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Meena Harris and Rashida Jones join as Executive Producers on Maya and the Wave

Maya and the Wave is currently playing at the Village East theater in New York, with upcoming screenings at the Laemmle Glendale and the Laemmle Monica in Los Angeles, and expanding through the end of the year   

NEW YORK—September 12th, 2024—The team behind Maya and the Wave announced today that Rashida Jones and Meena Harris have officially boarded the film as executive producers. The documentary tells the extraordinary story of Maya Gabeira, the first woman to surf the giant wave in Nazaré, Portugal. She nearly drowns – and is ridiculed by the male big wave surfers who dominate the sport. Three spine surgeries and five years later, she surfs the biggest wave a woman has ever surfed. When her accomplishment is disregarded, Maya enlists the help of her fans to fight for recognition — and becomes the first female surfer honored with a Guinness World Record in big wave surfing.

The story of the films’ release mimics Maya’s own story of heartbreak and comeback. Shortly after the Toronto premiere, the film’s cinematographer and co- producer, Jorge Leal, had a brain stem stroke, leaving him completely paralyzed. The crew and Maya rushed to his side and spent the next 10 months in hospitals and treatment centers, aiding in his recovery. With Jorge well enough to go back home, it was finally time to bring Maya and the Wave into the world. 

“We are so excited to have Rashida Jones and Meena Harris come on board the film. We admire them both so much for their commitment to amplifying female voices and are beyond thrilled to have their support. Getting the film here has been a journey, and they feel like the best partners we could ever have.” said Stephanie Johnes, the film’s director. 

“As we witness a global backlash against women’s human rights, we need powerhouse women like Rashida and Meena to champion women’s stories more than ever before. All hail these loud and powerful women for bringing their fire and their platforms to support a story that, at its core, is an everywoman’s story of living in a man’s world,” added producer Ali Johnes. 

“On and off the screen, Maya and the Wave is a miraculous story of resilience and perseverance. This inspiring portrait of an underestimated woman determined to win also happens to be an epic sports documentary — everyone should see it,” said Meena Harris.  

Rashida Jones added, “Maya and the Wave is inspiring, shocking, gorgeous, intimate and triumphant. Maya’s courage, determination and vulnerability will stick with me forever. Hers is the consummate heroine’s journey.  I’m so proud to have any small part of sharing this movie with the world.” 

Meena Harris is the founder and CEO of the Tony-Award winning company Phenomenal Media. She is a #1 New York Times bestselling children’s book author, and the co-founder and general partner of the VC firm Phenomenal Ventures. Meena is also a lawyer and influential activist for gender and racial equity. She most recently co-produced Dylan Mulvaney’s Edinburgh Fringe sensation, Faghag, and the Tony-Award winning musical Suffs, currently on Broadway.

Rashida Jones is an Emmy-nominated and Grammy award-winning actress, writer, director and producer, best known for her beloved roles on the universally acclaimed, fan favorite sitcoms, Parks and Recreation and The Office. Beyond acting, Jones is a renowned documentary filmmaker, who garnered an Emmy-nomination for her Netflix docuseries, Hot Girls Wanted, and won a Grammy for Best Music Film for Quincy, a film about her father, Quincy Jones. Jones is an outspoken feminist, and advocate for women’s rights and intersectional inclusivity, who often reflects these themes in her illustrious body of work.

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Top 10 Best Films of 2020

10. Soul

“Soul” follows, Joe (Jamie Foxx), a music teacher who has lost his passion for music and sense of purpose. But when he is transported into another realm to help someone find their spark, he discovers a new appreciation for life.  The timing couldn’t have been more perfect for this movie. Whether you have a dream you haven’t accomplished yet, or you feel as though your life hasn’t amounted to anything; take a second to reflect on all the good you already have. Your health, your family, your friends; our life is not as bad as we sometimes make it out to be. And remember to appreciate all the little things, even if it’s as small as a good slice of pizza.

9. Words on Bathroom Walls

“Words on Bathroom Walls” follows Adam(Charlie Plummer), a passionate cook who appears to be a typical teenage boy until an incident in his High School reveals he has schizophrenia. He is expelled, and forced to finish out his senior year at a Catholic High school. It’s there he meets, Maya (Taylor Russell). Their relationship in the film is tender and sweet, but the beauty of “Words on Bathroom Walls” is getting to see perspective on a mental illness that isn’t shown often, especially through a romance. This is something else that deserves representation and understanding. And though the film centers around Adam and Maya, the relationship between Adam and his mom is just as powerful. Her tenacity shows us a mother’s love is unconditional.

8. Let Him Go

After the death of their son, Margaret and George Blackledge (Diane Lane and Kevin Costner) have held on to the light in their life, their grandson, Jimmy. But when their daughter-in-law (Kayli Carter) remarries to an abusive man, Donnie Weboy (Will Brittain), he takes both her and Jimmy away to his family’s secluded home in North Dakota.  Margaret and George leave their ranch in Montana, and go on a mission to save what’s left of their family. Some may not find this movie special, but it transported me back to the theaters with how well it was shot and the incredible performances. You can’t help but feel for this couple, and want them to do whatever is necessary to get their grandson back.

7. On the Rocks

Bill Murray plays, Felix, a playboy art dealer who, long ago, walked out on his wife and children for the first of many women. He’s selfish and self-centered, yet you can’t help but love the guy. When he hears his daughter, Laura (Rashida Jones), is concerned about her husband’s many work trips, he assumes the worse and encourages her to look into the matter with him.  This film is such an easy and humorous watch. This is in big part due to the natural chemistry between Murray and Jones. Felix is trying to make up for lost time by taking this unfortunate circumstance as an opportunity to spend quality time with his daughter, who he genuinely cares for. “On the Rocks” highlights a sweet, yet unconventional father/daughter relationship, while also shedding a light on marriages that could use a little refresher.

6. Irresistible

I know politics is a touchy subject, but the beauty of “Irresistible” is that it really doesn’t try to sway you on either side. They focus more about how ridiculous a campaign can get and how much it costs. It’s not about conservatives versus liberals. Instead, the film makes you question the two party system. The all-star cast which includes Steve Carrell, Rose Byrne, Chris Cooper, and MacKenzie Davis all give top-notch, hilarious performances. The banter between Carrell and Byrne alone makes this film such a delight. “Irresistible” is the insightful, laugh-out-loud comedy we needed during this election year. Putting into perspective what is truly important in any leadership role. 

5. The Kid Detective

To all my fellow “Harriet the Spy” lovers, this movie is what I imagine happened to the male version of Harriet. Abe Applebaum (Adam Brody) was a once celebrated kid detective. Even adults used his services. But after he fails to solve the mystery of a kidnapping of a young girl/friend, he is no longer the same quality detective. Fast forward to his 30’s, he’s a washed up drunk, taking any minor case he can get to make end’s meat. That is until he is presented with his first murder case. I know a lot of you probably haven’t heard of this film, but it’s a really fun watch. Brody carries the movie with his wit and charm, but the story is just as engaging. “The Kid Detective” is truly the hidden gem of 2020.

4. Onward

I’m surprised by how high I have this film on my list, but since January I can’t get this movie or the ending out of my head. It’s one I get emotional just thinking about. On the day of Ian Lightfoot’s (Tom Holland) 16th birthday, he and his older brother (Chris Pratt) are given a gift from their late father. Turns out it’s a spell that will bring their dad back to life for 24 hours,  giving Ian a chance to finally meet his father. But the spell doesn’t go exactly as planned. At first glance, this seems like a possibly boring, one disaster after another road trip that will end predictably. It’s safe to say that’s not the case. Although this is a film about a son seeking a relationship with his father, it also recognizes those in our lives who unexpectedly became a father figure and shaped us into the person we are today.

3. Palm Springs

Not since “Groundhog Day” has any film with the similar formula been worth raving about (Except for maybe “Happy Death Day”). That is until “Palm Springs”. It manages to put a refreshing spin on the romantic comedy genre and time loop narrative. Nyles (Andy Samberg) and Sarah (Cristin Milioti) are two wedding guests reliving the same day. Samberg and Milioti are a dynamic duo with amazing chemistry. The film is heavier than you might expect. Nyles and Sarah are stuck together without even death as an escape. A romance grows, and soon they are partners in crime making the most of their care-free new existence; even if it comes with a rapid loss of meaning. “Palm Springs” is funny, sweet, and has a surprising little twist. 

2. Uncle Frank

If I could give anyone the Oscar right now, it would be Paul Bettany for his powerful and gut-wrenching performance in this film. I really hope this movie doesn’t go under the radar during award season, because it deserves recognition for its performances alone. Set in 1973, the film follows a teenager named Beth (Sophia Lillis) who leaves her rural Southern home to study at a New York University where her beloved Uncle Frank (Bettany) teaches. While there she discovers Frank is gay, and has been living with his long time partner, Wally (Peter Macdissi) – a secret he’s been keeping from his family for years. After the passing of his father, the three of them take a road trip home to North Carolina, and Frank is forced to face the worries and trauma he’s been running from. This film is my biggest tear-jerker of the year. I’m talking ugly crying. Watching Bettany play a character who has to hide his true self from his family in fear of how they might react is heartbreaking, and sadly, still relevant. “Uncle Frank” is a film everyone should watch.

1. Promising Young Woman

If you’ve heard me talk about this film, it should come as no surprise that it would make the top of my list. The movie has romance, comedy, mystery, revenge, and an all-star cast. “Promising Young Woman” features Carey Mulligan as Cassie, a med-school dropout who seeks revenge on a traumatizing past event. Not since “Hard Candy” have I enjoyed such an enticing revenge story. Mulligan is at her best, showing such complex emotions. She varies from cold-hearted to heartbreaking. This is a cautionary tale that would serve well in high school and college classrooms. Especially geared towards men who don’t seem to understand what consensual sexual activity means. The film goes beyond the actions of the men responsible for the sexual assaults. It also highlights those who turn a blind eye, and even the parties responsible for defending the guilty. “Promising Young Woman” is funny, dark, unforgettable, and for me, it’s the best film of the year.

The Rest of the Best:

11. Black Box

12. Shithouse

13. A Secret Love

14. Yes God Yes

15. The Trial of the Chicago 7

16. The Mauritanian

17. Da 5 Bloods

18. Freaky

19. Another Round

20. The Broken Hearts Gallery

Top 5 Worst Films of 2020

5. The Rhythm Section – I except more from Jude Law and Blake Lively at this point in their careers.

4. Underwater- A Knockoff underwater version of “Alien”. But bad, so bad.

3. The Sunlit Night- Terrible movie with the most forced and awkward sex scene.

2. The Prom – Had no idea James Corden was a bad actor until this film. Honestly, I couldn’t pay attention anything else.

1. The Witches (2020) – I almost forgot this movie happened. I’d like to keep it that way.

Trevor’s Top 10

10. Yes God Yes
9. Sonic the Hedgehog
8. Freaky
7. The Mauritanian
6. Palm Springs
5. The Old Guard
4. The Kid Detective
3. Promising Young Woman
2. Irresistible
1. Uncle Frank

Movie Review: “Possessor: Uncut” & “On the Rocks”

This week I review the Neon’s new sci-fi thriller, “Possessor: Uncut” and Sofia Coppola’s new comedy, “On the Rocks”. Both entertaining films, but one satisfies more than the other. Watch the review below to find out which movie you should see this weekend.

“Possessor: Uncut” is playing in select theaters now.

“On the Rocks” is playing in select theaters now and will be available on Apple-TV October 23.

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2nd Annual African American Film Critics Association Award Winners

THE AFRICAN AMERICAN FILM CRITICS ASSOCIATION (AAFCA) FETED TELEVISION’S BEST OF THE YEAR AT THE 2ND ANNUAL AAFCA TV HONORS ON SATURDAY, AUGUST 22

John Legend, Viola Davis, Sterling K. Brown, Mindy Kaling, Rashida Jones, Josh Gad,
 Leslie Odom, Jr. and more gathered virtually to celebrate

The full awards ceremony will be available to the public for viewing at 3:00pm Pacific Time today on the  AAFCA YouTube Channel


Photos of winners and honorees are available at the AAFCA TV Honors web site August 22nd, 2020 – The African American Film Critics Association (AAFCA) handed out 11 awards, two honorary awards, and the inaugural AAFCA ADCOLOR Breakout Creative of the Year award today to celebrate the excellence, innovation and diversity in television this year.  In addition to celebrity presenters such as Octavia SpencerRashida Jones and William Jackson Harper, the virtual awards ceremony also celebrated the extraordinary work of our first responders, government leaders, firefighters, reporters, and others from around the country by featuring these local heroes as presenters during the event. A portion of the proceeds from the event were donated to the National Association of Black Journalists’ Covid-19 Relief Fund. The event, hosted by actress/comedian Aida Rodriguez, was sponsored by Morgan Stanley.

2nd ANNUAL AAFCA TV HONORS AWARD RECIPIENTS & PRESENTERS:

Best Animated Series: “Central Park” (Apple TV+)
Creator and star Josh Gad and cast member Leslie Odom, Jr. accepted the award, presented to them by Oscar® winning filmmaker Matthew A. Cherry (“Hair Love”) and the Honorable Hank Johnson, Congressman for Georgia’s 4th District.

Best Young Adult Series: “Never Have I Ever” (Netflix)
Co-Creators and Executive Producers Mindy Kaling and Lang Fisher were joined by series star, Maitreyi Ramakrishnan to accept the award, presented to them by young actor Niles Fitch (“This is Us”) and Cherelle Barsdale, a frontline Nurse from the University of Michigan Medical Center.

Best Short Form: “I Promise” (Quibi)
Executive Producer, Jamal Henderson accepted the award, which is the inaugural award for short form at the AAFCA TV Honors, presented by actor Derek Luke and Dr. Christopher Emdin, Associate Professor of Science Education at the Teachers College at Columbia University.

AAFCA ADCOLOR Breakout Creative of the Year: Janet Mock, “Pose” & “Hollywood” (Netflix)
Awarded to a creative of color whose career, in its early stages, demonstrates a vision and commitment to diverse and inclusive stories that reset and disrupt the industry across multiple platforms. Presented to writer/director/producer, Janet Mock by “Pose” stars MJ RodriquezHallie Sahar, and Indya Moore.

Best Docuseries: “Atlanta’s Missing and Murdered: The Lost Children” (HBO) and “The Last Dance” (ESPN Films/Netflix)
The Executive Producers of “Atlanta’s Missing and Murdered: The Lost Children,” John LegendMike JacksonTy StikloriusMaro Chermayeff, and Sam Pollard accepted the award, presented to them by “P-Valley” stars Brandee Evans and Nicco Annan and Chicago Fire Lieutenant Quentin Curtis who is also the founder and president of the Black Fire Brigade. “The Last Dance” team was unable to attend and AAFCA accepted the honor on their behalf.

Best TV Movie: “The Clark Sisters: First Ladies of Gospel” (Lifetime)
Music Director Donald Lawrence, Director Christine Swanson and Co-Executive Producer Holly Carter accepted the award, presented by Simone Missick, the star of CBS’ “All Rise,” the Emmy® nominated star of NBC’s “The Good Place” William Jackson Harper and Reverend Dr. Jamal H. Bryant from the New Birth Church in Atlanta, GA.

Breakthrough Performers: Jeremy Pope / Laura Harrier “Hollywood” (Netflix)
Jeremy Pope and Laura Harrier accepted the award, presented to them by “Entertainment Tonight” host Kevin Frazier and EMT professional Chief Tanya Rivers.

Best Male Performance: Sterling K. Brown “This is Us” (NBC)
This marks the second year in a row that Sterling K. Brown, the Emmy® winning star of “This is Us” has won the Best Actor award at the AAFCA TV Honors. Brown is currently nominated for two Emmys® – Best Actor in a Drama Series for “This is Us” and Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series for “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,”- making Emmy history as the first Black lead/supporting actor to be nominated in both drama and comedy categories.  Actress Sheryl Lee Ralph (“Ray Donovan”) and Dr. Ala Stanford of Stanford Pediatric Surgery, who founded the Black Doctors COVID-19 Consortium in Philadelphia, PA., presented the award.

Best TV Comedy: “Insecure” (HBO)
Showrunner Prentice Penny accepted the honor which was presented by actress Tichina Arnold (star of CBS’ “The Neighborhood”) and LAPD Deputy Police Chief Regina A. Scott.

Best TV Drama: “For Life” (ABC)
Creator Hank Steinberg and series star Nicholas Pinnock accepted the honor, presented by “Queen Sugar” stars Tina Lifford and Omar J. Dorsey and WeDat’s Chicken and Shrimp Restaurant Founder and Owner Greg Tillery of New Orleans, who has been on the front lines of Covid-19 donating food to frontline workers and others in need.

Inclusion Award: MACRO Television Studios
Marta Fernandez, the President of MACRO Television Studios accepted the award which recognizes a network or production entity that demonstrates a powerful commitment to diversity and inclusion. AAFCA Founder and President Gil Robertson and award-winning KNBC Journalist Beverly White presented the award.

Best Actress: Viola Davis, “How to Get Away with Murder” (ABC)
Viola Davis was presented the award by fellow Oscar® winner Octavia Spencer and Mayor of Montgomery, AL Steven Reed.

TV Icon Award: Kenya Barris
Kenya Barris, creator of ABC’s “Black-ish” and “#blackAF” on Netflix, accepted this honor which recognizes a veteran of television who has forged a path in greatness and demonstrates a commitment to telling diverse stories. The honor was presented by Rashida Jones.

ABOUT AAFCA
Established in 2003, AAFCA is the premier body of Black film critics in the world, actively reviewing film and television, with a particular emphasis on entertainment highlighting the Black experience in the US and throughout the rest of the African Diaspora. For more information on AAFCA and its programs visit http://AAFCA.com.

Top 5 Most Lovable Male & Female Movie Characters

Valentines Day is Friday!  What better way to get in that romantic mood than by watching some of the best characters in film.   You can’t help but fall in love with them every time you watch.

Top 5 Male Characters…

5. Preston Meyers- Can’t Hardly Wait

“I really believe that there’s one person out there, and for me it’s gotta be Amanda.”

Though his high school crush (Jennifer Love Hewitt) didn’t know who he was till the end of the film, Preston Meyers (Ethan Embry) was highly spoken of by every classmate that knew him.  It was that likeability factor, and the relentless determination of finally giving the letter that would admit his true feelings to his crush that makes him endearing and adorable.

4. Jack Dawson- Titanic

“Winning that ticket, Rose, was the best thing that ever happened to me… it brought me to you.”

Let’s face it; for the good part of the late 90’s, Leonardo DiCaprio was the biggest tween heart-throb.  And his iconic role as Jack Dawson in the Academy Award winning film, Titanic, had every girl swooning at the sound of his name and his “Tiger Beat” posters.  I will admit Jack and Rose (Kate Winslet) did fall in love quickly, but how can you resist Jack’s enthusiasm?  And of course there’s the moment he selflessly froze to death in the ocean just so Rose could have all the room on the debris to stay alive.

3. Tom Hansen- 500 Days of Summer

“It’s love. It’s not Santa Claus.”

First off, this film is one the best portrayals of a realistic one-sided relationship.  The only thing that is hard to believe is how Summer Finn (Zooey Deschanel) did not reciprocate the same feelings that Tom Hansen (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) felt.  Tom was smart, handsome, caring, and they even seem to have the same sense of humor.  By the end of this film you feel an enormous amount of empathy for Tom, making you want to either date him yourself or just hug the guy.

2. Lloyd Dobler- Say Anything

“The world is full of guys. Be a man. Don’t be a guy.”

Lloyd Dobler (John Cusack) goes down in history as pulling off one of the most romantic, and bold gestures to get his girlfriend back.  You know the scene, the epic boom box over the head blasting Peter Gabriel’s “In Your Eyes” outside of Diane Court’s (Ione Skye) bedroom.  Now most girls could find this a tad creepy. Add the fact that Lloyd’s goal in life during the entire film is to spend as much time with Diane as possible.  But the truth of the matter is Lloyd is just a good guy.  He is genuine and kind to everyone, making him impossible to turn down.

1. Noah Calhoun- The Notebook

“I want all of you, forever, everyday. You and me… everyday.”

This should be no surprise to anyone.  Noah Calhoun (Ryan Gosling) is the epitome of the perfect guy that every girl wishes they could date/marry.  He is the guy we know doesn’t really exist, but we sure like to dream about the possibility of him.  Let’s put aside his unbelievable good looks.  Noah falls in love with Allie (Rachel McAdams) immediately; he goes through extreme measures to just get a date with her.  He then charms her like no other; she then of course falls for him.  They have a summer romance for the ages…but it doesn’t stop there.  Even after they break up, Noah doesn’t stop loving Allie.  He writes her multiple letters, and builds the dream house she always wanted.  All in hopes that one day she will return and they can be together.  And let’s not forget the fact that when Allie gets older and suffers from Alzheimer’s, he reads to her every day so she can remember and come back to him.

And to be fair to the guys, I decided to take a stab at the Top 5 Female Characters…

5. Uhura- Star Trek

“No. I’m assigned to the Enterprise!”

Uhura (Zoe Saldana) is smart, sassy, and faithful to Spock even though he shows lack of consideration for her feelings.

4. Zooey Rice- I Love You, Man

“So is he your best man?”

Zooey (Rashida Jones) loves her boyfriend so much; she wants him to have friends and a life of his own! “That’s like one of the most romantic things I could ever think of.”

3. Rachel Jansen- Forgetting Sarah Marshall

“Are you gonna jump or what?”

Rachel (Mila Kunis) is the fun, sexy girl who will make you jump off cliffs and help you get over Kristen Bell. This is not an easy feat.

2. Claire Cleary- Wedding Crashers

“True love is the soul’s recognition of its counterpoint in another.”

Claire (Rachel McAdams) is a genuine girl who is down to earth and has a contagious laugh that follows a beautiful smile.

1. Wichita- Zombieland

“I mean you got the guts of a guppy but I could hit that.”

Emma Stone has a number of lovable movie characters that you could easily want to date.  From Jules in Superbad, to Hannah in Crazy, Stupid, Love.  But when it comes down to it, her role as the kickass, protective sister who will do anything to survive the zombie invasion is kind of the whole package.

Originally posted on RedCarpetCrash.com