Up-and-coming filmmakers across the country that are looking for their big break may have lucked out thanks to McDonald’s USA and the American Black Film Festival (ABFF). The two entities have combined with esteemed director Malcolm D. Lee (The Best Man, The Best Man Holiday and Barbershop: The Next Cut) to put together the second annual My Community Video Competition.
Aspiring filmmakers who enter the contest must submit a 90-second video with this year’s chosen theme of “What does being deeply rooted in your community mean to you?” Three finalists will be picked to attend the upcoming 20th American Black Film Fest with their submissions critiqued by Lee and featured at the festival before a winner is selected by a panel of industry experts. In addition to winning thousands of dollars worth of film equipment, the lucky winner will also have their work featured on McDonald’s associated websites and www.abff.com
According to Lee, who will serve as a mentor to the film competition’s finalists, for him it’s all about reaching back to help discover new talent and bring it to the forefront.
“I look forward to returning as mentor to the finalists in the McDonald’s My Community Video Competition,” he said. “There is so much great talent out there in the film industry and it’s always inspiring to connect with them and hopefully do my part to support the next generation of great filmmakers.”
ABFF founder Jeff Friday also echoed Lee’s sentiments,”We are proud to partner with McDonald’s on bringing this opportunity to emerging content creators.” Friday added, “Without a doubt, this competition is a catalyst for introducing undiscovered talent to the industry-at-large.”
Last year’s winner, Richard T. Fields, won the competition with his short video “Puppy Love.” The ‘My Community’ Video Competition and ABFF’s vision to promote diversity in the film and television industry align with McDonald’s 365Black platform — an initiative that celebrates the pride, heritage and achievements of African Americans year-round.
Submissions for this year’s competition are due by April 15.
For more information on the My Community Video Competition, please visit www.abff.com and www.365Black.com or follow @ABFF and @365black on Twitter.
