Filed under: News
The lineup for the 2011 Sundance Film Festival were announced today and among the many movies being presented are Rashaad Ernesto Green's first feature-length film, 'Gun Hill Road,' and Michael Rapaport's documentary on the hip-hop group, A Tribe Called Quest.
In the last few years, the festival has been the launching pad for African Americans to get early notices on films that will hopefully be bought for distribution.
Terrence Howard's career was reignited in 2005 for 'Hustle and Flow,' which landed distribution and an Academy Award nomination for the actor. In 2009 comedian/actress Mo'Nique won an Academy Award for her performance in 'Precious: Based on the novel 'Push' by Sapphire,' which took home the Grand Jury Prize at Sundance.
Here's a partial of films involving Black talent for the 2011 festival.
DRAMATIC COMPETITION
'Gun Hill Road' (directed and written by Rashaad Ernesto Green), about an ex-con returning to his estranged wife and teenage son in the Bronx. Features Esai Morales, Judy Reyes, Harmony Santana, Vanessa Aspillaga.
'Homework' (directed and written by Gavin Wiesen), concerning a quirky, rebellious teen and the girl who inspires him to turn over a new leaf. Toplines Freddie Highmore, Emma Roberts, Michael Angarano, Elizabeth Reaser, Rita Wilson, Blair Underwood.
'The Ledge' (directed and written by Matthew Chapman), about a man threatening to jump from a ledge while a cop races against time to figure out what's going on. Features Charlie Hunnam, Liv Tyler, Patrick Wilson, Terrence Howard, Christopher Gorham.
'Pariah' (directed and written by Dee Rees), concerning the sexual odyssey of a Bronx teenager forced to choose between losing her best friend and destroying her family. Features Adepero Oduye, Pernell Walker, Kim Wayans, Charles Parnell, Aasha Davis.
DOCUMENTARY COMPETITION
'Beats, Rhymes and Life' (directed by Michael Rapaport), about the rise and influence of hip-hop collective a Tribe Called Quest.
'Sing Your Song' (directed by Susanne Rostock), a portrait of Harry Belafonte's contributions to the civil-rights movement and social justice globally.
WORLD CINEMA: DRAMATIC COMPETITION
'The Guard' (Ireland, directed and written by John Michael McDonagh), the story of an Irish small-town cop pulled into a surreal chain of events. Stars Don Cheadle, Brendan Gleeson, Mark Strong, Liam Cunningham, David Wilmot, Fionnula Flanagan.
'Kinyarwanda' (Rwanda-U.S., directed and written by Alrick Brown), based on true accounts of Rwandans who turned mosques into places of refuge during the 1994 genocide. With Edouard Bamporiki, Cassandra Freeman, Cleophas Kabasiita, Hadidja Zaninka, Kennedy Mazimpaka, Hassan Kabera.
WORLD CINEMA: DOCUMENTARY COMPETITION
'An African Election' (Ghana-Switzerland-U.S., directed by Jarreth Merz), an examination of issues facing a Third World democracy set against the 2008 presidential elections in Ghana, West Africa. North American premiere.
'The Black Power Mixtape 1967-1975' (Sweden-U.S., directed by Goran Olsson), a synthesis of old and new footage covering the Black Power movement in America.
'Family Portrait in Black and White' (Canada-Ukraine, directed by Julia Ivanova), about the harsh realities facing 16 black orphans raised in a small Ukrainian town.
The rest of the lineup can be found at www.sundance.org/festival/.
The festival will run from Jan. 20-30 in Park City, Utah.