Malcolm's 88th Birthday

Come out and Celebrate on Sunday, May19th

IMPACT for Living Legendz!

WOW Last Saturday we met up with Carlton from IMPACT and the talented cast of IMPACT! It was FIERCE the performance and the back stories. We met this wonderful young lady who had Lupus and she will be having a fundraiser this Saturday at the Dwyer Cultural Center. We will definitely be on  board to support this sistah.  The IMPACT REP THEATER will be performing on Malcolm X birthday at the Shabazz Center on May 19th in part of our program "Malcolm's Next Step bringing back consciousness"  they will be featured in the upcoming film.

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Living Legendz dates

Living Legendz 

Community Engagements

Filmstress Filmz is proud to announce our spring engagements.

May 19th we will be screening our trailer and participate on a panel discussion entitled 

"Malcolm's Next Step Bringing Consciousness 

Back"

Malcolm X and Dr. Betty Shabazz Center

Sunday, May 19th

3340 Broadway

New York, NY 10032

5 - 7:30 p.m.

Living Legendz Fundraiser

National Black Theater

Thursday, June 6th

2031 Fifth Avenue

New York, NY 10035

7:00 - 10:00 p.m.

For more information check out the website

www.Filmstress.com

Shabazz Center

Last Saturday the crew from Filmstress International went to the Shabazz Center and met Malcolm's daughters. We supported a function they had on health and were impressed on the space and the people we met there. Not only did they like our agenda to have a forum entitled Malcolm The next step bringing conscious back but advised us to email them what we would like to do on Malcolm's birthday at the Shabazz Center.  We were so honored that the daughter we spoke to gave us time to speak with her more less was interested in collaborating on such an event.

Photography by Najmah53

We left that event on Saturday and went to Manhattan Neighborhood Network and I taped a show with Dietra Kelsey from the Sistah Talk TV show.  It was my first time visiting the studio on 103rd and the staff was friendly.  We got there 5 minutes before aire time but we made it, James and Jane were great they worked that show liked pros.
From there we went and met Dune and he was happy to hear the good news on what we had accomplished already for the tribute too Malcolm and also the Last Poets.  After our visit we went to the National Black Theater and supported one of Dune's friends who was in prison that was having a fundraiser upstairs.  I was feeling sick and had to leave unfortunately I missed my blogtalk radio show with Janice that night I slept right through it with my fever.  I stayed in bed till yesterday and  finally got the strength to return to the real world.  
We want to say thank you to all the folks who kept donating online on Indiegogo for the film we truly appreciate it.  We will continue to keep our fans proud of the work we are doing.

Donate here

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My three wise men!

I have been raising money on the Indiegogo campaign since last week and I am so proud of the folks that have come forward to donate what they had.  Some folks have reached out to do interviews on the film and some folks have sat by silently hating.  I look forward to shooting in May and have folks on board that will be interviewed such as Jessica Care Moore who agreed to be interviewed for the film.  Jessica is a warm hearted Sistah who is originally from Detroit and her comments will be absolutely valuable to show my audience.  How Abiodun has made a positive impact on this woman is outstanding already have some footage of this beautiful Sistah at Abiodun's Tribute at the National Black Theater in 2011.  To find out more about this phenomenal Sistah click here.

JessicaCaremoore

Jessica Care Moore

  Ever since my mentor Jamal Joseph challenged me on the hook, I have been racking my mind on what will draw people to come see a historical film about our elders. 

Securing on camera interviews is truly a challenge so many folks have their hand out like I have  a million dollar budget.  Now worries because where there is a will there is a way.  

Still trying to reach out to Bryonn Bain, Saul Williams and some other folks who are doing great things now. 

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Nicholle La Vann & Jessica Care Moore at Def Poetry Jam

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Why I'm doing Living Legendz!

Many folks ask me on a regular basis why you doing this film Nicky? My answer remains the same each time because it's an honor to document these legends many are not familiar with their contributions. My hopes are to give back to my community by documenting the lives of people who have made a positive influence on African-American culture.  What better gift can we give our sons and daughters than examples of people from their own community who have paved the way.  Some folks say why? Nobody really cares anymore it's not 1970 move on.  True, it might not be 1970's but the same issues still plague us racism, prejudice, injustice and poor education. In order to move forward we must know our past that is what I have always learned.  It think it is truly an honor to highlight the lives of Dr. Leonard Jeffries, Abiodun Oyewole and Jamal Joseph.

Thanks to all of you that are supporting me on this journey as I document our legendz.

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Finding the hook...

Yesterday my AP and I visited my mentor Jamal Joseph so we could touch base with the project.  It was a great meeting, my mentor challenged me to re-examine my hook. What is going to keep people tuned in to want to watch this documentary about these three men. I thought to myself well of course the music is going to be over the top. Then as I have experienced to keep interviewing asking questions that will lead me to the meat.  My vision was to edit a discussion between them and explore the story of their lives having them come together around this discussion. 

I didn't realize that Jamal was 12 when Malcolm died, I thought he was older.  The conversation was inspiring because Jamal really hit the key points of what my audience will be looking for.  As usual I thought I had it figured out.  I was truly grateful for the brutha's time since I know he had a lot of responsibility viewing films during the spring recess.  So my homework is to revamp my hook and concentrate on how I am going to implement that into the film.

Overall folks we are coming along still raising money on indiegogo and still plugging to get the word out on the film.  Feel free to donate and check in we are working on a great historical film and need your support.

Donate Today

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Jing...Well

Today's Knowledge

"A village can be changed and the people can move away, but a well cannot be changed or moved, it remains the same.  When water is drawn from a well, the bucket or jar must be raised from the bottom in such a way that it doesn't hit against the sides of the well.  Otherwise, the bucket or jar may be broken and the goal remain unachieved."

We are excited today to meet with Jamal Joseph and get some feedback on our progress with research and development.  

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Fundraising 101

Fundraising has to be the most nerve wrecking responsibility in the world. I have been putting my hand to the plow in different fundraising techniques from having a talent show, to now being on Indiegogo encouraging folks to donate to our campaign.  I believe it takes a certain kind of strength to ask and get money from strangers not to mention folks you know.  For a week now I posted for people to donate on facebook and unfortunately folks don't donate they just like the page. Come on people is what I want to scream this is our history!
My next attenpt is ask for a donation through all the emails and send out an email to at last thirty people asking for support for the project not including other big potential investors. I'm ready to ask ellen (TV SHOW) since she gives a lot of money away on her show if she can assist.
It seems like my crew keeps falling short of responsibilities that they are tasked to handle.  I am thoroughly aggravated about folks attitude about the project. Actions speak louder than words and I always give folks room to hang themselves.   It has finally come to a head that some people just need to go back to their hole and stay there because they are dragging me down and having me fall behind schedule when they decide not to do their part.
Tomorrow I am meeting with Jamal Joseph and pretty excited about that meeting. I will be giving him the up-to-date status of the project and what goals we have next to tackle. I really feel all alone out here with no help, like I'm swimming in place.  Not sure if I should stop go find a job and pay for the crew myself.  Just frustrated with folks with the same old bullshyt story I'm gonna help and they never follow through always an excuse.


My goals are to mainatin a positive attitude even when folks let you down. I know at the end of the day my name is on this project and I have to put my best foot forward.
Today is a great day and I will continue to have faith my ancestors aren't gonna let me down!

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Malcolm The Next Step, Bringing Conscious Back

This year will be the 48th year of the passing of Malcolm X and Last Poets 45th Anniversary!

I have been moved this year to want to pay homage to Malcolm and the Last Poets because I think we should re-examine what the next step was if Malcolm was living for people of color.  Many of our youth are infected with the illusion that its all about the benjamins which really points towards an individualized way of thinking.  Dr. Jeffries has pointed out out on many occasions that its a western way of thinking and that we as Black people have to think collectively as a community.  I strongly believe that Dr. Jeffries has a good point because as I interact with the youth that is their main ideology of thinking.  How much money and materialistic shyt can I obtain to let folks know I have arrived. I ask them over and over arrived at what?  Even my own Sun, Versace is smitten by this same type of propaganda which I will challenge everyday of my life till he gets it.

My friends and colleagues also believe that there should be some type of panel discussion around the issue of what do we now as people of color? How do we move forward and progress and leave all the stigmas behind.  What is our responsibility to our community? How do we survive in a failing economy? 

I think most folks who want change have the issue of how do we make money in our community and also be conscious. How does the revolution put food on my table? That is a great question.

I think what people fail to realize is that they can't conquer without having a plan and a team.  I believe that in the 70's made the LAST POETS so strong is that had a voice that encouraged people to think and be unique to think outside of the box.  They were revolutionaries by using their voice and music to inspire and get the message out there for revolution.  The issue today is what revolution are we fighting is the 99% occupy against corporate banks, is it against the NRA for gun control?   It seems to me we have so many issues but if we go back in history just thirty years back they had a reason for revolution. Where did Malcolm leave off? Can we as a community pick up where Malcolm left off?

"Usually when people are sad, they don't do anything.  They just cry over their condition. But when they get angry, they bring about change".                                                   Malcolm X, Malcom X Speaks 1965

The LAST POETS featuring Bootsy Collins

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Indiegogo Today!

We will finally go live today on our Indiegogo campaign. Yes, all of you who have been wanting to support can now do so by making a generous contribution to our campaign.  Please feel free to review our trailer and comment we look forward to hearing back from folks on our progress and what they would like to see.

Please feel free to review our trailer we are 

still in research and development.

Photography by Go Ikemoto

It was brick cold last week as we taped interviews on 125th street in Harlem. Posing the question had they heard of our subjects and if so what did they remember.  Many of them did not know and some of them knew just one person we were talking about but didn't know the rest. I had to educate a few people on Jamal Joseph and Dr. Jeffries but it was okay that is the purpose of the documentary is to educate and inspire action for change.

Click Link below to donate

DONATE TO LIVING LEGENDZ

We are excited and look forward from the generous support from you.  Remember all donations are tax deductible from the IRS.  Thanks so much in advance we are so excited to start this rich historical documentary that can be utilized by our children and our children's children for years to come.

Thank you so much for your support!

Happy New Year

"Living Legendz"  wants to wish everyone a Happy New Year!

As every season has it's time and then it's gone, so do people who come in and out of our lives.  Be productive and kind remember Karma has no deadline! 

We have had our ups and downs with fundraising but we are not giving up on this film series. The series  needs to be broadcasted and educate all minds seeking truth and knowledge of history.

Be safe have a wonderful New Year and be safe.

Jamal Joseph is home on bed rest please keep him in your prayers!

If you would like to make a New Years donation to our campaign please feel free to make a tax deductible donation.

                                     Make a Donation

Thank you for your support!

Sinbad supports "Living Legendz"

A few weeks ago we filmed Jamal Joseph and Sinbad was was t the IMPACT rehearsal.  Meeting Sinbad was an honor he had positive words and gave us support on camera to help us raise money for the film series.

Today is one of our first fundraisers at The Nuyorican Poets Cafe. There were many people that stated they would help with getting the word out. We will see tonight if the word was spread. It was extremely challenging with a shoe string budget to get people to volunteer and commit. 

Now that the day is here I will see who the people are that were sincere and committed about this project.  It would be awesome to get a company to sponsor the project so we can concentrate on filming this spectacular series that will enlighten and inspire others to come.

Living Legendz new AD

"Living Legendz" is proud to announce we have a new 

Assistant Director on board.

We welcome Kwasi Akyeampong!

Kwasi graduated with his Master of Arts from 

Columbia College in Los Angeles, California

“Kwasi is an exemplary writer, editor and communicator. His commitment is matched by his skillset. Working with him has been enjoyable and Enlightening, as he is always ready to lend a hand or an idea.

Kwasi is an asset to whatever he commits himself to; Which is why I can recommend him in total confidence.

A.M. Auset Ph.D” September 29, 2011

2^nd RE Ausetkmt, Station Owner; Broadcast Journalist, BadGalsRadio
was with another company when working with (TheBlackList) Kwasi at TheBlackList.net

IMPACT Inspiration

Voz Rivers, myself, Sinbad and Jamal Joseph

Well, folks "Living Legendz" is coming along just loved the inspiration from these Bruthas. 

It was truly an inspirational Saturday and the kids that rehearsed were dynamic. 

The preliminary interview was outstanding with Jamal he spoke about his past being a Panther 21 and his greatest joy IMPACT theatre that he started with Voz Rivers.  Just positive energy and just really happy I am on the right path by honoring these individuals.  Happy Birthday shout out to Joyce Joseph whose birthday was on Saturday. 

IMPACT Theatre are the best! They rock and it was a blessing to take a picture with these wonderful inspirational youth. Just to see the effects of Jamal on the community were amazing.

You can see the work in progress video at either of the film fundraisers.

Wednesday, December 19th, 2012

7 - 9 P.M.

Tickets

Featured artists coming to give a show for the benefit include

Jaylene Clark, Ngoma, Rainmaker and Baba Wesley and many others.  Featuring a special performance by legendary "Last Poet" 

Abiodun Oyewole.

Come support a dynamic independent film series that highlights the lives of icons that have made contributions through their life work to better the world.  

Thursday, December 20th, 2012

8 - 10 P.M.

The National Black Theatre

Tickets

As an independent filmmaker it is a challenge to raise money through community efforts. Please come show your support. If you would like to make a tax deductible donation please feel free.

Donate

Updates of Living Legendz

Hey Folks! If your keeping up with what we are doing you know I am working around the clock to make this film happen. From writing grants to earning money to get postcards and posters done.  I am so excited that we are having this fundraiser in a few weeks but know there will be some folks who can't make it to the film fundraiser. We want everyone that believes in our project to be a part by donating services, materials or financial assistance.  Please feel free to make a donation that is tax deductible at the link below.

It is an eternal law of the universe that everything, when it reaches its maximum potential, turns towards its opposite. Knowing this law, the superior person provides for a time of decrease in times of prosperity. He builds himself up during times of good health and so prepares against a time of illness. He takes precautions in times of safety that protect him in times of danger. He thinks ahead and, in so doing, is prepared. He thereby enjoys a lifetime of good fortune and success.

We are needed

I realized how desperately this documentary is needed, I did a little test. I posted on facebook a picture of Mahalia Jackson. I asked people to name her, one guy said Millie Jackson and a few folks knew the face but couldn't think of the name. Finally a woman posted Mahalia Jackson, I was happy to know someone knew who she was. The young man posted in return she was before his time and I responded she was before mine to. I think some of us take for granted what we know about Black History.
Shortly after that I posted a picture Cesar Chavez and shortly afterwards someone posted his name.  That was good to see that we do have folks that know their history, but an overwhelming amount that do not.

Though this was only a test on Facebook, it is a reality that many grown folk may not even know the men on the flyer.  I know it is critical that we know who these people are that are still living and even when they are gone. History plays an important role in our lives and much of our history has been erased or not even documented.  We have people today walking around aimlessly not knowing who they are or where they come from.  It is my agenda to reach out educate and inspire folks on people who have made it their life to educate, fight for justice or just inspire folks through their poetry.

It may be a long journey but the road is clear that history had been made.  We must all learn the history of our culture so we can pass it to generations to come. If you believe in what I am saying is true please feel free to support our campaign to raise money for this film series. 

Baba Wesley, Ancestrial Drummer (Performing @ both events)

We will be having two fundraisers in New York City this December. We cordially invite you to come share with us the spirit of the remarkable legends. Come see the artists that have come together to support this campaign .

Wednesday, December 19, 2012 @ 

The Nuyorican Poets Cafe at 7 - 9 p.m.

Thursday, December 20, 2012 @ 

The National Black Theater at 8 - 10 p.m.

Submitting for a Fiscal Sponsor

Today we submitted our paperwork for a fiscal sponsor to Fractured Atlas.  

Funny thing is a guy on 125th street Starbucks told us about the organization. It's crazy how you hear about things in a coffee shop, the way the guy talked about it was amazing. Not sure if the guy was an artist and had a great experience but needless to say I think we made the right choice over Women Make Movies.

I am not sure how long it will take them but hopefully it will be in time for our fundraiser. Now have to work on proposal to National Black Consortium and get a press release out by next week.

We haven't started putting together a work-in-progress video yet, still have to finish the Administrative agenda with posters. Once I have that in the can we are ready to get editing what we have already and make a nice trailer.

Keeping everyone posted on our progress as we keep our dream and passion to deliver a documentary series that will change the way African & Latino heritage and make it not just history but with a purpose.

We look forward to making this film come to fruition.

Living Legendz Crew!

December 20th

Designed by Gerry Hunt

We encourage you to get your tickets in advance online 

Thursday, December 20th, 2012

Living Legendz Film Fundraiser

Please join us as we raise money for the documentary series, directed by Nicholle La Vann.

The documentary series will feature Abiodun Oyewole, from the Last Poets, Dr. Leonard Jeffries retired professor of Africana Studies with City University of New York and Jamal Joseph from the Panther 21, author of Panther Baby.

Come join us as artist sponsor the event with talent such as 

Performance Poet 

NGOMA

Spoken Word

Eluhim B. Siddha

Lots of work ahead

"Living Legendz" is a film series of documentaries that explores the lives of African & Latino people who have made contributions to their culture and society which are rarely heard about in mainstream media. Producing autobiographical video essays will encourage students and professors alike the appreciation of history on a new media platform.  

We are in the process of picking a fiscal sponsor for our film series. It looks like Fractured Atlas may be the winner of this because they have a faster turn around then Women Make Movies.  I also have an issue with Women Make Movies because I can remember a while ago while in graduate school how they gave a scholarship to another student in our program that cut corners and hired a professional to shoot her film.  The graduate program at CUNY made the student not graduate when we did, she just walked the stage due she had a lot of time off.  But for WMM to know what she did and still keep the money speaks in volumes to me.  So therefore I am going with Fractured Atlas and see how they work as our fiscal sponsor.  

Ander Kazmerski has come on board as our producer. He use to work with MTV and I believe he is going to make waves in getting this production on it's feet.  Sent him the proposal and he is now working on tightening it up so that Fractured Atlas can review our project.  Working with Dustin McShane as the Editor is going to be awesome he is so skilled at editing and in Premier so that is a plus.  Arzouma Aimé KOMPAORE our graphic designer is awesome he made the poster for the project.  He will also be adding some animation to the project where needed. I want to  give  special thanks to my Sun, Pierre for taking the picture of me it really worked with well on the flyer.

Hopefully we should have the proposal to Fractured Atlas up and ready to go by next week.  It looks like we may have to up the price of the tickets if we go with the fiscal sponsor for obvious reasons they are going to want their percent.  I am sure that will not deter people from coming to the event.

Filmstress...