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Love Come Down -
The latest from Clement Virgo, director of the brilliant Planet of Junior Brown (1997).
More than the winner of the festival’s Audience Award for International Film, Love
Come Down (Canada) is an example of the good that ABFF yielded in the past. It was at ABFF
’99 that Robert Townsend introduced Virgo to Larenz Tate, who subsequently agreed to
star in and executive produce the film. Defying Hollywood conventions, Virgo uses multiple
story tracks and a series of flashbacks to engage until the very end. With strong
performances by Tate, Martin Cummins and R&B songstress Deborah Cox, Love Come Down
focusses on familial dysfunction and the need to confront personal demons in order to
achieve spiritual rebirth.
Back to ABFF 2001 Special Report
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Lift - A
finely crafted narrative that explores the world of shoplifting. Lift features strong
performances by Barbara Montgomery and Lonette McKee and stars newcomer Kerry Washington
as a young woman who uses illicit means to get what she wants in life - love, attention
and finery.
Back to ABFF 2001 Special Report
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Voice of the Voiceless -
A man that inspired international appeals was bound to draw the attention of a
documentarian’s lens. Voice of the Voiceless presents, Mumia Abu-Jamal, a Black
journalist on death row, and the conditions that influenced his writings, straight - no
chaser. Director Tania Cuevas-Martinez captures the essence of Abu-Jamal’s
socio-political stance with skill and savvyness that are sure to bring broader awareness
to Mumia’s struggle.
Back to ABFF 2001 Special Report
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Jacked -
written and directed by Timothy Wayne Folsome (An Invited Guest), Jacked tells the story
of a carjacker’s search for redemption. Living up to its title, the film, by popular
vote, jacked the festival’s Blockbuster Work in Progress
Award from the more deserving Voice of the Voiceless. With Blockbuster’s award of
$15,000 in finishing funds, the filmmakers may raise the film’s production value
sufficiently to make it worthy of a video rental.
Back to ABFF 2001 Special Report
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Blue Hill Avenue -
Surprising winner of the festival’s audience award for US Film. Starring Allen Payne
(New Jack City, Jason’s Lyric), Blue Hill is a poor third effort from Craig Ross,
Jr., director of the clever underground indie fave Cappuccino (1998). Depicting the rise
and fall of Bostonian crack kingpins, Blue Hill is hampered by trite dialogue that
doesn’t ring true to the trained ear and sloppy editing, among others. Although the
actors that portray the junior mafia put in fine performances, the film is not worth a $10
movie ticket and the cost of theatre popcorn, soda and Goobers.
Back to ABFF 2001 Special Report
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Shorty -
Without game on or off the court, find out how Shorty gets the girl in this charming
romantic comedy.
M
July 2001
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