Goodbye For Now....

Try as I might, I cannot seem to post. It makes it worse when I see my ideas and concepts that I've had for years taken (some may say stolen) and watered down by other Black film blogs. It really irritates me, in fact, and I need to direct that focus elsewhere.

So instead of holding this energy of guilt over this blog, in addition to being highly annoyed by certain other ones, I will be concentrating my energies on my other projects. I've been quoted from this blog, nominated for awards, and linked to major media outlets, so I feel like I've definitely accomplished something here, but onward.....


I have a Blog Talk Radio Show called "Cinema In Noir", and it's on every Sunday at 6pm EST, (3pm PST), and we have fun. I do it with three other female Black Cinema bloggers, Kimberly Renee, Rebecca, and Candice, who all sincerely love film just as much as I do. We decided to have a show all about Black film from a Black female perspective, but male listeners love it too...and trust, we are definitely not spending our time commiserating about Tyler Perry, lol.

You can listen to our podcast here; my name is Rocky (now you know) so you'll know when it's me:

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/cinemainnoir


I will be writing a weekly column for the fabulous "Black Box Office" blog:

http://theblackboxoffice.com/


I really do talk about film almost all day, every day, just not here, haha. Please join me to talk about it with me and my comrades over on Twitter. You can find me here:

http://twitter.com/BlkCinemaAtLarg


Finally, and very lovingly, I've been curating Black film screenings in the San Francisco Bay Area under the moniker "Black Cinema At Large". This is my passion and my love, and my ultimate mission since I first started this blog in 2007. I will eventually put up a link to which screenings are when and where, sort of a calender of events.

I am very stoked to be a California affiliate of AFFRM, which is as 100% dedicated to spreading the beauty of Black film as I am. It is a collective network of Black Film Festivals and Curators bringing QUALITY Black film to your neighborhood, which ordinarily would not be seen through the "conventional" studio system.

You can read about AFFRM and it's mission here:

http://www.affrm.com/



Like the old show Siskel & Ebert used to say before signing off; "See you at the movies".

Love!!!


UPDATE

3/14/11: Ms. Invisibelle finally joined 2008 by starting up her Facebook for real, haha. You can find me here: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Black-Cinema-At-Large/152521598124915

100,000% Better Than Madea's Trailer...

While probably sighing the deepest sigh anyone ever sighed after the watching the "Madea's Happy Family" trailer (at least I think that was the name of it), I decided to clear my mind with fellow film blogger Issa Rae's new webseries "The Misadventures Of An Awkward Black Girl". It's getting a big buzz (cause it's hilarious) and will definitely mean we'll never pick up "Soul Sis-Star Reviews" ever again; I see a deal in her future... *another sigh*

For My Mighty Bay Folkses...

Black Cinema At Large will be having a couple of screenings this month; both at the Eastside Cultural Center and Arts Alliance on International Boulevard in Oakland.

For Valentine's Day on Sunday February 13th at 7pm we are showing one of Ms. Invisibelle's faves; "A Good Day To Be Black And Sexy". Bring your valentine, or just your sexy self.

On Friday, February 18th at 7pm, we will be screening "Night Catches Us", moderated by the Co-Founder of the Black Panthers, Bobby Seale.

Come out and how some support for Black film, as well as one of the only venues in the Bay Area whose 100% mission is to support diversity in art and politics. (And meet me, lol) For more info, click HERE.

Update.....

I know I haven't posted much in the past year (and I have been chastised repeatedly for it), and though I keep promising to come back for real, I really haven't.

I always think of things I want to post, almost daily, but I just haven't seemed to be able to do it. I finally realized that I just can't keep up with the Jones'. Which is to say, I don't really have the time, or any real incentive, to keep on all the film sites and alerts to post Black Cinema news every single, solitary day. But there are some very fine sites out there that can, and do.

As for me, I will be trying out something....weekly themes of sorts. I will be inspired to write about things that are in the news and at the theater, of course.....I have to. But I think if I stick to a theme a week, it'll make me post more, and then I won't get close to cursed out anymore, lol. I will also have a revamping of this blog design coming soon....it's past time.

Thanks guys, for sticking with me, even when you've seen the same crusty post day after day for weeks at a time. I'm on a mission to do better. In the meantime, you can peruse my other just as sometimey blog: Mantan In The City.

LOVE!!!


ps: the picture of melvin van peebles above has nothing to do with anything, but for some reason it came up when i googled "black cinema love" pics

Gratitude...

If you look at the top of my right sidebar, you'll see a little ditty that will connect you to the Black Weblog Awards. Now, this honor of being a finalist (much less being nominated) came as a complete a total shock to me, as I never once asked anyone to nominate me...I felt that maybe I would try next year.

But then I found out that it was YOU, my readers, that put me in the final 5 of all the Black film blogs in the world. And no matter what happens with this, I am forever humbled and grateful for that.

I promise (for real this time) to write more, as this is probably the most encouragement I could ever get, besides you standing by me and consistently sending emails, even when I wasn't blogging that much.

I love talking with you and not at you, and you have been so engaging, so encouraging, and really feel like friends through these past 3 years.

I don't know why I would very much like to win this particular award, I think maybe because it would be a validation that I am moving in the direction of life I was meant to go in. I have been laying plans for a huge Black Cinema project for the past year--a plan to bring it to the masses both Black and non, and to put award winning Black film blogger on top of that too would be...well you know.

OK, I'll stop the sap now--just show me LOVE and vote for me on the Black Weblog Finalist Award badge! You have from today until I believe August 30th to vote, but the earlier the better. For THIS blog, lol. Thanks, I promise I won't bug you about it--it's always a pleasure to have you here. And like Butta said, you don't have to be Black to vote...


Back tonight with a review of "Black Shampoo".

Realness...

Perspective y'all, perspective. Once, when I lived in New York, I missed a train. I was cursing out loud to myself (I was very pissed off). A man came up to me and said "What's wrong?" I told him (angrily) that I'd missed my train. Him: "Well, if that's the worst thing that happens to you all day, you are very blessed." I will never forget that, or the pic above.

Coming back strong soon...just getting my perspectives in order!



pic from mama's got moxie

Old School Flicks 101

Hey all. I think I'm finally over my twitter obsession and can get back to blogging. Well, that's not entirely accurate. I know I said I wanted to start blogging regularly as a tribute to David Mills, but the biggest truth is that I've been uninspired. Yes.

There hasn't been a Black film this year that I've been excited about or in anticipation to see. I think I want to see them, then when they actually come out, I'm like "meh", and go about my business. Cases in point, "The Book Of Eli", with its overdone to death premise, "American Violet", "Death At A Funeral" (fine-ass James Marsden nonwithstanding), and don't even get me started on "Why Did I Get Married Too" or "Law Abiding Citizen". The one film that I was really looking forward to--"Brooklyn's Finest" was a major disappointment of epic proportions. I just watched "New Jack City" for about the 20th time yesterday, and it was still more gripping and compelling than Brooklyn's Finest.

And what is to look forward to? "Just Wright" with King Latifah and Common in a "romantic" relationship? Gimme a freaking break! To be fair, YT cinema hasn't been all that fantastic either--just saw a screener of "Chloe" with Liam Neeson and Julianne Moore, which was like an extremely watered down "Fatal Attraction" seen through fogged up glasses.

To be honest, the only Black films that have excited me lately are actually all from the archives. I know that some follow this blog to check on the latest happenings, but around here I kinda just write about what I'm feeling at the time. What I've been feeling are some fantastic films from the 70's, which I think are a must see for everyone, Black or non. And some not so fantastic ones that I think some should just flat out view to see the sheer nerve of some producers and directors in the 70's.

Each day I will talk about one of these films; "The Spook Who Sat By The Door", "Chameleon Street", "Mandingo", "The Legend Of Nigger Charlie" and the amazing and freaking fantastic "Ganja And Hess", a jewel of a film by a country mile.

So tune in once a day, every day, for the rest of the week and I will have some films on here that you can learn about, or if you've already seen them, discuss with me (I love, love, love your comments). A huge thanks to those who have stuck with me, and to my new followers who have come on board though I've been seriously M.I.A. See you tomorrow!

Question....

Ms. Invisible is officially back in her element. I moved back to the Bay last year to be closer to family and close friends, but I knew I was only denying the inevitable move back. I am an L.A. girl, and that's it, period. You will reap the benefits by getting some first hand reportage on all things Black Cinema.

I missed attending the opening night of Spike Lee's "Passing Strange" at the Downtown Film Festival, cause I was still in the Bay (a movie that sort of adds to my theory I posted about using plays for filmed material). It is sort of a small fest, so not too much was jumping off for Black films...there is a documentary about Bill Withers that I may catch called "Still Bill" playing tomorrow. There is another film screening there called "The Soul Of Ashanti" which I am almost ashamed to say I first thought was about the singer Ashanti, lol. To my relief it is based in Africa.

Nice to see some quality films on the circuit, but some things never change, and it's getting tiresome. While Sergio and I were lamenting the latest debacle from The Wayans Brothers, a sequel to "White Chicks" (they had the nerve to say they brought it back "by popular demand"), he wrote this:

"I was talking to a friend yesterday and we got into this discussion about why do we see so much coonery going on by black people in the media and in real life in general.

I think, and my friend agreed, it's because many (most?) black people deep down inside truly believe that they're inferior, totally worthless. That they're not in any way as intelligent, attractive, or simply as good or equal as white people. Therefore they resist acting intelligent, rational or even if they have common sense because they're terrified that they will be revealed as frauds and phonies. So it's much easier to act the fool. And that goes for the Wayans as well.

That's why you hear black people criticizing other black people about "acting white" What they're really saying is "How dare you think that you're as good as a white person, because we're not so don't pretend"."

From IW: Hmmmm....interesting. What do you think, guys? And yes, that is Damon Wayans below in the blackface.

I Heart Prince....

It is the 25th anniversary of "Purple Rain", and I can't believe I haven't written anything about it. I've been listening to "Parade", the soundtrack to "Under The Cherry Moon" (which secretly I love more than the soundtrack to "Purple Rain") for the past few days, and I can't get over the brilliance of it.

Shall we honor Prince with a little game? It is the weekend, and if you would like something to do for a minute, please indulge me. There is a blog I adore "Cowgirl In Sand", (there is something about it) and she had this thing going on...hope you'd like to do it while I make my transition back to L.A.:

Instructions: Using only song titles from ONE ARTIST OR BAND, answer these questions. Pass it on to 12 people and include me (from iw: of course don't do that part). You can't use the artist or band I used. Do not repeat a song title. Repost as "My Life According to (ARTIST OR BAND NAME) I was tagged by the awesome Little Miss Nobody.

This is Cowgirl's, aka Josephine, all about Neil Young:

Are you a male or female?: Cinnamon Girl
Describe yourself: Cowgirl in the sand
How do you feel: Vampire Blues
Describe where you currently live: Rockin' In The Freeworld
If you could go anywhere, where would you go: Sugar Mountain
Your favorite form of transportation: Mustang
Your best friend is: Like a Hurricane
Your favorite color is: Blue Eden
What's the weather like: See The Sky About To Rain
Favorite time of the day: Harvest Moon
If your life was a TV show, what would it be called: Fallin' Off The Face Of The Earth
What is life to you: Living With War
Your relationships: A Dream That Can Last
Your fear: Slowly Burning
What is the best advice you have to give: Don't Let It Bring You Down
If you could change your name, you would change it to: Cortez The Killer
Thought for the Day: Are you passionate?
How I would like to die: Razor Love
My soul's present condition:Mr. Disappointment
My Motto: Let's Roll



This is mine, Ms. Invisible's, dedicated to the man himself:

Are you a male or female?: The Most Beautiful Girl In The World

Describe yourself: Beautiful, Loved, And Blessed

How do you feel: Delirious

Describe where you currently live: Uptown

If you could go anywhere, where would you go: Erotic City

Your favorite form of transportation: Little Red Corvette (easy)

Your best friend is: Cinnamon Girl (he made it too, lol)

Your favorite color is: Peach

What's the weather like: Purple Rain

Favorite time of the day: Dinner With Delores

If your life was a TV show,
What would it be called: Pop Life

What is life to you: New Power Generation

Your relationships: Strange Relationship

Your fear: The Future

What is the best advice you have to give: Letitgo

If you could change your name, you would change it to: Dorothy Parker

Thought for the Day: I Wish U Heaven

How I would like to die: Under The Cherry Moon

My soul's present condition: Chaos And Disorder

My Motto: Let's Go Crazy!


What artist can you do?

THE ORIGINAL FRENCH "Kiss"
Uploaded by smakiss. - Full seasons and entire episodes online.

This N' That...

Hey all...I am free from a contract gig that was taking up an immense space of my time and energy...but hallelujah, I free! Which in turn, leaves me more time for my precious blog--aren't you lucky? lol

How about a little movie news, yes?

First up, I don't know what to make of Isaiah Washington. He was kicked out of his house for non-payment of rent. He was on Grey's Anatomy for a few years, wasn't he? What do these folks do with all of those juicy dollars? Damn. But things are looking up for him--he is doing a biopic on the life of Lou Rawls, which I think is wonderful, cause I never felt Lou received his proper due. I think Isaiah is a very interesting choice.


What isn't interesting to anyone, apparently, is the halted biopic of Lionel Ritchie, who was deemed too boring. Dang! He must have had a couple of interesting moments leading The Commodores and getting a karate chop beat-down on his ass by his wife. I'd like to see that.



Ntozake Shange’s play, “For Colored Girls Who Considered Suicide …” is being made into a film. I saw this play when I was a little girl, and don't really remember it, so I am looking forward to it. The film also has a Black female director, Nzingha Stewart. Kudos!


In YT cinema news, I saw "A Haunting In Connecticut", please don't ask why. Perfectly awful, of course. What is even more awful and disturbing is a big screen "3 Stooges" movie with...wait for it.....Sean Penn as Larry (?!), Jim Carrey as Curly (not a stretch), and Benecio Del Toro as Moe (??!!) I mean, really, WTF! This idea just makes me sad inside, especially the part about Sean Penn...just one more in the long line of making stupid choices after winning an Oscar.


Speaking of sad, King Latifah will be in yet another romantic comedy, "Just Wright". **sigh**



I received a note from the head of the Wichita NAACP, Kevin Myles. He said:

Hey Sis, You may want to check this out... The NAACP is asking people to rate the 100 most influential films of the last century. As I was looking through the nominees it was exciting just to go back and watch the trailers from all of my favorites from the last 40 years... Here's a link; check it out: http: / / www. wichitanaacpblog. com/ 2009/ 03/ naacp-top-100-films- of-century-1909_17. html


Check it out folkses, and vote as you see fit. I want to give some Oaktown love to filmmaker Mateen O. Kemet, whose work I will be following closely. He was on the series "On The Lot" and has this lovely trailer for a film he's working on, called "Oakland B Mine". Let me know what you think:




And finally, check me and my comrades out on last night's Obenson Report podcast. It was a bloggers roundtable on what else? Black Cinema. I joined Daryle Lockhart at "The Black Box Office", my beloved Sergio from Ebony/Jet, Solshine from "Reel Artsy", and of course Tambay Obenson. If you'd like to hear us chop it up, click HERE.



Thanks to the wonderful Issa Rae for some of these tidbits...

F*ckery All Around Me...

I know my posting has been spotty. The truth is, I've finished a transition back to the Bay Area to be closer to my parents, and I miss L.A. terribly...I will probably have to have residences in both places to keep everyone happy, the main person being me.

The weather has been atrocious in the Bay; cold, rainy, windy--the kind of weather that puts me in a deep, grouchy funk, as I am very, very much a sunshine person. I think my blogging has been affected as well...but fear not--I have come out of my cave for a moment to comment on some of the f*ckery that keeps slapping me in the face, haha.


How can I not say anything about the severe and unmitigated f*ckery that is Samuel Jackson? After being the super-overexposed version of Beyonce in the movie biz, he seems to want to dare us to hate him. He has signed on to do 9, yes nine, yes IX more pictures as the character Nick Fury. Is there anyone in life we want to see that much? I would saw off someone's foot to get close to Dwayne The Rock Johnson, but even I wouldn't want to see him in nine freaking pictures playing the same character. Just boo!


Also on my grouch radar is Tyler Perry. I said to myself that I wasn't going to dedicate anymore space to his projects except for straight reportage, but gawtdayum, a movie version of "I Can Do Bad All By Myself"? What next--Stepin Fetchit on Parade? I mean, that play was all sorts of funny, but it puts the chitlin', fatback, and hog maws in chitlin' circuit.


Speaking of chitlins, for some crazy Black History f*ckery, check out Thembi's post on white (and Black) America's tributes to our so-called history and tastes. True WTF?!? shenanigans if you ever saw it!


I kept silent about Slickback's stupid statement about the Chris Brown/Rihanna debacle (my advice still stands to only speak through a publicist, Terrence), and it is even more stupid as he was arrested for the exact same thing a few years back.

But what is this that Chris Brown was to star with Fantasia as Harpo in the Washington D.C. stage play version of "The Color Purple" (which he has been dropped from)? Remember this line? "You told Harpo to beat me!" Ummmm...ironeeeee....


Just setting my grouch/disgust factor off the charts is Marlon Jackson's complete lunacy about building a slavery theme park, complete with golf courses, spas, etc., coupled with a Jackson family museum. How much do we really know about Marlon? I mean he has never really said much before....how do we know he might not have some mild form of autism or something like that? All signs point to it with an idea so stupid I can dedicate 3 posts to it.


And finally, just the type of f*ckery that wears one to the bone--why, Whoopi, why?


Not that her wardrobe of choice should be any surprise. Let's take a look at some of her other Oscars dress choices, yes?





Clearly this woman has never been introduced to, or been within a 50 mile radius of a stylist, ever.


Okay, rants over. Just to balance out my mid-winter crotchetiness is some good news. I will be starting a sort of West Coast version of Reelblack, showing screenings of yet to be released independant and rarely seen throwback films, along with talks with actors, directors, etc. this summer called "Black Cinema At Large". Those of you in the Bay are very welcome to hang with yours truly. Each event will be posted on this blog so stay tuned, and stay blessed :-)

A Good Day To Be Black And Sexy....

Hi all. I know I've been a bit absent this past week, but promise to bring you some movie news tomorrow. I am kicking my New Year off in a major and fantastic way with a new health regime (really just a step up from what I've been doing before) and celebrating this past week-end and today with all of it's glory and significance.

Today is my birthday, and what better present can I have than what's going on today? Obama knew what I wanted, lol. Note to George Bush: PLEASE let the doorknob hit ya where the good Lord split ya on your way out!!

Ahhh, yes, such A Good Day To Be Black And Sexy....**

Y'all enjoy it all day long...as for me, I will be on the highest mountain ranges of limoncello heaven!





**i'll be reviewing this film soon...

In A State Of Grace....

I wanted to write this yesterday, but I was in Limoncello Heaven, so it's a day late. Though I don't celebrate Thanksgiving out of respect for the Native Americans, I do think about what I am grateful for.

My goal for some time has been to live my life in a state of grace; completely calm, with security, peace, and beauty deeply permeating my life on the daily (which, of course, means not going near Black Friday).

I'm not completely there yet, but the drama in my life (of which used to be almost unbearable) is no more. My home exudes peace, and I can focus on things that are important to me. Music being one (I was listening to Sylvester yesterday--whatcha know 'bout dat?) and the importance of friendships being another.

this is sylvester, or one of his album covers to be exact

I am so very grateful for the amazing and awesome friends that I have, and even more grateful that my circle is increasing on a strong foundation. I even found one of my dearest long term friends I lost contact with on the internets last week, bringing my grace factor up 100%! Please check her out at her blog Sistah Goddess; she is living her whole life in grace in a major way.

And speaking of friendships and the internets, I thank the most high for your presence here. Taking the time to read my sometimes crotchety opinions, laughing with me at the ridiculousness, leaving amazing and well thought out comments--I really love you guys (and no it's not the vodka talking, that was last night!) Folks like Ms. Marvalus, sdg1844, Madame Z, and the Happy Go Lucky Bachelor seem like cousins that I like hanging out with--I just name them cause they are here every day without fail. For all of you that are here every day, or once a week, or once a month even, please know you are truly appreciated by the author of this blog.

Be blessed and prosper your azz off in the '09!

Listen Up!

Received this email--just wanted to pass on the info for you Martin Lawrence lovers....

'I grew up watching Martin Lawrence on TV with my family. To this day, I can't meet anyone named Martin without automatically thinking Mahr-tin. His groundbreaking show paved the way for so many African American comedians to have their own sitcoms. And now his series "Martin Lawrence Presents 1st American Stand Up" discovers underground and, yes raunchy, comedians and gives them a chance to shine.

The 3rd season of "Martin Lawrence Presents 1st Amendment Stand-up" is premiering on Starz July 9, featuring host Doug Williams & 35 of the nation's edgiest up-and-coming star comics, including Luenell and Rickey Smiley.

Here are some just-released preview clips that you can feel free to share on Invisible Cinema--

http://starz.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=66

The show is tonight Wed. July 9 at 10:00pm ET/PT on Starz.'

From IW: Readers of this blog know I love Luenell (Oaktown love!) and I know many of you love Rickey Smiley....show Martin some love tonight and check it out.

Black Film Festivals And Ish...

First the ish....



I went to see The Hulk yesterday, and can I say "WOW"? I don't care what some people say, that movie was crazy entertaining! The most beautiful and completely loud smash, crash, and kill mayhem to date. For my longtime readers, as you know, I am not a blockbuster type of gal, so this is unusual for me to love such a huge movie. But then again, Ed Norton is not a blockbuster type of guy, so maybe that was key; the fact that it was him and not the bland ass vanilla type we've been seeing so much of lately. And maybe it was the fact that I used to be a mini-Hulk myself---Madame Invisible used to have a legendary temper, just like my fellow bloggers BygBaby and Slausin' Azz Slaus (who actually had to go to anger management, and luckily I bypassed). But like Ed Norton in the movie, I try to live most of my life now in a peaceful Zen state...but even now, if you push me too far.... "HULK SMASH!" haha


I also saw Fela Kuti's son Seun in LA last night. For those of you who don't know, Fela was a mixture of a Miles Davis/Sly Stone from Nigeria, known all over the world. He passed in the 90's, and 2 of his sons carry on his legacy. Seun is one, and he tours with his father's original band, The Egypt 80. The band and the background singers were tight as hell! Horns reminiscent of The Ohio Players, EW &F, and Parliament at their finest. Seun is an entertainer, but what caught my attention more was the fact that Mr. Kuti looked like he'd been raiding his father's 70's closet. He had on a bright polyester floral shirt unbuttoned down to his navel, and the tightest white Angel Flight pants one could ever witness in their life. I haven't seen anything like it since "Saturday Night Fever". Tho admittedly, but the end of the show, he was half-naked, which seems to be some sort of trademark of his.



But I digress....on to a brief discussion on Black Film Festivals, yes?

I don't want to be a Debbie Downer, and I don't want to offend anyone who reads this blog and is associated with said festivals, but we seriously need to step up our game. Seriously, if we are to garner any respect, we've got to get it together!



I know I said a couple of weeks ago that I would dispatch from the Hollywood Black Film Festival, but guess what? There wasn't any part of the program I was excited about. Their site is not user friendly, I couldn't get a decent synopsis of the films, and on the Monday before the festival, the still hadn't posted what would be the closing night film. WTH? Many non-black festivals have that planned a few months in advance. Film festivals are supposed to give exposure to little or non known films. If you see a long list of films, with absolutely no information about them at all, what will be the percentage of your motivation in seeing them? If you're like me, that would be hovering around zero. Which is the main reason I didn't go. Not to mention it was a logistical nightmare--it was held in Beverly Hills, where there is no place to park (unless you pay a grip), the tickets were not sold online and not convenient to buy, and there was no real place for folks to gather. Hopefully, they are thinking of new venues for next year. And oh, you might be in trouble when your most publicized attendees are Ice-T and Coco, I'm just sayin'.




As far as the San Francisco Black Film Festival, I have to admit they have stepped up their game (as far as I can see, but I did not go there either). The website is crisp, interactive, and professional, and they have expanded it to 10 days and several venues, with a rich and diverse program. My issues are 1) Why is one week planned the same week as the Hollywood Black Film Fest? We are already struggling in this medium, let's support each other if we can, and not compete (tho I know this isn't a focal point for the organizers) and 2) Publicity outside of the San Francisco Bay Area is severely lacking. Many non-black film festivals are well known across the country, and the SFBFF has been around long enough to be making some noise when it happens. But it doesn't, and that's a shame.



Not to big up the Los Angeles Film Festival (which *sigh* I am attending a bit, sorry my peoples), but this is where we need to be. Tons of publicity, volunteers, and organization, and an amazing list of films, categorized and cross referenced almost to death. Free swag in their ticket office (which you could also buy online). Easily accessible venues, all within a couple blocks of each other. Minimal competing times with other films, so you can actually see 5 quality films in a day. Repeats on most films, in case you missed it. A huge diversity of films from everywhere, and the World Premiers of "Wanted" and "Hellboy 2" which, btw, is directed by the dude that did Pan's Labyrinth. They also had a free talk with, him. as well as Common (?!) and others on several days. They are also honoring Melvin Van Peebles and showcased his new film. One idea they came up with, that I thought was terrific, is that they have free screenings of classic films. And films that I love--to wit: Pulp Fiction, The Lost Boys, Bye Bye Birdie, Scarface, Shadows (a film by the late John Cassavetes about interracial relationships made in the late 50's), and one of my very favorites Nothing But A Man, that I wrote about HERE.





We have so many lost treasures, and beautiful, classic films. Why are they not shown at our festivals? Don't get me wrong--the subject of Black film fests has come up a number of times here, and I always advocate, but now I call on my contemporaries to elevate, and elevate hard! Network, get out of your cliques, and expand your horizons! Let others in that will help, and possibly give you some ideas and some exposure. Why am I always contacted by publicists, film, music, and production companies, and never by Black Film Fests? (The wonderful Spaghetti Junction and Reel Black excluded). That should be the first step right there--getting to the Black Blog Afrosphere...step it up people! I know I may sound a bit harsh, but I want to see us shine like other film fests...our current system is not working, and many more people should have exposure to all of the wonderful films that are barely being seen.....I don't want to hear about funding--it's about creativity, reaching out to everyone, initiative and motivation!

Live From L.A.

The Hollywood Black Film Festival (HBFF) has announced the initial line-up of official selections for the 9th annual competitive festival for Black filmmakers, to be held June 3rd, 8th , 2008 in Beverly Hills, CA. The slate includes 51 shorts, 11 student films, 2 animated films and 2 music videos. The roster of narrative and documentary features will be announced on April 14th.

HPFF, dubbed "The Black Sundance," is an annual, six-day celebration of Black cinema, serving as a forum to showcase the talents of Black filmmakers and enhance appreciation for Black filmmaking. The festival has become a focal point for Hollywood's African-American creative community, attracting producers, executives, screenwriters, film and television personalities, aspiring artists and diverse audiences from Southern California and around the world.

To see the complete list of featured films, click HERE.

Sistas Are Doin' It For Themselves...

Yes, the term is pretty antiquated, and a bit corny, but the sentiments and goals are in the right place. For those of you in the Los Angeles area, you would do well to check it out a bit:

Sistas Are Doin' It For Themselves -- Film Screening & Discussion Program This Weekend

The Black Hollywood Education and Resource Center (BHERC) will present Sistas Are Doin' It For Themselves, a short film showcase and dialog with up and coming African American female filmmakers. The event takes place on Saturday, March 29, 2008 at 2:00pm with a discussion and reception to follow the film screenings at the Raleigh Studios - Chaplin Screening Room in Los Angeles, CA. Actress Vanessa Williams ("Soul Food") will moderate the discussion.

The films screening are:

"Yesterday's Today" (15 Min.)

Falena Hand - Writer / DirectorKendra, an intelligent 8th grader calls on her best friend, Rashad to help her with her science project. The following day, Kendra comes home to find saddening news, that Rashad had been killed.

"A Fat Girl's Guide to Yoga" (12 Min.)

Tajamika Paxton - Co-Writer / Co-Director Gregory M. T. Colleton - Co-Writer / Co-Director Oversized and with a knack for wise cracks, Wendy turns to yoga to lose weight. "Ties that Bind" (24 Min.)Angela E. Gibbs - Writer / Director The film looks at how child abuse plagues the adult, threatening their happiness until they are willing to cut "The Ties That Bind."

"Apt. A" (10 Min.)

Michelle S. Baxter - DirectorNkechi Okoro - Writer Chronicles the lives of three sisters immediately following the 9/11 attacks as they await word about their missing father.

"Spin" (30 Min.)

Tamika Lamison - Director Camille Tucker, Keta Brown & Sheilah Brooks - Co-Writers Once one of L.A.'s top publicists is a woman who could spin any story to the benefit of her clients and to the detriment of her enemies. Her whole world changed the day she met JAMES.

"Beyond the Pretty Door" (18 Min.)

Bobby Boermans - Director Renee McClellan - Writer Khadija A. Brockington - Producer Reese Turner and her siblings had to endure the misery and late night tirades of their manic depressant mother.

"Pariah" (28 Min.)

Dee Rees - Writer/Director A Bronx lesbian teenager juggles multiple identities to avoid rejection from friends and family, but pressure from home, school, and within corrodes the line between her dual personas with explosive consequences.

"Drawing Angel" (19 Min.)

Rosalyn Coleman Williams - Director Craig T. Williams - Writer Lonely and new to the city, Samantha meets Levi, a nine-year-old boy displaced by Hurricane Katrina.

For more info on Sistahs are Doin' It For Themselves, http://www.bherc.org/ or call: (310) 284-3179.

See You Soon....

Hello all. Enjoyed listening to others' views on Afronerd Radio last night. What a group of wonderful minds! I was the layman representative...I'm no expert, but I know BS and I know what is right. It was funny, the 3 of us women there sounded almost exactly alike. I think I might've gotten 2 lines in, haha.

Anyway...I think it is time for Ms. Invisible to take a break. My political and other interests have me motivated to start my new blog. I'm not going to tell you the name of it, but I'm sure most of you will figure it out by seeing another opinionated voice on the scene....it is timely, as I just had my 500th post the other day. Much love to you all; see you on the internets.

I stay woke, hope you do too.

Black Stars On The Starwalk

There is a blog that I love called "Discover Black Heritage". It features points of interest and historical significance specific to our community all across the country. Of course now that I'm in Los Angeles, her recent posts on it were of special interest to me, particularly the one on the Blacks featured on The Hollywood Walk Of Fame. They are as follows, in alphabetical order:

A - C
Muhammad Ali, Debbie Allen, Eddie “Rochester” Anderson, Marian Anderson, Louis Armstrong, Pearl Bailey, Anita Baker, Count Basie, Harry Belafonte, George Benson, Chuck Berry, Halle Berry, James Brown, LeVar Burton, Mariah Carey, Diahann Carroll, Benny Carter, Ray Charles, James Cleveland, Natalie Cole, Nat “King” Cole, Sean “Diddy” Combs, Sam Cooke, Don Cornelius, Bill Cosby, Scatman Crothers, Andrae Crouch.

D - G
Destiny’s Child, Dorothy Dandridge, Billy Daniels, Miles Davis, Sammy Davis, Jr., Fats Domino, Earth, Wind & Fire, Billy Eckstine, Duke Ellington, the Fifth Dimension, Stepin’ Fetchit, Ella Fitzgerald, the Four Step Brothers, the Four Tops, Jamie Foxx, Aretha Franklin, Morgan Freeman, Errol Garner, Marvin Gaye, Dizzy Gillespie, Danny Glover, Berry Gordy, Louis Gossett, Jr.,Robert Guillaume.

H - K
Arsenio Hall, Herbie Hancock, Al Hibbler, the Harlem Globetrotters, Jester Hairston, Lionel Hampton, Jimi Hendrix, Jim Hall, Billie Holiday, Linda Hopkins, John Lee Hooker, Lena Horne, Janet Jackson, Mahalia Jackson, Michael Jackson, the Jacksons, Samuel L. Jackson, Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, Etta James, Earvin “Magic” Johnson, Quincy Jones, B.B. King, Eartha Kitt, Gladys Knight.

L - R
Patti LaBelle, Cleavon Little, Little Richard, Frankie Lymon, Bob Marley, Larry McCormick, Johnny Mathis, Hattie McDaniel, Oscar Micheaux, the Mills Brothers, Thelonious Monk, Eddie Murphy, Nichelle Nichols, the Nicholas Brothers, Brock Peters, the Pointer Sisters, Sidney Poitier, Charley Pride, Richard Pryor, Queen Latifah, Lou Rawls, Della Reese, Lionel Richie, Chris Rock, Paul Robeson, Smokey Robinson, Diana Ross.

S - Z
Isabel Sanford, John Singleton, Wesley Snipes, the Spinners, Donna Summer, the Supremes, the Temptations, Tina Turner, Cicely Tyson, Sarah Vaughan, Dionne Warwick, Forest Whitaker, Billy Dee Williams, Joe Williams, Vanessa Williams, Nancy Wilson and Stevie Wonder.

Upcoming ceremonies in 2008 will include Angela Bassett, among others.

Address: 6299 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA

Map & Driving Directions Official Website: Hollywood Chamber of Commerce

From I.W.: Some of these I can see very easily, but others, ummm, not so much...

There was another post that was also of interest to me, and certainly new information:

Dubbed by locals as the Silver Four Ladies of Hollywood, the Hollywood La Brea Gateway is a 30-foot tall Eiffel Tower shaped gazebo located near the start of the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The structure, supported by four silver statuettes, is a tribute to the multi-ethnic actresses of Hollywood. The figures represent Mae West, Anna May Wong, Dolores Del Rio and Dorothy Dandridge, the first African American to be nominated for an Academy Award as Best Actress for her portrayal of Carmen Jones in 1954.

Address: Intersection of Hollywood Blvd. and LaBrea, Los Angeles, CA

IW: I went to look at it, and even tho it really doesn't look like Dorothy Dandridge to me, at least they tried.