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Nia Long and S. Epatha Merkerson among noted Black actresses highlighting Ninth Annual African American Women In Cinema Film Festival
Mary Alice
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Nia Long
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Elise Neal
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(Black PR Wire) (New York, NY)--NAACP Image Award Winner Nia Long and Screen Actors Guild Award Nominee Elise Neal lead an esteemed collective of honorees at the Ninth Annual African American Women in Cinema Film Festival presented by Wal-Mart Voices of Color Film Series Thursday, October 26-Saturday, October 28 in New York City.
The landmark event not only features the work of emerging and established African American women filmmakers from around the globe, but also recognizes dynamic talent by awarding the AAWIC/Wal-Mart Voices of Color Pioneer Award and the AAWIC/Trailblazer Award to outstanding women of color in the entertainment industry.
Additional festival highlights include a VIP reception and exclusive screening of the acclaimed film "My Brother" starring singer/actress Vanessa Williams, script competition, student filmmaking segment and keynote panel discussions presented by New York Women in Film and Television, the National Association of Black Female Executives in Music and Entertainment, and Wal-Mart with acclaimed thespians such as "Law and Order" mainstay S. Epatha Merkerson, Chad L. Coleman of HBO’s "The Wire," best-selling "Soul Food" author LaJoyce Brookshire and more. The 2006 Tony Award Winner LaChanze, star of "The Color Purple" on Broadway and stage veteran Ruby Dee will serve as the festival’s honorary chairpersons.
"Wal-Mart is proud to play a positive role in the continued storytelling of the African American experience," said John Fleming, CMO Marketing and Consumer Communications for Wal-Mart Stores Division.
"We hope to inspire, motivate and educate communities nationwide by highlighting filmmakers and works that depict a wide scope of the African American experience and lifestyle."
Veteran actress Mary Alice, a recipient of the 2006 AAWIC/Wal-Mart Voice of Color Pioneer Award, grabbed a whole new generation of fans with her portrayal of the Oracle in the hugely successful "Matrix" film series.
Alice began her career more than three decades ago with a breakout role in the legendary film, "The Education of Sonny Carson" and has had memorable roles in films such as "Sunshine State" opposite Angela Bassett and the historic TV production the "The Women of Brewster Place" with Oprah Winfrey. The Pioneer Award was created to acknowledge artists who have been in the entertainment industry with a focus on film and television for over 10 years. Past recipients of the award include Leslie Uggams, Julie Dash, John Amos, Robert Townsend and the late Gregory Hines, just to name a few.
The AAWIC/Trail Blazer Award was created in 2005 to honor those with a focus on film and television who have made significant strides in Hollywood within three years and have become a source of inspiration to aspiring artists. Acclaimed actresses Nia Long and Elise Neal are this year’s recipients of the AAWIC/Trail Blazer Award. Long, known for her exceptional range, was last seen in 20th Century Fox’s "Big Momma’s House 2" opposite Martin Lawrence.
Her diverse list of film and television credits include Charlie Syer’s "Alfie," Mario Van Peebles’ critically acclaimed film, "Baadasssss!," Sundance Audience Award Winner "Love Jones," the NBC drama "Third Watch" and more. She can be seen next in the Sony film "Premonition" opposite Sandra Bullock, due in theaters March 2007.
Elise Neal moved audiences as the good southern wife Yvette in the Oscar winning film "Hustle and Flow" and has starred alongside Oscar Winner Adrian Brody ("Restaurant") and funnyman Chris Tucker ("Money Talks").
Most recently, Elise has wrapped two projects: the HBO pilot "Wyclef Jean in America" where she stars with Wyclef as his wife Josephine, and "Ransom Games" (with Wood Harris of "The Wire") where she plays Denise, a wife forced to negotiate for the safe return of her husband.
"It means a great deal to me to be honored by the women of the African American community. I always hope my work represents us in the best light possible. It’s going to be a wonderful night!" says Elise.
"This year’s festival brings together so many wonderful and diverse talents from so many different genres of the industry," adds Terra Renee, founder and president of African American Women in Cinema Organization, Inc. "The continued success of these amazing actresses--Mary Alice, Nia Long and Elise Neal--reflect the tenacity of spirit necessary to penetrate Hollywood’s color barriers."
Some of Hollywood’s most renowned thespians and directors have lent their star power to AAWIC, including Robert Townsend, Kasi Lemmons ("Eve’s Bayou"), Regina King ("Ray"), Jenifer Lewis (Tyler Perry’s "Madea’s Family Reunion") and more.
AAWIC is focused on providing a gateway for aspiring women filmmakers through exposure of their talents, peer interaction and mentoring by industry veterans. Originally founded as an annual event in 1998, the African American Women in Cinema Film Festival has opened doors for filmmakers such as J.J. Goldberger, whose acclaimed works have secured distribution with Showtime, HBO and PBS.
