Click here to see trailer of Fingerprints
Whether my creativity has expressed itself through poetry, songwriting (ASCAP), fiction, screenplays or drawings, the arts have always been great passions of mine.  Despite being among the few of my time raised without television, film for me became the ultimate canvas.  I started writing poetry for spoken-word performance and was working with local indie singers/music studios in San Diego when I relocated there at the age of 19.  At the same time, I also wanted to write a novel.  Point being, I was writing all the time.   I kept a book (before my lap top days) under my bed called, The Brain Storm, because I never knew when it was going to hit; the need to write something; a melody, a phrase, a poem an opening to a story at 2, 3 or 4 in the morning and I had to get it down on paper before it was lost.  A friend of mine had me show my writing to a writer on Moesha named Norman Vance.  Well, after reading a draft of my novel, Girlfriends, he convinced me into turning it into a script.  I did not, however, know the first thing about writing a screenplay or ever thought of writing for the screen but I did my research and wrote my first complete script.  That was all it took, I was addicted.  The visual arts, the poetry, the characters, storytelling all of it synthesized for me in screenwriting and I was determined to learn as much as I can.  I enrolled in San Diego Community College District and then transferred to UCLA after being admitted into the film program.  I went with the intention of becoming a screenwriter only, but the beauty of the undergraduate program at UCLA is that you have to do everything before you can concentrate in your senior year.  When I saw my first short-film project on the big screen, I became addicted and could not fathom writing without directing.  What I fell in love with is working with the actors.  So for my senior year, I completed the production track stayed an additional year to complete the screenwriting track and immediately applied to the Graduate Directing Program at UCLA.  I felt that at this point in my education – or should I say my journey – I was on the cusp of “becoming” for lack of a better word and if I did not continue my education, my growth as an artist would be stunted.  Thankfully, I was admitted and while completing the directing program also completed (unofficially) the screenwriting program writing several features and television projects as well as producing and directing several short films with Fingerprints being my feature debut.

THE SAN FRANCISCO BLACK FILM FESTIVAL was founded with the artistic vision to provide a platform for Black filmmakers, screenwriters, and actors to present their art. As a competitive film festival, SFBFF identifies filmmakers, screenwriters, and actors that are emerging as talents and established artists who are contributing to the cinematic legacy of African Americans. SFBFF conscientiously expands the notions of “Black film-making” to a global perspective. Hence, film submissions are accepted worldwide from filmmakers and screenwriters who are of African descent and others, or feature actors representing the African Diaspora..

Fingerprints draws us into a world in which an individual is faced with battling demons that only arise from the most opaque recesses of the human mind – the outward manifestation of an internal war that is profoundly human. Gregory Marks is a comedian on the rise who does not realize his comedy is a defense mechanism that masks a dark side he unleashes when pursuing an Oscar-worthy performance in a dramatic role that sends him spiraling into madness. As a Juvenalian satire, Fingerprints blurs the line between comedy and tragedy and like Black Swan and The Fighter it will catch you off guard as a psycho drama but with an urban twist anchored in the competitive world of the entertainment industry.

The idea of Fingerprints began with me wanting to explore the vulnerability of comedians and what caused them to implode under pressure.  At the time I began writing the story, almost every major comedian we all knew and loved had had some type public breakdown and by the time I was in post Kevin Hart had his Laugh at My Pain tour and Katt Williams was struggling.  For me the script was a great vehicle to explore the fragility of human nature by placing it in the superficial world of entertainment.  So I created this world based on popular misconceptions of what it means to work in Hollywood and be famous. I adore actors; the fragility, the vulnerability, the process.  Watching a great performance is like watching someone exposed, no skin, nerves raw and I am often time frustrated with those who do not respect “the process” arbitrarily assigning themselves the title of actor with absolutely no training or understanding of the psychological toll it takes to become great at the craft. What better way to explore the fragility of someone who hides behind his defense mechanisms as a comedian than to force him to delve into what he has suppressed while placing a level of trust in someone else’s hands (i.e. the director, acting coach, etc.) that for most is way to much to ask. 

The San Francisco Black Film Festival will be taking place at the theater in YOSHI’s (The Jazz Heritage Center’s Media & Education Room and the Burial Clay Theater (@ the A.A.A.C.C.). There will be special events and a Filmmakers Lounge for media types to socialize and network. Forums discussing the state of Independent Film and how you can cash in within the new environment as Online Streaming fights for good content. There will be a music aspect as well as we discuss “Scores” and show music documentarys supplemented by live shows with Q&A’s. This is the place how to find out how to get that project done within your budget parameters and find out how DIY are getting the job done. This festival is for everyone and everyone is invited! Come share the culture that helped shape San Francisco and enjoy great films that are of entertainment and importance to all. 

Other notable selections include Lion Of Kings fea. Cuba Gooding Jr. and Dennis Haysbert; That Daughter’s Crazy: Rain Pryor; The cChanging Faces of Harlem and Black and CUba.  Visit www.sfbff.org to get the full list of films and times, as well as events for the film SFBFF weekend.

Jazz at the Creek with M.A.N.D.A.T.E. Records

By: Jacqueline Penhos

            Bringing originality back and adding a new twist, that’s what Jazz at the Creek is all about. If you’re anything like me, you appreciate the sultry sounds of Bessie Smith, Etta Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, Louis Armstrong, George Benson, and Ray Charles. A few Sundays ago I had the opportunity to meet a few of the new names added to the lovely genre, we call Jazz. Upon arrival, I immediately felt the smooth tempo and fresh air. After a couple hellos and lots of hugs,  I started to meet the Artists. I had the pleasure of interviewing the one and only Marion Meadows. One of the best American Saxophonist, Composer, and smooth Jazz recording artist. Native of West Virgina, grew up in Connecticut,  Marion graced San Diego with his presence for the first time in 5 years. Jazz at the Creek motivated him to return. His passions for music, led him to appreciate the works of many jazz musicians such as Stevie Wonder and Duke Ellington. After studying jazz with Anthony Truglia, Meadows attended Berklee College of Music, where he majored in arranging and composition. He later went to SUNY Purchase School of the Arts where he studied under Ron Herder.  Marion has an eclectic group of inspirations, from Miles Davis to West Montgomery. Growing up in a household with a variety of music, in his words, “The Express Train, overwhelming.” “Unfortunately the generations coming up will never hear the marvelous icons we grew up with.” I asked his opinion of the future of our music industry and where do you think it’s going?  “It’s a good time for Artists (contemporary jazz artists), at least internationally, not so much in United States. It’s important for people (younger) to understand and appreciate the history of music. We haven’t kept up with the education of music. Our kids don’t  know about different genres of music because most schools do not have the budget for such programs.  Music always recycles around, generation after generation. If you’re a true musician then you learn about it and appreciate it.

            “This series brings Jazz to the community. Meaning, it affords an opportunity for those who are community involved, as well as those who are community jazz enthusiasts to come together in a multicultural setting, where they oriented, networking , and enjoy good music.” Enjoying Jazz at the Creek reminds our generation that Jazz is part of history. It must be honored and remembered. It brings me joy to know that young people are being conscious and positive.

The Groove Masters also wowed the crowd with a personal touch performance.  As they grooved the crowed on stage, several attendees were pleasantly surprised with a in your face, in your lap performance, as the band members played to and in the audience.  Locals such as Kelly Cole, Authur Mitchell, Douglas Oden and the owners of Baad Baby Clothing Diana Higgins and William Campbell got an upclose and personal show. As I was going to sit down and enjoy the show, I met Kelly Cole and Amehd Dense both radio personalities and Jazz lovers. Each show is also posted online. Ms. Cole believes in promoting new artists and new music.  Amehd is the Host for Jazz at the Creek and Lights Out with 98.1. Both were a joy to meet and learn from.

 Amehd reminds us that a portion of each ticket purchased will go to the San Diego Food Bank Kids Backpack Program. There are children in San Diego, who are in need of food and essential items to help them grow in strength and confidence. What better way to make a donation to a child and enjoy an afternoon of soulistic vibes. Jazz at Market Creek plaza, sets a new perspective and positive energy to our community. Market Creek is the perfect location, to enjoy a weekend afternoon, listening to Jazz, enjoying a few bites while supporting the arts.  For more information, visit www.JazzattheCreek.com for showtimes any lineup. 

The next installment for Jazz at the Creek is this Saturday June 14.  It is recommended to arrive early for parking and good seating.  The lineup include industry leading guitarist Paul Brown with special guest Elan Trotman and Curtis Brooks. Jazz at the Creek is produced by M.A.N.D.A.T.E Records, Lead by Leonard Thompson (Masters of Education, Bachelors of Business Administration, Psychology of Business Management & Productivity) and Michelle Thompson, who are well known in the industry for seeking and finding talent, while developing artist for “Show Ready” status. M.A.N.D.A.T.E. Records produces quality shows and artist throughout the industry in gospel, R&B and jazz.  To find out more about MANDATE Records and future shows visit www.mandaterecords.com.

 The first Bikini Contest of the year in San Diego takes place at The Filling Station Pub.  This is the 3rd annual and the military patrons are never disappointed because they get to chose their winners.  Be sure to check out the first of many bikini shows this summer in San Diego and across the country. We are always looking for our first bikini cover for The Image Of Magazine.  Who knows, maybe this weeks winner from the Filling Station Pub will be chosen for the  cover shot for a upcoming feature.

The Filling Station Pub is one of SanDiego’s top venues that cater to our military with a chilled atmosphere and great drinks and specials.  For the local crowd The Filling Station Pub is a great watering hole and good food prices.  The DJ’s are some of San Diego’s best and karaoke selections are as diverse and the city itself… The singers, well lets just say most of them give it the ole college try.  But don’t be surprised when you do hear a singer or two make Simon and Randy have a kumbaya moment.

The Contest starts at 11:00pm but the fun begins when the doors open.  Lets see what fun we can have this Saturday night and who walks away with the top prize.

The Filling Station is located at 9522 Miramar Rd, San Diego, CA 92126.  Call (858) 578-0757 for more details.