Movie News – Page 6 – Unspool Hollywood

KDMG, Inc. Brings Moving Coming of Age Drama “Icon” to Audiences Everywhere this August

KDMG, Inc. Acquires Filmmaker Tony Ahedo's Touching Feature Film “Icon” for North American VOD/Digital & Blu-Ray/DVD August 1st Release

(Los Angeles, CA—July 11, 2022) KDMG, Inc. (Kaczmarek Digital Media Group, Inc.) has acquired the Pretty Sweet Films’ production of filmmaker Tony Ahedo’s touching feature film debut “Icon.” This moving coming of age drama charts the perilous journey to adulthood for our charismatic leads Sam (Parker Padgett) and Ana (Devon Hales). KDMG, Inc. will release “Icon” across all TVOD/Digital and Blu-Ray/DVD platforms throughout North America on August 1, 2022.

Young love’s the topic of so many films, but rarely is it handled with earnest, authentic grace, as we see in “Icon”. Anchored in the touching performances of Padgett and Hales, audiences will find themselves moved much like fellow beloved indie film “The Spectacular Now.” When a surprise pregnancy forces Sam to face many brutal realities of adulthood and responsibility, things spiral rapidly out of control as he simultaneously tries to fight to find his own truth: why his absent father hasn’t been in his life since he was one and is only a fading memory.

“Icon” was inspired by a true story and stars Parker Padgett (“Surviving Lunch”) and Devon Hales (Netflix’s “Teenage Bounty Hunters,” “Stan Against Evil”), along with Julia Denton (“The Fundamentals of Caring,” “Geostorm”), Tony Demil (Succession,” “Zola”), Bryce Anthony Heller (“Education in Love,” “Cobra’s World”), and the feature film debut of Ronald Sansone.

“I am excited for audiences everywhere to see the film and prompt important conversations. My intent is to show the male perspective to a pregnancy in such a way that illuminates the idealization of patriarchy and toxic masculine views of the past and how we move beyond it,” stated Ahedo.

Adapted from an award-winning short that won the presidents’ award at Ringling College of Art & Design, “Icon” was filmed in Ahedo’s hometown of Saint Petersburg, Florida, just prior to the pandemic. The story pulls elements from his childhood growing up in the mid 90’s through the early 2000s in Florida.

“It's not often we see a good coming-of-age film that breaks down the fundamentals of teen adolescence in a relatable way,” stated KDMG, Inc.’s CEO, Kyle Kaczmarek . “I felt this story had an audience and needed to be seen. On behalf of myself and the KDMG team, I am thrilled to be part of Icon's journey.”

Cinematographer Harrison Stagner (“Rosary, Fiona Humphrey: A Family Album,” “Stubbz”), utilized different cameras to best embody the film’s timelines. A Canon C200 was used for the 2010 timeline and BMCC4K with a vintage 60’s lens for the 90’s timeline. “Icon” also features a moving original score by Chris Carlone (“The Red Cocoon,” “Highway to Havasu”).

Terese Linden Kohn, Founder of Talk Global Media, negotiated on behalf of the film with Kyle Kaczmarek, CEO of KDMG.

About KDMG, Inc.:
Kaczmarek Digital Media Group, Inc. (KDMG, Inc.) was founded in 2012 to provide a non-traditional, outside the box, hands-on digital approach to entertainment content providers. Deeply passionate about our work, KDMG counsels individuals and companies in all areas of the entertainment industry, including producers, directors, distributors, technology companies, digital retail platforms, sales agents, and cable, telecommunications and satellite companies toward achieving their highest potential.

About Pretty Sweet Films:
Pretty Sweet Films is a full-service narrative production company founded by award-winning filmmaker Tony Ahedo based in Los Angeles. Since its inception in 2019, the company has created and collaborated on a wide variety of projects across the country. From romantic coming of age films to raunchy dark comedies to chilling horror thrillers, PSF is prepared to make any story a compelling piece for the eyes and mind. With more than a decade of production experience, PSF is here to make films pretty sweet.

About TALK Global Media
TALK is veteran sales executive Terese Ann Linden Kohn's global sales agency whose years of indie sales and distribution experience has provided the global marketplaces with quality film, television and new media content. Representing all genres and numerous libraries for all rights and windows, TALK takes pride in the transparency and service it provides to filmmakers, distributors and programmers around the world.

www.TALKglobalMedia.com

“U Ý R A THE RISING FOREST ” World Premiere at the 2022 Frameline Film Festival

Run time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Rating: Not Yet Rated
Genre: Documentary, Environmental, LGBTQIA+

A STORY BY UÝRA SODOMA
DIRECTED BY JULIANA CURI

Uýra, a trans-indigenous artist travels through the Amazon forest on a journey of self-discovery using performance art and ancestral messages to teach indigenous youth and confront structural racism and transphobia in Brazil.

UÝRA - THE RISING FOREST is directed by Juliana Curi, and written by Curi and Martina Sönksen. Produced by João Henrique Kurtz, Juliana Curi, Lívia Cheibub, Martina Sönksen, and Uýra Sodoma. Edited by Lívia Cheibub, Lucas Camargo De Barros, and Renan Cipriano. Cinematography by Thiago Moraes. Music by Nascuy Linares, featuring Josyara and Zahy Guajajara. A Story by Uýra Sodoma. A Production of Azores Filmes (Brazil) and Mama Wolf (USA), in co-production with Abou Farman with the support of Doc Society and BRIC Brooklyn.

Wednesday, June 22nd at 8:30pm
The New Parkway Theater, Oakland, CA
June 24 - June 30
Streaming Encore - Available Online (U.S. Only)
Tickets +Passes Available Soon

Uýra, a trans-indigenous artist, travels through the Amazon on a journey of self-discovery using performance art to teach indigenous youth that they are the guardians of ancestral messages of the Amazon forest.

Industryworks Studios Brings the Non-Stop Action Film “BULLET PROOF” to Cannes Marche Du Film Grindstone to Distribute in U. S. and Canada This Summer

Photo from ‘Bullet Proof’ Courtesy of IndustryWorks Studios

Genre: Action
Distributor: IndustryWorks Studios Inc.
Cast: Vinnie Jones, Lina Lecompte, James C. Clayton and Janvier Katabarwa as ‘The Frenchman’
Executive Producer: Evan Tylor, Annie Storey, Caterina Scrivano, Stan Wertlieb, Barry Brooker, Matthew Robert Kelly
Producer: Marc Petey, Jonnie Broi, James C. Clayton, Ryan Ennis, Paul Engstrom, Pieter Stathis, Ryan Petey, Zach Steele
Story by: Cooper Bibaud, Danny Mac, & James C. Clayton
Screenplay by: Cooper Bibaud & Danny Mac
Director: James C. Clayton
For screeners and more information during Cannes Film Festival; contact: Caterina Scrivano IndustryWorks Studios sales@industry-works.com

Social Media Handles
Website: industry-works.com |
Twitter:@IWPictures
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IndustryWorksPictures/ Instagram: @industryworkspictures
For more information, interviews and photographs please contact: Annie Jeeves/Cinematic Red PR E: annie@cinematicredpr.com

In Bullet Proof, a thief who only looks out for number one pulls off the robbery of a lifetime when he robs the psychotic drug lord Temple. The plan goes off without a hitch until the thief discovers a stowaway in his getaway car: Temple’s wife, Mia. With Temple and his top hitman, the deadly and mysterious hitman The Frenchman, in hot pursuit, and torn between making a quick getaway or taking a risky detour to help Mia escape her husband’s abusive grasp, the thief finds the only way to get out alive is to drive.

Directed by James C. Clayton in his directorial debut, with a screenplay by Cooper Bibaud & Danny Mac and a story by Cooper Bibaud & Danny Mac & James C. Clayton, the film stars Vinnie Jones, Lina Lecompte, James C. Clayton, Janvier Katabarwa, Danny Mac, and Philip Granger.

“Bullet Proof has all the elements of a classic action movie and is sure to keep audiences at the edge of their seats,” said Evan Tylor, CEO of IndustryWorks Studios.

“When Caterina and Evan screened Bullet Proof for me, I was absolutely knocked out,” said Stan Wertlieb, Partner of Grindstone Entertainment Group. “With high octane, kickass action, Vinnie Jones delivers a classic evil performance. And James C. Clayton shows he has the chops as both an action star and director – he’ s a fantastic new presence on the scene.”.”

James C. Clayton, who directs and stars in the movie, said, “With Bullet Proof, I wanted to deliver a relentless, thrilling joy ride. And I could not have been more excited than to work with the great Vinnie Jones, who makes Temple even more terrifying than I’d imagined on the page. It’s so great to know that Grindstone will be bringing this movie to action audiences across the country this summer.”

ABOUT INDUSTRYWORKS STUDIOS

IndustryWorks Studios (“IWS”) is a feature film and tv production and distribution company under the direction of CEO Evan Tylor. He has successfully developed, produced, financed and distributed feature films, MOW’s and Original Series most notably Van Helsing for Netflix. As President & CEO Evan and the IndustryWorks label have been delivering high quality production and introducing emerging new talent consistently to audiences worldwide since the company’s inception in 2005. The Company develops, finances, produces and distributes Feature Films, MOW’s, Mini-Series and TV series.

IndustryWorks Studios continues to add to its vast growing catalog of films and series and remains one of the most active production and worldwide distribution companies in Canada.

Original content titles include feature film ‘Ripper’ (licensed to Lionsgate Films), ‘The Operative’, ‘Confessions of a Sociopathic Social Climber’ starring Jennifer Love Hewitt, produced for Bravo’s Oxygen Network, ‘Walk All Over Me’ starring Leelee Sobieski and Tricia Helfer and sold to The Weinstein Company, the critically acclaimed and controversial horror film ‘American Mary’ produced and sold to Universal Pictures, ‘Back to the Sea’, ‘Wrecker’, ‘Selfie From Hell’ (based on the YouTube viral sensation of the same name) and ‘AMI’ tech-horror film licensed to Netflix.

View New Clip for “Escape The Field” Out on BLU-RAY/ DVD June 21, 2022

Cast: Jordan Claire Robbins, Theo Rossi, Tahirah Sharif, Julian Feder, Elena Juatco and Shane West
Director: Emerson Moore
Writers: Emerson Moore and Joshua Dobkin & Sean Wathen
Producers: Andrew Davies Gans, Michael Philip, Jason Moring, Emerson Moore
Genre: Thriller
Rating: R
Running Time: 1 hour 28 minutes

Lionsgate presents, an Anacapa Pictures and CR8IV DNA production, in association with Ingenious Media / Double Dutch International / Glanzrock Productions / Stormchaser Films / Richmond Pictures / LipSync.

The fear is inescapable and the suspense nonstop in this gripping horror-thriller about six strangers who suddenly awaken in a remote, endless cornfield. Stripped of their possessions, they are left with only six items: a gun with a single bullet, matches, a lantern, a knife, a compass, and a flask of water. As mysterious sirens blare in the distance and traps appear at every turn, the group realizes it’s been plunged into a cat-and-mouse game with an unseen evil, and survival depends upon solving a diabolical — and deadly — puzzle.

VIEW TRAILER BELOW!

"Maybe He Knows." (Credit: Lionsgate)

Gerard Damiano Sr.’s Controversial Film “Deep Throat” Returns to Cinemas for a Global Event Cinema Celebrating the 50th Anniversary

The Zeitgeist of the Sexual Revolution and first adult film to debut in mainstream theatrical cinema breaking box office records in 1972, filmmaker Gerard Damiano Sr.’s controversial film “Deep Throat” had an unprecedented impact on popular culture and society. It changed the way we discussed sexuality and is still considered to be the most profitable film of all time.

Damiano Films will tour the globe this year with this pop culture phenom timed to the film’s 50^th anniversary for the first time in decades offering Q&As with the filmmaker’s son Gerard Damiano Jr. a filmmaker in his own right, and daughter Christar – who can offer illuminating context to the film that helped to create the Adult Film Industry, beginning with a sneak preview on June 10^th, 2022, in New York. Damiano Films holds the rights to their father’s most important feature films. A documentary on “Deep Throat” director Gerard Damiano Sr. helmed by Damiano Jr. is currently in the works.

In the summer of 1972 “Deep Throat” brought adult films into the mainstream and kick-started the Sexual Revolution. Its success was unprecedented, breaking box office records in its very first week of theatrical exhibition. Lauded as one of the first hardcore films to feature a plot, character development, and production values, it pushed the limits of what could be shown on screen and made an international celebrity of its star, Linda Lovelace. Busted by police, picketed, and banned, the ongoing persecution only added to the film’s popularity. It would help to create the Adult Film Industry and an audience hungry for feature length films with adult content. Celebrities, dignitaries, couples, and women joined the usual “raincoat crowd,” waiting in lines that wrapped around the block just to see it.

"We have succeeded in preserving our father's best known film in a complete 4K restoration so that it can be shared not only with his old fans, but with new generations. We are excited to present “Deep Throat” as a theatrical experience, the way it was originally shown, and add in-person talk backs to discuss its impact then, and its relevance today" shares Gerard Jr. of Damiano Films.

Unsatisfied and unfulfilled, a young woman (Linda Lovelace), derives little pleasure from sex. She feels a lot of “little tingles”, but wants “Bells Ringing! Dams Bursting! and Bombs going off!” Her roommate (Dolly Sharp ) sends her to an unconventional therapist (Harry Reems), who discovers the root of her problem. Her clitoris is deep down in her throat! The solution: a technique known as “Deep Throat.” Once cured, she devotes herself to helping others to find the sexual satisfaction that she so desired.

This light, campy, comedy was one of the first full length feature films to include hard-core sex and became an instant phenomenon. Made in 1972 for a mere $25,000, it was reported to have made over $600,000,000. It came to define what was known as “Porno Chic” reaching mainstream audiences.

The response was not all positive. Conservative Christian groups and Anti-Porn Feminists sought to ban on the film. It was prosecuted on both local and federal levels resulting in many high-profile cases reaching all the way to the Supreme Court. “Deep Throat” became a household word and lent its name to the Watergate informant who brought down then President Richard Nixon. It enjoys a cult status today. “Deep Throat” has been referenced in all forms of popular culture from late night monologues to feature films. It has inspired songs, books, movies, musicals, even a rock opera. The acclaimed documentary “Inside Deep Throat” sought to tell the true story, while “Lovelace ” which starred Amanda Seyfried offered a fictionalized version. Burt Reynolds famously styled himself after Gerard Damiano Sr. for his appearance as porn director Jack Horner in Paul Thomas Andersons “Boogie Nights.” For those interested in booking “Deep Throat” in their markets, please contact bookings@damianofilms.com.

About Damiano Film, LLC
Noted auteur filmmaker Gerard Damiano Sr. is best known for the iconic film “Deep Throat, ” but went on to make some of the best and most critically acclaimed films of the genre. Damiano Films LLC was founded by his son Gerard Damiano Jr. and daughter Christar, to preserve their father’s legacy. They are lovingly restoring his most significant films such as “The Devil in Miss Jones, ” “Memories within Miss Aggie,” the cult classic “Let My Puppets Come,” as well as his masterpiece “The Story of Joanna.” The Damianos are joined by Robin Leonardi, daughter of legendary Porn Star and Activist Gloria Leonard. Together they represent the second generation of the pioneers of “The Golden Age of Porn.”

“18½” Opens Across 50 Markets in North America on May 27th

Director: Dan Mirvish Genre: Mystery & Thriller, Comedy, Drama
Writers: Dan Mirvish, Daniel Moya
Cast: Willa Fitzgerald, John Magaro, Vondie Curtis Hall , Catherine Curtin , Richard Kind, Sullivan Jones, Alanna Saunders, Claire Saunders, and the legendary voices of Ted Raimi , Jon Cryer,, and Bruce Campbell
Release Date (Theaters): May 27, 2022 Limited
Original Language: English
Run time: 1h 28m

The film "18½" humorously crafts its own narrative into the notorious gap in Nixon’s Watergate scandal. Taking place in 1974, "18½" is about a fictional White House transcriber finds the only copy of the infamous 18½-minute gap in Nixon's Watergate tapes but her attempts to leak it to the press run afoul of hippies, swingers and nefarious forces.

About Adventure Entertainment:
Sydney-based, and operating in 28 countries on 5 continents, Adventure
Entertainment is making literal and metaphorical waves in the adventure film world with over 10 film touring platforms, and dozens of feature films in recent distribution. Specializing in producing live, eventized, theatrical film screenings, AE is leading the way in innovative, community-based marketing and generating pre, and post-show buzz in the entertainment industry. In addition to "Rookie Season," other 2021/22 titles include National Geographic's" Torn, " Red Bull Media House's "La Liste: Everything or Nothing, " and "Buried, ” from Oscar-winning producers Evan Hayes and Michael Sugar. See more at adventureentertainment.com

END OF THE LINE Out on Digital and Cable On Demand in U.S. June 14th

POSTER-END OF THE LINE (Gravitas Ventures)

Director, Editor and Produced: Emmett Adler
Executive Producer: Emmett Adler, Ian Mayer
Producers: Emmett Adler, Ian Mayer; Co-Producer Mariah Wilson
Genre: Feature Documentary
Rating: Not Yet Rated
Run time: 1 hour 5 minutes

End Of The Line Will Be Released On Digital and Cable On Demand Platforms in the United States On Tuesday, June 14

VOD PLATFORMS INCLUDE: Apple/iTunes, Amazon, GooglePlay, Vudu, Microsoft and more.

OFFICIAL SELECTION: DOC NYC

Andrew Cuomo in Emmett Adler's END OF THE LINE(Photo Credit_ Gravitas Ventures)

Eric Adams in Emmett Adler's END OF THE LINE (Photo Credit_ Gravitas Ventures)

Award-winning filmmaker Emmett Adler's feature documentary END OF THE LINE is a character-driven political drama about the New York City subway crisis and a long overdue reckoning on infrastructure.

Establishing the vital economic importance and grandeur of New York City’s historic subway system, the film dives into its dire modern-day troubles picking up in the late 2010s when flooding, overcrowding, power failures, and derailments have become commonplace. After a particularly bad spate of disasters in the summer of 2017, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo proclaims a state of emergency and hires a new international wunderkind executive named Andy Byford to save the subways. Byford, an earnest Briton with an impressive resume, enters as a charismatic would-be hero.

As the political turmoil behind the subway’s decline comes into sharp focus, scenes in barbershops, bodegas, and bakeries show the frustration and devastation among business owners and residents who are caught in the middle.

Ultimately, the COVID-19 pandemic furthers this, and brings to light America’s need to shore up its infrastructure in cities across the country and the inequality struggles that are central to this debate. A heartfelt and scrupulous exploration, this film poses the question: what happens when the lifeline of a city goes flat?

Cynthia Nixon in Emmett Adler's END OF THE LINE (Photo Credit_ Gravitas Ventures)

Bill de Blasio in Emmett Adler's END OF THE LINE (Photo Credit_ Gravitas Ventures)

This film is dedicated to the heroic New York City transit workers who lost their lives to the COVID-19 pandemic.

EMMETT ADLER is an Emmy-winning filmmaker who has taught art in Shenzhen, China, was once a chess champion in the state of Illinois and can juggle pins while walking on stilts. He has over a decade of experience as a freelance documentary and commercial film editor. In 2021, he made his directorial debut with the feature documentary END OF THE LINE which premiered to sold out audiences at DOC NYC film festival.

ABOUT GRAVITAS VENTURES

Gravitas Ventures is a leading all rights distributor of independent feature films and documentaries. Founded in 2006, Gravitas connects independent filmmakers and producers with distribution opportunities across the globe. Working with talented directors and producers, Gravitas Ventures has distributed thousands of films into over a hundred million homes in North America - over one billion homes worldwide. Recent releases include Queen Bees directed by Michael Lembeck, Our Friend directed by Gabriela Cowperthwaite, starring Casey Affleck, Dakota Johnson, and Jason Segel,Vanguard, directed by Stanley Tong and starring Jackie Chan, The Secret: Dare to Dream, directed by Andy Tennant and starring Katie Holmes; For more information, please visit www.gravitasventures.com, and follow @GravitasVOD on Twitter and @gravitasventures on Instagram.

ABOUT ANTHEM SPORTS & ENTERTAINMENT, INC.

Anthem Sports & Entertainment Inc. is a global multi-platform media company with offices and studios in Los Angeles, Denver, Nashville, New York, Kansas City and Toronto. Anthem's portfolio includes AXS TV, a leading music, entertainment and lifestyle television channel and digital media company; global film distribution company Gravitas Ventures; Fight Network, the world's premier combat sports channel; IMPACT Wrestling, one of the world's leading wrestling organizations specializing in original programming and live events; Invicta Fighting Championships, the world’s premier all-women mixed martial arts promotion; Game+, the leader in Esports and gaming content; GameTV, the home of game shows and competition-based reality series; and HDNET MOVIES, which features theatrically released films and documentaries. Anthem also has a significant ownership interest in Pursuit Channel , one of the top outdoor channels in the U.S. For more information, please visit anthemse.com .

W: www.endoftheline.doc
F: https://www.facebook.com/endoflinedoc
T: https://twitter.com/endoflinedoc
I: https://www.instagram.com/endoflinedoc/

VMI Worldwide Presents “RANDY RHOADS Reflections of a Guitar Icon” Available on Video On Demand May 6th

A FILM BY ANDRE RELIS

A look into the life of legendary guitarist Randy Rhoads best known for his gut-wrenching guitar solo in Crazy Train with Ozzy Osbourne.

AVAILABLE ON VIDEO ON DEMAND
FRIDAY, MAY 6th

Randy Rhoads, the legendary guitarist known for his unmatchable guitar riffs, re-shaped rock’n’roll as the lead guitarist for Quiet Riot and Ozzy Osbourne. After forming Quiet Riot with bandmates Kelly Garni, Drew Forsyth, and Kevin DuBrow in the 70s, the band quickly became one of the most popular acts in the Los Angeles club circuit. However, their music failed to land them a legitimate record deal. After playing with Quiet Riot for over 10 years, Randy received an opportunity to be the lead guitarist for former Black Sabbath singer Ozzy Osbourne. Randy played with Ozzy for a few short years, recording legendary songs such as Crazy Train, which includes Randy’s groundbreaking guitar solo. After touring with Ozzy in the early 80s, Randy was tragically killed in a plane crash on March 19, 1982 at the young age of 25. His body died that day, but his soul and music live on forever.

RT: 85 Minutes | Not Yet Rated

Genre: Documentary

RANDY RHOADS: Reflections of a Guitar Icon is directed by Andre Relis. Narrated by Tracii Guns. Written and edited by Michael Bruining. Produced by Relis and Jessica Bennett. Executive Produced by Relis and JD Beaufils. Cinematography by Rich Buhrman. Music by Sean Kelly. A VMI Worldwide production.

Interviews: Delores Rhoads, Kelle Rhoads, Laura 'DuBrow' Mandell, Rudy Sarzo, Drew Forsyth, Eddie Van Halen, Lori Hollen, Jodi Vigier, Kim McNair, Brian Reason, Peter M. Margolis, Frankie Banali, John Donais, Joel Hoekstra, Bruce Kulick, Doug Aldrich, Gary Moore, Dweezil Zappa, George Lynch, and Ozzy Osbourne.

Pan African Film & Arts Festival Announces 2022 Jury and Programmers’ Awards

The Pan African Film & Arts Festival’s (PAFF) 30th edition concluded on Sunday, May 1st. Held both in person at the Cinemark Baldwin Hills 15 and XD and online, PAFF announced its 2022 juried film award winners during their annual Awards Brunch in Los Angeles on Monday, May 2nd. Three groups determined the winners: 1) an external panel of judges, 2) the PAFF Programmers, and 3) the audience. PAFF took place in Los Angeles from April 30-May 1, 2022.

“This year’s film roster reflects the times we are in,” said PAFF General Manager Asantewe Olatunji. “Many focus on social justice issues such as gender equality, police and community relations, and the changing lifestyle norms. Of course, several of the PAFF 2022 films focus on our well-known and sometimes obscure sheroes and heroes whose stories told by their own people give a new perspective of history and view of our world.”

Olatunji continued, “I predict this is just the beginning of the melting of the system’s iceberg that once limited access and the types of stories that are being told. Not only are these films Black films from the world over, but they are also films being made by Black women and LGBTQ+ filmmakers that authentically reflect their world. These are films by people who never had a seat at the table let alone a voice in the conversation.

"As programmers, myself and the other PAFF programmers are happy to be a part of this process of helping to shift the paradigm of what stories are told and by whom. To present these stories and provide access for both filmmakers and their audiences is a great privilege.”

The 2022 PAFF featured over 200 films from 55 countries, in 18 languages, including 58 World and 32 North American premieres. Of the films selected for the Festival, 46% were helmed by female, queer or non-binary filmmakers, and 80% were directed by filmmakers of African descent.

For additional information about PAFF visit paff.org.

2022 PAFF AWARD WINNERS

Jury Awards

Best Feature Narrative - Lingui, the Sacred Bonds (Chad) – Directed by Mahamat-Saleh Haroun

Best First Feature Narrative - Queen of Glory (US) – Directed by Nana Mensah

Best Feature Documentary - Buddy Guy: the Blues Chase the Blues Away (US) -- Directed by Charles Todd & Devin Amar

Best First Feature Documentary - Africa and I (South Africa) -- Directed by Othmane Zolati & Chris Green

Best Short Narrative - Slow Pulse (US) – Directed by Marshall Tyler

Best Short Documentary - Cuba in Africa (Cuba/US) -- Directed by Negash Abdurahman

Programmers’ Awards

Programmers’ Award: Narrative Feature - Ayinla (Nigeria) – Directed by Tunde Kelani

Programmers’ Award: Documentary - Race Today (UK) -- Directed by Wayne G Saunders

Programmers’ Award: Short Narrative - 2 Eye Drops from Normal (US) -- Directed by Mora Carew

Programmers’ Award: Short Documentary - For Love & Legacy (US)--Directed by A.K. Sandhu

Audience Awards

Audience Favorite: Feature Narrative - Remember Me: The Mahalia Jackson Story (US) -- Directed by Denise Dowse

Audience Favorite: Feature Documentary (tie) - The Dream Whisperer (US) – Directed by Eric Drath and Ferguson Rises (US) – Directed by Mobolaji Olambiwonnu

Audience Favorite: Short Narrative - Contraban (US) – Directed by Chelsea Hicks

Audience Favorite: Short Documentary - Crawford - The Man the South Forgot (US) – Directed by Carol Devoe

Ja’net Dubois Awards

Narrative - A Brother’s Whisper (US) -- Directed by Jacinto Taras Riddick

Documentary- Grandpa was an Emperor (US/Canada/Ethiopia/France/Germany/Jamaica/UK) -- Directed by Constance Marks

Festival Sponsors and Partners

PAFF is sponsored in part by the City of Los Angeles, the Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs, Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell through the Department of Arts and Culture, LA Councilmember Marqueece Harris-Dawson, LA Councilmember Curren Price, LA Councilmember Herb Wesson, the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences, LA Arts COVID-19 Relief Fund with the California Community Foundation, and the LA County COVID-19 Arts Relief Fund administered by the LA County Department of Arts and Culture.

The 30th Pan African Film & Arts Festival’s sponsors include Major Festival Sponsors: Stocker Street Creative, FX Networks, and Glassdoor.

Additional sponsors include: ALLBLK, University of Southern California (USC), Procter & Gamble (P&G), Showtime, Paramount+, Sierra Club, Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), California State University, Los Angeles (Cal State LA), Black Alliance for Just Immigration (BAJI), Union Bank, Sony Pictures Entertainment, STARZ, Unilever (Dove), Kaiser Permanente, Bank of America, Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro), Los Angeles Lakers, Directors Guild of America, Motion Pictures Association, West Basin Municipal Water District, SAGindie, Water Replenishment District, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) School of Theater, Film & Television, 100 Black Men of Los Angeles, IKEA, Cinemark, Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza, Warner Media, TV One.

About the Pan African Film Festival

Established in 1992 by Hollywood veterans Danny Glover (The Color Purple, Lethal Weapon), the late Ja’Net DuBois (“Good Times”), and Ayuko Babu (Executive Director), the Pan African Film Festival is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that has remained dedicated to the promotion of Black stories and images through the exhibition of film, visual art, and other creative expression. PAFF is one of the largest and most prestigious Black film festival in the U.S. and attracts local, national, and international audiences. In addition, it is an Oscar qualifying festival for animation and live-action films, and one of the largest Black History Month events in America.

AN ACT OF WORSHIP World Premiere at Tribeca Film Festival 2022

Photo 3-(L-R) Khadega in Nausheen Dadabhoy's AN ACT OF WORSHIP (Photo Credit_ Capital K Pictures)

Director: Nausheen Dadabhoy
Producer: Sofian Khan, Kristi Jacobson, Heba Elorbany
Running Time: 1 hour 23 minutes
Language: English, Arabic
Country: USA

PUBLIC SCREENING SCHEDULE
Thursday, June 9 at 5:00PM at Village East - WORLD PREMIERE
Friday, June 10 at 6:00PM at Cinepolis - 2nd Public Screening
Sunday, June 12 at 8:15PM at Tribeca Film Center - 3rd Public Screening

(L-R) Aber and her mother in Nausheen Dadabhoy's AN ACT OF WORSHIP (Photo Credit_ Capital K Pictures)

(L-R) Khadega in Nausheen Dadabhoy's AN ACT OF WORSHIP (Photo Credit_ Capital K Pictures)

(L-R) Aber in Nausheen Dadabhoy's AN ACT OF WORSHIP (Photo Credit_ Capital K Pictures)

AN ACT OF WORSHIP is a polyphonic portrait of the last 30 years of Muslim life in America. Told through the lens of Muslims living in the United States, the film offers a counter-narrative of pivotal moments in U.S. history and explores the impact of anti-Muslim rhetoric and policy on young Muslims who came of age after 9/11. Due to their first-hand knowledge and intimate access to the Muslim community, the filmmaking team is able to take charge of the account, which has previously been shaped by outsiders.

ABER’s father was deported when she was 16. Now, she’s a community organizer leading a sanctuary city initiative in New York. KHADEGA is an 18-year-old Sudanese immigrant living in Michigan. While she feels compelled to advocate for her community, she struggles to overcome society's expectations of her and find her own way. AMEENA is a civil rights lawyer in California, but as a mother, she’s conflicted between caring for her three young children or sacrificing her time with them to fight for change.

Weaving together observational footage of these three women with community home videos, and evocative recollections from individuals impacted by incidents of Islamophobia, AN ACT OF WORSHIP opens a window into the world of Muslim Americans through collective memory.

NAUSHEEN DADABHOY, is a director and cinematographer whose work spans fiction and documentary. She lensed an Oscar nominated film, an Emmy winning documentary, and films that have played at Sundance, TIFF, Locarno and on Al Jazeera, HBO and PBS. Her directorial debut THE GROUND BENEATH THEIR FEET premiered at IDFA.

TRIBECA FILM FESTIVAL 2022

Link to buy tickets: https://tribecafilm.com/films/act-of-worship-2022 #Tribeca2022