UCAN!
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WRAPPING UP! Maria Thomson The Mayor of Woodhaven The NY Pizza Festival Buon Appetito! Tanisha LaVerne Grant A-List Interviewer Actor Shining Bright Alfredo Romeo Suarez Goings On The Ocktober Film Festival
Jocko Sims
Stepping Into The Light
FROM THE EDITOR
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VOLUME FIVE ISSUE TWO
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
STAR DAVIS CREATIVE
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RANDELL PEARSON
The fall season sure came in with a swift kick! One minute it’s balmy, the next it’s breezy. In addition to the temperamental weather, I get the feeling this last quarter of 2018 is going to sail by swiftly. It is always a thrill for us to celebrate the success stories of hardworking artists, content creators, and crew members. Without them there would be no entertainment, and life would be boring and without joy. We at UCAN! Magazine go all-out to help creative people shine! Special appreciation to Jocko Sims who helped us shine by gracing our pages. Meeting and interviewing you was a pleasure. In this issue we’ve started doing more community coverage. Art and entertainment is truly at the center of our world, but we also want to share other projects and initiatives that creative people may do outside of the business. Keep up the good work! Your efforts are very needed and appreciated. Keep that in mind when you’re writing those scripts, taking your classes, practicing your craft, and putting forth your actions. Even in the dark hours, please know your hard work will never be in vain. It always pays off, sometimes in ways you can’t even imagine. Constantly visualize great things for yourself. The more you picture greatness in your mind, the sooner it will manifest. Remember, whenever you’re in doubt always remember UCAN! accomplish whatever you see yourself achieving. Have a great rest of the year. We’ll see you in 2019!
SOCIAL
MEDIA
MANAGER
JACQUELINE MARIE ALVARADO CONTRIBUTING
EDITORS
MORGAN ELIASON MELISSA GOLDSTEIN ARLEY SEAMUS EDITORIAL
PRODUCTION
MONICA TRAVELLINO ENTERTAINMENT
DIRECTOR
KAREN Y. BROWN RESEARCH
CENTER
DEIDRE GREGORY KEIDRA CAMERON MICHELLE DUBOIS ADVERTISING
DIRECTOR
KIMBERLY ANN RICHARDS
#ByArtistsForEveryone Twitter: @UCANMagazine Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UCANMagazine Cover Photography: Steven Gerlich at Aesthesia Studios
UCAN! MAGAZINE IS PUBLISHED FOUR TIMES ANNUALLY IN ENGLISH. UCAN! @ 2015 BY PEARSON DESIGNS, BROOKLYN NY, USA. REPRODUCTION OF ANY PARTS OF THIS PUBLICATION REQUIRES EXPRESS WRITTEN CONSENT OF THE PUBLISHER. UCAN! ACCEPTS NO RESPONSI-
Tanisha
L aVerne Grant R E D C A R P E T D I VA
UCAN! Magazine got to sit down with entertainment correspondent Tanisha LaVerne Grant to talk about her experiences, her accomplishments, and her extraordinary style that makes her stand out wherever she goes.
This multi award winning journalist has graced the red carpet for such prestigious events as the Academy Awards, the NAACP Image Awards, the Tony Awards, and the NY Emmy Awards – just to name a few. Her years of experience keep her cool and confident even when chatting it up with some of the most iconic and prolific people in the industry.
Tanisha’s unforgettable panache was inspired by the 1970s model Pat Evans who was prominently featured on Isaac Hayes’ and Ohio Players’ album covers. “Lapacazo Sandoval of the Amsterdam News once described my look as ‘super striking both hard and soft like water,’” Tanisha told us. Like her father, Tanisha graduated from Cheyney University of Pennsylvania, the nation’s oldest HBCU. While in college she majored in radio, television and film studies and was inducted into the Alpha Psi Omega National Theatre Honor Society. Fast forward some years, and Tanisha is now a much sought-after journalist whose job it is to interview the most famous and accomplished names in pop culture. We asked her to pick a favorite interview subject- out of the multitudes of celebrities who have graced her mic. “This is a pretty hard question,” Tanisha told us while thinking about how she’d answer. Finally she names three specific people - not because anyone else is less important, but more because of their place in show business, and the journeys that led them to where they are now. Those three people are Oprah Winfrey, John Singleton, and Tiffany Haddish. “Her ability to dial completely into the sense and sensibilities of the human experience is the gift that keeps on giving,” Tanisha said of Lady O. Being a Baby Boomer and having come from the Deep South make Oprah’s rise all the more impressive to her. “I remember interviewing Oprah for the first time on the red carpet at the 45th NAACP IMAGE AWARDS. She was completely giving to every single journalist trying to get a sound bite from her.” The second name Tanisha called, John Singleton, is a legendary director whom she has interviewed at least a half dozen times.
“Singleton, like me, is a Gen Xer. He came into fame at twenty-four years-old as the youngest person and first ever African American nominated for Best Director and Best Original Screenplay for Boyz In The Hood,” she told us.Tanisha is keen to learn more, as Singleton is in talks to direct a movie about Emmitt Till, with Taraji P. Henson to star as Till’s mother, Mamie. Tiffany Haddish, the Millennial of the group, told Tanisha during an interview that none of her success was a surprise to her, that she’d manifested it all. “Haddish for me represents the power of thought,” she said flat and to the point. “I have thought about all three long after the interview. I feel like I have direct line to who they are when the cameras are off.” Earlier this year, Tanisha’s in depth coverage at the 90th Academy Awards garnered her an invitation to be a guest correspondent at the Associated Press to give her post-Oscar recap on ARISE 360. One interesting thing she explained is that the best interviews are never, ever planned. The red carpet is very unpredictable territory. Interviewers never really know who’s going to show up until they’re actually on your mic. “I was on the red carpet at the 3rd ABFF HONORS and ten minutes before the red carpet closes Angela Bassett arrives. My stomach was in knots,” Tanisha said, as if completely reliving the moment. “Queen Angela Bassett…It was unplanned perfection. Most of my ‘dream interviews’ are unplanned perfection.” Others whom Tanisha has interviewed include, but are certainly not limited to, Robert DeNiro, Congresswoman Maxine Waters, Omari Hardwick, Mary J. Blige, and Jimmy Fallon. The entire list is too long to register. Tanisha serves as a contributing on camera correspondent and content provider for the syndicated site blackinamerica.com which is a part of one of the largest digital media companies serving African Americans with more than 15 million members, reaching millions of African Americans each month. Taisha has appeared on nationally syndicated television shows and online platforms including FRP TV, TMZ, TMZ Live , Bravo’s BLOOD, SWEAT and HEELS, and Oxygen’s LIVE OUT LOUD Series. She has been a brand ambassador for major cosmetic giants like NARS and has been called upon to speak about “unconventional beauty.” Her accomplishments are way too numerous to fit into the small amount of space we have! To learn more about her, check out her Instagram at @TanishaLaverneGrant and her Twitter @tanisha_grant . (OPENER) TANISHA LAVERNE GRANT ON THE 90TH ACADEMY AWARDS RED CARPET. (BELOW LEFT) TANISHA AFTER INTERVIEWING JOHN SINGLETON DIRECTOR OF THE FX SHOW SNOWFALL. (BELOW RIGHT) WITH ACADEMY AWARD WINNER COMMON.
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Pizza THE NEW YORK
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NEW YORK PIZZA FES TIVAL DAYS
The UCAN! team along with thousands flocked to Little Italy in the Bronx to attend the first ever NEW YORK PIZZA FESTIVAL. As Mayor de Blasio arrived, he was welcomed by officials and members of the community. He stood with local and visiting world renowned pizza makers (pizzaioli) and showed his love for their craft. What better place to hold such a festival than on Crescent Avenue to bring together the best of the best in the world of pizza craftsmanship? A long row of tents lined the street. Each was filled with world renowned pizzaioli showing off just made pies steaming with the aromas of fresh basil, tomato, pepperoni, peppers and sausage. Outside of its birthplace of Naples Italy, pizza is most rooted and appreciated in New York City. There is a strong Italian American community in NYC. Many of its members are descendants of Neapolitans who emigrated as far back as the mid 19th Century. The art of pizza making has been passed down through generations and is deeply ingrained in New York Italian American culture. The traditional Neapolitan pizza, the “Pizza Margherita,” is said to be created by Neapolitan pizza maker Raffaele Esposito in 1889 to honor Margherita of Savoy, the Queen consort of Italy. This special pizza was garnished with tomatoes, mozzarella and basil to represent the national colors of the Italian flag. Today, the traditional Margherita remains relatively unchanged in its native land. Pizzaioli may use yellow tomatoes instead of cherry tomatoes. A Neapolitan man we met explained they are sweeter than cherry tomatoes. “The taste is always excellent,” he said. “It does not change the substance.” Italian Americans, however, have adopted the time-honored base of buffalo mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil (and extra olive oil) only to top it with countless combinations of meats and vegetables. Both Neapolitan Margherita and American pizza with toppings were presented at the festival. Festival attendees from far and wide were just as diverse. There were beverage stations that served water and coffee, and an adult station for beer and wine to help savor the taste of all the delectable pizza pies. The mood was joyous and festive, and pizza lovers both young and old got to eat to their hearts’ content. We got to speak with two pizzaioli who each traveled from great distances to participate in the festival. Brian Gojdics came all the way from Seattle, Washington to represent Tutta Bella Neapolitan Pizzeria. While Brian is neither a New Yorker nor Neapolitan, he can’t help to but to acknowledge and feel the magic of pizza making. It’s had a profound effect on his life. “A friend introduced me to the owner of Tutta Bella… I started working there…I realized something special was going on there. I had to make a decision whether or not I was going to go to school, or hang out at Tutta Bella. I deferred school for a year, and that was fifteen years ago.” Brian describes the art of Neapolitan pizza making as if he’s grown up with it his whole life. He’s been to Naples, Italy at least eight times. His passion for pizza making seems to be just as strong as if he’d been born in the city.
(OPENING) A NEAPOLITAN PIZZAIOLO PREPARING A TRADITIONAL MARGHERITA PIZZA. (ABOVE) NEW YORK CITY MAYOR BILL DE BLASIO ON CRESCENT AVENUE WITH LOCAL AND VISITING PIZZAIOLI CELEBRATING THE NEW YORK PIZZA FESTIVAL. (ABOVE RIGHT) THE PROCLAMATION FROM THE MAYOR’S OFFICE RECOGNIZING OCTOBER 6-7, 2018 AS NEW YORK PIZZA FESTIVAL DAYS. (BELOW) A VENDOR WITH FRESH HERBS. AND UCAN! EDITOR STAR DAVIS WITH PIZZAIOLO BRIAN GOJDICS FROM TUTTA BELLA NEAPOLITAN PIZZERIA IN SEATTLE, WASHINGTON.
“Yeah, there’s something really special about it, different than you’d find anywhere in the world.” Of course we had to ask how. “It’s shaped by your hands. No machines. No throwing. No rolling pins. It’s completely wood fired. The tomatoes and other things are completely indigenous to the area. Nice fluffy frame and thinner in the center,” he goes on. Our team jokes that Brian must have been Neapolitan in his last life. Another pizzaiolo we got to meet was Salvatore Vesi, a third generation pizzaioli from the beautiful city of Naples Italy. He represented Pizzeria Vesi at the festival. “I came to New York because it is an honor to come to represent pizza in a multi-ethnic city that is unique in the world,” he said. He speaks in the thick Neapolitan dialect that requires translation. “We were a representation of the best Neapolitan pizza makers, I am a pizza chef since I was fifteen years-old.” The Pizzeria Vesi station produced a mouth-watering and magnificent Margherita. “Pizzaiolo for me means, life, energy, emotions, art. What to say? Pizza is a beautiful invention. Thank God I’m Neapolitan,” Sal Vesi said. UNESCO (the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) seems to agree with these two pizzaioli sentiments. In December of last year UNESCO declared the art of Neapolitan pizza making as “an intangible heritage of humanity.” Once you taste a slice of Pizza Margherita, (or its American counterpart) you will completely understand why. The NEW YORK PIZZA FESTIVAL was hosted by the Belmont Business Improvement District and the Pizza Academy Foundation. Sponsors for the event include: Belgioioso Cheese, CAPUTO Flour, CIAO Tomatoes, and Ferrarelle Water. We appreciate Tutta Bella Pizzeria and Vesi Pizzeria for sharing knowledge and samples with us. Thank you to Luca Gambardella for the tour. Special thank you to Gino Di Maro for his translation. U CAN!
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(ABOVE) JOCKO SIMS IN 2008 WITH DENNIS HOPPER IN THE STARZ SERIES CRASH. (BELOW) WITH GARY OLDMAN IN THE 2014 MOVIE DAWN OF THE PLANET OF THE APES. (RIGHT) AS DR. FLOYD REYNOLDS IN NBC’S NEW AMSTERDAM
There’s a video of Jocko Sims being interviewed where the host says to him, “It’s like the more I read, the more interesting you became.” I couldn’t help but to laugh at that statement, as I too had a similar reaction. Don’t get me wrong, Jocko Sims was interesting to me from the first moment I saw him. He’s a handsome man who’s confident in his work, but he’s also easygoing with a good sense of humor. It was his easygoingness that fooled me. I imagined, based solely on his interactions with everyone around him, that he was an actor who’d done a lot of independent work and eventually booked a guest starring role on this new show. I had never seen him before, and because of that, I made the poor assumption that Jocko was new to the entertainment big leagues All I can say is that Jocko Sims is probably show business’ best kept secret.
Just like the blunt interviewer in the video, I too was way more impressed by Jocko’s acting credentials than I expected to be. Besides having a solid educational foundation, Jocko Sims has worked with some of the most notable actors of this generation. He shared many scenes, and was actually friends with the late Dennis Hopper while playing Anthony Adams on the STARZ television series CRASH. “He was a great friend, and he definitely made me want to work harder,” Jocko says of that experience from ten years ago. “I have memories with him that I will cherish for the rest of my life.” The list of remarkable experiences didn’t stop there for this actor, which makes it even more baffling that he’s managed to stay off of the celebrity radar. Throughout his career Jocko has regularly guest starred on network TV shows like GREY’S ANATOMY, CASTLE, CRIMINAL MINDS, and THE RESIDENT. He was a series regular on TNT’s THE LAST SHIP and had a recurring role on Showtime’s MASTERS OF SEX “I also worked with the beast of an actor, Gary Oldman,” Jocko drops - ever so casually. Come to find out, he actually got to work with the Academy Award winner in the 2014 movie DAWN OF THE PLANET OF THE APES. U CAN!
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PHOTO: COURTESY OF NBC STUDIOS
“I’ve been acting for sixteen years,” he told me. He was real matter of fact about it. It felt like he’d said that lots of times before.
“It’s with these legendary actors that you can’t help but to step your game up and bring your best,” Jocko tells me. I guess that qualifies as the understatement of the year. The latest stop on Jocko Sims’ acting journey is playing Dr. Floyd Renolds, the newly appointed head of cardiology, on NBC’s hit series NEW AMSTERDAM. Of course I had to ask Jocko if there were any similarities between him and his charismatic, headstrong and socially “woke” character. “When I graduated from high school I wanted to be an actual doctor. I even had a medical symbol on my personalized high school ring,” Jocko tells me, speaking about his days in San Antonio, Texas. Well lucky for us viewers, Jocko changed his mind. “I realized I didn’t want to be in school for the next twelve years, so I took a theater course, as I had always been a creative person.” That’s when he knew he was destined to do what he’s doing. Jocko fell in love with acting. He went on to get his degree in Theater. He graduated with honors, from the UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television. The results of his hard work are now available for all of us to see. In keeping with UCAN! Magazine tradition, I also asked Jocko if there were times he wanted to quit, and what he did to overcome those moments of discouragement. This business gives actors a lot of opportunities to prove their dedication. His answer was direct. “Never have I had the desire to quit because of the process being difficult.” he said. “That’s just not in me, and through the ups and downs I’ve ridden the waves and have stayed strong with my desire and my passion!” Like many artists, Jocko is multi-faceted. He sees himself expanding creatively by doing more writing, directing and producing in the future. Other actors like Ken Olin, Eriq La Salle and Peter Horton have moved on from acting to become very successful as directors and producers. For purely selfish reasons, viewers hope Jocko Sims waits a while longer before making that move. As for encouragement or advice to aspiring actors, Jocko advised without hesitation that they get out of their own way. “Our biggest critic and hater is that voice we hear in our heads that says that we are not good enough to do what we want to do. Stamp out that voice, and put your all into it,” he answered. Sounds like good advice from someone who’s walked his talk. Another thing we talked about was how he feels about not being recognized by those who have unknowingly seen his work. I also wondered if my not being aware of his impressive body of work was offensive to him as an artist. My question got a good chuckle as Jocko took it all in stride. “I have never, and will never ever ever ever be offended by someone who doesn’t know who I am. Nor do I think someone should know who I am. And I enjoy not being known, quite honestly.” Well with NEW AMSTERDAM being the hit it is, he can soon kiss that luxury goodbye. Catch Jocko Sims on NEW AMSTERDAM, Tuesdays at 10:p.m. on NBC. PHOTO: COURTESY OF NBC STUDIOS
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T R I B U T E
MARIA THOMSON A R T I S T
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To write this piece, I read many different articles about my aunt, Maria A. Thomson. Time and time again, I kept coming across words like beloved, tireless, advocate, activist, leader and legend. Thinking back, Maria was always a loving and supportive aunt. She focused on everyone else and hardly ever talked about her many accomplishments in civic leadership. Our Auntie Maria was certainly beloved by family, friends and all who knew her. Even animals adored her. The scared ones would approach her with trust. Before becoming the unofficial Mayor of Woodhaven, Maria was a talented artist in her own right. She was an accomplished singer whose pleasing voice got her signed to a record label. Until very recently, she would mesmerize family at events with her sultry rendition of FEVER, first made famous by Peggy Lee. Maria was loving and giving to us all. She was consistently present at all family events from weddings to hospital visits and everything in between. To give of herself in love and service was quite literally Maria Thomson’s way. On October 10, 2018 legislators, community members, family and friends got together to honor the late civic leader by unveiling the sign, at the intersection of Jamaica Avenue and Forest Parkway, of the newly co-named MARIA THOMSON WAY. “Maria Thomson was the embodiment of community service and was the staunchest advocate for Woodhaven. Those of us who have been fortunate enough to work with Maria know that she had a heart of gold. Maria dedicated decades of her life to the betterment of the community — and the borough of Queens,” said Councilman Eric Ulrich at the event. US Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez was also in attendance for the ceremony. She thanked Maria’s husband Robert and daughter Alena for their allowing Maria to do what she most loved to do – to invest in her community. “I am proud that Maria made it to the Library of Congress...that now children from the school who go and visit the Library of Congress can read about a leader that gave so much to this community,” the congresswoman said. Maria’s service to the people of Woodhaven spans more than 40 years. She was the president of the 102nd Precinct Community Council for five terms. Maria also served as president of the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association. It was during that time that she successfully blocked the reopening of a bar where two murders had occurred. She was the founder of the Woodhaven Residents’ Security Patrol. As a member of Community Board 9, Maria advocated for better bus routes and stops. As a board member, she was instrumental in restoring the left-turn lane for buses on Jamaica Avenue and opposed bus stops on the medians.
(OPENER) MARIA’S OFFICIAL HEAD SHOT AS A SIGNED RECORDING ARTIST. (PREVIOUS PAGE) MARIA AT A MEMORIAL DAY OBSERVATION WITH AMERICAN LEGION POST 118 AND THE JR. ROTC FROM FRANKLIN K. LANE. (ABOVE LEFT) MARIA’S HUSBAND ROBERT THOMSON HOLDING THE PROCLAMATION OF MARIA THOMSON WAY. COMMUNITY AND GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS INCLUDING COUNCILMAN ERIC A. ULRICH AND CONGRESSWOMAN NYDIA M. VELÁZQUEZ WITH MARIA THOMSON’S HUSBAND ROBERT AND DAUGHTER ALENA UNDER THE NEWLY UNVEILED STREET SIGN. (EVENT PHOTOGRAPHY: OFFICE OF COUNCILMAN ERIC A. ULRICH)
An ardent supporter of the NYPD, Maria Thomson was also the first person to be named 102nd Precinct Honorary Police Officer of the Month. As executive director of the Greater Woodhaven Development Corporation, Maria organized several initiatives to increase business along Jamaica Avenue, including hosting the Wonderful Woodhaven Street Festival and the creation of the Woodhaven Business Improvement District. Maria Thomson’s advocacy went beyond Woodhaven and positively affected the entire borough of Queens. Due to her activism the Forest Park Carousel became a city landmark, Fire Engine Company 294 reopened, Fire Engine Company 293 was saved from closure, and the elevated train along Jamaica Avenue was painted and repaired. On January 10, 2018 we lost Maria Thomson. Family and friends and community members still mourn that loss “Every time someone walks past Maria Thomson Way, they will be reminded of her legacy, which will live on forever,” Councilman Ulrich said. Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association honored Maria at their 47th annual gala on Friday, October 26, where she was inducted into the WRBA’s Hall of Fame. UCAN! Magazine also celebrates the life and legacy of Maria A. Thomson. — B Y U CAN!
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ALFREDO ROMEO SUAREZ was born on September 22 to Puerto Rican parents in the East New York section of Brooklyn, NY. He is the second sibling of three children. Being on stage as both an actor and a dancer, was like a second home for Alfredo. As a child, he would perform many acts for his family. Early in his career, he was poised to become a professional dancer after winning several awards in dancing competitions. He also was one of the salsa dancers for the movie EL CANTANTE. Alfredo attended T. Schreiber Studio and Theatre – which boasts Edward Norton as an alum. While doing an in-class exercise, an instructor saw something in Alfredo and told him that he definitely has what it takes to make it in show business. Alfredo also studied Method Acting. As an actor, Alfredo has played wide ranging roles in independent films and television shows. Some of the productions in which he’s appeared are LAW AND ORDER, BLUE BLOODS, as well as the Spanish language show CASO CERRADO on the TELEMUNDO television network. He was so convincing in that show as the bad stepfather, that his real life followers expressed their upset as him having chosen that role. Alfredo will so appear in the upcoming movie SUPER DARK TIMES as well as the new film THE ZOOKEEPER with talented artists RENOLY SANTIAGO and CELINE TORIBIO. For bookings, you may contact him directly at Romalf43@aol.com
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This year the OCKTOBER FILM FESTIVAL moved to its new home at STUART CINEMA AND CAFÉ in trendy Greenpoint, Brooklyn. Festival owner Emelyn Stuart and Director Carl CJ Gilbert continued their custom of graciously hosting some of Indie’s most influential actors and content creators. This year the festival was a five-day event with lots of entertainment, networking and workshops – in addition to screening the official selections. On its final day the festival catered a wonderful Awards Brunch. Artists and lovers of film got to mix and mingle while enjoying lots of good food and refreshing beverages. Special guests this year, author and spoken word artist Emilio Montilla and mega talented singer Dwayne “Deacon” Jackson charmed the crowds and kept them spellbound through their performances. The OCKTOBER FILM FESTIVAL and STUART CINEMA AND CAFÉ continue to focus on the needs of filmmakers and to assist them to get the absolute most out of all the hard work they do. We look forward to hearing lots of great stories coming from these two establishments as they carry on their good work of being a source of entertainment and information for anyone who sees their films and walks through their doors. Congratulations to this year’s award winners! BEST FEATURE FILM A SENSE OF PURPOSE: FIGHTING FOR OUR LIVES Director: Jillian Bullock BEST SHORT FILM MELINDA Director: Marishka Phillips
BEST WEB SERIES FRANK AND LAMAR Director: Fred Soligan
BEST DOCUMENTARY IF YOU BELIEVE IN ME Director: Carla Adelman
BEST MUSIC VIDEO TOGETHER Director: Alexxiss S. Jackson
SPECIAL CONGRATULATIONS CARL GILBERT, JR. FOR BEING AWARDED THE OCKTOBER FILM FESTIVAL FOUNDATION CHOICE AWARD
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PHOTOGRAPHY BY: MEMORIE 4 LIFE PHOTOGRAPHY BROTHER ~ MICHAEL KATLOW COX
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