Sinners, the Sugar Shack, and love songs
So does movement, touch, the way we dance together. One scene in particular is so special, and so big, you almost wish you could rewind it and repeat it and just sit in it once more. (And it's not the sexy scenes of Stack and Smoke, or the best pair of Jordans you could ever score.) In the heart of the juke joint, as the blues take over and Sammie's voice ascends not just from his soul but from a long line of ancestors, Coogler draws the through lines between the blues and ancient song rituals and prayer circles and rock and hip-hop and African drums and Asian dance and the musical expressions across the world.
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There's a prickling that perks up the hairs on your skin as the sound deepens and the dancing moves closer, eyes closed, bodies melting together.
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You are in the masterful
Coogler is doing the same. Within this film there is a call to know who we are, to choose who and what we let in and whether we want to work together to shut danger out, to recognize that supremacy hurts every single person in its wake, to choose love and one another, and to dream even bigger, even when no one can see it but you. Our dreams are just that: ours.
Coogler didn't just show us that on-screen. He affirmed that with the deal he made with Warner Bros. In 25 years, it is Coogler who will retain the rights to his film that he created from his own imagination.
When you go after your dreams and own your power, it allows others to dare to dance to their own drums, too. It shows them they can sing their own songs. Freedom requires that kind of unshakeable determination and steadfast belief.
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The Read
Black joy and boots: Fanning a cultural connection
If you're on social media, you may have seen the viral 'Boots on the Ground' fan-popping, line-dancing viral videos. CNN's Lisa Respers France digs deeper into the Black Joy of it all and why this is more than a good time dance. It is a form of both escape and resistance.
And while line dancing extends beyond African American communities, Nsenga K. Burton, Ph.D. reflected on the special place it holds during tumultuous times.
'With line dancing, it doesn't matter what political party you are. It doesn't matter where you grew up, if you went to private school, public, it doesn't matter,' she said. 'You just come together and you create. You express yourself in a way that is pleasing, that is fun and that gives you a sense of community. We love to come together because there's so many ways in which people try to tear us apart.'
The Watch
BOSTON, MA - 8/12/2023 Boston Rapper Oompa performs at the GLD FSTVL held at City Hall Plaza in Boston. The festival was put on to celebrate 50 years of hip-hop. 14HIPHOPFEST
Vincent Alban For The Boston Globe
Oompa is one of Boston's favorite lyricists and she's also an undeniably good time. Her latest video, part of her Girls like Girls series, is a satirical take on reality TV dating shows, and we're watching it on repeat for the music and the laughs.
Black parade
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Joy pushas
1965 Freedom Rally
Charles Dixon/ Globe staff
Sixty years ago today, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. led the 1965 Freedom Rally in a march from Roxbury to Boston Common. The fight against racism, poverty, and injustice continues. This week, we celebrate King, Ruth Batson, Alan Gartner, Reverend Virgil Wood, Dr. Ralph Abernathy, and all of our freedom fighters of that rally as pushas of joy and justice. We celebrate Embrace Boston and the hundreds of partners who have come together to celebrate progress made and empower our collective community to continue to fight for equality.
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On Saturday, April 26, we will gather together as the City of Boston and
Fresh finds
Brett Phelps for The Boston Globe
This week, we aren't pushing products. We're inviting you to give back. As our museums, arts, health, and academic institutions are under attack, it is on us to help as we can. The Museum of African American History in Boston and Nantucket needs us.
What makes your life a beautiful resistance?
Jeneé Osterheldt can be reached at
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2025 Bentonville Film Festival to Open with Kate Beecroft's Sundance Hit ‘East of Wall'
The BFFoundation (BFF), in collaboration with founding partner Walmart and presenting partner Coca-Cola, has today announced the full lineup for the 2025 Bentonville Film Festival (BFF), launching next month. As ever, the festival remains committed to building a slate around inclusion and authentic representation. This year's festival will showcase 28 feature competition films, including 9 world premieres, plus the newly-launched Homegrown Competition highlighting powerful stories from filmmakers based in or filming in Arkansas. Of this year's competition slate, 66 percent of the films are from creators identifying as female or gender non-conforming; 51 percent identify as BIPOC, Asian, or Pacific Islander; 29 percent identify as LGBTQIA+; 18 percent are filmmakers over the age of 50; and 12 percent identify as a person with a disability. More from IndieWire 'Left-Handed Girl' Review: Sean Baker Edits and Co-Writes 'Tangerine' Producer Shih-Ching Tsou's Kaleidoscopic Solo Directing Debut Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck to Adapt Upcoming Taylor Jenkins Reid Novel for Laika's Live-Action Division The festival, which was founded by Geena Davis and backed by Wal-Mart, celebrated its tenth anniversary last year, a period that's been marked by profound growth, both for the festival and the charming Arkansas town it calls its home. This year's festival will roll out June 16 – 22. The festival will open with Kate Beecroft's Sundance hit 'East of Wall,' which was 'inspired by the real lives of Tabatha and Porshia Zimiga, and with a cast of predominantly non-professional actors playing themselves.' Beecroft and the Zimigas will be in attendance for a moderated conversation to follow the film. Sony Pictures Classics will release the film later this summer. Other standouts in the lineup include the Danielle Deadwyler-starring '40 Acres,' Katie Aselton's 'Magic Hour,' Courtney Stephens and Callie Hernandez's 'Invention,' and Kim A. Snyder's timely documentary 'The Librarians.' 'Our film selections, thoughtfully curated by Artistic Director Drea Clark, embody the spirit and mission of the Bentonville Film Festival,' said Wendy Guerrero in an official statement. 'What connects them is a shared strength: the ability to tell stories that resonate deeply and meaningfully.' Additionally, the festival will honor Lucy Liu with the Rising to the Challenge Award at BFF's annual Festival Award Ceremony on Saturday, June 21. The award 'recognizes artists who champion storytelling that breaks barriers and broadens representation.' Liu will also attend the screening of her latest film, 'Rosemead,' which she stars in and produced. And, on Tuesday, June 17, beloved weather anchor and producer Al Roker will join the festival for sneak peek and discussion of his new animated series, 'Weather Hunters.' Created by Al Roker Entertainment, the show 'blends education and entertainment, helping kids understand the science of weather through fun, accessible storytelling.' The following projects are confirmed for the 2025 Bentonville Film Festival competition, with all synopses provided by the festival. , USA (Director/Writer/Producer Kate Beecroft; Producers, Shannon Moss, Melanie Ramsayer, Lila Yacoub) An authentic portrait of female resilience in the 'New West' inspired and played by the women and girls who live it. Set in the Badlands of South Dakota, Tabatha, a young, rebellious rancher, who rescues and resells horses, must make hard decisions to deal with her fractured family, financial uncertainty, and unresolved grief, all while providing refuge for a group of wayward neighborhood teens. Cast: Tabatha Zimiga, Porshia Zimiga, Scoot McNairy, Jennifer Ehle , USA After a series of plagues and wars leaves society in ruins, the Freemans are surviving —even thriving — on a farm in the middle of nowhere… so long as they repel the occasional raiding party. Former soldier Hailey and her partner Galen fled the collapse along with their children, training them to fight (and, yes, kill). But now Hailey's eldest Emanuel is a young man, and when he meets a young woman in the forest beyond the fence, his need for human contact could place the whole family in jeopardy. Cast: Danielle Deadwyler, Michael Greyeyes, Kataem O'Connor, Milcania Diaz-Rojas USA (Directors/Producers, Perri Peltz and Matthew O'Neill; Producer, Lisa Binns) An impassioned look at the advocacy of Allyson Felix, the most decorated track and field athlete of all time. At the peak of her career, she faced a life-threatening pregnancy—and a 70% pay cut from her sponsor, exposing a sports industry without maternal protections. But Allyson turned adversity into action, redefining what it means to be a champion and sparking a movement far beyond the track. Felix's rejection of the status quo and her subsequent defense of female athletes, particularly mothers, shifted the culture of sports as a whole. Films created by filmmakers from Arkansas and/or filmed in Arkansas. , USA – World Premiere (Director/Writer/Producer, Cassie Keet; Producers, Benjamin Dunn, Mindy Van Kuren) An isolated woman is confronted by her past when a fellow former cult member reaches out with news that their leader has been released from prison early. Cast: Olivia Taylor Dudley, Riley Dandy, Shayn Herndon, Jordan Lane Shappell, Molly Jackson , USA – World Premiere (Directors/Producers, Brock Wagner, Tim Johnson; Producers, Jason Williams, Uriah Nazario, Bianca Montoya, Brian Carlson, John Hunter) A documentary exploration of the Trailblazers, a trail development organization, and the transformative experiences of adaptive riders as they navigate the challenging terrain while breaking barriers in the world of mountain biking. , USA (Director/Writer, Christian Swegal; Producer, Nick Moceri) A father and son who identify as Sovereign Citizens, a group of anti-government extremists, find themselves in a standoff with a chief of police that sets off a manhunt. Cast: Nick Offerman, Jacob Tremblay, Dennis Quaid, Thomas Mann, Martha Plimpton, Nancy Travis USA – World Premiere (Director/Writer, Jared Cliff LaReau; Producers, Chris Tucci, David Pons) An unexpected friendship develops between two young men from vastly different backgrounds who have set their sights on winning a local bodybuilding competition. Cast: LaEric Moore, Zachary Van Zandt, Susan Gordon, John Castle, Stevie Cavalier This selection of films, taking part in the Short Film Competition, are created by local filmmakers and filmed in Arkansas, and will screen together. , USA (Director, Kyle Yazzie) , USA (Director, Allyson de la Houssaye) – World Premiere , USA (Director, Iman June Blackwell) – World Premiere USA – World Premiere (Director/Producer, Rich Newey; Writer/Producer, Annika Marks; Producers, Angie Gaffney, Thomas Sadoski) When a crisis strikes, Morgan, a sheltered 17-year-old, is provided with the rare opportunity to spend time with her three significantly older half-siblings. She hopes they'll be able to shed some light on what it means to be an adult, only to be disappointed when she discovers they're all faking it. Cast: Ella Rubin, Betsy Brandt, Aya Cash, Thomas Sadoski, Mimi Rogers , USA (Director/Writer, Melody C. 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Vaughn , USA (Director/Writer/Producer, J Pinder; Producer, Cole Dabney) Carter, a 21-year-old mama's boy still living at home, must complete a seemingly impossible list of tasks by the end of the day or find a new place to live. If Carter can conquer this wildly chaotic day, he might be ready for the real world after all. Cast: Nick Darnell, Morgan Jay, R. Marcus Taylor, Jada Paige, Jack Stone, Mildred Marie Langford , USA – World Premiere (Director/Writer, Grafton Doyle; Producer, Julio Lopez Velasquez, John Reyes Doyle) Inspired by true events in San Francisco's notorious Tenderloin district, three friends must hustle through one gritty, glamorous, adrenaline-fueled night. With only hours to scrape together enough cash to cover rent, they dive into a world of sex work, drugs, and danger. As tensions rise, a fiery love triangle tests their loyalties. 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‘Care Bears' Movie in the Works From Josh Greenbaum at Warner Bros.
The Care Bears are set to open their hearts for a new feature project. Josh Greenbaum will direct the movie Care Bears that is in early development at Warner Bros. A writer has not yet been announced for the film that has also not disclosed plot details. More from The Hollywood Reporter Ryan Reynolds' 'Animal Friends' Delayed to 2026 at Warner Bros. Animated Werewolf Movie 'Dog of God' Debuts Wild Trailer With Hitler Look-Alike Getting Tortured (Exclusive) 'Lilo & Stitch' Live-Action Remake Ignites Debate Over "Harmful" Changes to Original's Story Producers include Chris Bender and Jake Weiner for Good Fear and Jonathan Goldstein and John Francis Daley for GoldDay. Executive producing are Sean Gorman and Daniel Barnes for Cloudco. Sheila Walcott oversees the feature for the studio. Care Bears got their start on greeting cards in the early 1980s and landed their own television series later that decade. They have been the focus of such films as 1985's animated The Care Bears Movie, which featured Mickey Rooney among the voice cast. Created by Elena Kucharik and Linda Denham, the Care Bears are friendly creatures with images on their bellies that reflect their unique personalities. Greenbaum is known for such features as Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar, Strays and the documentary Will & Harper. He is in post-production on The Dink, a pickleball movie starring Ben Stiller and Jake Johnson. Greenbaum is also attached to direct a Spaceballs sequel film for Amazon MGM Studios. The Care Bears franchise is owned by Cloudco Entertainment, formerly known as American Greetings Entertainment, which is behind the recent animated series Care Bears: Unlock the Magic. Greenbaum is represented by UTA, Entertainment 360 and Lichter Grossman. Daley and Goldstein are repped by CAA, Fourth Wall Management and Hansen Jacobson. Bender and Weiner are repped by Mortimer PR and Rick Genow & Allison Binder. Deadline was first to report on the project. Best of The Hollywood Reporter 13 of Tom Cruise's Most Jaw-Dropping Stunts Hollywood Stars Who Are One Award Away From an EGOT 'The Goonies' Cast, Then and Now
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Seth Rogen, Kieran Culkin Voice Ambitious Pigs in First Footage From Andy Serkis' ‘Animal Farm'
Seth Rogen does not have high expectations for Kieran Culkin in the first footage from Andy Serkis' animated feature Animal Farm. Serkis directed the adaptation of George Orwell's 1945 novella of the same name that focuses on a group of animals rising up against their owners. Animal Farm premieres this month at the Annecy Animation Festival and does not yet have a domestic release plan. More from The Hollywood Reporter America's Top Animation Schools Jennifer Lopez Takes Center Stage in First Trailer for 'Kiss of the Spider Woman' 'Care Bears' Movie in the Works From Josh Greenbaum at Warner Bros. Rogen and Culkin lead the extensive cast that also includes Gaten Matarazzo, Glenn Close, Laverne Cox, Steve Buscemi, Woody Harrelson, Jim Parsons, Kathleen Turner, Iman Vellani and Serkis. The footage shows pig Napoleon (Rogen) bonding with impressionable Lucky (Matarazzo) when Squealer also tries to connect with them. 'Please remove yourself from this,' Rogen warns Culkin. 'We're trying to have a father-son moment.' Serkis helmed the movie from a script by Nicholas Stoller after Serkis and Rupert Wyatt had penned a previous draft. Producing the film are Serkis, Jonathan Cavendish, Adam Nagle, Peter Nagle and Dave Rosenbaum. Animal Farm has long been in the works, with Serkis' work on the project first announced back in 2011. Netflix acquired distribution rights to the movie in 2018 before later letting them go. Serkis told The Hollywood Reporter in 2012 that he did not foresee the film taking an overtly political tone. The late Orwell had said that his story reflected events ahead of the Russian Revolution in 1917 and the later regime of Joseph Stalin. 'We're keeping it fable-istic and [aimed at] a family audience,' Serkis said at the time. 'We are not going to handle the politics in a heavy-handed fashion. It is going to be emotionally centered in a way that I don't think has been seen before. The point of view that we take will be slightly different to how it is normally portrayed and the characters. We are examining this in a new light.' Best of The Hollywood Reporter 13 of Tom Cruise's Most Jaw-Dropping Stunts Hollywood Stars Who Are One Award Away From an EGOT 'The Goonies' Cast, Then and Now
