The Atlanta HipHop Film Festival (AHFF) is an annual event
Transcription
The Atlanta HipHop Film Festival (AHFF) is an annual event
The Atlanta HipHop Film Festival (AHFF) is an annual event designed to celebrate HipHop and film. Each year, the AHFF provides an outlet for professional and independent filmmakers across the country and abroad to showcase their work. Feature films, music videos, shorts, and documentaries are screened before an audience of distributors, media, film critics, and fans of HipHop Culture. March 28, 2006 Dear Media: The Atlanta HipHop Film Festival (AHFF) is the premier event for screening feature films, shorts, documentaries, and music videos focused on HipHop. It was established by Creative Circle Entertainment to celebrate the success of films influenced by HipHop culture, and encourage their continued growth. We are honored to request your attendance and participation at the 2nd Annual Atlanta HipHop Film Festival, taking place Friday, April 28-Sunday, April 30, 2006. In 2005, AHFF award recipients received rave reviews by critics and all inked deals with major distributors like HBO, Warner Brothers and Sony Pictures. This year’s activities will consist of an opening night gala, panel discussions, and a block party. The festival will conclude with an Awards ceremony honoring Lauryn Hill, Ice-T, F. Gary Gray, and L.L. Cool J in addition to the films U Got Served and Beat Street. Filmmakers from across the country and abroad will have the opportunity to premier their work during film screenings that will take place throughout the weekend. Please review the attachments for additional information on Creative Circle Entertainment and the Atlanta HipHop Film Festival. If you have any questions, please contact me via e-mail me at jonnice@chatterboxpublicity.com or by phone at (678) 438-8820. Thank you for your interest in the Atlanta HipHop Film Festival. We look forward to your participation. Sincerely, Jonnice Slaughter Jonnice Slaughter Chatterbox Publicity 2ND ANNUAL ATLANTA HIPHOP FILM FESTIVAL (AHFF) FACT SHEET: EVENT DATES: Friday, April 28 – Sunday, April 30, 2006 PROJECTED ATTENDANCE IN 2006: 2000+ per event TARGET DEMOGRAPHIC: 18 - 35 UrbanPRESENTING ORGANIZATIONS: Creative Circle Entertainment (Founder) in association with First Chance Variety House (Non-profit 501 c3) presents the “2nd Annual Atlanta Hip Hop Film Festival”, an event to celebrate HipHop’s influence on contemporary film. The purpose of this celebration is not only to entertain but also educate and enlighten our audience. THE MISSION OF AHFF: To allow aspiring entertainers, an avenue to reach the masses with their product and skills, providing exposure and networking opportunities for all those within the film industry. In addition, we will celebrate and embrace the collaboration of HipHop meeting film by awarding upcoming and established filmmakers, as well as known HipHop artists for their outstanding accomplishments. Lastly, our festival foundation will support art indiscriminately and provide education in the form of seminars to empower entrepreneurs with the adequate skills to prosper in their given industry. WHY ATLANTA?: It was estimated that in 2005, Atlanta would spend more than $4.9 billion on entertainment. Adults alone in Atlanta contribute well over $100,000,000 towards movies annually. EVENTS: Private Sponsorship Awards Dinner, Opening Night Networking Gala, Panel workshops, Film Screenings, Block Party concluding with our Red Carpet Affair and Awards Ceremony. 2005 SUCCESS: Award recipients inked deals with Warner Brothers, HBO Sony Pictures and Maverick Platinum Entertainment Group. In addition the festival welcomed VIP guests and presenters: Bone Crusher, T.J. Duckett, Lil Scrappy, Set Shakur, Ralph Farquhar, and Jason Weaver just to name a few. 2006 HONOREES: LL Cool J – Humanitarian Award, Ice T – Hip Hop Pioneer, Lauryn Hill – Triple Threat, F. Gary Gray – Ultimate Filmmaker AWARDS TO BE PRESENTED TO FILMMAKERS: Best HipHop Throwback – “Beat Street,” Best HipHop Futuristic – “You Got Served,” Best HipHop Feature, Best HipHop Short, Best HipHop Documentary, Best Music Video, Best Actor and Best Actress. AHFF SUCCESS STORIES: Winner of the Best Feature Award at the 2005 Atlanta HipHop Film Festival, HipHop Task Force Vol. 1, received a distribution deal with Maverick Platinum Entertainment Group. The film’s director Corey Grant states, “Thank you for your support. Your festival helped me gain even more leverage in brokering a great deal for Hip Hop Task Force that distributors don’t normally give. Now I have two projects in the works; one is with a major studio and is being considered for theatrical release, the other I’m shooting in the next two months.” Definition of Freedom, directed by Sharmin McKay, won the award for Best HipHop Documentary at the 2005 Atlanta HipHop Film Festival. McKay, a native of South Africa, exclaimed “Thank you so much for honoring me. After winning the award, the film took on a life of its own; traveling all over North America and attracting attention from distributors and satellite networks.” The recipient of the Audience Choice award was Treasure N Tha Hood. Greg Carter, Director, stated, “After winning the AHFF award, Treasure N Tha Hood got a distribution deal with Warner Brothers. The film is out now and getting great reviews. The staff at the AHFF really cares about the filmmaker and the film. We thank AHFF for everything.” Male Groupie, written by Morrocco Omari, dominated the evening winning Best Actor, Best Actress and Best Short awards. After winning, Morrocco Omari inked a deal for a year series with HBO. Complete List of Winners Best Actor ................................................. Morrocco Omari, Male Groupie Best Actress ...............................................Jonell Kennedy, Male Groupie Best HipHop Documentary ......................................Definition of Freedom Best HipHop Throwback ..................................................... Krush Groove Best HipHop Short ........................Male Groupie, Christopher Scott Cherot Creative Conscious Award........................................................... Mos Def Best HipHop Feature ..................HipHop Task Force Vol.1-Under Pressure Audience Choice Award ...........................................Treasure N Tha Hood Best HipHop Futuristic ....................................................... Brown Sugar HipHop Pioneer Award ...................................................................Tupac Humanitarian Award ..................................................................Ludacris Triple Threat Award ................................................................... Ice Cube two 2005 ATLANTA HIP HOP FILM FESTIVAL AWARDS SHOW HI-LIGHTS Ludacris was the 2005 AHFF Humanitarian Award Recipient. Mos Def received the Creative Conscious Award. Set Shakur accepted the HipHop Pioneer Award for her brother, TUPAC 2005 AHFF Award Show attendees were entertained by the earth-shattering sounds of So So Def Recording Artist, Bone Crusher. Ralph Farquahar, Writer/ Producer of KRUSH GROOVE, accepted the Throwback Award 2005 MEDIA COVERAGE More than 50 media outlets provided extensive overage of the 1st Annual HipHop Film Festival. A sampling of the media outlets include: Vibe Magazine Dryerbuzz Magazine Rolling Out HipHop Association SOHH Urban Magazine EURweb Atlanta Films Africa’s Gateway AUC Magazine DaVault.net Industrycosign UrbanOnlineMag.com HipHop Directory Georgia State University Signal Creative Loafing Rapfx Sixshot Ballerstatus Streethop Netweed EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Executive Board: Shameka Gumbs, Founder/Festival Director MiMi Cartier, Project Manager Dee Dee Cocheta-Williams, Event/Awards Show Producer Chantell Welch, Volunteer Coordinator Tammy McCoy, Panelist Coordinator Kimberly Fennell, Operations Coordinator About the Founder Shameka Gumbs entered the entertainment industry over eight years ago and can now be found flexing her “big city” spirit and entrepreneurial skills as the Executive Director of Creative Circle Entertainment. In this capacity, Gumbs has capitalized on a wide range of experience to successfully coordinate sporting events, concerts, festivals and screenings for her numerous clients including Blazing 92.3, Hollywood Black Film Festival, Shannon Anderson Foundation, DreamWorks Films, and the Black Family Channel. The Atlanta HipHop Film Festival gives Gumbs the opportunity to marry two of her loves, the HipHop culture and films. Gumbs is devoted to perpetuating a positive portrayal of HipHop in the film industry. “I’m really praying that HipHop will revolve back to the true essence and that is creating a social expression in the lyrics that will promote change in their communities through dancing, ceasing of illegal drug distribution, speaking to the youth and so on. The true answer is what ever the mentality of the youth, will be the mentality of HipHop,” states Gumbs. As Founder and Festival Director of the Atlanta Hip Hop Film Festival, Gumbs’ vision lends the building blocks for the construction of what will be one of the most unique and enterprising film festivals in the U.S Personally, Shameka Gumbs is an advocate for Teen Domestic Violence. She is creating a non-profit organization, which will work to empower and uplift teens. If she had to define her vision with one phrase, it would be, Psalms 19:14, “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in thy sight”. A single mother residing in Atlanta, Georgia, Shameka relishes moments spent with her son. HONORARY CHAIRPERSONS Almighty Kay Gee of the Cold Crush Brothers - Almighty Kay Gee is a Hip Hop pioneer and is considered one of rap’s originators. Hailing from the South Bronx, he operates Killer Groove Productions. DJ Tony Crush - The original DJ Tony Crush of The Cold Crush Brothers, is VP of Legacy Coalition and member of The Federation for the Preservation of HipHop Culture. a Davey D- Davey D is a HipHop journalist, historian, deejay and community activist. He is also Program Director for Breakdown FM, a columnist for the San Jose Mercury News and Napster.com and editor of the Hip Hop Political Newsletter (HHPN). Bryan Barber—As a Music Video Director, his credits include: OutKast, Bow Wow, Faith Evans, Destiny's Child, G-Unit, Ludacris, and Missy Elliott. Barber will make his film directing debut with the movie, “Life in Idlewood,” starring Outkast, Ving Rhames, Terrence Howard, Faizon Love, Patti LaBelle, Macy Gray, and Cicely Tyson. Toni Blackman- Toni Blackman is an award-winning artist, a published author, a U.S. HipHop Ambassador and the Founder Freestyle Union. of ADVISORY BOARD: Dyana Williams- Dyana Williams is a 30-year industry veteran with a career spanning broadcast, print journalism, community activism, television producing, reporting and media coaching. Christopher "Play" Martin of Kid'N'PlayChristopher Martin is one-half of Kid ‘N Play, who is considered one of the first groups to tame rap's hardcore mentality into a positive, message-oriented music suitable for teens and mass audiences. The group starred in two sequels to their original House Party film, and the 1991 teen flick Class Act. Bow-Legged Lou of Full Force- Bowlegged Lou is part of the six-man group of singer-producers responsible for hits performed by U.T.F.O. and Lisa Lisa and the Cult Jam. Bow-Legged Lou’s acting credits include “House Party 1 & 2” and “Who’s the Man.” Malik Yoba- Malik Yoba is an actor, musician, author and motivational speaker. His acting credits include Fox TV's drama New York Undercover, Disney's Cool Runnings, and roles in Smoke, Blue in the Face, Cop Land, A Woman Like That, and the lead role in Ride. ATLANTA HIPHOP FILM FESTIVAL ACTIVITIES Opening Night Gala: The opening night gala will take place at the Compound on Friday, April 28, 2006. Panels: Youth Panel – Taking place at AIU in conjunction with YOUTH FOCUS MULTIMEDIA FESTIVAL Gaming In HipHop Distribution/Independent Filmmaking Social Responsibility of HipHop Film Screenings: This year the AHFF will show more than 20 features, shorts, documentaries and music videos influenced by HipHop culture. Block Party: This event will take place Saturday, April 29, 2006, and will pay homage to five elements of HipHop: Graffiti, Beatboxing, Breakin’, MC’ing, and DJ’ing with competitions. Awards Ceremony: The Atlanta HipHop Film Festival will conclude with the Red Carpet Affair and Awards Ceremony on Sunday, April 30, 2006 taking place at the Carter Center. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact: Jonnice Slaughter Chatterbox Publicity (678)438-8820 - Direct jonnice@chatterboxpublicity.com - Email ATLANTA HIPHOP FILM FESTIVAL AWARD RECIPIENTS INK DEALS WITH HBO, WARNER BROS., AND MAVERICK PLATINUM ENTERTAINMENT Atlanta (PRWEB) December 12, 2005 – Of the six awards presented at the 2005 Atlanta HipHop Film Festival, three of the honorees inked distribution deals with major film distribution companies. Best HipHop Documentary - “Definition of Freedom,” directed by South African, Sharmin Mackay currently in negotiations, exclaimed, “Thank you so much for honoring me. After winning the award, the film took on a life of it's own; traveling all over North America and attracting attention from distributors and satellite networks.” Best HipHop Feature – “HipHop Task Force Vol. 1” directed by Corey Grant received a distribution deal with Maverick Platinum Entertainment Group. Grant acknowledges AHFF, ”Thank you for your support. Your festival helped me gain even more leverage in brokering a great deal for HipHop Task Force that distributors don't normally give. Now I have two projects in the works, one is with a major studio and is being considered for a theatrical release, the other I'm shooting in the next two months.” Audience Choice Award – “Treasure N Tha Hood Producer, Director Greg Carter, who received a Warner Brothers distribution deal explains, "After winning the AHFF Award, Treasure N Tha Hood got a distribution deal with Warner Brothers. The movie is out now and getting great reviews. The staff at the AHFF really care about the filmmaker and the film, we thank AHFF for everything.” Dominating the evening, winning Best Actor, Best Actress and Best Short Award, “Male Groupie,” written by Morrocco Omari, inked a two-year series with HBO. About AHFF HipHop has captured the fascination of young people from New York City’s South Bronx parks in the 70’s to the bullet trains of Tokyo today. These youth can be seen and heard expressing themselves through the language, fashion and music that are HipHop culture. The Atlanta HipHop Film Festival is dedicated to creating an event that encompasses all these elements mentioned bonded by the common thread of social responsibility to ensure positive, beneficial messages are conveyed to HipHop’s invaluable on-screen audience. Little did the organizers know the festival has now become pivotal for future filmmakers by opening doors and exposing their great work of HipHop globally. -more- AHFF’s Mission To allow aspiring entertainers, an avenue to reach the masses with their product and skills, providing exposure and networking opportunities for all those within the film industry. In addition, we will celebrate and embrace the collaboration of HipHop meeting film by awarding upcoming and established filmmakers, as well as known HipHop artists for their outstanding accomplishments. Lastly, our festival foundation will support art indiscriminately and provide education in the form of seminars to empower entrepreneurs with the adequate skills to prosper in their given industry. Organizers for the first annual event in April of 2005, Shameka Gumbs (Founder), Dee Dee Cocheta, Aneesah Hardnett, MiMi Cartier, LaKisha Smith, Chantell Welch and Tammy McCoy, made history producing the first film festival of its’ kind. Poised to do it again, The 2nd Annual Atlanta HipHop Film Festival takes place April 28-30, 2006. Deadline for Film and Music Video submissions is December 9th, 2005. This year Honorees are: LAURYN HILL, LL COOL J, ICE T and F. GARY GRAY. For more info on the Atlanta HipHop Film Festival, visit – www.AtlHipHopFilmFest.com ### FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact: Jonnice Slaughter Chatterbox Publicity (678) 438-8820 - Direct jonnice@chatterboxpublicity.com - Email 2006 ATLANTA HIPHOP FILM FESTIVAL HONORARY CHAIRPERSONS AND ADVISORY BOARD ANNOUNCED List Members Represent HipHop and Film Industry’s Groundbreakers Atlanta (PRWEB) December 19, 2005 – The Atlanta HipHop Film Festival announced the 2006 Honorary Chairpersons which represent a timeless body of work in film and HipHop. Selections were based on their contributions, creativity and originality in both HipHop and film. List of Honorary Chairpersons include: Almighty Kay Gee of the Cold Crush Brothers- Hip Hop pioneers and are considered one of rap originators hailing from the South Bronx, operating Killer Groove Productions. DJ Tony Tone- The original DJ Tony Tone of The Cold Crush Brothers, VP of Legacy Coalition and member of The Federation for the Preservation of HipHop Culture. Davey D- A HipHop journalist, historian, deejay and community activist, a Program Director for Breakdown FM, a columnist for the San Jose Mercury News, and Napster.com and editor of the Hip Hop Political Newsletter (HHPN). Bryan Barber- His music director credits include OutKast, Bow Wow, Faith Evans, Destiny's Child, G-Unit, Ludacris, and Missy Elliott. Barber will make his film directing debut with the movie, “Life in Idlewood,” starring Outkast, Ving Rhames, Terrence Howard, Faizon Love, Patti LaBelle, Macy Gray, and Cicely Tyson. Toni Blackman- An award-winning artist, a published author, a U.S. HipHop Ambassador and the Founder of Freestyle Union. Advisory Board Members include: Dyana Williams- A 30-year industry veteran with a career spanning broadcast, print journalism, community activism, television producing, reporting and media coaching. Christopher "Play" Martin of Kid'N'Play- Considered one-half of one of the first groups to tame rap's hardcore mentality into a positive, message-oriented music suitable for teens and mass audiences. The group starred in two sequels to their original House Party film, and the 1991 teen flick Class Act. Bow-Legged Lou of Full Force- Part of the six-man group of singer-producers responsible for hits performed by U.T.F.O., Lisa Lisa and the Cult Jam. Bow-Legged Lou’s acting credits include “House Party 1 & 2” and “Who’s the Man.” Malik Yoba- Actor, Musician, Author and Motivational Speaker. His acting credits include Fox TV's drama “New York Undercover”, “Disney's Cool Runnings,” and roles in “Smoke”, “Blue in the Face”, “Cop Land”, “A Woman Like That”, and the lead role in “Ride.” -more- AHFF’s Mission To allow aspiring entertainers, an avenue to reach the masses with their product and skills, providing exposure and networking opportunities for all those within the film industry. In addition, we will celebrate and embrace the collaboration of HipHop meeting film by awarding upcoming and established filmmakers, as well as known HipHop artists for their outstanding accomplishments. Lastly, our festival foundation will support art indiscriminately and provide education in the form of seminars to empower entrepreneurs with the adequate skills to prosper in their given industry. Organizers for the first annual event in April of 2005, Shameka Gumbs (Founder), Dee Dee Cocheta, Aneesah Hardnett, MiMi Cartier, LaKisha Smith, Chantell Welch and Tammy McCoy, made history producing the first film festival of its’ kind. Poised to do it again, The 2nd Annual Atlanta HipHop Film Festival takes place April 28-30, 2006. This year Honorees are: LAURYN HILL, LL COOL J, ICE T and F. GARY GRAY. For more info on the Atlanta HipHop Film Festival, visit – www.AtlHipHopFilmFest.com ### FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact: Jonnice Slaughter Chatterbox Publicity (678) 438-8820 - Direct jonnice@chatterboxpublicity.com - Email THE ATLANTA HIPHOP FILM FESTIVAL HONORS JACK “THE RAPPER” GIBSON The HipHop Pioneer Award to be renamed The Jack “The Rapper” Award Atlanta (PRWEB) February, 2006 -- The Atlanta HipHop Film Festival announced the renaming of the HipHop Pioneer Award to honor the legendary Jack “The Rapper” Gibson. “We are honored to announce the renaming of our HipHop Pioneer Award to the Jack the Rapper Award. Mr. Jack Gibson has been very instrumental in the careers of some musical icons and allowing unsigned talent a voice to be heard among the masses with the historical Jack the Rapper Conventions." stated Shameka Gumbs, Founder. Awards Show Producer, Dee Dee Cocheta adds, "Without Jack "The Rapper" Gibson, Atlanta and the nation, for that matter, wouldn’t know the essence of the element ‘rap’ or what it means to the culture. Jack was pure in his form of rap and beyond just being the father of black radio, he is one of the godfathers to our HipHop world." This year’s recipient of the newly named Jack “The Rapper” Award is Ice T. "It’s an extreme pleasure to honor Ice T with our first Jack the Rapper Award. Ice T has proven the ability to be an exceptional actor as well as being one of HipHop legends,” Gumbs shares. Ms. Jill Bell, Jack “The Rapper Gibson’s daughter states, “My father would be proud to see Ice T be honored as the first Jack "The Rapper" Gibson HipHop Pioneer Award recipient. Jack was friends with ICE T and knows Ice is more than deserving of this award.” This award will be presented April 30, 2006 during the 2nd Annual Atlanta HipHop Film Festival. About Jack “The Rapper” Gibson Jack The Rapper, known as one of the fathers of Black radio, started his career in the late 30’s, creating a unique on-air announcing style, which incorporated rhymes in his daily chatter. By 1949, Gibson was chosen to lead Atlanta’s first national black radio station, WERD as Program Director. Gibson, also, established the National Association of Radio Announcers (NARA) and founded the first Black music trade magazine called Jack the Rapper Weekly. Additionally, Gibson was the first National Director of Promotions and Public Relations for Motown Records. Within modern day HipHop, Gibson continued discovering new talent allowing DJs and A&R reps access to new talent at his music convention “Jack the Rapper.” Started in the early 90’s out of Atlanta, the Jack The Rapper Convention was considered the first music convention where aspiring HipHop artists could showcase their talent and possibly earn a record deal. The Jack The Rapper Convention earned national notoriety, thus, helping to stamp Atlanta as the new hot bed for the music scene. -more- About Ice T Ice T, a HipHop artist, well known as the father of gangsta music, has spawned the careers of artists like N.W.A., Snoop Dogg, and The Geto Boys. He is the first known rapper who ever performed the notorious C-Walk dance in front of cameras in the early 80’s. Ice T has recorded or has been featured in thirteen albums and soundtracks and produced six films. The film that changed his career and declared him a bona fide actor was New Jack City. Since New Jack City, Ice T has appeared or starred in over 60 films and television series. About AHFF HipHop has captured the fascination of young people from New York City’s South Bronx parks in the 70’s to the bullet trains of Tokyo today. These youth can be seen and heard expressing themselves through the language, fashion and music that are HipHop culture. The Atlanta HipHop Film Festival is dedicated to creating an event that encompasses all these elements mentioned bonded by the common thread of social responsibility to ensure positive, beneficial messages are conveyed to HipHop’s invaluable on-screen audience. The 2nd Annual Atlanta HipHop Film Festival takes place April 28-30, 2006. This year Honorees are: LAURYN HILL, LL COOL J, ICE T and F. GARY GRAY. For more info on the Atlanta HipHop Film Festival, visit – www.AtlHipHopFilmFest.com ### FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact: Jonnice Slaughter Chatterbox Publicity (678)438-8820 -- Direct jonnice@chatterboxpublicity.com -- Email Chelsye Burrows Starz Entertainment Group (720)852-5838 - Direct chelsye.burrows@starz.com -- Email Starz Entertainment Group Named the Presenting Sponsor for the 2006 Atlanta HipHop Film Festival Starz InBlack to premiere original feature, “Dead Prez film: “It’s Bigger Than Hip Hop” Atlanta (PRWEB)— March 28, 2006 – Starz Entertainment Group LLC (SEG) has become the Presenting Sponsor of the 2006 Atlanta HipHop Film Festival (AHFF). As presenting sponsor, SEG’s urban entertainment channel, Starz InBlack, will present the 2006 screenings, participate in the entire weekend of events and give AHFF screening attendees an exclusive sneak preview of the highly anticipated film, “Dead Prez: It’s Bigger Than Hip Hop.” The 75-minute film is an original in-house production and will feature a live performance of the band as well as a series of exclusive interviews that capture the vision and progress of a new movement in hiphop culture. It’s an authentic look at a band with an alternative, controversial viewpoint and how they use their music to engage an audience on a wide range of provocative issues including black pride, the power of the black women, and the importance of giving back to your community. The film will feature a never-before-seen live concert, including tracks like “I’m an African”, “Turn off the Radio”, and “Hell Yeah”, plus intimate interviews with Dead Prez members M-1 and stic.man. “Dead Prez: It’s Bigger Than Hip Hop” will make its theatrical debut at the 2006 Atlanta HipHop Film Festival Film Screenings, which will be held at the Carter Center on Sunday, April 30, 2006. The film will premiere exclusively on Starz InBlack on June 9th at 10:00 PM EST. “The Atlanta HipHop Film Festival is very excited to have Starz InBlack as our 2006 Film Screening Sponsor. This partnership demonstrates their understanding of the significant impact that independent filmmakers have on the HipHop culture. Starz InBlack’s involvement will provide additional exposure for talented indie filmmakers, which is what the festival is all about,” says Shameka Gumbs, AHFF’s Founder. “The Atlanta HipHop Film Festival provides Starz Entertainment Group a great venue to connect to a young, engaged urban audience that is passionate about film. By being a part of the festival, we can also introduce some of the new, original programming that has been developed especially for the audience,” says Kelly Bumann, V.P. of Key Initiatives at SEG. The 2006 Atlanta HipHop Film Festival runs from April 28–30 in Atlanta, GA. -more- About SEG and Starz InBlack® Starz Entertainment Group LLC (SEG) is a premium movie service provider operating in the United States. SEG offers 16 movie channels including the flagship Starz® and Encore® brands with approximately 14 million and 25 million subscribers respectively. Starz Entertainment Group airs more than 750 movies per month across its pay TV channels and offers advanced services such as Starz HDTV, Starz On Demand and VongoSM. Starz Entertainment Group is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Liberty Media Corporation, www.starz.com. Starz InBlack® is culturally connected and the source for the biggest, coolest movies and urban entertainment. About AHFF HipHop has captured the fascination of young people from New York City’s South Bronx parks in the 70’s to the bullet trains of Tokyo today. These youth can be seen and heard expressing themselves through the language, fashion and music that are HipHop culture. The Atlanta HipHop Film Festival is dedicated to creating an event that encompasses all these elements mentioned bonded by the common thread of social responsibility to ensure positive, beneficial messages are conveyed to HipHop’s invaluable on-screen audience. The 2nd Annual Atlanta HipHop Film Festival takes place April 27-30, 2006. This year Honorees are: LAURYN HILL, LL COOL J, ICE T and F. GARY GRAY. For more info on the Atlanta HipHop Film Festival, visit – www.AtlHipHopFilmFest.com ###