HW FILM FESTIVAL 2021 Winners & Screenplays

MAGAZINE FILM FESTIVAL And the 2 0 2 1 winners are...

Hollywood Weekly Magazine Film Festival Best Film Round Ups

BEST DOCUMENTARY

GEORGE FLOYD: SAY THEIR NAMES

When will the “last” time be the LAST time? Chris Oledude’s single “George Floyd” has now been re-presented in the powerful video, “George Floyd: Say Their Names.” America’s struggle for equality and fairness throughout law enforcement parallels those struggles faced by minority groups in every society where the majority feels empowered to disregard civil and human rights. The pressure for change must continue. No justice? No peace!

BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY

LITTLE FRENCH FISH

Lea is an artist from an Eastern European Jewish family. Djamil is a young man from the Middle East. They accidentally meet in Paris and fall in love. Their story is filled with passion, romance, and profound tenderness, but it cannot last long as they choose family traditions over their own happiness. One day, when they accidentally spot each other in a dark cinema hall.

BEST PICTURE FOR MOVIE THRILLER

VINO ROYALE

This musically-charged, women’s empowerment thriller, tells the story of Laurie, a twenty-something law student, who must travel to Italy and face a gang of ruthless mobsters in order to save the life of her true love.

BEST SCIENCE FICTION

FUJIYAMA

Two futuristic lady cops are on a mission to track down and catch criminals in a world that is driven by gadgets and technology.

BEST INSPIRATIONAL - LIFE

GRAVEL WOUNDS

A mother struggles with alcohol addiction tries to put the pieces of her life back together.

BEST HISTORICAL DOCUMENTARY

INHERIT THE LAND

Inherit the Land, based on the 2006 history Inherit the Land: Jim Crow Meets Miss Maggie’s Will, tells the story from its 19th-century origins to the present.

BEST INSPIRATIONAL - WOMEN

XENTASTIC

Xenyatta (Xen), is Spencer’s new girlfriend. Spencer really likes her, but her strange behavior worries him. Xen’s ultra-confidential profession is transporting precious gems for insurance companies.

BEST INSPIRATIONAL - YOUTH

ECCENTRA

The Amassi stones hold extraordinarily eccentric powers. And when placed in the hands of high school teen Melanie Vaughn, she must learn how to handle many different relationships, especially the one with the stones.

BEST HORROR

THE LITTLE CHAPEL

“The Little Chapel,” focuses on a young girl named Stacy who tries to bring her friend back from the dead after a terrible accident, but unfortunately events take a turn for the worse.

SCREENPLAY REVIEWS

MARS IS OURS – CLIFF PARIS

When a robotic engineer and unwilling astronaut takes a week-long trip to Mars, he leaves a robot version of himself in his place in an attempt to keep an open line of communication with his family. Through a multitude of issues, we are left to wonder who will survive, if anyone. With a hint of a love story, and a few laughs in between, we are left wondering is there a greater journey ahead for our species? A fast paced, action-packed sci-fi thriller. Filled with various story lines and moving parts. Interesting and would most certainly appeal to any robot loving audience. An interesting take on the final chapter of the human race and leaves you pondering how you would deal with being put in the position of many of the characters.

TOO BAD ABOUT SNOWBALL – PAUL LARSEN

A dark comedy about a group of young filmmakers experiencing a financial hardship. They are hired by a pair of shady businessmen making promises that seem too good to be true. They sign up to create films about saving the environment, but little do they know, they are in for a rude awakening when they realize the true intentions of their shady saviors. An entertaining, humorous take on the serious issue of climate change. The characters are relatable, and the storyline seems to be an easy way to reach a generation of millennial viewers by discussing a subject that has created many conflicting opinions all around the world. A unique form of what seems to be a ‘rom-com’ with a globally recognized, and debated issue intertwined.

FLOCK HERS – JAMES SAMUEL (TV SERIES)

A group of young women decide they are done with their nine to fives. They all decide to get plastic surgeries and use social media platforms to get attention from men, and ultimately take anything and everything that’s not given to them, by any means necessary. The struggle to form these relationships without developing real feelings pans out to be difficult, and some of the sticky situations they find themselves in are more difficult to navigate than anticipated. In the world we live in today, many people thrive off appearance which translates into followers and likes. This story takes us on a journey that shows the lengths some women will go to in order to get their designer bags and shoes. The characters are relatable, and the storyline shows how quickly things can go downhill while on the hunt for fame fortune, and materialistic beauty.

GET THA STRAP – JAMES SAMUEL

A cautionary tale that takes you inside the world of guns. Buying them, selling them and what they may be used for once they’re out of our hands. In this story, we learn that bullets don’t discriminate. This script really makes you think about the dangers that can happen when discarding or acquiring a gun. It allows us to take a different look and think a little harder about what can happen when a gun gets into the wrong hands, or how terribly wrong your plans can go when you don’t know how to properly use a firearm. Regardless of your beliefs, this eye-opening screenplay opens your mind and takes you by surprise.

THE REVVER – MICHAEL HANSON & KELLY MOOTHART

This is a story of a woman who is constantly interrupted from doing her artwork by her noisy neighbor. While he revs his truck and causes commotion, she is set over the edge and decides to take action. A short with a clever spin on women empowerment. With a relatable conflict, she leaves the female viewers giggling, knowing they’ve all wished they could do something similar everyone in a while. Very clever, with a hint of gore and comedy.

MUAY THAI RAINBOW – KULLACHAT JITCAJONWANICH

The film stars a man who has surgeries to become a woman and is in a relationship with a professional Muay Thai fighter, who dreams of becoming a world champion. When he falls into the wrong crowd, he gets poisoned, he ends up disabled after losing. It’s then when his partner decides to un-do all of the surgeries and revert back to being a male so that they can carry on their love’s dream of becoming a champion, and fight for him. A very interesting and unique story, unlike one I’ve ever seen. With elements of drama, action, sports and a one-of-a-kind love story, it certainly keeps your interest throughout all the twists and turns.

SCREENPLAY REVIEWS

UNSF RAPETO – ROBIN SCHER

This futuristic sci-fi is full of twists, turns & action. The hints of comedy throughout the story are sure to make the audience chuckle and gives lighter moments throughout. An Interesting take on what the future could hold & is sure to be loved amongst sci-fi lovers.

DANCING IN THE WHITE ROOM – DAVID SABBATH

In a world where humans use machines, then wear machines, and then the machines gain power. When a message is seen on the walls of the subway 50 years prior, it turns into the battle cry of the anti-techno revolution. This is a sci-fi tale, which is packed with action and thrill. The lines between human, machine and terror are blurred. This original take on futuristic ‘whatif’s’ leaves you on the edge of your seat.

MONSTERLY – DAMIAN WAMPLER

This is a tale of a monster that is killed by human cops. It’s then a suburban family must choose a side when riots between humans and monsters rage across the United States. This story is an excellent mixture of the stigma of monsters, and the choice one family must make to do what they feel is the right thing. It is an actionpacked story unlike one I’ve ever heard. The storyline is extremely clever and leaves the audience with conflicting emotions throughout the entire story.

AT THE MERCY OF FAITH – SAMUEL TAYLOR

This is a story of a young preacher who renounces his faith in God after a terrifying and traumatic encounter. After many years, the demons of his past viciously return to wreak havoc on his home and rip out his soul for the god of their hell. This is a tale of faith that takes a turn to horror. The drama filled story gives the audience a different look on the faith we all have, and how some believe we may be punished if that faith is not upheld. An interesting storyline, and action packed screenplay with shocking twists.

BURMA HELL – THEODORE C. SODERBERG

When a sailor brings his family on his ship to save his marriage, it takes a turn for the worst when a horrific explosion turns many into mutants, including the captain and officers. As the sailor, along with his wife and son fight for survival, we learn the shup is rocketing towards the Golden Gate Bridge. A story filled with action, adventure, monsters and a hint of love. Wonderful characters that you want to root for. A unique story that puts the audience through a wave of various emotions throughout.

MURDERESS OF DEMONS – JULIO CESAR CARBALLO

In an action-packed horror, a powerful sorceress and her friend confront bandits and demons to save the world. But, when they make the fatal mistake of breaking reality, the create a black hole that destroys the planet. When the sorceress realizes that her dreams become reality, an angel who betrayed God comes from beyond to revive the demons to a keep a promise they once made. This is a fast-paced, action filled, and entertaining storyline. The characters are extremely interesting, and the audience could easily become emotionally attached to them.

MISS HOLLYWOOD – JOHN KESTNER

When a small-time actress is lured by an infamous drug dealer, just as the CIA is about to make a bust. When the drug lord’s teen son becomes obsessed with the actress, things get interesting. This twisted love story is full of action and adventure. An incredible story about an average woman trying to do her best to make it in the entertainment industry but gets taken down the wrong path. A nail-biting tale that leaves you wanting more.

BEST SCREENPLAYS

2ND DATE – JAIK ANDINO & VINCENT V. SHADE

A fabulous, twisted comedy about a pair of friends whose loyalty is put to the test. They will discover how far they are willing to go to find the love of their lives. A dramatic story of hopeless romantics that are desperate to find love in their 30’s. The conflict is, the pair struggles to be with, or without each other. An issue that many people face in the real world makes this story very relatable and hooks the audience in with incredible characters. You truly root for these characters, and root for love to win.

MOTEL 13 – BRANDON RHINESS

While searching for a new husband/father for their twisted family, a clan of temptresses made up of a mother and her two adult daughters lure unexpecting men to Motel 13. They hold them captive at the motel, which they own, with a goal of continuing their family tradition of murder. A one-of-a-kind storyline full of thrilling entertainment and a mystery that left me wanting more. The hilarious characters and ‘family’ dynamic was original, and well thought out. A good mix of horror, gore, humor and mystery.

BLACK COLLAR – JAMES SAMUEL (TV SERIES)

With little to no resources, a young African American man figures out a way to make significant amounts of money without violence. He uses his intelligence to find loopholes in the white-collar world to support his unique lifestyle. This based on real life story is something that I could see on HBO Max one day. With a string of interesting characters, and various relationships between them all, it’s hard not to get fully indulged in the storylines. The possibilities and potential in this series seems to be endless, with the potential to play throughout many seasons.

THE KISS-OFF – GIO FORLENZA

When a disenchanted Brooklyn bagman chooses to help the feisty woman that ripped him off, he defies the family that adopted him in his time of need as an orphan. This actionpacked story leaves you wanting more after each scene. The twisted relationship between the main characters puts a new spin on the lengths we will go for what we truly desire, regardless of any logic.

BAD LOVE STRIKES – KEVIN SCHEWE

In this story we enter a masterful world of sci-fi, time travel, and WWII. In a small town in Tennessee, a gang of kids live daring lives filled with action and adventure. When they come across a time machine, they travel back on a deathdefying mission to Nazi-occupied Poland. Full of danger, excitement and a little love, the kids race to rescue a group of Holocaust prisoners from certain death. It’s an excellent combination of Goonies meets the Lost Ark & we couldn’t get enough!

A FALL FROM GRACE – DAVID A. SEADER

When everyone knows the truth, there’s only one thing to do – survive. This drama filled story grabs your attention within the first few moments. The characters are so relatable, it seems as though you know them in your own life. Through the struggles, the inspirational story shows that we can get through all our hardships, together. A wonderful story that seems to show a glimpse of all the cracks in our mental health system.

EBONY REPERTORY THEATRE PRESENTS Blues in the Night

The Tony and Olivier Award-nominated musical

EBONY REPERTORY Theatre (ERT) announces full cast and creative team for BLUES IN THE NIGHT, the Tony and Olivier Award-nominated musical conceived by Sheldon Epps. Presented by Ebony Rep, in association with International City Theatre, ERT’s Founder and Producing Artistic Director Wren T. Brown (ERT’s Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill) directs this powerful and soulful blues celebration. Featuring choreography by Keith Young (ERT’s Five Guys Named Moe and The Gospel at Colonus) and music direction by William Foster McDaniel (Bubbling Brown Sugar, Timbuktu! and Ainʼt Misbehavinʼ, the limited engagement will play at the Nate Holden Performing Arts Center (4718 West Washington Boulevard) in Los Angeles. Performances will run November 12, 2021 – December 5, 2021, with the official opening on Saturday, November 13 at 8:00 p.m. Tickets are now on sale at EbonyRep.org.

This luminary cast of four stars two-time Tony Awardwinner Vivian Reed (Broadway’s Bubbling Brown Sugar, The High Rollers Social and Pleasure Club) as The Lady from the Road, also starring Clinton Derricks-Carroll(Broadway’s Your Arms Too Short to Box with God, Dreamgirls, West End’s Five Guys Named Moe) as The Man in the Saloon, Ovation Award-winner Karole Foreman (ERT’s Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill, A Little Night Music), and Jenna Gillespie Byrd (Recorded in Hollywood at the Kirk Douglas Theatre) as The Girl with a Date. Set in 1948 in a Chicago hotel that has seen better days, the interwoven stories of BLUES IN THE NIGHT evoke the misery and humor of life, love and the dogged determination to do more than just survive. The drama reveals itself through glorious songs by Bessie Smith, Duke Ellington, Johnny Mercer, Alberta Hunter, Harold Arlen, Jimmy Cox, Ida Cox and more. “I am truly excited to bring Blues in the Night to our theatrical home, the Nate Holden Performing Arts Center. Our committed audience and our surrounding community extended great support to us during the shutdown, and we cannot wait to place the gem that is Blues in the Night, conceived by my beloved friend and colleague Sheldon Epps, into a setting that allows it to shine most brightly,” said Director and ERT Producing Artistic Director, Wren T. Brown. “When I first saw the show 30 years ago at the Los Angeles Theatre Center, it absolutely knocked me out and has stayed with me from that day to this. Additionally, I feel greatly fortunate to have assembled this extraordinary group of actors, designers, and musicians to come together in a work that examines and celebrates the joy and pain of the human condition. Through stories both dramatic and humorous, through dance, and with some of the most extraordinary music of the 20th century, Blues in the Night will send you home with tickled funny bones, touched hearts, and unbridled joy during a very blue time.” "I am thrilled that Ebony Repertory Theatre will be singing the Blues later this year,” said Blues in the Night creator,

Sheldon Epps. “I have complete faith and confidence in my dear friend and colleague Wren who has put together a superlative cast and creative team. This show is very dear to me, and I am happy to have it back in my hometown once again. I know that these wonderful performers will deliver this classic material with heart, passion, good humor and theatrical pizzazz that will rock the house at every performance." Brown and Epps have collaborated on productions including the awardwinning musical Crowns starring the late Paula Kelly and Clinton Derricks-Carroll at ERT’s Nate Holden Performing Arts Center and the Pasadena Playhouse in 2009. In addition to Brown, Young and McDaniel, the creative team for BLUES IN THE NIGHT includes scenic designer Edward E. Haynes, costume designer Kim DeShazo, lighting designer Donna Ruzika, sound designer John Feinstein, prop master Patty Briles, hair and wig designer Anthony Gagliardi, casting is by Michael Donovan, CSA and Richard Ferris, CSA, and production stage manager Michele Miner.

BLUES IN THE NIGHT, conceived by Sheldon Epps, had its world premiere Off-Broadway in 1980 at Playhouse 46, and was originally staged by Epps and Gregory Hines. In 1982, the production had its Broadway run at the Rialto Theatre and was directed by Epps and starred Leslie Uggams. The production received a Tony Award nomination for Best Musical. In 1987, BLUES IN THE NIGHT opened on the West End at the Donmar, where it received two Olivier Award nominations for Best New Musical and Best Actress in a musical.

BLUES IN THE NIGHT plays November 12 – December 5, 2021, with the official press opening on Saturday, November 13 at the Nate Holden Performing Arts Center, 4718 West Washington Boulevard in Los Angeles. One preview performance is scheduled for Friday, November 12 at 8:00 pm. All preview tickets are $25.00. The regular performance schedule is Friday and Saturday at 8:00 pm; and Sunday at 3:00 pm. Regular tickets range from $40.00 - $50.00 and are available online at ebonyrep.org or by phone at 323-964-9766. Groups of 15 or more are available via email at groups@ebonyrep. org or 323-964-9766. VIVIAN REED (The Lady from the Road) Awards include two Tony Award Nominations, Drama Desk, Mabel Mercer, NAACP, Dance Educators of America, Outer Critics Circle and Audelco Pioneer Award. She has created four one-woman shows and performed in major theaters and clubs around the world. She taught voice and performance at Berklee College of Music and is presently on the voice faculty at Marymount Manhattan College in the theater department. www.vivianreed.com

CLINTON DERRICKS-CARROLL (The Man in the Saloon). Broadway: I Have a Dream, Your Arms Too Short to Box with God, Dreamgirls, and But Never Jam Today. TV: Sanford, Highway to Heaven, The Steve Harvey Show, Sliders, Any Day Now, Hill Street Blues, and Wally Brown. Film: The Ambush Murders, Introducing Dorothy Dandridge, and The Sky is Gray. West End: Five Guys Named Moe, Time, Miss Saigon, and Grand Hotel. Trained with Michael Shurtleff, David LeGrant, and Joan Darling. Author of Buy Golly!: A History of Black Collectables.

KAROLE FOREMAN (The Woman of the World) is thrilled to return to the Ebony Rep after her last appearance as Billie Holiday in Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill. She won an Ovation Award for her performance as the legendary singer. karoleforeman.com

JENNA GILLESPIE BYRD (The Girl with a Date) is honored to join the Blues cast again! An Oxnard, CA native, she graduated with a B.A. in Drama from UC Irvine. CW Winner of 2020 Christmas Caroler Challenge (Singer) Spiritualized The Band (Colbert Show), BAZ: Tour de Force (Vegas), Ovation Nominated:Recorded in Hollywood (Kirk Douglas Theater), Disney’s Frozen Live & Five and Dime, Title Of Show (Assistant Music Director). Music Composer of Debbie Gibson Int. Tour (Keys/Voc.), Original Web-Series Crazy with a K(Composer), The Sugarplums Spotify Album (Arranger). Jenna is also a singer-songwriter! Follow her Instagram @jbyrd_radio for more!

WREN T. BROWN (Director). This fourth generation Angeleno, is an Actor, Producer and Director. Wren is the Founder and Producing Artistic Director of the awardwinning, Ebony Repertory Theatre, Los Angeles’ first and only African American professional theatre company.

KEITH YOUNG (Choreographer). For Ebony Repertory Theatre, Keith Young directed and choreographed the Ovation Awardwinning musical Five Guys Named Moe. As a choreographer for ERT, his credits include the critically acclaimed productions of The Gospel at Colonus, Phillip Hayes Dean’s Robeson, and Crowns. Film credits include Gone with The Bullets, Rent, The Smurfs Movie, It’s Complicated, The Holiday, Something’s Gotta Give, What Women Want, Dark Streets, Rat Race, Affair of The Necklace and Parent Trap.

WILLIAM FOSTER McDANIEL (Musical Director, Conductor, Pianist) earned a Bachelor of Music degree from Capital University (Columbus, Ohio) and Master of Music degree from Boston University. He has studied as a Fulbright Scholar in Paris, France. His works have been performed by the Yonkers Civic Philharmonic Orchestra, the New Symphony of New York, the Brooklyn Philharmonic, the Philharmonia of Greensboro, the Bergen Philharmonic, the United States Army Band Brass Quintet, the Antara Ensemble, the Savannah Symphony Orchestra, the Mozart Society Orchestra at Harvard University and the BBC Concert Orchestra in London.