Urban Film Festival 2017 in Miami Served Up Celebrities, Workshops and Film Screenings to Filmmakers

2018 promises more thanks to commitment from Hometown Mega Producer, Randall Emmett

Miami, FL (PRUnderground) October 10th, 2017

The 2017 Urban Film Festival was a huge success and has everyone anticipating 2018. It opened with Master P and Romeo Miller announcing a 3-picture deal between Romeoland and Florida Film House for movies that will be filmed in Miami. Master P quotes, “I have always seen Miami as a second home and I am looking forward to filming Hollywood quality films in Miami. Miami has a lot of untapped talent and Marco Mall’s production team, Florida Film House, is just as good or better than any team out of Hollywood.” The first film of the deal is scheduled to start production early 2018 and will be premiered in the 2018 Urban Film Festival next Labor Day weekend.

The highly anticipated 3rd Annual Urban Film Festival will be held August 30-September 3, 2018 in Miami’s historic neighborhood of Overtown. Plans are underway to expand the event to 5 days. Mega executive producer of hit show Power and Miami native Randall Emmett has already agreed to return. During this year’s festival, he wowed Urban Film Festival attendees with his “Tell It Like It Is” Workshop and offered attendees direct access to pitch their projects. Next year, Mr. Emmett will sponsor the festival and bring with him a host of high profile film stars and executives to participate in the festival. Marco Mall and the Florida Film House team are currently working with Mr. Emmett to bring a Emmett/Furla/Oasis film to Miami.

The Urban Film Festival has become a leading channel to access, education and distribution deals in two short years. A Miami Love Story encored at the Little Haiti Cultural Center, a movie that received distribution through TriCoast Worldwide thanks to its release during Urban Film Festival 2016. Comedic feature film and festival finale Love & Reality will also receive distribution through World Wide Distribution. Feature film Candy, directed by Mr. Boomtown, is also in talks with World Wide Distribution. 100% of the proceeds from the film has been donated to Hurricane Harvey Relief in honor of the movies’ Houston creators.

Commissioner Keon Hardemon expressed his pleasure with the overwhelming success and growth of the festival. “This is beautiful, “ he reflects on the activities of the festival. “I feel the energy and love in this room, and in the messages of the films. This is the stuff communities are made of. “

“We’re so excited about 2018, we’ve already opened the website to receive early film submissions,” says Executive Producer Marco Mall. “We received over 100 submissions in 2017. We expect 500 in 2018. We want filmmakers to know they can feature their work here and it will be well received. We want to help filmmakers take their projects further than they ever dreamed.”

Urban Film Festival 2017 was possible thanks to support from Southeast Overtown Parkwest Community Redevelopment Agency, City of Miami, Commissioner Keon Hardemon, Simkins Family Foundation, Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Black Archives History & Research Foundation of South Florida, Inc.

Romeoland and Florida Film House Confirm 3-Picture Film Deal Set for Production Early 2018 in Miami

The energy shifted to high with the arrival of Romeo Miller and his father, Master P, who came to the Overtown Performing Arts Center to confirm a 3-picture deal that will make Miami a definitive market to film Urban content. “Miami has untapped talent. It’s sexy. It has everything. We want to make this the next Hollywood,” alternating statements from Master P and Romeo Miller.

Film and television production has suffered greatly the past two years because of the conclusion of the Florida Film Incentives. Miami-Dade County was recently able to establish a new Miami-Dade TV, Film and Entertainment Production Incentive Program. And, with the excitement around Moonlight and its rise to the Oscars, Miami seems to be back in favor. “I was talking to Marco (Mall) and Florida Film House before Moonlight and the incentives,” says Romeo, “I’ve wanted to establish something here for awhile. It’s a great hub for Urban film. And, the benefit to the community is the creation of new jobs and opportunities for young people who want to be filmmakers. Who better to do this with than Florida Film House in their backyard.” Miami-based Florida Film House is currently developing original in house content for TV shows, documentaries, and full feature movie projects for domestic and international sales. Their 1st Take Youth Film Program was also created to introduce Miami’s youth ages 12-18 to filmmaking and prepare them for opportunities in the industry.

When asked when the movies were scheduled to release, Florida Film House Founder Marco Mall said, “ We’re currently in pre-production and planned for start filming at the top of the new year. The release date will be when it’s finished. I believe in the creative process so I’d rather take the time to produce a quality product rather than rush to meet a specific date.”

Master P mentioned he was here to support his son with this new venture and he’s a huge fan. “My favorite rapper is Romeo and I know people will think I’m saying that because he is my son, but he’s my favorite because he’s also a business man. He went to college to educate himself on the business and he’s worked hard to prepare himself for life after the music.” Master P has many projects of his own in the works like co-owning Global Mixed Gender Basketball Professional League with singer/actress, Tiny. Opening September 23, the first game will pay homage to the victims of Hurricane Harvey. Candy, making its world premiere at the Urban Film Festival on Saturday, September 2, at the historic Lyric Theater, shares a kindred vision. The director of the movie is Houston-native Mr. Boomtown. All proceeds from the movie will be donated to Hurricane Harvey Relief.

Urban Film Festival is made possible thanks to sponsorship from the Southeast Overtown Parkwest Community Redevelopment Agency, City of Miami, Commissioner Keon Hardemon, Simkins Family Foundation, Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Black Archives History & Research Foundation of South Florida, Inc.

For more details about the Urban Film Festival. please contact Stephanie van Vark at 305-710-2212 or stephanie@stephaniecreates.com.

Urban Film Festival In Miami Celebrates ‘Hip-Hop’ School Of Moviemaking

To Urban Film Festival founder Marco Mall, the word “urban” doesn’t necessarily mean “black.”

It signifies something cool, cutting-edge, millennial-techie-savoir faire. A healthy dose of what he calls “hip-hop swag,” like a well-appointed tattoo (or two) here and there. A quality that’s not easily defined, but Mall seems to know it when he sees it.

“When I’m in Berlin, you’ll say ‘urban’ and there’ll be all white guys,” he says with a smile.

The festival, now in its second year in Miami, seeks to connect up-and-coming urban filmmakers with industry pros who can help them get exposure. And it’s not just about film screenings. The Urban Film Festival includes a series of classes and workshops that serve as a kind of crash course on motion pictures; everything from cinematography and acting to writing and film distribution.

Overtown to welcome father, son hip-hop duo – Master P and Romeo headline the Urban Film Festival during Labor Day weekend

Historic Overtown, known to attract prominent entertainers in the ‘50s, will reclaim its historic when Hip Hop Legend Master P and his son Romeo Miller attend the second annual Urban Film Festival this Labor Day weekend, Sept. 1-3.

Miami-based Florida Film House has just entered into a joint venture and three-picture deal with Miller’s Romeoland Studios. Miller, best known as Maserati Rome or Rome (formerly Lil’ Romeo and Romeo) wants to motivate a new generation of urban filmmakers like the young people who participate in the 1st Take Youth Film Program, an educational outreach program designed to provide Miami’s youth ages 12-18 with an introduction to filmmaking. Short films and Public Service Announcements from students in the program will be presented on Sunday, Sept. 3, during the festival.

Master P is coming to support his son with the new venture and to help the Urban Film Festival celebrate a new generation of filmmakers. He received critical acclaim, rapping his way to No. 1 albums over 30 years. He eventually amassed a film and music empire and added actor, businessman, investor, author, filmmaker, record producer, entrepreneur and philanthropist to his resume. Miller has made a name for himself in his own right as a rapper, actor, entrepreneur and model. As CEO of Romeoland. Miller and his father are committed to bringing Black cinema to Overtown Miami and Florida Film House will be a partner in that effort.

Over the three-day festival, there will be film screenings, workshops and master classes in topics such as producing, directing, cinematography, acting, writing and distribution. Several well-known industry professionals have agreed to participate in this year’s festival. South Florida-native and producer Matty Beckerman along with World Wide Urban Distribution Director Daniel Wuthrich will offer a Master Class on distribution. Wuthrich’s previous credits include director of Disney Distribution. On Saturday, the highlight events include the People’s Choice Screenings where the public is invited to view free movies, and then judge and select their favorite. The winner will be honored at the festival’s award ceremony on Sunday. Saturday’s feature film, “Candy,” was filmed in Houston and directed by Houston’s own Mr. Boomtown. A portion of the proceeds from the movie will be donated to Hurricane Harvey relief. On Sunday, mega producer, Randall Emmett, will offer his expertise on producing his hit show “Power” during a meet & greet with a question-and-answer session for new generation filmmakers and the 1st Take Youth Film Program.

Miami’s Urban Film Festival Pulls Mega Film & Television Industry Execs and Celebs

Romeo Miller, Randall Emmett, Matty Beckerman, Daniel Wuthrich and Master P just to name a few who will share opportunities in the business

Miami, FL (PRUnderground) August 30th, 2017

The schedule for Urban Film Festival 2017 is packed with experts, workshops and programming for the 3-day Labor Day weekend. It is dedicated to providing the new generation of urban filmmakers with the opportunity to monetize and get their content distributed internationally. Friday’s event will be held in the Little Haiti Cultural Center, 212 NE 59th Terrace, Miami, FL 33137. Saturday and Sunday activities are in Historic Overtown’s oldest and newest theatrical venues: Lyric Theater, 819 NW 2nd Avenue and Overtown Performing Arts Center, 1074 NW 3rd Avenue, Miami, FL 33136.

The Urban Film Festival opens with a press conference with Hip Hop Legend Master P, his son Romeo Miller and Marco Mall of Florida Film House announcing a 3-picture deal with Romeoland. The press conference is Friday, September 1 at 10AM at the Overtown Performing Arts Center.

The festival also attracted heavy hitters such as Powers Executive Producer Randall Emmett who will engage through a Meet & Greet with question and answers. Producer Matty Beckerman, Director of World Wide Distribution Daniel Wuthrich and Distribution Director of TriCoast Worldwide Strath Hamilton reveal the secret to getting a successful distribution deal. The first and last day of the festival will showcase two feature films—A Miami Love Story on Friday at the Little Haiti Cultural Center and Love & Reality on Sunday at the Lyric Theater – that were shown last year and received distribution through TriCoast and World Wide Distribution thanks to the Urban Film Festival. Candy, directed by Houston filmmaker Mr. Boomtown, will premiere Saturday evening and is expected to receive distribution through connection with the festival. A portion of the proceeds from the movie will be donated to Hurricane Harvey relief.

Workshops, classes and short film screenings include:

Saturday – September 2

10 AM – 12 PM – Workshops @ The Lyric Theater

Directing – Bla G

Acting – Yonel Aris & Passion Roosevelt

Writing – Matt Wohl and Max Gabriel

Producing – Peter Ebanks

Cinematography with Michael Zoyes, Ido Eyo & Luis Valverde @ RED Digital Camera Miami, 72 NW 25th Street

1 PM – 3 PM – Workshops: Producing | Directing | Acting | Writing

1 PM – 3 PM – Cinematography Workshop @ RED Digital Camera Miami

SCREENINGS:

12 PM – 4 PM – People’s Choice Award Screening

1 PM – 3 PM – Best of Film Festival Screenings

3 PM – 5 PM – Best of Florida Film House Musical Short Films

5 PM – 8 PM – Best of Web Series Screenings

Sunday – September 3rd

12 PM – 2 PM – High Quality Filming On A Low Budget Masterclass with Peter Ebanks

2 PM – 4 PM – Distribution Masterclass with Daniel Wuthrich, Matty Beckerman & Strath Hamilton

NEW ADDITION:

4 PM – 6 PM – Meet & Greet Power Executive Producer Randall Emmett with Q&A

SCREENINGS:

10 AM – 1:30 PM – Urban Film Festival Short Film Screenings

1:30 PM – 4 PM – 1st Take Youth Film Program Short Film Screenings and Q&A by local youth filmmakers creating stories from their community

The culminating event is the Award Ceremony at the Lyric Theater celebrating films and filmmakers for their contribution to the festival and the community. To see the complete schedule and purchase passes, go to www.urbanfilmfestivals.com.

Urban Film Festival is made possible thanks to sponsorship from the Southeast Overtown Parkwest Community Redevelopment Agency, City of Miami, Commissioner Keon Hardemon, Simkins Family Foundation, Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Black Archives History & Research Foundation of South Florida, Inc.

To secure media passes for the Urban Film Festival or RSVP for the press conference, please contact Stephanie van Vark at 305-710-2212 or stephanie@stephaniecreates.com.

Florida Film House (FFH) is currently developing original in-house content for TV shows, documentaries and full feature movie projects for domestic and international sales. In addition, FFH has an in-house creative team that offers digital marketing consulting, post-production services, color correction, and handles all other areas of production. In February 2010, Executive Producer Marco Mall and Creative Director Blademil “Bla G” Grullon founded FFH combining over 20 years of experience as cutting edge innovators capturing artist’s moments in a branding and storytelling fashion.

About Florida Film House

Press Contact
Name: Stephanie Van Vart
Phone: (305) 710-2212
Email: stephanie@stephaniecreates.com
Website:

Father and Son Hip Hop Duo, Master P and Romeo will attend the Urban Film Festival Labor Day Weekend

Miami, FL (PRUnderground) August 28th, 2017

Historic Overtown in the City of Miami, known to attract prominent entertainers in the 50’s, will reclaim his historic past welcoming Hip Hop Legend Master P and his son Romeo Miller to the second annual Urban Film Festival this Labor Day Weekend, September 1-3, 2017. A press conference with both is scheduled for Friday, September 1 at 10AM at the Overtown Performing Arts Center, 1074 NW 3rd Ave, Miami, FL 33136.

Miami-based Florida Film House has just entered into a joint venture and three-picture deal with Romeo Miller’s Romeoland Studios. Romeo Miller wants to motivate a new generation of urban filmmakers like the young people who participate in the 1st Take Youth Film Program, an educational outreach program designed to provide Miami’s youth ages 12-18 with an introduction to filmmaking. Short films and Public Service Announcements from students in the program will be presented on Sunday, September 3, 2017 during the festival. Many of these works were crafted during a 2-day workshop held this past weekend in Overtown.Master P is coming to support his son with the new venture and to help the Urban Film Festival celebrate a new generation of filmmakers. He received critical acclaim rapping his way to annual No. 1 albums over 30 years. He eventually amassed a film and music empire and added actor, businessman, investor, author, filmmaker, record producer, entrepreneur and philanthropist to his resume. Romeo Miller has made a name for himself in his own right as a rapper, actor, entrepreneur and model. As CEO of Romeoland. Mr. Miller and his father are committed to bringing black cinema to Overtown Miami and Florida Film House will be a partner in that effort.

There is a robust schedule planned for the 3-day festival. There will be film screenings, workshops and master classes in topics such as Producing, Directing, Cinematography, Acting, Writing and Distribution. Several well-known industry professionals have agreed to participate in this year’s festival. South Florida-native and producer Matty Beckerman along with World Wide Urban Distribution Director Daniel Wuthrich will offer a Master Class on Distribution. Mr. Wuthrich’s previous credits include Director of Disney Distribution. On Saturday, the highlight events include the People’s Choice Screenings where the public is invited to view free movies, and then judge and select their favorite. The winner will be honored at the festival’s grand finale Award Ceremony on Sunday. Saturday’s feature film, Candy, was filmed in Houston and directed by Houston’s own Mr. Boomtown. A portion of the proceeds from the movie will be donated to Hurricane Harvey relief. On Sunday, mega producer, Randall Emmett, will offer his expertise on producing his hit show Power during a Meet & Greet with a question and answer session for new generation filmmakers and the 1st Take Youth Film Program. To see the full schedule and purchase passes, go to www.urbanfilmfestivals.com.

Urban Film Festival is made possible thanks to sponsorship from the Southeast Overtown Parkwest Community Redevelopment Agency, City of Miami, Commissioner Keon Hardemon, Simkins Family Foundation, Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Black Archives History & Research Foundation of South Florida, Inc.

We encourage the media to secure their passes to attend the Urban Film Festival, September 1-3, 2017. To RSVP. please contact Stephanie van Vark at 305-710-2212 or stephanie@stephaniecreates.com.

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Florida Film House (FFH) is currently developing original in-house content for TV shows, documentaries and full feature movie projects for domestic and international sales. In addition, FFH has an in-house creative team that offers digital marketing consulting, post-production services, color correction, and handles all other areas of production. In February 2010, Executive Producer Marco Mall and Creative Director Blademil “Bla G” Grullon founded FFH combining over 20 years of experience as cutting edge innovators capturing artist’s moments in a branding and storytelling fashion.

About Florida Film House

Press Contact
Name: Stephanie Van Vart
Phone: (305) 710-2212
Email: stephanie@stephaniecreates.com
Website:

Miami’s Urban Film Festival kicks off in historic Overtown

MIAMI – Miami’s Urban Film Festival brings five days of events to promote local talent on Labor Day Weekend.

The event kicked off with a party at the historic Lyric Theater, 819 NW 2nd Ave., in Miami’s Overtown on Thursday. And the opening night film, Fade Away, screened at the theater on Friday night.