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PAFF Premieres Will and Jada-Pinkett Smith – Produced ‘Sprinter’

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Sprinter, from executive producers Jada Pinkett Smith and Will Smith, was selected for this year's Pan African Film Festival. The screening is part of the annual event, which showcases various films and artwork by black creatives.

The indie drama follows the story of a Jamaican young man named Akeem, who wants to qualify for the national youth track team. Burdened by a troubled father and an unruly older brother, Akeem trains hard and hopes to get reunited with his mother, who has been living in the U.S. illegally for years.

 

 

Written and Directed by Storm Saulter (Morphine), the film’s cast includes Dale Elliott, Lorraine Toussaint (Selma, Orange Is The New Black),  David Alan Grier (The Cool Kids, The Carmichael Show, In Living Color),  Kadeem Wilson (Ghett’ A Life), Bryshere Y. Gray (Empire, The New Edition Story), Dennis Titus (The Mighty Quinn), Shantol Jackson (Yardie), and Usain Bolt.

Sprinter was shot over five weeks in Jamaica and Los Angeles.

Producers Robert Maylor and Jamal Watson attended the screening on Saturday.

“This is a love letter to Jamaica.” Maylor, who also co-wrote Sprinter, said, “We wanted to change the way people saw Jamaica cinematically. We wanted to tell a family story. You always see rastas, you see drugs, you see guns. And we wanted to tell a non-stereotypical story about a regular family.”

 

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First Look at Aaron Pierre in Upcoming Netflix Thriller ‘Rebel Ridge’

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Netflix has unveiled the first-look images of its highly anticipated thriller, ‘Rebel Ridge,’ starring Aaron Pierre. The film is helmed by Jeremy Saulnier, best known for his work on ‘Green Room’ and ‘Hold the Dark.’

Rebel Ridge
Photo: Allyson Riggs/ Netflix

In ‘Rebel Ridge,’ Aaron Pierre takes on the role of Terry Richmond, an ex-Marine who finds himself embroiled in a web of small-town corruption. The film follows Terry as he attempts to post bail for his cousin, only to find himself in a violent standoff with the local police chief. The film promises to be a thrilling and action-packed ride, with a plot that explores themes of corruption, morality, and the lengths one man will go to protect his family.

Rebel Ridge
Photo: Allyson Riggs/ Netflix

The supporting cast of ‘Rebel Ridge’ includes a talented ensemble of actors, including Don Johnson, AnnaSophia Robb, David Denman, Emory Cohen, Steve Zissis, Zsané Jhé, Dana Lee, and James Cromwell.

Rebel Ridge
Photo: Allyson Riggs/ Netflix

The production of ‘Rebel Ridge’ was not without its challenges. The film was initially set to star John Boyega, but he left the project mid-shoot due to family reasons. Aaron Pierre was then cast to replace Boyega, and the production resumed with Pierre taking on the lead role. “The very first moment I met with Aaron, the very first moment I read the script, which I read within minutes of it being sent to me, and I finished it in maybe 90 minutes, it was undeniable for me,” Saulnier shared in a statement.

‘Rebel Ridge’ is set to premiere on Netflix on September 6, 2024.

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‘Fresh Prince’ Star Joseph Marcell Joins ‘Bel-Air’ Season 3

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Bel Air

The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air star Joseph Marcell, known for his iconic portrayal of Geoffrey, the butler, is set to join the cast of the hit series Bel-Air in its highly anticipated third season.

The series, which premiered in 2022, offers a dramatic take on the original premise. It follows a young man’s journey from West Philadelphia as he navigates life with his wealthy relatives in the affluent neighborhood of Bel-Air.

The new trailer opens with Will (Jabari Banks) and Carlton (Olly Sholotan) working as waiters at Uncle Phil’s (Adrian Holmes) country club, hinting at a summer job that may lead to more than just serving drinks. Meanwhile, Hilary (Coco Jones) and Jazz (Jordan L. Jones) try to sort through their differences, and Geoffrey (Jimmy Akingbola) deals with some of his old demons from his past in London.

The trailer also teases a mysterious member of the Banks family’s past, played by Marcell.

Joseph Marcell in “Bel-Air” Season 3 (Peacock)

Showrunner Carla Banks-Waddles has shared her enthusiasm for Marcell joining the cast. “Joseph Marcell is a phenomenal actor, and we are thrilled to have him join the Bel-Air family,” she said in a statement. “His presence will add a new layer of depth to the show, and we can’t wait for fans to see what we have in store.”

“It’s an honor to be a part of this new chapter in the Bel-Air story,” In an exclusive interview with Teen Vogue, Marcell shared his thoughts on joining the show, “I’m excited to explore Geoffrey’s character in a different light and to work with such a talented cast and crew.”

Watch the trailer below.

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‘UnPrisoned’ Season 2 Takes A Deeper Dive into Healing, Family, and Love

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UnPrisoned

Hulu’s ‘UnPrisoned’ returns with a compelling and emotionally charged second season.

Starring Kerry Washington and Delroy Lindo, the show follows the story of Paige (Washington), a successful therapist who reunites with her father, Edwin (Lindo), after his release from a 17-year prison sentence. As they navigate the challenges of rebuilding their relationship, Paige also deals with her struggles, including her career, relationships, and the impact of her father’s incarceration on her own life.

Season 2 of ‘UnPrisoned’ picks up where the first season left off, delving deeper into the emotional journey of the Alexander family. The show continues to explore the complexities of family, forgiveness, second chances, and the lingering impact of past traumas.

UnPrisoned
Photo: Kelsey McNeal/Disney

In the new episodes, we see Paige and Edwin commit to family therapy sessions led by a quirky and unconventional therapist, played by John Stamos. The meetings are instrumental in helping the characters confront their issues head-on.

It’s important to highlight the show’s ability to balance comedy and drama. Although ‘UnPrisoned’ tackles serious issues, such as the impact of mass incarceration on families and the challenges of reintegration into society, it does so with plenty of humor. For Edwin, while the first season focused on the external challenges of reintegration, season 2 explores his internal struggles and takes us through his and Paige’s arduous but rewarding journey.

Other characters who play a pivotal role in the Alexanders’ path to reconciliation are Mal (Marque Richardson), Paige’s love interest, and Paige’s son, Finn, played by Faly Rakotohavana, and, of course, little Paige, played by the young and talented Jordyn McIntosh.

“UnPrisoned” season 2 is now streaming on Hulu.

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