Uncategorized – Page 3 – Unspool Hollywood

Keeping it Real, Telling it Like it is, Jamie Fox, Angela Bassett and Other Black Leading Men and Women in Hollywood do that and More in ‘Number One on The Call Sheet’

Release Date: March 28, 2025 Apple TV+
Directors: Reginald Hudlin Shola Lynch
Country: United States
Language: English

Directors Reginald Hudlin and Shola Lynch brings the raw truths of leading black men and women in Hollywood to the screen in ‘Number One on The Call’ as they give their accounts of the struggles and triumphs as the they have risen and continue to rise on the call sheet.

You hear from the biggest names in Hollywood. The likes of Eddie Murphy, Dwayne “Rock” Johnson, Lawrence Fishburn, Taraji P. Henson, Whoopi Goldberg, and more, as they move on up.

The two-part documentary is produced by Jamie Fox and Kevin Hart and executive producers are Reginald Hudlin, Bryan Smiley, Halle Berry, Viola Davis, Whoopi Goldberg, Angela Bassett.

Production companies are Foxx Hole Production, Story Syndicate and Hartbeat Productions.

Must see on Friday, March 28, 2025

‘NOVOCAINE’: When a Man Loves A Woman

Directors: Dan Berk, Robert Olsen
Writer: Lars Jacobson
Starring: Jack Quaid, Amber Midthunder, Ray Nicholson, Jacob Batalon, Betty Gabriel, Matt Walsh
Run time:1 hour 51 minutes
Genre: Adventure, Comedy, Crime-romance-thriller
Rating: R
Country United States
Language: English

Directors Dan Berk and Robert Olsen’s action thriller tells the story of Nathan Caine (Jack Quaid) a bank executive with a congenital insensitivity to pain (CIP), who puts his inability to feel to good use in order to rescue his girlfriend Sherry (Amber Midthunder) who is taken hostage by bank robbers. The film also stars Ray Nicholson, Jacob Batalon, Betty Gabriel, and Matt Walsh.

Distributor: Paramount Pictures
Directors: Dan Berk, Robert Olsen
Writer: Lars Jacobson
Producers: Joby Harold, Tory Tunnell, Drew Simon
Production companies: Infrared Pictures, Safehouse Pictures, Circle of Confusion
Starring: Jack Quaid, Amber Midthunder, Ray Nicholson, Jacob Batalon, Betty Gabriel, Matt Walsh
Cinematographer: Jacques Jouffret
Editor: Christian Wagner
Music: Lorne Balfe, Andrew Kawczynski

Through the Lens: An Evening with Black Women Directors Presented by Beverly Hills/Hollywood NAACP/EMCC and the Alliance of Women Directors

A Black History Month event celebrating black women directors in Hollywood. The event took place at The Mark Theater, formerly WACO, in North Hollywood.

The discussion was opened by the Beverly Hills/Hollywood Ron Hassan and was moderated by Tanika Ray, multi-talented entertainment reporter and actress, the guest panelist included: Christine Swanson, a writer and director of film and television; Emmy-nominated Marta Cunningham, a former ballet dancer, executive producer, writer and director;Nicki Micheaux, actress, writer and director; and Princes Monique Filmz, writer and director.

‘Emilia Perez’

Release dates: Cannes May 18, 2024, France August 21, 2024
Director and Writer: Jacques Audiard
Based on Emilia Pérez by Jacques Audiard and Écoute
by Boris Razon
Starring: Zoe Saldaña, Karla Sofía Gascón, Selena Gomez, Adriana Paz, Mark Ivanir, Édgar Ramírez
Genre: Musical, Crime
Rating: R
Run time: 2 hours 12 minutes
Country: France
Languages: Spanish and English

Jacques Audiard’s Emilia Perez is the journey of a Mexican cartel leader Juan "Manitas" Del Monte/ Emilia Pérez (Karla Sofía Gascón) who enlists a lawyer Rita Mora Castro, (Zoe Saldaña) to help the cartel leader obtain surgery to become a woman. The story involves Jessi Del Monte, Manitas’ US-raised wife and mother of their children (Selena Gomez); Epifanía Flores (Adriana Paz), Emilia’s romantic partner; Gustavo Brun, Jessi’s romantic partner (Édgar Ramírez); Dr. Wasserman (Mark Ivanir) the doctor who performs gender reassignment surgery on Manitas.

Distributor: Pathé Distribution
Production companies: Why Not Productions, Page 114, Pathé, France 2 Cinéma, Saint Laurent Productions
Producers: Jacques Audiard, Pascal Caucheteux, Valérie Schermann, Anthony Vaccarello
Cinematographer: Paul Guilhaume
Editor: Juliette Welfling
Music: Clément Ducol score and Camille songs

‘The Substance’ Starring Oscar Nominee Demi Moore

The Substance tells the story of celebrity, Elisabeth Sparkle (Demi Moore) who is slowly disappearing from stardom and after being fired by her producer (Dennis Quaid) due to her aging, uses a black market drug that creates a younger version of herself (Margaret Qualley) with unexpected side effects.

You are reminded of Gloria Swanson as Norma Desmond, a silent film star in the 1950 film ‘Sunset Boulevard’ but without the drugs.

Distributors: Mubi in the United Kingdom and United States and Filmexport in France
Producers: Coralie Fargeat, Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner
Production Companies: Working Title Films, Blacksmith
Cinematographer: Benjamin Kračun
Editors: Coralie Fargeat, Jérôme Eltabet, Valentin Feron
Music: Raffertie

AMBER RUFFIN TO HOST THE 16TH ANNUAL AAFCA AWARDS PRESENTED BY THE AFRICAN AMERICAN FILM CRITICS ASSOCIATION

The 16th Annual AAFCA Awards ceremony will be held on February 19th at the Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel

Amber Ruffin Host 16th Annual AFFCA Awards

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 14, 2025 – The African American Film Critics Association (AAFCA) is thrilled to announce that Emmy and Tony Award-nominated writer, comedian, host, performer, and best-selling author Amber Ruffin will host the 16th Annual AAFCA Awards on February 19, 2025 at the Regent Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel. The ceremony will celebrate outstanding achievements in film and television with a special focus on artistic achievement from the African diaspora. It won’t just be Hollywood enjoying the show this year as AAFCA is proudly including first responders as special guests at this year’s ceremony in honor of their heroic efforts during the recent LA wildfires.

Ruffin brings a wealth of comedic talent and sharp social commentary to the AAFCA stage. Known for her innovative and versatile voice, she has made a significant impact on the entertainment landscape. She currently serves as a writer and on-air personality for Late Night with Seth Meyers and will return for the second season of CNN’s acclaimed comedy-news weekly talks series, Have I Got News For You, which she leads opposite Michael Ian Black and Roy Wood Jr., who hosted last year’s AAFCA Awards ceremony. It was recently announced that Ruffin will host the White House Correspondent’s Dinner on April 26.

Her television writing credits also include HBO’s A Black Lady Sketch Show, Comedy Central’s Detroiters, and major awards telecasts including the Emmys, Tonys, and Golden Globes. As a celebrated theater writer, Ruffin wrote a new book for the smash-hit Broadway revival of the iconic musical The Wiz and was nominated for a Tony Award for co-writing the acclaimed musical adaptation of Some Like It Hot. She is currently developing an original musical comedy, Bigfoot.

Ruffin’s previous hosting experience includes the critically acclaimed The Amber Ruffin Show, which ran from 2020-2023 on Peacock and garnered Emmy, Critics Choice, TCA, NAACP Image, and GLAAD Media Award nominations. Her fresh perspective and engaging style have solidified her as a leading voice in comedy.

"This year’s AAFCA Awards are sure to be unforgettable with Amber Ruffin at the helm," said AAFCA co-founder and president Gil Robertson. "We are looking forward to her trademark wit and brilliance gracing the AAFCA Awards stage."

As previously announced, AAFCA’s Top 10 Films list and the winners of the 16th Annual AAFCA Awards are:

AAFCA’S TOP 10 FILMS OF THE YEAR

Nickel Boys
Sing Sing
The Piano Lesson
Gladiator II
Wicked
Emilia Pérez
Albany Road
The Fire Inside
Exhibiting Forgiveness
Dahomey

WINNERS | 16TH ANNUAL AAFCA AWARDS

Best Actor: Colman Domingo (Sing Sing)

Best Actress: Marianne Jean-Baptiste (Hard Truths)

Best Supporting Actor: Clarence Maclin (Sing Sing)

Best Supporting Actress: Danielle Deadwyler (The Piano Lesson)

Best Ensemble: The Piano Lesson

Best Original Score: The Wild Robot (Kris Bowers)

Best Original Song: Bricks, Exhibiting Forgiveness (Andra Day, Cassandra Batie & Jherek Bischoff)

Best Screenplay: Sing Sing (Clint Bentley, Greg Kwedar)

Best Director: RaMell Ross (Nickel Boys)

Best Documentary: *TIE* Daughters (Netflix), Dahomey (Mubi)

Best Animated Feature: The Wild Robot

Best International Film: Emilia Pérez

Best Independent Feature: She Taught Love

Best Picture: Nickel Boys

AAFCA and The Grammy Museum Today Presents ‘The ABC’s of Music Magic for TV

Roahn Hylton, Taura Stinson, Autum Rowe, Qiana Conley Akinro and Schlyer O’Neal; Photo: Yevette Renee

A conversation about people of color and music in television with songwriter, producer, musician, composer and author, Taura Stinson ; Qiana Conley Akinro, senior executive director at The Recording Academy; Autum Rowe, singer-songwriter, TV personality, DJ and Roahn Hylton, Hip-Hop, R&B, and Pop music producer and moderated by Schlyer O’Neal took place at The Grammy Museum on Saturday, February 15, 2025.

The distinguished panelist provided information on their extensive background and how they got started working in the music industry and eventually finding their way to television. It was great opportunity for those interested in getting into the industry and/or those who already in the industry and want to grow and level-up.

‘Captain America: Brave New World’ Starring Anthony Mackie, Now in Theaters

Release Date: February 14, 2025 United States

Director: Julius Onah
Screenplay: Rob Edwards, Malcolm Spellman, Dalan Musson, Julius Onah and Peter Glanz
Story by: Rob Edwards, Malcolm Spellman, Dalan Musson
Captain America creators: Joe Simon and Jack Kirby
Starring: Anthony Mackie, Harrison Ford, Danny Ramirez, Shira Haas, Carl Lumbly, Tim Blake Nelson, Giancarlo Esposito
Genre: Superhero, Sci-Fi Adventure, Action
Rating: PG-13
Run time: 1 hour 48 minutes
Country: United States
Language: English

Director Julius Onah’s ‘Captain America: Brave New World’ follows Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie) as he finds himself in the middle of an international incident after meeting with newly elected U.S. President Thaddeus Ross (Harrison Ford). He must discover the reason behind a nefarious global plot before the true mastermind has the entire world seeing red.

Also stars Danny Ramirez as Joaquin Torres, Shira Haas as Ruth Bat-Seraph, Carl Lumbly as Isaiah Bradley, Tim Blake Nelson as Samuel Sterns and Giancarlo Esposito as Sidewinder.

Distributor: Wallt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
Production Company: Marvel Studios
Director: Julius Onah
Screenplay: Rob Edwards, Malcolm Spellman, Dalan Musson, Julius Onah and Peter Glanz
Story by: Rob Edwards, Malcolm Spellman, Dalan Musson
Captain America creators: Joe Simon and Jack Kirby
Starring: Anthony Mackie, Harrison Ford, Danny Ramirez, Shira Haas, Carl Lumbly, Tim Blake Nelson, Giancarlo Esposito
Producer: Mitchell Bell; co-producer credit as Mitch Bell
Executive Producer: Louis D'Esposito
Co-producer: Kyana F. Davidson
Producers: Kevin Feige, Nate Moore
Associate Producer: Jillian Henry
Executive producers: Anthony Mackie and Charles Newirth
Cinematographer: Kramer Morgenthau
Editor: Madeleine Gavin, Matthew Schmidt
Music: Laura Karpman
Casting: Sarah Finn

PAFF Spotlight Screening: Mount Mutombo Brings the Inspiring Legacy of an NBA Giant to The Culver Theater

Some legacies can’t be measured by championships or statistics.

On Tuesday, February 11, at 8:55 PM, the Pan African Film & Arts Festival (PAFF) proudly presents a Spotlight Screening of Mount Mutombo at The Culver Theater—a powerful documentary chronicling the extraordinary life and impact of NBA legend Dikembe Mutombo.

From his humble beginnings in the Democratic Republic of Congo to his dominance on the basketball court, the film dives deep into the story of a man whose legacy extends far beyond sports. With rare interviews featuring Allen Iverson, Adam Silver, Alonzo Mourning, Patrick Ewing, Tracy McGrady, Hakeem Olajuwon, Masai Ujiri, Larry Brown, and more, Mount Mutombo captures the towering presence and influence of one of basketball’s greatest defenders—not just in the game, but in the world.

Beyond his NBA career, Mutombo has dedicated his life to philanthropy and humanitarian efforts, building hospitals, empowering communities, and becoming a global ambassador for change. His story is one of resilience, generosity, and the belief that true greatness comes from lifting others up.

Be There for This Unforgettable Screening

The Culver Theater
Tuesday, February 11
8:55 PM

This isn’t just a film about basketball. It’s a story about heart, impact, and the kind of legacy that lasts far beyond the final buzzer.

PAFF Awards Brunch, Presented by Apple TV+, to Honor “Severance” Star Tramell Tillman with “Star on the Rise” Award

The Pan African Film & Arts Festival (PAFF) is closing out its 33rd annual celebration with a show-stopping finale: the highly anticipated Filmmaker Awards Brunch, presented by Apple TV+. And this year, the festival is shining a well-deserved spotlight on Tramell Tillman (“Severance”) as he receives the coveted “Star on the Rise” Award.

Set for Monday, February 17, at 11 a.m. at the elegant Palm Sophia in Culver City, the invite-only event will be a toast to the best in global Black cinema. From unveiling this year’s jury and audience-selected winners to recognizing industry game-changers, the brunch is the festival’s grand finale—a celebration of the visionaries shaping the future of film.

And at the center of it all? Tramell Tillman, the undeniable talent who has been keeping audiences on the edge of their seats with his riveting performance as Milchick in Apple TV+’s psychological thriller “Severance.” With the series now in its second season and new episodes dropping every Friday, Tillman’s nuanced, haunting portrayal has solidified him as one of Hollywood’s brightest rising stars.

“We are thrilled to celebrate Tramell Tillman, whose performance in Apple’s Severance has made him one of the most exciting talents to watch,” said Oduduwa Olatunji, PAFF Executive Director. “As PAFF continues its mission to uplift and amplify Black creatives, we are proud to recognize artists like Tramell, who are redefining the industry.”

Attended by an exclusive mix of industry insiders, filmmakers, and festival participants, the PAFF Filmmaker Awards Brunch is more than just a wrap-up event—it’s a moment to honor cinematic excellence and the future of Black storytelling. And with Apple TV+ on board as the presenting sponsor, this year’s edition is set to be a celebration worthy of Hollywood’s next big star.