The Kush Film Boutique – 2010 Programme

“The Kush Film Boutique” incorporating Carib Theatre

Film Programme – August – Dec 2010
07961 977 749

All screenings taking place at
The Manor Club,
277 Seven Sisters Rd, London, N4 2DE
(Situated at the junction of Seven sisters rd & Green Lanes)

*Doors Open: 7.00pm / Show starts: 8.00pm
All screenings incorporate guest performances/hosts, occasional Q&A’s & After-parties.

Admission: £10 – Non Members / £8 – Members
There is an initial one-off £10 membership Joining fee that covers a 6 month period– see below.

All new patrons are allowed to attend the “Kush Film Boutique” twice only, after that they must become members by paying a one-off fee of £10, which will give you a 6-month membership. Fully paid up members are allowed to bring along a guest, but any guests accompanying members will only be allowed to attend the film Boutique twice before they themselves will be required to take out membership also. Non-members introduced to the Film Boutique by official members will still have to pay £10 admission. Fully paid up members pay the reduced members entry price of £8.

Our one-off membership fee covers Kush Promotions administration and marketing costs and entitle you to our Gold Membership Card giving you a £2 discount (members pay £8) on normal Film Boutique entry costs, Early notification of screenings, Priority entry & seating at all Kush events, Access to Members Only screenings, Free DVD’s, CD’s and other Discounted & Free gifts (tickets etc) from partner organisations

Kush Membership must be renewed every 6 months.

All attendee’s must show ID on his or her first visit, then patrons must sign our Membership book each week before entry to venue!

Film Boutique Programme:

Tuesday 17^th August 2010
Glory To Gloriana + special performances (15)
GlorytoGloriana

A triumphant and entertaining story of one woman’s reluctance to be held back in life by her selfish, cheating, greedy babyfather. Even though she encounters all kinds of trials and tribulations, every time she somehow manages to succeed and eventually fulfils her quest to be a successful mother and recognised career businesswoman.

Glorianna determination ends up with her owning her own hotel the “Glorianna”, which is still there to this day in present day Jamaica. An amazing and beautiful film, which is based on the true-life story of Gloria Minto!

Starring: Carol Campbell, Rodney Campbell, Gracie Ann-Watson, Kerie-Ann Lewis, Winston Bell, Suzanne Mari, Marguerite Newland & Bobby Smith.

Special guest appearance from Oliver Samuels
Produced and Directed by: Lennie Little-White
2008 /Jamaica / 90 mins

*Comedy from Jamaican comedian “PING WING” and a special guest performance from UK reggae artiste “JACK RUBEN” performing his new nostalgic reggae song, “Remember When”?

JackRuben

Jack Ruben

Tuesday 31^stAugust
Kush Films in association with Des O’Connor Presents….
Diary Of A Tired Black Man (15) + “Battle of the Sexes” he say, she say panel debate

Diary Of A Tired Black Man is a simple story about the complex relationship between black men and black women.

It follows a successful black man, James (Jimmy Jean-Louis) and his struggle to find a healthy loving relationship. He is constantly challenged by the anger he finds in the black women her gets involved with. From his wife (Paula Lema) whom he divorces, to the women he tries to date after her – nothing but Drama, Drama, Drama!Thoroughly entertaining and controversial!

Followed by a special debate on present day relationships with the UK’s only expert Black Dating Coach Mr. Des O’Connor (appearances: Sky TV, GMTV, The Voice Newspaper) .

whose currently causing a stir with the ladies and his expert views on the breakdown of the black male/female relationship – Don’t miss this controversial screening and debate – it going to be dynamite!

Representing the ladies will be Ms. Carol Stewart from Chinara Enterprises who is an expert on female social issues and welfare with over 20 years experience.
www.DesOConnors.com

Watch The Trailer

Get Your Tickets Now!

inc £1 Booking Fee

UK Exclusive

Tuesday 14^th September
See Dick Run (12) + Special Guest Comedy Performance from the veteran Mr. Felix Dexter

Richard (Kel Mitchell) is a fast-talking ladies man whose life takes a hilarious turn when a voodoo priestess casts a spell that takes away his manhood. His manhood will be lost forever unless he can reverse the spell before midnight. Now, in a race against time, this notoriously deceitful womanizer must revisit all the women in his life he has wronged and apologize for his lowdown ways. Starring Kel Mitchell (”All That”, “Kenan & Kel”) and Page Kennedy (”Weeds”).

Starring: Kel Mitchell, Page Kennedy, Todd Bridges, Phyllis Yvonne Stickney, Chico Benymon, Brooklyn McLinn, Shelli Boone, Heidi Marie Wanser, Trinecia Moore-Pernell

Directed by: Dwayne Alexander Smith
89 mins / 2009 / USA / 15
SDR_WhatsThats_sayRich

* Plus special guest Singer & Comedy Host (tbc)

More info coming soon…….

Big UK Exclusive

Tuesday 28th September plus October 5th, 12th & 19th
Me & Mi Kru (12) (12-part Jamaican comedy series)
MeandMiKruPoster

This new celebrated comedy sitcom stars well-known reggae-dancehall group, the “Innocent Kru” and centres on their exploits to make it big in the music business. When one of the Kru wins the lottery its time to move out of the ghetto with Mother in-tow and move up-town – what a ting!

As they say you can take the man out of the ghetto, but you can’t take the ghetto out of the man – and his mother for that!

Come along and watch this entertaining & funny 12-part series over a 4-week period.

Starring: Hemsley “Benzly Hype” Morris Jnr, Audrey Reid, Vaz Blackwood, Professor Nuts, The Innocent Kru, Sly & Robbie & Spragga Benz. Directed by Rick Elgood (Dance Hall Queen & One Love).
Running time: 25 mins (each episode) / 2009

Forget about Eastenders – this is the lick!

There will be a Special Launch Party for the start of the “Me & Mi Kru series plus look out for our announcement of Special Guest Artiste and performers.

There will also be supporting Jamaican documentaries with “Me & Mi Kru” on particular nights:

Tuesday 5^th October

Why Do Jamaican’s Run So Fast?
Why Do Jamaicans Run So Fast? Is an intimate, lively journey from Beijing to Jamaica. The 61-minute film focuses on the Olympic champions who delivered gold medal performances and set new world records, capturing the excitement and joy from Beijing to the love and support from families and friends at home.

The debut documentary for Jamaica-based Spanish producer Fernando García-Guereta was inspired by the dedication and determination of Jamaica’s gold-winning athletes. Usain Bolt, the world’s fastest man and multi-gold medal winner, is a main character that tells his story in his own words. Five more gold medal winners contribute to the narrative, recounting how these athletes from a small Caribbean island nation captured the world’s attention and then left it wondering – why do Jamaicans run so fast?

The film contains a musical soundtrack featuring such popular artists as: Etana, Big Youth, Desmond Dekker, The Heptones, Malijah, Queen Ifrica, and Bob Marley. “There is a strong link between sports and music,” says García-Guereta, “athletes love music and musicians love sports.” García-Guereta is owner of Nice Time Productions Inc, a music label and film production company in Jamaica.

Director: Miquel Galofré / Screenwriter: Laura Carulla
Jamaica / 2008 / 90 mins /

Tuesday 12^th October
Heartland Reggae – AKA One Love Peace Concert
A powerful and detailed documentary revealing what was taking place behind the scenes in the build-up to the infamous “One Love Peace Concert” where political assassins try to murder Bob Marley and stop him from bringing Jamaican prime minister Michael Manley and opposition party leader Edward Seargo together to bring an end to the disturbing political violence leading up to the 1972 Jamaican elections.

With live concert footage of: Jacob “The Killer” Miller & Inner Circle Band, Peter Tosh, Dennis Brown, U Roy, Bob Marley, Judy Mowatt, Lloyd Parkes, Junior Tucker and others.
Jamaica / 2001 / 1hr, 25 mins / Directed by: Jim Lewis

Tuesday 19^th October (tbc)
Man Ooman
A fascinating 2009 documentary by Danish filmmakers about the dancehall scene in Jamaica.

Two young male dancers from Passa Passa guide us through the different styles and meanings of the various dances, whilst a big dancehall competition for ladies is taking place and one young lady is aspiring to be the next Dancehall Queen but she has stiff competition not only from her local rivals but also a hot new foreigner.
Denmark – Jamaica / 2008 / 57 mins / Produced by Rosforth

Carib Theatre – Special Double Bill

Tuesday 26^th October
Dance Hall Queen & Third World Cop (15)
In The Gritty World Of The Kingston Ghetto, There Are A Few Ways Out!

Fortunately Marcia, a humble street vendor struggling to survive as a single mother, discovers the world of the dancehall.

Through it she finds more than great music and hot relationships, she finds a way to a better life. By day, she toils on the hot Kingston streets and by night she becomes “the mystery lady”, the new star of the dancehall. Here is her chance to escape the clutches of Larry, who under the guise of helping her hard-pressed family is actually after her eldest daughter, Tanya. She is also now able to finally get rid of Priest, the murderous thug who is threatening her very existence.

If Marcia can win the Dancehall contest, the prize money and more importantly, her own sense of worth, she will finally be free. Free not only of the lowlifes like Larry & Priest but, of the ghetto itself! A reggae/dancehall-fuelled, original musical drama shot on location in Kingston, Jamaica.

Fantastic Music by: Beenie Man. Chevelle Franklyn, Lady Saw, Bounty Killer, Anthony B, Marley Girls, Grace Jones, Chaka Demus & Pliers, Sugar Minott and more.

Starring: Paul Campbell, Audrey Reid & Carl Bradshaw.
Directed by: Don Letts & Rick Elgood
96 min / 1997 / Jamaica

Third World Cop (15)
This film is set in the edgy, mean streets of modern day Kingston, Jamaica.

When Capone (Paul Campbell), a no-nonsense police officer, returns to his old neighbourhood in Kingston, Jamaica, he discovers that his best friend from childhood has become an important figure in a dangerous gunrunning racket. It is up to Capone in his own take-no-prisoners style to clean things up before the criminals take over the community.

A Reggae feature film, which is Jamaica’s first digitally shot feature film. THIRD WORLD COP is also driven by an outstanding reggae-dancehall score (compliments of renowned musicians Sly & Robbie).

Featuring music by the “Marley Brothers, Sly & Robbie, Beenie Man, Luciano, Tanto Metro, Mega Banton, Innocent Crew, Lady G, Buccaneer and Red Dragon”.
Starring: Paul Campbell, Leroy “Horsemouth” Wallace, Elephant Man, Ninja Man.
2000 / Jamaica

Tuesday 9^th November (tbc)
Cover

Cover is a compelling and frightening story of sexual betrayal and hidden lives which seek to destroy the very fabric of our notion of man & wife.

When someone is murdered on New Year’s Eve, the prime suspect is Valerie Maas, a church-going home-maker whose life unravels when she discovers that her husband of many years has been leading a double life. Her strength of character and faith keep her going as the revelation of her husband’s betrayal threatens to destroy all that they have known.

Starring: Vivica A. Fox, Raz Adoti, Louis Gossett Jnr, Paula Jai Parker, Aunjanue Ellis and Leon
98 mins / USA /2007

Betrayal can be murder!

Tuesday 23^rd November
SUS

(info coming shortly)

Other Important Dates:

Tuesday 7^th December (film tbc)
Tuesday 21^st December (Xmas Special – film tbc)
Tuesday 28^th December (Holiday Special – film tbc)

Other “Carib Theatre” Exclusives & Classics Coming Soon

Smile Orange (15)

The classis Jamaican film “Smile Orange” is set in a beach hotel and pokes fun at the tourist trade in Jamaica at both the visitors and the Jamaicans.

From the warmth of the bright colour palette to the pulsating soundtrack of uplifting reggae music, SMILE ORANGE captures the spirit of Jamaican culture. A comedy with undertones of social satire, the story follows the everyday workings of a popular beach hotel and its slick waiter, super stud, Ringo (Leroy “Horsemouth” Wallace), who has made a profitable art of servility.

Clueless tourists are at the butt of most of the jokes, and jabs at the tourist trade in general are peppered throughout.
Directed by Trevor Rhone and Produced by Edward Knight. / Jamaica /

Countryman (15)
One of the classic Reggae films. A fisherman’s solitary existence is shattered when an airplane crashes into a nearby swamp. By rescuing two young Americans from the wreckage, the fisherman, Countryman, becomes an unwitting player in a political plot devised by Colonel Sinclair. Features classic Reggae tracks from Bob Marley, Steel Pulse, Toots and the Maytals and more.

A peaceful Rastafarian fisherman becomes an unwitting player in an international political scheme when an airplane crashes into a nearby swamp. Later, when violence breaks loose, he displays an almost magical ability in hand-to-hand combat. Songs include: Wally Badarou – “Obeah Man Dub,” Bob Marley – “Natural Mystic,” Human Cargo – “Carry Us Beyond,” and many, many more.
Starring: Countryman, Hiram Keller, Kristian Sinclair / Directed by: Dickie Jobson.

Other “Kush Film Boutique” films to be shown

Disoriented Generation (15) (UK Exclusive & Q&A with Wil Johnson)

“Disoriented Generation” is an enthralling new light-hearted comedy/drama which follows the fortunes and misfortunes of Ishmael (WIL JOHNSON) as he tries to keep his life on the emotional roller coaster we call love…

The film, spanning 5 years of Ishmaels life, follows his attempts to stay on track as he navigates through three very different life changing relationships in his quest to find love and the perfect family.

Sharon, Kenisha and Bola are the women who embark on this extraordinary journey with Ishmael and through these people we experience the slings and arrows, the highs and the lows and those rare moments that can truly be called happiness in the eternal search for love…..

Starring: Wil Johnson, Simone McIntyre, Sylvia De Souza, Ciara Dooley & George Eggay
89 mins / UK / 2009 / 15 / Directed by Christian Ashaiku

My Brother (12)

“My Brother” is an inner city story of two impoverished boys, Isaiah and James. James is developmentally disabled. Their mother, L’Tisha, finds herself in a tragic situation. Dying of tuberculosis, she desperately tries to get her two boys, eight and eleven at the time, adopted into a new home together.

Finding that only Isaiah can be adopted. L’Tisha makes the only choice she feels she can make; creating an unbreakable bond of love between the boys, and hoping that bond will get them through life together. Her prayers are eventually answered as the boys overcome impossible odds on their way to adulthood, staying as close as ever as young men dealing with life’s obstacles.

Starring: Vanessa Williams, Tatum O’Neal, Fredro Starr & Nashawn Kearse
Director: Anthony Lover / PG / 2007 / 90 mins

Soulmate - The Documentary

For those still waiting to exhale, Soulmate is a gripping cinematic journey into the realities facing today’s successful, saved, and single African American women. This deeply personal portrait reveals the trials, and triumphs of unforgettable women while offering hope and practical advice on such issues as loneliness, the desire for sexual intimacy, men on the “down low”, the ticking biological clock and the uncertainty of the future. This film offers uplifting revelations about the quest for your true… “Soulmate.”

Best Feature Film – African American Women In Cinema
Audience Choice – African American Women In Cinema
Best Documentary – Hollywood Black Film Festival
Best Documentary – San Francisco Christian Film Festival WYSIWYG
Best Documentary Sweet Auburn International Film Festival
Best Documentary – International Black Film Festival of Nashville
Best Documentary – Urban Vestige Film Festival

Rebound – The Legend of Earl ‘The Goat’ Manigault (15)
Rebound1

Rebound: The Legend of Earl “The Goat” Manigault based on the life of real-life Basketball legend and community activist Earl Manigault. Whose drug addiction destroyed his hopes of a professional basketball career, but who went on to become one of Harlem’s most influential citizens after his recovery from drug abuse.

In this dramatisation much-loved actor ‘Don Cheadle’ gives an amazing performance. Award winner James Earl Jones also adds life and warmth to this incredible story of a man’s determination to rise above poverty, his mistakes and the hand life has dealt him. His experiences encourage him to help others through sport and enable them to not follow the same perilous path.

This film also sees some truly outstanding performances from Eriq La Salle, Loretta Devine, Michael Beach, Clarence Williams III, Colin Cheadle and Forest Whitaker.

Starring: Don Cheadle, Loretta Devine, Michael Beach, James Earl Jones, Eriq La Salle & Forest Whitaker.
90 mins / USA / 15 /

*This program is subject to change without notice – please check program guide prior to attending screenings!

Kush: 07961 977 749

e-mail: info@kushfilms.com
website: www.kushfilms.com

Checkout our online store

He even tries dating outside of his race, which brings up a whole new set of issues for him to deal with. It’s an insightful, hilarious and thought-provoking ride into the reality of relationships that a lot of people will relate to, and a lot of people will learn from.
Starring Jimmy Jean-Louis / Directed by: Tim Alexander / 2008 / 108 mins

We Need Your Support – DONATE – Pls Support The Work We Do!

We are kindly asking supporters of Kush and black film lovers in general to help us by making a donation of whatever you can to support our work in this economic climate, we currently do not get any Government funding (and really do not want any, if it is also been used to tell us how to run our business) and I Marlon Palmer has more or less funded Kush out of my own pocket over the years.

With the right community investment we can take the work we do promoting and exhibiting black films onto a whole new business level!

Donations can be sent to us via Cheque, Postal Order, Payment directly into our account or use the “Donation “Button below.

Kush Promotions:
HSBC / Sort: 40.06.20 / Account No: 81529846

If you would like to discuss anything please give me a call on: 07961 977 749

The community’s support is always appreciated and most definitely needed – please see it in your heart to support our cause!

PLEASE SUPPORT WITH WHATEVER YOU CAN – WE ARE SURE THE BLESSING WILL BE RETURNED TO YOU!

Marlon’s Blog part 2 – The Lions Gate Watch

iloveblackfilms.com_logo1

The “Lions Gate” Watch

As many of you will know from my last blog – I announced that finally Tyler Perry’s film distributor Lions Gate Films were finally going to release a number of his films here in the UK.

I would like to thank so many of you who wrote personal thank you messages to me about the work Kush has done over the years and how sorry they would be to see me leave for the UK for new pastures. Your comments were well and truly appreciated and uplifting to read and feel. When I first saw so many email responses, I thought oh bloody hell so many want to unsubscribe – but not one was an unsubscribe notice lol!

I even received a couple of emails & phone calls from other colleagues in the industry who also expressed how fed up they were with the bias of the UK film industry and the way quite a few film distributors work with underhand disrespectful methods – which basically allows them to request proposals from small independent PR/Exhibition companies like us, which they then cannibalise (read, digest and regurgitate) and steal you ideas and then either give them to one of their associate mainstream PR companies to implement on their behalf or they use another small black organisation who are desperate to get new film releases and willing to promote films for chicken feed, paltry sums, little or nothing, I’m sure you get what I mean!

Basically it’s the same thing they used in slavery and colonisation “Divide & Conquer”. The problem again for me is they don’t have to do too much dividing & conquering these days, because some of us within the film industry and other media industry sectors love to carry on tradition and Divide & Conquer themselves – and for what – Nothing – Peanuts!

They are still going to be kicked to the kerb sooner or later – time has proved this over and over again!

The sad thing is; if in the film industry the very small numbers of groups came together we could demand change & respect from the industry and we all could expect to be paid appropriately for our work, the same as they pay our white counterparts for the same work.

Please don’t get me wrong this is not personal, Kush has always more or less been given what we have demanded or we simply have walked away from jobs that disrespected our services. I have never let any distributor, cinema or anyone else dictate to me how I should run Kush, and never will do. Sony Pictures Home Entertainment robbed us once and I made a promise that would be the first and last time that happened without me taking major action (I think getting a major sum of money to promote two films prior to that and proposed court costs made me eventually leave it alone – but through principle I should have followed it through to a result).

The problem is there is not enough regular work to create healthy income streams for independent black exhibitors that’s why they unlike us depend so much on government funding (that’s why we basically do our own thing also promoting independent films and home entertainment titles). Its sad to see other aspiring black led companies not getting paid what they are worth and been used against their colleagues to the benefit of major companies that put absolutely nothing back into our communities.

Some UK film distributors have decided that they don’t want to spend any real money promoting black films and want to do things cheaply as possible whilst getting maximum profits out of our community. Should We Then Go Out And Buy Their Films??

I will leave this here for now – but you can bet there will be more coming soon!

As it states at the top of this message – This is the “Lions Gate” Watch where we will be updating you on our dealings with Lions Gate Film Distributors and their planned release of the Tyler Perry films here in the UK.

Anyway; I also explained in my last blog I had been hounding Lions Gate Films and Tyler Perry himself for the last 4 years to get his very popular films here and that after years of the cold shoulder, they finally contacted me recently (after they bought Tyler & Janet Jackson here for a very, very exclusive premier screening at the Brixton Ritzy) about coming in for a meeting, which I attended and was subsequently asked to send them 2 separate proposals.

They requested two separate proposals one for the theatrical (Cinema) side of Lions Gate and another for the Home Entertainment (DVD) side.

I did think this slightly strange at the time because this has never happened before in 12 years of dealing with mainstream film distributors, usually it’s one or the other. But the head of marketing at Lions Gate Ms. Georgia Kaufmann stated there were going to be releasing “Why Did We Get Married Two” in cinemas and just before that they plan to release three other older titles on DVD, that’s why they wanted two separate proposals.

In the meeting I was introduced to a young Africa-Caribbean lady called Diane Bartholomew who appeared to just be a marketing assistant, she was followed into the meeting by a gentleman whose name I have currently forgotten (but will surely remember if needed) who appeared to be her superior, but he didn’t really say much.

Diane and Georgia Kaufmann did most of the talking, I am not saying there was anything wrong with this but it was quite apparent to me that they were utilising Diane’s ethnicity to engage myself and probably front the whole PR campaign when dealing with the black community at large.

Anyway as explained previously I took 3 days of my precious time to write up two completely new proposals and send them to Lions Gate. As of writing to you in my last blog I hadn’t heard anything back from them, then last week I decided to send Diane an email a day later I received back an email from here stating; “I’m sorry I was supposed to have contacted yesterday but the marketing budget for the Tyler Perry DVD releases had been CUT EVEN FURTHER and we they now wouldn’t be going ahead with anything in your proposal”!!!

Hmmmm, I thought here we go again, the other thing I also noticed was she cc’d Ms Kaufmann in also, even though they are in two different departments, but obviously Ms Kaufmann is controlling and overseeing everything.

Strangely enough I haven’t heard back from Ms Kaufman as of yet in regards to the theatrical side of things, I did send her an email at the same time I sent that one to Diane Bartholomew but have not received a response, I also called and left a message on her voicemail – Nothing yet, Hmmm!

I will give her a couple more days to get back to me, so I’m relaxed and just watching the situation.

Currently with my want-to-get-away from the UK demeanour; and which I know I will definitely be doing, I am really relaxed about things. Currently there are much more important & beautiful things in my life to focus on like my three children and watching my teenage children become adults, especially my daughter maturing and becoming a beautiful & strong young black woman whom I now feel I can trust to do things on her own (I used to worry about her all the time).

I have just seemed to all of a sudden noticed her adult maturity and now wake up every morning feeling a very proud dad and feeling like nothing can affect me – no economic downturn, no repressive thieving film industry personnel, no bad-minded associates – nothing! As long as my family are happy that’s all that matters!

As they say Happiness, Contentment, Fulfilment is a state of mind!

Anyway back to Lions Gate and business if I find out that they have taken my proposal and cannibalised it and used others to implement my ideas – Then I will be causing a stir, probably in a more professional manner than I would have previously – but a stir none the less!

We have to stop the continuous abuse of the UK’s professional black community! We Wanna Get Paid!

I will expose them on a much larger scale and be calling for a boycott of their products – after-all we have been watching Tyler Perry films long before they decided to make money out of us by releasing his films here in the UK – so will we really be losing out?

Friends, colleagues and associates I would like you to let me know if you have been approached by Lions gate Films or any other company purporting to be working on the Tyler Perry releases to let me know – if it involves nothing in my proposal, then it won’t matter and I wish you the best – all I say to you is; make sure you get paid properly stop taking that monkey-money!

I have said this before and I say it again – I am willing to assist in helping to bring film exhibitors and PR personnel together for us to sit down and come up with a strategy that will employ vertical thinking and put a stop to you been ripped off and bring much deserved financial rewards for your hard work.

One of the emails I received in response to my last blog was from someone who runs a PR company, which helped to launch a major black TV network here in the UK. He was also fed up with the present situation here and the activities of film distributors who have also tried disrespectful things with his company, so we have decided to meet to discuss a possible way forward that will be beneficial to both our companies and the future of black run PR companies.

We have to stop the rot and learn from all the mistakes made in the past, which mainstream distributors & PR companies prey on – otherwise the next generation will also be chasing their tails, going around in circles and making a pittance for long hours of hard work – Just like some now!

I welcome all communication from my fellow Film Exhibitors/PR personnel to discuss my comments further. 07961 977 749

Help Us Realise Our True Potential

Kush is looking for potential investors interested in investing in Kush for equity/profit share in the business – this will help drive new international development and a new screening platform here in the UK and also other countries we are looking at; bringing the best of independent black films from around the world to international audiences.

This will also help us to delve into film production and the making of our own films, telling our stories as they should be told. We also want to take www.iluvblackfilms.com onto a new worldwide horizon with a redesign, wider range of global home entertainment products and a new marketing strategy.

Every Little Help’s

We are also kindly asking supporters of Kush and black film lovers in general to help us by making a donation of whatever you can to support our work in this economic climate, we do not get any Government funding (and really do not want any, if it is also been used to tell us how to run our business) and I Marlon Palmer has more or less funded Kush out of my own pocket over the years.

With the right investment we can take this film business onto a whole new business level!

Donations can be sent to us via Cheque, Postal Order, Payment directly into our account or use the “Donation “Button below.

Kush Promotions:
HSBC / Sort: 40.06.20 / Account No: 81529846

If you would like to discuss anything please give me a call on: 07961 977 749

The community’s support is always appreciated and most definitely needed – please see it in your heart to support our cause!

Father bless and Thank you for reading.

Marlon Palmer

More to come soon from “Diary Of A Tired Black Film Promoter” – my new book! lol!

(*Image credit: Photography by Erin Patrice O’Brien)

New “Carib Theatre & Kush Film Club – Do Something Different!

Kush the originators of the film club format – brings to you a new season of the best INDEPENDENT black films from the Caribbean, US, UK & Africa, along with Guest Performances, Great Music, After-parties, Debates, Q&A’s, DVD Giveaways and a lot more!

The All-New Carib Theatre & Kush Film Club

New Venue – New Films – New Direction………….

FREE FILM – ENJOY THE FIRST WEEK FOR FREE!

Tuesday 3rd Aug 2010

Come & Enjoy our special screening of an audience favourite!
(More info call 07961 977 749)

But ssshh! Its a secret (spies are watching)

Plus Poet
“Cezanne”
Cezanne

Starting next week Tuesday 3^rd Aug 2010 (fortnightly)
Doors open: 7:30 pm / Film starts: 8:30 pm (have a meal prior to films)
Admission: FREE (6 mth membership £10 – see note below)
Venue: Manor Club, 277 Seven Sisters Rd, London, N4 2DE

All we ask this first week is you make a reasonable donation to the work Kush does – its up to you and your conscience (in the past we have done this and some have disrespected it – pls don’t be like them – I will be checking anyway lol!)!

(For all future screenings there will be a one-off £10 Membership/Administration charge covering a 6-month period, which will contribute to our marketing and administration costs. After this there will be a £10 entry fee to all screenings except our occasional complimentary FREE screenings. Your £10 membership fee will also entitle you to: priority entry & seating at all Kush events, Free DVD’s, CD’s and other free tickets/gifts from partner organisations – Membership must be renewed every 6 months).

All attendee’s must show ID and sign our Membership book before entry to venue!

*Help us pack this venue out regularly & we move to a Thursday night!

All taking place at the plush nightclub “The Manor Club”
3 large projection screens / 2 large TV’s and a VIP section

As well as a great selection of Caribbean films there will be our usual UK & US indie films, alternating fortnightly!

Choose from action films for the guys, music documentaries for music lovers, Jamaican comedy for all, drama & romantic comedies for the ladies; Yes, we have a little something for everyone!

*Help us pack this venue out regularly & we move to a Thursday night!

Look out for
Special Exclusive Weekly Screenings of
The hit 12-part Jamaican comedy series:
“Me & Me Kru”
(Showing weekly)
Starring: Benzly Hype & The Innocent Crew, Vaz Blackwood, Professor Nuts, Spragga Benz, Sly & Robbie & Audrey Reid

£10 admission

Doors open: 7:30 pm / Film start: 8.30 pm
Music: 10.30 pm – 12.00 pm (on particular night)

Get VIP status for 20 friends & yourself with your own private Screen,
20 piece chicken platter & Champagne.

Also come along and try out the many different flavoured chicken wings from
“The Manor House Of Wings”

Call: 07961 977 749

The Manor Club
Manorclub1

Manorclub3

(Nearest tube: Manor House – Piccadilly Line /

Buses: 279, 259, 141, 341, 29, 253, & 254)

Buy your favourite DVD films from

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Black People Are Dumb??? – Enter The Lions Gate!

Thank you to all those positive minded brothers & sisters who sent me positively uplifting & concerned responses in regards to this contentious issue – if only we as a people could come together with a united voice we would surely make a difference and bring about change in UK society…….as they say the time is now!

Anyway!

Yes folks; my third instalment of the “Lions Gate Watch” is coming soon!
This is where I reveal the inside happenings of the film industry and how mainstream film distribution companies like Lions Gate Films are deceptively using smaller black film Exhibition and PR companies to promote their films on the cheap………….

The TRUTH is finally out there………Yes they did ask me to write two proposals, then they belatedly apologised and stated they weren’t going to use anything in the proposals, even though they liked the strategies.

Then I find out another media company working for Lions Gate has been approaching ethnic-minority companies listed in my proposals like “Colourful Radio”, whom I had already warned to look out for approaches from Lions Gate – Remember these are companies Lions Gate Films marketing team knew nothing about before receiving my proposals, that was so evident in our face-to-face meeting prior to me writing my proposals!

In essence, isn’t what they are doing intellectual property theft?????

Film distributors always never have any kind of decent budget to promote black films, their famous & consistent words are“ We haven’t got much of a budget”, but yet they always want maximum profits from our community…….. What do we really get out of it??????

Should we call for a boycott of the soon to be released Tyler Perry films?????
(What do you think???)
Diary Of A Tired Black Woman / Why Did We Get Married / Madea’s Family Reunion & Why Did We Get Married Too

I will tell you how I plan to fight this and have already taken steps to stop this disrespectful behaviour towards long established black films promoters.

Food for thought – more coming this week!

Marlon Palmer

Voluntary Staff – Needed To Help Out At The Kush Film Club

Kush is looking for voluntary members of staff to assist at Kush Film Club Screenings currently taking place at The Manor Club, 277 Seven Sisters rd, London, N4 2DE.

We are looking for confident, outgoing, professional young people to fill these positions:

2x Customers Service Personnel (ushering / mailing lists, customer queries etc).

Event Organiser / Team Leader (take lead in implementing new ideas, manage events).

Host (host film club – introduce films & other activities / conduct Q &A’s).

These will lead to paid positions once applicants have proved their competence & reliability over a 6-month period) and the film club is financially viable.

There will also be lots of others benefits like; Event Organising, Build a strong International film industry contacts lists, Learn the art of film exhibition, Meet celebrities, Bring independent black films to new audiences, Using film to engage & educate other young people within the local community. Gain a basic foundation in Film Marketing & PR, Learn the pitfalls of the UK film industry plus lots more.

It is hoped that we can encourage and train more young people to get into the field of Film Marketing & Exhibition and some of these will eventually take over the running of the Kush Film Club or start new branches themselves stemming from the foundations we have laid over the last 12 years.

Its time for a new generation to take over!

All interested parties please call: 07961 977 749

Thank you

Marlon Blog’s – July 2010

why_did_i_get_married

Happy Summer everyone, I hope its hot enough for ya!,
I would like to apologies for my lengthy absence in writing a new blog.

2010 has been a very trying year for me with serious thoughts of getting out of the UK and seeking pastures anew, I have finally made up my mind I do need a new challenge in my life and would like to see what opportunities are available to me elsewhere.

I can only see things getting worse economically here in the UK; especially within the black community as a whole. But that’s not the main reason for wanting to be away from the UK for most of the year, I mainly want to be able to help and provide a service to others elsewhere and right now Africa is very appealing to me – where in Africa is another story – I have decided to let “The Almighty Father” guide me.

All I know is I am out of here in 2011 on a new adventure in life, making the most of the life I have left; whatever that may be?

I don’t believe I will be missing much here anyway, it almost feels like I have done it all here, plus there is no steady work, with hardly any new black films been released here anymore. Also the industry is now totally fragmented with no big support or comradeship amongst other fellow black film organisations – To me things are worse now for black film organisations & filmmakers than when I first started in 1998 (anyone says anything else is having delusions).

This is mainly why I haven’t written a blog over the last 2 months plus I have been dedicating time to sorting out my own personal life. Something I haven’t done over the last 12 years, since I started Kush.

Strangely enough the releasing of new black films has suddenly changed for the better over the last 6 months, well; basically from the beginning of this year with the release of the film “Precious”. It didn’t appear as if there would be a sustained flow of new films releases especially since over the last 4-years we have had about 1 new black film release per year, I mean mainstream American black films.

Maybe it was myself not doing the research and probably giving up hope that things would improve; but all of a sudden there has been a rush of new black films, which just suddenly started to be released all starting with Chris Rock’s new film “Death at a Funeral” which followed the earlier release of his comedy documentary “Good Hair, which was first seen in 2009 but just fully released in 2010.

All of a sudden we now have a spate of releases with “Our Family Wedding” and the new Queen Latifah & Common release “Just Wright”, due to be released here shortly.

With these few releases things are looking a bit better, but I have to regress a little, to be able to bring you some GREAT NEWS!

In May of this year I was astonished to belatedly hear that the man himself Mr. Tyler Perry would be here in the UK for the first time with star Janet Jackson at the Brixton Ritzy for a special screening of his new film “Why Did We Get Married Too”.

Mr. Perry was quietly flown in for an undercover press screening of his new film and seating was allocated in short notice, disqualifying most of his true fans from attending the screening and even been aware that the man was going to be here in the UK. Over a couple of days prior to the event the news spread fast but by then all the tickets for the event had gone and seemed to be only given to a lucky few who probably worked for certain companies involved in the marketing-promotion of the event alongside mainstream press.

You know I was vexed, and I mean vex (Jamaican style). For the last 4 years I have been doing everything I can get to get the Tyler Perry bandwagon here in the UK, The man, his films, his plays; the whole lot. I wrote to his distributors on a number of occasions, when I had no luck with that I wrote to his American publicist, I left long letters on the Tyler Perry website and I called his studios in America. The only thing left was for me to go and camp outside his studios and jump on the bonnet of his car as it whizzed out of the studio gates. lol!”

Anyway it looks like my persistence (as usual) has paid off and The Almighty Father must have been watching me – because a few weeks after Tyler Perry 1^st coming to the UK I received an email from his distributors who must have remembered the guy causing a nuisance writing them letters over the last 4 years, they invited me to come along to a meeting to discuss the much anticipated release of the Tyler Perry films and brand here in the UK.

All I can say is; you will all soon be able to enjoy viewing and buying Tyler Perry releases here in the UK, as of August 2010. I can tell you “Diary Of A Mad Black Woman, Why Did We Get Married & Madea’s Family Reunion” will be released here just in time for carnival (August 23^rd) along with the theatrical (cinema) release of “Why Did We Get Married Too” (September 3^rd).

I hope to be bringing to you an exclusive screening of “Why Did We Get Married Too” and also enable you to buy the DVD releases through our website www.iluvblackfilms.com

Your comments would be appreciated – because as I see it this is surely good news and I would like your feedback, which I will pas onto to the film company – for them to see the level of demand here for Tyler Perry films. .

I can only hope and pray that more quality black films are now going to be released here as they were last back in 2005.

Thanks for listening and listen-up for more news coming soon.

Marlon Palmer
9/7/10

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Important Film – Tues 25th May – In The Land Of The Free!

In association with
www.blackhistorywalks.co.uk

Presents an exclusive screening of

In The Land Of The Free
+ interview with Vadim Jean (Director)

Tuesday 25th May (7.30pm / 8.00pm start)@ The West Green Cinema, Parkview Academy, West Green Road, London, N15 3RB (Nearest landmarks: Blackboy Lane & Downhills park)

Tickets: £6 (You can buy in advance / inc £1.25 booking fee)

Ticket Allocation

In the Land of the Free… is a documentary feature that examines the story of Herman Wallace, Albert Woodfox and Robert King. They are known as the Angola 3 and have spent almost a century between them in solitary confinement in Angola, the Louisiana State Penitentiary in the USA. Herman and Albert are still held in solitary confinement after thirty seven years.

How could this be? In Obama’s America. Today.

Watch The Trailer:

The “Angola 3”: Herman Wallace, Albert Woodfox and Robert King, have spent almost a century between them in solitary confinement in Angola, the Louisiana State Penitentiary. Herman and Albert are still held in solitary confinement TODAY after thirty seven years.

How could this be? In America… In Obama’s America??

There was no physical evidence against them. The main eye witness was bribed and promised his freedom by the warden in exchange for testifying and another key witness was a legally blind, mentally retarded sociopath.
A bloody fingerprint from the scene was shown not to belong to Herman or Albert and yet never tested against the rest of the prison population.

One man understands their plight more than any other. Robert King, also an active member of the BPP, was also held in solitary at Angola under investigation for involvement in the same Miller murder… even though he wasn’t even in the prison when it happened. The prison authorities used this as their reason for keeping him in solitary confinement for 29 years. He was subsequently accused of the murder of another prisoner in Angola, again convicted by an all white jury on the evidence of unreliable witnesses who all subsequently recanted, before his conviction was overturned in 2001. Since then he’s worked tirelessly all over the world to help bring justice for Herman and Albert.

Robert King came to London in March 2010 to launch the film. Before touring the UK to promote the cause of the Angola 3.The film is directed by Vadim Jean (Leon the Pig Farmer, Terry Pratchett’s Hogfather) produced by the Mob film company (Terry Pratchett’s Colour of Magic, Stone of Destiny) Gold Circle Films (My Big Fat Greek Wedding, White Noise, A Haunting in Connecticut) and UKTV’s Yesterday films.

The formidable Angola Prison

Support the cause -- Say Kush!

Further information can also be found at:
www.inthelandofthefreefilm.co.uk

Inthelandofthefree9 In the Land of the Free… is a documentary feature narrated by Samuel L Jackson that examines the story of these 3 extraordinary men who claim to have been targeted by the prison authorities for being members of the Black Panther party because they fought against the terrible conditions and systematic sexual slavery that was rife in the prison. Herman and Albert were subsequently convicted for the murder of a prison guard, Brent Miller.

SUS – New British Movie In Cinema’s Now!

www.susthemovie.com

SUS

Starring: Clint Dyer, Ralph Brown, Rafe Spall
Directed by: Robert Heath

SUS – THE MOVIE THAT HAS EVERYONE THINKING!

Election Night 1979: Margaret Thatcher is about to come into power.

A young black man is held on suspicion of murdering his pregnant wife. Officers Karn and Wilby, racist to the core and high on the prospect of a Conservative Party victory, try to lure the suspect into a quick confession. But the night has just begun…

Written by Barrie Keefe, who was behind the British classic The Long Good Friday, SUS is an emotionally charged and incredibly tense crime drama that serves as a powerful outcry against past institutional racism. But in the age of counter-terrorism SUS also begs the question: has history caught up with us?

www.susthemovie.com

Support British Independent Films!

WATCH THE TRAILER

Brooklyn’s Finest – Mr. Snipes is Back in a enthralling new film!

BrooklynsFinest_Gere BrooklynsFinest_Cheadle BrooklynsFinest_Wesley_cheadle

It’s good to see Wesley Snipes back in the unbelievable new cop film “Brooklyn’s Finest”.

Also starring Ethan Hawke, Don Cheadle and veteran actor Richard Gere; with superb performances from all. This is a must-see-film!

We won’t give the plot away but even with all the other previous cop films, this films stands out; if not only for the great performances from a great line-up of actors, the seamless entwining of numerous stories, reminiscent of the film “Crash” and the never ending decent into darkness and redemption.

Directed by Antoine Fuqua (TRAINING DAY).

Could be a future classic! Make sure to go and see it on 9^th June upon release.

Marlon

BROOKLYN’S FINEST (18)
DON CHEADLE, RICHARD GERE and ETHAN HAWKE are BROOKLYN’S FINEST. This gritty urban thriller follows three doomed New York police officers, each trying to overcome their own demons whilst working in the city’s most dangerous precinct run by ruthless drug-running gangsters.

Detective Salvatore “Sal” Procida (HAWKE), desperate for money to feed and house his rapidly growing family, has started pocketing the money left on the table during drug raids. Deeply religious, he finds that he’s in the bad place of trying to reconcile his misdeeds with his needs. The mold in the walls of his home is making his wife (LILI TAYLOR) ill and endangering the life of his unborn twins. And the down payment on his coveted new, bigger house is past due.

Officer Eddie Dugan (GERE) is a week from retirement after twenty-two years of less-than-exemplary service to the force when he’s assigned to oversee rookies in the tough neighborhoods. His life in shambles, Eddie is barely hanging on, swilling whiskey in the morning to get out of bed. His only friend is a prostitute he frequents.

Detective Clarence “Tango” Butler (CHEADLE) is an undercover cop working the drug beat. Losing his identity and begging for a promotion and a desk job, he’s finally offered a way out but it means betraying close friend and known gangster, Caz (WESLEY SNIPES).

Eddie, Sal and Tango are never destined to meet until an organised drug raid leads them to the same fatal crime scene.

IN CINEMA’S 9TH JUNE 2010

Watch the Trailer

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Marlon’s Blog part 2 – The Lions Gate Watch

The “Lions Gate” Watch

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Every Little Help’s

New “Carib Theatre & Kush Film Club – Do Something Different!

Black People Are Dumb??? – Enter The Lions Gate!

Voluntary Staff – Needed To Help Out At The Kush Film Club

Marlon Blog’s – July 2010

Important Film – Tues 25th May – In The Land Of The Free!

SUS – New British Movie In Cinema’s Now!

Brooklyn’s Finest – Mr. Snipes is Back in a enthralling new film!

BUY DVDs FROM THE KUSH ONLINE STORE

The Seven Spiritual Laws Of Success - Deepak Chopra

Before You Do

Man In the Mirror

The First Black Britons

Rebel Music - Bob Marley

Life & Debt

Def Jam Comedy Vol 1-12