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#BlackLove: Movies To Watch This Valentine’s Day

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February is married to the celebration of Black history, and Black love is the true essence of beauty. It serves as motivation. These titles reflect what type of love is possible despite the hurdles that may be on the pathway toward true bliss. Here are five films one can watch while cuddling up in a blanket and devouring a box of chocolates.

A Thin Line Between Love & Hate (1996)

Martin Lawrence and Lynn Whitfield in A Thin Line Between Love and Hate
Martin Lawrence and Lynn Whitfield in A Thin Line Between Love and Hate


The story of Darnell Wright (Martin Lawrence), a fine ambitious ladies’ man who finds himself being stalked by one of his deranged lovers; Brandi (Lynn Whitfield), a successful, but deadly businesswoman. This is a lovers-to-enemies romance.

Dope (2015)

Shameik Moore and Zoe Kravitz in DOPE
Shameik Moore and Zoe Kravitz in DOPE


Life quickly changes for Malcolm (Shameik Moore), a geek living and surviving in a gang-affiliated neighborhood, when he gets invited to an underground party in Los Angeles. The decision to attend leads him and his two best friends, Jib (Tony Revolori) and Diggy (Kiersey Clemons), on a wild adventure that results in Malcolm finding a spark of love with Nakia (Zoe Kravitz). A wild goose chase adventure of hidden love.

Love Jones (1997)

Larenz Tate and Nia Long in LOVE JONES
Larenz Tate and Nia Long in LOVE JONES


A handsome young poet, Darius (Larenz Tate), starts dating Nina (Nia Long), a talented, beautiful photographer. Wondering if this is real love or just a fling, Nina sets out to test the relationship, and the feelings of Darius and the true nature of their relationship begin.

Queen & Slim (2019)

Daniel Kaluuya and Jodie Turner-Smith in QUEEN & SLIM
Daniel Kaluuya and Jodie Turner-Smith in QUEEN & SLIM

When an online meet-up turns into a couple’s first date, an unexpected turn leads to a police officer pulling over the newly acquainted couple – Queen (Jodie Turner-Smith) and Slim (Daniel Kaluuya) for a minor traffic violation that quickly turns into a flee the scene tragedy. This shows a ride-or-die, Bonnie and Clyde, run for romance.

Jumping The Broom (2011)

Paula Patton and Laz Alonso in JUMPING THE BROOM
Paula Patton and Laz Alonso in JUMPING THE BROOM

A typical tale of Romeo and Juliet, minus the poison. Two families that come from very different upbringings are all gathered for one weekend for the soon-to-be-married couple Sabrina (Paula Patton) and Jason (Laz Alonso). The mixed family dynamics are the perfect recipe for disaster. Downtown meets uptown, and they both get a taste of their own doings. A fight and trial for love, against all odds or in it to win.


Written by Ahmaine Canada

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‘SCRIPTING REEL CHANGE’ AT THE 5TH ANNUAL ESSENCE HOLLYWOOD HOUSE

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Essence Hollywood House

March 8, Los Angeles—Black entertainment elite joined the next generation of media talent at the fifth annual Essence Hollywood House.

The networking event took place the day after Essence’s Black Women in Hollywood Awards, held at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures and hosted by rapper-turned-producer Method Man. This year’s honorees included Danielle Brooks (‘The Color Purple’), Halle Bailey (‘The Little Mermaid’), and Nkechi Okoro Carroll (‘Found’).

Makeover and Headshot ‘booth’ at ESSENCE Hollywood House (Photo by Betti Halsell for Hollywood Melanin)

This year’s Hollywood House focused on ‘Scripting Reel Change.’ It provided a creative space for writers, directors, actors, producers, and other behind-the-scenes talent to explore and discuss what it means to gain traction in Hollywood and beyond. Guests received candid advice from prominent industry representatives and invaluable networking opportunities. They were given mini makeovers, followed by professional headshots, speed mentoring, and numerous intimate panel discussions.

During the “Black on Screen: A Global Dialogue” panel, Actress Phylicia Pearl Mpasi, known for ‘The Lion King’ Broadway musical, explained the different levels of self-love she went through to see herself in different spectrums of acting as a Black woman from the Democratic Republic of Congo. “I was in a space where I don’t know where I totally fit in, but I know the experience of feeling isolated and feeling like an ‘other’ is a feeling I didn’t want anyone else to feel,” Mpasi said, “I truly feel like the universe, God, gave me the Lion King so I can finally learn and embrace my Blackness.” Mpasi also recently starred in the remake of ‘The Color Purple’, playing the younger version of Fantasia Barrino’s Celie.

The discussion also touched on issues of colorism and the role of the African diaspora as a whole in the entertainment industry.

Essence Hollywood House
Barkue Tubman Zawolo, Osas Ighodaro and Phylicia Pearl Mpasi (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for ESSENCE)

This year’s theme also focused on equipping film and television communities with the essential tools needed to overcome some of the entertainment industry’s most difficult issues and reach their full potential.

During “Office Hours” (a series of expert-led workshops), a panel discussion focused on perfecting one’s pitch. Leading the conversation were noted screenwriter Tiffany Yarde (‘Roadmap Writers’) and producer D’Angela Proctor (‘The Summoning’), who discussed essential items to include in a pitch. The industry pros emphasized the importance of keeping the buyer’s attention and making sure they see the vision.

D’Angela Proctor and Tiffany Yarde (Photo by Betti Halsell for Hollywood Melanin)

Yarde dissected the elements needed for a strong elevator pitch. “The main thing you want to do is grasp the person’s attention,” she said, “The way you do that is by establishing a connection.” The Director of Competition for Roadmap Writers unpacked the value of developing connections early on in the conversation.

On the main stage, Essence’s own Stephanie Dunivan hosted a cast talkback panel that revealed an exclusive release of the first episode of “Diarra from Detroit,” a modern comedic mystery thriller that highlights dating, friendship, and possible kidnapping.

Stephanie Dunivan, Claudia Logan, DomiNque Perry, and Diarra Kilpatrick (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for ESSENCE)

Diarra Kilpatrick, the creator, showrunner, and lead actress of the show, discussed her upcoming BET series and revealed her go-to restoration techniques for keeping up with a demanding schedule.

“I’m still learning how to do that [rest]. But for me, I would say baths are like my Prozac. I love a good bath,” Kilpatrick said, “Another thing is sex. I think it’s important, as Black women, we should always put pleasure on the menu and figure out, ‘How am I giving myself pleasure…sometimes we don’t put pleasure on our to-do list.”

Essence Hollywood House
Rechelle Dennis, Zaria, Laya DeLeon Hayes and Da’Vinchi (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for ESSENCE)

The Essence Hollywood House welcomed many more notable guests, including Academy Award winner Da’Vine Randolph Joy, producer and president of Foxxhole Productions Datari Turner, and ‘BMF’ star Da’Vinchi. They discussed a multitude of industry-related topics, such as Black equity, the ins and outs of production, success stories, and what it means to be a working actor in Hollywood.

Essence partnered with BET+, Coca-Cola, Smartwater, Black Filmspace, and The Black House Foundation to make this event possible.

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Terry Crews Reveals $4000 Paycheck for ‘Friday After Next’

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Terry Cruz Club Shay Shay

In a recent episode of Club Shay Shay, the popular podcast hosted by Shannon Sharpe, actor and former NFL player Terry Crews shared a surprising revelation about his earnings for the 2002 comedy film “Friday After Next.” In the candid conversation, Crews opened up about the early days of his acting career and the challenges he faced as a struggling artist.

Terry Crews on club shay shay
Friday After Next (2002)- Ice Cube, Terry Crews, Mike Epps

Crews, who played the role of Damon Pearly in “Friday After Next,” shared that he was paid a modest sum of $4,000 for his work on the film. This revelation surprised many fans and industry insiders, as the movie grossed over $33 million at the box office. However, Crews explained that he was still relatively unknown at the time and was grateful for the opportunity to work with Ice Cube and Mike Epps. “I got my shot. I got paid maybe $4000 on ‘Friday After Next,’ he shared. “But that’s why I came up to Cube and said, ‘Thank you. Thank you. That was a start. Now, I make money now!”

During the conversation, Crews also spoke about other challenges he faced as a young actor trying to make a name for himself in Hollywood. He shared stories about working odd jobs to make ends meet and the sacrifices he made to pursue his dream of becoming an actor.

Terry Crews in Training Day (2001)

Denzel Washington’s ‘Training Day’ is another movie in which the ‘White Chicks’ star appeared. Unlike ‘Friday After Next,’ he made nothing off of that job – as he initially agreed. “I didn’t get zero [for Training Day], but it changed my life forever,” he clarified. “You wouldn’t know who I was if it weren’t for a no-paying job.”

The Club Shay Shay episode featuring Terry Crews officially aired on Wednesday, Feb. 27, and garnered significant attention on social media. You can catch up on it the full interview here.

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Lupita Nyong’o Wore a Cowrie Shells Headpiece To The Berlinale International Jury Photocall. Here is Why This is Significant.

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Lupita Nyong'o at Berlinale

During the international jury photocall on Thursday, Lupita Nyong’o was photographed wearing a grey Boss suit and a gorgeous  Lafalaise Dion cowrie shell headpiece. This was an important fashion statement. Here is why.

The Oscar-winning actress was invited to serve as this year’s head of the Berlin International Film Festival jury. She became the first Black jury president to oversee the annual film showcase event in its 74-year history. Also known as the Berlinale, the festival is one of the five largest in the world, along with the Toronto, Cannes, Venice, and Sundance film festivals.

The ‘Black Panther’ star expressed her excitement to take on the role in an Instagram post, “Let the festivities begin!” she wrote, “I’m so honored to be this year’s @berlinale Jury President and look forward to celebrating one of the things I love most: cinema!”

As the jury president, Nyong’o is expected to lead the jury in selecting the films to award in the two main categories – Golden and Silver Bears.

Film festivals continue to face criticism for lacking diversity on their juries. The Berlinale directors are moving in the right direction by bringing someone like Nyong’o on board, who is a true champion for diversity and inclusion.

Lupita Nyong'o at Berlinale Jury photocall

Nyong’o opted for a minimalist and simple Boss suit for last week’s jury photocall. She completed the look with a beautiful cowrie shell headpiece created by Côte d’Ivoire designer Dion Dewand Marcia Lafalaise, the self-crowned ‘Queen of Cowries.’ These particular shells represent wealth, prosperity, and fertility. By wearing the unique piece, the Kenyan-born and Mexican-raised star paid homage to her African roots on one of the biggest stages in the world.

Dion, who crafted the headpiece, also expressed gratitude, as her creation is now officially a part of Berlin Film Festival history. She wrote in an Instagram post

“…At this pivotal occasion, Queen Lupita Nyong’o proudly embraces her heritage, gracing the world once again with the iconic crown crafted by Lafalaise Dion.
Her journey to this moment serves as a beacon of inspiration, resonating deeply within our hearts and souls. We are humbled and honored to stand alongside her as she etches her name in the annals of cinematic history
.”

The festival is scheduled to run until February 25, when the jury announces the winning films in the major categories.

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