17TH ANNUAL URBANWORLD FILM FESTIVAL

MICA Scoop believes in promoting and spreading awareness about the lack of representation of Deaf People of Color in film and television. We also strive to bridge the gap between deaf and hearing films in the industry, deaf and hearing people, and all audiences of all ethnicities and cultural backgrounds. It's equally important to build collaboration with the film industry professionals as well as the film community.

The 2013 Urbanworld Film Festival (its 17th edition), presented by BET Networks, kicks off this year's celebration of global cinema with its Opening Night Film screening at the SVA Theater in Chelsea (NYC) of David E. Talbert's Baggage Claim.

17th Annual Urban World Film Festival from Jade on Vimeo.

                            CEO/Founder, Stacey Spike at the opening of Baggage Claims.              

                 Director David E. Talbert with his wife and executive producer, Lyn Talbert.

Determined to get engaged before her youngest sister's wedding, flight attendant Montana Moore (Paula Patton) finds herself with only 30 days to find Mr. Right. Using her airline connections to "accidentally" meet up with eligible ex-boyfriends and scour for potential candidates, she racks up more than 30,000 miles and countless comedic encounters, all the while searching for the perfect guy.

BAGGAGE CLAIM 2013 Movie
Genre: Romance
Official Site: http://www.BaggageClaimMovie.com
Director: David E. Talbert
Cast: Paula Patton, Derek Luke, Taye Diggs, Jill Scott, Boris Kodjoe, Trey Songz, Adam Brody, Tia Mowry, LaLa Anthony, Djimon Hounsou

       The lovely Paula Patton and main star of Baggage Claim 

making an appearance at the red carpet!

Watch the trailer of the Baggage Claim.

Jennifer Lewis having a ball striking poses for the press.

Producer Ann Marie "Jade" Bryan and crew member, Damon L. Tidwell at the opening red carpet of "Baggage Claim." Our crew were not able to see the movie. The seats were sold out completely. There were rumors that was circulating inside the SVA Theater wondering why UrbanWorld picked SVA Theater over 34th Street Lowes Theater since it has more seats. Urbanworld held the opening of "Being Jane" there last year. Some of the other media press and our crew hung around the lobby to interview some people who could not get seats as well.

With volunteer, Malika Lee Whitney.

With another crew member, Maleni Chaitoo

Getting my MICA Scoop TV interview on!

Jill Scott at the after party being interviewed by one 

of the press for Love Jones.

Luke Derek arriving at the scene for the after party.

Larenz Tate stars as Bird and Trane, identical twins on opposite sides of the law. Bird is an undercover agent with a secret task force. Trane is a recently released convict who plays by a different set of rules. When Bird is brutally murdered, Trane assumes his brother’s identity in hopes of finding the killer, and gaining a second chance at life. Grappling with morality, fatherhood and love, Gun Hill asks this question: Can someone who is unredeemable become redeemed?

Director, Reggie Rock Bythewood 
Bythewood wrote on the TV series, “A Different World” and “New York Undercover.” His first produced screenplay was “Get On The Bus.” Most recently, he co-wrote the screenplay for “Notorious.” As a writer-director, he made “Dancing In September” and “Biker Boyz.” He has also directed documentaries including the 30 for 30 episode, “One Night In Vegas” which aired on ESPN. Currently, he is producing “blackbird,” the next film by his filmmaker wife, Gina Prince-Bythewood.

MY THOUGHT ABOUT THE FILM: I got a chance to see this film, again, without captions. It looks promising. The acting was flawless, especially by Larenz Tate who played double roles. He was able to pull it off. I'd recommend anyone to watch this film. I had a good feeling about it, even though I was missing some points throughout the film. I cannot wait until it comes out on Netflix with captions! It's nearly impossible to give good review with fully comprehend everything 100%, line by line. I hate missing information. Although, I believe in supporting indie filmmakers. 

 

Aisha Hinds, Larenz Tate and Shanti Ashanti

Larenz Tate with director, Reggie Bythewood

Larenz Tate being interviewed by the press.

Post screening Q&A with the filmmakers for narrative shorts.

A Different Tree is a short film about an eight-year-old year girl’s journey to build a relationship with her absent father, through a class assigned family tree.

MY THOUGHT ABOUT THIS FILM: I appreciated a couple shorts. There were some short films that incorporated subtitles. A Different Tree was my personal favorite because I can relate to it. The story was raw and heartfelt. The little girl, Morgan Ashley was natural. I can see her going far with her acting career. Trace Thom was fantastic! I've always admired her acting chops! Great directing, beautifully shot. A fine job, well done for a short film by Steven Caple, Jr. I'd like to see this expand into a feature length film. 

With actress Tracie Thoms

Skylan Brooks, Ethan Dizon and Jennifer Hudson Star in Moving 'Inevitable Defeat of Mister and Pete' directed by George Tillman, Jr.

The movie, penned by Michael Starrbury and co-produced by Alicia Keys, was released at the Urban World Film Festival which follows the lives of 14 year old Mister and nine year old Pete, who are left on their own after Mister's mother, played by Jennifer Hudson, is apprehended by police.

"During a sweltering summer in New York City, 14-year-old Mister’s hard-living mother is apprehended by the police, leaving the boy and nine-year-old Pete alone to forage for food while dodging child protective services and the destructive scenarios of the Brooklyn projects.

MY THOUGHT ABOUT THIS FILM: I saw this movie without captions. I was in awe! I must say the entire cast was fantastic and the acting was phenomenal! The Oscars goes to these two  young fellows, Skylan and Ethan because these two characters gave an incredible honest and nuanced performances. It got me emotional from the get go! This is the reality of a harsh urban life of surviving.  Jennifer Hudson was hard to watch, although, she did a great job.  I am sure many will relate to this beautiful film. I plan to watch it again with the captions to get the full story. This movie is going to be talked about for ages. What a standing ovations! 

Thank you for stopping by! 

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