Garcelle's new movie?

Actress Garcelle Beauvais has been dropping hints about a new movie for the past few days. Fresh off the set of "Grown Girls' Getaway" in the Trinidad and Tobago, Garcelle jetted to South Africa for her next project. The film is in production in Cape Town, South Africa and also stars former Laker Rick Fox, who used to star in the tv show "The Game" and Denzel Whitaker (The Great Debaters).

Garcelle Beauvais and Denzel Whitaker.

We're not sure of the name of the project or its subject matter, but Cape Town has breathtaking views so we're on pins and needles for this one! Stay tuned for more details!

Garcelle Beauvais and Rick Fox on the set of her new movie.

Attention actors: Tyler Perry casting call!

If you are an actor in Atlanta, Tyler Perry is casting for his shows. Check out the details HERE!

Lighting on a shoestring budget

Photo from Islah Jagan's blog

Most of us in the indie film world make movies on a no/low/shoestring budget. The lack of money makes things more difficult but forces us to be creative. For instance, on one particular shoot we couldn't afford a dolly, so the DP and director got in the trunk of a car. As the actor walked towards the camera, the car pulled away and voila: dolly shot!

So here is an interesting article I stumbled upon on lighting, one of the most important aspects of filmmaking. It's easy to say you'll fix problems in post but I've learned from experience that post has its own set of nightmares. So what's a filmmaker to do when working with a tiny budget? 

Check out this great ARTICLE on nofilmschool's website. 

Trailer released for "Purgatorio"

In September 2013, the Dominican Republic's top court issued a ruling that rendered stateless tens of thousands of Dominicans of Haitian descent. Many people were "deported" to Haiti where they had no relatives and no resources. Women were separated from their children, husbands from their wives, families were torn apart.

"Purgatorio" is a short film that captures the plight of Rosa Jean-Louis and her daughter Soledad as they are questioned then transported to Haiti. At its core, the film not only explores the inhumanity of statelessness, it also echoes the cries of a land beckoning its children home. The film was written and directed by Martine Jean and stars an excellent group of actors that includes Krystel Roche, Francisco Solana, Isabel Rolo and Mandell Frazier.  Cinematography by Michael Woxland (The Silent Treatment).

CHECK OUT THE TRAILER FOR PURGATORIO-----------> HERE

ABFF roundup

Vladimir Versailles and Jasmine Guy at ABFF
Photo credit Versailles' FB 

The 2014 American Black Film Festival (ABFF) took place over the weekend. This was the festival's first year in New York. In the past, it was held in Miami. Many stars participated in panel discussions and attended movie screenings all weekend. The festival opened with the much anticipated 'Think Like A Man Too." The cast of the film was in attendance and dazzled the crowd. The closing film was Spike Lee's Kickstarter funded project 'Da Sweet Blood of Jesus.'

Actor Vladimir Versailles was in attendance and took part in the ABFF HBO workshop. 

Numa Perrier of Black and Sexy Tv looked splendid in an angelic gown as she walked the red carpet for the world premiere of Spike Lee's "Da Sweet Blood of Jesus."

Numa Perrier
Photo via Black and Sexy Tv

Winning the webisode challenge with "Close Friends" are creators and filmmakers McKinson Souverain and Rick Jean-Francois.

Film School (Yes. Again.) Freebies!

Last week, I posted about FILM SCHOOL and whether or not it was necessary for aspiring filmmakers. With the presence of Cine Institute (an excellent school doing great things!) in Haiti, aspiring Haitian filmmakers now have an option right in Jacmel. Whether you choose to pay for it and attend a school or you think an apprenticeship is the way to go, one thing is for sure the learning never stops. 

I was surprised and happy to find out that MIT offered free online classes for filmmakers. Did I mention the classes were ONLINE? And FREE? I can't vouch for the content of the courses or the instructors, that's a judgment call you'll have to make. I got the 411 on the freebies from one of our trusted website, www.nofilmschool.com (kind of ironic, huh?!) 

Get details HERE. 

MPAH Movie Awards Nominees

The Motion Picture Association of Haiti (MPAH) has released more details on its nominees for its annual awards ceremony. The annual event will be held on October 26, 2014 at Lantana in Randolph, MA. We love some of the films that are nominated and some of the others we have yet to see. We encourage you to submit screeners to us as we have a qualified film critic on staff.

Best Film 
This is an interesting list. Personally, I've seen three of the 4 and I have to admit that I've been more excited about MPAH's past selections in previous years. Nevertheless, here are the nominees for Best Movie.

"Rasin Mwen" (Directed by Robinson Vil) is the gritty tale of a man who owes a gambling debt to a loan shark. It was great to see shots of the underbelly of Haiti throughout the film.

"We Love You Anne" (Directed by Richard Senecal), We're on the fence about this pick. But we will see how it does once the results are announced. The film was the subject of a scathing scathing critique in LE NOUVELLISTE though supporters of the film LOVED it! One of my favorite Haitian actresses, Gessica Geneus, is excellent in this film. She's got my vote for Best Actress!

"Everybody Cheats", a tale of cheating hearts and heartbreak starring Sarodj Bertin, who looks absolutely radiant in the film. TRAILER HERE

"Unconditional Love", I liked this film. It had an "Enfant Perdu" vibe and was well produced. The story was engaging, though at times over the top. 

Best Short Film 

"La Joie De Lire", un film de Dominique Telemaque. Based on the trailer, "La Joie De Lire" looks fantastic! It's the story of a young boy desperately trying to find ways to buy the book he needs for school. Tout Ayisyen ki pase sou ban lekol an Ayiti konnen ke fok tout timoun achte liv chak ane. Lolo touve li nan yon sitiyasyon kote ke paran li pa gen kob pou achte liv la. James Saintil who is the lead actor in Cristo Rey, plays a supporting role in this short film. Check out the trailer straight from MPAH's FACEBOOK PAGE. This short's got my vote for Best Short Film!

"Love Me Haiti", directed by Huges Gentillion, is about a woman's fight to get her husband out of prison in Haiti. The film was written by Alexander Stuart, Joyce McCauley-Nebber and Joe Vetromile.

"J-12", un film de Perri Pierre. Pierre's short film recently won the People's Choice award for Best short film or trailer at NAFCA (African Oscars). J-12 stars Pierre himself and tells the story of a young man struggling to make ends meet in New York, who then has to cope with the news of the devastating earthquake in Haiti.

The cast of 'La Vi Nan Bouk' will receive the 2014 Excellence Award. Bos Masel, Gracie, Papa Pye, Frederic will receive the honor at the awards ceremony in October.

For a detailed list of nominees including, BEST ACTOR AND BEST ACTRESS visit the MPAH's website here ---> HERE

Like MPAH on FACEBOOK. 

Romane Simon's latest film

Filmmaker Romane Simon, who recently shared behind the scenes pictures from his movie "Voodoo: The movie" starring Jimmy Jean-Louis, has released the trailer for "The Night Seekers" a film he produced earlier this year. The film was directed by Menetie Ejeye. This year already has been very busy for Romane, with one feature film and one tv show completed and one feature in production and another to be filmed in the fall. Check out the trailer for 'The Night Seekers' below!

Update # 5 on 'Caroline's Wedding'

Guess who's been cast in the role of Zack in Easmanie Michel's adaptation of Danticat's 'Caroline's Wedding'? None other than actor Jamie Hector! One of my favorite actors, Jamie is best known for his portrayal of the ruthless Marlo Stanfield, one of the leaders of the Stanfield Organization in the Baltimore drug trade in HBO's critically acclaimed show "The Wire." 

Jamie adds more star power to an already stellar cast which includes Edwidge Danticat herself, Emeline Michel and Vladimir Versailles. Support this fantastic project! Donate to their campaign on ----KICKSTARTER

Vladimir Versailles

Emeline Michel

Edwidge Danticat

Protecting your work.

Source: ttp://ste-ursule-portail-pedagogique.lekreisker.fr/spip.php?article274

 

One of the most important, yet overlooked aspects of filmmaking is the legal side. Filmmakers are artists and often get lost in the art and forget everything else. It's "show business" so focus on the show and the business.

 

I remember a Haitian film that had great success. A couple of years later someone else made a sequel to the film without the original filmmaker's knowledge or consent. Learn how to protect yourselves, whether it's through copyrighting your work or assuring that everyone involved in a project signs a binding contract. Copyrighting is easy and can be done online for $35. Here is a direct link to copyright your work if you are in U.S. [U.S. COPYRIGHT OFFICE]

 

The 'Bureau Haitien Du Droit D'Auteur" also is an excellent resource and is making strides in improving available protections for Haitian artists' intellectual property. [BUREAU DU DROIT D'AUTEUR]

The Haitian American Chamber of Commerce of Florida will hold a workshop on contracts and agreements on June 21st, 2014. If you are in Florida and are an actor, producer, director, or filmmaker of any sort, this workshop is for you. Info on flyer attached!

 

 

Update # 4 on 'Caroline's Wedding'

There are only a couple of days left to contribute to this great project! Did you know if you donate $250 or more by the end of today you may be picked to have an exclusive dinner with author Edwidge Danticat? Did you know that there has never been a big screen adaption of Danticat's work? Premye fwa Edwige Danticat bay yon moun pemisyon pou fe sa. Edwidge herself will appear in the film!

Do you love Emeline Michel like I do? Did you know Emeline Michel will appear in the film? 

Have you seen actor Vladimir Versailles' work on 'Orange is the New Black'? Did you know he will star in this film? What are you waiting for? Se pa lot nasyon ki pou rankontre istwa Ayisyen! Support this great project HERE

Update # 3 on 'Caroline's Wedding'

Author Edwidge Danticat and filmmaker Easmanie Michel will be on the radio this evening at 9:30pm EST, 6:30pm PST to discuss the film adaptation of Danticat's 'Caroline's Wedding.' Be sure to tune in to Legacy 1804 hosted by Alice Baker. Kiskeyacity.com #LOF1804 More info HERE. 

ONLY 8 DAYS LEFT!!! This project cannot happen with out you! To contribute, please go to 'Caroline's Wedding''s KICKSTARTER CAMPAIGN.

James Saintil stars in 'Cristo Rey'

Directed by Dominican director Leticia Tonos Paniagua, ‘Cristo Rey’, is described as a modern day re-telling of Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet.” The film is set in the Dominican Republic and tells a tale of forbidden love between “a kind hearted teenager ostracized by his mixed Haitian and Dominican descent, and the beautiful daughter of a local drug kingpin.” (Source SHADOW AND ACT).

The lead role of Janvier is played by James Saintil, a young Haitian actor who also appears in ‘Duarte, Traicioy y Gloria” which is slated for release later this year.. Also starring are Marie Michelle Bazile as Janvier’s mother Laurence, Akari Endo as Janvier’s girlfriend Jocelyn, and Yasser Michelen as Janvier’s brother Rudy. You may have seen a poignant still photo from the film that made its rounds in Haitian circles this month. The photo was so powerful that many thought it was a real incident and passed it around in praise of Haitian mothers. Whether it was clever marketing or the power of the picture, the film got our attention and we’re looking forward to screening and reviewing it.

Currently, ‘Cristo Rey’ is slated to screen at the Film Society of Lincoln Center’s 15^th, edition of Latin beat between July 11^th and July 20th. Festival details are HERE.

Check out a clip from 'Cristo Rey' below.

Cine Institute receives grant from The Academy

www.cineinstitute.com

Yer Nou t-ap pale de Film School. Jodi-a Nou a pran ke Cine Institute ki as se'l lekol fim an Ayiti pral resevwa yon kado nan men Academy etazini. Menm Academy ki fe Oscar yo chak ane. Cine Institute released this statement:

"We are extremely pleased and excited to announce that Ciné Institute, Haiti’s only film school, has been awarded a grant from The Academy. Ciné Institute brings together leaders in cinema and education to train and support Haiti’s budding filmmakers. Equally focused on storytelling and technical training, Ciné Institute prepares students for all types of film industry careers.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ Educational Grants Program provides support to institutions and other nonprofit organizations that help aspiring filmmakers gain the skills and knowledge they need to make theatrical motion pictures.

We eagerly look forward to the new stories and films from our students and young artists that grow because of this generous grant from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. On behalf of Ciné Institute, Artists Institute, and everyone at Artists for Peace and justice, Thank You!"

Cine Institute gen kek lane depi ke li ap travay nan peyi-a. Ane pase elev Cine-a (Donald Charles, Pierre-Lucson Bellegarde) te rive ale jouk nan Festival Internationale De Cannes avek senario yo ki rele 'Carmen' ki te seleksyone nan

Ane sa, yon'n nan elev Cine a, Amiral Gaspard, te pran premye plas nan yon konkou fim sipenatirel ke Shadow and Act te fe. Fim nan te rele "BON AN, MECHAN AN AK APRANTI A."

We can't wait to see what they school has in store for the rest of the year! 

Falia JUSTIMA is the People's Choice!

Voting has ended for the Nollywood and African Film Critics' awards (Known as African NAFCA, also as African Oscars). Congratulations to fanm djanm, Actress Falia Justima who has garnered the most votes as "Favorite Actress" for her role in "Mea Culpa." 

Also winning "Favorite Trailer/Short Film" is filmmaker and actor Perri Pierre's "J-12", a short film about a young Haitian immigrant facing eviction and uncertainty, after a major quake hits Haiti. 

Jimmy Jean-Louis was in the running for "Favorite Actor" but did not garner enough votes to surpass the eventual winner. 

This year's African NAFCA red carpet and ceremony will be held on September 13th at the Saban Theater in Beverly Hills, California. 

LINK to ------- > African NAFCA

Film school?

To go or not to go? That is the question when it comes to film school. In the U.S, a degree in film (as with any degree) costs a pretty penny and the financial rewards post graduation may be minimal.

There are many excellent filmmakers who never went to film school. Of note is Oscar winner James Cameron (Titanic and Avatar), the Wachowski siblings (The Matrix), and superbly talented filmmaker Ava Duvernay (Middle of Nowhere, Selma). And how can we forget Quentin Tarantino (Pulp Fiction, Django Unchained) who famously said "I didn't go to film school, I went to films." 

On the flip side, film school provides you with a solid technical foundation in filmmaking. Basically, you learn things that you wouldn't want to learn on the job.  Also, if you plan on going into academia, then film school is definitely the path to choose. 

So is it worth it? Filmmakingstuff.com wrote an excellent article on the matter, weighing the pros and the cons of film school. That website is one of my favorites for all its invaluable information. Read the article, then let me know your thoughts! 

Article ----> HERE

Voodoo: The Movie is in production!

It's official! Filmmaker Romane Simon is in production for his film "Voodoo: The Movie." With actor Jimmy Jean-Louis leading the cast, the film is about a honeymooning couple forced to deal with supernatural events. Jimmy plays the role of Emmanuel a man who marries the love of his life, but then is confronted by his past once the honeymoon begins. Actress Nadege Telfort co-stars in the movie as well. The film is slated for an October release. Romane has been busy directing and producing over 20 films in the past few years including Paranormal and a TV series titled 'The Dream Naperz." 'Like' his latest project on FB for more updates. --- Voodoo The Movie

Jimmy Jean-Louis rehearsing a scene with Tatum Miranda.

Romane Simon and lead actress Tatum Miranda. 

Jimmy Jean-Louis and Tatum Miranda on the set of "Voodoo: The Movie."

Romane Simon with actress Nadege Telfort and Steven Skyler (Power Rangers)

All photos via @VoodooTheMovie on FB.

Weekend roundup!

Jaime Hector, Pastor A.R. Bernard,and Jerry Lamothe. Repost from @JerryLamothe

This weekend in New York, Director Jerry Lamothe (The Tombs) attended a charity event put on by actor Jaime Hector's (The Wire) Moving Mountains foundation. The foundation's stated mission is "to improve the lives of youth developing their artistic talents, creating opportunities for them in theater, film and entertainment, and encouraging them to pursue their dreams while building character." Check out the organization's website. MOVING MOUNTAINS

Rachel Magloire and Chantal Regnault's "Deported" airs tonight at 8pm EST. The fim is produced by Production Fanal as well as Raoul Peck's company Velvet Films. More info HERE.

  

 

Repost from @GarcelleBeauvais

Actress Garcelle Beauvais is still shooting "Grown Woman's Getaway" in Trinidad and teased us with this pic of her lounging on the beach. The film also stars Essence Atkins, Terri Vaughn and  Malinda Williams.

Vladimir VERSAILLES in new web series!

Vladimir Versailles stars in tonight's episode of "Hard Times"

"Call me Toussaint! Toussaint Louverture."

 

 

 

Actor Vladimir Versailles stars in tonight's episode of 'Hard Times' on Issa Rae Productions' Youtube Channel. You may remember Vladimir from his role as young Jean-Baptiste in Netflix's show 'Orange is the New Black'. The prolific and talented young actor is always on the move, booking project after project. 

Currently, Versailles stars in "Donogoo" at the Mint Theater Company in New York. He posted this picture of himself in costume for the play. This week, it was announced that Versailles will appear in 'Caroline's Wedding' alongside two amazing Haitian talents: singer Emeline Michel and author EDWIDGE Danticat.

Directed by Tahir Jetter, "Hard Times" is a new web series about the struggles of a young man living in New York city who has to make ends meet by any means necessary. Any means, including stripping. Catch VERSAILLES in episode 2 tonight at 5pm EST, 8pm PST.

 

Garcelle leads all female cast

UPDATE 07/23/2014: Set your DVRs! We now know that Garcelle's movie 'Grown Girls' Getaway' is an original TVOne movie and will air on the network on August 30th. You may recall we posted about this project a little over a month ago (see below). The film was shot on location in Trinidad and stars Garcelle Beauvais, Malinda Williams, Terri Vaughn and Essence Atkins. The film already is in post production and will be airing on tv soon. Check out Shadow and Act for more info HERE.

----------------------------

Bonjou fanmiy nou yo!

Bonn nouvel jodi-a. Actress Garcelle Beauvais will star in "Grown Girls Getaway", a comedy with about a group of friends on vacation who encounter all sorts of adventures. The comedy is being shot in Trinidad and Tobago which has very attractive incentives for filmmakers. Garcelle posted a photo of herself and Essence Atkins on set last week with the caption "Working in Trinidad with the lovely Essence Atkins."

According to Indiewire's Shadow and Act, starring opposite Garcelle are Essence Atkins, Malinda Williams and Terri Vaugh. The movie will be directed by Roger Bobb. More details on this exciting new movie can be found here -----> Shadow and Act

For a project like this you'd expect a cast of female stand up comedians (like Mo'nique, Sasheer, Sommore etc.) but this cast is comprised of women who've all done sitcoms so this will be a different vehicle for them to display their comedic chops.

Yon paket medam ki al an vakans ansanm ... TET CHAJE!!!

Update from Easmanie Michel and 'Caroline's Wedding'.

By now you should know that filmmaker Easmanie Michel is raising funds via Kickstarter for her adaptation of Edwidge Danticat's novel 'Caroline's Wedding.' Her campaign has been going strong, raising almost $10, 000 with 17 days to go, and we encourage you to donate HERE.

Indiewire's Shadow and Act featured the project HERE.

A few days ago, Easmanie announced that the fabulous Haitian singer Emeline Michel would be a part of the cast. 

Easmanie fe yon kokennchen anons kote li di ke Edwidge Danticat ap ge yon cameo nan fim nan. How exciting is that? And Aleta Chapelle will handle casting!

In case you didn't know, Easmanie's script was a finalist for the Sundance Film Festival's Screenwriter's Lab. That's a big deal, folks! We encourage you to support this great project. It's about time one of Danticat's novel got a big screen treatment. Have you donated yet? Non? Sa ou ap tann?

Kickstarter Campaign https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/82357712/carolines-wedding

"Papa Machete", les cineastes parlent.

Here's a project we heard about a few months ago. It's titled "Papa Machete." Papa Machete se yon dokimante kou metraj ki se istwa Profese Avril en Haiti yon Ayisyen vanyan ki konn kwaze manchet. Realizate fim nan te fe yon kanpay pou jwenn kob pou fe fim nan sou Kickstarter.

Nou pale de fim nan deja sou sit sa-a. Yonn nan sineas ki travay sou fim sa, ki se Richard Patterson, te bay yon interview kote li te pale de tounaj la an Ayiti. Li pale de tout difikilte ki te genyen nan fe fim nan Ayiti (problem elektrisite, transpotsyon ak tout ekipman yo etc.), tout bel eksperyans tou ke li fe. Richard pale an detay de ki jan de kamera ak lot ekipman ke li itilize pou fe tounaj sa. 

Yo itilize yon IFR5 avek yon recorder R5 pou slow motion. Epi yo te genyen yon Kamera Sony pou filme. 

L'interview au complet ce trouve au site www.nofilmschool.com via ce link direct----> ici. 


The Kickstarter campaign is embedded below.

"Resilient Hearts", un film de Claudine Oriol

Aktris Claudine Oriol (Pluie D'Espoir, Nora's Hair Salon) te reyalize yon dokimante ki rele 'Resilient Hearts.' Dokimante sa-a analize enpact tranbleman de te 11 Janvye-a sou pep Ayisien. Sitou, dokimante a montre kijan pep Ayisyen se yon pep ki gen fos, ki jan vreman men anpil, chay pa lou, ke se linion selamn ki fe la fos, ke depi gen kouri, fok nou met tet ansanm kanm menm. 

Claudine herself was on her way to New York from Haiti when the earthquake struck. This film chronicles her experience and observations when she went back home.  The film shows that immediately after the earthquake, Haitians came together to help each other, to save as many lives as possible. Suddenly, Haitians were no longer shackled by issues of
classicism and colorism. Haitians were united as one nation. Haiti lost nearly a quarter of a million people during those fateful seconds, but Haitians never lost their resilience as a people. We are eager to see this film and to chat with the filmmakers. 

The film premieres at the DC Caribbean Film Festival on June 15th. Check out the film's Facebook Page.

"Resilient Heart"'s trailer is embedded below.