San Francisco— "Stars for Katrina," presented by LaHitz Media and the Oakland International Film Festival, a screening of the movie "Constellation" and a fundraiser for families relocated to the Bay Area in the wake of the Gulf Hurricanes, was held on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, January 16 at the Metreon in San Francisco. "Stars for Katrina" followed the the annual day-long celebrations at San Francisco’s Bill Graham Civic Auditorium, and included a post-screening discussion with "Constellation" director, writer and producer, Jordan Walker-Pearlman, Constellation actor Rae Dawn Chong, Barry Shabaka-Henley star of CBS’ Close to Home and Former 49-er Jamie Williams, author of "Any Given Sunday."

"There was no better way to pay tribute to Dr. King than to help others," said Jackie Wright, Public Affairs Manager for UPN Bay Area TV and volunteer chairman for "Stars for Katrina. "There is a great philanthropic spirit around this film. "We were honored to have Rae Dawn Chong, the filmmaker, Jordan Walker-Pearlman and local media stars join us. Former Bay Area resident, Barry Shabaka-Henley of the CBS show "Close to Home" attended and also 49’er great, Jamie Williams, author of "Any Given Sunday," added Wright.

"Constellation" had its Bay Area debut in September as the headliner for the Oakland International Film Festival. Jacquie Taliaferro, San Francisco filmmaker and co-founder of the Agora@Cannes Film series worked with David Roach, Executive Director of the multicultural Oakland International Film Festival to obtain the film. "Constellation" was previously screened at the Agora@Cannes Film Series in May 2005.

"Without Jordan Walker-Pearlman "Stars for Katrina" would not have occurred," said Jacquie Taliaferro. "Jordan has the vision to use the power of media for not only entertainment but community empowerment as well. The donation of his time and talent and that of all the stars involved is greatly appreciated and brought visibility to the fact that the Katrina Survivors still need help."

"‘Constellation’ is a story about emotional heritage and the need to pass on that heritage," said Walker-Pearlman as he explained his inspiration for the film. "Although this film is not autobiographical, I was inspired by a love story of my 93 year-old grandmother who is African-American. It’s important to know that our elders have lived rich emotional lives and they contribute to us beyond their perceived roles. We were pleased to donate our time and the film for others with the ‘Stars for Katrina’ project."

"Constellation" features an all-star cast that includes Gabrielle Union, Zoe Saldana, Hill Harper, Lesley Ann Warren, Clarence Williams III, Melissa De Sousa, Rae Dawn Chong and Billy Dee Williams. The film that was shoot in Huntsville, Alabama has a New Orleans connection. The hotel in the film is modeled after the International Hotel in New Orleans. For more about the film, visit www.Constellationthefilm.com.

"Stars for Katrina" kickoff event was held at UCSF November 19^th. Ceremonial highlights of the evening included a certificate of honor from San Francisco Supervisor Sophie Maxwell presented to "Constellation" actor, Rae Dawn Chong for donating her time to "Stars for Katrina." Local luminary, Ruth Dewson, "the Hat Lady" who kept former Mayor Willie Brown in his trademark fedora, was presented the UPN Bay Area TV "Community Kudos Award" for her community work and contributions to the arts.

The American Red Cross Bay Area Chapter, the Salvation Army, the NAACP Disaster Relief Fund, and the United Way of the Bay Area benefited from the "Stars for Katrina" series. It’s estimated that over 2,000 families have moved to the Bay Area in the wake of the Gulf hurricanes.

Community and Corporate sponsors of the "Stars for Katrina" included: The Metreon, Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company, Westin St. Francis Hotel, Jillian’s, La Hitz Media, Kimball’s East Recordings, Sparks Music Management Group, Oakland International Film Festival, World of Class Limousine Service, San Francisco Black Film Festival, The National Coalition of 100 Black Women-San Francisco Chapter, The National Coalition of 100 Black Women Oakland Bay Area Chapter, Gift Sensations, D. Dantz Productions, Armstrong Group, Miss & Ms. Urban California Pageants, First Fridays and Gina Snow & Associates.

In other Bay Area film industry news, Ave Montague Executive Director of the San Francisco Black Film Festival (www.sfbff.org) says the San Francisco Black Film Festival will be held June 6-11. For more information and corporate sponsorship opportunities email avem@sbcglobal.net.

David Roach, of the Oakland International Film Festival (www.oiff.org), which works closely with California Black Farmers will be held September 20-25 and entries are now being accepted. For more information and corporate sponsorship opportunities contact David@oaklandfilmsociety.org or David@morebetterfood.org.

Jacquie Taliaferro, of the Agora@Cannes Film Series, May 17-28 says the Academy Award winning film "Tsotsi" will be screened and the Sojourner Truth Award will presented at the L’appartement Kodak. For more information, email lahitznews@yahoo.com or call 415 821.1111.