For Immediate Release                                                    Contact: Jackie Wright,
May 17, 2008                                                                    Wright Enterprises
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San Francisco- “Fathers of the Sport” directed by Xavier “X” Mitchell opens the LaHitz@Cannes Film Series “Images, Stories and Song, Uniting Africa for the Greater Good” during the 61st Cannes International Film Festival. The international line up by or about the African Diaspora includes sci-fi films by African American filmmakers, “Algeny, the Genetic Factor” directed by Andrew Burroughs and Camp D.O.A. directed by Alabama State Representative, Earl Hilliard Jr. “The Rise and Fall of Miss Thang,” directed by Stacie Hawkins, “Africa Unite,” directed by Stephanie Black, “Cordially Invited,” directed by Michael Fouther, “Retour A Goree” directed by Pierre-Yves Borgeau and “Namibia, Struggle for Liberation” directed by Charles Burnett starring Carl Lumbly and Danny Glover complete the series. Click on the les films link at the website designed by Médoune Senghor http://www.nautylusprod.com/webzo/cannes2008_RC3/  to see the trailers of each film.

Also to be promoted is “Because They Believed” a Carolyn Voss film produced for  the African-American Ethnic Hall of Fame founded by Arif Khatib (www.afrosportshall.com/).  The film, which is being completed, is the untold stories of forgotten athletes, true heroes that changed the face of sports in America and paved the way for the generations of black athletes that  followed. The program covers all sports, men and women. It's packed with lots of information that is virtually not known.  Heartwarming and inspiring stories of people with perseverance and dedication that faced barrier after barrier of racism , yet held their heads up high and didn't give up. Danny Glover will narrate the film, and 6-time Grammy Award winner Skyler Jett is composing the music.( http://www.postimpressions.net/Pages/Projects%20in%20the%20works%20nav.html )

“The films we are promoting show the variety and versatility among the African Diaspora,” said Jacquie Taliaferro, Director of LaHitz Media based in San Francisco.  “So many great films never see the light of day and that is why LaHitz has worked to get filmmakers among the Diaspora to come to Cannes,” added Taliaferro.  I am still encouraged by the early advice of Sheryl Lee Ralph and Melvin Van Peebles who both said ‘we have to create our own opportunities and not ask for permission to be succeed.’  Participating in the March du Film is an opportunity for filmmakers to sell directly to distributors.”

LaHitz@Cannes, is outgrowth of Taliaferro’s more than a decade of experience at the world’s largest international festival.  Each year Taliaferro presents an artist with the LaHitz Sojourner Truth Award.  It is presented annually at the Cannes International Film Festival and the Pan African Film Festival.   The award is given to individuals from around the world that make a humanitarian difference with their art. Recipients include Melvin Van Pebbles, Jean Marie-Gaston Kabore, Danny Glover, Lil Cumbers, Neema Barnett, South African Film Commissioner, Eddie Mbato, filmmaker Ramatou Keita of Niger and U.S labor activist, Maria Elena Durazo, Marla Gibbs, Nichelle Nichols, and Yo-Yo Whitaker, the rapper, Los Angeles radio personality and philanthropist who received the award at the 2008 Pan African Film and Arts Festival.

“It is great to see bright up and coming stars like Xavier Mitchell (http://www.fathersofthesport.com/ ), Andrew Burroughs (www.algenymovie.com), and Earl Hilliard Jr. ( www.myspace.com/campdoa ) join the ranks of directors like Charles Burnett at Cannes,” said Taliaferro.  As we see changes in market forces that would marginalize Black-buying power, it’s important that we remember to affirm our own work no matter the platform or genre.  With all due respect to others, a people should never forfeit their right to affirm themselves.  That is way having our voice at Cannes is so important to provide a platform in the world market, ” added Taliaferro.

LaHitz Media is also gearing up for Cannes 2009 with plans to work with international fashion designer, Angele Medeiros(  http://www.afric-elance.com/ )for a benefit fashion show with entertainers to raise funds for non-profits fighting Malaria in Africa.  For more information and sponsorship opportunities, email: lahitznews@yahoo.com.
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“Fathers of the Sport” directed by Xavier “X” Mitchell- a documentary that uncovers the colorful and compelling history of playground basketball, produced by Providence Films/Trace Entertainment and directed by Xavier Mitchell, the film chronicles the lives and stories of the many “legends” and unsung heroes who dominated the early playground basketball courts in New York, Philly, DC, and Chicago. With images, music, and footage from the 30’s through the 70’s, Fathers of the Sport tells the story of these asphalt warriors who escaped and rose above an American social culture embedded with racism, war, oppression, and poverty through a mutual love and respect for the game. http://www.fathersofthesport.com/

“Algeny, the Genetic Factor” directed by Andrew Burroughs- Justin Thomas is a walking mystery. An orphan trying to make a life for himself in adulthood, he yearns to create the family he never had. But when he discovers the secrets of his past, his hopes for the future and his life are put in jeopardy.  Justin finds out that his body is an experiment that could change the nature of the world for good or ill. Those who want him will stop at nothing. The chase begins. When it ends, Justin will either assist mankind or help along its ultimate destruction. Which way will be a way out? Either way, his world will be forever changed in this all-too-present-day thriller. www.algenymovie.com  email: info@greenglassfilms.com


“Camp D.O.A.” directed by Earl Hilliard Jr.- Devon Southern is having the time of his life. He’s young, handsome, and rich. Far from thinking of himself as a spoiled rich kid, he loves being the Big Man on Campus- throwing parties and spending weekends at exclusive retreats. He has made many friends, and a few enemies. Devon discovers that his father, a wealthy land developer, has acquired a new holding, which he plans to turn into an exclusive mountain resort. On a whim and without his father’s knowledge, Devon invites several friends to the secluded mountain spot for a long holiday weekend of fun. While Devon plans the weekend of all weekends, one of his campus rivals plots to ruin the weekend of fun. However, even before he and his college pals arrive on the mountain, a shadow of evil lurks in the darkness. Arriving ready for fun and relaxation, Devon has no clue about a strange merciless killer that lurks in the shadows. Safe in the light of day, Devon and his friends have not a clue that time is running out for them. www.myspace.com/campdoa  email: earl@magiccityfilms.com

“The Rise and Fall of Miss Thang” directed by Stacie Hawkins- Over the years Dee Miller has come to be known as Miss Thang, the hottest dancer in Chicago's underground house music scene.  A former tap dancing prodigy, Dee now spends her time ruling the dance floor at the local nightclub.  Living off her mother and occasionally braiding hair in her mother's salon for spending money, Dee continually ignores everyone's pleas for her to grow up and become a responsible adult.  Dee is confronted with reality when her mother's expensive gambling habit puts everything that they hold dear in jeopardy.  She must now find a way to salvage their family finances, as well as her relationship with her mother.  Dee's only comfort in these trying times is a new friend who re-introduces her to the world of tap dancing, an art form that has always been close to her heart. http://www.myspace.com/missthangmovie


“Africa Unite,” directed by Stephanie Black- Starring Danny Glover, Lauryn Hill, Rita Marley, Ziggy Marley, Angelique Kidjo. Africa Unite is a singular and masterfully executed film that is at once concert tribute, Marley family travelogue, and humanitarian documentary, igniting the screen with the spirit of world-renowned reggae icon BOB MARLEY in its every frame. In commemoration of Bob’s 60th birthday, Africa Unite is centered on the Marleys’ first-time-ever family trip to Ethiopia in 2005. Includes rare footage of world-renowned reggae icon Bob Marley. There in the capital city of Addis Ababa three generations of Marleys take part in a 12-hour concert attended by more than 300,000 people from around the world, with the ultimate purpose of inspiring the young generations of Africa to unite for the future of their continent. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4zlW8bPvojU
Represented by Cinemavault (www.cinemavault.com) Cannes Booth:
Riveria G5/H8.  Booth Tel:  33 (0) 4 92 99 33 27
 
“Cordially Invited,” directed by Michael Fouther- Kenya Jackson is from the inner city; Alton Sheffield comes from a life of privilege. These differences, however, were not enough to keep them from falling madly in love. It's the day of their dream wedding and family and friends have been cordially invited to attend. In spite of the bride's dirty little secret being exposed, a meddling mother-in-law, a drunken wedding crasher, feuding bridesmaids, and a philandering best man, the couple has vowed to make the best of their big day. http://www.cordiallyinvitedmovie.com/

“Retour A Goree/ Return to Goree” directed by Pierre-Yves Borgeau- The musical road movie, Return to Gorée, tells of African singer Youssou N'Dour's epic journey following the trail left by slaves and by the jazz music they invented. Youssou N'Dour's challenge is to bring back to Africa a jazz repertoire and to sing those tunes in Goree, the island that today symbolizes the slave trade and stands to commemorate its victims. Guided in his mission by the pianist Moncef Genoud, Youssou N'Dour travels across the United States of America and Europe. Accompanied by some of the world's most exceptional musicians, they meet peoples and well-known figures, and create, through concerts, encounters and debates, music which transcends cultural division.  From Atlanta to New Orleans, from New York to Dakar through Luxemburg the songs are transformed, immersed in jazz and gospel. But the day of their return to Africa is fast approaching and much remains to be done to be ready for the final concert. http://www.retouragoree.com/trailer.html

“Namibia, Struggle for Liberation” directed by Charles Burnett- tells the story of the rise to power of Samuel Nujoma (Carl Lumbly), a prominent leader in Namibia's struggle for independence from South Africa, and that country's first president. Opening when Nujoma was 16 years old and the country is under constant oppression from South Africa, the young man learns that he is the direct descendant of royalty. He sets off as a young man to live with an aunt, and befriends a religious man (Danny Glover) who has maintained a low profile after legal troubles stemming from a suspicious car accident. Eventually Nujoma, in the face of severe racism, forms the SWAPO political movement that, with the assistance of some foreign governments, eventually earns Namibia its independence. http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=26872119