NEW YORK, NY - When Hollywood's leading
black Filmmakers, directors, actors, and executives convene in Acapulco
June 5 - 10, they will celebrate the achievements of three peers whose
contributions to the film industry warrant international acclaim. Each
year, festival producers Byron Lewis (UniWorld Group, Inc.), Jeff Friday,
UniWorld Films), and Warrington Hudlin (Black Filmmaker Foundation), the
leaders of 'black cinema's annual retreat- select the brightest among black
stars and the most promising black filmmaking talent to receive the recognition
often denied them by Hollywood.
The week long festival culminates in the
Black Film Awards Show, a gala event hosted by writer/director Robert Townsend
and featuring the presentation of the Black Star Awards and the Black Film
Awards (to be announced at a later date). This year Nia Long will be named
"Star of the Year," Mister P will be honored with the "Film Entreprenuer"
award and the Byron E. Lewis Trailblazer" award will go to Melvin Van Peebles.
"We must continue to highlight the milestones and achievements of talented
individuals like this year's Black Star Awards honorees," said Jeff Friday.
"Each of them represents the spirit of the Acapulco Black Film Festival
and its goal of increasing the visibility and success of Black filmmakers
and actors "
Nia Long was chosen because of her ongoing
presence in leading film roles over the past year and her position as one
of Hollywood's top African American actresses, 'It feels really good to
be chosen as "Star of the Year," and to have an organization like the ABFF
acknowledge my hard work and accomplishments" she said. Master P, an example
of the power and influence that can be created through independent Film
production and distribution. is the first to receive the newly created
film entrepreneur award.
Each year, the "Byron E. Levis Trailblazer"
award goes to an established leader in the film industry who has laid the
foundation for today's talent by testing the limits for blacks in film
and opening doors for others to follow. "Melvin Van Peebles is one of a
handful of individuals whose work has become the model for independent
filmmakers," said Byron Lewis. "As a trailblazer, he has paved the way
for other black directors, and we are very proud to spotlight his accomplishments."
Recognized as one of the leading festivals
for Blacks internationally, the ABFF, in its fourth year has built a following
that includes the who's who of the film industry. Among those who attend
the festival are Debbie Allen, Taye Diggs, Morgen Freeman, LisaRaye, Samuel
L. Jackson, Denzel Washington, Halle Berry, Larenz Tate, Regina King, Mekhi
Phifer, Bill Duke, Pam Grier, Hill Harper, John Singleton, Salli Richardson,
Reginald Hudlin, and Carl Franklin. Three major film industry guilds participate:
Director's Guild of America (DGA), the Writer's Guild of America (WGA),
and the Screen Actor's Guild (SAG).
In addition to the Black Film Awards Show,
festival participants enjoy a full week of activities including daily panels
and workshops designed to educate, inform and offer resources for black
writers, directors, actors, and producers. Film screenings and competitions
highlight new independent films from black filmmakers around the world
and nights are filled with partying at Acapulco's hottest nightclubs. Individuals
interested in attending the festival can contact Friendly Holidays at 1-800-544-8570
for discounted air and hotel packages and 1-800-559-3 898 for registration
information or visit www.abff.com
This year's festival is presented by HBO
and sponsored by Nielsen Media Research, Upscale magazine, Lincoln, Jaguar,
African Heritage Network, The Walt Disney Company, Bank of America, Wittnauer,
Sister 2 Sister magazine, Meridian Theaters, Urban Box Office, Volume.com,
Nickelodeon, Filmmaker magazine, Blockbuster Entertainment, Cinemark Theaters,
imhotech, Tanqueray, The Daily Blossom, Magic Johnson Theaters, and Tedra
Media Group, Inc.
UniWorld Films is a division of UniWorld
Group, one of the largest, independently owned multicultural communications
companies in the world. UniWorld films also hosts Black Cinema Café,
BLACKFLLMFESTAMERICA an independent film tour and recently established
the Reel Harlem Film Foundation to further its leadership as a multicultural
film marketing resource. The Black Filmmaker Foundation is a not-for-profit
organization established in 1978 to assist the next generation of Black
filmmakers and build audiences for their work.