
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEApril 23, 2008
SWEET AUBURN INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES
The Sweet Auburn International Film Festival (SAIFF), presented by SpringFest, is returning to Atlanta’s historic Sweet Auburn district for five days of all things Hollywood. From May 7-11, screenings, award ceremonies, memorabilia from the African American Cinema Gallery and informative panels will entertain and educate attendees.
This year’s panels will take place on the following dates at the Auburn Avenue Research Library located at 101 Auburn Avenue. Admission is free.
Create Your Own Hollywood – Saturday, May 10th at 3 p.m.
Industry professionals will converse and educate the audience on how to take what you have and make something of it – the Hollywood way in your own city. The goal is to create a new way of thinking for independent filmmakers and to educate them on how to become successful tomorrow by using available resources today. Panelists: Shandra McDonald-Bradford, producer/writer (Kiss The Limit Productions); Dwayne Boyd, actor ("The Gospel," "Three Can Play That Game," "The Lena Baker Story"); Zina Brown, producer/director (Life Dreams Entertainment); Alfred Robbins, producer/writer (Bottom of The Net Films), Tim Greene, director/producer/writer (Tim Greene Films) and Ronnie Garrett (Tyler Perry Studios Music Director).
From Hip Hop To Hollywood: The Progression of A Culture – Saturday, May 10th at 5 p.m.
Artists such as Will Smith, LL Cool J, P-Diddy, Queen Latifah and many more have added the silver screen to their long list of credits. Are these artists being recognized as they should? Has hip hop transcended into other art forms and is it being accepted by mainstream America? This dynamic panel will feature progressive entertainment industry insiders as they discuss this interesting topic. Panelists: Monique Woods, costumer (Stomp The Yard, One Missed Call, ATL etc.); Allen Johnston, VP of Marketing and Sales (MindSeed Studios); Dante Marshall, entertainment attorney (DMEG Law Firm); Ramona DeBreaux, DJ, actress, musician (V-103); Bryce Wilson, actor/producer (“Beauty Show,” “Hair Show,” “Trois,” and “Jury of Our Peers”)
Cast Me If You Can Pt. 2 – Sunday, May 11th at 2 p.m.
The “Cast Me If You Can” panel focuses on the struggles and successes of casting for small and big budget films. Topics include auditioning, on-set etiquette and the traits needed to grasp the attention of a director, producer or filmmaker to land the big role. Panelists: Sharlene Falls, producer (Bottom of The Net Films); Michael Beasley, actor ("The Great Debaters," "K-Ville," "American Inquisition"); Kaira Whitehead, actress ("Madea's Family Reunion," “Why Did I Get Married" "Grapes on A Vine”); Cee Cee Michaela, actress ("Girlfriends," "Hair Show"); Tracy 'Twinkie' Byrd, casting director ("Stomp The Yard," "Notorious," "Kings Ransom”) and Alpha Tyler, Casting Director (Tyler Perry Studios)
SAIFF will honor director Kenny Leon (A Raisin in the Sun, Flashdance, Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner) and actor Bill Nunn (Spider Man, Idlewild, Kiss the Girls) at its 3rd annual award ceremony on Sunday, May 11th at 7 p.m. at the Freedom Hall Auditorium (The King Center). Tickets can be purchased online at
http://black-cinema.tix.com/.
For additional information on SAIFF, visit
http://www.black-cinema.org/.
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ABOUT SPRINGFEST
SpringFest is an annual celebration in Atlanta's Sweet Auburn Historic District that runs Friday through Sunday and includes many exciting venues and attractions. As many as half million people are expected to attend Sweet Auburn SpringFest 2008. The festival is known as "the Grandest Festival of the Year on the Greatest Street on the Planet."
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 23, 2008
SWEET AUBURN INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL NAMES KENNY LEON AND BILL NUNN 2008 HONOREES
April 23, 2008 – On May 11th at 7:00 p.m., Freedom Hall Auditorium (The King Center) will be transformed into a dazzling “award show” scene as Sweet Auburn International Film Festival (SAIFF) honors two entertainment luminaries whose careers span more than two decades. This year, director Kenny Leon and actor Bill Nunn will receive awards for their outstanding career achievements. Celebrities, VIPs, Hollywood industry executives and the cast of upcoming feature film “Jury of Our Peers” (Bryce Wilson, Drew Sidora, Angell Conwell, Dorian Missick) will be in attendance. SpringFest, an annual family festival, hosts SAIFF.
“As filmmakers and entrepreneurs, we are proud to honor Mr. Leon and Mr. Nunn at this year’s award ceremony,” said festival producers Len Gibson and JB Brown. “Both men have followed their dreams and launched successful Hollywood careers right here in Atlanta.”
Kenny Leon’s dedication to the arts, especially theatre, has made him a legend in entertainment circles. August Wilson’s Gem of the Ocean and Lorraine Hansberry’s A Raisin in the Sun, featuring Sean Combs, Sanaa Lathan, Audra McDonald and Phylicia Rashad, are just a few of his Tony-nominated and award-winning productions. Mr. Leon’s directorial credits also include comedies, musicals, films and classic theatre. He has directed plays in cities across the country.
Mr. Leon served as Artistic Director of the Alliance Theatre in Atlanta for 11 years before founding the True Colors Theatre Company in 2002. Currently, he is directing numerous projects such as the upcoming UK tour of Flashdance, which opens in July 2008, and the stage adaptation of Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner, which hits Broadway in fall 2008. While serving as Founding Artistic Director of True Colors Theatre Company, he frequently travels the country giving motivational speeches.
From comedy and romance to drama and fantasy, Bill Nunn has stepped into the roles of a broad array of characters. Mr. Nunn’s extensive yet diverse acting credits demonstrate the skills of an actor who is confident in his craft. Since the late ‘80s, he’s entertained audiences in such films as Spike Lee’s “Do the Right Thing,” “Sister Act,” “Kiss the Girls,” “Lockdown,” “Spider Man” and “Idlewild,” among others. Mr. Nunn’s first feature role was in Lee’s 1988 “School Daze.”
Mr. Nunn’s numerous TV credits include “New York Undercover,” “Chicago Hope,” “Touched By an Angel” and “The District.” He recently starred in the TV version of the stage play “A Raisin in the Sun,” which was directed by his co-honoree, Kenny Leon.
SAIFF proudly welcomes these two outstanding men to the family.
TICKET INFORMATION:Advanced Purchase: $15 general admission includes access to the reception
On-Site Purchase: $20 at the door
Advanced VIP tickets: $25 admission includes reserved seating, backstage access, VIP lounge access at the award ceremony and festival.
On-site VIP Ticket Purchase: $30 at the door.
To purchase tickets or for additional information and group prices, please visit
http://black-cinema.tix.com/.
###
ABOUT SPRINGFEST
SpringFest is an annual celebration in Atlanta's Sweet Auburn Historic District that runs Friday through Sunday and includes many exciting venues and attractions. As many as half million people are expected to attend Sweet Auburn SpringFest 2008. The festival is known as "the Grandest Festival of the Year on the Greatest Street on the Planet."
SAIFF WORKSHOP REGISTRATION:
You're in for a treat at this year's Sweet Auburn International Film Festival. Our workshops this year will be informative, educational, inspirational and you will leave with an urge to take your career to the next level. Sign up today while slots are still available!
-Screenwriting Bootcamp: 2 days (Fri. May 9- 6-8 p.m. & Sat. May 10- 12-2 p.m.)
This bootcamp will feature experienced writers educating new and aspiring writers on how to take an idea and turn it into a profitable property. This workshop will provide insight on the do's and don'ts in screenwriting and the path to success.
Directed by: Marshall Dean
Credits Include: "Tyler Perry's House of Payne," Video Treatments for artists: TI, UGK, Lupe Fiasco etc., Author & Co-Creator of "The Adventures of Young Starbury" with NBA Star Stephon Marbury, various upcoming feature films & many more....
Cost: $50
Location: Auburn Ave. Research Library (101 Auburn Ave., Atlanta, GA)
- Info-Tainment Filmmaking Mentor Session: featuring an experienced film distributor, entertainment attorney and other industry insiders & professionals. Aspiring filmmakers will spend one on one time with each mentor. This session is sure to change your life and enhance your career career. (Sat. May 10- 6-7 p.m.)
Cost: $20 (50 people max)
Panel Includes:Jeff Cooper, TP Studios- Online Editor, Dianne Ashford-Producer- Symmetry Entertainment, Tirrell D. Whittey, Liquid Soul Media-Founder/Principal, Allen Johnston- Mindseed Studios- VP of Mktg. & Sales and Lisa Moore- Attorney, Georgia Lawyers for the ArtsLocation: Auburn Ave. Research Library
Film Pitch to Greenlight
Come pitch your film idea to a panel of film professionals. Each panelist have all had success in the industry and will provide candid feedback and advice on how to propel your project to the next level.
Panel Includes:Filmmakers/Producers: James T. Madison, ESQ, Lisa Cortes, Mr. Bobby Peoples, Sr. & Jeff Cooper Panel Includes:
Filmmakers/Producers: Tim Greene, Lisa Cortes and Mr. Bobby Peoples, Sr.,
(E-mail a copy of the film synopsis to:
saiff07@gmail.com)
(Sat. May 10th at 11 a.m.) Location: Auburn Ave. Research Library
Cost: $25 per film pitch
Official SAIFF 2008 Restaurant... Come eat with us each night at the Harlem Bar while listing to good music in a great atmosphere.
HARLEM BARClassic Southern-style cuisine meets international favorites in a sexy, soulful atmosphere.
262 Edgewood Ave. N.E. Atlanta, GA 30303 - 3013
(404) 588-0014