News

Exclusive: The UK’s Independent Film Trust, Sony Pictures Television and Roadmap Writers have named the 14 writers of color selected to take part in their transatlantic writers’ initiative, Creative Corridor.

The U.S. writers chosen are Adrian Burks, La’Chris Robinson Jordan, Moni Oyedepo, Aden Suchak, Meemee Taylor, Derege Harding and David Carmon. Those representing the UK are Cristina Sebastian, Afshan D’Souza-Lodhi, Vincent Gwyn, Sylvia-Anne Parker, Rory Bentley, Babatunde Apalowo and Mariem Omari.

The program launched last year brings together underrepresented writers from both sides of the pond to develop projects for film and TV. It was originally devised by Charlotte Knowles, Tolu Stedford and Adquanita K. Curtis, with TV executive and consultant Stacey Carr joining the team this year. The 2022 participants will be feted tonight at an event held on Sony’s Culver City lot, spotlighting how the program is bolstering diversity, equity and inclusion within film and TV,...

The lineup for the 23rd annual Urbanworld Film Festival was announced Friday, with Tony-award winning broadway actor Cynthia Erivo and Emmy award-winning director Roger Ross Williams making appearances at the event, which is geared towards representing and celebrating diverse, international voices in film, music videos, television, screenplays and shorts.

Director and co-writer Kasi Lemmons will open the festival Sept 18 with her Focus Features biopic “Harriet,” following the influential life of abolitionist Harriet Tubman who led slaves to freedom through the Underground Railroad. Following the screening, star Erivo, Lemmons and executive producers Debra Martin Chase and Daniela Taplin Lundberg will discuss the film with CBS This Morning Saturday’s Michelle Miller moderating. Lemmons is this year’s festival ambassador.

Other notable films include HBO’s documentary “The Apollo,” which features archival footage to chronicle the history of Harlem’s landmark venue the Apollo Theater. A Q&a with director Williams and...

In today’s film news roundup, Demetrius Shipp Jr. stars in a mystery and the newest “Puppet Master” and the documentary “The Last Horsemen of New York” get distribution.

Casting

“All Eyez on Me” star Demetrius Shipp Jr., Essence Atkins, Terrence Jenkins, and Edwina Findley have all signed on to star in the indie mystery/drama “Same Difference.”

Produced by Datari Turner and written and directed by Derege Harding, the film follows a young woman (Atkins) who is told that her death is imminent by a mysterious group of people who all start dying one by one. The woman becomes compelled to let go of the past and reconcile with her estranged twin sister, also played by Atkins, who is suffering from alcohol addiction.

The film co-stars Kandi Burruss, Affion Crockett, Kris D. Lofton, Gabby Douglas, Lew Temple, and Page Kennedy. Production has begun in Los Angeles.

Turner, who will...

Demetrius Shipp Jr., who played Tupac Shakur in the biopic All Eyez on Me, and Essence Atkins (Marlon) are starring in the mystery drama Same Difference, from writer and director Derege Harding and Datari Turner Productions.

Produced by Datari Turner, Same Difference, shooting in Los Angeles, follows a young woman (Atkins) who is told that her death is imminent by a mysterious group of people who all start dying one by one. The woman must let go of the past and reconcile with her estranged twin sister, also played by Atkins, who is suffering from alcohol...

Two indie films have pulled together its cast. First up is Demetrius Shipp Jr., who played the late Tupac Shakur in All Eyez on Me, who is starring along with Essence Atkins from NBC’s Marlon, Terrence Jenkins (Safe Word) and Edwina Findley (Black Lightning) in the indie mystery/drama titled Same Difference. Secondly, Haley Pullos, Haley Webb, and Bryce Durfee will star in another indie film, entitled No Good Deed.

Produced by Datari Turner and written and directed by Derege Harding, Same Difference follows a young woman (Atkins) who is told that her death is imminent by a mysterious group of people who all start dying one by one. The woman becomes compelled to let go of the past and reconcile with her estranged twin sister, also played by Atkins, who is suffering from alcohol addiction.

The film co-stars Kandi Burruss, Affion Crockett, Kris D. Lofton, Gabby Douglas, Lew Temple,...

Demetrius Shipp Jr., who played Tupac Shakur in the <a href="https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/tupac-biopic-taps-newcomer-demetrius-851101" target="_blank">biopic </a><em><a href="https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/tupac-biopic-taps-newcomer-demetrius-851101" target="_blank">All Eyez on Me</a>,</em> and Essence Atkins (<em>Marlon</em>) are starring in the mystery drama <em>Same Difference</em>, from writer-director Derege Harding and Datari Turner Productions.

Produced by Datari Turner, <em>Same Difference</em>, which is shooting in Los Angeles, follows a young woman (Atkins) who is told that her death is imminent by a mysterious group of people who all start dying one by one. The woman must let go of the past and reconcile with her estranged twin sister, also played by Atkins, who is suffering from alcohol addiction.

The film's ensemble cast includes ...

Film Independent has selected 30 filmmakers for its Project Involve dedicated to fostering the careers of talented filmmakers from communities traditionally underrepresented in the film industry.

Producer Cathy Schulman, writer-director Billy Ray and writer-producer Virgil Williams will serve as guest speakers with additional guest speakers and mentors to be announced.

“Project Involve is an extraordinary program and a vital extension of the core values and mission of Film Independent,” said Jennifer Kushner, director of artist development at Film Independent.

“Among our key goals are to foster community, cultivate the careers of filmmakers, and increase cultural diversity in the film industry. We are committed to supporting this exceptional group of artists and professionals in their careers, and by doing so, we hope to contribute to a future where diverse voices will thrive in the entertainment industry.”

For the third consecutive year Sony Pictures Entertainment returns with the Diversity Fellowship in Project Involve, which provides...

Film Independent has selected 30 filmmakers for its Project Involve dedicated to fostering the careers of talented filmmakers from communities traditionally underrepresented in the film industry.

Producer Cathy Schulman, writer-director Billy Ray and writer-producer Virgil Williams will serve as guest speakers with additional guest speakers and mentors to be announced.

“Project Involve is an extraordinary program and a vital extension of the core values and mission of Film Independent,” said Jennifer Kushner, director of artist development at Film Independent.

“Among our key goals are to foster community, cultivate the careers of filmmakers, and increase cultural diversity in the film industry. We are committed to supporting this exceptional group of artists and professionals in their careers, and by doing so, we hope to contribute to a future where diverse voices will thrive in the entertainment industry.”

For the third consecutive year Sony Pictures Entertainment returns with the Diversity Fellowship in Project Involve, which provides...