Ava DuVernay News

Sundance Institute today announced a significant expansion of its renowned labs for independent artists to include dedicated support for writers and creators of series for television and online platforms.

ESSENCE, the number one media brand aimed at African-American women, today unveiled plans to join forces with award-winning producer, director, actor, writer, and philanthropist Tyler Perry on February 26, 2014 for Black Men in Hollywood

Film Independent, the nonprofit arts organization that produces the Film Independent Spirit Awards and the Los Angeles Film Festival, announced the guest speakers and program for the 13 th annual Film Independent Directors

There's still time to become the next top filmmaker. On November 1 st, ESSENCE invited aspiring filmmakers to showcase their own inspiring images reflecting the truths and triumphs of Black women's lives

ESPN Home Entertainment, in conjunction with Team Marketing, announced that they will release the “Nine for IX DVD Gift Set” today, October 15, 2013.

ESPN Home Entertainment, in conjunction with Team Marketing, announced today that they will release the “Nine for IX DVD Gift Set” on October 15, 2013.

Sundance Institute today announced the participants for its annual Creative Producing Labs and Creative Producing Summit, both held the week of July 29 at the Sundance Resort in Sundance, Utah. These activities are part of the Institute's year-round Creative Producing Initiative, which encompasses a series of Labs, Fellowships and other events that support independent producers.

Today the Los Angeles Film Festival, presented by Film Independent, in conjunction with Presenting Media Sponsor the Los Angeles Times and Host Partner L.A. LIVE, announced its official US and international selections. Fox Searchlight Pictures' The Way, Way Back, written and directed by Oscar winners Nat Faxon and Jim Rash, will serve as the Closing Night film for the 2013 Festival.

As part of its ongoing series Changing the Picture, sponsored by Time Warner, Inc., Museum of the Moving Image will present the documentary film Latinos Beyond Reel: Challenging a Media Stereotype followed by a town-hall discussion about the role of Latinos in the media and the obstacles they face in representation within mainstream culture. The program, today, April 28, at 5:30 p.m., will feature appearances by Miguel Picker, co-director of Latinos Beyond Reel; actress Liza Colon-Zayas (Law and Order: SVU, Louie); actor Tony Plana (Ugly Betty, Three Amigos, Resurrection Blvd.); Maria Agui Carter, Chair, National Association of Latino Independent Producers; and will be moderated by Museum trustee Warrington Hudlin. The program was organized by independent filmmaker Edwin Pagan, a producer of Latinos Beyond Reel.

Today, Heineken USA, the world's leading international brewer, and the Tribeca Film Institute (TFI) announced the winner of the inaugural Heineken Affinity Award.

Today, Heineken USA and the Tribeca Film Institute (TFI) announced the winner of the inaugural Heineken Affinity Award. The award, given to an African-American filmmaker (age 21 and over) to empower and encourage them to continue to craft stories through film, was awarded to Ava DuVernay. In addition to a $20,000 cash prize awarded at an event tonight, DuVernay will receive year round support and professional development from TFI for her future projects.

As part of its ongoing series Changing the Picture, sponsored by Time Warner, Inc., Museum of the Moving Image will present the documentary film Latinos Beyond Reel: Challenging a Media Stereotype followed by a town-hall discussion about the role of Latinos in the media and the obstacles they face in representation within mainstream culture. The program, on Sunday, April 28, at 5:30 p.m., will feature appearances by Miguel Picker, co-director of Latinos Beyond Reel; actress Liza Colon-Zayas (Law and Order: SVU, Louie); actor Tony Plana (Ugly Betty, Three Amigos, Resurrection Blvd.); Maria Agui Carter, Chair, National Association of Latino Independent Producers; and will be moderated by Museum trustee Warrington Hudlin. The program was organized by independent filmmaker Edwin Pagan, a producer of Latinos Beyond Reel.

ESPN Films and espnW have announced the film slate for Nine for IX, a documentary series focused on captivating stories of women in sports told through the lens of female filmmakers. Nine for IX film topics include an intimate look at Pat Summitt, college sports' most successful coach ever, the largely unknown history of Katarina Witt and her link with East Germany's secret police, and the focus of sex in the marketing of female athletes. The series is scheduled to premiere on July 2 on ESPN and the films will air over consecutive Tuesday evenings at 8pm ET.

The Goody Awards for social good will honor Lucy Webb and her Women In Film in Park City committee on Sunday, January 20, 2013, at the Sundance Film Festival. A Golden Goody Award is being presented in recognition of their support of female filmmakers with film grants that are presented annually at the WIF Sundance Panel to deserving female artists, as well as recognizing the friendly venue that the panel event provides for women to network with industry professionals, and the event's ability to bringing women's issues forward via the directors panel. The presentation will take place prior to the Women In Film breakfast panel discussion held at 350 Main Bistro, in Park City, Utah.

The Independent Spirit Awards have announced the nominations for the upcoming 28th annual awards ceremony, set for Feb. 23. Check out the full list of nominations below:

ASPiRE today announced the world premiere of its new original series, THE ROOT 100. Hosted by Emmy®-winning television journalist and CNN Anchor Suzanne Malveaux, the weekly show is based on online news and commentary site The Root's (www.theroot.com) fourth annual list of 100 of the most influential African-American innovators of the next generation (age 25-45). Featuring first-hand interviews and video profiles of 24 of the list's honorees, THE ROOT 100 explores the lives and groundbreaking accomplishments of these dynamic men and women. The eight-episode series airs Wednesdays at 8 p.m. beginning Dec. 5.

The Independent Filmmaker Project (IFP), the nation's oldest and largest organization of independent filmmakers announced today the nominees for the Gotham Independent Film Awards™.

During its annual Upfront presentation to the advertising community, BET Networks, the leading provider of content to black consumers globally, will reveal its new programming content including scripted programs and original movies for both BET and CENTRIC as well as new web series for BET.com.

The Langston Hughes African American Film Festival has a knack for introducing Seattle audiences to up-and-coming African American directors - today Seattle, tomorrow Sundance! Alrick Brown (KINYARWANDA), Charles Officer (NURSE.FIGHTER.BOY) and Ava Duvernay (I Will Follow) have all been part of past festival events

The 15th Annual Urbanworld Film Festival (www.urbanworld.org), presented by BET Networks, announced today that the world premiere of Diane Paragas' and Nelson George's Brooklyn Boheme (Spike Lee, Chris Rock, Branford Marsalis, Rosie Perez, Saul Williams) will serve as Opening Night selection for the festival, which will take place September 14-18, 2011 in midtown Manhattan at AMC 34th Street.