Ava DuVernay Won’t Be Directing ‘Black Panther’ Movie

by: April D. Byrd

The first Black female superhero movie director moment is going to have to be put on hold...for now. 

It turns out those rumors of Ava DuVernay directing Marvel’s Black Panther movie were not totally factual—she considered it, but passed.
 
The Selma director told Essence she did meet with execs about bringing the story of Marvel’s first superhero of color to life, but they had different ideas of how to move forward.
 
“I guess I'll declare my independence from this rumor on 4th of July weekend and Essence weekend!” DuVernay said on her way to accept a McDonald’s 365 Award during the Essence Festival in New Orleans.

“I'm not signing on to direct Black Panther,” she added. “I think I’ll just say we had different ideas about what the story would be. Marvel has a certain way of doing things and I think they’re fantastic and a lot of people love what they do. I loved that they reached out to me.”
 
The Black Panther movie is currently in the works, with Chadwick Boseman (Get on Up) slated to play the role of T’Challa, the ruler of the fictional nation of Wakanda and the first Black superhero to appear in a mainstream comic book franchise in the 60s.

“I loved meeting Chadwick and writers and all the Marvel execs,” said DuVernay. “In the end, it comes down to story and perspective. And we just didn't see eye to eye. Better for me to realize that now than cite creative differences later.”
 
The civil right pilot she recently shot for CBS, tentatively titled For Justice, didn’t get picked up. “We turned it in the week of the Baltimore uprising, and we had an uprising in our piece when we filmed it,” she said. “I think they thought it was a little close to real life. But I had an absolute ball making it.”

DuVernay, is currently filming a love story set against Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans. 


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10 Black Women Media and Film Makers Who Inspire Us

by: April D. Byrd

Congratulations to Ava Duvernay on becoming the first Black woman director to be nominated for a Golden Globe for Best Director in the motion picture category. Her nomination and those of other black media and film makers may be over due, but it's still inspiring. Film makers and other creative women in media like Ava give me hope. Media is a powerful tool. I'm hopeful and inspired by Ava and other creatives because their success, along with their drive affirm that our voices can and will be heard, but also honored.

Ava's work is praise worthy along with other talented black voices shaping media and film. For media creators young and old, it's good to see people who follow their passion and gain reputable success. There are a number of Black women media pioneers who are rising to the occasion and serving as inspiration, hopefully for more creatives to come. Here are a few play makers who are changing the game and leaving a legacy for the next generation.

Can you think of any other Black women in media and film who are changing the game? Tyra Banks, Queen Latifah, Karen Civil? You? Let us know your thoughts and picks in the comments section below. You can follow this conversation and the latest updates on Trey Anthony's Facebook fan page.




- April D. Byrd is a Writer, and the creator of  breathoflifedaily.com

New "Annie" Film Produced by Jay-Z and Will Smith (Video)

by: April D. Byrd

The trailer for The highly anticipated remake of "Annie" finally hit the internet. The remake of the classic 1982  film stars Quvenzhané Wallis, Jamie Foxx, and Cameron Diaz. The film will also feature modern remakes of the signature songs "Hard Knock Life" and "Tomorrow".

The story line features Jamie Foxx as Billionaire Benjamin Stacks, and Quvenzhané Wallis who captured our hearts in "Beasts Of The Southern Wild" in the title role of Annie. As the story goes Stacks, a politician initially uses Annie as a prop to advance his political career, but has a change of heart when the bond between him and Annie (Wallis) grows stronger.

No word on whether Jay-Z's infamous 1998 Hard Knock Life sample made the cut in the new film, but he does serve as a producer along with Will Smith. "Annie" starts playing in theaters on Christmas Day. Until then check out the first official trailer: (Below). 

What are your thoughts on the remake? Do you think the Oscar Winner, and the Oscar Nominee will do it justice? Leave a Comment and join in on the discussion on Trey Anthony's Fan Page.

Lupita Nyong’o talks Racism and being a "Natural Hair" Icon

by: April D. Byrd

I LOVE Lupita Nyong’o! Is there anywhere to buy a shirt with this statement? The Kenyan Actress and Film director, (who was actually born in Mexico) has been blowing up media everywhere.  American cinema was introduced to Lupita through her role as "Patsy" in the film 12 Years A Slave. Not surprisingly Lupita is being considered a natural hair icon because of her short, sophisticated cut. 


Lupita explained  hair as being "political" in an interview with Britain's Pride Magazine.

“I wasn’t really aware of being a natural hair icon. I don’t really read the news, so this is the first time I’m hearing that. I’m not surprised though; there is something about hair that has always been political."Someone has long hair and they cut it, it’s political, when someone grows their hair it’s political. So I don’t know how to answer that. I guess I’m just taking it in my stride."

Lupita also discussed issues of skin tone, and her relation to the experience of American slavery with Kevin Frazier of OMG! Insider. 

“It’s so flattering. I know I’m representing an underrepresented group of women. And being dark-skinned and having short, natural hair, I’m happy to be that for them."

Lupita is definitely a good representation of  all women. With her intellect, talent, fashion sense, and humility, she rightfully has media swarming over her like bees over honey. We get to witness Lupita's elegance in her interview on Fame and Fashion. (video below)

Is Lupita a natural hair icon? and What do you think of her statements about Hair being political? Comment and join in on the discussion at Trey Anthony's Fan Page.

Watch This! A Story of Sisterhood: "The Door" By Ava DuVernay & Mui Mui, Starring Gabby Union, Goapele & Alfre Woodard

 
Last night I watched "The Door", a short film collaboration between filmmaker Ava DuVernay and fashion brand Miu Miu as part of the brand's "Women's Tales" series. And, I was completely blown away by the film's stunning visuals and the simplicity of the story telling. The silent film infuses everything - music, bold colours and beautiful fashion - to tell a story of sisterhood, love, the people in our lives who lift us up when we refuse to pick ourselves up after loss and our journeys back to becoming whole again.

"The Door" showcases the kinds of essential friendships that every womyn needs in her circle: the older sister figure who is there to listen and give you advice, the fun sister-friend who is guaranteed to make you laugh and take you out of your comfort zone, the close friend who when shows up you know everything will be all right and then finally the mother figure who is wise enough to advise you that things will get better. Whether you see these characteristics in different friends or perhaps in one girlfriend, it makes you really think about who you would lean on in your hardest of times.

Here's a description of the film:

The Door, by Ava DuVernay, the fifth Miu Miu Women’s Tale, is a celebration of the transformative power of feminine bonds, and a symbolic story of life change. The symbolic centre of The Door is the front entrance of the protagonist’s home. As she opens it to greet a friend in the powerfully framed opening scenes, she is shrouded in an oblique sadness.

“In the film, characters arrive at the door of a friend in need, bringing something of themselves,” explains director DuVernay. “Eventually, we witness our heroine ready to walk through the door on her own. The door in the film represents a pathway to who we are.”

Clothing is also a symbol of renewal, each change of costume charting our heroine’s emergence from a chrysalis of sadness. In the final scenes, she takes off her ring, pulls on long, black leather gloves, and walks, transformed by the emotive power of the clothing, through the door.

I can go on about what a beautiful portrayal of friendship, black womyn and self-discovery this but watch it for yourselves here:

Meet me in the comment section and tell me what you think of this film!

'They Die By Dawn' - A Black Cowboy Opera

Jeymes Samuel of The Bullitts has done it again....the same mastermind that brought us the video with Rosario Dawson and the 'homeless' man (watch the video here:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kSsYwd5REEI) is making a Black Cowboy Opera called 'They Die By Dawn.'

This cast is insane! It includes Idris Elba, Jesse Williams, Michael K. Williams, Isaiah Washington, Bokeem Woodbine, Clifton Powell, Harry Lennix, Denzel Whitaker, Roger Guenveur Smith, Rosario Dawson, Kelly Hu, Shanola Hampton, Erykah Badu, and more...

I am a little concerned about having that many stars in one piece of work (especially since it's a short and not a feature film) but who knows it just might be the key to success for this piece.

The plot is pretty basic and typical of a western, BUT I'm sure that Jeymes and his team will find a way to make it explosive.

The Plot:
"Four outlaws with a bounty on each head, set a date for a shootout in Langston, Oklahoma. The last man takes the collective bounty. Violence and mayhem ensue."


Check out some of the stills from the movie....

I hope we get word of this in North America as Jeymes is based in the UK.  I can't wait to see this....

And as a bonus, the indiewire.com site has some other great tidbits about Black Cinema.  So if you're a film fan you might want to check out the rest of the site.

Would you watch this movie?

Read More: http://blogs.indiewire.com/shadowandact/first-looks-at-all-star-cast-of-black-cowboy-opera-they-die-by-dawn#