The Pan African Film and Arts Festival Anounces 2024 Launch of John Singleton Short Film Competition

The Pan African Film Festival (PAFF) announces their call for submissions for their second season of their screenwriting competition, the John Singleton Short Film Competition. Three three filmmakers will be awarded $20,000 each for the production and completion of a live-action narrative short film of their winning screenplays. Submissions open January 6 and close on Feb. 19.

Inspired by the legacy of the Los Angeles-born and legendary filmmaker, John Singleton, PAFF’s short film competition is the result of a partnership between the City of Los Angeles and the Pan African Film Festival.

“We’re committed to fostering inclusivity and amplifying Black voices in film,” said Sherri G. Sneed, the competition’s executive producer. “Our program aims to empower emerging Black Filmmakers, providing not just a grant but resources, support and a platform to share powerful narratives. Together, we will enrich the cinematic landscape with diverse stories that resonate globally.”

John Singleton’s films are known for centering on Black characters with humanizing stories about the often-routine circumstances and individuals in society that were mostly ignored or exploited beyond the point of recognition. The goal of the competition is to encourage and ignite Black filmmakers who desire to continue that commitment in their creative approach by providing them with the financial resources to write, direct, and produce an original and innovative film that echoes the cultural contributions of John Singleton.

“Through this partnership with PAFF, we recognize the enduring impact of one of the world’s greatest filmmakers, John Singleton, and the transformative power of storytelling,” said Councilmember Heather Hutt. “We are empowering the next generation of cinematic visionaries, fostering creativity and cultural expression that enriches our city’s vibrant tapestry. Together, we are ensuring that the heart of filmmaking, right here in Los Angeles, continues to beat with innovation, diversity, and boundless possibility.”

Singleton’s mother Sheila L. Ward, “Again, I support the John Singleton Short Film Competition. I thank everyone involved in creating such a needed platform. My son [John] would be proud.”

“As a first time filmmaker, the John Singleton Short Film Competition allowed me to blossom into a Black woman who learned her strengths as a creative, while also gaining insight about how to become an effective leader in business, added 2021 winner Chelsea Hicks (“Contrban”). “I am so grateful to have been given the opportunity to create a beautiful story in honor of John Singleton’s legacy, and continue to be inspired by what he has accomplished to humanize our stories in film.”

“To walk in the path of John Singleton’s creative legacy is an honor,” 2021 winner TJ Ali (“The Lifted”). “It’s competitions like these that change lives, I’m a testament to that.”

“We are both so thrilled for the John Singleton Short Film Competition to continue,” said Jenesis Scott and Brandon Hammond, whose script for “Amaru” was a winner in 2021. “The careers this competition can jumpstart going forward is unlimited. We are honored to be a part of that history and excited for this competition to become one of the most coveted awards in film.”

Under Councilmember Heather Hutt’s leadership, embRACE L.A. is an initiative aimed at unifying Angelenos and empowering communities through a citywide conversation about race and racism, challenging and changing inequities. embRACE L.A.’s multidimensional approach focuses on changing narratives, building relationships and advancing public policy solutions. Through a wide-variety of programs and strategies, the initiative is an unprecedented partnership between government, organizations and residents.

For more information, including how to submit, please visit paff.org/jssfc.

COMPETITION DETAILS

Eligibility:

Genre: These awards are for live-action short narrative films.

Length: Submitted screenplays must be 25 pages or less and completed projects should be no more than 30 minutes (including film credits)

Content:

The thread of the story must focus on the Black Experience in the United States, told through the lens of its Black characters.

The story should also incorporate the theme of illustrating, challenging and/or changing social inequities with topics that may include, but are not limited to race; social, educational, environmental and/or economic justice; mass incarceration and the criminal justice system; police brutality; LGBTQ rights; gentrification; homelessness; immigration; civil rights/human rights; workers’ rights; and gender discrimination.

Who Can Apply:

Screenwriters, Directors and Producers who self-identify as Black and own or have rights for the copyright on the submitted screenplay.

Creative Team:

All of the credited Screenwriter(s), Director(s), and Producer(s) on the submitted project must self-identify as Black.

Additionally, the applicant must be a resident of Los Angeles. All other members of the creative team (e.g., Executive Producer(s), Associate Producer(s), & Crew) can self-identify as any race/ethnicity and can reside anywhere in the world.

Prior Experience:

Screenwriter, Director OR Producer of the submitted project must have completed and been credited as either a writer, director or producer on a previous project (short or feature of any genre and subject, web series, TV , etc.). A sample of previous work (Vimeo link) is required on the application.

Brief Timeline:

Screenplay submissions period is open December 26, 2023 at 12:00am PST. Submissions close February 19, 2024 at 11:59pm PST.

Principal photography must occur between May 2024 and July 2024. Completed films must be delivered to PAFF by December 1, 2024.

Other Requirements:

The credited Screenwriter, Director, and Producer of each winning project must be able to attend a one (1) day Filmmaker Summit in Los Angeles to be held April 2024. Exact date TBD.

Please be advised that attendance at the Filmmaker Summit is mandatory and travel and housing accommodations will not be provided.

Submission Fee: $50.00:

Each submission requires a $50.00 submission fee.

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About the Pan African Film & Arts Festival

Taking place February 6-19, 2024, in Los Angeles, the Pan African Film & Arts Festival (PAFF) presents and showcases a broad spectrum of Black creative works, particularly those that reinforce positive images and help to destroy negative stereotypes of Africans and African-Americans. Since 1992, PAFF has remained dedicated to the promotion of Black stories and images through the exhibition of film, visual art, and other creative expression. Today, PAFF is one of the largest and most prestigious Black film festivals 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.

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 Heather Hutt, 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 Pan African Film Festival is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

For more information, please visit paff.org.

Creed III Review

Release Date in Theaters: Mar 3, 2023
Release Date Streaming: Mar 31, 2023
Director: Micheal B. Jordan
Writer: Keenan Coogler, Zach Baylin
Cast: Michael B. Jordan, Tessa Thompson, Jonathan Majors, Wood Harris, Mila Davis-Kent, Florian Munteanu, Phylicia Rashad, Selenis Leyva, Thaddeus J. Mixson, Spence Moore II
Genre: Drama, Action
Run time: 1hour 56 minutes
Language: English
Country: United States
Rating: Rating: PG-13 (Some Strong Language. Intense Sports Action and Violence)

Confronting Your Past Helps You on the Road to Your Future

Micheal B. Jordan’s directorial debut ‘Creed III” takes you on the emotional journey of Adonis (Michael B, Jordon) and Damian Anderson (Jonatha Majors) as they confront their shared past, while Creed enjoys the fruit of his boxing fame with his wife, Bianca (Tessa Thompson), daughter Amara (Mila Davis-Kent), his mother Mary-Anne (Phylicia Rashad) and a successful boxing gym with Tony 'Little Duke' Burton (Wood Harris), while Dame resentments grows, reaching outrageous proportions.

Refusing to talk about his past traumatic childhood, it reminds us that no matter how much money you make or how many adoring fans you may have, it can not and does not erase the harm, it may cover it up but not go away.

CREED II is a good film. And even though it is a spin-off of the Rocky franchise, the succeeds in making a clean break in telling the story of Adonis

Something that stands out is the emotional aspects of the film. It is not just film about boxing, but the people and the relationships between them all. In addition, the soundtra

Director Micheal B. Jordan does a great job of explaining the story of Adonis and Dame. Cinematographer Kramer Morgenthau takes you right into the ring.
Writers Keenan Coogler, Zach Baylin and Ryan Coogler created dialogue and experiences that are credible. And with the editing by Keenan Coogler, Zach Baylin and Ryan Coogler enables the directing, camera and writing tell the story as it flows from scene to scene, choppy, flows from scene to scene)
Location: is it well chosen?) Taking place in Creed’s and Dame’s home town of Los Angeles in the Crenshaw and Leimert Park neighborhoods

Joseph Shirley music score and the music of Nipsey Hussle and others lets you know you are in a new era with a new generation that works with the scenes between Adonis and Dame.

With all a person has accomplished, facing the hard truths of ones unpleasant upbring and past relationships enable one to truly take pleasure in what all their hard work has accomplished.

: back to the thesis. Give guidance to the audience to see or not to see the movie.

Release Date in Theaters: Mar 3, 2023
Release Date Streaming: Mar 31, 2023
Distributor: United Artists Releasing
Producers: Producer: Irwin Winkler, Charles Winkler, William Chartoff, David Winkler, Ryan Coogler, Michael B. Jordan, Elizabeth Raposo, Jonathan Glickman, Sylvester Stallone
Production Co: Outlier Society, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM), Glickmania, Chartoff-Winkler Productions, Proximity
Cast: Michael B. Jordan, Tessa Thompson, Jonathan Majors, Wood Harris, Mila Davis-Kent, Florian Munteanu, Phylicia Rashad, Selenis Leyva, Thaddeus J. Mixson, Spence Moore II
Director: Micheal B. Jordan
Writer: Keenan Coogler, Zach Baylin , Ryan Coogler
Cinematography: Kramer Morgenthau
Editor: Jessica Baclesse, Tyler Nelson
Music: Joseph Shirley
Runtime: Run time: 1 hour 56 minutes

Gravitas Ventures’ FIRELINE Opens Today on Digital Platforms

Release date: Streaming on Digital Platforms December 5, 2023
Director and Writer: Tylor Norwood’fir
Genre: Documentary
Rating: Not Rated
Runtime: 1 hour 22 minutes
Language: English
Country: United States

Enter the spectacle and drama of a megafire, alongside a firefighting team struggling to
save anything they can while protecting each other. FIRELINE takes audiences into the
firescape, to feel for the first time what those fighting these blazes face, especially as climate change makes megafires larger and more frequent. It's an intimate portrait of a system stretched to its breaking point, revealing the friendship, heartbreak, and exhilaration experienced by those who go to war against this elemental force.

FIRELINE was directed by Tylor Norwood and produced by Ben Sinclair. The film
focuses on three firefighters from the Cal Fire Lassen-Modoc Unit, and their harrowing
experience fighting a megafire for 36 emotional hours. The filmmakers also worked with
The California Fire Foundation, which provides emotional support to families of fallen
firefighters, firefighters and the communities they protect.

Gravitas Ventures will release the film on digital platforms on December 5, 2023. The film has a running time of 82 minutes and will not be rated by the MPAA.

Release: Streaming on Digital Platforms December 5, 2023
Run time: 1 hour 22 minutesDistributor: Gravitas Ventures
Director and Writer: Production Co: Quotable Pictures
Producers: Ben Sinclair, Tylor Norwood
Production Co: Quotable Pictures

Editor: Justin White
Assistant Editor: Carlota Bravo
Cinematographers: Jake Bradbury, Tylor Norwood
Additional Camera Operators: Ben Sinclair, David Smith, Justin White, Michael Coleman
Sound Design and Mixing: Max Serwitz, Paul Zahnley, Tom Disher
Composer: Aaron Drake
Musicians : Heather Lockie - Viola, Pete Jacobson – Cello
Legal Services: Donaldson + Callif
Advisors: Brian Rice, Fera Dayani, Mike Lopez

FIRELINE Review

We All Can Make A Difference in Preventing Forest Fires

Director Tylor Norwood’s documentary FIRELINE brings you on the agonizing journey,
as told through three firefighters with the Cal Fire Lassen-Modoc Unit, as they spend nearly two days fighting a megafire.

FIRELINE reminds us how vital people are reducing the deadly effect of fire due to our responsibility in starting 9 out of 10 fires.

The sacrifices the firefighters and their family makes really stands out

Director and writer Norwood provides so much clarity on this very serious problem and tells a very compelling story. Along with his co-cinemtographers Jake Bradbury, they brings you right into the midst of a megafire.

Editor Justin White brings together the story as it flows from scene to scene. Aaron Drake film score works well with the scenes providing the backdrop needed to help tell the story.

We are reminded of contribution human beings make in creating a deadly situation, FIRElINE is a topic that should concern us all and should be viewed by all.

SOCIAL HANDLES:
#fireline
#firelinefilm

Release: Streaming on Digital Platforms December 5, 2023
Run time: 1 hour 22 minutes
Distributor: Gravitas Ventures
Director and Writer: Tylor Norwood
Producers: Ben Sinclair, Tylor Norwood
Production Co: Quotable Pictures
Editor: Justin White
Assistant Editor: Carlota Bravo
Cinematographers: Jake Bradbury, Tylor Norwood
Additional Camera Operators: Ben Sinclair, David Smith, Justin White, Michael Coleman
Sound Design and Mixing: Max Serwitz, Paul Zahnley, Tom Disher
Composer: Aaron Drake
Musicians : Heather Lockie - Viola, Pete Jacobson – Cello
Legal Services: Donaldson + Callif
Advisors: Brian Rice, Fera Dayani, Mike Lopez

The 91st Hollywood Christmas Sunday, November 26th

The 91st Hollywood Christmas was hosted by Dean Cain, Eric Estrada, Elizabeth Stanton, Lauran McKenzie and Montel Williams. The grand marshall was Col. Paris D. Davis and will air on the CW Network at 8 p.m. on Dec. 15, 2023.

One of the many organizations supported by the parade is the Marines Toys For Tots.

The celebrities in the parade include Taytana Ali, Brant Daugherty, Stassi Schroeder Clark, Rell Battle, Raymond Lee, Giorgia Whigham, Ernie Hudson, Craig Robinson, Christina Vidal Mitchell, Caitlin Bassett, Alanna Ubach, Andrew Walker, C JET VELOCITY HOLIDAY ALL STAR BAND 2023, BJ Korros, Vincent Rodriguez III, Erin Cahill, Stephen Nichols, Deidre Hall, Chris Kattan And Maria Libri, Josh Kelly, Tajh Bellow, Kiki Ebsen, Jennifer Bertrand, Art Edmonds, Ashley Jones, Kimberlin Brown, Julie Garnyé, Jen Lilley, Jim Hill, Kerri Kasem, Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical, Christine Devine, Nancy Davis, Kate Linder, Chaz Dean, Aly & AJ, Steven Bradford, Hon. Anthony J. Portantino.

The marching bands, dance teams and spectacular performances by Marine Band San Diego, Elements Dance Space – Maker Empire, The Origin Hip Hop Academy And Sister School Hip Hop Dreamz, Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles, California Springs School Of Rhythmic Gymnastic, The South Paulding High School Band, Zvartnots Dance Ensemble, Maker Empire, The GevorkianDance Academy, Compton High School Band And Attachment, Divas And Drummers Of Compton, KAYPA, Caporales San Simon Universitarios, Los Angeles Police Emerald Society Pipes And Drums, The Hollywood Starlettes, Los Angeles Catholic Schools Band and PAVA World.

The novelty organizations partiipating are Road Squadron, The Los Angeles Vespa Club, Mini Jet Air Force Team, Young Marines, 501st Legion, Staff Sergeant Adam A.O. Chandler Drum Major, Marine Band San Diego, Slingshots, The Los Angeles Ghostbusters, Corvette Culture, Lit Riderz and Nate Truman’s Star Cars.

The balloons and floats that participated are Star/Bell/Ornament, Eagle, Mighty Mouse, Wrangled by Civil Air Patrol, Betty Boop, Toy Soldier, Pirate and the Treasure.

The musical performance were Anna Azerli, Laura Bryna, Tara Macri, Olivia Soli, Village People and WAR,

Gravitas Ventures’ THE JOB OF SONGS on Digital Platforms, Today November 21, 2023

Director and Writer: Lila Schmitz
Featuring: Katie Theasby, Luka Bloom, The Fiddle Case, Christy McNamara, Christy Barry-Doolin Music House, Anne Rynne, Yvonne Casey, Tunes From Doolin
Genre: Documentary
Run time: 1 hour 14 minutes

THE JOB OF SONGS

Tourists flock to the west coast of Ireland to take in the breathtaking Cliffs of Moher, but the real treasure lies in the soulful, acoustic sounds wafting out of pubs and living rooms of Doolin, County Clare. The denizens of this unspoiled coastal village of tight-knit neighbors and unlocked doors revel in the passion and history of their traditional folk songs, using music as a thread through generations to create community, connection, and joy.

The Cliffs of Moher meet the blue-grey water and the ominous clouds. Location: Cliffs of Moher, County Clare, Ireland Photo Credit: Anika Kan Grevstad

THE JOB OF SONGS was made by a crew of three women, who are first time feature filmmakers: LILA SCHMITZ (director, producer, editor), ANIKA KAN GREVSTAD (director of photography, producer), and FENGYI XU (producer). The film was made with the support of acclaimed documentarians double Oscar-winning writer-producer-director Bill Guttentag and Emmy and Grammy Award winning documentarian Doug Pray. The film has screened at numerous prestigious International Film Festivals including DOC NYC, Galway Film Fleadh, Newport Beach Film Festival, Rocky Mountain Women’s Film Festival, Milwaukee Film Festival, and many others. It won Best International Documentary at the Galway Film Fleadh.

For more information, go to: https://thejobofsongs.com/

SOCIAL HANDLES:
FB: @irishmusicfilm
IG: @thejobofsongs

A group of musicians sit in a warm pub playing music and laughing. Location: Fitz’s Pub in Doolin, County Clare, Ireland Left to right: Eoin O’Neill, Kieran O’Connell, Adam Shapiro Christy Mc Namara, Beth Tipton Photo credit: Anika Kan Grevstad

On Digital Platforms Tuesday, November 21,2023
Director and Writer: Lila Schmitz
Featuring: Katie Theasby, Luka Bloom, The Fiddle Case, Christy McNamara, Christy Barry-Doolin Music House, Anne Rynne, Yvonne Casey, Tunes From Doolin
Genre: Documentary
Run time: 1 hour 14 minutes
Cinematographer: Anika Kan Grevstad
Producers: Fengyi Xu, Anika Kan Grevstad and Lila Schmitz
Executive Producer Bill Guttentag
Consulting Producer: Doug Pray
Editor: Lila Schmitz
Distributor: Gravitas Ventures

BLUE EYE SAMURSI: Review

Release date: November 3, 2023
Creaters and Writers: Michael Green and Amber Noizumi
Director: Jane Wu
Cast: Voices of Maya Erskine, George Takei, Masi Oka, Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa, Brenda Song, Darren Barnet, Randall Park, Kenneth Branagh
Genre: Action Animation
Rating: TV-MA
Runtime: 35 - 62 minutes
Language: English
Country: United States

She is as fearless as she has to be

Co-Creators and Writers Michael Green and Amber Noizumi’s Blue Eye Samurai is an action packed, violence filled animation series about Mizu (Maya Erskine) a master of the sword, as she sets out in disguise, to get revenge on the men she blames for her shame of being of mix-race and encounters Seki (George Takei), Ringo (Masi Oka), Akemi (Brenda Song), Taigen (Darren Barnet), Heiji Shindo (Randall Park), Abijah Fowler (Kenneth Branagh), The Swordmaker (Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa) and others along the way

The film gives insight to the Japan's Edo period and the 17th century custom and practices of the Japanese culture and the discrimination and prejudice faced by Japanese citizens of mix-raced. Life is not easy for them.

Michael Green and Amber Noizumi’ plot makes for an unpredictable journey that has you rooting for her,while at the same time, you don't want her to become like those she is seeking revenge.

Blue Eye Samurai is a good adult animation series certain to keep you on the edge of your seat..

Release Date: November 3, 2023
Original release Network: Netflix
Creaters and Writers: Michael Green and Amber Noizumi
Executive producers: Michael Green, Amber Noizumi and Erwin Stoff
Producers: Jane Wu, Haven Alexander, Kevin Hart
Production companies: Netflix Animation, Blue Spirit, J.A. Green Construction Corporation, 3 Arts Entertainment
Cast: Voices of Maya Erskine, George Takei, Masi Oka, Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa, Brenda Song, Darren Barnet, Randall Park, Kenneth Branagh
Director: Jane Wu
Editor: Yuka Shirasuna and Brad Lee Zimmerman
Composer: Amie Doherty
Runtime: 35–62 minutes
No. of series: 1
No. of episodes: 8

THE JOB OF SONGS: Review

Release date: Opening on Digital Platforms on November 21, 2023
Director and Writer: Lila Schmitz
Featuring: Katie Theasby, Luka Bloom, The Fiddle Case, Christy McNamara, Christy Barry-Doolin Music House, Anne Rynne, Yvonne Casey, Tunes From Doolin
Genre: Documentary
Rating: Not Rated
Run time: 1 hour 13 minutes
Language: English
Country: Ireland

Music Connects Us to Our Past and to the Future

Writer, producer and director Lila Schmitz’s feature film debut, THE JOB OF SONGS tells the captivating story of Doolin, County Clare, Ireland’s vibrant history of songs, their musical instruments of choice, the fiddle and flute, going back a millennium, with the spectacular beauty of The Cliffs of Moher as its backdrop. Helping to share the wonderful music of Doolin are Katie Theasby, Luka Bloom, The Fiddle Case, Christy McNamara, Christy Barry-Doolin Music House, Anne Rynne, Yvonne Casey, and featuring Tunes from Doolin.

Worth noting, in addition to Lili, THE JOB OF SONGS, was headed by two other women, Anika Kan Grestad, director of photography and producer) and FENGYI XU producer. Also making their feature film debut.

The Cliffs of Moher meet the blue-grey water and the ominous clouds. Location: Cliffs of Moher, County Clare, Ireland Photo Credit: Anika Kan Grevstad

Luca Bloom, “the job of song is sometimes to entertain, but it has this way of giving people who don’t have songs, permission to feel things that are really deeply ingrained in them that they don’t necessary intellectually understand.’

Anika Kan Grevstad brings you right into the pubs, on the cliffs and into the homes of Doolin’s residents. The music score and performances are well incorporated into the film, helping to tell the story.

The natural settings of pubs, the Roadside Tavern in Lisdoonvarna, County Clare, Irelands and the Fitz’s Pub in Doolin, County Clare, Ireland, where Eoin O’Neill, Kieran O’Connell, Adam Shapiro Christy Mc Namara, Beth Tipton they gather; rhe Music house established by the parents of Christy Barry, and the homes of Doolin’s resident and the majestic Cliffs of Moher, adds to the captivating experience while watching THE JOB OF SONGS.

A woman with bright red hair plays the flute next to a bright window. Location: The Roadside Tavern in Lisdoonvarna, County Clare, Ireland Subject: Katie Theasby Photo Credit: Anika Kan Grevstad

Christy Barry, “no one knows for certain the effect music has on people but without it, we have nothing.” That is so evident, as shown by the impact on the daily life of Doolin.

As you learn about their 1000 years of songs and tradition still being handed down and the music they are creating today, keeps the the people of Doolin in close contact with their ancestors and future generations. THE JOB OF SONGS is a really good film that will both entertain and enlighten. leaving you with a greater understanding and appreciation of the music and culture of Doolin, Ireland.

Opening on Digital Platforms on November 21, 2023
Distributor: Gravitas Ventures
Director and Writer: Lila Schmitz
Featuring: Katie Theasby, Luka Bloom, The Fiddle Case, Christy McNamara, Christy Barry-Doolin Music House, Anne Rynne, Yvonne Casey, Tunes from Doolin
Genre: Documentary. Music
Run time: 1 hour 14 minutes
Cinematographer: Anika Kan Grevstad
Producers: Fengyi Xu, Anika Kan Grevstad and Lila Schmitz
Executive Producer Bill Guttentag
Consulting Producer: Doug Pray
Editor: Lila Schmitz

For more information, go to: https://thejobofsongs.com/

SOCIAL HANDLES:
FB: @irishmusicfilm
IG: @thejobofsongs

THE COLOR PURPLE 2023 Starring Taraji P. Henson, Fantasia Opens in Theatres December 25th

Release date: December 25, 2023
Director: Blitz Bazawule
Writers: Marcus Gardley, Alice Walker, Marsha Norman
Screenplay: Marcus Gardley
Based on the novel by Alice Walker and based on the musical stage play, book (of the musical stage play) by Marsha Norman, music and lyrics by Brenda Russell, Allee Willis and Stephen Bray
Starring : Starring: Taraji P. Henson, Danielle Brooks, Colman Domingo, Corey Hawkins, H.E.R., Halle Bailey, Phylicia Pearl Mpasi, Fantasia Barrino, Ciara
Genre: Musical coming- of-age period drama
Rating: PG-13
Runtime: 2 hours 25 minutes
Language: English
Country: United States

Opening exclusively in theaters in North America on December 25th and internationally beginning on January 18th

ABOUT THE COLOR PURPLE

Produced by Oprah Winfrey, Steven Spielberg, Scott Sanders and Quincy Jones, “The Color Purple” is a bold new take on the classic story of love and resilience, adapted from the beloved novel and the Broadway musical. Torn apart from her sister and her children, Celie faces many hardships in her life, but ultimately learns to find extraordinary strength in the unbreakable bonds of a new kind of sisterhood.

“The Color Purple” stars Oscar nominee Taraji P. Henson (“The Curious Case of Benjamin Button”), SAG Award winner and Tony Award nominee Danielle Brooks (“The Color Purple,” “Orange Is the New Black”), Tony nominee and Emmy Award winner Colman Domingo (“Euphoria,” “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom”), Tony Award nominee Corey Hawkins (“Six Degrees of Separation,” “In the Heights”), Oscar- and Grammy-winning artist H.E.R. (“Judas and the Black Messiah”), Grammy nominee Halle Bailey (“The Little Mermaid”), Oscar nominee Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor (“King Richard,” “Ray”), and Grammy-winning artist Fantasia Barrino in her major motion picture debut.

“The Color Purple” is directed by Blitz Bazawule, a multi-media artist who was a co-director on Beyonce’s Black is King and made his feature debut with the critically acclaimed Afrofuturistic The Burial of Kojo. The screenplay is by acclaimed playwright Marcus Gardley, who won a WGA Award for “Maid.” His script is based on the novel by Alice Walker and based on the musical stage play, book (of the musical stage play) by Marsha Norman, music and lyrics by Brenda Russell, Allee Willis and Stephen Bray.

Joining director Bazawule behind the camera are a roster of acclaimed artisans, including Oscar-nominated director of photography Dan Laustsen (“The Shape of Water”), Oscar-winning production designer Paul Denham Austerberry (“The Shape of Water”), editor Jon Poll (“Bombshell,” “Meet the Parents”), costume designer Francine Jamison-Tanchuck (“Glory,” “One Night in Miami…”) and choreographer Fatima Robinson (“Dreamgirls”). The music is by Oscar nominee Kris Bowers (“King Richard,” “Green Book,” documentary short “A Concerto Is a Conversation”).
Warner Bros. Pictures Presents, In Association with Domain Entertainment, An Amblin Entertainment Production, An OW Films Production, An SGS Pictures Production/A QJP Production, “The Color Purple.” It will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures and is set to open in theaters in North America on December 25, 2023 and internationally beginning 18 January 2024.

#TheColorPurple

Release Date: December 25, 2023
Distributor Worldwide: Warner Bros.
Production Co: Harpo Films, Amblin Entertainment, Scott Sanders Productions, Quincy Jones Productions
Director: Blitz Bazawule
Writers: Marcus Gardley, Alice Walker, Marsha Norman
Screenplay: Marcus Gardley
Starring: Taraji P. Henson, Danielle Brooks, Colman Domingo, Corey Hawkins, H.E.R., Halle Bailey, Phylicia Pearl Mpasi, Fantasia Barrino
Producers: Oprah Winfrey, Steven Spielberg, Scott Sanders, Quincy Jones
Executive Producers: Oprah Winfrey, Steven Spielberg, Quincy Jones
Cinematography: Dan Laustsen
Editor: Jon Poll
Composer: Kris Bowers
Re-Recording Mixer: Paul Massey
Songwriters: Denisia “Blu” Andrews, Brittany “Chi” Coney
Costume Designers: Hooch Aller. Ager Dyer. Christina Battaglia.
Runtime: 2 hours 25 minutes

“Your Lucky Day” Soundtrack Available Now from Award-Winning Composer Matt Hutchinson Timed to Its Today Theatrical Release

The original soundtrack by award-winning composer Matt Hutchinson for the feature film Your Lucky Day will be released timed to the film’s day & date theatrical – in theaters today, Friday, November 10th, 2023 and digitally on November 14^th, 2023. The film directed by Daniel Brown and starring the late Angus Cloud (HBO’s Euphoria) in one of his final extraordinary performances. Composed by Matt Hutchinson (Tuscaloosa, starring Natalia Dyer, Ma starring Octavia Spencer), this richly nuanced soundtrack.

“Your Lucky Day” film soundtrack available now on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/2fxOdah8GQj36vG0GlQ67u

“Your Lucky Day” film soundtrack available now on Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/album/your-lucky-day-original-motion-picture-soundtrack/1713313936

“Your Lucky Day” film soundtrack available now on Amazon Music: https://amazon.com/music/player/albums/B0CLP29R9V?marketplaceId=ATVPDKIKX0DER&musicTerritory=US&ref=dm_sh_vAIo8dDhEcwuiLOTU98DKD2Pb

Matt Hutchinson

Matt Hutchinson is an award-winning film, television, and video game composer based in Los Angeles. His latest project is the upcoming feature film Your Lucky Day starring Angus Cloud, which will release in theaters in November 2023. Other credits include the feature film Tuscaloosa, the PBS/Nature documentary The Sagebrush Sea, and Julia Scotti: Funny That Way. His music can be heard in the horror feature Ma starring Octavia Spencer and series including Found (NBC), Kung Fu (CW), Riverdale (CW), The Fix (ABC), Castle Rock (Hulu), The Mysteries of Laura (NBC) All Rise (CBS), and Best Worst Weekend Ever (Netflix). Hutchinson also writes and records music with his studio band, DORMARION, collaborating with vocalist Kevin Martin of Candlebox and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame drummer Dave Krusen of Pearl Jam. https://www.matthutchinson.com/

Your Lucky Day is Daniel Brown’s epic feature film directorial debut and tells the story of a street level drug dealer named Sterling (Cloud ) who witnesses a wealthy older man win a $156 million USD lottery on Christmas Eve. With his eye set on achieving the “American Dream” and looking to take the jackpot for himself, Sterling holds the entire mini-mart hostage with a half-baked plan to steal the ticket and split up the prize pool. Adding to the film's quick plot turns and relentless pace is the dark and emotionally charged original score. Hutchinson, who channels the energy of this pressure-cooker situation in which every character is forced to examine their justifications for their actions, has delivered a soundtrack that seamlessly enhances the movie's narrative.