*To help further the diversity discussion spawned by #OscarsSoWhite and continuing in the wake of “whitewashed” films, EBONY.com has partnered with the African American Film Critics Association (AAFCA) for a video roundtable series called “Fast Forward.”
The first episode begins on Ebony.com with “The Creatives” featuring “Dear White People” producer Effie Brown; Black & Sexy TV co-founder Numa Perrier; Code Black Entertainment (“Perfect Match”) founder, CEO and President Jeff Clanagan; as well as the director of the LA Film Festival and film producer pioneer Stephanie Allain, of “Hustle and Flow and “Beyond the Lights.” Johnson Publishing’s Vice President and Head of Digital Editorial Kyra Kyles co-moderates the lively and no-holds-barred conversation with AAFCA Co-founder and President Gil Robertson.
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READ RELATED STORY: Gil Robertson: The ‘African American Film Critics Association Awards’ Interview with Kam Williams
Among the quotable moments is Clanagan’s quip about the industry’s failure to measure Black audience engagement: “The studio hates when I say this, but ‘you can’t track Black,” the Code Black head honcho explained. Other discussion points:
- Stephanie Allain on the progress made since #OscarsSoWhite shook up the studios.
- Numa Perrier on which distribution methods help content creators of color be heard
- Effie Brown on tired storylines, including the put-upon Black heroine, up-from-slavery narrative and urban gangsta
Watch the lively and solutions-focused discussion HERE. Join the ongoing social conversation via @Ebonymag and @theaafca with the hashtag: #fastforward.
About EBONY
EBONY is the number one source for an authoritative perspective on the multidimensional African-American community. The EBONY brand, including print and digital, reaches over 10.2 million readers monthly. Our media reflects the cross-section of Black America as delivered by our best thinkers, trendsetters, activists, celebrities and next-generation leaders. EBONY ignites conversation, promotes empowerment and celebrates aspiration. We are the heart, soul and pulse of Black America and a catalyst for reflection and progression. Follow and engage with Ebony – @EbonyMag on Twitter, EbonyMag on Facebook, EbonyMag.Tumblr.com on Tumblr, and Ebony.com on the web. We are not “new Black,” nor “old Black,” we are ALL Black.
About AAFCA
The African-American Film Critics Association (AAFCA) is the premiere organization of African-American film media professionals. Founded in 2003, AAFCA’s members represent a geographically diverse cross-section of media covering the cinematic arts. The organization honors excellence in cinema by creating awareness for films with universal appeal to black communities, while emphasizing film about the black experience and those produced written, directed and starring performers of African descent. The association actively reviews the quality and standard of black talent, content and media coverage. AAFCA also supports the development of future black film critics and filmmakers. AAFCA is based in Los Angeles.
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