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Queer Black Cinema Introduces Audience Members to Doc-Porn and Safer-Sex

Queer Black — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 19:57:11 GMT

Wednesday, September 3rd at The LGBT Community Center, Queer Black Cinema® (QBC) premieres Morty Diamond’s sexy, hot and steamy docu-porn, Trans Entities: The Nasty Love of Papi & Wil. This exclusive and spicy multi-media event helps not only to further develop Queer Black Cinema’s 1st Annual International Film & Music Festival (October 30 – November 2, 2008); It aims to highlight the organization’s commitment to HIV/AIDS prevention and safer sexual freedom through the launch of Just|BE- QBC’s 2nd Annual Black LGBTQ Erotica Poetry & Film Competition. Performances include erotic spoken word, male-illusionist acts, safer-sex kits and DVD giveaways and a special guest appearance by film’s co-stars, Ignacio Rivera and Khane Morris. Tickets are available online for $ 15.00 and $20.00 at the door. Due to anticipation of the event, it is highly recommended that tickets be purchased online at www.queerblackcinema.org/tickets. The intention of QBC's Just|BE: 2nd Annual Black LGBTQ Erotica Poetry & Film Competition is to create opportunities for Black LGBTQ filmmakers, artists and their allies to demonstrate their talent and increase the visibility of erotic films that promote HIV/AIDS and STI prevention. In 2007, Queer Black Cinema® exhibited LaJon Daniels’ soft-core film, Fluidity, to promote the socially-conscious and sexy venture akin to BET’s Rap-It-Up Competition. This year QBC introduces audiences to the newly acclaim genre of doc-porn with Morty Diamond’s Trans Entities: The Nasty Love of Papi’ and Wil. “I believe showing a person how to use a condom and dental dams are more effective then telling them to use it…Going to a sex shop with your partner can be a great date. With this screening, I hope that people get that safer-sex can be fun. I would like to see more couples get tested for HIV/AIDS and STI’s together”, states Angel L. Brown, Executive Producer of Queer Black Cinema. Trans Entities, is a sexy, thought-provoking and above all touching portrait of a real loving, polyamorous couple who identify as Trans-Entities- a word they have coined to describe their gender identity. The cinéma vérité film allows the viewer to engagingly look into the uninhibited exploration of stigmatized topics that are particularly taboo in LGBTQ communities of color: polyamory, role-playing, BDSM and gender fluidity. Diamond and Trans Entities co-stars, Khane Morris and Ignacio Rivera, join the legacy of directors, performance artists and sex educators & workers such as Tristan Taormino, The Punany Poets, Annie Sprinkle, John Cameron Mitchell and Katherine Linton, director of HereTV’s Lesbian Sex & Sexuality Series; who use film and media to explore candid issues about sex and sexuality. Black LGBTQ erotica has enjoyed continuous success online, in-print and theater. From the popular writings of Zane, Fiona Zedde, Black Artemis, Steven G. Fullwood, Renair Amin and Raymond Berry to the advent of web sites like KUMA, Stephanie Adam’s GODDESSY and Black FUNK-the art form continues to flourish and satisfy clientele globally to no end. However, examples of imaginative Black LGBTQ erotica and more importantly, feminist-identified/genderqueer adult films of color that promote safer sex are undeniably underrepresented on the big screen. Queer Black Cinema® has taken on the challenge to promote more films like Trans Entities due to the film's sexy but, intellectual and loving content. The September 3rd showing of Trans Entities: The Nasty Love of Papi & Wil is an exclusive event intended for mature audiences only. For more information about tickets, sponsorship, programming or volunteering go to www.queerblackcinema.org.

Queer Black Cinema presents Night of Soul: QBC VISIONS 2008 Pride Benefit

Queer Black — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 06:05:20 GMT

On Tuesday, June 17th, Queer Black Cinema presents its 3rd Annual pride benefit, QBC VISIONS, at Harlem hotspot, Billie's Black. The "Night of Soul" event will be hosted by Def Poetry Jam artist, Buttafly Soul, and will feature soulific performer, NHOJJ. This popular special event not only helps to further develop QBC's monthly film programming; but, will aide in the premiere of the Queer Black Cinema International Film & Music Festival in October 2008- a festival that surely is one of a kind. Other acts include Steph, the Sapphic Songstress, and Tyran Gem, some of today's emerging GLBT singers on the scene. This event is not only sure to be soulful but, a sexy night of film, music and gourmet soul food. QBC VISIONS 2008: Night of Soul takes place on June 17th at Billie's Black Restaurant & Lounge on 271 West 119th Street (b/t St. Nicholas Ave. & Frederick Douglas Blvd.). Tickets are available online for just $ 20.00 and $25.00 at the door. For more details on tickets, sponsorship or press inquiries, go to www.queerblackcinema.org. ______________________ Queer Black Cinema™ (QBC)is a fiscally sponsored and volunteer-ran arts non-profit organization. QBC is New York's first and only monthly micro-cinema and annual film festival dedicated to showcasing international works by Black GLBTQ (gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and queer) filmmakers. In addition to screenings films, QBC also promotes the works of visual and performance artists of color as well as serves as a forum to initiate dialogue between the gay and straight community.

Black LGBTQ Erotica- Does it exist? What if you're not into pornography?

Queer Black — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 04:56:32 GMT

Our Stories Productions (OSP), Queer Black Cinema (QBC) and QBC TV present: Just|BE -The 1st Annual 72 Hour Black LGBTQ Erotica Film Competition. The contest is a nationwide competition where filmmaking teams composed of one filmmaker, one poet and a crew have 72 hours to write, shoot, edit and produce a short film inspired by Black gay erotic literature or poetry. Just|BE is the first film competition of its kind. The contest will begin August 17th to August 20th. Sign up to http://www.myspace.com/justbe72hrsfilms to find out how to register. Black LGBTQ erotica has enjoyed tremendous success online and in print. From the popular writings of The Punany Poets, Zane and Essex Hemphill to the advent of web sites like AfroerotiK, Rundu and KUMA, the art form continues to flourish and satisfy clientele globally to no end. However, examples of imaginative and sophisticated Black gay erotica films are undeniably underrepresented on the big screen. For audience members whose taste for more sensual and compassionate films beyond pornography the market is extremely limited. Thus, the concept of Just|BE came to fruition. The intention of Just|BE is to create opportunities for Black LGBTQ producers, artists and their allies to demonstrate their talent and impact the visibility of inventive Black gay erotica stories in film and television as well as promote HIV/AIDS awareness. Taking cue from films like Issac Julien’s Looking for Langston, How Stella Got Her Groove Back, Love Jones or Black lesbian short, Desperate for Love; the Just|BE film competition not only hopes to produce a series of new Black gay erotica films with substance and pois but bring light to great writings. The purpose of the film contest is to create imaginative erotic films that evoke sensuality, romance and comment to safer sex. “There is such a dominance of Black LGBTQ erotica literature, poetry and photography however, where are the films? They are non-existent. All too often many stigmatize our community only capable of producing pornography. This contest hopes to change all that. It’s about showing the closeness in relationships and making Black erotica writings more visible. In addition, the contest incorporates the theme of HIV/AIDS awareness. We want people to know sex is not a bad thing. Just be safe,” states, Angel L. Brown QBC executive producer. “Sex and sexuality in the Black community is so taboo that the very thought of lovemaking between Black gays and lesbians is a foreign concept. Just|BE is very much about showing audiences the diversity images of LGBTQ relationships-not just sex. Also, the contest is way to show our commitment to tackling the rising percentage of HIV/AIDS in the Black community. It was imperative to do the contest during Black Pride month,” says QBC co-producer, Kawana S. Bullock. On August 17th – August 20th, Just|BE will commence. The competition’s theme will be simultaneously relayed over the Internet. The contest anticipates a great deal of teams/submission not including the countless numbers of spirited supporters and enthusiasts. Scheduled to host the event is Nuyorican Poets Café and Bowery Poetry Club veteran performance poet and songwriter, Baron. Also in attendance will be celebrity judges from the poetry and filmmaking worlds. Sponsors and media are invited to participate in this unique and exciting event. Portions of the contest will go towards the 2008 QBC International Music & Film Festival. To learn more details about Just|BE, Our Stories Productions and Queer Black Cinema, go to www.myspace.com/justbe72hrsfilms or www.justbe.queerblackcinema.org. About Just | BE Productions Partners Our Stories Productions (OSP) is a progressive LGBTQ-owned and operated independent film & TV production company based in NYC. OSP was founded in 2003 by filmmaker, editor, writer and musician, Angel L. Brown. The company specializes in digital media production & consultation, non-linear editing & other post-production services, film festival programming, film distribution and musical composition. Our Stories Productions: Tellin’ Our Stories, One Film at a Time! ‚ Queer Black Cinema‚ (QBC), is a volunteer-ran monthly micro-cinema dedicated to showcasing US and international films from Black LGBTQ filmmakers. Based in NYC, the monthly film series launched in 2005 and currently, is hosted at The LGBT Community Center in Chelsea, Manhattan. QBC strives to promote the best of “edutainment”- socially conscious film & music programming and entertainment regarding Black LGBTQ culture & history. All regardless of sexual orientation or ethnicity are welcomed to attend the event. QBC is an Our Stories Productions project. QBC TV is an online television show that features and promotes invited filmmakers, producers and artists of QBC ReelTALK- a question and answer community forum held at Queer Black Cinema‚.

Bad Boy Entertainment's Babs Bunny to Host QBC VISIONS 2007- June 17th

Queer Black — Fri, 01 Jun 2007 03:43:30 GMT

Queer Black Cinema's QBC VISIONS 2007 (PT. I) Sunday, June 17, 2007 (7PM- 1AM) Luke & Leroy’s (formerly Crazy Nannies) 21 7th Avenue South Tickets: $10.00 online; $15.00 at the door www.queerblackcinema.org Babs Bunny will host Queer Black Cinema’s QBC VISIONS Pride Benefit 2007. Bad Boy Entertainment’s hip hop princess will help QBC launch New York City’s Pride Week by premiering Christopher Street, America’s newest gay teen series and powerhouse live performances from today’s most notable LGBTQ artists. Scheduled to appear are Homorevolution Tour’s Shorty Roc, Siya, Tangarae, Jesse O and Steph, the Sapphic Songstress! The focus of QBC VISIONS 2007 is to raise developing funds for Queer Black Cinema’s first international film festival and promote HIV/AIDS prevention during June.! Tickets: $10.00 online; $15.00 at the door. For details regarding sponsorship, volunteering and tickets for the event, visit the QBC web site at www.queerblackcinema.org. _______________________________________________________________________ READ MORE ABOUT QBC VISIONS 2007 To initiate the special night Queer Black CinemaTM will host the world premiere Christopher Street, America’s newest gay teen mini-series. A menagerie of Noah’s Arc and My So Called Life, Christopher Street explores the lives, loves, and relationships of four very diverse yet, loving close young men in New York City. Due to its amiable and complex characters, comedic plot and its ability to incorporate urban chic fashion and contemporary issues affecting LGBTQ teens (i.e./ homelessness, domestic violence, homophobia and HIV/AIDS) the series has been nicknamed the “Black gay Sex in the City” by its web followers. Already featured in CLIK, Bleu Magazine and this May’s The Advocate, QBC is proud to present such significant work to audience members of all ages. Executive producer and writer, Dwight O’ Neal, and the show’s phenomenal cast will be in attendance at QBC VISIONS Pride Benefit 2007. On Thursday June 21st, QBC will host an encore screening of Christopher Street at The NYC LGBT Community Center specifically for the youth. The creator, cast and crew will also be in attendance with special invited guest. In 2003, Shorty Roc emerged on the music scene with his underground smash “Ten Gay Commandments”, his rendition of the classic DJ Premiere produced Biggie joint “Ten Crack Commandments”. Shorty has performed at gay clubs such as Langston’s, The Legendary Warehouse, The Clubhouse, and The Lab as well as Nuyorican Poets Café. He gained underground praise for his street delivery, catchy punch lines and his heavy performance. His first CD, “The Mixtape: Jackin’ Beats, which contained the classic, “This is My Quest”, which expressed the troubles of dating, society, and the growing rate of HIV/AIDS in the LGBTQ of color community. A participate in the gay hip-hop festival “Peace Out East” in NY and “Peace Out East” in Atlanta, Shorty also makes a guest appearance the documentary, How U Doing: Homophobia in Hip Hop. This year Shorty Roc will be releasing a new CD titled “Personal”, will be participating in the first ever LGBT tour “Homorevolution Tour” and will be performing for QBC VISIONS Pride Benefit 2007. No stranger to the stage, Jesse O, born in Ghana and raised in the Bronx, has opened for Kelis and Sean Paul and is not afraid to sing and write about who he really is. On his debut CD, Exposure, nominated for an OUTMUSIC Award for Outstanding Debut Recording by a male, Jesse explores his sexuality and profoundly sheds the light. Exposure is performed, written, and produced entirely by Jesse, is a refreshing mix of pop, R&B, hip-hop, reggae, and tribal rhythms. It has received airplay on various radio programs including Pink Mafia Radio. Jesse O has headlined a variety of pride events all over the tri-state area and graced the stages of notable NYC venues such as Webster Hall and The Cuttin Room. Jesse is a conscious entertainer with a message. His song “My Brotha”, recently adopted, as an anthem by the support organization “Friends Offering Respect and Understanding for HIV” is a beautifully crafted ode to safer sex that has touched and inspired listeners. The night will also feature the hip-hop beats of Bed-Stuyvesant’s own, Siya. The out and proud gay rapper is known for her stage presence at clubs like Lovergirl NYC and The Lab and has been proclaimed the “female TI” by her fans. Recently, the cover girl was featured in GO NYC Magazine and the Village Voice’s most newsworthy article, Girls to Men. This emerging star will make a special appearance in the upcoming documentary, Ready! Set! Flow! produced by QBC’s presenting sponsor- Our Stories Productions. With confident delivery and cunning lyrics, Siya’s proves that she not only can flow but she shines when teaming up with Tangarae to do a duet for the females. R & B sensation, Tangarae, will blow people away with her charm, sexiness and angelic voice. Singing songs from her sophomore self-titled album, Tangarae, the five-foot-two diva is reminiscent of soulful powerhouses like Mary J. Blige with an edgy attitude that rivals Kelis and Pink. Innovative, sultry, genuine, unique - that is simply the tip of the iceberg that is Steph, The Sapphic Songstress. This "out" lesbian has all the essentials of an R & B master: the vocal ability, production prowess, creative writing style, and eccentricity. The content of her work is far from limited, touching subjects like spirituality, politics, personal conflicts, as well as the all-important subject of love and its many facets. Steph has not only performed at WOW Cafe, The Demarara, Club Speed, Opaline, and Stay. She’s also rocked the turntables at Temperamental. Steph is slated to soon release an EP entitled "Fulfillment: The EP" later this year. For those who have been waiting for another true R&B sensation, Steph will not let you down at QBC VISIONS Pride Benefit. “QBC VISIONS is our way of showing what the best of QBC is about: “edu-tainment” or socially-conscious entertainment. We strive to show not only groundbreaking films but, feature Black LGBTQ artists and musicians with a mission and nonetheless soul. It means the world to us that these artists, straight and LGBTQ, have come on board to fully support QBC”, says Angel L. Brown, executive producer of QBC. To honor Pride Week in New York City, QBC will celebrate with a night filled with live music performances, films and special guest appearances on June 17, 2007 at Luke & Leroy’s. Located on 21 Seventh Avenue South and Leroy Street doors open at 7 PM. Tickets are available online for $ 10.00 and more at the door. To learn more details about the series’ benefit and the event’s special host, Babs Bunny, sign up to QBC’s mailing list, qbcfilmseries@yahoogroups.com, or go to www.queerblackcinema.org | www.myspace.com/queerblackcinema. \

Noah's Arc Gone? Make Way for Christopher Street at QBC VISIONS 2007

Queer Black — Fri, 01 Jun 2007 02:59:55 GMT

NEW GAY TEEN SERIES TO PREMIERE AT QUEER BLACK CINEMA DURING PRIDE Christopher Street, America’s newest gay young adult series, launches at Queer Black Cinema’s Pride- QBC VISIONS 2007 New York, New York (www.ospfilms.com)– On June 17th at trendy hotspot, Luke & Leroy’s, Bad Boy Entertainment’s Babs Bunny will host Queer Black Cinema’s QBC VISIONS Pride Benefit 2007. Babs will help QBC kick-off New York City’s Pride Week by premiering some of the series’ best films, musical acts and gay teen mini-series- Christopher Street. Scheduled to make a special appearance are Christopher Street’s executive producer/writer, Dwight O’ Neal, and the show’s phenomenal cast. Musical acts include The Lab’s Siya, Tangarae, Jesse O, Steph, the Sapphic Songstress, and Homorevolutions 2007 Tour’s Shorty Roc. The focus of QBC VISIONS 2007 is to raise developing funds for Queer Black Cinema’s first international film festival and promote HIV/AIDS prevention during June. For details regarding sponsorship, volunteering and tickets for the event, visit the Queer Black CinemaTM web site at www.queerblackcinema.org. To initiate the special night Queer Black CinemaTM will host the world premiere Christopher Street. A menagerie of Noah’s Arc and My So Called Life, Christopher Street explores the lives, loves, and relationships of four very diverse yet, loving close young men in New York City. Due to its amiable characters, comedic plot and its ability to incorporate urban chic fashion and contemporary issues affecting LGBTQ teens (i.e./ homelessness, domestic violence, homophobia and HIV/AIDS), the series has been nicknamed the “Black gay Girlfriends meets 90210” by its web followers. Already featured in CLIK, Bleu Magazine and this May’s The Advocate; Queer Black Cinema is proud to present such significant work to audience members of all ages. “QBC VISIONS is our way of showing what the best of Queer Black Cinema is about: “edu-tainment” or socially-conscious entertainment. We strive to show groundbreaking films and new works with a mission and soul. We believe the Christopher Street youth series encompasses the essence of who LGBTQ teens of color are. It’s an honor to support emerging producers and writer like Dwight. We must remember that if we as do not support our own images, who will? It means the world to us that these filmmakers and musicians, straight and LGBTQ, have come on board to fully support QBC VISIONS”, says Angel L. Brown, executive producer of Queer Black Cinema. On Thursday, June 21st at 8PM, Queer Black Cinema will host an encore screening of Christopher Street at The NYC LGBT Community Center specifically for the youth attendees. Executive producer, Dwight O’ Neal, and crew will also be in attendance along with the series’ other co-writer, Steven Emmanuel, famed blogger/columnist of QueerKidofColor.com. To learn more details about the series and QBC VISIONS 2007, sign up to QBC’s mailing list, qbcfilmseries@yahoogroups.com, or go to www.queerblackcinema.org | www.myspace.com/queerblackcinema.

Can Hip-Hop be GAY? Shorty Roc Teams up with Queer Black Cinema To Prove So

Queer Black — Fri, 01 Jun 2007 02:25:13 GMT

Hip-Hop Celebrity Teams Up with Queer Black Cinema to Promote HIV/AIDS Prevention and Support the Black LGBTQ community’s emerging stars. On June 17th at trendy hotspot, Luke & Leroy’s, Homorevolution Tour’s Shorty Roc will give a special performance all in the name of charity for Queer Black Cinema’s QBC VISIONS Pride Benefit 2007. Shorty Roc will help QBC launch New York City’s Pride Week by premiering some of the series’ best film shorts and powerhouse live performances from today’s most notable LGBTQ artists. Scheduled to appear are Siya, Tangarae, Jesse O, Steph, the Sapphic Songstress, and Bad Boy Entertainment’s hip hop princess and QBC VISIONS 2007 host, Babs Bunny. The focus of QBC VISIONS 2007 is to raise developing funds for Queer Black Cinema’s first international film festival and promote HIV/AIDS prevention during June. For details regarding sponsorship, volunteering and tickets for the event, visit the Queer Black CinemaTM web site at www.queerblackcinema.org. In 2003, Shorty Roc emerged on the music scene with his underground smash “Ten Gay Commandments”, his rendition of the classic DJ Premiere produced Biggie joint “Ten Crack Commandments”. Shorty has performed at gay clubs such as Langston’s, The Legendary Warehouse, The Clubhouse, and The Lab as well as Nuyorican Poets Café. He gained underground praise for his street delivery, catchy punch lines and his heavy performance. His first CD, “The Mixtape: Jackin’ Beats, which contained the classic, “This is My Quest”, which expressed the troubles of dating, society, and the growing rate of HIV/AIDS in the LGBTQ of color community. A participate in the gay hip-hop festival “Peace Out East” in NY and “Peace Out East” in Atlanta, Shorty also makes a guest appearance the documentary, How U Doing: Homophobia in Hip Hop. This year Shorty Roc will be releasing a new CD titled “Personal”, will be participating in the first ever LGBT tour “Homorevolution Tour” and will be performing for QBC VISIONS Pride Benefit 2007. “QBC VISIONS is our way of showing what the best of QBC is about: “edu-tainment” or socially-conscious entertainment. We strive to show not only groundbreaking films but, feature Black LGBTQ artists and musicians with a mission and nonetheless soul. It means the world to us that these artists, straight and LGBTQ, have come on board to fully support QBC”, says Angel L. Brown, executive producer of QBC. To honor Pride Week in New York City, QBC will celebrate with Shorty Roc and others with a night filled with live music performances, films and special guest appearances on June 17, 2007 at Luke & Leroy’s. Located on 21 Seventh Avenue South and Leroy Street doors open at 7 PM. Tickets are available online for $ 10.00 and more at the door. To learn more details about the series’ benefit and the event’s special host, Babs Bunny, sign up to QBC’s mailing list, qbcfilmseries@yahoogroups.com, or go to www.queerblackcinema.org | www.myspace.com/queerblackcinema.

Where can one find Black Lesbian/Bisexual films by Black Filmmakers? At QBC Film Series' FADES OF BLACK WOMEN

Queer Black — Tue, 27 Feb 2007 19:14:00 GMT

Thursday, March 22, 2007 marks Queer Black CinemaTM Film Series’ 2nd Annual Fades of Black Women Showcase. Last year’s showcase reigns as one of QBC’s most empowering and popular screenings. In attendance was Roberta Marie Munroe, Sundance Film Festival programmer and Black House Foundation board member. Roberta featured her film, Dani and Alice. She also and participated in the QBCReelTalk question and answer discussion with filmgoers. Other works included, award- winning filmmaker, Tina Mabry’s Brooklyn’s Bridge to Jordan, a featured short of Showtime’s Black Filmmakers Showcase and Angel L. Brown’s short witty “dramedy” about the Black lesbian dating scene, Desperate For Love. This year the special Women’s Month screening will headline international short films from South Africa, London and other countries represented in the African Diaspora. Scheduled to be featured is Lovinsa Kavuma’s South African documentary short, Rape for Who I Am-winner of Best New Short at the Philadelphia International LGBT Film Festival and acclaimed as an official selection at Sundance and NewFest Film Festivals. In addition, QBC Film Series is also honored to premiere works of award-winning Trinidadian-British filmmaker, Inga Blackman. She has produced and directed for galleries, television and the corporate market. She has recently completed Legacy for the Arnolfini Gallery in the UK. It explores the lasting impact of slavery on Black families using the relationship with her and her mother. Inga recently completed Fem, an experimental short on queer femininity which will be shown at the London Lesbian and Gay Film Festival, March 2007. This year’s programming is surely to be an even greater success amongst audience members not only due to QBC’s premiere of international Black LGBTQ films. The series will announce news of QBC Lesbian Throwbacks™, its first hands-on workshop that teaches basic video production and discusses specific topics using lesbian films relating to the Black lesbian/bisexual community. The event will take place at The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center located on 208 West 13th Street in the heart of Chelsea, Manhattan’s trendiest and gay-friendly neighborhood. All regardless of ethnicity and sexual orientation are welcomed. Tickets are $6.00 online and $8.00 at the door. For more information about QBC’s 2nd Annual Fades of Black Women Showcase screening, QBC Lesbian Throwbacks™ Workshop, volunteering or donating, please refer to www.queerblackcinema.org or call, (347) 789-1070. QBC Film Series is an Our Stories Productions, LLC project.

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER OF NEW GAY TEEN SERIES, CHRISTOPHER STREET, TO HOST QBC'S 1st ANNIVERSARY

Queer Black — Tue, 16 Jan 2007 03:53:37 GMT

New York, NY (www.ospfilms.com) – Queer Black CinemaTM Film Series (QBC), New York’s first and only micro-cinema dedicated to the exhibition of quality US and international Black LGBTQ films, will celebrate its first anniversary on January 25, 2007. Scheduled to host the grand event is Dwight O’Neal, executive producer and co-writer of America’s newest gay teen series, Christopher Street. O’Neal, who is also an actor and performer, is no stranger to the spotlight. This past year the emerging talent starred in A Love like Damien’s, Andrea E. Davis’s controversial off-Broadway play about homosexuality and the Black church. In addition, Dwight has a screening tour at several pride events and film festivals with the cast members of Christopher Street. To honor its first anniversary Queer Black CinemaTM will throw a bash filled with live music performances, films and special guest appearances on January 25, 2007. To learn more details about the series’ celebration and the event’s special host, sign up to QBC’s mailing list, qbcfilmseries@yahoogroups.com, or go to www.queerblackcinema.org.

Queer Black Cinema Wins Rave Reviews for Challenging the Down Low Syndrome

Queer Black — Tue, 16 Jan 2007 03:44:37 GMT

New York, NY (www.ospfilms.com) – December 20th marks the twelfth and final Queer Black CinemaTM Film Series (QBC) screening in 2006. For twelve consecutive months the grassroots organization has entertained crowds in the tri-state area of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut with its niche Black LGBTQ programming. Celebrating the end of the year with a big bang, QBC headlined Deondray Gossett’s and Quincy LeNear’s The DL Chronicles at the LGBT Community Center in New York City. The DL Chronicles tells the stories of men of color who by consequence and by choice, live sexually duplicitous and secret lifestyles. Narrated by aspiring journalist, Chadwick Williams, as he pursues research while authoring a book about MSM (Men who Sleep with Men) aka "The Down Low," the series allows the viewer to enter into a provocative and intriguing world of sexual discovery, denial, betrayal, love and loss. Gossett and LeNear, who co-directed and co-wrote the series, have received great reviews from industry professionals and adoring fans. Currently, the two episode series has toured extensively on the film festival and pride celebration circuits and received top notoriety from the 2006 Oakland Black International LGBT Film Festival, Outfest's Fusion LGBT People of Color Film Festival, 2006 Gay Games and NewFest. The series has also received the Excellence Award in Media from the NYC Black Men's Film Conference and Clik Magazine’s Elite 25 Award for Entertainment & Film. One QBC audience member stated, “ I am so grateful that Queer Black Cinema has brought the DL Chronicles to New York! I have heard so much about this phenomenal series being played in Atlanta and the West Coast. Seeing it at QBC is the best Christmas/Kwanzaa gift I have ever given myself and my friends.” QBC Film Series co-producers, Angel L. Brown and Kawana S. Bullock, felt it was significant to show both Wes and Robert, the series first two episodes, in December not only to wrap-up the programming year; but, to commemorate AIDS Awareness month. “ The series is only quality, wit and a more humanistic and unique approach to the “Down Low” syndrome. This phenomenon has been terribly misrepresented in the media. “For the first time we are not just seeing Black gay men being chastised for the rise of HIV/AIDS in the Black community, particularly in Black women. This series challenges the myths and for the fist time we are seeing stories about Black gay men filled with real passion, uniqueness and positivity,” says Bullock. “Also, we are proud that the films go against the grain by not typecasting Black gay characters as hyper-effeminate, promiscuous or incapable of having meaningful relationships. It’s an eye-opener about the lives of Black gay men. The episodes are funny, entertaining and more importantly, educating. That’s what Queer Black Cinema is about!” adds Brown. On December 5th Here! Networks officially announced that it has acquired worldwide rights to the award-winning television series. The network plans to debut the first three episodes this spring and will be producing up to 9 additional episodes in 2007. With the uncertainty of groundbreaking shows like LOGO’s Noah Arc returning for a third season, QBC fans were delighted to hear of the news. “Normally I’d spend forty bucks on memberships to Blockbuster and NetFlix. Now that I know The DL Chronicles are coming to Here! TV, I am subscribing immediately,” proclaims Carmen Balentine, 2005 Open Society Fellow and director of Beyond HIV, Beyond Problems media program at Downtown Community Television. To find out more about The DL Chronicles visit the series’ official web site at www.dlchronicles.com or check out Queer Black CinemaTM at www.queerblackcinema.org. To honor its first anniversary Queer Black CinemaTM will throw a bash filled with live music performances, films and special guest appearances on January 25, 2007. To learn more details about the series’ celebration and the event’s special host, sign up to QBC’s mailing list, qbcfilmseries@yahoogroups.com, or go to www.queerblackcinema.org.

Gay Marriage, Civil Unions or Domestic Partnership-Does it matter what it's called? How Do You Feel?

Queer Black — Mon, 13 Nov 2006 07:57:22 GMT

Black Gay Film Series Shows Support for Gay Rights & the Institution of Marriage Queer Black CinemaTM Film Series Headlines Tamika Millerís Sarong Song, and the innovative documentary on Black gay marriage, Jumpiní the Broom. New York, NY (ourstoriesproductions.com) To commemorate the New Jersey Supreme Court decision to uphold same-sex union rights, Queer Black Cinema Film Series (QBC) will be featuring a revolutionary documentary film on Black LGBTQ couples in their pursuit to marry entitled, Jumpin' the Broom: The New Covenant. The screening will take place at The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center at 208 West 13th Street, New York on November 16th. Jumpin' the Broom: The New Covenant, is a groundbreaking film that examines the lives of four Black gay and lesbian couples and their commitment to not only solidify their commitment to each other but, fight to redefine the institution of marriage. The term jumpin the broom is a wedding ceremony performed to formally establish a union between American slaves, a custom which pre-dates to early Asante and Akan [African] cultures, regardless of the lack of legal recognition by Whites. In present day, many Black-American couples continue the tradition and equate the saying to be synonymous with phrases such as "tying the knot", "getting hitched" or "leap of faith" -all associated with the modern ideals of Christian or institutionalized marriage. The heartfelt documentary is a profound take on the couplesí perspectives on love, intimacy and personal commitment, family values, and religion in today's political climate. Like the act of jumpin' the broom by their forefathers and mothers in the 16th and 17th centuries, these modern day couples still carry the torch to be recognized as partners in the eye of their communities and the law. The film features commentary from best selling author, Dr. Michael Eric Dyson, one of todayís Black-leading intellectuals and lecturers on religion, hip-hop, culture and history on the Black-American community. Helping to produce the film are Tracie Lewis, Donna M. Rowell and social commentator/civil rights activist, Jasmyne Cannick. Seen on Showtime and MTVís LOGO, Jumpin' the Broom is director, Debra Wilson's sophomore film. Wilson is also produced and directed lesbian-favorite, Butch Mystique. Along side Wilson's Jumpin' the Broom, QBC Film Series will also premiere Tamika Miller's Sarong Song- a take on Black lesbian love and the Panther movement in 1970ís California. This monument screening will take place at The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center at 208 West 13th Street, New York on November 16th. To learn more details about this event, volunteering, sponsorship or benefaction, go to www.queerblackcinema.com