List of Music Films Screening at 30th Pan African Film and Arts Festival

Check out the dynamic line-up of music films screening this year at the 3oth Pan African Film and Arts Festival 2022

PAFF_Anniversary_Medallion

Oscar Peterson: Black + White (Documentary, 83 min, Canada) Directed by Barry Avrich

This film explores the life and legacy of the great Afro-Canadian jazz icon and composer Oscar Peterson -- his sound, stardom, and staggering virtuosity. His family are among the people who fled or migrated to Canada from slavery and individual acts of racism or structural racism in the United States. This ground-breaking “docu-concert” delves into the seven-decade career of this jazz master from his days as a child prodigy in Canada to the development of his signature sound on recordings with his trio, and from collaborations with the legends of his era to his brilliant solo performances around the world — as well as his tenacious experiences confronting racism and segregation while touring the United States and the world, which culminated with his epic composition, Hymn to Freedom, inspired by Mr. Nelson Mandela and his peoples’ struggle for freedom and majority rule.

Buddy Guy: The Blues Chase the Blues Away (Documentary, 82 min, US) Directed by Charles Todd & Devin Amar

The story of Buddy Guy, who transcended his early years sharecropping in 1940s racist Louisiana to become one of music’s most influential guitarists, directly inspiring Taj Mahal, Johnny “Guitar” Watson, The Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix, and Eric Clapton. A tale of decades-long perseverance, Buddy’s journey reflects his peoples’ experiences in America through their music--the blues.

Love, Longing, Loss: At Home with Charles Lloyd During a Year of the Plague (Documentary, 60 min, US) Directed by Dorothy Darr

This film is about the amazing Charles Lloyd, one of the iconic jazz saxophonists of the 20th and 21st centuries, and the effects of the isolation due to the plague (COVID and its variants) which created a period of reflection, revelation and resourcefulness. Filmed over the course of several months using iPhone and Lumix cameras and a portable Zoom recorder, the film provides a rare and intimate insight into the artistry of Charles Lloyd--including his reflections on music, solitude, resistance, social injustice, his ancestry, as well as solo performances.

Tonton Manu (Documentary, 90 min, Brazil/Cameroon/Congo-Brazzaville/DRC/Côte d'Ivoire/France/Guadeloupe/UK/US) Directed by Patrick Puzenat & Thierry Dechilly (about the great Manu Dibango, who brought Soul Makossa to the world and influenced Michael Jackson’s album Thriller. Tonton means uncle in various African languages.)

This film, begun at the dawn of Manu’s eightieth birthday and completed five years later to the day, is a portrait of the great musician Manu Dibango, tireless defender of the mix of cultures that takes us to three continents. Rhythmic by a diversity of exchanges and the convictions of personalities, this sensitive and modest portrait is interspersed with moments of musical grace where the great Manu creates instances of pure emotion from his saxophone.

The Rumba Kings (Documentary, 94 min, Belgium/DRC/France/Morocco/Peru/US) Directed by Alan Brain

This wonderful film celebrates the great Pan African music that came out of the Democratic Republic of the Congoa nation that fought slavery and colonial oppression for its freedomThey forged a modern identity with the help of this music. In the 1950s, when the DRC was a Belgian colony, a generation of great Congolese musicians fused traditional African rhythms and music with Afro-Cuban rhythms and music to create the electrifying beat of a new Pan African sound called Congolese rumba. A beat that would carry Congo through its 1960s independence struggle and conquer Pan African nations and communities worldwide with its infectious groove, captivating guitar licks, and smooth vocals.

Remember Me: The Mahalia Jackson Story (Narrative Feature, 90 min, US) Directed by Denise Dowse

The Opening Night film celebrating the 30th Anniversary of the Pan African Film Festival on April 9@7:00 pm at the Directors Guild of America

An insightful look into the life and ascent of legendary, iconic, and mystic Gospel Singer Mahalia Jackson. This film focuses on her search to balance her gift, love, and her activism during the civil rights movement in the 1950s and 1960s. Mahalia broke racial, gender, business, and musical barriers and participated fully in the civil rights movement. She influenced such singers as Aretha Franklin, the Staple Singers, Nina Simone, and many others. She was an advisor to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and was his favorite singer. When Dr. King was depressed and feeling low, wherever he was in the world and no matter what time it was, he would call Mahalia and ask her to sing a song. As a civil rights activist she was conscious of her power in the movement, among the people and with Dr. King. An example of this mystical connection between her, the people and Dr. King is when Dr. King was giving the keynote speech at the 1963 March on Washington in front of 250,000 people at the Lincoln Memorial and millions of people watching on television worldwide. As he soared into his oratory, Mahalia can be heard saying “Martin, tell them about your dream.” He seamlessly soared into his dream which had an electrifying effect on the multitudes who were present and listening from around the world. The speech became the famous, iconic “I Have a Dream Speech,” considered one of the greatest speeches ever given. It is truly an honor for the Pan African Film Festival to have the opportunity to showcase this wonderful film about this iconic sister as the Opening Night film celebrating our 30th Anniversary on April 19@7:00 pm at the Directors Guild of America.

Ayinla (Narrative Feature, 119 min, Nigeria) Directed by Tunde Kelani

Set against the backdrop of a beautiful range of hills and valleys in the southwestern Nigerian countryside, AYINLA is inspired by the life and times of Ayinla Omowura, a popular Yoruba musician in rural Nigeria. Ayinla was the decisive proponent of the important music from the Yoruba people called Apala. As a result of his innovations, creativity, musicianship and spirituality, as well as his ability to speak to the conditions of the people, this music has spread around the world and has produced such superstars as Fela Aníkúlápó Kuti, Chief Sonny Ade, Hugh Masekela, Chief Ebenezer Obey, Bobby Benson, Nobel Prize winner Wole Soyinka, Femi Kuti, Seun Kuti, Tony Allen and many others. Apala music is so powerful that it can be heard somewhere on the planet Earth in various forms such as fuji music every day. The film captures the story of this musical superstar who comes to a tragic end as his stardom was ascending. Forty years after his death, his legacy and Apala music remains popular and relevant today. 

Queen Nzingha “Black Power” Album Release on April 9, 2022.

Queen Nzingha "Black Power" New Album Release
Queen Nzingha "Black Power" New Album Release

Queen Nzingha “Black Power” New Album release on April 9, 2022

Come out to the Montu Arts Healing Oasis, located at 8301 S. Western Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90047

Starting at 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m for the "Black Power" new album release.

With a special performance by Kouman Kele West African Dance Company and hosted Torrence Brannon Reese.

Admission is $10 and includes a “Black Power” CD

Music is available on all digital platforms!

RSVP Contact: Ms. Bing at 310 773-1452

Maria Schneider Orchestra with Regina Carter at LA Phil with Leimert Park Village Book Fair Jazz Lounge’s Tribute to Women in Jazz

Maria.Regina Carter Image

Come out for the great music of Maria Scheider Orchestra Featuring Regina Carter at the LA Phil on Friday, March 25, 2022, at 8 p.m.

Stop by BP Hall before the concert, at 6;30 p.m., for the Leimert Park Village Book Fair Jazz Lounge “Tribute to Women in Jazz.” There will be special displays, exhibits, photos, memorabilia, and more.

Get 20% off discount using the code LPVF.

The concert is located at the Walt Disney Concert Hall, home of the LA Phil

LA Phil Music and Artistic Director is Gustavo Dudamel

GUNPOWDER & SKY Presents a Penguardia Productions, Elvis Duran Group, Workhouse Media and HQ Creative Production ‘WORST TO FIRST: THE TRUE STORY OF Z100 NEW YORK ‘

Title Card from Mitchell Stuart's WORST TO FIRST (Photo Credit Gunpowder & Sky).
Title Card from Mitchell Stuart's WORST TO FIRST (Photo Credit Gunpowder & Sky).

Director, Writer and Producer: Mitchell Stuart
Producers: Trish Hunter Shannon, Elvis Duran, David Katz and John McConnell
Cast: Scott Shannon, Elvis Duran, Jon Bon Jovi, Nile Rodgers, Clive Davis, Debbie Gibson, Joan Jett, Taylor Dayne, Tony Orlando, Joe Piscopo, “Magic” Matthew Alan, “Professor” Jonathan B. Bell, Frankie Blue, Anita Bonita, Ross Brittain, Pete Cosenza, Michael Ellis, Gavin DeGraw, Cathy Donovan, Gary Fisher, Frank Foti, Sean “Hollywood” Hamilton, David Hinckley, Donnie lenner, Jim Kerr, Steve Kingston, Ken Lane, Kenny Laguna, Jimi LaLumina, Tom Poleman, Geraldo Rivera, Trish Hunter Shannon, Patty Steele, Claire Stevens, Mitchell Stuart, John Sykes and Jim Wood.
Genre: Feature Documentary
Rating: G
Runtime: 1 hour 4 minutes

Jon Bon Jovi from Mitchell Stuart's WORST TO FIRST (Photo Credit Gunpowder & Sky)
Jon Bon Jovi from Mitchell Stuart's WORST TO FIRST (Photo Credit Gunpowder & Sky)

WORST TO FIRST: THE TRUE STORY OF Z100 NEW YORK WILL BE RELEASED ON VOD AND CABLE IN THE UNITED STATES ON FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 11.

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

CABLE PLATFORMS INCLUDE: InDemand (Comcast, Spectrum, Charter, Cox, Frontier), DirectTV and more.

Z100 Hit List from Mitchell Stuart's WORST TO FIRST (Photo Credit Gunpowder and Sky)
Z100 Hit List from Mitchell Stuart's WORST TO FIRST (Photo Credit Gunpowder and Sky)

WORST TO FIRST is a feature-length documentary that portrays the against-all-odds inspirational story of the launch of the iconic and most successful radio station in history, New York City’s Z100. In 1983, Z100 launched from the swamps of New Jersey, where no artist would venture, and the DJs had to buy their own records just to have music to play on air. Fun, poignant and aspirational, the film features Scott Shannon and several other Hall of Fame radio personalities as well as industry legends like Clive Davis and Elvis Duran.

Iconic artists who got their start on Z100 such as Jon Bon Jovi, Joan Jett, Nile Rodgers, and era superstars, Debbie Gibson and Taylor Dayne all share their personal stories of the importance of the station, their love of radio and passion for performing music.

Capturing the times, personalities and music of the era, WORST TO FIRST portrays the ultimate David and Goliath story that built the foundation for the world's biggest radio station and the people behind the legacy that endures and continues to grow, reaching eight-digit audiences daily, and continuing to influence the face of media and entertainment.

Joan Jett from Mitchell Stuart's WORST TO FIRST (Photo Credit Gunpowder and Sky
Joan Jett from Mitchell Stuart's WORST TO FIRST (Photo Credit Gunpowder and Sky

MITCHELL STUART is a multiple film festival and Emmy-Award winning filmmaker and storyteller of compelling documentaries, groundbreaking digital series and industry-disrupting brand campaigns. Whether following his heart to tell an inspirational, against all odds story about female freedom fighters in Africa, or honoring his lifelong passion for music and filmmaking, Mitchell tells authentic stories that move and engage an audience.

Known for riveting, thought-provoking visuals and for often composing original music for the soundtracks of his films, he has been honored with 15 NY Emmy-Award Nominations for his music and entertainment documentary series, the Emmy-Award Winning Road to MSG, featuring Jay Z, Earth Wind & Fire, Chicago, Z100’s Jingle Ball concerts with Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, John Mayer, Justin Bieber, Taylor Swift and more. Dozens of film festivals throughout the world have honored him and his partner, Cheryl Halpern, winning awards for directing, best film, social justice, world peace and humanitarian efforts with their documentaries, Natsanat (Ethiopian for freedom), Fighting to be Free and Remembering Maurits Kiek.

Working closely with the Broadway community, Mitchell spearheaded the documentary-style Tony Award Campaign for Moulin Rouge the Musical resulting in 14 Tony Award nominations. He was also directed a uniquely cinematic short film on the return to Broadway of Phantom of the Opera, and Broadway’s partnership with the MTA, The Only Sure Way to Broadway.

Taylor Dayne from Mitchell Stuart's WORST TO FIRST (Photo Credit Gunpowder and Sky)
Taylor Dayne from Mitchell Stuart's WORST TO FIRST (Photo Credit Gunpowder and Sky)

A proud born and bred New Yorker, his natural drive for diving deeper into his research preparation has led to stellar work with a diverse and brilliant who’s who list of musicians and newsmakers including The Who, Rod Stewart, Trevor Noah, Taylor Swift, Katy Perry, Jon Bon Jovi, Sting and The Foo Fighters in first concert celebrating the return of live music to Madison Square Garden post COVID-19.

The Chi-Lites Receive the 2,702 Star on Hollywood Walk of Fame

Chi Lites Poster

Old School R&B legends The Chi-Lites received the 2,702 star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Thursday, September 30th.

Their new star is in the recording category and located at 7057 Hollywood Boulevard at Sycamore Avenue.

On hand to assist the Hollywood Chamber Chair of the Board Nicole Mihalk honor the Chi- Lites where actor of 'Good Times' fame, Jimmie Walker and New York syndicated and Sirius/XB radio personality Jeff Fox.

Marshall Thompson
Marshall Thompson

Marshall Thompson, the sole, living founding member, accepted the award on behalf of The Chi-Lites. The current members Tara Thompson, Fred Simon, Warren Tipton, and Mack Miller were also in attendance.

Gone to soon, but certainly not forgotten during the celebration, were founding members Eugene Record, Robert 'Squirrel' Lester, and Creadel 'Red' Jones, who were all acknowledged and celebrated on Thursday.

The poster of Creadel 'Red' Jones, Robert 'Squirrel' Lester, and Eugene Record, and Marshall Thompson on display kept them front and center throughout the Walk of Fame ceremony.

Claudette Robinson, First Lady of Motown Photo: Yevette Renee
Claudette Robinson, First Lady of Motown Photo: Yevette Renee

In the audience to support the Chi-Lites was Claudette Robinson, the First Lady of Motown and an original member of The Miracles, , Good Times' Bern Nadette Stanis, Freda Payne, and Angela Yevette, daughter of Creadel 'Red'Jones and others.

Marshall Thompson formed the group the "Hi-Lights in 1959 with his friends Eugene Record, Robert 'Squirrel' Lester, and Creadel 'Red 'Jones in Chicago, Il. In 1964 the groups name was changed to 'Marshall & The Chi-Lites. It was 1969 when they were signed to Brunswick Records, headed by Carl Davis and Nat Tarnopol and known world wide as 'The Chi-Lites.

Some of their memorable songs from their more than 60 years in the business, include What Do I Wish For, Give More Power to the People, Let Me Be the Man My Daddy Was, Lonely Man, Oh Girl, Have You Seen Her.

As a final note, the Chi-Lites fans and supporters were looking good, dressed to-the-nines and ready for a Hollywood party.

Old School R&B legends The Chi-Lites received the 2,702 star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Thursday, September 30th.

Their new star is in the recording category is located at 7057 Hollywood Boulevard at Sycamore Avenue.

‘MY DEAD DAD’ World Premiere at 2021 Woodstock Film Festival

Never Norm Logo
Poster

Directed by: Fabio Frey
Written by: Pedro Correa and Fabio Frey
Starring: Pedro Correa, Raymond Cruz, Courtney Dietz, Simon Rex, Booboo Stewart, Chris Pontius, and Steven Bauer
Runtime: 1 hour 33 minutes
Rating: Note yet rated
Genre: Drama

"A breath of fresh air."
- Nathan Nugent, ROOM

"Both explosive, yet grounded."
- Rick Montgomery, GREEN BOOK

"Pedro Correa in a standout performance."
- Randy Myers, BAY CITY NEWS

BlueHour pic

World Premiere

2021 Woodstock Film Festival
MY DEAD DAD |
Friday, October 1st @ 4pm - Tinker Street Cinema - World Premiere
Sunday, October 3rd @ 11am - Orpheum Theater - second screening

California Premiere
2021 Mill Valley Film Festival
MY DEAD DAD
Saturday, October 9th @ 6pm - Smith Rafael Film Center
Monday, October 11th @ 3pm - Smith Rafael Film Center - second screening

Texas Premiere
2021 Austin Film Festival
MY DEAD DAD
Friday, October 22nd @ 7:15pm - Galaxy Highland 6 - Texas Premiere
Wednesday, October 26th @ 4pm - Galaxy Highland 5 - second screening

Raymond Cruz
Raymond Cruz

In this charming coming-of-age drama, young burnout Lucas (Pedro Correa) is notified that his estranged father has passed away. Relieved to never have to hear about him again, Lucas learns that his father left him the responsibility of managing an apartment complex in Los Angeles. Determined to sell off the complex without a second thought, Lucas meets the eclectic tenants, and soon discovers his father was a different man than the one he knew.

"Every step of the way, from pre-production to post, we were faced with logistical and financial roadblocks, yet I can say that the many big things that could have easily shut production down somehow always missed us, lucky break after lucky break." says writer/director Fabio Frey. "At the end of the day, I'm proud of what we made with the amazing supporters who believed in us. I hope it gives our audience a sense of catharsis, the way it did for us, and the courage to revisit memories they have buried away."

Website: www.mydeaddadmovie.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/mydeaddadmovie
Facebook: www.facebook.com/mydeaddadmovie
Twitter: www.twitter.com/mydeaddadmovie

Director: Fabio Frey
Writers: Fabio Frey, Pedro Correa
Producers: Pedro Correa and Tara Ansley
Executive Producers: Declan Baldwin and Karl Hartman
Editor: Theo Cowen
Cinematographer: Alejandro Ramos
Composer: David M. Saunders
A film by Never Norm Films, Wanderwell Entertainment, and Big Indie Pictures

VIEW  TRAILER BELOW!

Kathie Lee Gifford Receives Hollywood Star

Kathie Lee Gifford Walk of Fame Star. Photo: Yevette  Renee

Four-time Emmy winner, Kathie Lee Gifford
received the 2,695th Star on the Hollywood
Walk of Fame during a virtual ceremony on Wednesday, April 28, 2021. Kathie Lee Gifford's star is
in the Television category.

Gifford's first individual star is located at 6834 Hollywood Boulevard, just five stars from her 15-year co-
host on "Live With Regis and Kathie Lee" Rgis Philbin.

Helping Rana Chadban, President and CEO of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, with Gifford's star dedication were
Dolly Parton, Craig Ferguson, and her former co-host and Emmy winner, Hoda Kotb.

An actress, playwriter, producer, singer and songwriter, Kathie Lee Gifford 45-year career includes roles on television and stage, in film and as a five-time New York Times bestseller.

93rd Academy Awards 2021 OSCAR Winners!

OSCAR Marquee. Photo: Yevette Renee
OSCAR Marquee. Photo: Yevette Renee

The Winners of the 93rd Academy Awards 2021 Oscars are:

Best Picture
"Nomadland" (Searchlight Pictures)

Best Director
Chloe Zhao for "Nomadland" (Searchlight Pictures)

Best Actress in a Leading Role
Frances McDormand, "Nomadland" (Searchlight Pictures)

Best Actor in a Leading Role
Anthony Hopkins, "The Father" (Sony Pictures Classics)

Best Actor in a Supporting Role
Daniel Kaluuya, "Judas and the Black Messiah" (Warner Bros.)

Best Actress in a Supporting Role
Yuh-Jung Youn, "Minari" (Plan B)

Best Writer (Adapted Screenplay)
"The Father" (Sony Pictures Classics)

Best Writer (Original Screenplay)
Promising Young Woman" (Focus Features)

Best Cinematographer
"Mank" (Netflix)

Best Animated Feature Film
"Soul" (Pixar)

Best Documentary Feature
"My Octopus Teacher" (Netflix)

Music - Best Original Score
"Soul"

Music - Best Original Song
"Fight For You" from "Judas and the Black Messiah" (Music by H.E.R. and Dernst Emile II; Lyric by H.E.R. and Tiara Thomas)

Best Animated Short Film
"If Anything Happens I Love You"

Best Live Action Short Film
"Two Distant Strangers" Travon Free, Martin Desmond Rice

Best Documentary Short Subject
"Colette" Anthony Giachino, Alic Doyard

Best Film Editing
"Sound of Metal" (Amazon)

Best Sound
"Sound of Metal" (Amazon)

Best International Feature Film
"Another Round," (Denmark )

Best Costume Design
"Ma Rainey's Black Bottom" Ann Roth (Netflix)

Best Makeup and Hairstyling
"Ma Rainey's Black Bottom" Mia Neal, Sergio Lopez-Rivera, Jamika Wilson (Netflix)

Best Production Design
"Mank" (Netflix)

Best Visual Effects
"Tenet" (Warner Bros.)

2021 Nominees

Best Picture

"The Father"
"Judas and the Black Messiah"
"Mank"
"Minari"
"Nomadland"
"Promising Young Woman"
"Sound of Metal"
"The Trial of the Chicago 7"

Best Director

Thomas Vinterberg for "Another Round"
David Fincher for "Mank"
Lee Isaac Chung for "Minari"
Chloe Zhao for "Nomadland"
Emerald Fennell for "Promising Young Woman"

David Fincher's "Mank" leads nominations to the 93rd Academy Awards with 10 nods, and for the first time, two women - Chloé Zhao and Emerald Fennell - were nominated for best director.

 

Best Actress in a Leading Role

Viola Davis, "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom"
Andra Day, "The United States Vs. Billie Holiday"
Vanessa Kirby, "Pieces Of A Woman"
Frances McDormand, "Nomadland"
Carey Mulligan, "Promising Young Woman"

Best Actor in a Leading Role

Riz Ahmed, "Sound of Metal"
Chadwick Boseman, "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom"
Anthony Hopkins, "The Father"
Gary Oldman in "Mank"
Steven Yeun in "Minari"

Best Actor in a Supporting Role

Sacha Baron Cohen, "The Trial of the Chicago 7"
Daniel Kaluuya, "Judas and the Black Messiah"
Leslie Odom Jr., "One Night in Miami"
Paul Raci, "Sound of Metal"
Lakeith Stanfield, "Judas and the Black Messiah"

Best Actress in a Supporting Role

Maria Bakalova, "Borat Subsequent Moviefilm"
Glenn Close, "Hillbilly Elegy"
Olivia Colman, "The Father"
Amanda Seyfried, "Mank"
Yuh-Jung Youn, "Minari"

Best Writer (Adapted Screenplay)

"Borat Subsequent Moviefilm"
"The Father"
"Nomadland"
"One Night in Miami"
"The White Tiger"

Best Writer (Original Screenplay)

"Judas and the Black Messiah"
"Minari"
"Promising Young Woman"
"Sound of Metal"
"The Trial of the Chicago 7"

Best Cinematographer

"Judas and the Black Messiah"
"Mank"
"News of the World"
"Nomadland"
"The Trial of the Chicago 7"

Best Animated Feature Film

"Onward"
"Over the Moon"
"A Shaun the Sheep Movie: Farmageddon"
"Soul"
"Wolfwalkers"

Best Documentary Feature

"Collective"
"Crip Camp"
"The Mole Agent"
"My Octopus Teacher"
"Time"

Music - Best Original Score

"Da 5 Bloods"
"Mank"
"Minari"
"News of the World"
"Soul"

Music - Best Original Song

"Fight For You" from "Judas and the Black Messiah" (Music by H.E.R. and Dernst Emile II; Lyric by H.E.R. and Tiara Thomas)
"Hear My Voice" from "The Trial of the Chicago 7" (Music by Daniel Pemberton; Lyric by Daniel Pemberton and Celeste Waite)
"Husavik" from "Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga" (Music and Lyric by Savan Kotecha, Fat Max Gsus and Rickard Gransson)
"Io S (Seen)" from "The Life Ahead (La Vita Davanti a Se)" (Music by Diane Warren; Lyric by Diane Warren and Laura Pausini)
"Speak Now" from "One Night in Miami..." (Music and Lyric by Leslie Odom, Jr. and Sam Ashworth)

Best Animated Short Film

"Burrow"
"Genius Loci"
"If Anything Happens I Love You"
"Opera"
"Yes-People"

Best Live Action Short Film

"Feeling Through"
"The Letter Room"
"The Present"
"Two Distant Strangers"
"White Eye"

Best Documentary Short Subject

"Colette"
"A Concerto Is a Conversation"
"Do Not Split"
"Hunger Ward"
"A Love Song for Latasha"

Best Film Editing

"The Father"
"Nomadland"
"Promising Young Woman"
"Sound of Metal"
"The Trial of the Chicago 7"

Best Sound

"Greyhound"
"Mank"
"News of the World"
"Soul"
"Sound of Metal"

Best International Feature Film

"Another Round," Denmark
"Better Days," Hong Kong
"Collective," Romania
"The Man Who Sold His Skin," Tunisia
"Quo Vadis, Aida?," Bosnia and Herzegovina

Best Costume Design

"Emma"
"Ma Rainey's Black Bottom"
"Mank"
"Mulan"
"Pinocchio"

Best Makeup and Hairstyling

"Emma"
"Hillbilly Elegy"
"Ma Rainey's Black Bottom"
"Mank"
"Pinocchio"

Best Production Design

"The Father"
"Ma Rainey's Black Bottom"
"Mank"
"News of the World"
"Tenet"

Best Visual Effects

"Love and Monsters"
"The Midnight Sky"
"Mulan"
"The One and Only Ivan"
"Tenet"

Restrictions Lifted, Hollywood Reopens

Oscar Marquee. Photo credit: Yevette Renee

Because of the commitment of President Joe Biden, he has exceeded his goal of 100 million shots in the arms in his first 100 days in office, which has greatly help in the decline in COVID cases.

And after a year of lockdowns, with no movie premieres, music, television or film productions, Los Angeles County has been moved into the "Orange Tier" of the State's Blueprint for Safer Economy framework, and some of the restrictions will be lifted for the music, television, and film productions. To meet the requirements, the county of Los Angeles must report 3.9 or fewer daily new coronavirus cases per 100,000 residents and a test positivity rate under 5%.

And, beginning on April 15th, Los Angeles and Orange County, will be able to lift restrictions on indoor concerts, theater performances and other indoor music, television and film productions. If you want to attend any of these indoor events, you will have to show a negative COVID-19 test result or proof that you have completed ALL vaccination requirements.

Restaurant and movie theaters can increase their indoor capacity from 25% or 100 people to 50% or 200 people. This also also applies to museums, zoos, and places of worship. Bars can open at 33% capacity.

Amusement Parks
Six Flag Magic Mountain reopened on April 3rd.
Universal Studio Tourswiil reopen to California residents only on April 16th.
Disneyland will reopen on April 30th

Education
Los Angeles Unified School District is scheduled to return preschool
and elementary school students to in-class instruction instruction in the middle of April. Middle and high school students scheduled for the end of April.

Film  Festivals
Sun Valley Film Festival April 14-18, online
Hot Docs, April 29-May 9
True/False Film Festival, May 5-9, in-person and online
Tribeca Film Festival, June 9-20
Mountainfilm, May 29-31, in-person; May 31-June 6, online
Provincetown Film Festival, June 16-25, in-person and online
Comic-Con, July 22-25
CinemaCon, August 26-30
Telluride Film Festival, September 2-6
Indigo Moon Film Festival, October 8-10 is in-person, October 9-15, online
AFM-American Film Market, November 2-7

Movie Theaters that have reopened in Los Angeles County:
AMC Theatres in Century City, Santa Monica and Burbank
Cinemark at the Promenade at Howard Huges Center, Westchester
El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood
Laemmle Theatres In Santa Monica, North Hollywood, Glendale, West L.A. and Pasadena
Landmark Theatres in Westwood opened on March 26th
Nuart Theatre in Santa Monica
Pacific Theaters in the Grove, Pacific Northridge Center, Americana Glendale
Regal Cinema reopened with the April 2nd limited release of Godzilla vs. Kong.
Regency Theatres in Van Nuys, Granada Hills, Agoura Hills
TCL Chinese Theatre reopened on March 29th with the limited release of Godzilla vs. Kong

ArcLight Cinemas -Hollywood has not reopened

Museums
Have opened at 25% capacity.
The Autry Museum of the American West
California African American Museum
California Science Center
LACMA
The Los Angeles County Museum of Art opened on April 1st
Los Angeles Zoo
The Hammer Museum
Natural History Museum of Los Angels Countym La Brea Tar Pits, and William S. Hart Museum
Skirball Cultural Center

Museum to reopen soon
The Broad to reopen in May
GRAMMY Museum no reopening date announced
MOCA no reopening date announced
Travel Town Museum

Governor Newsom is scheduled to phase-out the four-tiered, color-coded system that has been used as the guide for the state's reopening during the year-long closure, and open up the California economy on June 15th. This is subject to change based on the trend of COVID cases.

The Los Angeles County health protocols, called Appendix J, must be agreed to in order to receive a film permit from FilmLA. This includes Employers must provide all personal protective equipment (PPE).

All productions that are one or limited-time special event or performances must submit an event safety plan for review at least 10 business days before the planned event. You must submit your event plant via email to the Public Health department at: LiaisonCOVID19@ph.lacounty.gov. It is required to include the details of the event, a completed Department of Public Health Appendix J Protocol Checklist, schematics and any additional information that PDH may need to ensure the safety of all.

All productions for live outdoor events and performances mut also follow the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health "Protocol for Outdoor Seated Live Events and Performances.

Additional requirements for music, television and film productions are as follows:
Restaurants and bars
Retail Operations
Office Spaces
Warehouse and Manufacturing
Construction

Each productions is required to provide information on how they will protect employees health, with social distancing and infection control, how they will communicate with their employees and the public and how they will ensure fairness to all their employees and their ability to access services.

See Appendix J here

BEYONCE’S NEW VIDEO ALBUM BLACK IS KING RELEASED ON DISNEY+

An extravagance story of black life and its African lineage and heritage, Beyonce’s new video album began streaming on Disney+ on Friday, July 31, 2020.

The 90 minutes of music from Bey was inspired by the 2019 Lion King theme song, “The Lion King: The Gift. Beyonce was the voice of Nala, Simba’s lady love in the 2019 film. The Lion King is all about uplifting people with valuable life lessons. Lessons of loyalty, love and determination which is expanded upon with Black is King.

A showcase of blackness in all its hues and glory is truly uplifting during this time of racial protest and reckoning. It’s a magnificent reminder of the Kings and Queens from whom we are descendants. Something we should constantly reminded ourselves.

Joining Bey on Black is King are Pharrell Williams and Kendrick Lamar, Childish Gambino, Lord Afrixana, Wizkids   and her husband Jay-Z. You know the video album would not be complete with an appearance by Blue Ivy.

Black is King is written, directed and executive produced by Queen Bey.  Full of wonderful sounds and visual inspiring, Black is King is what we needed.