Concrete Pearl

From NYC to Cannes to...

2011-05-30T09:15:00.000-07:00

We're two weeks back from our 2 1/2 week trip spent at the Cannes Film Festival and we thought it was high time that we update our supporters on where we've been and where we're headed. Words cannot express what an honor it was to have been able to screen our short film, A Little Bit of More, at the world renowned film festival. An extra special thanks goes out to the folks at Creative Minds In Cannes for facilitating the opportunity, as well as to all of our friends and family who contributed in one way or another to our travel fund. Our lives have been changed as a result forever more.

In addition to screening our film at the festival's Court Metrage, we got to check out some fantastic films (We Need To Talk About Kevin and Drive = brilliant!), meet a ton of new faces (contacts, contacts, contacts!), and learned a lot (more) about the film industry.

The Palais De Festivals

Mecca with actor Hakeem Kae-Kazim & actress Fumi Desalu-Vold at the Diversity In Cannes panel.

Curtis at the International Village

While we were gone, our good friend TastyKeish hit us up for an interview for REAL Time Travlr. You can read it here http://realtimetravlr.tumblr.com/post/5758055200/flight-path-concretepearl

Also, the good folks over at Shadow and Act took a moment to pick our brains on camera about our Cannes experience. Check us out: http://bit.ly/k36RAQ

So, after this whirlwind experience where do we go from here?

Well, for starters there's lots of follow-up being done with all of the industry contacts we made at the festival. We have a couple of them reading the script for the feature, Concrete Pearl, moving us just a little closer to making the production a reality. While we wait to hear from those contacts, Curtis and I will be making plans to head out to Martha's Vineyard in August. We just received word that the short was selected to be a part of the 2011 Martha's Vineyard African-American Film Festival! Talk about keeping it moving. We'll be filling everyone in with more details about the festival as we get closer to the date.

Until then...can't stop, won't stop.

-Mecca

Once Again, It's On!

2011-02-15T11:37:00.000-08:00

Hey Peoples!

The next screening of A LITTLE BIT OF MORE is THURSDAY, February 17th, taking place at CINEMA NIGHT in Brooklyn. About 7-8 short films will be shown with a Q&A after with the filmmakers, writers, directors, actors and producers.

Its all at:
Brooklyn's Tiki Bar
885 B 4th ave (btw 33rd and 34th Sts)
Brooklyn, NY
(D, N or R trains to 36 Street)

Suggested $5 donation at the door.
Hosted by Frances Lozada
Guest Host: Writer and Performer Odilia Rivera Santos

They've got a great setup down there so please come down and enjoy this screening with us, along with some other great shorts. Click the link below for more info.

For any that are unaware, our short film A LITTLE BIT OF MORE is based on an aspect of our soon-to-be produced feature film 'Concrete Pearl'. Please join us in sharing our story with the world.

Short Film, Big Screen

2011-02-02T11:37:00.000-08:00

If you're in the NY/NJ area from 2/4/11 to 2/9/11 check out the ActNow Foundation's New Voices in Black Cinema Film Festival at BAM Rose Cinemas: http://ow.ly/3CTXB

Our short film, A Little Bit of More--based on the script of Concrete Pearl, will be included in the fest's star-studded lineup as part of the Brooklyn Shorts Block on February 9th at 7pm. There will be a Q&A with the directors at the screening.

Hope to see your lovely faces there!

BAM Rose Cinemas
30 Lafayette Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11217-1486

General Admission: $12
BAM Cinema Club members: $7

Big Tings A Gwan

2010-09-07T18:17:00.000-07:00

Hey folks. So it seems like we haven't been in this space forever, but believe me when I tell you that Curtis and I have been biz-ee! I know, I know what else is new, right? Oh there's lots. Like for instance...

Our August 12th premiere was a hit! Actually, it was so nice we had to screen it twice. (Photos courtesy of Jason John)

Uno...

Dos...

Yep, that's right the out pour of support was fierce that evening. Thanks again to all who came out! You made us feel loved.

Also, an extra special thanks goes out to these folks for the evening...

Our parents (Johns to the left, Woods to the right).

AND

Our cast members (left to right: Kaleber Soze, Marjuan Canady and Robbie Morgan). Michelle, Azariah, and Aaron were with us in spirit...

One last note before we move on: Purple. Heels. That is all.

Okay. So now that we've got that squared and out of the way, I bet you'd like to know what else we've been doing. Well, we've been talking to the kiddies. Yes, that's right. Team ZEMIRA took some time out this past summer to visit with students at the Drammeh Institute, a Bronx filmmaking program for youth.

During our visit we got to speak to them about overcoming challenges while pursuing a passion and the importance of the barter system in building a network. We even got to show them a few scenes from the short and offered them technical tips they could incorporate into their own projects. A huge thank you goes to Iman Nur, director of the program, for extending the invitation to us. Our visit even got us a mention in the Bronx Times!

Oh but that's not it people. I told you we've been busy!

Last Friday our good friends at Rise Up Radio(WBAI 99.5FM) brought us on the show (along with our star Marjuan Canady and phenomenal visual artist Marthalicia) to discuss ZEMIRA as well as the role of women in film and theatre. You can listen in from WBAI's archives to catch our September 3rd airing. Thanks to the Rise Up Radio family for looking out. We had a blast. Oh, and I'll try not to be so babble-ly next time. LOL.

Well...ok, folks. That is it for now. Whew!!

Love,
M.

Oh and PS, we got in our first review on the short. Read it on Society HAE.

It's Here!! The ZEMIRA Short Film Screening--August 12th!

2010-07-30T09:40:00.000-07:00

The time has finally come for us to share the fruit of our labor with the world. Through the help of family and friends anxious to see the full length, 90-minute feature onscreen, we have been able to put together a 15 minute short version of the film to help us further this effort. We invite you to come and witness this vision firsthand. There will be a brief Q&A following the screening.

About ZEMIRA: About Co-written and produced by filmmakers Curtis John and Mecca Woods, ZEMIRA (www.zemirathefilm.com) is a film that focuses on a teenage girl's struggle to overcome the challenges of her impoverished, South Bronx life. However, ZEMIRA goes beyond typical urban fare by asking viewers to think critically about the socio-economic status quo that permeates the inner city. Not every young girl of color is destined for failure...right?

When: Thursday, August 12, 2010
Time: arrival time 7:30pm, screening starts promptly at 8pm
Where: Center Stage NY, 48 West 21st Street, #401
Hosted by: Curtis John and Mecca Woods (the creators of ZEMIRA)
Cost: $5 (at the door)
RSVP: mecca@zemirathefilm.com (space is limited)

Real Life, ZEMIRA: An Interview With Tasty Keish

2010-07-14T09:58:00.000-07:00

Keisha "Tasty Keish" Dutes is something of a powerhouse. The NYC born and bred media maven has been making quite a name for herself on the entertainment scene. She co-hosts Rise Up Radio(WBAI 99.5FM), brings us exclusive interviews with emerging and established artists, as well as hosts her own web series, Taste of the Town. Still, that's not even HALF of her resume. The woman is a beast, people.

Given Tasty Keish's extensive knowledge on all things related to entertainment and the public eye, we thought she would make an excellent subject for this installment of the Real Life, Zemira series. So we asked TK to sit down and talk with us (thanks Keish!). Here, Tasty Keish and I chat about the current state of black women in media and the importance of positive role models.

--Mecca

When You Show Love...

2010-06-09T07:38:00.000-07:00

Words cannot express the gratitude we have for the talented actors, crew/technicians, friends, family and supporters who enabled us to complete filming of the ZEMIRA short. For all of you (way too many to name) we are extremely grateful. We could not have accomplished this without any of you.

Extra special shouts (in no particular order) to our cast (Michelle Nicholson (Zemira), Robbie Morgan (Darryl), Suzette "Azariah" Gunn (Jeanette), Marjuan Canady (Robyn), Aaron Conley (Amir), and Kaleber Soze (Shane)) and crew (Casting Director, ChiChi Anyanwu; Cinematographer, Francisco Escobar; Assitant Directors, Kissa Starr and Jasmin Tiggett; Asst. Cameraman, Chris Anthony Hamilton; Sound Recordist, Matt Perry Thomas; Audio Tech, Dmitri Tssayre; Super Grip/Gaffer, Gene Malkin; MakeUp Artist, Faatima Hall; Still Photographer, Evita Robinson; and Productions Assistants Andres Chuck Valencia, Kojo, Ronnie Davis, Hugh, Cameron Bhola, DeLana R.A. Dameron, Yohanna Florentino, and others)for their motivation, professionalism, and dedication on this project.

Also, special, special thanks to Dyalekt for opening his home to us for two long days of filming. Dyalekt, you saved us both time and money and for that you are totally rad!

Thank you also goes out to Adrienne Anderson, DeLana R.A. Dameron, Noelle Ito, Nana Mensah, and Sinyan Whitfield for feeding us while filming. We are happy to report that no one passed out from hunger or thirst during the long, hot hours on set. We love you guys for that.

As we move into the next phase of this project (editing. yay!)we look forward to sharing the finished product with the world (very soon) while getting closer to producing the full feature version of the film. Below are a few behind the scenes photos from days 2 and 3 of shooting.

When you show love, see what happens?

Our Director of Photography, Francisco Escobar, behind the camera.

Make-up artist, Faatima Hall preps actor Kaleber Soze (Shane) for a scene.

Exterior shot with actors Kaleber Soze (Shane) and Michelle Nicholson (Zemira) (Photo courtesy of Celeste Nogueras--photographer in training.)

Curtis, director of ZEMIRA, talks with Assistant Camerman, Chris Anthony Hamilton.

Kissa Starr, 1st Assistant Director, readies set for filming.

Curtis provides notes on a scene to cast members.

Left to right: cast members Marjuan Canady (Robyn) and Michelle Nicholson (Zemira) on set.

Audio Tech Dimitri Tssayre chats with the stars.

It Was All A Dream...

2010-06-03T21:50:00.001-07:00

On location at the ZEMIRA short film shoot. Day 1: Orchard Beach, Bronx, NY. Photos courtesy of Celeste Nogueras.

Production Help Needed

2010-05-28T11:50:00.000-07:00

Hello all,

For those who are still unaware, next week Mecca and I are filming a short version of our soon-to-be produced movie ZEMIRA.

We still need and are very open to either help on the set or donations so we can ably feel our actors and crew.

For the set, we still need a Script Supervisor, Boom Operator and Best Boy, and an affordable Make-Up person. But mostly we Production Assistants (PA) in which you'll basically just need to either help myself, Mecca or various crew members with different things we need for that moment. We'll be shooting on Thursday June 3, Friday June 4th and Sunday June 6th. If you're able to help, please contact me by email or by phone (917-697-4157) and I'll give you even more details.

Thank you to those who have already promised to volunteer their time to help us on set. I'll be contacting you all individually over the next few days on which positions I'll need you to fill.

Thanks also to those who have promised to provide some extra money or supplies for food for the cast and crew. Please send any monies for that to our Paypal donation page at: http://www.zemirathefilm.com/donate_now. Just click on the Donate Now button which leads directly to our PayPal account OR enter my email address: curtis.john@gmail.com to send funds directly to me.

We realize that some of this is very last minute so any help you can provide will be more than appreciated. We look forward to making movie magic happen with or through your help.

Sincerely,

Curtis John
Director, ZEMIRA

Real Life, Zemira: An Interview With Charlotte Mishell (Part 2 )

2010-05-20T19:25:00.006-07:00

Real Life, Zemira: An Interview With Charlotte Mishell (Part 1)

2010-05-04T06:48:00.000-07:00

She is a woman, a poet, and a teacher. She is Charlotte Mishell. Over the past four years she has become a staple to the NYC spoken word scene through her hard-hitting, thought-provoking poetry, as made evident on her album Love, Charlotte.

Recently, Team ZEMIRA caught up with Charlotte at a NYC bookstore to pick her brain on the art of poetry, her inspiration, and the state of the young black female in America.

The first installment of our Real Life, Zemira series, our interview with Charlotte Mishell is one of several interviews with real-life women from which ZEMIRA draws its inspiration and mission.

So take a minute to watch the interview, soak in the discussion, and discover why it is we all love Charlotte.

Will The Real Zemira Please Stand Up?

2010-02-24T09:13:00.000-08:00

By now, many of you out there who've been following me and Curtis' progress in making this film and are familiar with the story of ZEMIRA, know that it's loosely based on real-life experiences that I've had growing up in the South Bronx. By now, you should also know our mission in making this film in the first place: to give a voice to the other Zemira Black's of the world, the thousands of girls across the country who share her experience, to tell their collective story.

Keeping this mission in mind, Curtis and I thought how inspiring it would be to hear and share stories from some of the young women who make up this collective--the real-life Zemiras. We want to hear from these young women (like some of you who may be reading this right now) about what they are doing or have done to overcome the challenges of poverty, racism, sexism, and other adversity. We want to hear these stories, tape these stories, read these stories, and post them right here on this blog for all the world to see. We want to applaud these women for beating the odds.

To submit your story or suggest someone we should interview, please write to us at zeetalk@zemirathefilm.com.

On that same note, we also want to add that we are still accepting entries for our "I Love the Bronx" contest. The winner will get 2 VIP tickets to our film premiere as well as a DVD of ZEMIRA (once completed)! We may even throw in a surprise or two.

Thus far, we've been getting some really cool and heartfelt entries and look forward to sharing them with you all in the coming weeks. Still, keep sending in your words, poems, songs or videos and remember - it can be about growing up there, it can be about the culture, the music – whatever it is, we just want you to share with the world at large your affection for why the Bronx is important to you and should be to us all.

Entries will soon be displayed weekly on our website, blog and Facebook and the best will be displayed at future fundraisers.All entries can be submitted by email to: ILoveTheBronx@zemirathefilm.com.

Audio, video, written and or multimedia entries will maintain the author’s copyright but your submission to this series gives the officers of Zemira Film Inc the right to display your work for social, entertainment and fundraising purposes.

--Mecca

ZEMIRA

2010-02-04T07:06:00.001-08:00

ZEMIRA: A Community Project

2010-02-02T11:43:00.000-08:00

Gosh. Is it February already?? The new year is surely off to a running start and if you were half as busy as Team ZEMIRA was in 2009 then you know that 2010 is shaping up to be the year where all that hard work will finally pay off. Still, like many of you our job is far from over. As we continue to make great strides in the pre-production phase of our film, growing ever closer to getting this film made and in theaters, we realize that in order to achieve our goal we must kick things up a notch in our efforts to raise the funds necessary to cover the cost of producing ZEMIRA.

We have a fantastic and in-demand Director of Photography, Francisco Escobar, who grew up in conditions similar to our title character and understands first-hand what we’re trying to accomplish with this film on both a social and artistic level. We're mutually excited to work with each other. As such, we are reaching out to you all via ChipIn.com, as your donations will enable us to pay Francisco and his crew, keep working artists working, and ultimately empower a generation.

If it’s just $5 or $20 you can spare, that’s wonderful, as every amount matters; donors who contribute $50 or more will get a DVD of the film once its completed, $200 and up will also have their names included in the film's end credits under "Special Thanks To," and if you’re able to be as generous to donate $500 or above, you can get what they call a ‘walk-on’ role in the film, which basically means you’ll be one of the ‘background’ characters (non-speaking) in an essential scene of the film. Donors who contribute $1000 and above will receive Associate Producer credit. All contributions will be made tax deductible by way of our fiscal sponsor. Either way, your gift will be one that will never cease giving. Chip in now:

http://zemira.chipin.com

ZEMIRA casting call--looking for a few good men

2009-11-11T08:19:00.000-08:00

'ZEMIRA’ – Independent Feature Film - Non-Union Males

Zemira Film, Inc. is casting non union males for feature film Zemira. Curtis John Dir. Curtis John and Mecca Woods Writers. Casting begins early December. Shooting starts early spring TBA.

PRODUCERS: Curtis John and Mecca Woods

SYNOPSIS: ZEMIRA is a coming-of-age story loosely based on real life events. It centers around the title character, Zemira Black, a book smart but awkward African-American girl struggling to find her place and her voice in the world. As if dealing with the stress of being a teenager isn’t hard enough, Zemira struggles with the adversity of her drug addicted parents and an upbringing in a violent South Bronx neighborhood, both of which are starting to destroy her unless she can figure out how best to fight for her life.

For more information check out http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=68832074830 or http://www.zemirathefilm.com

COMPENSATION: Reel copy, credit, transportation/meals

Submit headshot/resume electronically to: zemirathefilmcasting@gmail.com--please include role for which you are submitting in the subject.

DARRYL – MID 30s
Darryl Black is the proud father of Zemira and Amir. Charming and studious, Darryl should have been an professor, or a philosopher, or with his tendency to keep his head in the clouds dreaming, an artist. He did try the artist route for years, but without any encouragement from his hard-to-impress family that aspect of his life fall apart – something that has kept him distant the rest of his life and caused him to turn to drugs to repress. Growing up, he never thought he’d fit the stereotype of the aimless Black man society likes to center on, but after a falling-out from his conservative Muslim family, Darryl has become his own worst enemy. How can any man raise a family right when he hates himself so badly?

Chain smoking coupled with a heroin addiction don’t make matters any better, but surprisingly he’s still an handsome guy, with a thin but muscular build and smooth dark skin. If you didn’t see the track marks in his arms (among other areas), you’d never know he was a serious user. His long bouts of pensiveness often annoy his family, but Jeanette can break him out of it easy by putting on some Stevie, Miles, or Luther.

AMIR – TO PLAY 12 to 14 years old
Amir is the Zemira’s little brother. Quiet but personable, he’s a real boy who loves videogames and computers, cartoons and sports. Unlike many of his peers though, he’s unnaturally neat and organized, and has a pretty even temperament. That said, Amir’s no weakling – when it’s time to throw down he can kick yo’ butt and have you screaming for your mother.

In a lot of ways, Amir is the antithesis of his sister. Not prone to high emotion, he’s very popular in school and some girl is always sweating him, which helps enhance his lack of academic achievement with them doing his homework. His second hand clothes don’t matter to him, Amir sees himself as better than most. Although he has no musical talent, hip-hop is his main love, and he constantly tries to rhyme, much to the detriment of his friend’s ears.

SHANE – TO PLAY 17 years old
Head of the local drug crew, Shane is an intimidating guy who’s violent, vengeful and manipulative nature keeps all of his ‘people’ constantly on his toys. Tall and chubby, he’s a smooth talking and convincing guy who is good at getting people to see his point-of-view. Often alternating between his West-Indian patois and American vernacular, Shane becomes even crazier when he’s drinking – which is frequent. Zemira is dangerously attracted to him.

DR. MONROE –LATE 30’s-EARLY 40’s
The family therapist to the Black’s, Dr. Monroe is an attentive and even-tempered man whose fight to help families from the hood become well-adjusted people is his passion. Originally hailing from a bad area of St. Louis, his street smarts allow him to get past the gruffness of the Black’s in order to bring them to the next level of their therapy. He feels Zemira is the key to making them a stronger family. A bit pudgy, Dr. Monroe has a good sense of humor…once he actually gets the joke.

TIMOTHY – TO PLAY 16 years old
Timothy is Zemira’s first boyfriend. A tall, attractive, and light-skinned Jamaican boy, he’s Zemira’s first true love. But how does he really feel about her?

RASUL – TO PLAY 16 years old
One of Shane’s drug dealing crew, he’s a native of the neighborhood and grew up with Zemira. Although he used to tease her, he’s feeling her now. But with his doofy demeanor and heavy acne, even the insecure Zemira isn’t desperate enough to give Rasul the time of day. A heavy follower, there’s no way Rasul will last long on the streets if he keeps up with this drug life.

Lights. Camera. Action!--Highlights From Our First Round of Casting Calls

2009-10-28T15:32:00.000-07:00

What's good folks? It's been a minute since our last update. No worries though, we haven't fallen off the radar. Team ZEMIRA has been busy working like bees on our end in an effort to secure cast members for this here project of ours.

So far we've had three casting calls and have auditioned over 80 actresses for the lead female roles. Actresses came from far and wide (some from as far as California) to show us their chops--and that they did.

Though the hours were long and at times we were faced with some tough callback decisions, we had an awesome time meeting all the wonderful ladies who came through to audition for us. Thanks again, ladies!

Still, our work is far from over. We have yet more people to meet and more casting calls to follow. Make sure to check the blog (and follow us on Twitter!)for updates. A special thanks goes out to our casting director, Ms. Chinyere Anyanwu (aka ChiChi), for sorting through tons of resumes and headshots in order to bring us some true gems.

We'd also like to thank the folks who came out to provide us with backup support during each casting--Christine, Andres, Jamila, Stephanie, Chantal, Ngozi--your help was greatly appreciated.
Until next time--MW.

And So It Begins...

2009-09-08T19:15:00.000-07:00

ZEMIRA – Independent Feature Film - Non-Union Females
Zemira Film, Inc. is casting the non union females for feature film
Zemira.

Curtis John (Director). Curtis John and Mecca Woods (Writers).
Shooting starts early spring TBA.

PRODUCERS: Curtis John and Mecca Woods
SYNOPSIS: ZEMIRA is a coming-of-age story loosely based on real life events. It centers around the title character, Zemira Black, a booksmart but awkward African-American girl struggling to find her place and her voice in the world. As if dealing with the stress of being a teenager isn’t hard enough, Zemira struggles with the adversity of her drug addicted parents and an upbringing in a violent South Bronx neighborhood, both of which are starting to destroy her unless she can figure out how best to fight for her life. For more information check out http://www.zemirathefilm.com

COMPENSATION: Reel copy, credit, transportation/meals, possible low pay (To be determined). Submit headshot/resume electronically to: zemirathefilmcasting@gmail.com--please include role for which you are submitting in the subject line.

(Young talent must be 18 years or older and not in high school)

Auditions will begin in mid-September; non-union talent is encouraged. We will contact you with dates and locations upon selection. All actors MUST bring a monologue of their own choosing. We will provide sides of the film script to selected actors.

SEEKING:
ZEMIRA –AFRICAN AMERICAN
[TO PLAY 14-16]
Our protagonist. Zemira is the oldest of two children. She hates when people mispronounce her name. It’s, sound it out, ZA-MEER-UH. Despite growing up in the South Bronx, Zemira has aspirations of being a famous poet and writer one day. Very intelligent, although highly emotional, and very much a smart-ass, she’s grown very tired of her mother and father’s contradictory nature: constant drug use and violence against each other while always telling their kids to do the right thing. So Zee (her nickname) has begun to rebel against them by being out at all hours with her best friend or her boyfriends. Neighbors always saw her with her journal, but she barely even writes anymore, the one thing she was always passionate about.

Zemira’s best and only friend Robyn, helped her come out of her shell,as has mother nature, who allowed her to shed her baby fat and begin to blossom into a curvy young woman. She’s still insecure though, most especially because of her second-hand clothes and deep dark skin. Although seeming to become a different person, when no one else is around Zemira will still have her face buried in one book or another. Zemira’s seeking what she thinks she needs, love and acceptance, but her empty search for these things is catching up to her.

JEANETTE-AFRICAN AMERICAN
[EARLY-MID 30s]
Zemira’s mother. Jeanette comes from a long line of abused women. She thought she changed her destiny when she met her now husband Darryl, but eventually even he is abusive to her as well, more emotionally than physically, as she got caught up in his drug use. Now trying to stay clean and make a stable life for herself and her
two children, Jeanette has finally let go of being so damn independent and mistrusting, and has learned to seek out help from other people. If this doesn’t work out for her though, she has no idea what she’ll do.

A small woman, Jeanette’s very un-girly. She tends to wear men’s clothes and keeps her hair in a short boy cut. She’s got a great sense of humor, but can easily explode on you when angered. Don’t get on her bad side! A film fanatic, she utters lines from the classics with ease, especially anything that Brando or Bogey have done.

ROBYN-AFRICAN AMERICAN
[TO PLAY 14-16]
Zemira’s best and only friend, Robyn is a wild and crazy girl that Zemira befriends their first week of high school. An only child, Robyn is spoiled rotten by her mother who works two jobs just to support them. Extremely proud of her expensive name brand clothes and gold jewelry, she’s a very thin girl who upon first look one would think she spends all her food money on fly gear. But even with her loud, crass and often obnoxious ways, Robyn’s a sweetheart who tends to have people’s best interest in heart, although mostly when it’s lockstep with hers, and usually has Zemira’s back.

Ironically, around adults Robyn is well-mannered and respectful. Highly sexually active – she lost her virginity at age 12 – Robyn always has a boyfriend and stays flirting with any cute boy in her immediate vicinity. She never talks about her dad, or about her brother who died when she was seven years old.

Keep on truckin'...!

2009-07-27T23:26:00.001-07:00

Hey everyone.

It's been some time since we've posted to the blog, but that's only because we've been ultra-busy since last month's fundraiser.

We've garnered a bunch of support since the fundraiser which helped open the eyes of a lot of our supporters to the precise vision for ZEMIRA. Truth be told, we haven't even followed up on all of our leads since then, but things are moving along quite swimmingly. Things aren't perfect yet, there's been some roadblocks here and there, but the film is coming into alignment...we just have to maintain our momentum and keep it flowing.

Our aim is to start casting real soon. There are some great actors we worked with last year during a script reading that was organized through ActNow Foundation, so we have to get back in touch with them as well as find others to audition for the film. I saw one of them perform this past weekend, and he's gotten even more amazing with his talent. There's so much fantastic talent out there and we're looking forward to meeting and hopefully working with them. Undoubtedly, the hardest part to cast will be our lead, Zemira. But hopefully we'll get some help on that front (crossing our fingers for good luck, more on that to come if it manifests postively).

Feel free to contact us at info@zemirathefilm.com if you don't hear from us because we still need all your support and well wishes (And financial contributions.... putting together a film ain't cheap!).

Thanks for reading. Speak to you all again soon!

Curtis Caesar John
Director/Producer/co-Writer, ZEMIRA

1st ZEMIRA fundraiser an outstanding success!

2009-06-22T06:03:00.000-07:00

Last Wednesday’s fundraiser for ZEMIRA was a huge success. Yes, Team Zemira got some great donations for the film (thanks again!) as our audience was entertained by our incredible talent:

You can find out more about our benefit’s headliner, Jesse Boykins III at ww.the beautycreated.com. This young brother had all the ladies in the room smiling, nodding their heads and caught up in the rapture of his music; all the fellahs thought the brother was good too. Talented is too stilted of a word to describe Jesse’s music, so just go to his ‘site and both listen to snippets AND buy his music so that two years from now when this brother is accepting huge awards, you can exclaim to your friends, “I’ve been a fan of Jesse’s for years! Where’ve you been?!?”

Our opening musical act, the ubër-talented hip-hop artist SoSoon - the truest Hip Hop representative of the working & thinking man/woman brought a wonderfully gritty sensitivity to our benefit. Go to www.sosoonmusic.com to hear his music (‘Underclass’ is a personal fave) and see more about who SoSoon is. His music is what ZEMIRA is all about.

The national exploits of renown poet Delana R.A. Dameron can be found at her website: delanadameron.com and at a bookstore near you with How God Ends Us, selected by Elizabeth Alexander as the fourth annual winner of the South Carolina Poetry Book Prize.

You may have missed her performance at our benefit, but feel free to watch one of the tightest young poets on the scene, Kayan Ali James here (http://ww w.youtube.com/watch?v=SUUUE3MZol0) for just a taste of how she flows.

We may have been up in the Bronx, but my man WordSmith Jones killed it our June 17^th benefit Brooklyn style! You can both hear & purchase a CD of his soul-discovering poetry at www.reverbnation.com/wordsmithjones

Not only did she stand out at the literary arts movement for teens UrbanWord NYC

(www.urbanwordnyc.org), but as a finalist at the 2009 NY Knicks Poetry Slam, the (only!) 17 year old Thiahera Nurse ripped it(!) at our benefit. We’re so thankful that she got to represent a key demographic we’re approaching for this movie and she’s a prime example of what guidance and self-awareness can do for a young person from the ‘hood.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cz9LAEK6bw0

My partner Mecca’s old friend, and now one of my new favorite poets, Timothy

“Prolific” Jones can be found at www.AndreMauricePress.com, of which he is both founder and CEO. André Maurice Press is an outlet for the published voices of the hip-hop generation and is dedicated to cultivating talent, and providing writers with a means through which to transform their expression into a vehicle for economic empowerment. Being creative and getting paid for that talent – now that’s what’s up.

The smooth yet powerful poetic musings of Charan P a mainstay on Prolific’s Indelible performers/writers crew, flowed sweetly for us as well. A poet/performer/educator transplanted from Chicago to New York, her work uncovers the stigma and effects of racism on modern society. Check her out here in NYC, and in Philly and DC as well. Charan P. is in high demand.

And of course we can't forget to mention my man DJ Prototype who keep the audience both entertained with hot beats, head bopping music and even mad funny sound effects throughout the entire night. You can catch up to him on his blog at: http://thedjprototype.wordpress.com/ where he displays his mindset, critical thoughts on Hip-Hop, and other artistic endeavors.

THANK YOU once again to all of our talented musicians and poets for helping make this fundraiser a big success!

Curtis Caesar John

Co-Writer/Producer/Director - ZEMIRA

An Investment On the Future

2009-05-26T09:05:00.000-07:00

We Are All Made of Stars

2009-05-20T10:16:00.000-07:00

As I've been busying myself with the planning of the fundraiser, building the film's network of supporters, and making my rounds to a number of events across the city, I've had some time to think about ZEMIRA in its entirety and just how far and wide this here net casts.

See, most folks who are familiar with our mission think that our main objective is to raise funds for the film, shoot the film, and screen it in as many venues as possible. Well, what Curt and I have realized is that the completion and screening of the film is just part of the story. There's a residual effect taking place here and we're excited about the possibilities. We're actually building a community.

We have discovered that the goal of our film is not only to address the challenges of black female youth, but it is to also forge relationships. Not only do we want to build with the young women and men that ZEMIRA is aimed toward, but we also want to build with our fellow artists and creative minds--the people who challenge the status quo, those responsible for revolution. Folks, we want to build with you.

Since the production of our film is still in its early stages that means we want to connect with the actors and the actresses, we want to meet sound techs and cinematographers, the make-up artists and wardrobe managers, the marketing teams and musicians (we do need a soundtrack). We want the go-getters and the passionate--we want you, you and you too. We want to help you build those portfolios people! This movement is all encompassing.

So, if any of you reading this entry fit any of the descriptions as noted above, send us an email at curtis-and-mecca@zemirathefilm.com and let us know what you'd like to do. Also make sure to stop by our event on the 17th to catch a further glimpse of our vision. (To the artists and wonderful people who've been with us thus far-- thank you!)

Let's come together. No one can stop us now.

It's all coming together...!

2009-05-03T07:48:00.000-07:00

As Mecca said, we're hard at work with the fundraiser and with pulling together elements for the feature film including crew members, cast, and investors, to name a few. I never knew I could function so well on 4 hours sleep (at least for 6 days out of the week!). But there's been a great synergy occuring that lets us know that this venture is going to be successful.

That in mind, I just wanted to take a few minutes to give you all a sneak peek of the promotional trailer that we'll show at our first June fundraiser. These are of Zemira's parents - Darryl and Jeanette, played very admirably and professionally by Lionel Linton and Dimequia Leshell. Let us know what you think!

- Curtis Caesar John

More Good News

2009-04-26T20:28:00.000-07:00

While everyone has been out and about, enjoying the summer-like weather, I have been holed away inside my apartment (well, except for when I had to shuttle my daughter to and from the Harlem School of the Arts, but that was like 3 hours tops...sheesh) bouncing back and forth between my computer and BlackBerry (and four loads of laundry) accomplishing even greater feats of magic...I just got word that not one, but two more well-known and respected artists have agreed to connect themselves to this amazing movement/event. I can't divulge any further details (booooooooo, I know) but as I've previously mentioned, our fundraiser event is shaping up to be something wonderful and I can't wait for you all to see the treats we have in store!

Love,
Mecca

The Making of...a Making.

2009-04-23T08:20:00.000-07:00

There's something about event planning that can drive the inexperienced planner, plum crazy--for example, the long hours put into phone calls, follow-up and footwork, the swell of (psychic) energy it takes to thwart unforeseeable troubles and the bouts of stroke inducing anxiety from waiting for people to actually show up. Luckily, I'm not so inexperienced in the event planning department but still that doesn't keep me from waking up in the middle of the night, in a cold sweat, clutching at my chest (palpitations, palpitations...).

Now breathe, stretch, shake, let it go...

Ok, so the good news here is that the planning for the fundraiser event that I'm hosting, along with my partner Curtis John, is in full swing and on track. We present to you:

SHOW LOVE: a Fundraiser Benefit for ZEMIRA

On Wednesday June 17th we'll be gathering at the Bronx Museum of the Arts for an evening of spoken word, film, and music to raise the funds necessary to bring ZEMIRA to the big screen. But before I even get into the evening's lineup I just want to send out an extra special thanks to the folks on my team who have been working behind the scenes and helping me to make this thing happen--Suraiyah, Abasi (aka DJ Prototype), Nneka, Cyril, Liz, Scott (Free), Corinne, Chris T., and Kedon--I love you all very much and thank you for your insight, care and patience! Akira Barclay, I think you are wonderful and as for for you, Mr. John, you already know that this project (in its entirety) wouldn't have gotten this far without you and for you I am truly grateful.

I also want to take a moment to send another special thanks to Mr. Jesse Boykins III, a young gentleman whom I very much admire and is taking time out of his very busy schedule to support our cause and bless us with his prescence (if you haven't yet copped his albums Dopamine: My Life on My Back or The Beauty Created, please do so now--he is a talent not to be missed folks!). In addition, a big, BIG shout goes out to my boy SoSoon (Queens, stand up!) who will also be coming through to give us the gift of music--whoever said The Bridge is over, lied (sorry KRS). You sucka MC's have been forwarned.

But wait, that's not all folks!

Some of the dopest poets around have also agreed to come out and SHOW LOVE--Definition, WordSmith Jones, Kayan Ali James, LaToya Nelson, Timothy "Prolific" Jones and his Indelible crew are just a sampling of the jaw-dropping artistry to expect.

It all goes down on June 17, 2009 at 7PM at the Bronx Museum of the Arts. Tickets are $15 in advance ($20 at the door). There will be surprises galore, including a special sneak preview of our film in progress. Join us. Support us. SHOW LOVE.

Please note that this event is for guests 21 and up. All proceeds from ticket sales will go to cover ZEMIRA's budget. The Bronx Museum of the Arts is in no way affliated with the sale of tickets and all ticket inquiries should be specifically addressed to Zemira Film, Inc. (info@zemirathefilm.com)