Latest news with #MarthasVineyard
The Independent
7 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Martha's Vineyard film fest returns with Black star power, bold storytelling and cultural legacy
No matter the time on Martha's Vineyard, a shimmering glow will be powered by the star presence of Black filmmakers, actors and tastemakers like Issa Rae, Mara Brock Akil and Michelle Obama who are shaping culture on their own terms. For two-plus decades, the Martha's Vineyard African American Film Festival has been a cultural reunion, a summer sanctuary and a safe haven where some of the industry's most influential voices converge in Oak Bluffs, Massachusetts. This week marks the return of the 23rd annual nine-day celebration, which kicks off Friday with a stacked slate that includes appearances from singer-actor Jennifer Hudson and Hall of Fame basketball player Dwyane Wade, screenings like Spike Lee 's 'Highest 2 Lowest' and intimate conversations with figures such as the Rev. Al Sharpton. Over the years, the festival has drawn the who's who of Black Hollywood — including Ava DuVernay, Kerry Washington, Tyler Perry and Regina King. The Obamas made a surprise appearance in 2022. 'It's a moment when so many of us converge and gather in a location that has historically received us incredibly well,' said Tracee Ellis Ross, who will screen her new Roku Channel series 'Solo Traveling with Tracee Ellis Ross.' The three-episode show follows Ross as she embarks on solo journeys to unplug, indulge and reconnect through Morocco, Mexico and Spain. Ross said traveling solo is a way of life. She said sharing her project at MVAAFF felt right, noting that the Vineyard-set episode of Akil's 'Forever' captures the spirit and beauty of the picturesque island. 'It felt like the perfect location to kind of share,' she said. 'The timing was perfect from when the show came out.' What makes MVAAFF a must-stop? Set on the campus of the Martha's Vineyard Performing Arts Center and the Vineyard Lounge, the festival has grown from a grassroots gathering into a premier destination where Black creatives can find inspiration, connection and support. Akil paid homage to festival founders Stephanie and Floyd Rance, crediting them for building a creative pipeline where stories rooted in Black culture live and are seen. 'They know the value. They know the need,' said Akil, who will screen 'The Vineyard' episode from the Netflix series 'Forever' at the festival. 'Regardless of what the institution or systems of Hollywood sees as valuable, we claim the value of our stories. We have a chance to celebrate them, complete them, tell them, view them and share them with an audience. It allows for the completion of the story, so that we can move on to many, many, many more stories that need to be told.' Floyd Rance described MVAAFF as a vital part of the entertainment ecosystem, offering a platform where Black voices and stories are given the spotlight they deserve. 'It's always good to have somewhat of a convergence for folks of like mind in the arts and entertainment to gather, coalesce, share ideas, rekindle friendships and fellowship,' said Floyd, who along with Stephanie said they did not expect their festival to become such a main attraction. 'Despite the political climate and what's going on in entertainment, it's always a good time for birds of a feather to flock together.' In addition to the panels and screenings, Stephanie Rance said this year's festival centers on the theme of joy, focusing more on celebration than struggle. She's especially excited for attendees to experience a range of conversations, from little-known moments in Black history to a panel on Ralph Lauren's Oak Bluffs collection with Morehouse and Spelman. The Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture will host a discussion on Black dandyism, paying tribute to fashion icon André Leon Talley. 'The community at large on the Vineyard and the folks that come from all over the world to the festival really embrace the filmmakers,' she said. 'Everybody loves the studio and the streaming content and the talent that comes in. But we really are a filmmakers' film fest at heart.' What else is happening on the Vineyard? This year's festival is delivering a dynamic slate that blends star power, conversation and creative insight. Spike Lee will unveil exclusive clips from his upcoming film 'Highest 2 Lowest' starring Denzel Washington. Courtney B. Vance is set to lead a panel on Black storytelling, diving into how content creation can retain cultural authenticity. Jennifer Hudson will open up about her Emmy-nominated daytime talk show, while Dwyane Wade will participate in a men's luncheon with industry leaders to discuss leadership, legacy and capital in today's evolving media space. Joy Reid is hosting a fireside chat on power and purpose. Issa Rae returns with a preview of part two of her documentary 'Seen & Heard,' continuing her exploration of visibility for Black creatives. And Debbie Allen will be honored with a tribute to 'A Different World,' celebrating the force the show continues to be decades later. The screenings will showcase a wide range of Black storytelling, including Starz's 'Magic City: American Fantasy,' the Tyler Perry-produced 'Old Mary Mare,' HBO Max's 'The Gilded Age,' and Ryan Coogler's critically acclaimed 'Sinners.' Michelle Obama and her brother Craig Robinson will hold a live taping of their podcast that'll include an interview with Teyana Taylor. For returning filmmakers like Andre Gaines, the festival has become a cultural home to showcase work. This year marks his third screening at MVAAFF, where he'll show 'The Dutchman,' a bold reimagining of Amiri Baraka's searing 1964 play. 'It's great to show our stories in front of our people and get this visceral and genuine reaction when it comes to things that we're familiar with,' said Gaines, who's also collaborating with MVAAFF founders Stephanie and Floyd Rance on a documentary about the late ESPN anchor Stuart Scott. Gaines said the festival affirms the value of Black storytelling in a way that mainstream spaces often overlook. 'Some people look at our festivals, media or award shows as being less than what the mainstream or our white contemporaries might consider them to be, but they aren't,' he said. 'That's the beauty of this festival. We talk to each other and herald the filmmakers that came before us and the ones currently working. We get this grand opportunity to come together in that form.'
Associated Press
7 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Associated Press
Martha's Vineyard film fest returns with Black star power, bold storytelling and cultural legacy
LOS ANGELES (AP) — No matter the time on Martha's Vineyard, a shimmering glow will be powered by the star presence of Black filmmakers, actors and tastemakers like Issa Rae, Mara Brock Akil and Michelle Obama who are shaping culture on their own terms. For two-plus decades, the Martha's Vineyard African American Film Festival has been a cultural reunion, a summer sanctuary and a safe haven where some of the industry's most influential voices converge in Oak Bluffs, Massachusetts. This week marks the return of the 23rd annual nine-day celebration, which kicks off Friday with a stacked slate that includes appearances from singer-actor Jennifer Hudson and Hall of Fame basketball player Dwyane Wade, screenings like Spike Lee 's 'Highest 2 Lowest' and intimate conversations with figures such as the Rev. Al Sharpton. Over the years, the festival has drawn the who's who of Black Hollywood — including Ava DuVernay, Kerry Washington, Tyler Perry and Regina King. The Obamas made a surprise appearance in 2022. 'It's a moment when so many of us converge and gather in a location that has historically received us incredibly well,' said Tracee Ellis Ross, who will screen her new Roku Channel series 'Solo Traveling with Tracee Ellis Ross.' The three-episode show follows Ross as she embarks on solo journeys to unplug, indulge and reconnect through Morocco, Mexico and Spain. Ross said traveling solo is a way of life. She said sharing her project at MVAAFF felt right, noting that the Vineyard-set episode of Akil's 'Forever' captures the spirit and beauty of the picturesque island. 'It felt like the perfect location to kind of share,' she said. 'The timing was perfect from when the show came out.' What makes MVAAFF a must-stop? Set on the campus of the Martha's Vineyard Performing Arts Center and the Vineyard Lounge, the festival has grown from a grassroots gathering into a premier destination where Black creatives can find inspiration, connection and support. Akil paid homage to festival founders Stephanie and Floyd Rance, crediting them for building a creative pipeline where stories rooted in Black culture live and are seen. 'They know the value. They know the need,' said Akil, who will screen 'The Vineyard' episode from the Netflix series 'Forever' at the festival. 'Regardless of what the institution or systems of Hollywood sees as valuable, we claim the value of our stories. We have a chance to celebrate them, complete them, tell them, view them and share them with an audience. It allows for the completion of the story, so that we can move on to many, many, many more stories that need to be told.' Floyd Rance described MVAAFF as a vital part of the entertainment ecosystem, offering a platform where Black voices and stories are given the spotlight they deserve. 'It's always good to have somewhat of a convergence for folks of like mind in the arts and entertainment to gather, coalesce, share ideas, rekindle friendships and fellowship,' said Floyd, who along with Stephanie said they did not expect their festival to become such a main attraction. 'Despite the political climate and what's going on in entertainment, it's always a good time for birds of a feather to flock together.' In addition to the panels and screenings, Stephanie Rance said this year's festival centers on the theme of joy, focusing more on celebration than struggle. She's especially excited for attendees to experience a range of conversations, from little-known moments in Black history to a panel on Ralph Lauren's Oak Bluffs collection with Morehouse and Spelman. The Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture will host a discussion on Black dandyism, paying tribute to fashion icon André Leon Talley. 'The community at large on the Vineyard and the folks that come from all over the world to the festival really embrace the filmmakers,' she said. 'Everybody loves the studio and the streaming content and the talent that comes in. But we really are a filmmakers' film fest at heart.' What else is happening on the Vineyard? This year's festival is delivering a dynamic slate that blends star power, conversation and creative insight. Spike Lee will unveil exclusive clips from his upcoming film 'Highest 2 Lowest' starring Denzel Washington. Courtney B. Vance is set to lead a panel on Black storytelling, diving into how content creation can retain cultural authenticity. Jennifer Hudson will open up about her Emmy-nominated daytime talk show, while Dwyane Wade will participate in a men's luncheon with industry leaders to discuss leadership, legacy and capital in today's evolving media space. Joy Reid is hosting a fireside chat on power and purpose. Issa Rae returns with a preview of part two of her documentary 'Seen & Heard,' continuing her exploration of visibility for Black creatives. And Debbie Allen will be honored with a tribute to 'A Different World,' celebrating the force the show continues to be decades later. The screenings will showcase a wide range of Black storytelling, including Starz's 'Magic City: American Fantasy,' the Tyler Perry-produced 'Old Mary Mare,' HBO Max's 'The Gilded Age,' and Ryan Coogler's critically acclaimed 'Sinners.' Michelle Obama and her brother Craig Robinson will hold a live taping of their podcast that'll include an interview with Teyana Taylor. For returning filmmakers like Andre Gaines, the festival has become a cultural home to showcase work. This year marks his third screening at MVAAFF, where he'll show 'The Dutchman,' a bold reimagining of Amiri Baraka's searing 1964 play. 'It's great to show our stories in front of our people and get this visceral and genuine reaction when it comes to things that we're familiar with,' said Gaines, who's also collaborating with MVAAFF founders Stephanie and Floyd Rance on a documentary about the late ESPN anchor Stuart Scott. Gaines said the festival affirms the value of Black storytelling in a way that mainstream spaces often overlook. 'Some people look at our festivals, media or award shows as being less than what the mainstream or our white contemporaries might consider them to be, but they aren't,' he said. 'That's the beauty of this festival. We talk to each other and herald the filmmakers that came before us and the ones currently working. We get this grand opportunity to come together in that form.'
The Sun
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Nepo babies mock their TV star dad in hilarious TikTok – can you guess who their famous parent is?
A TOP TV star has been mocked by his nepo baby children in a hilarious new TikTok clip. The kids of the actor and TV host took centre stage in the funny skit which garnered plenty of laughs from their fans. 4 4 The clip followed a recent viral trend which sees people dismissing a large amount of money for a restaurant bill as "not that bad" when they aren't the ones paying it. But for these nepo-babies, the trend was even funnier given that their multi-millionaire father was the butt of the joke. But would you be able to work out who their very famous father is? It is Terry Crews - leading sitcom star and host of America's Got Talent. Terry has appeared in movies such as White Chicks, Idiocracy and Blended before becoming better known for TV outings such as Julius Rock in Everybody Hates Chris and Terry Jeffords in Brooklyn Nine-Nine. In the clip, Terry and his family were dining at the eatery, Martha's Vineyard. His children that participated in the skit which confirmed their meal would set them back $857. His son then mouthed: "Oh, that's not too bad!" The camera then panned to reveal Terry as he reclined back in his chair after hearing his children brush off the extortionate amount. Reacting to the clip, one fan said: "I was like how is anyone affording $857 for dinner in this economy and then saw Terry Crews." Controversial Noughties comedy movie star sparks rumours of sequel to cult classic - despite it winning Worst Picture Razzie Another then added: "I feel the pain Terry Crews! My family just be acting like oh that's not much!! Hahahaha." Before a third insisted that he was adopting the character of Julius in the moment, insisting: "That's not Terry Crews. That's Julius Rock." With another echoing: "That wasn't Terry at the table… that was Julius." Terry shares five children with his wife Rebecca King and the pair have been married for over 30 years. Terry and Rebecca met in a local Michigan church in the 1980s. At the time, Rebecca was a music minister at the church while Terry was a student at Western Michigan University. The couple's first child, Naomi Burton-Crews, was born to Rebecca and her ex, Charles Burton, but was later adopted by Terry. Their second daughter, Azriél Crews, was born in the same year the pair married. They also have Tera, Wynfrey and Isaiah. 4 4
Daily Mail
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
JFK Jr.'s nephew unleashes on Ryan Murphy and accuses him of 'making millions' off Kennedy family tragedy
The bitter feud between the nephew of JFK Jr. and TV producer Ryan Murphy took another twist on Wednesday. Jack Schlossberg, who is the son of the late John F. Kennedy Jr.'s sister Caroline Kennedy, took Murphy to task in an Instagram post for allegedly 'making millions' from one of his family's many painful tragedies. The 32-year-old writer has been blasting the 59-year-old American Horror Story co-creator on social media for weeks over his latest series, American Love Story. The first season of the spinoff series will focus on the courtship between Schlossberg's uncle JFK Jr. and his future wife Carolyn Bessette. The couple and Bessette's sister Lauren Bessette tragically died in a plane crash in 1999 after the single-engine plane piloted by Kennedy crashed into the Atlantic Ocean near Martha's Vineyard. Schlossberg took issue with part of Murphy's recent conversation on California Governor's Gavin Newsom 's podcast This Is Gavin Newsom. Schlossberg has been blasting Murphy, 59, on social media for weeks over his latest series, American Love Story. The first season focuses on the courtship between Schlossberg's uncle JFK Jr. and his future wife Carolyn Bessette (pictured together on March 9, 1999, in NYC Schlossberg highlighted an excerpt from a news story referencing the podcast. 'Murphy shared his surprise over Schlossberg's comments. "I thought it was an odd choice to be mad about your relative that you don't really remember,"' the writer and producer was quoted as saying. In his caption, Schlossberg went on to demonstrate that he very much remembered his late uncle. 'Hey @ryanmurphyproductions: My earliest memories are of John calling me Jackolatern and 'the nudist,' picking me up from school, his Pontiac convertible,' he wrote. 'I remember being the ring bearer at his wedding and the day he died. I remember Wyclef singing at his funeral,' he continued. 'More memories are passed down from stories — like the time he locked himself out of a car in an intersection and asked the guy screaming at him if he could borrow a golf club to smash the window to get the keys, and then did it.' As he had previously, Schlossberg took Murphy to task for allegedly refusing to donate all or part of his earnings from American Love Story to institutions dear to the Kennedy family. 'You're making millions off John, making a public spectacle of it but won't contribute any of your riches to the causes he championed, or the legacy of public service he represented,' he seethed. Schlossberg capped off his caption with a comically low blow in which the actor Paul Anthony Kelly, who plays JFK Jr. in American Love Story, caught a stray. 'Also odd that the actor playing the sexiest man alive is bloated!' Schlossberg concluded, referencing his uncle being crowned People Magazine's Sexiest Man Alive in 1988. Schlossberg was six years old when his uncle's tragic death captivated the nation. Last month, he attacked Murphy online for allegedly never consulting with the Kennedy family about his plans for American Love Story. Murphy offered a first glimpse into the upcoming anthology series American earlier in June. The television producer — who recently created the new show All's Fair starring Kim Kardashian — shared photos to the Ryan Murphy Productions Instagram account that included camera tests with some of the leading stars. Paul Kelly has taken on the role of JFK Jr., while Sarah Pidgeon is playing Bessette in the series, which is set to begin airing on FX and streaming on Hulu next year in February 2026. A number of fans jumped to the comment section to share their thoughts on the first look, as well as Schlossberg. The American writer penned, 'HEY RYAN - admiration for John is great but maybe consider DONATING PROFITS TO THE KENNEDY LIBRARY thanks.' Murphy jumped to the comments to offer his own response to Schlossberg and simply wrote, '@jackuno I absolutely will.' Murphy had uploaded a carousel of images as Kelly and Pidgeon dressed as Kennedy Jr. as well as Bessette. The two stars posed inside a spacious studio as they did a camera test as production officially kicked off this week. 'FIRST LOOK! Here are some stills from our LOVE STORY camera test,' the TV writer wrote in the caption of the post. 'We started shooting this week in New York City and can't wait until you see the romantic and tragic love story between America's prince, JFK Jr., and fashion icon Carolyn Bessette - out Valentine's Day week of 2026.' He added, 'I am thrilled to introduce you to Sarah Pidgeon as Carolyn and Paul Kelly as John F. Kennedy Jr. Over a thousand actors auditioned for each of these roles, and we absolutely found the perfect choices. Congratulations Sarah and Paul!' Sarah — who is known for the Amazon Prime Video series The Wilds — could be seen wearing a black turtleneck as well as black trousers and a tan coat. She slipped into a pair of closed-toed, black pumps and allowed her platinum blonde locks to flow down straight past her shoulders. 'FIRST LOOK! Here are some stills from our LOVE STORY camera test,' the TV writer wrote in the caption of the post He added, 'I am thrilled to introduce you to Sarah Pidgeon as Carolyn and Paul Kelly as John F. Kennedy Jr. Over a thousand actors auditioned for each of these roles, and we absolutely found the perfect choices. Congratulations Sarah and Paul!' Paul wore a double-breasted, gray suit which was paired with a white dress shirt and red-patterned tie Bessette had been a fashion publicist for Calvin Klein and was also known for her classic and minimalistic style. Paul wore a double-breasted, gray suit which was paired with a white dress shirt and red-patterned tie. In one image, he sported a pair of shades and also stopped for a photo outdoors while donning a different suit. Kelly further channeled the late JFK Jr. in a pair of jeans, green shirt and black vest, similar to a past look worn by the attorney. The two stars also cozied up together for the camera - which was shown in a video in a separate post on Friday. Other celebrities that have been cast in the upcoming project include Naomi Watts as Jacqueline Kennedy, Grace Gummer as Caroline Kennedy, Alessandro Nivola as Calvin Klein, Leila George as Kelly Klein, Sydney Lemmon as Lauren Bessette and Noah Fearnley as Michael Bergin. Social media users shared their thoughts on the first look into the new series - with one penning, 'Amazing casting. I knew immediately it was him.' Another typed, 'Wow, I knew who they were before even reading the caption,' and a fan added, 'Beautiful casting. Well done. Cannot wait to see how it comes together.' 'Man, Jr's casting is DEAD ON,' an Instagram user shared, while celebrities also offered their own feelings. Fashion designer Marc Jacobs commented, 'Can't wait,' while Office alum Mindy Kaling wrote, 'Wow.' While Murphy replied to Schlossberg, the producer also responded to another fan who had questioned about the 13th season of American Horror Story. 'Ryan are we getting AHS13 this year? Or not in 2025?' they asked, and Ryan answered, 'Sarah Paulson and I are cooking up something cool!' The premise of the upcoming series will show, 'what started out as a beautiful union for the young couple, widely regarded as American royalty, [begin] to fray under the stress of the relentless microscope and navel gaze of tabloid media,' per Deadline. 'The pressures of their careers and rumored family discord ended with their tragic deaths when his private plane crashed into the ocean on a hazy summer night off the coast of Massachusetts.' Carolyn and John Jr. - who was the son of late 35th President John F. Kennedy and Jacqueline Kennedy - first crossed paths in 1992, when he was in a relationship with actress Daryl Hannah. Two years later, Bessette and Kennedy began dating and their romance was heavily publicized. The pair were often pictured out in NYC together or attending events. In 1995, Carolyn and John became engaged and secretly tied the knot in a romantic ceremony the following year in September 1996. The nuptials were held at a small chapel by candlelight at the Georgia Island of Cumberland - with close friends and family in attendance. A young Jack Schlossberg had notably been the ring bearer during the wedding. Bessette had worn a silk gown as she said 'I do' from designer Narciso Rodriguez. After the nuptials, media attentions towards the couple continued to grow. On July 16, 1999 - Carolyn, John Jr. and her sister Lauren - passed away after their plane crashed off the coast of Martha's Vineyard. It was later ruled that the cause of the tragic incident was due to Kennedy losing control and all three of the bodies were recovered from the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean five days after the crash. Prior to her relationship with Kennedy, Carolyn had dated Calvin Klein model Michael Bergin. Executive producers Nina Jacobson and Brad Simpson told Variety last year that Bessette and Kennedy's story 'really resonates right now. It's amazing. 'A lot of younger women are looking to [Carolyn] as sort of a representational icon of a certain period of time that's really fascinating, and hopefully, we'll be able to bring that to the screen.'
Associated Press
23-07-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
The Wealth Weekend: Martha's Vineyard Returns for 2025 With New Documentary Series Hosted by Soledad O'Brien
Scheduled to Take Place August 12-14, the Event is Presented in Partnership with The Saunders Firm and Nex Cubed MARTHA'S VINEYARD, MA / ACCESS Newswire / July 23, 2025 / This August, The Wealth Weekend returns to Martha's Vineyard from August 12-14, convening a powerful network of investors, innovators, policy leaders, and cultural architects to accelerate Black American wealth, ownership, and influence across generations. The high-impact experience is presented by Black Wealth Events and produced by The Coutureman LLC: Advisory, in partnership with The Saunders Firm, P.C. and Nex Cubed. This year's event marks the debut of a compelling new documentary series hosted by award-winning journalist Soledad O'Brien, spotlighting the stories, strategies, and groundbreaking contributions of HBCU leaders across finance, entrepreneurship, public policy, and creative industries. Filmed live throughout the weekend, the series will offer an unprecedented look into the real-time conversations and collaborations shaping the future of Black American prosperity. Adding to the power of this year's experience are two visionary co-hosts who bring depth and purpose to the mission. The Saunders Firm, P.C. is an estate planning law firm recognized for its leadership in changing how families approach legacy planning and generational wealth, while Nex Cubed is a venture accelerator that champions innovation from HBCU founders and diverse entrepreneurs. Together, they amplify the intersection of capital, justice, and innovation. Three Days of Power, Purpose, and Legacy: August 12 - Legacy on the Lawn An intimate reception and live fireside chats focused on legacy, trust, and the wealth preservation strategies being implemented by families, entrepreneurs and others. Our aim? To reshape your perspective on legacy and generational wealth. August 13 - Thought Leadership Roundtables Curated think tank sessions designed to elevate Black America's contribution to GDP, with a focus on investment, innovation, and cross-sector collaboration. August 14 - Access to Capital Forum In partnership with Nex Cubed, this forum highlights scalable HBCU-led ventures, connects founders with capital allocators, and explores inclusive investment vehicles. 'This is about power, scale, and impact,' said LaMar Wright, Founder of Black Wealth Events/ Principal of The Coutureman LLC: Advisory. 'The Wealth Weekend: Martha's Vineyard is where capital meets culture - and where Black American wealth becomes a national economic priority.' The Wealth Weekend: Martha's Vineyard is more than an event - it's a blueprint for generational impact. This year's programming also includes: With visionary partners, purposeful programming, and a deep commitment to legacy-building, The Wealth Weekend: Martha's Vineyard is redefining what Black wealth looks like, feels like, and accomplishes in the world. For media inquiries, sponsorship opportunities, or to request press credentials, please contact: Janie Mackenzie [email protected] 856.473.2166 About Black Wealth Events Black Wealth Events (BWE) is a premier platform dedicated to fostering economic competitiveness, investment, and innovation within Black American communities. Through its flagship event series, The Wealth Weekend, BWE connects industry leaders, policymakers, and entrepreneurs to catalyze wealth-building initiatives globally. SOURCE: Black Wealth Events press release
