A Group of Black Creatives Team Up for Short Film Mechanical Pencil Pt. 2
A collective of Black creatives has returned with part two of their imaginative short film series, Mechanical Pencil. In Mechanical Pencil #2, a student named Hurrikane drifts off in class and dreams up a world where the classroom transforms into a full-on dance floor. The short was led by Amari K. Jones, who created, produced, and co-directed, drawing inspiration from classic films and nostalgic school-day memories.
Ryan & Zinzi Coogler Team Up with Traci A. Curry to Tell the Untold Stories of Hurricane Katrina
Nearly 20 years after Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans, filmmaker Ryan Coogler and his wife and producing partner Zinzi Coogler are helping ensure the stories of those who lived through it aren’t forgotten. The couple executive produced Hurricane Katrina: Race Against Time, a new five-part docuseries that premiered July 27 on National Geographic and is now streaming on Disney+ and Hulu.
Actor Keith David to Release Debut Jazz Studio Album This Fall
Keith David, the legendary actor known for his unmistakable voice and decades-long career in film and theater, has released his debut jazz single, “Old Devil Moon.” The track is the first from his upcoming studio album, set to arrive this fall.
Actress Ayo Edebiri Makes Emmy History as the Youngest Black Woman to Receive Three Acting Nods
The Television Academy just announced the nominees for the 77th Emmy Awards, and Black excellence is front and center. From veteran stars to fresh faces, this year’s list is stacked with groundbreaking nominations, and leading the charge is Ayo Edebiri. The 29-year-old scene-stealer behind The Bear made history with three nominations, becoming the youngest Black woman ever to do so. She also became the first woman to be nominated for both acting and directing in the comedy categories in the same year.
Ryan Coogler’s Sinners Makes History as First Film Streamed in Black American Sign Language
The vampire thriller, starring Michael B. Jordan and set in the Jim Crow South, is officially the first film to stream with Black American Sign Language interpretation, Blavity reports. Now available on Max, viewers can watch both the standard version and a special BASL-interpreted version. This historic move marks a major moment for accessibility, representation, and visibility in film.
Morgan State Makes History With First-Ever Emmy Win for Original Documentary
At the 67th National Capital Chesapeake Bay Chapter Emmy Awards, Morgan State proudly brought home its first-ever individual Emmy Award. The recognition marks a major milestone not just for the university, but for HBCUs as a whole as they continue to build national reputations for producing powerful, culturally-rooted media that uplifts the African American experience.
Keith David’s Reaction to Hollywood Walk of Fame Announcement Will Make You Cry
In a heartwarming moment captured on video, veteran actor and voice legend Keith David tuned in to watch the Hollywood Walk of Fame announcement, cheering for his peers — until his own name was called. Caught completely off guard, his jaw dropped in shock while his wife celebrated with happy tears in the background.
Debbie Allen To Receive Honorary Oscar at This Year’s Governors Awards
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced that Debbie Allen will receive an Honorary Oscar at this year’s Governors Awards — and it’s a long-overdue honor for the trailblazing artist whose work has shaped generations.
Luxury Streetwear Brand ‘A Ma Maniére’ to Premiere New Film Celebrating The Spirit & Resilience of Black Creatives
The film is a love letter to Black creatives! A Ma Maniére, French for “In My Own Way,” is a renowned luxury streetwear brand popularized a decade ago by James Whitner. Recently, the brand announced the premiere of its highly anticipated short film, While You Were Sleeping. Directed by the award-winning filmmakers Julien and Justen Turner (Nike, Sesame Street, Beats by Dre), the film delves into the world of Black creativity, highlighting the challenges and triumphs faced by some of the most influential artists and influencers today.
Tyler Perry & DeVon Franklin Ink New Multiyear Deal with Netflix to Produce Faith-Based Films
Tyler Perry Studios and New York Times bestselling author DeVon Franklin are teaming up to produce faith-based films for Netflix. The multi-year, multi-picture deal will also include scripted and non-scripted series on the streaming service. Franklin shared how the partnership came to be in a heartfelt announcement on Instagram. “After over a year of searching […]