywood Initiative (PHI), a pilot program created to encourage professional athletes to explore careers in the motion picture industry.  In a recent interview with Black Voices Friday states that,”One of the things I try to do every year is bring in something conceptually new.   For the last three to four years, we’ve had a lot of pro athletes call us up, and they want to come to the festival.  There are some who looking to start film companies and some of these guys are not even 30 yet.  One player is Terrell Suggs, who came last year, attended Robert Townsend’s “The Ultimate Pitch” Master Class, and is now financing the film for the person who won the script’s contest. What do black filmmakers need most? They need people with money. Black athletes are resources to increase the pipeline of black films. If you combine them with young filmmakers and producers, something may come of it.” PHI’s main objectives are to stimulate athletes’ interest in the movie business, connecting them with talented filmmakers, educating them about the workings of the industry and promoting their involvement in the production of quality independent films.

For more info about ABFF and this years screenings, go to:  http://www.abff.com/festival/

Or you can Twitter me if you’re in Miami…we might just bump into each other!  http://www.twitter.com/tycorfilms

TY WALKER