NOMMO NEWS

GREETINGS:

SUMMERTIME is here! The warmest season of the year is traditionally a time to BREAK; relax, vacation, recuperate, and re-connect with your children or family members. Summer is a time to make the most of getting 'thangs' done! For the independent filmmaker this might be a time to get your hustle on! -- get that next gig, put finishing touches on your script, tie up funding, get that project in the can, or get that film on the festival circuit. Rise you mighty independents, accomplish what you will! Continue to plant the seeds, the fruits of your labor soon come! Stay cool this summer, and take time to listen to some old school 'soul' music in celebration of Black music month. Our music, like our movies, have revolutionized world cultures. Nommo e-News of www.Blackfilmmakers.net is here to spread the "magic powers" of the words and images of Black independent filmmakers. We seek to reach out to filmmakers, practitioners and fans world-wide through our website. Filmmaker speaking engagements are available via Nommo Speaker's Bureau. For your next production Jezebel Filmworks is ready to enhance basic concepts; counter stereotypes add vibrant color and a sense style to your next project.

NOMMO FILMMAKER HIGHLIGHTS:

Are all busy this summer with various projects in development. EUZHAN PALCY attended the Acapulco Film Festival in June. Her "Wings Against The Wind" project on Betsy Coleman is still undergoing development for financing. CHARLES BURNETT has partnered with Frank Christopher and Ken Greenburg to produce a documentary on Nat Turner, an abolitionist who led one of the largest slave revolts in Virginia in the 1800's. RAOUL PECK's film "Patrice Lumumba" had a successful opening at the Cannes Film Festival. He is working on a documentary with ARTE TV entitled Profit and Nothing Else as part of a new series called Your Money And Your Life. HAILE GERIMA's documentary ADWA 1896 opened in Brooklyn, NY at the Rose Cinema on June 1st, and will run until mid-June. Plans are underway to open in select cities. Gerima is also in development for his next feature project scheduled to be shot on location in Germany and Ethiopia.

*Nommo plans to add a Bulletin Board next month to www.Blackfilmmakers.net as well as adding a few new directors to our roster for the Fall. Stay tuned!

FILM FESTIVALS / CONFERENCESNY African Film Festival.

The MAAFA Film & Video Film Festival
July 24 -Deadline- / Brooklyn, NY
This juried film competition that showcases on works by independent filmmakers of color who act as modern day Griots (storytellers). MAAFA is a Kiswahili word to describe tragedy or disaster. Entries open for films and videos on Animation, Features, Documentaries and Shorts. To take place at Medgar Evers College in Brooklyn, NY on September 9,2000. www.MaafaFilmFest.com / (718)257-1300, ext. 180.

International Jamerican Film & Music Festival
June 27 -Reception- / New York, NY
CINEMA INNA YARD! 2000. Island Girl Productions founded by actress Sheryl Lee Ralph, launched it's 2nd International Film Festival on June 27. Sponsored by Jamaican Tourist Board and JAMPRO Film Commission. Actual Festival takes place November 15 - 19 in Montego Bay, Jamaica. More details on entry deadlines later. Check out: www.jamericanfilmfest.com / or call: 800-786-28778.

National Black Arts Festival
July 28 - August 6 / Atlanta, Georgia
The 7th Biennial Arts Festival celebrates the "sights, sounds and expressions of the African Diaspora." Features Artist Markets, exhibitions, screenings, workshops, and panel discussions in art, dance, film, spoken word, theatre, and music.
Website: www.nbaf.org / (404)730-0177 Canadian Film Festival June 15 -Deadline- / Ontario, Canada

International Annual Competitive Film Festival
open to professionals and non-professional productions. Festival held October 2-7. Contact: CIAFF (705)733-8232; ciaff@canada.com American Film Institute (AFI), The Los Angeles International Film Festival / Los Angeles, CA Deadline for entries is July 17. Entries must be L.A. premieres. Audience Awards are in all categories. Festival date is October 19 - 26. Email: afifest@afionline.org; Website: www.afifest.com / (323)856-7707

The Washington Area Lawyers for the Arts, (WALA) / Washington, DC
presents a workshop on starting a non-profit organization -- 4:00 - 6:00 pm on June 27, 2000. Must attend workshop before attorney pro-bono services can be assigned. Member & Non-member fees. Copyright Basics Workshop on June 20. Both located at 815 15th Street NW, Suite 900, WDC. Other workshops scheduled throughout the year. For questions or information on other workshops call: (202)393-2826 x28 /mharrington@thewala.org / www.thewala.org.

Urban World Film Festival
June 30 -Deadline- / New York, NY This Annual film festival has grown tremendously since it began in 1997. It takes place August 2 - 6. UWFF has a variety of panels, screenings, workshops and an awards ceremony. Shorts and feature films of works by, for, and about people of African descent are sought for competition. Registration is July 14 - 24. Contact: contact@urbanworld.com / Tony Murphy (212)941-3845 / f. 941-3849. Website: www.urbanworld.com

The Gordon Parks Independent Film Award's
Fourth Annual Competition for achievement by Black Independent Filmmakers. Two winners, a screenwriter and a director will be selected to receive $10,000 each. For entry deadline, contact marketinfo@ifp.org

American Film Institute
Los Angeles, CA
June 5 & July 17
AFI Los Angeles International Film Festival. Festival October 19 - 26. Audience Awards in all categories. Entries must be L.A. premieres. afifest@afionline.org; Website: www.afifest.com. / (323)856-7707

Zanzibar International Film Festival
Zanzibar, Tanzania
June 30 - July 9
ZIFF 3rd Annual Festival of the Dhow Countries
which include: the Arabian Peninsula, Africa, Asia, Indian Sub-Continent and Indian Ocean Islands.
For More Information: (415)346-0199
Email: ziff@zanzibar.org
www.zanzibar.org/ziff/index.html

SCREENINGS / DISTRIBUTION

At The Second Traffic Light,
a Teret Production short film by native Ethiopian filmmaker, Lucy Gebre- Egziabher, successfully premiered on July 17 in Arlington, VA. The group ADMAS (Henock, Abegasu & Zakki) was also in performance to introduce their debut CD "Indigo Sun." Gebre-Egziabher, is a Howard University MFA graduate. She plans to enter the film in various festivals, the first acceptance was from Zanzibar International Film Festival held the end of June. Teret Productions: (703)913-2747. Email: Teret_productions@yahoo.com

June 9 - July - Reel New York -
WNET/Channel Thirteen / New York, NY presents its 5th Season airing works by independent film, video and web-based artists. If you are in the NY are, catch this series was curated by Michelle Materre the president of KJM3 Distribution. The show airs on consecutive Fridays at 10 pm through July 28th, and repeats Sundays at midnight. See www.thirteen.org/reelnewyork5 for a schedule of upcoming film screenings.

FILM OUTREACH:

Global Action Project
New York based, Global Action Project seeks filmmakers to produce projects in countries abroad - www.globalaction.org / Media@global-action.org. Contact: Susan Seigel (212)625-3466New York based, Global Action Project seeks filmmakers to produce projects in countries abroad - www.globalaction.org / Media@global-action.org. Contact: Susan Seigel (212)625-3466

The African Cultural Conservation Fund and Fluidarity
The African Cultural Conservation Fund and Fluidarity, are non-profit organizations that assist in the development and support of indigenous voices through communication mediums. Fluidarity's present fundraising projects: include camera equipment for the Nigerian Women's Project, and a digital video camera and computer for a new type of museum-financing project in Siby, Mali called the "Culture Bank." For the Culture Bank contact Todd Crosby at Hyperlink - culturebank@hotmail.com. To arrange equipment donation contact Mark Cimino (202)332-7971 at mark.cimino@juno.com

DC OFFICE OF MOTION PICTURE AND TV DEVELOPMENT -&- DC COMMISSION ON THE ARTS & HUMANITIES
Will hold it's first DC Screenwriting Competition for District residents. This contest is to generate screenplays using DC locations, and to promote prize-winning script to the film and television industry in Hollywood. The winner receives a round trip airline ticket to LA, rental car and hotel accommodations for three days/two nights, and a visit to the set of Warner Bro. /NBC television series, The West Wing. Scripts due by June 30, 2000 and the winner will be announced September 1, 2000. For more information contact and entry form contact: Crystal Palmer (202)727-6608. Website www.filmdctv.com. tvfilm@erols.com

PAUL ROBESON FUND
PAUL ROBESON FUND. Video and Radio Projects that address social change & political issues. Grant range: $3,000 - $8,000. Deadline May 15. Contact: Vivian Bianchi (212)529-5300 ext. 312; Website: www.fex.org / ellen.gurzinsky@fex.org

LARK International
LARK International, founded in the mid-nineties by television stations: WTVS-Detroit, KCTS-Seattle, KUHT-Houston, and KETC-St. Louis. It is program development collaboration among public television stations. Develops international projects in financing, developing and distribution video and film projects. www.kcts.org/inside/lark.htm

NEW MEDIA PROJECTS FUND
NEW MEDIA PROJECTS FUND. The Arts Council New Media Projects fund is a national fund that supports production, distribution and promotion. Projects should be produced to a high standard and reference and contribute to national and international current debates in electronic media practice. Planned allocation ranges from £ 15,000 - £ 130,000. Completion dates of projects March 31, 20001. For more information: www.artscouncil.org.uk/funding/fvisualarts.htm. / Email: Andrea.davidson@artscouncil.org.uk

ITVS - INDEPENDENT TELEVISION SERVICE
ITVS - INDEPENDENT TELEVISION SERVICE Ongoing, accepts proposals for new and unfinished programs to air on public television (PBS). Deadline: Oct. 15, 2000. Call: (415)356-8383 / www.itvs.org

FIRST FILM FOUNDATION and SCI-FI
FIRST FILM FOUNDATION and SCI-FI, a premium cable and satellite channel, are launching a competition to filmmakers to make a quality ten-minute science fiction themed film. Winning films will be produced and exhibited nationally in cinemas, and a trip to Los Angeles to take part in Universal studios 'Cinemaster' film master class program. For applications send a SASE to: First Film Foundation, 9 Bouriet Close, London W1P 7PJ.

THE RAMS HORN
THE RAMS HORN. To be shot on location in Cape Verde, Africa June A self-discovery love story written by Marla Moore and directed by Eugene Wooden. Production will take place in Cape Verde, West Africa. For casting conducted by www.futurecasting2000.com. Produced by Digital Underground. Website: www.digitalunderground.org

FINAL BREAKDOWN
FINAL BREAKDOWN (working title) Philadelphia, PA June A psychological thriller staring Queen Latifia - A Joint Production with Strange Fruit Productions and Avrilux Film Group. To be directed by Jeff Byrd. To shoot on-location in Philadelphia. Contact: ehaynes@avrilux.com

PRODUCTIONS... IN-THE-WORKS
PRODUCTIONS... IN-THE-WORKS PAPER CHA$ERS Travels from LA to NY May - June A feature documentary directed by Maxie Collier of Son#1Films. Collier and his production team travel the country in a RV to document hip hop entrepreneurs who have built successful businesses in the music, film, fashion and print media. This movie funded by Next Wave Films chronicles the legacy of successful Hip Hop Entrepreneurs. www.thepaperchasers.com.

WEB SITES TO CHECK OUT:

FINDARTinfobank.
A resource for artists in every discipline to upcoming cultural events, employment, funding sources auditions. Email: Malik Lloyd: Malik@FINDARTinfobank.com / 202-678-3455 / www.findartinfobank.com / Washington, DC

BLACK TALENT NEWS.
Connects Black talent and networking news for what's happening in the commercial film industry & Black entertainment in general. www.blacktalentnews.com /
Email: tanya@blacktalentnews.com. LA, Ca.

POWERHOUSE PRRESS.
is an internet publishing company developed to utilizes advanced technology to produce paper books, audio and electronic books, CD Roms and interactive multimedia projects. www.powerhousepress.com / Email: toni.lee@powerhousepress.com. Atlanta, GA.

CHAMBA MEDIA WORKS, INC.
Independent Filmmaker, St. Clair Bourne's website highlights his past, present and future works. Bourne is presently in post-production of a documentary produced by actor; Wesley Snipes on Egyptologist Dr. Joseph Ben-Jochannon (Dr. Ben). www.chambamediaworks.com / Chambamedia@prodigy.net. New York, NY.

FILM FUNDING RESOURCES …

MADSTONE FILMS NEW DIRECTORS PRODUCTION PROGRAM /
New York, NY Is in search of first-time feature directors for its production program. This newly formed digital production and theatrical distribution program has launched an international search for passionate first-time directors. Beginning in July. Twice a year, Madstone will offer 3-5 directors a 2-year contract with a $50,000 salary, benefits, 401(K) plan, and full financing for a digital feature film with a budget range of $500K to $1.5 million.
For more information call: (212)989-4500 / fax: 989-7744; or visit the website www.madstonefilms.com for program applications.
Must submit a feature treatment or feature script by June 16, 2000. For eligibility applicants must have previously directed a short film, a commercial music video or internet program.

BLACK FILMMAKERS HALL OF FAME, INC - (Sponsored by Kodak) /
Oakland, CA A call for Entries for the 2000 International Black Independent Film & Video Competition. Film/Video/CD-Rom must have been produced since 1997, and have a Black person in a key creative position of producer, writer, or director. Entry Fee. Cash awards. Deadline June 30. For questions call: (510)465-0804 / fax (510)839-9858 /bfhfinc@aol.com

P.O.V. - (a production of the American Documentary, Inc.),
Public television's annual national showcase for independent, non-fiction film and video is now accepting submissions by independent filmmakers for their 2000-01 season. For selected works, filmmakers are paid $525 per minute for exclusive broadcast rights for four releases over a three-year period. Deadline for submissions in July 31, 2000.
For eligibility information and submission procedures go to: www.pbs.org/pov or call: (212)989-8121 / fax: (212)989-8230.

ARTS LINK U.S./
Japan Creative Artists Program seeks applicants for it's six-month residencies in Japan to pursue individual artistic goals. Deadline for postmarked applications is June 26. Contact: Arts Link, CEC International Partners, 12 W 31st Street New York, NY 10001; Email: artslink@cecip.org. Also contact the Japan/ U.S. Friendship Commission for 6-month residencies for individual creative artists in any discipline.
Email: artist@jusfc.gov / www.jusfc.gov / (202)418-9800.

SOROS DOCUMENTARY FUND -
Established in 1996, this program of the Open Society Institute NY, supports funding for international documentary films and videos on human rights, freedom of expression and social justice issues. Grants range up to $15,000, and are available for all phases of production. Historical projects and biographies not accepted.
For application and more information contact: dweyermann@sorosny.org / www.soros.org/sdf/apps2.htm (212)548-0657 / fax (212)548-4647.

DC OFFICE OF MOTION PICTURE AND TV DEVELOPMENT -&- DC COMMISSION ON THE ARTS & HUMANITIES
has established a DC Screenwriting Competition for District residents. This contest is to generate screenplays using DC locations, and to promote prize-winning scripts to the film and television industry in Hollywood. The winner receives a round trip airline ticket to LA, rental car and hotel accommodations for three days/two nights, and a visit to the set of Warner Bro. /NBC television series, The West Wing. Scripts due by June 30, 2000 and the winner will be announced September 1, 2000. For more information contact and entry form contact: Crystal Palmer (202)727-6608.
Website www.filmdctv.com. tvfilm@erols.com

GRAND MARNIER FILM FELLOWSHIPS. - For Graduate film students only. The New York Film of the Lincoln Center, and Grand Marnier announce film fellowships for three categories: short video, critical essay and a short film. $5,000 awarded for each category. Winner to be announced at 38th NewYork Film Festival which takes place in October. Deadline for entries: August 1, 2000. For applications call: Genevieve at (212)875-5626
Website: www.filmlinc.com
Email: webmaster@filmlinc.com

PANAVISION's New Filmmaker Program Provides 16mm camera packages to nonprofit, short projects of any genre. Send SASE w/ .55 cent stamp to: Kelly Simpson, New Filmmaker Program Panavision 6219 DeSoto Ave. Woodland Hills, CA 91367

OPPENHEIMER CAMERA: New Filmmaker Grant Equipment program in Seattle, Washington. Year round, Offers 16mm camera system for first, serious productions of any genre. Contact: (206)467-8666 / Email: filmgrant@oppenheimercamera.com

NEXT WAVE FILMS funded by the Independent Film Channel offers finishing funds and other vital support to emerging filmmakers that have English language feature films that will be released theatrically. Contact: (310)392-1720; Email: launch@nextwavefilms.com ; www.nextwavefilms.com

ITVS - Independent Television Service Ongoing, accepts proposals for new and unfinished programs to air on PBS. Deadline: Oct. 15, 2000. Call: (415)356-8383 / www.itvs.org

JOHN D. & CATHERINE T. MACARTHUR FOUNDATION Selects national and international doc series and films intended. For international broadcasts that focus on Human & Community Dev., Global Security and Sustainability. Contact: (312)726-8000; Email: 4answers@macfdn.org ; www.macfdn.org

PRODUCTIONS... IN-THE-WORKS

BLACK FEMINISM /
New York, NY
A one-hour video documentary by Kathe Sandler seeks an experienced editor and cameraperson. A Line or Associate Producer is also needed for final production and post production. Writing, research and communications skills are a must, along with working knowledge and an appreciation for Black feminism.
Contact: Ksandler@earthlink.net

JUST US PRODUCTIONS /
June. Washington, DC
needs actor services for a dramatic reading in July for a screen play about a teen girl who receives letters from her imprisoned father that change her life. Contact: Maria Jones (202)269-0399 / justusprod@hotmail.com 3 A.M. (working title) / June. New York, NY Lee Davis directs this 40 Acres & A Mule Filmworks in affiliation with Showtime. Now in production, the film stars Danny Glover and Pam Grier. Story revolves around the experiences of taxi drives at a small New York cab company. 212-905-1520 / *TEC Casting is still accepting head shots for background send to 110 Leroy Street, NY, NY 10114.

THE RAMS HORN /
June. Washington, DC & Cape Verde, Africa
A self-discovery love story written by Marla Moore and directed by Eugene Wooden. Production will be shot in Washington, DC and in Cape Verde, West Africa. Produced by Digital Underground www.digitalunderground.org

MAMA AFRICA SERIES /
June. South Africa
A Zimmedia and M-Net co-production which involves six women directors from six African countries is in production for the short film by director Ngozi Onwurah. Her film

HANG TIME,
a production of NAP Films, is being shot on location in South Africa.
For more information contact: zimmedia@africaonline.co.zw / +263-4-708426 /794953

BABY OF THE FAMILY /
July. Georgia, & Virginia
Directed by Jonee Ansa, this film is adapted from Tina McElroy Ansa's book. Production is set to begin in July. To be shot on location in Macon, Georgia and in Petersburg, VA at the New Millennium studios. For more information on production and casting
contact: Tinjon@aol.com /or/ jdogg-tap@hotmail.com (912)638-1780 / fax (912)638-2572.

BOOK HIGHLIGHTS:

DV Filmmaker
by Maxie Collier
www.dvfilmmaker.com

Women film book
by Beti Emerson
Email: bellerson@howard.edu

NOMMO TIPS!:

Filmmakers Fully develop projects that your believe in, your film will develop a life of its own. It will represent you way after your existence on this earth.