This month (Feb. 2006) we've seen the release of (in my opinion) 2 quality films written, directed, and produced by African-American filmakers. I feel that it's important 2 support these films, as they represent 2 me, a new modality in Black filmaking. Not that it is terribly far off from the all that Spike accomplished in the late '80's and early '90's, but the difference 2 my eye is that where Spike had 2 be a maverick w/ no resources, these relative new-comers 2 the big screen (Sanaa Hamri w/ her debut, "Somethin New", and Tyler Perry w/ his sophomre film, " Madea's Family Reunion) have taken advantage of the available resources, and made great films w/ good stories that display the truth, range and beauty of the Black experience w/o the promotion of negative imagery (violence, incarceration, and degradation). There's no doubt that both Sanaa and Tyler have faced obstacles in the development of their projects, but I've felt 4 the last several years that the Black Community has been on the cusp of a significant breakthrough in terms of ownership of the stories that we tell from conception 2 production and distribution. Babyface, and Tracey Edmonds made strides in the late '90's w/ Soulfood, and the less commercial, but critically acclaimed and cleverly done, "HavPlenty", acted, written and directed by Christopher Scott Cherot, another of my favorite filmakers. Cherot, incidentally released a film within the last 6 months, but it was in such limited release, that I didn't get a chance 2 c it. It's called "G", and it stars Richard T. Jones , Blair Underwood, and leading lady, Chenoa Maxwell (who also starred in HavPlenty). The trailer looked great, and I was looking 4ward 2 c-ing it. If anyone reads this blog, and has seen the film, I'd love 2 hear about it, along w/ any info on the eventual DVD release. So, I'm gettin' a little long-winded here, but I just want 2 stress the importance of making an effort 2 set the "African American Film Renaissance" in full motion. There's a lot of power in the relationship between filmaker and viewer. Let's do our part and support the emergence of a higher vibration of African-derived cinematic storytelling. Lovevolution, MP