HAPPY 1 YEAR ANNIVERSARY HHCC!
We’re pleased to announce our new partnerships with
INDEPENDENT LENS / ITVS / COMMUNITY CINEMA and HIP-HOP DX!

The Show Must Go On, It Did and It was Good-January One Year Anniversary Screening

As I think most of the people who prior to the day-of had the intention of going to Hip-Hop Cinema Cafe (HHCC) January 30, 2010 did, I spent the morning of it wondering if I would actually attend it after all.  The weather forecasters had underestimated the snowfall that day and by about 10 A.M., the 1 – 3 inches they had predicted was already on the ground and the flakes were still coming… big and consistently.  Also as a result of what the meteorologists said, the salt trucks didn’t make their way out onto the roads the night before I suppose from thinking it was unnecessary for such little accumulation which made it extra dangerous.  At about 11:30 I told myself I’ll me go ahead over to it so I’ll get my money’s worth for being a Subaru owner.  I also told my friend & co-founder of HHCC Kimani Anku that I would be there to assist him since it was also the monthly event’s 1 year anniversary – presuming he had something special planned for it which he may need a hand setting up.  However, when I got there, despite it being almost a whole hour before showtime, he actually already had everything set-up so we just killed time talking about the likelihood of people showing up and how scarce & pricey parking in the area has become all of a sudden.

There were about 10 people in attendance once the film Hip-Hop: Beyond Beats & Rhymes by Byron Hurt got started and about 13 more late-comers between then and it’s end.  It is a fabulous work and all the accolades it has received were well-earned.  Ironically though, one of the best things about it was a bit of a cliche with the title for in a way it wasn’t “beyond” rhymes; it took the very rhymes which seem to presently be most of what we hear in hip-hop – those describing violence and promiscuity – and looked at them in depth while questioning why so many aspiring rappers sound almost identical with the content of their lyrics.  It also discussed other areas of taboo in hip-hop such as homosexuality, hypocritical & indifferent artists, and anglo-americans participation in the genre.

Despite Byron Hurt and panelist Dr. Jared Ball being unable to attend the screening, the discussion after it concluded was indeed “powerful” as promised on the event’s flyer.  As the moderator Dru Ryan spoke, his hand gestures coincidentally (?) seemed quite reminiscent of those done by the token emcee in performance; upon noticing it I couldn’t help wonder if rapping may be something he does on the side or as a hobby.  The one panelist who was there in person – Natalie Hopkinson, gave the audience details on how not only she had expertise on the subject of hip-hop, but also her husband (whom she made seem even more knowledgeable on it than she is) and her children which she had participate in the Q&A time after the film.  One big “hip-hop” family I thought while applauding at her saying that her home boycotts BET.  After a few connection problems, Paul Porter was able to join in care-of Skype, right in time to hear what was probably the most memorable comments of the discussion by one audience member who was seeking to know how to solve the problem of womens’ “invisibility” in hip-hop (and life in general).  No one seemed to be able to give her a sufficient answer before the theater had to be dismissed for the reception, but hopefully the delicious cake Solsource provided for it was a little bit of consolation which was cut in extra big slices for everyone since not as many people as expected showed up because of the snow.

Lance Meadows-HHCC Staff Writer

Thanks to all who made it though the snow to attend and participate in our powerful film discussion in January.
Thank you Dru Ryan, Paul Porter and Natalie Hopkinson.

P-Star Rising Premieres TONIGHT at 10PM on Independent Lens/PBS.
It’s AN AMAZING DOCUMENTARY OF A YOUNG FEMALE MC’S STORY OF STRENGTH: P-STAR RISING!

DMV, catch it on Saturday, February 20, 2010 at 11:10PM on Channel 26
Check your local TV Listings for airdates/times in your area!

A talented young hip-hop performer becomes the vehicle for her father’s unfulfilled ambitions in the feature documentary P-STAR RISING. At the dawn of hip-hop’s breakthrough into the mainstream in the early 1980s, Jesse Diaz was poised for fame, success, and wealth – but a prison sentence soon quashed his dreams. Though Jesse manages to reclaim his life and regain custody of his two young daughters, lost to the foster care system while he was incarcerated and after their mother succumbed to drug addiction, he struggles to support his family as a single dad. Broke, unemployed, and living in temporary housing, he pins his hopes for the family’s fortunes on his youngest daughter, Priscilla AKA P-Star. Recognizing Priscilla’s natural musical talent and precocious personality, Jesse sets out to realize his deferred dreams of hip-hop stardom by making the nine- year-old the next rap phenomenon – “the youngest girl on the scene.” Filmed over four years, P-STAR RISING follows Jesse and his daughters as they navigate the peaks and pitfalls of both the music business and family relationships. As P-Star starts to break through professionally, Jesse struggles to balance his responsibilities as a father to Priscilla and her older sister Solsky with his music industry aspirations. Solsky, increasingly sidelined in the family by Priscilla’s career, does poorly in school and turns to the church for support. As Priscilla matures, she comes increasingly into conflict with Jesse, and risks losing her childhood to satisfy his demands. From performances on the street corner to appearances on national television, from signing record deals to dealing with feelings of abandonment by Priscilla’s crack-addicted mother, Gabriel Noble’s chronicle of the Diaz family offers a personal, intimate look at ambition, talent, and the sacrifices family members make for one another.

Watch the Trailer

P-STAR RISING-http://www.pstarrising.com

DC’s Cool Kids Forever Films gives us Brand New Videos from Wale and XO ft. Raheem Devaughn. Check them out and then hit up their sites!

Wale-Sweetie

Wale-http://www.myspace.com/wale

XO featuring Raheem Devaughn-Take Home

XO-http://www.myspace.com/xouptown

Cool Kids Forever Films is a full production house company located in Washington DC that caters to both independent as well as major artists and labels. Our trendsetting cinematography has been seen on MTV, VH1, and BET. It includes work done for DC superstar Tabi Bonney and Grammy Nominated artist Raheem Devaughn. We pride ourselves in being able to develop and deliver a product of superior quality for a reasonable price. Our goal is to push the envelope of creativity and redefine the medium of film particularly as it relates to the music video.

http://www.myspace.com/coolerforeverfilms

AFI/Discovery Channel SilverDocs is accepting submissions for its eighth annual Film Festival

Submission deadlines are as follows:

EARLY: TODAY
REGULAR: March 12
LATE: March 19

To submit, go to SilverDocs.com or Withoutabox.com

All filmmakers will be notified of their status by May 21, 2010

Questions regarding submissions should be directed to: info@SilverDocs.com

Sundance Documentary “Why We Laugh” Acquired by Showtime to Air TONIGHT at 8pm

Groundbreaking Documentary Examines the Cultural Influence of Black Comedy

Directed by noted actor-producer-director Robert Townsend (“Hollywood Shuffle”), the documentary, which originally screened at Sundance in 2009 in the Premiere section, features interviews with prominent scholars, politicians, cultural critics, and a host of notable comics, including Bill Cosby, Chris Rock, Keenan Ivory Wayans, Steve Harvey, and Katt Williams.

“Why We Laugh” tracks the evolution of black comedy from the character of Stepin Fetchit and minstrels in blackface to the politically tinged humor of Dick Gregory, and from the television success of Good Times and The Jeffersons to the big-screen accomplishments of stars such as Eddie Murphy and Whoopi Goldberg. The film also turns a perceptive eye on the controversial career decision of Dave Chappelle and the implications of corporate efforts to capitalize on the massive success of Russell Simmons’s Def Comedy Jam and Spike Lee’s The Original Kings of Comedy.

“’Why We Laugh‘ is a major historical contribution to American culture,” said Codeblack executive vice-president Quincy Newell. “This film is a tribute to the way one courageous person with a microphone can change history.”

Newell produced the documentary which he co-wrote with John Long. The film is based on the book “Black Comedians on Black Comedy: How African-Americans Taught Us to Laugh,” by Darryl J. Littleton. Codeblack’s Clanagan, Richard Foos, and Littleton are executive producers on the project.
Director Townsend has been at the forefront of black cinema for 30 years and received a Career Achievement Award from the American Black Film Festival in 2002.

About Codeblack Entertainment

CODEBLACK ENTERTAINMENT is the first independent, vertically integrated African American-owned film studio, actively engaged in the business of feature film production and distribution, worldwide DVD & digital assets distribution, urban market consulting, and production of programs for television broadcast and syndication.

Recent national theatrical releases from the company include Shadowboxer (the directorial debut of Lee Daniels, producer of Monster’s Ball, The Woodsman and director of the 2009 Sundance Film Festival award winning Precious), Constellation, Steve Harvey’s stand-up comedy film Don’t Trip…and Preaching to the Choir. Under a multi-picture deal with 20th Century Fox’s film distribution division FOXFAITH, Codeblack produced film adaptations of the 80s Off Broadway gospel musical hit “Mama I want to Sing!” as well as the popular play “A Good Man is Hard to Find.”

http://www.codeblackentertainment.com

The solSource Group, ITVS,
Hip Hop DX and Historical Society of Washington, D.C.
present
Hip Hop Cinema Café One-Year Anniversary
with Filmmaker Byron Hurt

Saturday 01.30.10:

@ Historical Society of Washington D.C.
801 K Street NW (Mount Vernon Sq.), 8th and K Streets 20001

2PM-5PM | Free

featuring:

Hip-Hop: Beyond Beats & Rhymes

61 minutes 2006 Byron Hurt

Filmmaker Byron Hurt, a life-long hip-hop fan, was watching rap music videos on BET when he realized that each video was nearly identical. Guys in fancy cars threw money at the camera while scantily clad women danced in the background. As he discovered how stereotypical rap videos had become, Hurt, a former college quarterback turned activist, decided to make a film about the gender politics of hip-hop, the music and the culture that he grew up with. “The more I grew and the more I learned about sexism and violence and homophobia, the more those lyrics became unacceptable to me,” he says. “And I began to become more conflicted about the music that I loved.” The result is HIP-HOP: Beyond Beats and Rhymes, a riveting documentary that tackles issues of masculinity, sexism, violence and homophobia in today’s hip-hop culture.

Sparking dialogue on hip-hop and its declarations on gender, HIP-HOP: Beyond Beats and Rhymes provides thoughtful insight from intelligent, divergent voices including rap artists, industry executives, rap fans and social critics from inside and outside the hip-hop generation. The film includes interviews with famous rappers such as Mos Def, Fat Joe, Chuck D and Jadakiss and hip-hop mogul Russell Simmons; along with commentary from Michael Eric Dyson, Beverly Guy-Sheftall, Kevin Powell and Sarah Jones and interviews with young women at Spelman College, a historically black school and one of the nation’s leading liberal arts institutions. The film also explores such pressing issues as women and violence in rap music, representations of manhood in hip-hop culture, what today’s rap lyrics reveal to their listeners and homoeroticism in hip-hop. A “loving critique” from a self-proclaimed “hip-hop head,” HIP-HOP: Beyond Beats and Rhymes discloses the complex intersection of culture, commerce and gender through on-the-street interviews with aspiring rappers and fans at hip-hop events throughout the country. The violent and hypersexual imagery in hip-hop has been a topic of heated debate on school campuses, in civic organizations, legislative sessions, women’s magazines, churches and homes. These debates stir strong emotions, with particular resonance among African Americans, arguably the community most affected by the negative messages and stereotypes reinforced by the music. Some defend the right to self- expression or argue that hip-hop encourages entrepreneurship; others link it to an increasingly nihilistic youth culture that supports violence against women and homosexuals. Missing from the debate are tools to help communities lead and sustain productive conversations that engage all sides.

HIP-HOP: Beyond Beats and Rhymes examines representations of manhood, sexism, and homophobia in hip-hop culture through the eyes of an adult fan, an African American male and anti-sexism trainer. Instead of offering simple conclusions about hip-hop’s fans and creators, the candid voices in the film describe the cultural and political environment in which the music is created, commercialized and consumed.

After film there will be a powerful panel discussion around the film with producer/filmmaker Bryon Hurt via Skype, Natalie Hopkinson, Jared Ball (Assistant Professor of Communications Studies at Morgan State), other panelists in the Hip Hop Community, moderated by Dru Ryan and a small reception to celebrate Hip Hop Cinema Café’s One Year Anniversary.

Natalie Hopkinson Co-author, Deconstructing Tyrone: A New Look at Black Masculinity in the Hip-Hop Generation
http://www.deconstructing-tyrone.blogspot.com

Jared Ball Assistant-Professor of Communication Studies (Morgan State University) WPFW-FM 89.3 Radio Personality
http://www.voxunion.com

…………………….

“The monthly Hip-Hop Cinema Café is a great way to enjoy hip-hop and film at the same time in D.C., but if you want to participate fully in these screenings, you should first familiarize yourself with a few canonical movies. Sure, you can show up, watch, and bounce, but often the best part of this event is the talk afterward, which typically includes a roundtable of D.C.-based arts luminaries.”

- Washington CityPaper Best Of D.C. ‘09

The Washington Post on HHCC:
“Film Series Spotlights D.C. Style Of Hip-Hop”

The Washington CityPaper on HHCC:
“Best of D.C. 2009-Staff Pick: Best Way to Enjoy the Intersection of Film and Hip-Hop

Flavor Unit emcee Apache, born Anthony Teaks, passed away today (January 22) after a protracted illness.

As an original member of Queen Latifah’s Flavor Unit, Apache first appeared on 45 King Presents The Flavor Unit and his best known single “Gangsta B**ch” peaked at #11 on Billboard’s Hot Rap Singles chart. Shakim Compere, CEO and Co-Founder of Flavor Unit Records, remembered Apache.

“Without Apache there would have been no Queen Latifah, no Naughty By Nature, no Chill Rob G., no anything” Compere told AllHipHop.com. “Apache was the string that tied all of Flavor Unit together. Without Apache none of this would be.”

Apache was one of the three original rappers in Flavor Unit, which also counted Queen Latifah and Latee as early group members.
The rap crew consisted of groups or rappers like Lakim Shabazz, Lord Alibaski, Chill Rob G., Naughty By Nature, Freddie Foxxx, Nikki D and Queen Latifah.

Apache’s appearances included collaborations with Naughty by Nature, Fat Joe, Tupac, and A Tribe Called Quest.

Our condolences go out to Apache and his family…

Soul 4 Reel Short Film Festival
-Dealing with “The Soul of Relationships”-

Mission & Objective
The Soul 4 Reel Film Festival spotlights truly independent short films (under 60
minutes) in every genre including music videos, created by new and established
filmmakers dealing with “the soul of relationships.” The goal is to enlighten,
inspire and build the imaginations and lives of those who enjoy making films as
well as those who simply observe by expressing what it means to have and be in
a relationship. The competition is open to students, indie filmmakers, and music
video directors from all over the world.

ABOUT THE FESTIVAL
The Soul Factory Theatre will be presenting the first annual Soul 4 Reel Film
Festival March 12-14, 2010. This three day competition will feature independent
short films of all genres as well as music videos, dealing with “the soul of
relationships.” “Relationships can be defined as love between a husband and
wife, love for a pet, love between friends, a favorite material possession, etc.
This event will be presented at The Soul Factory Theatre located at 7702
Marlboro Pike, Forestville Maryland. In addition to independent films, the
competition will host Q&A segments from directors in the industry as well as
directors of films in competition. Cash prizes will also be awarded. Most
importantly, filmmakers will enjoy the opportunity to meet and learn from other
filmmakers, an experience that comes from the premier showcase dedicated to
short films and the people who make them.

As an added bonus, selected films from competition will have the
opportunity to be showcased at our sister company in Atlanta, GA for our
next filmmakers competition later in the year.

The Soul Factory is currently accepting film submissions for possible entry into
the festival. For additional information on the festival as well as submission
guidelines, visit www.TheSoulFactory.com or log onto www.withoutabox.com.

We accept films in ALL genres, and program screenings so audiences see as
many different types of films as possible.

ORGANIZER:
Rocky McKoy (Director), Justin Selby (Director), Deron Cloud (Producer)

GENERAL RULES
1. The competition accepts ALL GENRES of film and is open to ALL AGES.

2. All submissions must fit within the guidelines of dealing with what it means to
be in a “Relationship” or what it means to have a “relationship” of some nature.
“Relationship” is defined as a love between a husband and wife, a love for a pet,
love between friends, a material possession of some value, etc.

3. SUBMITTED FILMS WITH NUDITY OR EXPLICIT SEXUAL CONTENT WILL
NOT BE ACCEPTED UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES.

4. Entry Fees are non refundable.

5. All films must be in English, subtitled in English, or dubbed in English.

6. All films must be submitted on DVD (NTSC) for judging. NO PAL VIDEOS
ACCEPTED! Please label all materials with the title, running time, director name,
and WAB ID number (if applicable). Do not send film prints, master media or
other originals. Soul 4 Reel is not responsible for materials lost, undelivered, or
miscarried by the mail.

7. All jury decisions are final.

8. Soul 4 Reel reserves the right to adjust screening schedules of films at the
discretion of Soul 4 Reel without any notice.

Maximum runtime for Shorts is 60 minutes.
Maximum runtime for Short Shorts is 30 minutes.
Maximum runtime for Music Videos is 10 minutes.

Soul 4 Reel 2010 Submissions Application

Legendary hip-hop DJ Jason Mizell, aka Jam Master Jay, is gunned down in his Queens studio. Security tapes of the incident mysteriously disappear, the five witnesses are uncooperative and no one is talking…until now. 2 TURNTABLES AND A MICROPHONE documents the investigation of the unsolved murder of Jam Master Jay, RUN- DMC’s groundbreaking DJ and producer, deftly revealing the history of hip-hop and mainstream rap along the way. Exclusive, candid interviews with 50 Cent, Ja Rule, Russell Simmons, RUN-DMC and more offer insight into Jam Master Jay’s life – including information that could finally help police solve the murder that shook the music world to its core.

2 Turntables And A Microphone – DVD Available December 1
Image Entertainment / One Village Entertainment http://www.image-entertainment.com

Pre-order: http://www.amazon.com/Turntables-Microphone-Life-Death-Master/dp/B002C39T14/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1259007071&sr=8-1

Hip Hop Cinema
HIP HOP SHORTS

@ Historical Society of Washington D.C.
801 K Street NW Mount Vernon Sq., 8th and K Streets 20001

1PM-5PM | Free

In Honor of Hip Hop Appreciation Month, Hip Hop Cinema Café will celebrate with a day-long showcase of over 12 Hip Hop Short Films from around the corner and across the globe.

For a complete list of films log onto hiphopcinemacafe.com
(Ages 18 to Adults) No RSVP required.

featuring:

Can She Be Saved?

Author/activist/producer Yasmin Shiraz exposes the recent phenomenon of girl fights in America-the prevalence of video images featuring girls physically attacking each other. Painting a dark picture of what happens to juveniles who engage in violent activity, Can She Be Saved? provides historical, cultural and personal references to understand why teen girls are fighting and if anything can be done to make them stop. Revealing the cultural attitudes of girl fighting, Shiraz includes pop culture references, crime and violence statistics as well as news stories that hype the images of girls battling. Shiraz then interviews middle school girls from Syracuse, NY who have been labeled “aggressive” by their teachers, principals and/or guidance counselors. These girls were known to fight and get into disagreements with their classmates. In her interviews of teen girls and professionals who work with youth, Shiraz uncovers the shocking reasons behind the girls’ attitudes and actions. Though the girl’s reasons for fighting contrast with the professional subject’s opinions, the girl’s testimonies make a case for compassion instead of condemnation.

Other Films include:

I AM SEAN BELL Black boys speak A Short Form Documentary from Wildseed Films Directed by Stacey Muhammad, Edited by: Stacey Muhammad & R.H. Bless

I AM SEAN BELL, Black boys speak is a short form documentary, produced by Wildseed Films, directed by Stacey Muhammad. On November 25, 2006, undercover NYPD officers fired at least 50 rounds of bullets into a car carrying three UNARMED men of African American and Latino decent; killing one, SEAN BELL and seriously wounding two others. Bell age 23 was scheduled to be married on that fateful day. Three of the five detectives involved in the shooting went to trial on charges ranging from manslaughter to reckless endangerment. All were found not guilty. The incident has sparked fierce criticism of the NYPD as the city faces yet another murder of an unarmed African American man at the hands of those expected to protect and serve. “I AM SEAN BELL, black boys speak” is a short form documentary from Wildseed Films that highlights the voices of young black boys between the ages of 11 and 13 years old growing up in New York City. They speak openly and honestly about their reaction to the Sean Bell tragedy as well as their fears and hopes as they approach manhood in a city where the lives of young black men are often cut short, to often, and too soon. I AM SEAN BELL, black boys speak made it’s film festival premier at the PATOIS New Orleans International Human Rights film festival. Since that time the film has been screened at festivals and events nationwide.

HIPHOP Aesthetics: The 5 Senses, Part 1-SIGHT Directed by Danielle Eliska Lyle

To Generation X, the essential 5 elements of survival are air, water, fire, earth and HIPHOP… HIPHOP is more than Dirty Dozens on playgrounds, cardboard on sidewalks, b-boxing contests and tagged freeway overpasses—it is liberation through expression and sound. HIPHOP Aesthetics: The 5 Senses is a documentary series on the elements of HIPHOP in Detroit. We get up close and personal with two of Detroit’s finest—SINTEX, the Graffiti guru and Fel’le, the Airbrush don. They stimulate our visual, bringing us to a climax while we feast on eye candy in Part I— SIGHT.

Hip Hop Love Story A Short Fiction Film Directed by Omar Akbar, Edited by: Omar Akbar

Hip Hop Love Story is one man’s testimony to the power of Love and a new beginning. This movie depicts the journey from heartache to rebirth from the perspective of an Emcee. An abstract tale of pain and joy told in 6 parts through the narration of the Emcees lyrics.

Up in the Attic Directed by Kamal Imani

In the early days of Hip Hop, some teenage young men in the New Jersey suburbs of New York City became very popular. There hangout was in the Attic of one of the leaders of the posse who were known as the Gods AKA the Brothers. The brothers had good looks, magnetic personalities, knowledge of self and the rebelliousness that many teenagers had. They were also well versed in the elements of hip hop. This gave them an aura which attracted many fly girls who wanted to get with them and many fly guys as well as nerds who wanted to get down with the cipher. Many bonds became stronger and many lessons were learned “Up in the Attic”. Up in the Attic is a coming of age story with a realistic mix of drama and comedy. The lead character is actor Jamian Blackmon who plays Jamal and his posse Daquan and Asiatic (Real Brothers), Lakem (The Loud One), Lorenzo (The Instigator), Bookworm and I-Self. Narration by Steven A. Robinson who plays King Hannibal Saladine Allah Special guest appearances by Hip Hop Old School legends and Pioneers Crash Crews Reggie Reg and Yoda, Zulu Kings, DJ Cool Clyde, DJ Cisco, Chill Rob Gee (I Got the Power), Hip Hop Radio Personality Champagne, Ericka M. Williams and more. The soundtrack includes the likes of MC Shan, Chill Rob G, Lakim Shabazz Champagne, Maximus Parthas, Kyss Major, Koffee, DJ Revie Rev & LLC (The Break Out Brothers-Cuzzone Crew), Kamal Supreme, JP & much more!

Additional Short Films

Snowflake

The Revenge of the Robots 
ft. Mr. Lif El-P & RJD2

Hoodlyfe

Rest in Beats

Elevator Music- Tewodross Melchishu

Diamond District Mini Documentary-DJ Roddy Rod

Next: Downtown 2010-Omar Akbar

Another Randon Joint- Kev Brown

Hollywood-Phil Ade

No Love-J-Scrilla, K-Beta, XO, Oddisee, RAtheMC, Wordsmith, Judah and Teleflon

…………………….

“The monthly Hip-Hop Cinema Café is a great way to enjoy hip-hop and film at the same time in D.C., but if you want to participate fully in these screenings, you should first familiarize yourself with a few canonical movies. Sure, you can show up, watch, and bounce, but often the best part of this event is the talk afterward, which typically includes a roundtable of D.C.-based arts luminaries.”

- Washington CityPaper Best Of D.C. ‘09

The Washington Post on HHCC:
“Film Series Spotlights D.C. Style Of Hip-Hop”

The Washington CityPaper on HHCC:
“Best of D.C. 2009-Staff Pick: Best Way to Enjoy the Intersection of Film and Hip-Hop