Film Archives - Page 25 of 61

UnitedMasters’ ‘A Celebration of Independence’ GRAMMY Concert Sets the Stage Ablaze with Global Acts

February 4, 2024 by newhiphopnews

UnitedMasters, Steve Stoute’s renowned global music distribution platform, kicked off GRAMMY weekend with the exhilarating annual concert, “A Celebration of Independence,” at the Hollywood Palladium. The star-studded event featured electrifying performances by music’s hottest acts, including Davido, Uncle Waffles, Tokischa, Donavan’s Yard, and NLE Choppa.

Esteemed guests in attendance included Nas, will.i.am, Doug E. Fresh, Jessie Reyez, A.V. Rockwell, Kat Graham, Lauren Jauregui, Jozzy, RMR, ScarLip, Kenya Marche, and many more. The concert celebrated the power of independent music and showcased trailblazing artists shaping the cultural landscape. This marked the first time UnitedMasters featured international acts, solidifying its impact and representation within the global independent artist movement.

“To show up again during music’s biggest weekend with independent artists representing where music is headed globally was an unforgettable moment,” said Steve Stoute, founder and CEO of UnitedMasters. Our annual GRAMMY celebration culminates all that we stand for at UnitedMasters in creating spaces for independent artists to thrive and showing them their place in this industry is enormous.”

UnitedMasters, hosting the annual GRAMMY celebration for the second consecutive year, aims to maintain momentum in creating spaces celebrating global independence within the music industry. With Bulleit Frontier Whiskey as the official spirits partner, Diageo continued its support of the event, highlighting the Pioneer Project that backs the next generation of creators. VIP guests enjoyed exclusive access to Johnnie Walker Blue Label.

“For us at Bulleit Frontier Whiskey, this event is about celebrating all of the independent artists across the globe, but we wanted to especially shout out the 142 independent artists we’ve collaborated with through our partnership with UnitedMasters,” said Jesse Damashek, SVP Marketing, Whiskey and Liqueurs at Diageo. “Though the celebration lasted just one evening, we believe the industry executives, artists, and fans in attendance should carry on the Celebration of Independence beyond the festivities via our newly released playlist.”

Delta Air Lines joined the celebration to champion independent music and artists’ future and current success. Honda collaborated with UnitedMasters, creating a lively pre-show atmosphere for fans, featuring the Honda All Electric Prologue vehicle on display and a unique Honda music experience.

Notable guests from the previous year included Jay-Z, Beyoncé, Nas, DJ Khaled, Wiz Khalifa, Future, Daniel Kaluuya, Damson Idris, and more. This year’s event followed the groundbreaking announcement of UnitedMasters’ expansion into Nigeria, underscoring the platform’s impact on emerging African artists on a global scale. With a rapidly growing platform that has collaborated with over 2 million independent artists, the “A Celebration of Independence” concert is a testament to UnitedMasters’ mission to provide artists worldwide with a stage to showcase and grow their talents.

The post UnitedMasters’ ‘A Celebration of Independence’ GRAMMY Concert Sets the Stage Ablaze with Global Acts first appeared on The Source.

The post UnitedMasters’ ‘A Celebration of Independence’ GRAMMY Concert Sets the Stage Ablaze with Global Acts appeared first on The Source.

New Trailer ‘The Space Race’: The Stories of Black Astronauts for Nat Geo Doc

February 2, 2024 by newhiphopnews

The trailer just premiered for The Space Race, a new documentary based on the history of Black astronauts. From director Diego Hurtado de Mendoza and Lisa Cortés with writing from Mark Monroe, the documentary includes notable trailblazers such as Guion Bluford, Charles Bolden, Ed Dwight, Victor Glover, Frederick Gregory, Bernard Harris, Leland Melvin, Arnaldo Tamayo Méndez and Jessica Watkins. The Space Race will released on National Geographic on Feb. 12 and then can be streamed on both Disney+ and Hulu on Feb. 13.

The documentary’s slew of producers includes Alexandra Bowen, Aly Parker, Mark Monroe, Keero Birla, Lisa Cortés, and Diego Hurtado de Mendoza, includes executive producers Frank Marshall, Tony Rosenthal, Carolyn Bernstein, and Leland Melvin.

The official synopsis reads:

The Space Race weaves together the stories of Black astronauts seeking to break the bonds of social injustice to reach for the stars, including Guion Bluford, Ed Dwight and Charles Bolden among many others. In THE SPACE RACE, directors Lisa Cortés and Diego Hurtado de Mendoza profile the pioneering Black pilots, scientists, and engineers who joined NASA to serve their country in space, even as their country failed to achieve equality for them back on Earth. From 1963, when the assassination of JFK thwarted Captain Ed Dwight’s quest to reach the moon, to 2020, when the echoes of the civil unrest sparked by the killing of George Floyd reached the International Space Station, the story of African Americans at NASA is a tale of world events colliding with the aspirations of uncommon men. The bright dreams of Afrofuturism become reality in The Space Race, turning science fiction into science fact, and forever redefining what “the right stuff” looks like, giving us new heroes to celebrate, and a fresh history to explore.

Check out the inspiring trailer below.

The post New Trailer ‘The Space Race’: The Stories of Black Astronauts for Nat Geo Doc first appeared on The Source.

The post New Trailer ‘The Space Race’: The Stories of Black Astronauts for Nat Geo Doc appeared first on The Source.

Jurnee Smollett and Lil Rel Howery Star in Coming-Of-Age Film ‘We Grown Now’ Alongside Talent Newcomers

February 1, 2024 by newhiphopnews

The new trailer just dropped for We Grown Now, a film starring June Smollett and “Lil” Rel Howery that originally premiered at TIFF – Toronto International Film Festival.

We Grown Now, considered an indie darling as they say, received three nominations for Film Independent Spirit Awards in 2023, including Best Feature, Best Cinematography, and Best Editing. Must be good! It took home the TIFF Changemaker Award.

Directed and written by Minhal Baig (Hala), it stars a cast of talented newbies Blake Cameron James and Gian Knight Ramirez, playing alongside veterans S. Epatha Merkerson, with Lil Rel Howery and June Smollett.

Here’s the official synopsis:

In 1992 Chicago, as Michael Jordan solidifies himself as a champion, a story of two young legends in their own right begins. As wide-eyed and imaginative best friends Malik and Eric traverse the city, looking to escape the mundaneness of school and the hardships of growing up in public housing, their unbreakable bond is challenged when tragedy shakes their community just as they are learning to fly.

The producers are Baig and Joe Pirro. Serving as executive producers are Jeff Skoll and Anikah McLaren for Participant – they’re a Big Deal and James Schamus for Symbolic Exchange, along with Carrie Holt de Lama and Smollett.

This is a Sony Pictures Classics production and will open in New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago this spring on April 19, then go wide on May 10.

The post Jurnee Smollett and Lil Rel Howery Star in Coming-Of-Age Film ‘We Grown Now’ Alongside Talent Newcomers first appeared on The Source.

The post Jurnee Smollett and Lil Rel Howery Star in Coming-Of-Age Film ‘We Grown Now’ Alongside Talent Newcomers appeared first on The Source.

Keke Palmer Reflects on Hollywood Exit: ‘I Think The Timer Has Started’

January 31, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Keke Palmer Drops Holiday Photos with Her Son Leodis

Actress Keke Palmer, known for her memorable performances on both the big and small screens, is contemplating a shift in her career. Palmer revealed that she may be nearing the end of her time in Hollywood, signaling a potential departure from the industry that has been her home for most of her life.

In a recent conversation with Teen Vogue, Palmer shared, “I think the timer has started.” Despite not pinpointing an exact timeline for her departure, she expressed a sense of inevitability about the transition. “I think [I haven’t retired] because I just haven’t felt it yet. But the timer, I know that it’s around the corner.”

Palmer, who began her acting journey at the age of 9 with a role in “Barbershop 2: Back in Business,” has grown up in front of the camera, captivating audiences with her talent and versatility. However, as she contemplates her future beyond Hollywood, she emphasizes the importance of leaving behind a legacy that inspires and empowers others.

Reflecting on her accomplishments and the impact she hopes to leave behind, Palmer expressed her desire for her legacy to serve as a beacon of empowerment for future generations. “The main thing I want those legacies to be is [a call] to use your power for good, to use what you have to create spaces and systems for other people to thrive,” she explained.

For Palmer, the idea of using her platform and influence to uplift others is central to her vision of success. “I just don’t believe in holding everything. I don’t believe in gatekeeping. I’m not a coward,” she affirmed, highlighting her commitment to fostering inclusivity and opportunity within the entertainment industry.

Thoughts?

The post Keke Palmer Reflects on Hollywood Exit: ‘I Think The Timer Has Started’ first appeared on The Source.

The post Keke Palmer Reflects on Hollywood Exit: ‘I Think The Timer Has Started’ appeared first on The Source.

Renowned Civil Rights Attorney Ben Crump Produces Documentary ‘How to Sue the Klan’

January 31, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Ben Crump to Announce Lawsuit Against FL Gov. Ron DeSantis Over AP African American Studies Course

Highly acclaimed civil rights attorney Ben Crump takes on a new role as a producer for the impactful documentary How to Sue the Klan. Set to be screened during Black History Month, the film highlights the courageous endeavors of five Black women who confronted the Ku Klux Klan in a groundbreaking 1982 civil trial, ultimately emerging victorious.

Following a racially motivated mass shooting in Chattanooga, the women utilized the little-known Civil War-era Ku Klux Klan Act, securing a triumph that remains a model in the battle against racial violence today. How to Sue the Klan explores the use of legal strategies to combat such violence, focusing on a landmark trial that set a precedent, hitting the Klan where it hurt the most: in their bank accounts.

“‘How to Sue the Klan tells the grueling story of the brave women of the Chattanooga Five in their fight against injustice,” said Crump. “The film’s plot mirrors our modern times, as we still battle the ugly face of racism in our country with civil action. I am honored to be part of the outstanding team that made this film come to life and look forward to sharing it with the world.”

The documentary delves into the aftermath of the trial, the enduring legacy of the women who fought for justice, and the ongoing relevance of the Ku Klux Klan Act in today’s fight against organized hate. Crump’s involvement adds significance to the project, following his impactful work in the Netflix documentary “Civil,” where he fought for justice for the families of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Black farmers. How to Sue the Klan serves as a powerful call to action for attorneys and advocates to utilize civil rights tools, emphasizing the continued importance of the Ku Klux Klan Act in pursuing justice. The film is directed by Emmy®-nominated filmmaker John Beder, who is also a resident of Chattanooga.

Showings of “How to Sue the Klan” are set to take place throughout Black History Month and beyond, and several events have already been scheduled:

February 9: 6:00 pm ET, Chattanooga Premiere at the Walker Theater in Chattanooga, Tenn.

February 10: 4:00 pm PT, Pan African Film Festival in Los Angeles, Calif.

February 11: 1:15 pm PT, Pan African Film Festival in Los Angeles, Calif.

February 17: 4:00 pm ET, Chattanooga Downtown Library in Chattanooga, Tenn.

February 26: 6:00 pm ET, New York University in New York, N.Y.

February 27: 6:00 pm ET, Pace University in White Plains, N.Y.

February 29: 12:30 pm ET, Harvard University in Cambridge, Mass.

February 29: 6:00 pm ET, Boston University in Boston, Mass.

The post Renowned Civil Rights Attorney Ben Crump Produces Documentary ‘How to Sue the Klan’ first appeared on The Source.

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Nia Long Joins Cast of Michael Jackson Biopic as Katherine Jackson

January 31, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Nia Long on Her Public Breakup: 'I Think I'm Exactly Where I Need to Be'

Last week, the excitement surrounding the upcoming Michael Jackson biopic soared as it was announced that actor Colman Domingo had been cast as Joe Jackson, the patriarch of the iconic Jackson family. Now, Nia Long has been added to the star-studded cast.

Actress Nia Long has officially joined the ensemble, stepping into the role of Katherine Jackson, the beloved matriarch of the Jackson family. The announcement, reported by Deadline, marks a pivotal moment in the production of “Michael,” directed by Antoine Fuqua and set to hit theaters globally on April 18, 2025.

Producer Graham King expressed his admiration for Nia Long’s talent and her profound connection to the material, emphasizing her dedication to honoring Katherine Jackson and the profound love she held for her son, Michael. “Beyond Nia’s incredible talent, I was deeply moved by her connection to the material and her commitment to honoring Katherine and the love she had for her son,” King stated, highlighting the emotional depth Long brings to her portrayal of the Jackson family matriarch.

Director Antoine Fuqua echoed King’s sentiments, praising Long’s ability to deliver iconic performances that resonate with audiences long after the credits roll. Fuqua expressed his excitement to collaborate with Long, emphasizing the significance of her portrayal of Katherine Jackson, a woman who served as the glue, the rock, and the heart of the Jackson family during both their brightest moments and their most challenging times.

“Nia has delivered iconic performances throughout her career. I’ve been a fan for a long time because her characters stay with you. I’m excited to now work alongside her as she pours all of that into Katherine Jackson: a woman who was the glue, the rock, and the heart of the Jackson family during its best and its most turbulent times,” Fuqua remarked, underscoring the importance of Long’s contribution to bringing Katherine Jackson’s story to life on the big screen.

As the production of “Michael” continues to unfold, the casting of Nia Long as Katherine Jackson adds another layer of depth and authenticity to the highly anticipated biopic.

Will you be watching?

The post Nia Long Joins Cast of Michael Jackson Biopic as Katherine Jackson first appeared on The Source.

The post Nia Long Joins Cast of Michael Jackson Biopic as Katherine Jackson appeared first on The Source.

Marvel’s ‘Thunderbolts’ Film Loses Ayo Edebiri’s Due To Scheduling

January 30, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Marvel’s upcoming film, Thunderbolts, just lost a star, Ayo Edebiri, who is leaving the project due to scheduling conflicts.

As reported by Deadline, Geraldine Viswanathan (Miracle Workers, Blockers) is sliding into the role for Edebiri. The production was delayed due to the writer’s and actor’s strikes last year, like many projects in the Hollywood production pipeline.

Gotta applaud Marvel for sticking with the diversity packaging for Thunderbolts by bringing in Viswanathan to replace Edebiri. Still, the latter actress is the second time an actor who is a POC has left the project. Walking Dead actor Steven Yeun, who recently won a primetime Emmy for Beef, was cast in Thunderbolts but exited production weeks ago. Lewis Pullman replaced him.

Adding Pullman is a bit of a diversity takeaway as he joins Florence Pugh, Sebastian Stan, David Harbour, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Wyatt Russell, and Olga Kurylenko. Hannah John-Kamen is the only POC alongside Viswanathan. That aside, hopefully, it’s just a good film.

From Director Jake Schreier, Thunderbolts is a fresh addition to the Marvel world, bringing “various villains/antiheroes together to become a shadow organization created by the government to complete missions around the world.”

Thunderbolts hit theaters in the Summer of 2025.

The post Marvel’s ‘Thunderbolts’ Film Loses Ayo Edebiri’s Due To Scheduling first appeared on The Source.

The post Marvel’s ‘Thunderbolts’ Film Loses Ayo Edebiri’s Due To Scheduling appeared first on The Source.

Chris Rock to Direct Film ‘Another Round,’ Leonardo DiCaprio to Produce

January 30, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Chris Rock and Netflix Announce Live Standup Event #ChrisRockLive 'Selective Outrage'

Chris Rock is sliding into the director chair for Another Round, a film based on the Thomas Vinterberg comedy that won the Best International Feature Film Oscar.

According to Deadline, the film will have Leonardo DiCaprio stepping in as a producer for Appian Way, which will team with Makeready production for Fifth season.

This is the latest film with Rock as a director, following the forthcoming King: A Life, which pulls from the Jonathan Eig book about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

There is no current release date for the film.

The post Chris Rock to Direct Film ‘Another Round,’ Leonardo DiCaprio to Produce first appeared on The Source.

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‘Kemba’ Trailer: Kelley Kali Directs Bet+ Film Starring Nesta Cooper, Michelle Hurd, Sean Patrick Thomas and Siddiq Saunderson

January 30, 2024 by newhiphopnews

As exclusively first reported by Blavity’s Shadow and Act, BET+ just dropped the trailer for Kemba, a new upcoming film directed by Kelley Kali and starring Nesta Cooper, Michelle Hurd, Siddiq Saunderson, and Sean Patrick Thomas.

The true story and career of Kemba Smith, a criminal justice reform advocate inspires Kemba. The film is set to debut Feb. 22 on BET+

Here’s the official synopsis:

Based on the true story of Kemba Smith, “Kemba” follows the journey of a sheltered college student who falls in love with a man, only to find out he isn’t who he seems. When Kemba learns of her boyfriend Khalif’s true identity as a drug kingpin, he turns abusive—grooming straight-laced Kemba to overlook his illicit dealings. Though she never dealt or handled drugs, in a tragic turn of events, Kemba receives an outrageous sentence for her boyfriend’s crimes—placing her in the middle of the government’s “war on drugs.” Never losing hope, her parents, Gus and Odessa Smith, along with an attorney with the NAACP Legal Defense Fund launch a campaign for appeal and later clemency, harnessing the power of Black civic organizations, sororities, celebrities, and lawmakers to help free Kemba.

Christine Swanson penned the Kemba script. Producers include Rob Pfaltzgraff, Lana Link, and Stacey Parks. Nick Reid, Kemba Smith, Constance Orlando, and Maureen Guthman serve as executive producers.

The post ‘Kemba’ Trailer: Kelley Kali Directs Bet+ Film Starring Nesta Cooper, Michelle Hurd, Sean Patrick Thomas and Siddiq Saunderson first appeared on The Source.

The post ‘Kemba’ Trailer: Kelley Kali Directs Bet+ Film Starring Nesta Cooper, Michelle Hurd, Sean Patrick Thomas and Siddiq Saunderson appeared first on The Source.

Trae Tha Truth Makes Acting Debut In New Movie ‘Sole’

January 29, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Trae Tha Truth is a man of many talents, from rapper to entrepreneur to philanthropist and so much more. Now, he adds actor to his resume.

The Houston, Texas native is as excited as ever to announce his new starring role in the new movie Sole, released exclusively on Tubi. The film serves as a comedy, following a character named Eddie (played by Trae), who opens a shoe store called Sole. Unbeknownst to him, as soon as his father gets locked up, Eddie gets left with a $2 million debt that was left behind as a result.

The plot on Tubi reads: “It’s Sole’s grand opening, and Eddie’s juggling family, friends, and even the cops. In the midst of the chaos, he’s on a wild quest to uncover his dad’s hidden cash, attracting old associates and questionable police. This comedic drama unfolds in hilarious situations, blending laughter and suspense as we wonder about Eddie’s fate and the authenticity of the mysterious money. ‘Sole’ promises to be a modern-day classic.”

Directed by Philly Fly Boy, Sole stars an exciting cast, including Trae tha Truth, Darius “Raambo2funny” Wilkerson, Montis “Monty” Harrison, Monie “Irman Jones” Jonezy, Valentin “Brick Wolfpack” Montemayor, and Mulan Hernandez.

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Clocking in at an hour and 15 minutes, Sole is a true testament to Trae Tha Truth’s work ethic and ability to excel in anything he partakes in. Celebrities of all genres have been posting and spreading the word of how funny the film is.

Trae states, “This movie meant a lot because it’s my first time stepping in a new arena. We filmed and completed it in eight days, was super nervous how it would be taken but everyone loves it. My partners Philly Fly Boy and Ricky Rich decided to shoot it guerilla style and try something and here we are… with a Houston Classic: Sole.”