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 [...]]]>

 
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)
 

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”? 

Tuesday 31^st August
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  

 Get Your Tickets Now!

UK Exclusive
Thursday 16^th September
See Dick Run (12)
  

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 

* Special Guest Host & Comedy from the outrageous “Felix Dexter”
 

(Felix has appeared in: The Real Mc Coy, The Fast Show, Knowing Me Knowing You with Alan Partridge, Have I Got News For You, The Lenny Henry Show)

Watch The Trailer

Big UK Exclusive
Thursday 30th September plus October 7th, 14^th, 21st & Nov 4^th
Me & Mi Kru (12) (12-part Jamaican comedy series)
 

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

Thursday 7^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 /  
  

Thursday 14th October
Heartland Reggae – AKA One Love Peace Concert (tbc)
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 

Thursday 21st 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

Sunday 17^th October
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
  

Sunday 31st October
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. 

www.soulmatefilm.com

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  

Thursday 11^th November
Cover (15) (tbc)
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! 

Sunday 14^th November
Rebound – The Legend of Earl ‘The Goat’ Manigault (15)
 

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 /
 

Carib Theatre – Special Double Bill  

Thursday 18^th November
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 
  

Thursday 25th November
 SUS

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? 

Starring Clint Dyer, Ralph Brown, Rafe Spall, Anjela Lauren Smith
Directed by Robert Heath
2009 /UK / 96 mins 

Other Important Dates: 

Thursday 9^th December (film tbc)
Thursday 23^rd December (Xmas Special – film tbc)
Thursday 30^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) - Plus Q&A with star Wil Johnson (Date tbc)
 

“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 

 
*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

  

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 [...]]]>

We would like to THANK these people who have proved themselves as leaders in our community – Thanks for supporting financially! God Bless!
Ms. P. Brown
Mr. J. Edgar
Ms. Petra Bernard

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! 

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!

Diary Of A Tired Black Film Promoter – Continued

Greetings & Good Day My Friends, Supporters & Patrons.

I hope at this moment life for you feel’s good and your eyes are set firmly on your goals and objectives!

As some of you will know I have recently been venting my frustrations at Lions [...]]]>

The “Lions Gate” Watch

Diary Of A Tired Black Film Promoter – Continued

Greetings & Good Day My Friends, Supporters & Patrons.

I hope at this moment life for you feel’s good and your eyes are set firmly on your goals and objectives!

As some of you will know I have recently been venting my frustrations at Lions Gate Films (who are releasing the Tyler Perry films here in the UK) and the industry as a whole regarding the lack of opportunities and fair treatment for black led companies in the UK’s film industry.

Well, I can now inform you that after my initial consternation regarding Lions Gate Films the big CEO and Mr. Christopher Bailey (head of Theatrical) have heard my cry out and responded favourably to a direct letter sent to the CEO (if you want results you go to the top).  

They also saw my complaints on the website and have made good and remunerated me for my submitted proposals and addressed the confusion I encountered when dealing with their marketing team. 

And as the professional and fair people the management are, they have also granted Kush the permission to screen the Tyler Perry film “Madea’s Family Reunion” on Sunday 19^th September (5.00 pm).

In regards to supporting the Tyler Perry releases on DVD and at the cinema, as you already know we have waited a long time for these titles to be released here in the UK, finally they are here and I hope you all put your hands in your pockets and purses and financially support the UK release of these films. This will in return encourage Lions Gate Films UK to release all the other Tyler Perry films here in the UK, especially as they have already done so well on release in the US.

As they say: All’s well, that ends well!

The All-New Carib Theatre & Kush Film Club

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”

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

(Nearest tube: Manor House – Piccadilly Line /

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

 
Buy your favourite DVD films from

Doors open at 7pm. The film will start about 7.15pm. Normal prices, which hasn’t increased since we started 4 years ago!   The film raises some important questions especially in the present climate of cuts, cuts, [...]]]> Just a quick reminder that HIC are showing Michael Moore’s excellent film – “Capitalism – A Love Story” this Thursday. That’s THURSDAY 9th SEPTEMBER. 

Doors open at 7pm. The film will start about 7.15pm. Normal prices, which hasn’t increased since we started 4 years ago!
 
The film raises some important questions especially in the present climate of cuts, cuts, cuts, as well as being just a bloody good film. We have booked the venue for a little longer this month, so we have a space for discussion / questions and answer session afterwards. We will have a few questions ourselves for people to look at before the film, to get us all thinking about the issue and what (if anything) we would like to discuss at the end.
 
For anybody who hasn’t been before, these discussions are very relaxed, and you don’t have to say anything unless you want to. In fact, if you want, you don’t have to stay for this part of the evening. But most people do as it’s interesting hearing what other people feel about the film and the issues raised.
 
So, hopefully see loads of you there this Thursday – especially as it’s our first film since July, so you must all be dying to get out the house and to the HIC cinema again!!!
 
Details of venue and other information is on our website (www.haringey.org.uk/hic/)

CAPITALISM: A LOVE STORY
2009, USA, 127 MINS. DIRECTOR, MICHAEL MOORE

Humanity will not be happy until the last bureaucrat is hung with the guts of the last capitalist. Situationist Slogan, Paris, 1968.

The depths to which the venal running dogs of capitalism will sink in the quest for profit and ‘growth’ are almost beyond parody. The total corruption of greedy bankers, corporations and mercenary politicians and the system they represent, has become so commonplace that it is difficult to be shocked anymore. Even so, in “Capitalism: A Love Story” Michael Moore manages to pull back the curtain even further on this sordid (ongoing) episode in human history to reveal the insidious role it has played in the destruction of peoples lives, communities and environments.

A relatively few rich bankers, bosses and politicians have made a global economic and environmental mess and now the many are being asked to pick up the bill via cuts in education, health-care provision, social housing, social services and jobs. The film does however, highlight the common-sense benefits of workers co-operatives that possibly point to a more hopeful future – the long overdue collectivisation of industry and land anybody?

Make A Film In [...]]]> Making Movies Film Festival

Make A Film In A Day

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 [...]]]>

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     

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 [...]]]>

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

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 [...]]]> 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

1 Ticket £7.25 2 Tickets £14.50 3 Tickets £21.75 4 Tickets £29.00

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:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=8U5JMs0LvBo

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    

 

 

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.