Oscar Buzz for Director Ava DuVernay's "Selma"

Early last week Selma was set to screen for 30 minutes at the AFI Fest, held in Los Angeles, CA. However, after raving reviews of  trailer (see below) a Twitter exchange occurred between Executive Producer Oprah Winfrey and Director Ava DuVernay.

They decided to screen the entire movie.

At the AFI Fest, held in Los Angeles, on Tuesday, November 11 the movie Selma premiered in it's entirely and was given a standing ovation. And the Oscar Buzz has begun... 

 

SELMA is the story of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s historic struggle to secure voting rights for all people – a dangerous and terrifying campaign that culminated with the epic march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama, and led to President Johnson signing the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

The movie opens in selected cities on Christmas Day. The movie opens nationwide on January 9, 2015.

          Will you go see Selma when it opens in your city?

What Is My Passion Thursdays: Meet Tilane Jones

I was going to bed the other night when I decided to check my Facebook account. I came across a post by AFFRM (African-American Film Festival Releasing Movement). They posted theshadowleague.com's interview with Tilane Jones, managing director of AFFRM.

Ms. Jones states in the interview, "..it is career training. Working in the indie production field you must wear many hats." Sharee and I agree, for we both learned filmmaking not in school, but as we wrote, produced, and filmed our 4 short films with the assistance of those in the industry in our area. Almost 4 years later, we are still learning from them and finding mentors from near and afar. Listening to their advice and putting our own spin to it.

What do Sharee and I have coming up within the next few months for We Connected Productions, LLC:

• NYC (Memorial Day weekend) -  The Independent Film School's Directing The Camera Workshop
• NYC in mid-June for ABFF. In addition to seeing multiple independent films and attending professional panelist discussions, Sharee will attend the "Robert Townsend's The Ultimate Pitch" Master Class and I will attend the "Producing Independent Films" Master Class
• Film the 3rd Season of Gospel Talk with Creator/Host Edwin Jones and co-host Tabatha Strother. This new season will include distribution to hundreds of thousands of people.
• Prepare for our Take A Leap South Africa trip (October)

Take the time to check out Tilane's interview in the highlighted link above. Also, with Spring in the air, what are you doing to reach your goal(s)?

Rhonda W. 

Pre-Oscar Photos & Videos to Share

Although, I didn't get the opportunity to attend the Essence Red Carpet or Luncheon event I did visit the Red Carpet. Getting my Press Oscar credential was an easy process. Thank you to Stephanie Frederic at FGW Productions for the arrangement.

Rhonda on the Red Carpet at The Oscars

The 85th Oscars

Media Descending at The Oscar

Rhonda after her Loreal makeover.
 Makeover by Rene Lam, www.verveslate.com

Pinks Hotdogs Video

   

                                                                                          Hollywood Half Marathon Video

The Red Carpet at the Uptown Magazine Party was a who's who in the Film and TV industry.  We were able to interview Will Packer (Producer: Stomp The Yard; Takers); Ava DuVernay (Filmmaker: Middle of Nowhere; I Will Follow); Damien Dante Wayans (Actor: Second Generation Wayans); Regina Hall (Actress: Think Like A Man; Scary Movie); Tim Story (Director: Think Like A Man; Barbershop); and a number of additional entertainers.

The honorees incuded Director Salim Akil (The Game; Jumping the Broom) who in his absence was  represented by Producer and wife, Mara Brock Akil (Girlfriends; Sparkle); Will Packer & Rob Hardy (absentia) of Rainforest Films; and Ava DuVernay.  Here are few additional picks from the night.

Ava D.; Mara; Will P.

Sharee; Mara; Rhonda

Check out Mara's shoes!! Fierce!!

Rhonda; Vanessa Williams; Sharee