Legendary Filmmaker Robert Townsend @ IBFF Nashville 2009

Renowned TV and film pioneer & TV One to kick off International Black Film Fest

The International Black Film Festival of Nashville, (IBFFN), welcomes a pioneer in the independent film industry, renowned television executive, actor and producer Robert Townsend.  Townsend’s documentary “Why We Laugh: Black Comedians on Black Comedy”, a 2009 Sundance Film festival favorite, provides a sweeping account of the cultural influence and evolution of black comedy in America from comedic greats such as Bill Cosby, Chris Rock, Whoopi Goldberg, Richard Pryor, Dave Chappelle, Eddie Murphy and much, much more. The film will make its “southern” debut at the Opening Night film on September 30, 2009 at the Regal Cinema Opry Mills 20 & IMAX. With more than 30 years of varied experience in the entertainment industry, Townsend, will be present for the screening followed by a talk back with the audience. Townsend , a multi-talented visionary and trail blazer, is best known for his groundbreaking projects in film and television such as “Hollywood Shuffle” ,“The Five Heartbeats”, “Partners in Crime”. “The Parenthood”, “Little Richard”, “Holiday Heart”, “Livin’ for Love: The Natalie Cole Story”, Carmen: A Hip Hopera for MTV Films starring Beyonce Knowles and the popular television series “Soul Food.”

Immediately following the Opening Night Film, IBFFN presents their Official Opening Night Gala with groundbreaking cable and satellite television network TV One.  A new episode of “Life After” in HD will be premiered at the Opening Galawith a celebrity appearance from Omarosa from Apprentice. “Life After” gives you the stories of the likes of Christopher “Kid” Reid, Bell Biv DeVoe, Eva Marcille, Al Reynolds, Jamiee Foxworth, Taimak, Daryl “Chill” Mitchell and Omarosa, from their own mouths and they’re not holding anything back. Filled with jaw-dropping confessions and shocking twists, “Life After” investigates what happened to them after a major turning point in their careers.
For a complete list of screenings, workshops, and networking opportunities log onto

www.ibffnashville.com

IBFFN officially commences on Wednesday, September 30th and ends on Sunday, October 4th. The new festival host site is the breathtaking Gaylord Opryland Hotel and Convention Center and Regal Cinema Opry Mills 20 & IMAX. IBFFN has served many inspiring filmmakers by providing them with a venue to showcase their work and access to industry executives that help take their projects to the next level. With an estimated 2000 participants in 2008, the festival’s is gaining tremendous momentum and exposure as Nashville becomes the springboard for ideas, execution, showcase and distribution.

The festival is made possible in part with by valued sponsors: Delta Airlines, The Film House, The Documentary Channel, HCA, The Cultural Services of the French Embassy, One Village Entertainment, the Africa Channel, The Tennessee Arts Commission, The TN Film, Entertainment and Music Commission and The Screen Actors Guild. IBFFN would like to welcome their growing list of new sponsors, Gaylord Opryland Hotel and Convention Center and Regal Cinema Opry Mills 20 & IMAX, Comcast, TV One, Broadway Video, B-Side, the Tennessee Arts Commission and the Nashville Black Chamber of Commerce. With the support of our corporate partners, the community and its leadership the International Black Film Festival of Nashville is on course to becoming one of the top festivals in the country.

Over the next few weeks please expect updates, highlights and exciting announcements. If you would like to setup an interview, obtain media credentials, and/or request information in regards to the bios, photos, and film synopsis, please contact Jessica Johnson at (615) 417-8306 or via email at jessica@ibffnasvhille.comor Sherlene Shanklin at (502) 295-0435 or via e-mail at  sshanklin@vippcommunications.com.

Please check out our new website for up to the minute updates and information about the International Film Festival of Nashville at: www.ibffnashville.com.