Hollywood Black Film Festival 2008

This is a coming of age film about four guys who do the right things for all the wrong reasons. Nodoubt gets a phone call from an old friend Kevin who has received money from a shady producer to make a film. Kevin asks Nodoubt for a favor; he needs one more location to complete his picture. Nodoubt agrees and subjects himself and his three roommates to a rollercoaster ride of emotions in a fight to reclaim their lives and their home from this Hollywood invasion. Bee is against it all from the start but he reluctantly agrees to support his roommates whimsical conquest to somehow become famous from a film being shot in their home. Ulterior motives run rampant; Tru miraculously scores a job as first AD and A-yo is hired as an actor. But by week's end, Nodoubt's dogs are missing, A-yo's big break is a bust, Tru is fired within 48 hrs of being hired and is left with doggie doo tracked on his carpet while Bee misses out on the job opportunity of a lifetime because the phone lines have been cut so as not to disturb shooting. This story of triumph provides a look into the vagaries of desperate filmmaking and the cavalier nature of the entertainment industry. 'Fifteen Mins. of Fame' is based on a true story.

4. Cartel Jones has had a miserable existence. In the 20 years since he has left High School Cartel has not made one good decision, and most of the decisions he has made have cost him, dearly. But here he is, 20 years later, still alive, still down on his luck, and just about flat broke. That doesn't mean anything to Cartel because all he wants right now, is a pack of cigars. His only pleasure, and he's going to spend his only change at the local corner store to get some. It just so happens that someone else has other plans for that particular store. But if you think Cartel Jones has come to save the day, think again!

World Premiere

When Terrell McFarland decides to invite his four closest friends from college to his new home, he meant it to be a chance to reunite with each other and reminisce on the past. All five men have become very successful since their college days - Russ is a major hip-hop music producer, Leroy is a leading African American scholar, Joey was a standout NFL football player, and Kendrick is a prominent doctor. It is like old time when they gather in Terrell's house joking and teasing each other, but as they say 'old memories never die'. When Karen Worthy, a woman from their college days they all shared a relationship with, appears unannouced, the atmosphere grows hauntingly intense. Casual conversation turns into harsh accusations of how they each mistreated her and Terrell unveils a startling revelation that leads to one damning confession that may crucify them all.

Experience one of the first five films from a truly inspiring cinematic initiative. Four filmmakers launched an international media development project under the mandate to 'Inspire. Educate. Entertain.' In the summer of 2007, with no funding and borrowed equipment, the BURUNDI FILM CENTER (BFC) trained 36 students aged 18-25 the basics of film theory and production in an attempt to translate the students' stories to the screen. The results are five short dramatic films both universal to the human condition and unique to the tiny, war-ravaged east African nation of Burundi. Stories about love, rape, AIDS, refugees, big dreams and bigger barriers now provide a touching an intimate picture into this world.

The heroic story of America's first shock-jock, Petey Greene was a black man in a white man's world during a time of civil unrest in our nation's capital. Petey overcame poverty, drug addiction and a prison sentence for armed robbery by 'telling it like it is' on his raw uncensored radio and television shows in the late 60's and 70's. His explosive language and brash style shocked the world as Petey battled both the system and his own demons on the journey to becoming a leading activist during some of our country's most tumultuous years. The film features scenes from 'Petey Greene's Washington' that have not been seen in 25 years, including one show with an up and coming deejay named Howard Stern. Don Cheadle, who played Petey in the feature Talk To Me, narrates this documentary.

AKIRA is a Japanese guy who co-owns a store specializing in rap music with best friend, a black man named JEREMY. One day DAPHNE, a pretty black woman, walks in to browse for CDs. She catches Akira's eye and leaves as his new part time clerk. Later, Daphne sorts discovers an album featuring Akira and his friends in gangster poses from his days as leader of JWA (Japs with Attitude). Daphne and Akira share a laugh. Later Daphne tells Akira that her boyfriend is taking her out to celebrate his video's premiere on MTV. Akira cleans up as Daphne waits. Finally, Akira is ready to close. He offers a ride and they go to a restaurant in Little Tokyo. Daphne surprises by ordering in Japanese. This shocks Akira, but he's more stunned by the rude Japanese staff. Akira and Daphne consummate their relationship. Daphne reveals her new romance to her friends while Akira tells his Japanese friends. Their reactions play on stereotypes. Corey shows up to woo Daphne. Later, Kumi surprises Akira by visiting. Daphne arrives and confronts Akira, quitting on him as both a lover and employee. He chases after her. Kumi recognizes this as a lover's quarrel and bolts from the store. Akira calls home. His father answers and berates him demanding he return home. Akira refuses. He loses his store. We learn Kumi has notified immigration about his illegal status. Akira must fight for the woman he loves and to stay in the country.

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.

Charles, with the help of his womanizing friend Stewart, tests his unsuspecting girlfriend, Latice. During a party with family and friends Charles proposes marriage and offers her an engagement ring sans the diamond. This gesture kicks off the age old debate of ‘love or money,’ with both sides being divided on the issue and each set of friends having their say. With her negative mother and friends up in arms, the usually level-headed Latice seeks solace in the wisdom of her grandmother. Filled with tons of jokes and ridiculous situations, with “All About the Ring”, prepare for a life lesson that will keep you laughing and wondering, “is it all about the ring or love?”