Exclusive: 7th & Union, the drama directed by Anthony Nardolilloa that follows a Mexican boxer looking to save his family, has won the Best Narrative Feature (U.S. Cinema) prize at the 25th annual Urbanworld Film Festival.
The New York City-set festival, which highlights the work of Black, Indigenous, Latino and other people of color, revealed this year’s winners Monday out of nearly 90 official selections chosen for being inclusive and representative across cultures, themes and stories.
Other winners included Damien D. Smith’s Target: St. Louis Vol. 1 as Best Documentary Feature; Sonja Perryman for Best Screenplay for The 84; and Lissette Feliciano (Women Is Losers) and Talia Lugacy (This Is Not A War Story) both winning for Best Female Director, U.S. Narrative Feature.
The jury for the narrative feature competition included Michele Arteaga, Executive Director, Program Acquisitions, Starz; Mercedes Cooper, VP Public Programming, Array; and Ryan Jones, SVP Production Development at Universal Pictures.
The New York City-set festival, which highlights the work of Black, Indigenous, Latino and other people of color, revealed this year’s winners Monday out of nearly 90 official selections chosen for being inclusive and representative across cultures, themes and stories.
Other winners included Damien D. Smith’s Target: St. Louis Vol. 1 as Best Documentary Feature; Sonja Perryman for Best Screenplay for The 84; and Lissette Feliciano (Women Is Losers) and Talia Lugacy (This Is Not A War Story) both winning for Best Female Director, U.S. Narrative Feature.
The jury for the narrative feature competition included Michele Arteaga, Executive Director, Program Acquisitions, Starz; Mercedes Cooper, VP Public Programming, Array; and Ryan Jones, SVP Production Development at Universal Pictures.
- 10/5/2021
- by Valerie Complex
- Deadline Film + TV
The Black List founder Franklin Leonard kicked off the virtual Sundance panel “Array 10: A Decade of Disruption” by chatting with Array founder and Emmy-winning Ava DuVernay, President Tilane Jones and VP of Public Programming Mercedes Cooper about the origin of the narrative change collective which puts shine on creators and artists of color as well as women filmmakers.
Leonard and DuVernay reminisced about special dinners of Sundance past where, at the first one DuVernay hosted included “more Black folks in the room than at Sundance” as a whole. The conversation shifted to a dinner party icebreaker which Leonard loves to ask his guests: “What is your guilty pleasure movie?”
Cooper claimed the classic Mahogany as her guilty pleasure while Jones said Breakfast at Tiffany’s was hers — DuVernay quickly intervened.
“These are not guilty pleasures ladies!” said DuVernay. “A guilty pleasure is a film you slightly feel hesitant to share — which I will share.
Leonard and DuVernay reminisced about special dinners of Sundance past where, at the first one DuVernay hosted included “more Black folks in the room than at Sundance” as a whole. The conversation shifted to a dinner party icebreaker which Leonard loves to ask his guests: “What is your guilty pleasure movie?”
Cooper claimed the classic Mahogany as her guilty pleasure while Jones said Breakfast at Tiffany’s was hers — DuVernay quickly intervened.
“These are not guilty pleasures ladies!” said DuVernay. “A guilty pleasure is a film you slightly feel hesitant to share — which I will share.
- 2/1/2021
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
Ava DuVernay’s collective Array keeps on amplifying voices and artists to help push systemic change and representation with the release of W.J. Lofton’s Breonna Taylor-inspired visual poem Would You Kill Go Too? Lofton is the second artist commissioned for Array’s Law Enforcement Accountability Project (Leap), a fund founded in the wake of George Floyd’s murder to catalyze creative expression around police violence.
Lofton’s visual poem questions plainclothes officers Jonathan Mattingly, Brett Hankison and Myles Cosgrove of the Louisville Metro Police Department who fatally shot 26-year-old Taylor in her Louisville, Kentucky apartment last year. Lofton’s poem is accompanied by a visual interpretation commissioned by Leap. In the artwork, Lofton describes the oppressive systems which destroyed and disregarded Breonna’s life while allowing her murderers to continue with their lives.
“W.J. Lofton’s powerful visual poem Would You Kill God Too? is a...
Lofton’s visual poem questions plainclothes officers Jonathan Mattingly, Brett Hankison and Myles Cosgrove of the Louisville Metro Police Department who fatally shot 26-year-old Taylor in her Louisville, Kentucky apartment last year. Lofton’s poem is accompanied by a visual interpretation commissioned by Leap. In the artwork, Lofton describes the oppressive systems which destroyed and disregarded Breonna’s life while allowing her murderers to continue with their lives.
“W.J. Lofton’s powerful visual poem Would You Kill God Too? is a...
- 1/31/2021
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
Ava DuVernay’s Array has announced six executive additions and the promotion of veteran exec Mercedes Cooper ahead of the narrative change collective’s 10th anniversary.
Founded in 2011 by DuVernay, Array is a multi-platform arts and social impact collective, made up of Array Releasing (the film distribution arm), content company Array Filmworks, Array Creative Campus (the hub for programming and production) and the non-profit group Array Alliance.
“Ava and I are thrilled to welcome these dynamic executives to the Array team as we enter our 10th year of mission-driven, narrative change work,” Tilane Jones, president of Array, said in a statement. “And it is a true thrill to elevate our long-time colleague Mercedes Cooper whose dedication and vision is unparalleled.”
A nine-year veteran of the company, Cooper has been promoted to vice president of public programming. Cooper joined the company in 2011, serving as an assistant before going on to head efforts as director of marketing.
Founded in 2011 by DuVernay, Array is a multi-platform arts and social impact collective, made up of Array Releasing (the film distribution arm), content company Array Filmworks, Array Creative Campus (the hub for programming and production) and the non-profit group Array Alliance.
“Ava and I are thrilled to welcome these dynamic executives to the Array team as we enter our 10th year of mission-driven, narrative change work,” Tilane Jones, president of Array, said in a statement. “And it is a true thrill to elevate our long-time colleague Mercedes Cooper whose dedication and vision is unparalleled.”
A nine-year veteran of the company, Cooper has been promoted to vice president of public programming. Cooper joined the company in 2011, serving as an assistant before going on to head efforts as director of marketing.
- 1/12/2021
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
As Ava DuVernay’s Array nears its 10th anniversary, the inclusive company that amplifies underrepresented voices is expanding its executive ranks.
Long-time Array senior executive Mercedes Cooper has been promoted to Vice President of Public Programming. Cooper began her tenure at Array in 2011 as an assistant. She went on to head Array’s marketing efforts as Director of Marketing before transitioning to programming last year with the launch of the collective’s Amanda Cinema. In addition to overseeing a year-round programming slate, Cooper curated the collective’s inaugural six-week program of films and festivities dedicated to Black artists, women filmmakers and people of color entitled Array 360.
In addition, Array has hired Dee Tuck who joins as Chief Technology Officer from GitHub/Microsoft as well as former One Campaign exec Allison Biggs who will join the team as Chief of Staff. Other new roles include former NBCUniversal exec Sharon Liggins...
Long-time Array senior executive Mercedes Cooper has been promoted to Vice President of Public Programming. Cooper began her tenure at Array in 2011 as an assistant. She went on to head Array’s marketing efforts as Director of Marketing before transitioning to programming last year with the launch of the collective’s Amanda Cinema. In addition to overseeing a year-round programming slate, Cooper curated the collective’s inaugural six-week program of films and festivities dedicated to Black artists, women filmmakers and people of color entitled Array 360.
In addition, Array has hired Dee Tuck who joins as Chief Technology Officer from GitHub/Microsoft as well as former One Campaign exec Allison Biggs who will join the team as Chief of Staff. Other new roles include former NBCUniversal exec Sharon Liggins...
- 1/11/2021
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
Ava DuVernay & Array Alliance Unveil Leap Outdoor Media Campaign in L.A., N.Y. & Atlanta (Exclusive)
Ava DuVernay’s Array Alliance stepped outside the box to unveil the next phase of its Law Enforcement Accountability Project (Leap).
This week, Leap debuted call-to-action messages on billboards, kiosks and atop taxicabs in South Los Angeles, Atlanta and New York City. The messaging on the outdoor media campaign, titled “Flowers,” reads: “Flowers are beautiful. You know what else is beautiful? Black lives,” with a directive to send a text message for more information about the organization.
“The time is now to galvanize citizens of all kinds and cultures around the damage done to Black people as a direct result of police violence and abuse,” DuVernay said in a statement about the ads. “With the Leap out-of-home media campaign, we are declaring the launch of this two-year arts initiative to disrupt the narrative around police misconduct and murder.”
The multi-platform arts and social impact collective unveiled three billboards in South L.
This week, Leap debuted call-to-action messages on billboards, kiosks and atop taxicabs in South Los Angeles, Atlanta and New York City. The messaging on the outdoor media campaign, titled “Flowers,” reads: “Flowers are beautiful. You know what else is beautiful? Black lives,” with a directive to send a text message for more information about the organization.
“The time is now to galvanize citizens of all kinds and cultures around the damage done to Black people as a direct result of police violence and abuse,” DuVernay said in a statement about the ads. “With the Leap out-of-home media campaign, we are declaring the launch of this two-year arts initiative to disrupt the narrative around police misconduct and murder.”
The multi-platform arts and social impact collective unveiled three billboards in South L.
- 10/13/2020
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
Though many theaters across the U.S. are still closed due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Ava DuVernay is making sure Angelenos can take a safe (and free) trip to the movies.
For a special two-night pop-up event, DuVernay’s non-profit cinema and social justice organization Array Alliance will present “Selena” and “Purple Rain” on a 40-foot screen in Downtown Los Angeles.
“Selena,” which celebrates the life and tragic death of singer Selena Quintanilla and earned Jennifer Lopez a Golden Globe nomination, will screen on Friday, Aug. 14. “Purple Rain,” which marked Prince’s big-screen debut before going on to win an Oscar for best original score, is featured on Saturday, Aug. 15.
The event will be held at Los Angeles Center Studios in L.A.’s Historic Filipinotown/Westlake neighborhood. Tickets are free with advance registration online at Array Drive-In and will be issued one per car, with admittance on a first-come,...
For a special two-night pop-up event, DuVernay’s non-profit cinema and social justice organization Array Alliance will present “Selena” and “Purple Rain” on a 40-foot screen in Downtown Los Angeles.
“Selena,” which celebrates the life and tragic death of singer Selena Quintanilla and earned Jennifer Lopez a Golden Globe nomination, will screen on Friday, Aug. 14. “Purple Rain,” which marked Prince’s big-screen debut before going on to win an Oscar for best original score, is featured on Saturday, Aug. 15.
The event will be held at Los Angeles Center Studios in L.A.’s Historic Filipinotown/Westlake neighborhood. Tickets are free with advance registration online at Array Drive-In and will be issued one per car, with admittance on a first-come,...
- 8/5/2020
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
Nearly a decade since Ava DuVernay launched Array, what was initially a small distribution company has grown to become a multimedia empire that now sits on a sprawling Los Angeles campus. The gated property in Historic Filipinotown contains, among several things, post-production facilities and a recently completed state-of-the-art, 50-seat theater that will screen Array titles, work by local artists, and an annual film series, which was announced today, curated and funded by DuVernay’s non-profit Array Alliance. Titled Array 360, the program will bring together award-winning filmmakers and emerging artists for six weekends of cinema, community, and conversation.
Array 360 will run from September 27 – November 2 at the all-new Amanda Theater, as the new screening space will be called. The inaugural slate features a celebration of women filmmakers including Agnès Varda, Euzhan Palcy, Barbara Loden, Suzana Amaral, Kathleen Collins, Shirin Neshat, Garrett Bradley, and Mati Diop, among others; a John Singleton retrospective; a...
Array 360 will run from September 27 – November 2 at the all-new Amanda Theater, as the new screening space will be called. The inaugural slate features a celebration of women filmmakers including Agnès Varda, Euzhan Palcy, Barbara Loden, Suzana Amaral, Kathleen Collins, Shirin Neshat, Garrett Bradley, and Mati Diop, among others; a John Singleton retrospective; a...
- 9/13/2019
- by Tambay Obenson
- Indiewire
Ava DuVernay continues to champion inclusivity and global film perspectives with Array 360 film series to mark the completion of the Array Creative Campus and the brand-spankin’ new, state-of-the-art Amanda Theater. The series will kick off September 27 and continue through November 2.
Located in the Historic Filipinotown in Los Angeles, the Amanda Theater will host the inaugural film series created and funded by DuVernay’s non-profit Array Alliance. For six weekends, Array 360 will feature award-winning filmmakers and emerging artists.
“As a model, Array does steep itself in inclusion models to correct long-held absences. We believe in balance from the beginning,” said DuVernay. “Our Array Creative Campus was built with this belonging in mind from the first day and Array 360 is a reflection of our mantra that everyone has a place in true cinema.”
“In addition to paying tribute to exquisite filmmakers, some of whose work has gone underappreciated, our Array 360 series strives...
Located in the Historic Filipinotown in Los Angeles, the Amanda Theater will host the inaugural film series created and funded by DuVernay’s non-profit Array Alliance. For six weekends, Array 360 will feature award-winning filmmakers and emerging artists.
“As a model, Array does steep itself in inclusion models to correct long-held absences. We believe in balance from the beginning,” said DuVernay. “Our Array Creative Campus was built with this belonging in mind from the first day and Array 360 is a reflection of our mantra that everyone has a place in true cinema.”
“In addition to paying tribute to exquisite filmmakers, some of whose work has gone underappreciated, our Array 360 series strives...
- 9/13/2019
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
Ava DuVernay is starting an Array 360 Film Series, aimed at bringing together filmmakers and emerging artists for six weekends from Sept. 27 to Nov. 2 in Los Angeles.
The events will take place at the new Amanda Theater on the Array Creative Campus in Filipinotown. The series will include the work of filmmakers Agnès Varda, Euzhan Palcy, Barbara Loden, Suzana Amaral, Kathleen Collins, Shirin Neshat, Garrett Bradley and Mati Diop. Highlights include a weekend of screenings devoted to the work of John Singleton, a showcase of Filipinx cinema and a conversation between Michael Mann and DuVernay.
“As a model, Array does steep itself in inclusion models to correct long-held absences,” she said. “We believe in balance from the beginning. Our Array Creative Campus was built with this belonging in mind from the first day and Array 360 is a reflection of our mantra that everyone has a place in true cinema,” said DuVernay.
The events will take place at the new Amanda Theater on the Array Creative Campus in Filipinotown. The series will include the work of filmmakers Agnès Varda, Euzhan Palcy, Barbara Loden, Suzana Amaral, Kathleen Collins, Shirin Neshat, Garrett Bradley and Mati Diop. Highlights include a weekend of screenings devoted to the work of John Singleton, a showcase of Filipinx cinema and a conversation between Michael Mann and DuVernay.
“As a model, Array does steep itself in inclusion models to correct long-held absences,” she said. “We believe in balance from the beginning. Our Array Creative Campus was built with this belonging in mind from the first day and Array 360 is a reflection of our mantra that everyone has a place in true cinema,” said DuVernay.
- 9/13/2019
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Ava DuVernay is launching a curated film series in Los Angeles showcasing emerging artists, female filmmakers and directors from underrepresented backgrounds, DuVernay’s non-profit organization Array Alliance announced Friday.
Array 360 will be six weeks of cinema, community and conversation hosted in La’s historic Filipinotown starting on Sept. 27 and running through Nov. 2. The screening space for the films, including work by Agnès Varda, Euzhan Palcy, Barbara Loden, Suzana Amaral, Kathleen Collins, Shirin Neshat, Garrett Bradley and Mati Diop, among others, will be hosted on the Array Creative Campus at the Amanda Theater.
As part of the series, DuVernay is also hosting a weekend marathon of the films of the late John Singleton, who passed away earlier this year. Array 360 will also feature a showcase of Filipinx cinema from the neighborhood and a conversation between DuVernay and director Michael Mann. His appearance will also include a centerpiece screening of his 2004 film...
Array 360 will be six weeks of cinema, community and conversation hosted in La’s historic Filipinotown starting on Sept. 27 and running through Nov. 2. The screening space for the films, including work by Agnès Varda, Euzhan Palcy, Barbara Loden, Suzana Amaral, Kathleen Collins, Shirin Neshat, Garrett Bradley and Mati Diop, among others, will be hosted on the Array Creative Campus at the Amanda Theater.
As part of the series, DuVernay is also hosting a weekend marathon of the films of the late John Singleton, who passed away earlier this year. Array 360 will also feature a showcase of Filipinx cinema from the neighborhood and a conversation between DuVernay and director Michael Mann. His appearance will also include a centerpiece screening of his 2004 film...
- 9/13/2019
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
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