The Atlanta HipHop Film Festival (AHFF) is an annual event

The Atlanta HipHop Film Festival (AHFF) is an annual event designed to celebrate
HipHop and film. Each year, the AHFF provides an outlet for professional and
independent filmmakers across the country and abroad to showcase their work.
Feature films, music videos, shorts, and documentaries are screened before an
audience of distributors, media, film critics, and fans of HipHop Culture.
March 28, 2006
Dear Media:
The Atlanta HipHop Film Festival (AHFF) is the premier event for screening feature
films, shorts, documentaries, and music videos focused on HipHop. It was
established by Creative Circle Entertainment to celebrate the success of films
influenced by HipHop culture, and encourage their continued growth. We are
honored to request your attendance and participation at the 2nd Annual Atlanta
HipHop Film Festival, taking place Friday, April 28-Sunday, April 30, 2006.
In 2005, AHFF award recipients received rave reviews by critics and all inked
deals with major distributors like HBO, Warner Brothers and Sony Pictures. This
year’s activities will consist of an opening night gala, panel discussions, and a
block party. The festival will conclude with an Awards ceremony honoring Lauryn
Hill, Ice-T, F. Gary Gray, and L.L. Cool J in addition to the films U Got Served
and Beat Street. Filmmakers from across the country and abroad will have the
opportunity to premier their work during film screenings that will take place
throughout the weekend.
Please review the attachments for additional information on Creative Circle
Entertainment and the Atlanta HipHop Film Festival. If you have any questions,
please contact me via e-mail me at [email protected] or by phone
at (678) 438-8820. Thank you for your interest in the Atlanta HipHop Film
Festival. We look forward to your participation.
Sincerely,
Jonnice Slaughter
Jonnice Slaughter
Chatterbox Publicity
2ND ANNUAL ATLANTA HIPHOP FILM FESTIVAL
(AHFF) FACT SHEET:
EVENT DATES:
Friday, April 28 – Sunday, April 30, 2006
PROJECTED ATTENDANCE IN 2006: 2000+ per
event
TARGET DEMOGRAPHIC: 18 - 35 UrbanPRESENTING ORGANIZATIONS:
Creative Circle Entertainment (Founder) in association with First Chance Variety
House (Non-profit 501 c3) presents the “2nd Annual Atlanta Hip Hop Film
Festival”, an event to celebrate HipHop’s influence on contemporary film. The
purpose of this celebration is not only to entertain but also educate and enlighten
our audience.
THE MISSION OF AHFF: To allow aspiring entertainers, an avenue to reach the
masses with their product and skills, providing exposure and networking
opportunities for all those within the film industry. In addition, we will celebrate
and embrace the collaboration of HipHop meeting film by awarding upcoming and
established filmmakers, as well as known HipHop artists for their outstanding
accomplishments. Lastly, our festival foundation will support art indiscriminately
and provide education in the form of seminars to empower entrepreneurs with the
adequate skills to prosper in their given industry.
WHY ATLANTA?: It was estimated that in 2005, Atlanta would spend more than
$4.9 billion on entertainment. Adults alone in Atlanta contribute well over
$100,000,000 towards movies annually.
EVENTS: Private Sponsorship Awards Dinner, Opening Night Networking Gala,
Panel workshops, Film Screenings, Block Party concluding with our Red Carpet
Affair and Awards Ceremony.
2005 SUCCESS: Award recipients inked deals with Warner Brothers, HBO
Sony Pictures and Maverick Platinum Entertainment Group. In addition the
festival welcomed VIP guests and presenters: Bone Crusher, T.J. Duckett, Lil
Scrappy, Set Shakur, Ralph Farquhar, and Jason Weaver just to name a few.
2006 HONOREES:
LL Cool J – Humanitarian Award, Ice T – Hip Hop Pioneer, Lauryn Hill – Triple
Threat, F. Gary Gray – Ultimate Filmmaker
AWARDS TO BE PRESENTED TO FILMMAKERS: Best HipHop Throwback –
“Beat Street,” Best HipHop Futuristic – “You Got Served,” Best HipHop Feature,
Best HipHop Short, Best HipHop Documentary, Best Music Video, Best Actor and
Best Actress.
AHFF SUCCESS STORIES:
Winner of the Best Feature Award at the 2005 Atlanta HipHop Film Festival,
HipHop Task Force Vol. 1, received a distribution deal with Maverick Platinum
Entertainment Group. The film’s director Corey Grant states, “Thank you for your
support. Your festival helped me gain even more leverage in brokering a great deal
for Hip Hop Task Force that distributors don’t normally give. Now I have two
projects in the works; one is with a major studio and is being considered for
theatrical release, the other I’m shooting in the next two months.”
Definition of Freedom, directed by Sharmin McKay,
won the award for Best HipHop Documentary at the
2005 Atlanta HipHop Film Festival. McKay, a native of
South Africa, exclaimed “Thank you so much for
honoring me. After winning the award, the film took on
a life of its own; traveling all over North America and
attracting attention from distributors and satellite
networks.”
The recipient of the Audience Choice award was Treasure N Tha Hood. Greg
Carter, Director, stated, “After winning the AHFF award, Treasure N Tha Hood got
a distribution deal with Warner Brothers. The film is out now and getting great
reviews. The staff at the AHFF really cares about the filmmaker and the film. We
thank AHFF for everything.”
Male Groupie, written by Morrocco Omari, dominated the
evening winning Best Actor, Best Actress and Best Short
awards. After winning, Morrocco Omari inked a deal for a
year series with HBO.
Complete List of Winners
Best Actor ................................................. Morrocco Omari, Male Groupie
Best Actress ...............................................Jonell Kennedy, Male Groupie
Best HipHop Documentary ......................................Definition of Freedom
Best HipHop Throwback ..................................................... Krush Groove
Best HipHop Short ........................Male Groupie, Christopher Scott Cherot
Creative Conscious Award........................................................... Mos Def
Best HipHop Feature ..................HipHop Task Force Vol.1-Under Pressure
Audience Choice Award ...........................................Treasure N Tha Hood
Best HipHop Futuristic ....................................................... Brown Sugar
HipHop Pioneer Award ...................................................................Tupac
Humanitarian Award ..................................................................Ludacris
Triple Threat Award ................................................................... Ice Cube
two
2005 ATLANTA HIP HOP FILM FESTIVAL AWARDS SHOW HI-LIGHTS
Ludacris was the 2005 AHFF
Humanitarian Award Recipient.
Mos Def received the Creative
Conscious Award.
Set Shakur accepted the HipHop
Pioneer Award for her brother, TUPAC
2005 AHFF Award Show attendees were
entertained by the earth-shattering sounds of
So So Def Recording Artist, Bone Crusher.
Ralph Farquahar, Writer/
Producer of KRUSH GROOVE,
accepted the Throwback Award
2005 MEDIA COVERAGE
More than 50 media outlets provided extensive overage of the 1st Annual HipHop
Film Festival. A sampling of the media outlets include:
Vibe Magazine
Dryerbuzz Magazine
Rolling Out
HipHop Association
SOHH
Urban Magazine
EURweb
Atlanta Films
Africa’s Gateway
AUC Magazine
DaVault.net
Industrycosign
UrbanOnlineMag.com
HipHop Directory
Georgia State University Signal
Creative Loafing
Rapfx
Sixshot
Ballerstatus
Streethop
Netweed
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Executive Board:
Shameka Gumbs, Founder/Festival Director
MiMi Cartier, Project Manager
Dee Dee Cocheta-Williams, Event/Awards Show Producer
Chantell Welch, Volunteer Coordinator
Tammy McCoy, Panelist Coordinator
Kimberly Fennell, Operations Coordinator
About the Founder
Shameka Gumbs entered the entertainment industry over eight years ago and
can now be found flexing her “big city” spirit and
entrepreneurial skills as the Executive Director of
Creative Circle Entertainment. In this capacity, Gumbs
has capitalized on a wide range of experience to
successfully coordinate sporting events, concerts,
festivals and screenings for her numerous clients
including Blazing 92.3, Hollywood Black Film Festival,
Shannon Anderson Foundation, DreamWorks Films, and
the Black Family Channel.
The Atlanta HipHop Film Festival gives Gumbs the
opportunity to marry two of her loves, the HipHop culture
and films. Gumbs is devoted to perpetuating a positive
portrayal of HipHop in the film industry. “I’m really
praying that HipHop will revolve back to the true essence
and that is creating a social expression in the lyrics that
will promote change in their communities through dancing, ceasing of illegal drug
distribution, speaking to the youth and so on. The true answer is what ever the
mentality of the youth, will be the mentality of HipHop,” states Gumbs. As
Founder and Festival Director of the Atlanta Hip Hop Film Festival, Gumbs’ vision
lends the building blocks for the construction of what will be one of the most
unique and enterprising film festivals in the U.S
Personally, Shameka Gumbs is an advocate for Teen Domestic Violence. She is
creating a non-profit organization, which will work to empower and uplift teens. If
she had to define her vision with one phrase, it would be, Psalms 19:14, “Let the
words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in thy sight”. A
single mother residing in Atlanta, Georgia, Shameka relishes moments spent with
her son.
HONORARY CHAIRPERSONS
Almighty Kay Gee of the Cold Crush Brothers - Almighty Kay Gee is
a Hip Hop pioneer and is considered one of rap’s originators. Hailing
from the South Bronx, he operates Killer Groove Productions.
DJ Tony Crush - The original DJ Tony Crush of The
Cold Crush Brothers, is VP of Legacy Coalition and
member of The Federation for the Preservation of HipHop
Culture.
a
Davey D- Davey D is a HipHop journalist,
historian, deejay and community activist. He is also Program
Director for Breakdown FM, a columnist for the San Jose Mercury
News and Napster.com and editor of the Hip Hop Political Newsletter
(HHPN).
Bryan Barber—As a Music Video Director, his credits include:
OutKast, Bow Wow, Faith Evans, Destiny's Child, G-Unit,
Ludacris, and Missy Elliott. Barber will make his film directing
debut with the movie, “Life in Idlewood,” starring Outkast, Ving
Rhames, Terrence Howard, Faizon Love, Patti LaBelle, Macy
Gray, and Cicely Tyson.
Toni Blackman- Toni Blackman is an award-winning artist, a
published author, a U.S. HipHop Ambassador and the Founder
Freestyle Union.
of
ADVISORY BOARD:
Dyana Williams- Dyana Williams is a 30-year industry veteran with
a career spanning broadcast, print journalism, community activism,
television producing, reporting and media coaching.
Christopher "Play" Martin of Kid'N'PlayChristopher Martin is one-half of Kid ‘N Play, who is considered
one of the first groups to tame rap's hardcore mentality into a
positive, message-oriented music suitable for teens and mass
audiences. The group starred in two sequels to their original
House Party film, and the 1991 teen flick Class Act.
Bow-Legged Lou of Full Force- Bowlegged Lou is
part of the six-man group of singer-producers responsible for hits
performed by U.T.F.O. and Lisa Lisa and the Cult Jam. Bow-Legged
Lou’s acting credits include “House Party 1 & 2” and “Who’s the Man.”
Malik Yoba- Malik Yoba is an actor, musician, author and motivational
speaker. His acting credits include Fox TV's drama New York
Undercover, Disney's Cool Runnings, and roles in Smoke, Blue in the
Face, Cop Land, A Woman Like That, and the lead role in Ride.
ATLANTA HIPHOP FILM FESTIVAL ACTIVITIES
Opening Night Gala:
The opening night gala will take place at the Compound on Friday, April 28, 2006.
Panels:
Youth Panel – Taking place at AIU in
conjunction with YOUTH FOCUS MULTIMEDIA
FESTIVAL
Gaming In HipHop
Distribution/Independent Filmmaking
Social Responsibility of HipHop
Film Screenings:
This year the AHFF will show more than 20 features, shorts, documentaries and
music videos influenced by HipHop culture.
Block Party:
This event will take place Saturday, April 29, 2006, and will pay
homage to five elements of HipHop: Graffiti, Beatboxing,
Breakin’, MC’ing, and DJ’ing with competitions.
Awards Ceremony:
The Atlanta HipHop Film Festival will conclude with the Red Carpet Affair and
Awards Ceremony on Sunday, April 30, 2006 taking place at the Carter Center.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Jonnice Slaughter
Chatterbox Publicity
(678)438-8820 - Direct
[email protected] - Email
ATLANTA HIPHOP FILM FESTIVAL AWARD RECIPIENTS INK DEALS
WITH HBO, WARNER BROS., AND MAVERICK PLATINUM
ENTERTAINMENT
Atlanta (PRWEB) December 12, 2005 – Of the six awards presented at the 2005 Atlanta
HipHop Film Festival, three of the honorees inked distribution deals with major film
distribution companies.
Best HipHop Documentary - “Definition of Freedom,” directed by South African, Sharmin
Mackay currently in negotiations, exclaimed, “Thank you so much for honoring me. After
winning the award, the film took on a life of it's own; traveling all over North America and
attracting attention from distributors and satellite networks.”
Best HipHop Feature – “HipHop Task Force Vol. 1” directed by Corey Grant received a
distribution deal with Maverick Platinum Entertainment Group. Grant acknowledges AHFF,
”Thank you for your support. Your festival helped me gain even more leverage in brokering
a great deal for HipHop Task Force that distributors don't normally give. Now I have two
projects in the works, one is with a major studio and is being considered for a theatrical
release, the other I'm shooting in the next two months.”
Audience Choice Award – “Treasure N Tha Hood Producer, Director Greg Carter, who
received a Warner Brothers distribution deal explains, "After winning the AHFF Award,
Treasure N Tha Hood got a distribution deal with Warner Brothers. The movie is out now
and getting great reviews. The staff at the AHFF really care about the filmmaker and the
film, we thank AHFF for everything.”
Dominating the evening, winning Best Actor, Best Actress and Best Short Award, “Male
Groupie,” written by Morrocco Omari, inked a two-year series with HBO.
About AHFF
HipHop has captured the fascination of young people from New York City’s South Bronx
parks in the 70’s to the bullet trains of Tokyo today. These youth can be seen and heard
expressing themselves through the language, fashion and music that are HipHop culture.
The Atlanta HipHop Film Festival is dedicated to creating an event that encompasses all
these elements mentioned bonded by the common thread of social responsibility to ensure
positive, beneficial messages are conveyed to HipHop’s invaluable on-screen audience.
Little did the organizers know the festival has now become pivotal for future filmmakers by
opening doors and exposing their great work of HipHop globally.
-more-
AHFF’s Mission
To allow aspiring entertainers, an avenue to reach the masses with their product and skills,
providing exposure and networking opportunities for all those within the film industry. In
addition, we will celebrate and embrace the collaboration of HipHop meeting film by
awarding upcoming and established filmmakers, as well as known HipHop artists for their
outstanding accomplishments. Lastly, our festival foundation will support art
indiscriminately and provide education in the form of seminars to empower entrepreneurs
with the adequate skills to prosper in their given industry.
Organizers for the first annual event in April of 2005, Shameka Gumbs (Founder), Dee Dee
Cocheta, Aneesah Hardnett, MiMi Cartier, LaKisha Smith, Chantell Welch and Tammy
McCoy, made history producing the first film festival of its’ kind. Poised to do it again, The
2nd Annual Atlanta HipHop Film Festival takes place April 28-30, 2006. Deadline for Film
and Music Video submissions is December 9th, 2005. This year Honorees are: LAURYN
HILL, LL COOL J, ICE T and F. GARY GRAY. For more info on the Atlanta HipHop Film
Festival, visit – www.AtlHipHopFilmFest.com
###
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Jonnice Slaughter
Chatterbox Publicity
(678) 438-8820 - Direct
[email protected] - Email
2006 ATLANTA HIPHOP FILM FESTIVAL HONORARY
CHAIRPERSONS AND ADVISORY BOARD ANNOUNCED
List Members Represent HipHop and Film Industry’s Groundbreakers
Atlanta (PRWEB) December 19, 2005 – The Atlanta HipHop Film Festival announced the
2006 Honorary Chairpersons which represent a timeless body of work in film and HipHop.
Selections were based on their contributions, creativity and originality in both HipHop and
film. List of Honorary Chairpersons include:
Almighty Kay Gee of the Cold Crush Brothers- Hip Hop pioneers and are considered
one of rap originators hailing from the South Bronx, operating Killer Groove Productions.
DJ Tony Tone- The original DJ Tony Tone of The Cold Crush Brothers, VP of Legacy
Coalition and member of The Federation for the Preservation of HipHop Culture.
Davey D- A HipHop journalist, historian, deejay and community activist, a Program Director
for Breakdown FM, a columnist for the San Jose Mercury News, and Napster.com and
editor of the Hip Hop Political Newsletter (HHPN).
Bryan Barber- His music director credits include OutKast, Bow Wow, Faith Evans,
Destiny's Child, G-Unit, Ludacris, and Missy Elliott. Barber will make his film directing debut
with the movie, “Life in Idlewood,” starring Outkast, Ving Rhames, Terrence Howard,
Faizon Love, Patti LaBelle, Macy Gray, and Cicely Tyson.
Toni Blackman- An award-winning artist, a published author, a U.S. HipHop Ambassador
and the Founder of Freestyle Union.
Advisory Board Members include:
Dyana Williams- A 30-year industry veteran with a career spanning broadcast, print
journalism, community activism, television producing, reporting and media coaching.
Christopher "Play" Martin of Kid'N'Play- Considered one-half of one of the first groups to
tame rap's hardcore mentality into a positive, message-oriented music suitable for teens
and mass audiences. The group starred in two sequels to their original House Party film,
and the 1991 teen flick Class Act.
Bow-Legged Lou of Full Force- Part of the six-man group of singer-producers
responsible for hits performed by U.T.F.O., Lisa Lisa and the Cult Jam. Bow-Legged Lou’s
acting credits include “House Party 1 & 2” and “Who’s the Man.”
Malik Yoba- Actor, Musician, Author and Motivational Speaker. His acting credits include
Fox TV's drama “New York Undercover”, “Disney's Cool Runnings,” and roles in “Smoke”,
“Blue in the Face”, “Cop Land”, “A Woman Like That”, and the lead role in “Ride.”
-more-
AHFF’s Mission
To allow aspiring entertainers, an avenue to reach the masses with their product and skills,
providing exposure and networking opportunities for all those within the film industry. In
addition, we will celebrate and embrace the collaboration of HipHop meeting film by
awarding upcoming and established filmmakers, as well as known HipHop artists for their
outstanding accomplishments. Lastly, our festival foundation will support art
indiscriminately and provide education in the form of seminars to empower entrepreneurs
with the adequate skills to prosper in their given industry.
Organizers for the first annual event in April of 2005, Shameka Gumbs (Founder), Dee Dee
Cocheta, Aneesah Hardnett, MiMi Cartier, LaKisha Smith, Chantell Welch and Tammy
McCoy, made history producing the first film festival of its’ kind. Poised to do it again, The
2nd Annual Atlanta HipHop Film Festival takes place April 28-30, 2006. This year Honorees
are: LAURYN HILL, LL COOL J, ICE T and F. GARY GRAY. For more info on the Atlanta
HipHop Film Festival, visit – www.AtlHipHopFilmFest.com
###
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Jonnice Slaughter
Chatterbox Publicity
(678) 438-8820 - Direct
[email protected] - Email
THE ATLANTA HIPHOP FILM FESTIVAL HONORS
JACK “THE RAPPER” GIBSON
The HipHop Pioneer Award to be renamed The Jack “The Rapper” Award
Atlanta (PRWEB) February, 2006 -- The Atlanta HipHop Film Festival announced the
renaming of the HipHop Pioneer Award to honor the legendary Jack “The Rapper” Gibson.
“We are honored to announce the renaming of our HipHop Pioneer Award to the Jack the
Rapper Award. Mr. Jack Gibson has been very instrumental in the careers of some musical
icons and allowing unsigned talent a voice to be heard among the masses with the
historical Jack the Rapper Conventions." stated Shameka Gumbs, Founder. Awards Show
Producer, Dee Dee Cocheta adds, "Without Jack "The Rapper" Gibson, Atlanta and the
nation, for that matter, wouldn’t know the essence of the element ‘rap’ or what it means to
the culture. Jack was pure in his form of rap and beyond just being the father of black radio,
he is one of the godfathers to our HipHop world."
This year’s recipient of the newly named Jack “The Rapper” Award is Ice T. "It’s an
extreme pleasure to honor Ice T with our first Jack the Rapper Award. Ice T has proven the
ability to be an exceptional actor as well as being one of HipHop legends,” Gumbs shares.
Ms. Jill Bell, Jack “The Rapper Gibson’s daughter states, “My father would be proud to see
Ice T be honored as the first Jack "The Rapper" Gibson HipHop Pioneer Award recipient.
Jack was friends with ICE T and knows Ice is more than deserving of this award.” This
award will be presented April 30, 2006 during the 2nd Annual Atlanta HipHop Film Festival.
About Jack “The Rapper” Gibson
Jack The Rapper, known as one of the fathers of Black radio, started his career in the late
30’s, creating a unique on-air announcing style, which incorporated rhymes in his daily
chatter. By 1949, Gibson was chosen to lead Atlanta’s first national black radio station,
WERD as Program Director. Gibson, also, established the National Association of Radio
Announcers (NARA) and founded the first Black music trade magazine called Jack the
Rapper Weekly. Additionally, Gibson was the first National Director of Promotions and
Public Relations for Motown Records. Within modern day HipHop, Gibson continued
discovering new talent allowing DJs and A&R reps access to new talent at his music
convention “Jack the Rapper.” Started in the early 90’s out of Atlanta, the Jack The Rapper
Convention was considered the first music convention where aspiring HipHop artists could
showcase their talent and possibly earn a record deal. The Jack The Rapper Convention
earned national notoriety, thus, helping to stamp Atlanta as the new hot bed for the music
scene.
-more-
About Ice T
Ice T, a HipHop artist, well known as the father of gangsta music, has spawned the careers
of artists like N.W.A., Snoop Dogg, and The Geto Boys. He is the first known rapper who
ever performed the notorious C-Walk dance in front of cameras in the early 80’s. Ice T has
recorded or has been featured in thirteen albums and soundtracks and produced six films.
The film that changed his career and declared him a bona fide actor was New Jack City.
Since New Jack City, Ice T has appeared or starred in over 60 films and television series.
About AHFF
HipHop has captured the fascination of young people from New York City’s South Bronx
parks in the 70’s to the bullet trains of Tokyo today. These youth can be seen and heard
expressing themselves through the language, fashion and music that are HipHop culture.
The Atlanta HipHop Film Festival is dedicated to creating an event that encompasses all
these elements mentioned bonded by the common thread of social responsibility to ensure
positive, beneficial messages are conveyed to HipHop’s invaluable on-screen audience.
The 2nd Annual Atlanta HipHop Film Festival takes place April 28-30, 2006. This year
Honorees are: LAURYN HILL, LL COOL J, ICE T and F. GARY GRAY. For more info on
the Atlanta HipHop Film Festival, visit – www.AtlHipHopFilmFest.com
###
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Jonnice Slaughter
Chatterbox Publicity
(678)438-8820 -- Direct
[email protected] -- Email
Chelsye Burrows
Starz Entertainment Group
(720)852-5838 - Direct
[email protected] -- Email
Starz Entertainment Group Named the Presenting Sponsor for the
2006 Atlanta HipHop Film Festival
Starz InBlack to premiere original feature,
“Dead Prez film: “It’s Bigger Than Hip Hop”
Atlanta (PRWEB)— March 28, 2006 – Starz Entertainment Group LLC (SEG) has become the
Presenting Sponsor of the 2006 Atlanta HipHop Film Festival (AHFF). As presenting sponsor,
SEG’s urban entertainment channel, Starz InBlack, will present the 2006 screenings,
participate in the entire weekend of events and give AHFF screening attendees an exclusive
sneak preview of the highly anticipated film, “Dead Prez: It’s Bigger Than Hip Hop.”
The 75-minute film is an original in-house production and will feature a live performance of the
band as well as a series of exclusive interviews that capture the vision and progress of a new
movement in hiphop culture. It’s an authentic look at a band with an alternative, controversial
viewpoint and how they use their music to engage an audience on a wide range of provocative
issues including black pride, the power of the black women, and the importance of giving back
to your community. The film will feature a never-before-seen live concert, including tracks like
“I’m an African”, “Turn off the Radio”, and “Hell Yeah”, plus intimate interviews with Dead Prez
members M-1 and stic.man.
“Dead Prez: It’s Bigger Than Hip Hop” will make its theatrical debut at the 2006 Atlanta HipHop
Film Festival Film Screenings, which will be held at the Carter Center on Sunday, April 30,
2006. The film will premiere exclusively on Starz InBlack on June 9th at 10:00 PM EST.
“The Atlanta HipHop Film Festival is very excited to have Starz InBlack as our 2006 Film
Screening Sponsor. This partnership demonstrates their understanding of the significant impact
that independent filmmakers have on the HipHop culture. Starz InBlack’s involvement will
provide additional exposure for talented indie filmmakers, which is what the festival is all about,”
says Shameka Gumbs, AHFF’s Founder. “The Atlanta HipHop Film Festival provides Starz
Entertainment Group a great venue to connect to a young, engaged urban audience that is
passionate about film. By being a part of the festival, we can also introduce some of the new,
original programming that has been developed especially for the audience,” says Kelly
Bumann, V.P. of Key Initiatives at SEG.
The 2006 Atlanta HipHop Film Festival runs from April 28–30 in Atlanta, GA.
-more-
About SEG and Starz InBlack®
Starz Entertainment Group LLC (SEG) is a premium movie service provider operating in the
United States. SEG offers 16 movie channels including the flagship Starz® and Encore® brands
with approximately 14 million and 25 million subscribers respectively. Starz Entertainment
Group airs more than 750 movies per month across its pay TV channels and offers advanced
services such as Starz HDTV, Starz On Demand and VongoSM. Starz Entertainment Group is a
wholly-owned subsidiary of Liberty Media Corporation, www.starz.com.
Starz InBlack® is culturally connected and the source for the biggest, coolest movies and urban
entertainment.
About AHFF
HipHop has captured the fascination of young people from New York City’s South Bronx parks
in the 70’s to the bullet trains of Tokyo today. These youth can be seen and heard expressing
themselves through the language, fashion and music that are HipHop culture. The Atlanta
HipHop Film Festival is dedicated to creating an event that encompasses all these elements
mentioned bonded by the common thread of social responsibility to ensure positive, beneficial
messages are conveyed to HipHop’s invaluable on-screen audience.
The 2nd Annual Atlanta HipHop Film Festival takes place April 27-30, 2006. This year
Honorees are: LAURYN HILL, LL COOL J, ICE T and F. GARY GRAY. For more info on the
Atlanta HipHop Film Festival, visit – www.AtlHipHopFilmFest.com
###