Film Archives - Page 28 of 66

Andre 3000 Reveals He Auditioned for ‘Fast & Furious’ Film but Ludacris Got the Role

February 19, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Andre 3000 was close to being part of the Fast and Furious franchise. Speaking on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, 3 Stacks revealed he auditioned around 2 Fast 2 Furious.

“I think Ludacris took the role,” Andre said.” I actually tried out. I tried out for Fast & Furious, and Ludacris actually took the role.”

You can see the moment below.

The post Andre 3000 Reveals He Auditioned for ‘Fast & Furious’ Film but Ludacris Got the Role first appeared on The Source.

The post Andre 3000 Reveals He Auditioned for ‘Fast & Furious’ Film but Ludacris Got the Role appeared first on The Source.

Beyoncé Celebrates Kelly Rowland’s Performance in ‘Mea Culpa’: ‘Dats My Best Friend!’

February 17, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Beyoncé and JAY-Z traveled to New York City to attend the premiere of Kelly Rowland’s new film, Mea Culpa.

Hitting Instagram, Queen Bey supported her bestie’s performance: “Dats my best friend! Dats my best friend!!!!! So proud of you Kelly”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Beyoncé (@beyonce)

The Paris Theater in New York City was ablaze with star power as Netflix’s tantalizing new thriller, MEA CULPA, held its much-anticipated premiere. The red carpet was graced by an array of A-list celebrities, including Kelly Rowland, Trevante Rhodes, Nick Sagar, Sean Sagar, Shannon Thornton, Kerry O’Malley, alongside the film’s multifaceted creator, Tyler Perry, and producer Will Areu.

The event saw a dazzling turnout of industry luminaries, with notable personalities such as Michelle Williams, Sherri Shepherd, Tina Knowles, and Solea Pfeiffer adding to the glitz and glamour of the evening.

As anticipation builds for the release of MEA CULPA, this star-studded premiere served as a thrilling introduction to what promises to be a captivating addition to Netflix’s roster of must-watch content.

You can see the film’s trailer below.

The post Beyoncé Celebrates Kelly Rowland’s Performance in ‘Mea Culpa’: ‘Dats My Best Friend!’ first appeared on The Source.

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Will Smith to Star and Executive Produce Iraq War Film ‘Sugar Bandits’

February 16, 2024 by newhiphopnews

It’s fair to say Will Smith is doing A-OK with the announcement of Sugar Bandits, an action film he will star in and executive produce. As reported by Variety, Sugar Bandits is based on the book Devils in Exile by Chuck Hogan; Smith plays an Iraq War veteran who becomes part of a team of other vets taking Boston’s drug trade.

Variety stated the film is described as “high-octane action thriller.” Hogan will pen the script, which he used as the co-writer for The Strain screenplay with Guillermo del Toro and penned the script for The Town starring Ben Affleck.

Smith is the executive producer under Westbrook Studios alongside Westbrook’s Jon Mone and Ryan Shimazaki. Also producing are AGC Studios’ Stuart Ford and 3 Arts Entertainment’s Richard Abate. ICYMI Smith has been busy with the next Bad Boys on the way next summer, not to mention the highly anticipated sequel to I Am Legend.

The post Will Smith to Star and Executive Produce Iraq War Film ‘Sugar Bandits’ first appeared on The Source.

The post Will Smith to Star and Executive Produce Iraq War Film ‘Sugar Bandits’ appeared first on The Source.

Danielle Deadwyler to Star and Executive Produce ‘The Woman in the Yard’ for Blumhouse

February 16, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Let’s hop to it. As reported on Deadline, Danielle Deadwyler (Till) is starring and executive producing an upcoming Blumhouse film, The Woman in the Yard, directed by Black Adam helmer Jaume Collet-Serra. This brings back Collet-Serra and Deadwyler after working together on Carry On, a previous film slated for release on Netflix. So basically, the film plot is heavily guarded but is scheduled for a theatrical release on Jan. 10, 2025.

Sam Stefanak wrote the script of The Woman in the Yard. Producers include Blumhouse’s head, Jason Blum, and Stephanie Allain. Collet-Serra, Deadwyler, Gabrielle Ebron, Scott Greenberg, and James Moran are executive producers. Also, Haley Pigman and Jungyoon Kim are overseeing the film as executives under the Blumhouse banner.

Blum stated, “I’ve been trying to find the right project to work on with Jaume, in our system, for over a decade. The Woman in the Yard is the perfect match, a film that’s ambitious in scope but modest in budget that combines Jaume’s vision with the incomparable Danielle Deadwyler. Together with my friend Stephanie Allain, this is a real dream team and I’m excited to collaborate with them on the film,”

If you saw Till, Deadwyler earned critical acclaim for the lead role in the tragic civil rights film, where she played Mamie Till-Mobley, Emmett Till’s mother. Her work recently includes another Netflix feature, an adaptation of the great author August Wilson’s The Piano Lesson, and a project at A24, I Saw the TV Glow, which recently premiered at Sundance.

The post Danielle Deadwyler to Star and Executive Produce ‘The Woman in the Yard’ for Blumhouse first appeared on The Source.

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Star-Studded Premiere of Tyler Perry’s Thriller ‘MEA CULPA’ Lights Up Paris Theater

February 16, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Last night, the Paris Theater in New York City was ablaze with star power as Netflix’s tantalizing new thriller, MEA CULPA, held its much-anticipated premiere. The red carpet was graced by an array of A-list celebrities, including Kelly Rowland, Trevante Rhodes, Nick Sagar, Sean Sagar, Shannon Thornton, Kerry O’Malley, alongside the film’s multifaceted creator, Tyler Perry, and producer Will Areu.

The post Star-Studded Premiere of Tyler Perry’s Thriller ‘MEA CULPA’ Lights Up Paris Theater first appeared on The Source.

The post Star-Studded Premiere of Tyler Perry’s Thriller ‘MEA CULPA’ Lights Up Paris Theater appeared first on The Source.

Walt Disney Animation and Kugali Release Official Trailer for ‘Iwaju’: Disney+ Animated Series That Takes Place in a Futuristic Nigeria

February 15, 2024 by newhiphopnews

The official trailer for the new animated series Iwaju from Disney Animation and Kugali have unveiled the official trailer.

Iwaju is set in a futuristic Lagos, Nigeria written by director Olufikayo Ziki Adeola and Halima Hudson.

“The exciting coming-of-age story follows Tola, a young girl from the wealthy island, and her best friend, Kole, a self-taught tech expert, as they discover the secrets and dangers hidden in their different worlds,” from the official synopsis. “Kugali filmmakers—including director Olufikayo Ziki Adeola, production designer Hamid Ibrahim and cultural consultant Toluwalakin Olowofoyeku—take viewers on a unique journey into the world of Iwájú, bursting with unique visual elements and technological advancements inspired by the spirit of Lagos.”

What makes this series even more exciting, outside of championing stories from the continent is that Iwaju features original music by renowned Nigerian composer Ré Olunuga. “I rarely bring my own emotions into writing a score,” Olunuga stated. “I tend to inhabit the emotions of the characters or subjects and then translate them into music. In this case, it couldn’t be avoided. In addition to Tola’s adventurous spirit, Kole’s ingenuity and the many other fun and beautiful emotional threads explored in ‘Iwájú’ – the score is steeped in my own very deep love for Lagos and its multiplicitous layers. It also includes many treats and winks for anyone familiar with or curious about the film music lexicon of Nollywood. Being invited by Ziki and the amazing teams at Disney and Kugali to help tell this beautiful coming-of-age story that explores themes of family, friendship and ingenuity has been an amazing adventure in itself.”

You can stream all six episodes of Iwaju on Disney+ starting Feb. 28.

The post Walt Disney Animation and Kugali Release Official Trailer for ‘Iwaju’: Disney+ Animated Series That Takes Place in a Futuristic Nigeria first appeared on The Source.

The post Walt Disney Animation and Kugali Release Official Trailer for ‘Iwaju’: Disney+ Animated Series That Takes Place in a Futuristic Nigeria appeared first on The Source.

KeKe Palmer’s Mother Confused By Restraining Order Request

February 15, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Keke Palmer Announces 'Big Boss' Tour Starting This September

Actor Sarunas Jackson has made headlines as he attempts to obtain a restraining order against his brother’s baby mama, actress KeKe Palmer. However, he faces challenges in locating KeKe to serve the notice, leading to a legal saga that has caught the attention of social media.

As reported this week, Sarunas Jackson is renewing his efforts to secure a restraining order against KeKe Palmer, citing difficulties in finding her to serve the necessary legal notice. The actress’s mother and manager, Sharon Palmer, expressed her confusion and disapproval of Sarunas’ actions, dismissing them as a mere attempt to gain attention through her famous daughter.

Radar Online reports that Sharon Palmer has gone on record, stating that KeKe “never wants to see him again.” Despite Sarunas’ initial request being denied by a judge, he has been granted another opportunity to present his case in court. The stumbling block, however, is his claim that he cannot locate KeKe to serve the hearing notice.

Sharon Palmer, who raised KeKe in Illinois, has a straightforward response to Sarunas’ legal pursuits, dismissing them as baseless and attributing them to what she believes is clout chasing. “God bless him, but this clout chasing must stop,” she told RadarOnline.com.

The confusion and drama surrounding this legal dispute have left fans and followers curious about the underlying issues between Sarunas Jackson and KeKe Palmer. As the courtroom saga unfolds, the public is left to ponder whether this is a genuine legal matter or a case of seeking publicity through a high-profile connection.

Amidst the conflicting statements, one thing is clear – the unfolding drama surrounding Sarunas Jackson’s pursuit of a restraining order against KeKe Palmer has become a spectacle in the entertainment world, capturing the attention of those who follow the lives of these prominent figures. Stay tuned as the court proceedings shed light on the truth behind the headlines and whether this legal tussle is indeed a matter of substance or merely an attempt to grab the spotlight.

Thoughts?

The post KeKe Palmer’s Mother Confused By Restraining Order Request first appeared on The Source.

The post KeKe Palmer’s Mother Confused By Restraining Order Request appeared first on The Source.

‘Survival of the Thickest’ Renewed for Second Season on Netflix; Creator Michelle Buteau Also Announces New Comedy Special

February 14, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Survival of the Thickest to Netflix is returning to Netflix for a second season. Series creator, Michelle Buteau revealed the news today regarding the show’s renewal and her new stand-up special in the works.

Along with that, comedian and actress is set to debut Michelle Buteau: Welcome to Buteaupia. The announcements were dropped on Netflix’s Strong Black Lead Instagram profile. The post on the page read, “It’s giving Black History! We are coming back for more laughs, more mo’ments, and more love!”

Buteau was quoted in Decider last year that a second season of her show wasn’t the foremost on her mind, due to her support of the SAG-AFTRA and writers’ strikes.

Survival of the Thickest is created by, co-written and executive produced by Buteau as she plays the series lead Mavis Beaumont (Buteau), who is described as a “Black, plus-size and newly single (not by her choice!)” woman.

The official description reads:

“Mavis unexpectedly finds herself having to rebuild her life as a struggling stylist. She’s determined to not only survive but thrive with the support of her chosen family, a body positive attitude, and a cute v-neck with some lip gloss. The scripted comedy is based on Buteau’s acclaimed book of essays.”

Good for you Michelle, most certainly a strong Black lead.

The post ‘Survival of the Thickest’ Renewed for Second Season on Netflix; Creator Michelle Buteau Also Announces New Comedy Special first appeared on The Source.

The post ‘Survival of the Thickest’ Renewed for Second Season on Netflix; Creator Michelle Buteau Also Announces New Comedy Special appeared first on The Source.

2024 Lineup Announced for Social Justice Now Film Festival

February 14, 2024 by newhiphopnews

The Social Justice Now Film Festival is poised with its 2024 film lineup. The festival takes place during Black History Month from Feb. 22-24.

This year, the SJNFF will spotlight the highly anticipated BET+ film Kemba, a film directed by Kelley Kali and written by Christine Swanson.

Notable projects include How to Sue the Klan, a documentary shorts from director John Beder, and producers including civil rights attorney Benjamin Crump, Cameron S. Mitchell, and Raji Ramanathan. Also Underwater Projects, which is directed by Dream Hampton and Liv Havstad, and the worldwide premiere of 848: The Criminalization of America, which Thomas Freeman, Jr, directs.

As reported in Shadow and Act, the festival’s mission, is presented by American Black Film Festival (ABFF) co-founders and producers Nicole and Jeff Friday’s Film Life Foundation, is “to watch, to reflect and to take action.” Per its description, the fest “provides a unique platform to showcase content that confronts the social and economic issues – racism, criminal justice reform, equity, education, and immigration rights facing Black and Brown communities. Through content from established and emerging filmmakers, along with engaging post-screening talkbacks with activists, authors and academics, the festival aims to amplify critical issues and encourage social change.”

“We believe in the power of film as a vehicle for social change,” from Festival Director Melanie Sharee in an official statement. “Thank you to SONY for believing in the mission of this festival and providing a home for filmmakers to share their perspectives, amplify marginalized voices and engage with the community.”

The SJNF kicks off at Sony Pictures Entertainment’s studio lot in Culver City. The studio, is the festival’s founding sponsor.

Here is the full festival lineup:

Thursday, February 22, 2024

7 p.m.

Kemba

Narrative Feature| 87 min

Director: Kelley Kali

Writer: Christine Swanson

Produced by: MPI Original Films

Producers: Rob Pfaltzgraff, Lana Link, Stacey Parks

Executive Producers: Nick Reid, Kemba Smith, Constance Orlando, Maureen Guthman

Cast: Nesta Cooper, Siddiq Saunderson, Sean Patrick Thomas, Michelle Hurd

A sheltered college student who falls in love with a man, only to learn he is a drug kingpin, finds herself in the middle of the government’s “war on drugs.”

Friday, February 23,2024

7 p.m.

The Fight for Black Lives

Documentary Feature | 72 min | LA Premiere

Producer/Director: Micere Keels

This film chronicles the ways that racial stress and the American healthcare system disadvantage the health of Black Americans.

Saturday, February 24, 2024

1 p.m.

848:The Criminalization of America

Documentary Feature | 76 min | World Premiere

Writer/Director: Thomas Freeman, Jr.

Producer: Demetrius Hill

Executive Producers: Akira Pray, Dr Ansari, Nathaniel Banks

A criminal justice documentary focusing on U.S. code 848 aka the Kingpin charge – this charge calls for “Drug Kingpins,” even non-violent ones, to spend life in prison. Even though the laws have changed, some non-violent offenders are still stuck in federal prison after serving more than 30 years. This is the story of the how, why and what we can do to help!

4 p.m.

Short Film Collection I

How to Sue the Klan

Documentary | 35 min

Director/Producer: John Beder

Producers: Benjamin Crump, Cameron S. Mitchell, Raji Ramanathan

How to Sue the Klan is the story of how five Black women from Chattanooga used legal ingenuity to take on the Ku Klux Klan in a historic 1982 civil case, fighting to hold the Klan accountable for their crimes and bring justice to their community. The women’s victory set a legal precedent that continues to inspire the ongoing fight against organized hate.

Bienvenidos a Los Angeles

Narrative | 17 min

Writer/Director: Lisa Cole

Producers: Vivian Johnson, Cindy Lu, Jolene Mendes, Benjamin O’Keefe, Lolia Etomi

Cast: Destiny Faith Nelson, Stacey Patino, Ethan Mendez, Rashmi Rustagi, Yvonne Huff Lee

The timely story of Imani, a Nigerian single mother living in Los Angeles, who offers to help a perfect stranger reunite with her son. In doing so, Imani learns this simple act of kindness threatens to jeopardize her own path to citizenship.

Breathe

Narrative |16 min

Writer/Director: Jamie Burton-Oare

Producer: Jamie Burton-Oare

Executive Producer: Shannon E. Riggs

Cast: Stephen Hill

For Eric, it is a normal day in his life/neighborhood. For the world, it’s the day Eric faces the reality of taking his last breath.

7 p.m.

Short Film Collection II

Underwater Projects

Documentary | 28 min | World Premiere

Co-Directors: Dream Hampton, Liv Havstad

Norfolk, Virginia is sinking. The already insufficient sea wall ends where a public housing project, St. Paul’s, begins. St. Paul’s housing projects’ residents are Black people. Norfolk is home to the world’s largest naval base and there is currently no public plan to prevent it from going underwater.

Silent Partner

Narrative | 16 min | LA Premiere

Director: Aristotle Torres

Writers: Aristotle Torres, Roderick Lawrence

Producer: Roderick Lawrence

Cast: Roderick Lawrence, Kara Young, Michael Park

Silas Jones is an accomplished, Black trial attorney on the cusp of making partner at a white-shoe law firm. Upon successfully defending a white woman charged with murdering a Black teen, Silas comes to a crossroads with his wife Kosi, an equally accomplished professor, as they prepare to attend the firm’s celebration. As the night progresses, Silas questions the legitimacy of his promotion. Will he make the ultimate sacrifice?

Somewhere

Musical Narrative | 13 min | LA Premiere

Writer/Director: Alexander Craven

Producers: Jeff Pifher, Shane Collins

Cast: Natalie Hanna Mendoza, John Robert Hall

When Elena and Cameron are ripped apart by an act of racism, both must stand up for what they believe to keep the door of love open.

The post 2024 Lineup Announced for Social Justice Now Film Festival first appeared on The Source.

The post 2024 Lineup Announced for Social Justice Now Film Festival appeared first on The Source.

Definitive List of Movies to Watch on Valentine’s Day

February 14, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Valentine’s Day is upon us, and for many lovers out there who don’t want to partake in, quite frankly, an expensive “hallmark” holiday and perhaps are opting to keep things simple, stay in with a bit of Netflix and chill, we got you covered … There are a bunch of Valentine’s Day friendly films that may make sense. Still, we put together a definitive list of some of our romantic cinematic faves. To make it easier on you, so there’s no endless scrolling, we even included a cheat sheet with each film’s synopsis straight from each film’s online source – no pun intended. Enjoy the list and each other – INSERT WINK, ha!

Love & Basketball (2000)
Director: Gina Prince-Bythewood

Monica (Sanaa Lathan) and Quincy (Omar Epps) are two childhood friends who both aspire to be professional basketball players. Quincy, whose father, Zeke (Dennis Haysbert), plays for the Los Angeles Clippers, is a natural talent and a born leader. Monica is ferociously competitive but sometimes becomes overly emotional on the court. Over the years, the two begin to fall for each other, but their separate paths to basketball stardom threaten to pull them apart.

Poetic Justice (1993)
Director: John Singleton

Still grieving after the murder of her boyfriend, hairdresser Justice (Janet Jackson) writes poetry to deal with the pain of her loss. Unable to get to Oakland to attend a convention because of her broken-down car, Justice gets a lift with her friend, Iesha (Regina King) and Iesha’s postal worker boyfriend, Chicago (Joe Torry). Along for the ride is Chicago’s co-worker, Lucky (Tupac Shakur), to whom Justice grows close after some initial problems. But is she ready to open her heart again?

The Best Man (1999)
Director: Malcolm D. Lee

After writing a soon-to-be bestselling novel, writer and committed bachelor Harper Stewart (Taye Diggs) attempts to hide the fact that his saucy new book is loosely based on the lives and loves of his tight-knit group of friends. Harper is set to be best man at his friend Lance’s (Morris Chestnut) wedding, and all his friends will be in attendance. When an advance copy of the book makes its way into the hands of his ex-flame, Jordan Armstrong (Nia Long), Harper attempts to keep it under wraps.

The Best Man Holiday (2013)
Director Malcolm D. Lee

Nearly 15 years after they were last together as a group, college friends Lance (Morris Chestnut), Harper (Taye Diggs), Candace (Regina Hall), Quentin (Terrence Howard), Robyn (Sanaa Lathan), Jordan (Nia Long), Murch (Harold Perrineau), and Mia (Monica Calhoun) finally reunite over the Christmas holidays. Though much has changed in their lives, the friends discover just how easy it is for long-forgotten rivalries and passionate romances to be reignited.

If Beale Street Could Talk (2018)
Director: Barry Jenkins

In early 1970s Harlem, daughter and wife-to-be Tish vividly recalls the passion, respect and trust that have connected her and her artist fiancé Alonzo Hunt, who goes by the nickname Fonny. Friends since childhood, the devoted couple dream of a future together, but their plans are derailed when Fonny is arrested for a crime he did not commit.

Love Jones (1997)
Director: Theodore Witcher

Two urban African-Americans, Darius (Larenz Tate), an aspiring writer, and Nina (Nia Long), an aspiring photographer, share an instant connection after a chance meeting at a Chicago club. The two bond over music, photography and poetry, and eventually begin a torrid romance. However, when Nina decides to move to New York and mend her relationship with her ex-fiancé, Marvin (Khalil Kain), it leaves Darius heartbroken, and the couple’s future in jeopardy.

Queen & Slim (2019)
Director: Melina Matsoukas

Slim and Queen’s first date takes an unexpected turn when a policeman pulls them over for a minor traffic violation. When the situation escalates, Slim takes the officer’s gun and shoots him in self-defence. Now labelled cop killers in the media, Slim and Queen feel that they have no choice but to go on the run and evade the law. When a video of the incident goes viral, the unwitting outlaws soon become a symbol of trauma, terror, grief and pain for people all across the country.

You People (2023)
Director: Kenya Barris

A new couple and their families reckon with modern love amid culture clashes, societal expectations and generational differences.

In The Heights (2021)
Director: John M. Chu

In Washington Heights, N.Y., the scent of warm coffee hangs in the air just outside of the 181st St. subway stop, where a kaleidoscope of dreams rallies a vibrant and tight-knit community. At the intersection of it all is a likable and magnetic bodega owner who hopes, imagines and sings about a better life.

How Stella Got Her Groove Back (1998)
Director: Kevin Rodney Sullivan

Unlucky-in-love stockbroker Stella (Angela Bassett) jets to Jamaica with her gal pal Delilah (Whoopi Goldberg) for some fun in the sun. There, the 40-year-old working woman has an island fling with Winston (Taye Diggs) — a handsome 20-something. When it’s time to return to California, Stella realizes that she’s developed real feelings for her new man. But, with their distance from each other, not to mention their disparity in age, does a real relationship stand a chance?

The post Definitive List of Movies to Watch on Valentine’s Day first appeared on The Source.

The post Definitive List of Movies to Watch on Valentine’s Day appeared first on The Source.