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.