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‘A Snowy Day in Oakland:’ Nicole Ari Parker Stars in New Dramedy From ‘Sister, Sister’ Creator Kim Bass

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A Snowy Day in Oakland

A Snowy Day in Oakland is heading into theaters this week. The magical-realism comedy starring Nicole Ari Parker is gearing up to be introduced to the world on Friday, March 17. Hollywood Melanin sat down with the leading star to explore some of the critical issues addressed in the film.

At the center of the story is LaTrice (Parker), the successful psychologist from San Francisco who longs for a more purposeful life. Leaving her unfaithful, high-profile psychiatrist boyfriend and business partner behind, she establishes her practice in a vacant office space on a small commercial block across the bay in Oakland. Surrounded by minority-owned businesses, LaTrice is determined to provide support and gently guide the residents of this predominantly Black neighborhood to embrace the importance of communicating one’s feelings through therapy.

Nicole Ari Parker as LaTrice/ ‘A Snowy Day In Oakland’

“I think there is an issue of trust in the Black community where we just keep our problems close to our chest,” Parker expressed while discussing mental healthcare in minority groups. “It’s also an expense. It’s an investment. So, when you are trying to make ends meet and prioritize your income, it feels like a luxury. But I think that that’s an expense worth taking.”

Helmed by Sister, Sister creator Kim Bass, the film was initially shot six years ago. Parker says she attributes her involvement in this project not just to the powerful and relevant script but also to “Kim’s vision, his magical realism, his playing with time, and his saturation of color,” she added, “We don’t really get to have that kind of whimsy in most independent Black films.”

'A Snowy Day in Oakland' cast
‘A Snowy Day in Oakland’ cast

Produced by Planet 9 Productions and distributed by People of Culture Studios, this dramatic comedy also explores other meaningful themes like navigating complex relationships and struggles of entrepreneurship. Those conversations are explored through the town’s biggest personalities, Davis (Deon Cole), Jeanette (Loretta Devine), Theona (Kimberly Elise), and Rodney (Evan Ross). The star-studded cast also includes Keith David, Marla Gibbs, Michael Jai White, Tony Plana, Arden Myrin, and others.

A Snowy Day In Oakland
Kimberly Elise as Theona, Deon Cole as Davis, Loretta Devine as Jeanette / ‘A Snowy Day In Oakland’

Watch A Snowy Day in Oakland in selected theaters on Friday, March 17. Watch the trailer below.

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‘Unstoppable’ Starring Jharrel Jerome and Jennifer Lopez (Trailer)

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Unstoppable

Prime Video has released the trailer for “Unstoppable” starring Emmy award winner Jharrel Jerome (“When They See Us”) and Jennifer Lopez. The film, which is based on the inspiring true story about wrestling champion Anthony Robles is set hit select theaters Dec. 6 and will launch on the streamer on January 16, 2025.

“Unstoppable” official poster

“Unstoppable” tells the inspiring true story of Robles, a wrestler born with one leg who defies all odds to become a NCAA Division 1 champion. Jerome takes on the role of Robles, while Lopez plays the part of his mother, Judy Robles.

The film explores the challenges Robles faced growing up, including being born with one leg and facing rejection from his dream school, Iowa. However, with the support of his mother and his own determination, Robles rises to become a champion wrestler, ultimately winning a national championship against the school that rejected him.

The drama features an all-star ensemble cast including Jerome, Lopez, Bobby Cannavale, Michael Peña, and Don Cheadle.

Robles himself can be spotted in the film and is credited as ‘Anthony Robles Double’, performing the complex wrestling moves and stunts. He is also a producer on the film.

On October 27, the “Unstoppable” cast as well as Anthony and Judy Robles attended the special screening of the film at AFI Fest special. You can see the pics below.

According to the press release, Jharrel Jerome trained for months and worked very closely with Anthony to establish the physicality and determination required for the role.

“Unstoppable” is produced by Artists Equity, Ben Affleck and Matt Damon’s production company.

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Idris Elba Plans A Move To Africa To “Bolster” Their Film Industry

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Idris Elba

Idris Elba made a major announcement that could very well shift the Global narrative lens to Africa. The British star is planning an intercontinental move!

Known for his commanding presence on screens worldwide, from the gritty streets of Baltimore in “The Wire” to the crime-ridden alleys of London in “Luther,” Elba is now turning his sights to a much grander stage – the entire African continent.

“Much of the imagery about Africa isn’t even generated from Africa,” Elba stated at the Stellar Development Foundation’s Meridian conference earlier this month. This simple yet profound observation underscores his mission to transform the film industry in Africa, aiming to give the continent’s young, dynamic population a platform to tell their own stories.

Idris Elba meets with President of Ghana, Nana Akufo-Addo 

Elba’s initiative is not just about building studios; it’s about building an ecosystem where African narratives can thrive globally. He’s not just talking the talk; he’s walking the walk, literally, by planning to relocate to Africa within the next decade. “I would certainly consider settling down here; not even consider—it’s going to happen,” he affirmed to the BBC, showcasing his commitment to being on the ground, fostering this new era of African cinema.

The actor’s vision includes the establishment of film studios in Zanzibar, where the government has pledged nearly 200 acres for development. This move, Elba believes, could be “the first building block of a global entertainment hub.” His ambition doesn’t stop at construction; he’s tackling the financial backbone of the creative industry, too. By partnering with Stellar, a blockchain-based platform, Elba is introducing the Akuna Wallet, designed to streamline payments for local creatives, especially in economies with limited banking infrastructures. “It’s all been a puzzle,” Elba admits, referring to the logistical challenges, but he remains optimistic: “It will grow, and it can grow.”

Elba’s deep roots in Africa, with his mother hailing from Ghana and his father from Sierra Leone, lend authenticity and passion to his endeavor. “If you watch any film or anything that has got to do with Africa, all you’re going to see is trauma, how we were slaves, how we were colonized, how it’s just war, and when you come to Africa, you will realize that it’s not true,” he passionately explained. This sentiment is not just about correcting a narrative but about enriching global cinema with stories of resilience, culture, beauty, and innovation.

Idris Elba and wife Sabrina Dhowre in Rwanda

His involvement extends beyond infrastructure. Elba is set to star and executive produce a television adaptation of Chinua Achebe’s classic “Things Fall Apart,” signaling his intent to not only support but actively participate in the storytelling from the continent. This project alone underscores his belief in the power of African literature and its potential for adaptation into visual media, which could inspire a renaissance of African storytelling.

However, this grand vision comes with its challenges. The African film industry, while burgeoning, faces hurdles like inadequate infrastructure, limited access to finance, and a need for more local cinema spaces. Yet, Elba sees these not as barriers but as “opportunities in the waiting.” His strategy involves not just building but also fostering education, partnerships, and economic models that support sustainable growth in the creative sector.

As Idris Elba strides into this new chapter, his actions speak louder than his words. His commitment to Africa’s cinematic future isn’t just about adding another successful venture to his résumé; it’s about igniting a cultural revolution that could see African stories told by Africans, influencing global audiences in ways we can only begin to imagine. Here’s to hoping that Elba’s vision will indeed turn into reality, proving once again that the universe isn’t just full of stars but also of dreamers who dare to make those stars align.

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“One Of Them Days”: Keke Palmer and SZA’s R-Rated Comedy Drops First Trailer

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One of Them Days

“One of Them Days” is a hilarious buddy comedy set to premiere in theaters on January 24, 2025. Starring the dynamic duo Keke Palmer and SZA, the film promises a rollercoaster of laughter, mishaps, and the quintessential quest for rent money, all wrapped in the vibrant energy of Los Angeles.

Imagine waking up to discover your rent money has vanished, courtesy of a less-than-responsible boyfriend. This is where we find Dreux (Palmer) and Alyssa (SZA), best friends whose day spirals into a series of comedic attempts to salvage their living situation.

"One Of Them Days" official poster starring Keke Palmer and SZA
“One Of Them Days” official poster starring Keke Palmer and SZA

The newly released trailer follows their day-long adventure filled with desperate, laugh-out-loud strategies, from donating blood to scaling utility poles for a pair of coveted Jordans. It’s a modern take on the ‘one crazy day’ trope, infused with the spirit of classic comedies but with a contemporary twist.

Palmer, known for her versatility across acting, singing, and hosting, brings her infectious energy and comedic timing to the role of Dreux. SZA, on the other hand, is making her acting debut with this pic, bringing her unique vibe to her character, Alyssa.

The film is helmed by Lawrence Lamont and written by Syreeta Singleton, both of whom previously collaborated with Rae on “Rap Sh!t.”

Watch the hilarious trailer below.

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