When Qasim Basir made his 2010 debut feature, “Mooz-lum,” the story of an American Muslim going to college in the wake of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, Facebook changed the trajectory of his filmmaking career.
“It was a very difficult movie to get out,” said Basir. “It wasn’t about terrorism, [but] it still received a great amount of opposition and hate.” He turned to Facebook, writing individually to his followers and asking for help in building awareness. Sharing behind-the-scenes footage and telling his personal story, Basir quickly built a community around his “Mooz-lum” Facebook page.
“We went straight to the people and built a community of 100,000 from around the world, who were literally writing, ‘We want to see this movie in our city,'” said Basir. Running contests on the now-defunct Demandit, where followers’ interest dictated where the film screened, Basir worked with AMC Independent to create his own theatrical release in dozens of cities around the world.
“It was a very difficult movie to get out,” said Basir. “It wasn’t about terrorism, [but] it still received a great amount of opposition and hate.” He turned to Facebook, writing individually to his followers and asking for help in building awareness. Sharing behind-the-scenes footage and telling his personal story, Basir quickly built a community around his “Mooz-lum” Facebook page.
“We went straight to the people and built a community of 100,000 from around the world, who were literally writing, ‘We want to see this movie in our city,'” said Basir. Running contests on the now-defunct Demandit, where followers’ interest dictated where the film screened, Basir worked with AMC Independent to create his own theatrical release in dozens of cities around the world.
- 3/28/2018
- by Chris O'Falt
- Indiewire
Qasim Basir's follow-up to his feature film directorial debut "Mooz-Lum," has officially begun principal photography. In the drama, titled "Destined," a pivotal moment in 13-year-old Rasheed’s life splits off into two possible outcomes: in one, he becomes an up-and-coming architect being used by cynical real estate developers to gentrify and destroy his old neighborhood, and in the other he becomes a powerful drug lord who rules his surroundings but may regret what he’s built. Produced by Tommy Oliver via and his Confluential Films banner ("1982," "Kinyarwanda"), the film stars starring Cory Hardrict, Jesse...
- 11/17/2014
- by Tambay A. Obenson
- ShadowAndAct
The acting dynamo couple of Angela Bassett and Courtney B. Vance have jointly come on board as executive producers on filmmaker and screenwriter Dwayne Johnson-Cochran’s riveting documentary Be Known: The Mystery of Kahil El’Zabar, about the legendary avant garde jazz musician.The film, which was recently screened at the Gene Siskel Film Center in Chicago back in January, and at the American Film Institute in Los Angeles, will have another sneak preview again in Chicago at the DuSable Museum on Saturday May 10, 2014 at 7Pm.Co produced and edited by Christopher Scott Cherot (Hav Plenty, G, Mooz-Lum), the film chronicles the day-by-day, gig–to-gig struggle and harried life of a...
- 5/1/2014
- by Sergio
- ShadowAndAct
Evan Ross, perhaps better known as Diana Ross's son/Ashlee Simpson's current beau, has scored a major franchise role in parts one and two of "The Hunger Games: Mockingjay."
The tweet from Lionsgate was short and sweet:
Evan Ross cast as Messalla in @TheHungerGames: Mockingjay Parts 1&2
- Lionsgate News (@LionsgateNews) August 27, 2013 In case you're not familiar with the ever-growing cast of "Hunger Games" characters, Messalla is part of the TV crew that tags along with Katniss (Jennifer Lawrence) to record Panem's rebellion against the Capitol. Messalla works for Cressida, a TV director who will be played by Natalie Dormer from "Game of Thrones," and they find themselves in the heart of the action as things go boom all over the darn place.
Ross has a number of smaller films under his belt, such as "Mooz-Lum," "Atl," and "Jeff, Who Lives at Home," and he also had a...
The tweet from Lionsgate was short and sweet:
Evan Ross cast as Messalla in @TheHungerGames: Mockingjay Parts 1&2
- Lionsgate News (@LionsgateNews) August 27, 2013 In case you're not familiar with the ever-growing cast of "Hunger Games" characters, Messalla is part of the TV crew that tags along with Katniss (Jennifer Lawrence) to record Panem's rebellion against the Capitol. Messalla works for Cressida, a TV director who will be played by Natalie Dormer from "Game of Thrones," and they find themselves in the heart of the action as things go boom all over the darn place.
Ross has a number of smaller films under his belt, such as "Mooz-Lum," "Atl," and "Jeff, Who Lives at Home," and he also had a...
- 8/28/2013
- by Jenni Miller
- Moviefone
It was almost exactly 1 year ago, when we announced that Qasim Basir (on the heels of the home video release of his feature film directorial debut Mooz-Lum) had officially begun prepping his next film - a drama titled simply Destined. Since then, little has been publicly available about the project, other than a synopsis and early poster art, which were shared on the film's Facebook page last year, with the tagline, "One man. Two stories. One choice that changes everything." Skip ahead a year later to today, as I've learned from both Qasim and Tommy Oliver (the project's producer) that the film has been filling its cast, and is set to begin...
- 11/14/2012
- by Tambay A. Obenson
- ShadowAndAct
In the August issue of Essence, Nia Long says she's not ready for marriage and, adds the mom of two, she doesn't feel any pressure to walk down the aisle.
"Marriage is not a priority for me," the 41-year-old "Mooz-lum" star tells the magazine. "I'm not saying I'll never do it; It's just not where we are as a family."
Long and boyfriend Ime Udoka welcomed son Kez eight months ago. Long is also mom to 10-year-old son Massai.
The one-time "Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" star says she's "never seen a marriage work," but still notes criticism from fans.
"I'll be at home with my man, having a perfectly loving time, and I'll see all these comments on some site about how wrong I am for not being married," she says. "I don't feel less loved or less loving because I'm not married."
"Motherhood is not easy, but it's natural,...
"Marriage is not a priority for me," the 41-year-old "Mooz-lum" star tells the magazine. "I'm not saying I'll never do it; It's just not where we are as a family."
Long and boyfriend Ime Udoka welcomed son Kez eight months ago. Long is also mom to 10-year-old son Massai.
The one-time "Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" star says she's "never seen a marriage work," but still notes criticism from fans.
"I'll be at home with my man, having a perfectly loving time, and I'll see all these comments on some site about how wrong I am for not being married," she says. "I don't feel less loved or less loving because I'm not married."
"Motherhood is not easy, but it's natural,...
- 7/5/2012
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Pop2it
Courtesy Essence
She may be all about the baby carriages, but Nia Long isn’t ready for marriage — and the actress is making no apologies.
Already mom to 10-year-old son Massai, Long and her boyfriend Ime Udoka recently welcomed their first child together — 8-month-old son Kez Sunday — but the proud parents aren’t looking to rush down the aisle any time soon.
“Marriage is not a priority for me. I’m not saying I’ll never do it; It’s just not where we are as a family,” the Mooz-lum star, 41, reveals in the August issue of Essence.
However, although confident in her choices,...
She may be all about the baby carriages, but Nia Long isn’t ready for marriage — and the actress is making no apologies.
Already mom to 10-year-old son Massai, Long and her boyfriend Ime Udoka recently welcomed their first child together — 8-month-old son Kez Sunday — but the proud parents aren’t looking to rush down the aisle any time soon.
“Marriage is not a priority for me. I’m not saying I’ll never do it; It’s just not where we are as a family,” the Mooz-lum star, 41, reveals in the August issue of Essence.
However, although confident in her choices,...
- 7/3/2012
- by Anya
- People - CelebrityBabies
Actress Nia Long has experienced a "rebirth" since becoming a mum again last year, insisting she's the happiest she's ever been.
The Big Momma's House star welcomed her second child, a son named Kez, with her basketball player boyfriend Ime Udoka in November and Long believes motherhood has given her a new lease of life.
She tells TheUrbanDaily.com, "I am the happiest that I've been probably in my life.
"Baby Kez Sunday has given me a bit of a rebirth and it's really nice because I'm able to look at life through his eyes. You have to pay attention to the smallest thing from the birds chirping to the dog barking across the street. These are the things that make the world go around today. When you look at life in its simplest form, stress and worry isn't (sic) the cornerstones of your life. Experiencing life through that lens is refreshing."
Long has been on a career break since wrapping her last project, a 2011 drama called Mooz-lum, and she admits she's in no rush to return to work - but her eldest son Massai has other ideas for his mum.
She says, "My 11-year-old is running the show. He's like 'Mum, when are you making another movie?' I'm a true believer that good work finds you and I hope that I've established enough of a career of myself that when they want Nia Long they'll find Nia Long."
Massai is Long's child from a previous relationship with actor Massai Z. Dorsey.
The Big Momma's House star welcomed her second child, a son named Kez, with her basketball player boyfriend Ime Udoka in November and Long believes motherhood has given her a new lease of life.
She tells TheUrbanDaily.com, "I am the happiest that I've been probably in my life.
"Baby Kez Sunday has given me a bit of a rebirth and it's really nice because I'm able to look at life through his eyes. You have to pay attention to the smallest thing from the birds chirping to the dog barking across the street. These are the things that make the world go around today. When you look at life in its simplest form, stress and worry isn't (sic) the cornerstones of your life. Experiencing life through that lens is refreshing."
Long has been on a career break since wrapping her last project, a 2011 drama called Mooz-lum, and she admits she's in no rush to return to work - but her eldest son Massai has other ideas for his mum.
She says, "My 11-year-old is running the show. He's like 'Mum, when are you making another movie?' I'm a true believer that good work finds you and I hope that I've established enough of a career of myself that when they want Nia Long they'll find Nia Long."
Massai is Long's child from a previous relationship with actor Massai Z. Dorsey.
- 5/10/2012
- WENN
Qasim Basir grew up in a world filled with prejudice. A world where Muslims were victimised and negatively portrayed. The tragic events on September 11, 2001 didn.t exactly help matters either.
.All I ever see in the media or all I have ever seen in the media was this negative portrayal of Muslims in America and around the world,. Basir says to If during a visit to Australia late last year.
.I.ve been around Muslims my whole life . and I.ve never seen the version the media puts out there. It.s not to say that all Muslim people are great because that.s not the case . there are people out there doing some horrible things but it.s a very, very small minority.
.And so I just wanted to put a story out there that showed a more human version of the people . show something more accurate..
To tackle such a subject,...
.All I ever see in the media or all I have ever seen in the media was this negative portrayal of Muslims in America and around the world,. Basir says to If during a visit to Australia late last year.
.I.ve been around Muslims my whole life . and I.ve never seen the version the media puts out there. It.s not to say that all Muslim people are great because that.s not the case . there are people out there doing some horrible things but it.s a very, very small minority.
.And so I just wanted to put a story out there that showed a more human version of the people . show something more accurate..
To tackle such a subject,...
- 2/22/2012
- by Sam Dallas
- IF.com.au
Nearly a full year since its premiere at Sundance, "Dee Rees's funny, moving, nuanced, and impeccably acted first feature" opens in New York and Los Angeles today before rolling out to more cities next month. See the site for cities and dates. That endorsement in quotes, by the way, comes from Melissa Anderson in the Voice: "Like the best films about adolescence, from Truffaut's Antoine Doinel movies to So Yong Kim's In Between Days, Pariah — about one lower-middle-class, African-American, lesbian teen — is a profoundly specific film centering on universal themes: discovering who and what you are drawn to, fighting for autonomy against arbitrary parental rules, or, in this case, tyranny."
David Fear in Time Out New York: "Establishing character, conflict and environment with astounding economy in the film's first ten minutes, Rees demonstrates the sort of filmmaking chops and personal storytelling (the director claims she drew on her...
David Fear in Time Out New York: "Establishing character, conflict and environment with astounding economy in the film's first ten minutes, Rees demonstrates the sort of filmmaking chops and personal storytelling (the director claims she drew on her...
- 12/29/2011
- MUBI
Some how we missed this one…never again my brothers and sisters
Evan Ross is certainly stacking up the acting resume…. his IMDb page lists 4 films in 2010, with another 5 in 2011. How many of those we’ll actually see is another story. He’s been getting a lot of praise for his performance in Qasim Basir’s Mooz-lum, that other little indie black film that could, currently in theaters.
I was just going over the SXSW award winners (literally announced just moments ago), and under the breakthrough performance in a narrative feature category, are 3 names listed; Evan Ross’ is one of them, for a film called 96 Minutes.
I thought we’d previously covered it on this site, but a search revealed otherwise, so I’m taking care of that right now!
And, by the way, David Oyelowo (the man pegged by Lee Daniels to play Mlk in Selma) also co-stars in this film,...
Evan Ross is certainly stacking up the acting resume…. his IMDb page lists 4 films in 2010, with another 5 in 2011. How many of those we’ll actually see is another story. He’s been getting a lot of praise for his performance in Qasim Basir’s Mooz-lum, that other little indie black film that could, currently in theaters.
I was just going over the SXSW award winners (literally announced just moments ago), and under the breakthrough performance in a narrative feature category, are 3 names listed; Evan Ross’ is one of them, for a film called 96 Minutes.
I thought we’d previously covered it on this site, but a search revealed otherwise, so I’m taking care of that right now!
And, by the way, David Oyelowo (the man pegged by Lee Daniels to play Mlk in Selma) also co-stars in this film,...
- 3/16/2011
- by Tambay
- ShadowAndAct
As I asked on Twitter last night… will we be reading and debating another batch of “Hollywood Whiteout” articles, this time next year (referencing the New York Times op-ed printed a few weeks ago, which offered some analysis on the lack of African American Oscar nominees this year)?
Given my continuously updated Outlook 2011 post (read it Here), the answer to that question probably won’t be pleasant, unfortunately!
Why? Well… because there just aren’t many noteworthy performances on the horizon by blacks in film, both in front of and behind the camera this year.
The usual suspects (or past winners) are mostly absent from the big screen this year, just like last year, or aren’t working on any Oscar-worthy projects. For example, Denzel Washington will appear in 1 film – an action/thriller called Safe House, co-starring Ryan Reynolds (it seems as if Hollywood is starting to use him as...
Given my continuously updated Outlook 2011 post (read it Here), the answer to that question probably won’t be pleasant, unfortunately!
Why? Well… because there just aren’t many noteworthy performances on the horizon by blacks in film, both in front of and behind the camera this year.
The usual suspects (or past winners) are mostly absent from the big screen this year, just like last year, or aren’t working on any Oscar-worthy projects. For example, Denzel Washington will appear in 1 film – an action/thriller called Safe House, co-starring Ryan Reynolds (it seems as if Hollywood is starting to use him as...
- 2/28/2011
- by Tambay
- ShadowAndAct
The little film that could just keeps going and going. Qasim Basir’s Mooz-lum will open in 10 more cities and screens this Friday Fed. 25, expanding its theatrical run to 25 cities.
The film will open in AMC Theaters in Baltimore, Boston, Charlotte, Southfield Mi, Los Angeles (AMC Broadway 4), Miami, Oakland, Cherry Hill NJ, Washington D.C., San Diego and Toronto Canada
In addition, Basir himself will be in Toronto this Friday to make a press appearance, and will be present at the 6:45Pm and 9:30Pm screenings of the film at the Toronto AMC Yonge and Dundas theater.
The film will open in AMC Theaters in Baltimore, Boston, Charlotte, Southfield Mi, Los Angeles (AMC Broadway 4), Miami, Oakland, Cherry Hill NJ, Washington D.C., San Diego and Toronto Canada
In addition, Basir himself will be in Toronto this Friday to make a press appearance, and will be present at the 6:45Pm and 9:30Pm screenings of the film at the Toronto AMC Yonge and Dundas theater.
- 2/24/2011
- by Sergio
- ShadowAndAct
To follow up on Tambay’s post below that Martin Lawrence’s latest craptacular Big Mommas, was most likely going to come in at No. 1 this weekend; well, it looks now that that’s not gonna happen.
If current box office projections hold, it’ll come in more like No. 3 after Unknown and I Am Number Four, with somewhere between $18-20 million, which is $18-20 million more than it should have done, but who am I to say?
But at least it’s not going to match the previous two Big Momma’s House films in terms of box office gross, and that’s a small relief. And even recently, Nia Long, when asked why she’s not in Big Mommas, like she was in the first two, said: “Oh no no no! I think my Big Momma’s days are over!” or in other words: “I’m trying to...
If current box office projections hold, it’ll come in more like No. 3 after Unknown and I Am Number Four, with somewhere between $18-20 million, which is $18-20 million more than it should have done, but who am I to say?
But at least it’s not going to match the previous two Big Momma’s House films in terms of box office gross, and that’s a small relief. And even recently, Nia Long, when asked why she’s not in Big Mommas, like she was in the first two, said: “Oh no no no! I think my Big Momma’s days are over!” or in other words: “I’m trying to...
- 2/19/2011
- by Sergio
- ShadowAndAct
It’s always good news when a good and worthy black film does well at the box office. So it was great news when it was announced earlier today, that Qasim Basir’s film Mooz-lum did better than expected at the box office this past weekend.
Opening in limited release in ten cities, on 11 AMC Theater screens, the film earned an excellent $12,712 per screen, making it one of the highest per screen averages in the country. That’s better than this weekend’s top two films, Just Go With It, and Justin Bieber: Never Say Never, which averaged $8,601 and $9,505 per screen respectfully.
Not surprisingly, the film will open in five more AMC theaters in Columbus Ohio, Elizabeth NJ, Minneapolis, Phoenix and Seattle, and adding another screen in Atlanta.
According to AMC: “the rate at which movie-goers packed the theaters to see Mooz-lum proved the film’s viral marketing approach – drawing heavily on Eventful Demand it!
Opening in limited release in ten cities, on 11 AMC Theater screens, the film earned an excellent $12,712 per screen, making it one of the highest per screen averages in the country. That’s better than this weekend’s top two films, Just Go With It, and Justin Bieber: Never Say Never, which averaged $8,601 and $9,505 per screen respectfully.
Not surprisingly, the film will open in five more AMC theaters in Columbus Ohio, Elizabeth NJ, Minneapolis, Phoenix and Seattle, and adding another screen in Atlanta.
According to AMC: “the rate at which movie-goers packed the theaters to see Mooz-lum proved the film’s viral marketing approach – drawing heavily on Eventful Demand it!
- 2/16/2011
- by Sergio
- ShadowAndAct
If you had a copy of the Shadow And Act 1st quarter 2011 calendar (get your copy Here), you’d know that 2 movies are opening in theaters today that you should be aware of.
First, a film that’s been mentioned more than a few times on this blog – Qasim Basir’s Mooz-lum, the critically-acclaimed film about a Muslim-American youth’s struggle with his faith and identity, starring Nia Long, Evan Ross, Roger Guenveur Smith and Danny Glover, will finally be released in U.S. theaters beginning on February 11, 2011. But your assistance is requested.
The company behind the release, Peace Films, secured a deal with AMC Theatres, and has partnered with digital media company Eventful to promote the film’s release.
It’s a limited release, so check your local listings; or visit the film’s Facebook page Here, where you should find all the info you need.
I haven’t seen the film yet,...
First, a film that’s been mentioned more than a few times on this blog – Qasim Basir’s Mooz-lum, the critically-acclaimed film about a Muslim-American youth’s struggle with his faith and identity, starring Nia Long, Evan Ross, Roger Guenveur Smith and Danny Glover, will finally be released in U.S. theaters beginning on February 11, 2011. But your assistance is requested.
The company behind the release, Peace Films, secured a deal with AMC Theatres, and has partnered with digital media company Eventful to promote the film’s release.
It’s a limited release, so check your local listings; or visit the film’s Facebook page Here, where you should find all the info you need.
I haven’t seen the film yet,...
- 2/11/2011
- by Tambay
- ShadowAndAct
Evan Ross is on the road to becoming a quietly explosive actor. Given the right material, Ross could have a shot at an Oscar or Emmy, although a Spirit award is more likely in the near future. I enjoyed him as a stuttering swimmer in Pride, an aspiring chef in According to Greta and a runaway teen in Gardens of the Night. In Mooz-lum, Ross plays a Muslim-American college freshman who faces adversity from his peers and family. I haven't seen it yet but the story looks enticing.
Now playing in select theaters.
Official Site: www.moozlumthemovie.com...
Now playing in select theaters.
Official Site: www.moozlumthemovie.com...
- 2/11/2011
- by karen@reelartsy.com (Karen)
- Reelartsy
In celebration of Black History Month, This Thursday, February 3rd, ImageNation Cinema Foundation and The Film Society of Lincoln Center will host a special advance screening of Qasim Basir’s Mooz-lum, which stars Evan Ross, Danny Glover, Nia Long and Roger Guenveur Smith.
Following the screening will be a panel discussion titled Islam and the Black Experience, which will be moderated by Moikgantsi Kgama (ImageNation Founder), with panelist that include the filmmaker, Student Minster Abdul Hafeez Muhammad (NY Representative of Mosque No. 7), Najmah53 (Muslim poet/rapper), and Imam Talib Abdur-Rashid (Iman of The Mosque of Islamic Brotherhood ).
A reception will follow.
The event will be held at Lincoln Center’s Walter Reade Theatre, 165 W. 65th St., Thursday, February 3rd; Doors open 6:30pm and program begins at 7pm.
Tickets are $20 in advance/$25 at the door.
We’ve covered the film quite a bit on this blog, in the last year,...
Following the screening will be a panel discussion titled Islam and the Black Experience, which will be moderated by Moikgantsi Kgama (ImageNation Founder), with panelist that include the filmmaker, Student Minster Abdul Hafeez Muhammad (NY Representative of Mosque No. 7), Najmah53 (Muslim poet/rapper), and Imam Talib Abdur-Rashid (Iman of The Mosque of Islamic Brotherhood ).
A reception will follow.
The event will be held at Lincoln Center’s Walter Reade Theatre, 165 W. 65th St., Thursday, February 3rd; Doors open 6:30pm and program begins at 7pm.
Tickets are $20 in advance/$25 at the door.
We’ve covered the film quite a bit on this blog, in the last year,...
- 2/1/2011
- by Tambay
- ShadowAndAct
Per the press release I received…
Mooz-lum, the critically-acclaimed film about a Muslim-American youth’s struggle with his faith and identity, starring Nia Long, Evan Ross, Roger Guenveur Smith and Danny Glover, will finally be released in U.S. theaters beginning on February 11, 2011. But your assistance is requested.
The company behind the release, Peace Films, has secured a “unique distribution deal” with AMC Theatres, and has partnered with digital media company Eventful to promote the film’s release.
Interested audiences are instructed to log on to http://eventful.com/moozlum and Demand that their city is one of the first 10 cities to see the film by using Eventful’s unique social media platform. You have until January 21, 2011 to do so. You are also encouraged to spread the word virally across all social networks (Facebook, Twitter, et al), and ask that your friends all do the same.
I haven’t seen the film,...
Mooz-lum, the critically-acclaimed film about a Muslim-American youth’s struggle with his faith and identity, starring Nia Long, Evan Ross, Roger Guenveur Smith and Danny Glover, will finally be released in U.S. theaters beginning on February 11, 2011. But your assistance is requested.
The company behind the release, Peace Films, has secured a “unique distribution deal” with AMC Theatres, and has partnered with digital media company Eventful to promote the film’s release.
Interested audiences are instructed to log on to http://eventful.com/moozlum and Demand that their city is one of the first 10 cities to see the film by using Eventful’s unique social media platform. You have until January 21, 2011 to do so. You are also encouraged to spread the word virally across all social networks (Facebook, Twitter, et al), and ask that your friends all do the same.
I haven’t seen the film,...
- 12/15/2010
- by Tambay
- ShadowAndAct
• Bill Stamets and Roger Ebert
The 46th Chicago International Film Festival will play this year at one central location, on the many screens of the AMC River East 21, 322 E. Illinois. A festivalgoers and filmmakers' lounge will be open during festival hours at the Lucky Strike on the second level. Tickets can be ordered online at Ciff's website, which also organizes the films by title, director and country. Tickets also at AMC; sold out films have Rush Lines. More capsules will be added here.
"127 Hours" (USA)A tour de force by James Franco and Danny Boyle ("Slumdog Millionaire"). Many are familiar with the true story, and just as many probably thought it could never be filmed. Boyle succeeds. A climber named Aron Ralston went climbing by himself in remote canyons, and was trapped deep in a crevice when a falling rock pinned his arm. He had limited food and water, no...
The 46th Chicago International Film Festival will play this year at one central location, on the many screens of the AMC River East 21, 322 E. Illinois. A festivalgoers and filmmakers' lounge will be open during festival hours at the Lucky Strike on the second level. Tickets can be ordered online at Ciff's website, which also organizes the films by title, director and country. Tickets also at AMC; sold out films have Rush Lines. More capsules will be added here.
"127 Hours" (USA)A tour de force by James Franco and Danny Boyle ("Slumdog Millionaire"). Many are familiar with the true story, and just as many probably thought it could never be filmed. Boyle succeeds. A climber named Aron Ralston went climbing by himself in remote canyons, and was trapped deep in a crevice when a falling rock pinned his arm. He had limited food and water, no...
- 10/16/2010
- by Roger Ebert
- blogs.suntimes.com/ebert
Quickcard Review – 46th Chicago International Film Festival
Click Here for complete coverage of the Chicago International Film Festival (Ciff 2010)
Mooz-Lum
Directed by: Qasim “Q” Basir
Cast: Nia Long, Roger Guenveur Smith, Evan Ross, Danny Glover
Running Time: 1 hr 39 mins
Rating: Nr
Release Date: Tbd
Plot: Tariq (Evan Ross) is a college freshman who uses the chance of going away from his parents (Long, Guenveur) as an opportunity to forget about his Muslim roots. His angst is challenged by racial crimes that are fueled by post-9/11 racial anxieties.
Who’S It For?: Supporters of timely dramas that force the viewer to take a long look at oneself. While the film is based around Muslim characters, it is a universal movie that aims to speak to all colors and creeds.
Overall
Mooz-Lum is a movie that features a very strict Muslim family and 9/11, but is thankfully more interested in stirring ideas than controversy.
Click Here for complete coverage of the Chicago International Film Festival (Ciff 2010)
Mooz-Lum
Directed by: Qasim “Q” Basir
Cast: Nia Long, Roger Guenveur Smith, Evan Ross, Danny Glover
Running Time: 1 hr 39 mins
Rating: Nr
Release Date: Tbd
Plot: Tariq (Evan Ross) is a college freshman who uses the chance of going away from his parents (Long, Guenveur) as an opportunity to forget about his Muslim roots. His angst is challenged by racial crimes that are fueled by post-9/11 racial anxieties.
Who’S It For?: Supporters of timely dramas that force the viewer to take a long look at oneself. While the film is based around Muslim characters, it is a universal movie that aims to speak to all colors and creeds.
Overall
Mooz-Lum is a movie that features a very strict Muslim family and 9/11, but is thankfully more interested in stirring ideas than controversy.
- 10/7/2010
- by Nick Allen
- The Scorecard Review
First things first, Qasim Basar’s film Mooz-lum answers a question we’ve pondered on S & A a few times before, namely whatever happened to director Christopher Scott Cherot (Hav Plenty, G)? Well the answer is that he’s still involved in filmmaking, since according to the opening credits, he was the editor on Basir’s film.
And, with that out of the way, I am happy to report that Mooz-lum is quite a good film. Well written, well directed and well acted, despite its occasional tendency early on to fall into the trap common in black film dramas; that of being at times too didactic with occasional touches of expositional dialogue (Basir clearly has a lot of things to say and express to his audience).
However, the great thing about Mooz-lum is its low key, subtle approach. Purposely modest in scope and scale, the film is effective and at times quite poignant.
And, with that out of the way, I am happy to report that Mooz-lum is quite a good film. Well written, well directed and well acted, despite its occasional tendency early on to fall into the trap common in black film dramas; that of being at times too didactic with occasional touches of expositional dialogue (Basir clearly has a lot of things to say and express to his audience).
However, the great thing about Mooz-lum is its low key, subtle approach. Purposely modest in scope and scale, the film is effective and at times quite poignant.
- 9/18/2010
- by Sergio
- ShadowAndAct
The 46th Chicago International Film Festival is coming, and The Scorecard Review will be there will exclusive interviews, movie reviews and red carpet events beginning October 7, 2010.
Here’s the first 20 films announced for the festival. Below is the news release.
October 7 – 21, 2010
Chicago, August 25, 2010 – Cinema/Chicago is proud to announce the first 20 new films that will appear at this year’s Chicago International Film Festival. Among them are some of the most anticipated domestic and foreign films featuring well-respected talent and directors as well as the work of exceptional newcomers. From Slumdog Millionaire and Resevoir Dogs to Martin Scorsese and Werner Herzog, The Chicago International Film Festival has consistently brought the brightest and boldest new films and filmmakers to Chicago first. Audiences will be delighted to find that this year’s Festival will be no different. Below is just a taste of the more than 150 films that will be shown at...
Here’s the first 20 films announced for the festival. Below is the news release.
October 7 – 21, 2010
Chicago, August 25, 2010 – Cinema/Chicago is proud to announce the first 20 new films that will appear at this year’s Chicago International Film Festival. Among them are some of the most anticipated domestic and foreign films featuring well-respected talent and directors as well as the work of exceptional newcomers. From Slumdog Millionaire and Resevoir Dogs to Martin Scorsese and Werner Herzog, The Chicago International Film Festival has consistently brought the brightest and boldest new films and filmmakers to Chicago first. Audiences will be delighted to find that this year’s Festival will be no different. Below is just a taste of the more than 150 films that will be shown at...
- 9/10/2010
- by Jeff Bayer
- The Scorecard Review
All our readers in the Chicagoland area will have a chance to finally see the film that Tambay just can’t stop raving about, Legacy, with Idris Elba, directed by Thomas Ikimi.
In an interview today in the Chicago Tribune with Elba, he revealed that the film will be screening in October at the Chicago International Film Festival, which will also screen the premiere of Qasim Basir’s Mooz-lum.
Elba also revealed that the film will soon be available on Comcast on Demand on cable TV, though he did not say when that would be.
In an interview today in the Chicago Tribune with Elba, he revealed that the film will be screening in October at the Chicago International Film Festival, which will also screen the premiere of Qasim Basir’s Mooz-lum.
Elba also revealed that the film will soon be available on Comcast on Demand on cable TV, though he did not say when that would be.
- 8/29/2010
- by Sergio
- ShadowAndAct
Chicago – Cinema/Chicago is proud to announce the first 20 new films scheduled to appear at the 2010 Chicago International Film Festival, October 7th – 21st. The Chicago festival continues to combine the films of established directors/talent with promising newcomers. Expect some foreign and domestic film surprises.
Screenings will take place at the AMC River East Theater in downtown Chicago during the October festival run. Festival passes are on sale now and individual tickets go on sale September 24th.
Gemma Arterton in ‘Tamara Drewe’
Photo Credit: Sony Pictures Classic
Here are the first 20 films slated for the Chicago International Film Festival in the announcement made on August 25th.
UK – ‘Tamara Drewe’
Director: Stephen Frears
When former ugly duckling Tamara Drewe sashays back into her hometown, life for her neighbors is thrown upside down. Now a devastating beauty, Tamara sets a contemporary comedy of manners into play using the oldest magic in the book: sex appeal.
Screenings will take place at the AMC River East Theater in downtown Chicago during the October festival run. Festival passes are on sale now and individual tickets go on sale September 24th.
Gemma Arterton in ‘Tamara Drewe’
Photo Credit: Sony Pictures Classic
Here are the first 20 films slated for the Chicago International Film Festival in the announcement made on August 25th.
UK – ‘Tamara Drewe’
Director: Stephen Frears
When former ugly duckling Tamara Drewe sashays back into her hometown, life for her neighbors is thrown upside down. Now a devastating beauty, Tamara sets a contemporary comedy of manners into play using the oldest magic in the book: sex appeal.
- 8/25/2010
- by PatrickMcD
- HollywoodChicago.com
I’m a little tied up at the moment, so I didn’t take the time to really dig through this list, and comment on each entry; though, regular readers of this blog should immediately recognize a number of the titles, as we’ve featured a few of them on Shadow And Act, whether individual profiles, or mentioned in previous film festival schedules, or both.
I’ll highlight any relevant titles that we haven’t already, in later posts. For now… See below for the Urbanworld Film Festival 2010 feature film screening roster (Kerry Washington will be this year’s festival Ambassador by the way):
Opening Night Selection:
“Night Catches Us,” Tanya Hamilton
Closing Night Selection:
“I Will Follow,” Ava DuVernay
Narrative Feature Competition:
“Bilal’s Stand,” Sultan Sharrief
“Callback,” Kartik Singh
“Everyday Black Man,” Carmen Madden
“Go For It!,” Carmen Marron
“Krews,” Hilbert Hakim
“Money Matters,” Ryan Richmond
“Mooz-Lum,...
I’ll highlight any relevant titles that we haven’t already, in later posts. For now… See below for the Urbanworld Film Festival 2010 feature film screening roster (Kerry Washington will be this year’s festival Ambassador by the way):
Opening Night Selection:
“Night Catches Us,” Tanya Hamilton
Closing Night Selection:
“I Will Follow,” Ava DuVernay
Narrative Feature Competition:
“Bilal’s Stand,” Sultan Sharrief
“Callback,” Kartik Singh
“Everyday Black Man,” Carmen Madden
“Go For It!,” Carmen Marron
“Krews,” Hilbert Hakim
“Money Matters,” Ryan Richmond
“Mooz-Lum,...
- 8/25/2010
- by Tambay
- ShadowAndAct
That’s the thing about Shadow And Act. If we don’t stay on top of what’s going on in black cinema who will?
And to show that we mean what we say it was just annnouced less than 20 minutes ago that Qasim Basir’s film Mooz-lum starring Danny Glover, Nia Long, Evan Ross, Roger Guenveur Smith and Dorian Missick, which Tambay profied here last week (Here) will make its premiere at the Chicago International Film Festival which runs from Oct. 7-21.
No doubt Basir and some members of the cast will appear in person for the event...
And to show that we mean what we say it was just annnouced less than 20 minutes ago that Qasim Basir’s film Mooz-lum starring Danny Glover, Nia Long, Evan Ross, Roger Guenveur Smith and Dorian Missick, which Tambay profied here last week (Here) will make its premiere at the Chicago International Film Festival which runs from Oct. 7-21.
No doubt Basir and some members of the cast will appear in person for the event...
- 8/25/2010
- by Sergio
- ShadowAndAct
Danny Glover sure seems busy these days isn’t he? He’s attached himself to quite a few projects lately… especially smaller, indie flicks. And that’s a good thing, I think. In some of those cases, it could be that his name helped attract necessary financing. This is the 3rd film we’ve posted about this week that he co-stars in – the other 2 being Age of The Dragons and Mooz-lum. IMDb says he that, by the end of this year alone, he’d have had roles in 11 films.
This one is titled Legendary and Glover supports a cast that includes Patricia Clarkson and John Cena. Synopsis reads: “Legendary is the stirring tale of a broken family struggling to regain composure – and how one son’s decision to follow in his family’s wrestling tradition changed everything. Worlds apart, two brothers soon learn what family truly means, and how victory...
This one is titled Legendary and Glover supports a cast that includes Patricia Clarkson and John Cena. Synopsis reads: “Legendary is the stirring tale of a broken family struggling to regain composure – and how one son’s decision to follow in his family’s wrestling tradition changed everything. Worlds apart, two brothers soon learn what family truly means, and how victory...
- 8/19/2010
- by Tambay
- ShadowAndAct
A film I profiled back in March, directed by Qasim A. Basir, his feature-film debut, and starring a cast of notable names, including Danny Glover, Nia Long, Evan Ross, Roger Guenveur Smith and Dorian Missick, titled, Mooz-lum.
Its story goes: “Pulled between his strict Muslim upbringing by his father and the normal social life he’s never had, Tariq Mahdi (Evan Ross) enters college in a state of confusion. New relationships with Muslims and non-Muslims alike challenge his already shaken ideals, and the estrangement with his mother and sister troubles him. Slowly, he begins to find himself with the help of new friends, family and mentors, but when the attacks of 9/11 happen without warning, he is forced to face his past and make the biggest decisions of his life.”
Production wrapped last November, and the project has been in post-production since then, editing, etc, with no specific release date set yet; although,...
Its story goes: “Pulled between his strict Muslim upbringing by his father and the normal social life he’s never had, Tariq Mahdi (Evan Ross) enters college in a state of confusion. New relationships with Muslims and non-Muslims alike challenge his already shaken ideals, and the estrangement with his mother and sister troubles him. Slowly, he begins to find himself with the help of new friends, family and mentors, but when the attacks of 9/11 happen without warning, he is forced to face his past and make the biggest decisions of his life.”
Production wrapped last November, and the project has been in post-production since then, editing, etc, with no specific release date set yet; although,...
- 8/18/2010
- by Tambay
- ShadowAndAct
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