Author Archives: Sonya's Spotlight
← Older posts Newer posts →2022 BronzeLens Film Festival
August 24, 2022Atlanta-based BronzeLens Film Festival (BronzeLens) has the distinction of being situated in one of the world’s leading film and television production hubs and it is positioned as a hotbed for creatives to ideate, collaborate, and garner support.Of the 124 official film selections, 19 are Georgia productions, and many films have an Afrofuturist or Horror theme. Selected films in the Features, Shorts, Documentary, Short Documentary, Dance Video, Web Series, Music Video, Student, and Reel South Short Documentary categories include the work of filmmakers representing the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Brazil, Jamaica, Cuba, Nigeria, and India.BronzeLens is a designated Oscar Qualifying Festival in the Shorts category, and 57 Shorts are among the official film screenings. See full schedule and register for our exclusive screenings and workshops.______________________________________________________________________________On Saturday, August 27, The BronzeLens Film Festival (BronzeLens) in Atlanta will honor some of the world’s top women of color in film and television during its “Women SuperStars” awards event at The Starling Midtown Atlanta. The Bronze Carpet will run from 6 – 6:45 pm before the program at 7 pm. The honorees bring a combined six decades of excellence in the television and film industry. The BronzeLens Women SuperStars Honors was created in 2010 to recognize women of color in an industry that needs their voice, vision, and influence. Many studies continue to underscore that women of color are needed in a film and television industry that is largely male and non-diverse. “Women SuperStars Honors has evolved to become a groundbreaking event within the festival that serves as inspiration for women from all walks of life,” said Kathleen Bertrand, BronzeLens founder, and Executive Producer. ” Since its inception 58 of the most influential women of color in the film and television industry have received the award. Issa Rae, Ava DuVernay, Queen Latifah, Neema Barnette, Cheryl Boone Issacs, LaTanya Richardson Jackson, Julie Dash, …
Posted in Streaming | Leave a commentHGTV STARS EGYPT SHERROD & MIKE JACKSON RECEIVE PROCLAMATIONS FROM THE CITY OF ATLANTA HONORING CAREER & PHILANTHROPIC ACHIEVEMENTS
August 24, 2022PROCLAMATIONS PRESENTED BY FULTON COUNTY COMMISSIONER NATALIE HALL AT BLACK-OWNED IWI FRESH FARM SPA IN WEST MIDTOWN ATLANTA Fulton County Commissioner Natalie Hall presented two proclamations to HGTV’s stars, Egypt Sherrod and her husband Mike Jackson, in honor of their philanthropic and career achievements. The outdoor ceremony was held in West Midtown Atlanta at the all-new Black-owned IWI Fresh Farm Spa. Fulton County, the largest county in Georgia, is officially named on Tuesday, August 23rd, after the co-hosts of HGTV’s “Married To Real Estate.” The couple had two of their three daughters, 10-year-old Kendall and three-year-old Harper, with them to witness their parents’ recognition for years of hard work. Stream season 1 of HGTV’s “Married to Real Estate” on discovery+. Keep up with the couple on Instagram at @egyptsherrod and @djfadelf.
Posted in Atlanta Scene, In The Spotlight | Leave a commentMIASHA PRODUCTIONS HOSTED THE STAR-STUDDED SECRET SOCIETY 2: NEVER ENOUGH ATLANTA PREMIERE ON TUESDAY, JULY 26
August 10, 2022Miasha Productions held the private premiere of Secret Society 2: Never Enough last night in Atlanta. Cast members in attendance will include: Blac Chyna, Vivica A. Fox, Reyna Love, Erica Pinkett, Tarie Jai, Kelvin Hair ll, Cree Campbell, and more. Atlanta’s elite was able to get a first-look at the sequel film, Secret Society 2: Never Enough. The full cast participated in an exclusive Q&A, hosted by The Beat ATL’s Jojo Alonso. ABOUT SECRET SOCIETY 2: NEVER ENOUGH From gold digger to being thrown under, Celess (Reyna Love) is making her rounds to prove her loyalty to the game with bestie Si Si (Adejah Parrish). It’s not a matter of if your past will catch up to you, it’s when! In this fast-paced, edge of your seat sequel to 2021’s movie of the year, viewers are in for even more twists than before. Celess is back outside! With a newfound hunger and a bestie, Si Si, to eat with she wastes no time filling her plate. She and Si Si climb the ranks of young Hollywood and are on the brink of making it big but that’s when they learn the ‘bigger you are the harder you fall’ – especially when your past is tugging at your Louboutins. Picking up where Secret Society left off, Secret Society 2’s fashion, drama, and plot twists all set out to prove one thing and that is in Celess’ world of love versus pain, it’s Never Enough. Secret Society 2: Never Enough premiered on Amazon Prime Friday, July 29. CHECK OUT PHOTOS FROM THESECRET SOCIETY 2: NEVER ENOUGH ATLANTA PREMIERE Photo Credit: Prince Williams for Getty Images WATCH THE OFFICIAL TRAILER FOR SECRET SOCIETY 2: NEVER ENOUGH
Posted in On the Scene | Leave a commentDWAYNE “THE ROCK” JOHNSON SHARES HIS SUCCESS TIPS
July 28, 2022Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson Below is my interview with actor and wrestler Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, which took place in Atlanta a few years ago when he was promoting a film. Dwayne’s SUCCESS TIPS are relevant today. Read on and be inspired. Sonya Jenkins: What would you say is an important ingredient for success? Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson: Dream big . . . work big. They go hand in hand. Sonya Jenkins: How do you stay in such great physical shape? Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson: I train everyday and I need that. Even on a crazy, hectic schedule promoting movies I set aside some time that I can get away from all the craziness, all the madness, all the people . . . and I train for about an hour and a half to two hours. Sonya Jenkins: Well, you are naturally athletically inclined. You played football and then you became a wrestler. How did you make the transition from athlete to actor? Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson: How I made that transition was being focused and having good people around me. I surrounded myself with good acting coaches, decent actors, decent directors, and good material. All those things helped out. Sonya Jenkins: What advice would you give to the youth of today? Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson: It’s the same advice I give to them all the time. I tell them there is no substitute for hard work. Nobody in this world will ever give you anything for free. You’ve got to work for it everyday. Apply yourself and become a better student. And not only become a better student, but you’ve got to understand, again, the value of hard work. Whether you’re White, Black, Latin or Asian, whatever you are, rich or poor, if you dream big you’ve got to work …
Posted in Celebrity Success Tips, In The Spotlight | 1 CommentCHAKA KHAN – “WOMAN LIKE ME”.
July 19, 2022From the icon that introduced the world to the female empowerment song of our lives, “I Am Every Woman“, she now delivers the ultimate female anthem, “WOMAN LIKE ME“. “Woman Like Me“, will be globally released on Friday, July 29th, 2022, via the SRG-ILS Group/UMG label imprint. “WOMAN LIKE ME” was written by Gregg Pagani, Francesca Richard, and Jeffrey Andersonand produced by Gregg Pagani.As previously shared exclusively with Billboard.com, “WOMAN LIKE ME“, is Chaka Khan’s first single release since signing with The SRG/ILS Group, back in early May, 2022.“Chaka Khan is a beacon of light in our industry. Her spirit and her vocals soar. It is a pleasure working with her on this next chapter and we got a hot record here.” – Claude Villani, Founder and CEO of The SRG/ILS Group.“I am very proud to be with The SRG/ILS Group, a company that is run by a real musician who understands the needs of artists that have been overlooked for years.” Chaka Khan. ABOUT CHAKA KHAN Her legendary career jump started when Stevie Wonder penned the now classic “Tell Me Something Good” for Chaka when she was lead singer of the R&B, Funk band Rufus in 1974. Both the song and the album, Rags To Rufus, topped the charts, were certified Gold and won the Grammy that year for Best R&B Vocal Performance.After six albums with Rufus nearly all of which went Gold or Platinum, in 1978 Chaka Khan started her solo career releasing the all-time classic “I’m Every Woman” (Ashford and Simpson). Produced by iconic songwriter, arranger, producer, and executive Arif Mardin, the single and the album, Chaka, cemented Chaka Kahn as a force that was about to take over popular music.After incredible success both solo and collaborative, in 1984 Chaka released the iconic album I Feel For You. The title track, a cover of a …
Posted in Music | Leave a comment37TH STELLAR GOSPEL MUSIC AWARDS
July 16, 2022STAY TUNED FOR MORE PHOTOS FROM 2022 STELLAR AWARDS ANNUAL CEREMONY WAS SATURDAY, JULY 16TH AT COBB ENERGY CENTER, ATLANTA Pastor Mike Jr., CeCe Winans, Jonathan McReynolds, and Mali Music Among Top Honorees during the Greatest Night in Gospel Music The 37th Stellar Gospel Music Awards Premieres Sunday, August 7 at 8 PM ET/PT on BET, BET Her, and BET In The Stellar Gospel Music Awards celebrated its 37th year honoring excellence in Gospel music during an uplifting weekend of events, concluding with the live-taped ceremony on Saturday, July 16, at Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre in Atlanta, Georgia. Hosted by Stellar Award-winning artists Jekalyn Carr and Kierra Sheard, this year’s celebration will premiere Sunday, August 7 at 8 PM ET/PT on BET, BET Her, and BET International and will be syndicated in various local markets across the country between August 13 and September 11, 2022. Pastor Mike, Jr. leads the list of winners with a total of six Stellar Awards, including Artist of the Year, Male Vocalist of the Year, Contemporary Male Artist of the Year, Contemporary Album of the Year, and Urban/Inspirational Single or Performance of the Year, as well as Album of the Year for I Got It: Single’s Ministry Vol. 1. CeCe Winans won three Stellar Awards, including Producer of the Year, Praise and Worship Album of the Year, and Praise and Worship Song of the Year, all tied to the album Believe For It. Jonathan McReynolds and Mali Music received three awards for their collaboration, Jonny x Mali: Live in L.A. EP, including Duo/Chorus Group of the Year, Contemporary Duo/Chorus Group of the Year, and Special Event Album of the Year. Other notable winners during the 37th Stellar Gospel Music Awards include Tamela Mann and Ricky Dillard, both of whom received two Stellar Awards, with Dillard also receiving the James Cleveland Lifetime Achievement Award presented by Toyota in recognition of his contributions to Gospel music as a renowned choir leader and recording …
Posted in BLACK MUSIC HONORS 2024, In The Spotlight | Leave a commentNOPE – Only in Theaters July 22
July 12, 2022Oscar® winner Jordan Peele disrupted and redefined modern horror with Get Out and then Us. Now, he reimagines the summer movie with a new pop nightmare: the expansive horror epic, Nope. The film reunites Peele with Oscar® winner Daniel Kaluuya (Get Out, Judas and the Black Messiah), who is joined by Keke Palmer (Hustlers, Alice) and Oscar® nominee Steven Yeun (Minari, Okja) as residents in a lonely gulch of inland California who bear witness to an uncanny and chilling discovery. Nope, which co-stars Michael Wincott (Hitchcock, Westworld) and Brandon Perea (The OA, American Insurrection), is written and directed by Jordan Peele and is produced by Ian Cooper (Us, Candyman) and Jordan Peele for Monkeypaw Productions. The film will be released by Universal Pictures worldwide. Genre: Horror Epic Cast: Daniel Kaluuya, Keke Palmer, Steven Yeun, Michael Wincott, Brandon Perea Written and Directed by: Jordan Peele Producers: Ian Cooper, Jordan Peele
Posted in Cinema, In The Spotlight | Leave a commentBeast – In Theaters August 19
July 12, 2022Beast – In Theaters August 19Official Website | Facebook| Twitter| Instagram| TikTok| YouTube| #BeastMovie Sometimes the rustle in the bushes actually is a monster. Idris Elba (Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw, The Suicide Squad) stars in a pulse-pounding new thriller about a father and his two teenage daughters who find themselves hunted by a massive rogue lion intent on proving that the savannah has but one apex predator. Elba plays Dr. Nate Daniels, a recently widowed husband who returns to South Africa, where he first met his wife, on a long-planned trip with their daughters to a game reserve managed by Martin Battles (Sharlto Copley, Russian Doll series, Maleficent), an old family friend and wildlife biologist. But what begins as a journey of healing jolts into a fearsome fight for survival when a lion, a survivor of blood-thirsty poachers who now sees all humans as the enemy, begins stalking them. Iyana Halley (The Hate U Give, This is Us series) plays Daniels’ 18-year-old daughter, Meredith, and Leah Sava Jeffries (Rel series, Empire series) plays his 13-year-old, Norah. From visceral, experiential filmmaker Baltasar Kormákur, the director of Everest and Universal Pictures’ 2 Guns and Contraband, Beast is produced by Will Packer, the blockbuster producer of Girls Trip, the Ride Along franchise, and ten movies that have opened No. 1 at the U.S. box office, including Night School, No Good Deed and Think Like a Man, by James Lopez, president of Will Packer Productions, and by Baltasar Kormákur. The film is written by Ryan Engle (Rampage, Non-Stop) from an original story by Jaime Primak Sullivan and is executive produced by Jaime Primak Sullivan and Bernard Bellew. Genre: Thriller Cast: Idris Elba, Sharlto Copley, Iyana Halley, Leah Sava Jeffries Directed by: Baltasar KormákurWritten by: Ryan Engle Producers: Will Packer, James Lopez, Baltasar KormákurExecutive Producers: Jaime Primak Sullivan, Bernard Bellew
Posted in Movie News | Leave a commentASHANTI TO HEADLINE THE RETURN OF HELLOBEAUTIFUL’S INTERLUDES LIVE SESSIONS
June 15, 2022TV One with iOne Digital announced that Ashanti will be the talent to re-introduce fans to its HelloBeautiful Interludes Live digital series, a cross-platform, original programming collaboration that brings the audience closer to talent, entertainment icons and influencers through intimate performances and candid conversations. Ashanti will also grace the cover of the June edition of the HelloBeautiful digital cover. The show will air on Sunday, July 17 at 9:00pm ET on TV One and Sunday, July 24 at 10:00pm ET on CLEO TV. Ashanti is a world-renowned Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter, actor and author who burst onto the music scene with her self-titled debut album Ashanti. It landed the #1 spot on both the Billboard Top 200 and R&B album charts, selling a whopping 504,593 units in its first week and set a SoundScan record as the most albums sold by any debut female artist in the chart’s history. Holding this record put Ashanti in Guinness Book of World Records, which she still holds today. Ashanti has released six studio albums, received eight Billboard Awards, a Grammy, two American Music Awards, two Soul Train Awards, six ASCAP Awards, and many more awards and illustrious honors. She reigns as one of Billboard’s “Top Females of the Decade from 2000-2010” and continues to break Billboard records, having a Hot 100 entry in the 2000’s, 2010’s and 2020’s. 2022 will hail as Ashanti’s greatest year yet as she is publishing her first book of poetry through Hyperion titled Foolish/Unfoolish: Reflections on Love which will be distributed through Harper Collins. Ashanti is also celebrating the 20th anniversary of her self-titled debut album with an internal tour, festival appearances, and several media appearances. HelloBeautiful.com is where Black women go to talk about themselves shamelessly. Women share, confess, indulge, encourage and celebrate each other — while indulging their guilty pleasures. HelloBeautiful embraces the diversity of today’s woman and allows her to be perfectly flawed and fabulous. At HelloBeautiful, it is believed that women are diverse and dynamic. For …
Posted in Inspirational, In The Spotlight | Leave a commentThe 2nd Annual Ben Crump Equal Justice Now Awards Returns June 10, 2022, at the LAX Marriott
June 5, 2022MARIO VAN PEEBLES, GILBERT CEDILLO, BRANDON “STIX” SALAAM-BAILEY, BAKARI SELLERS, AND CHARLIE ROCKET ADDED AS HONOREES FOR THE 2ND ANNUAL BENJAMIN CRUMP EQUAL JUSTICE NOW AWARDS The Late Melvin Van Peebles Will Also be Honored Posthumously. The non-profit social welfare organization Equal Justice Now (EJN) is announcing additional honorees for The 2nd Annual Benjamin Crump Equal Justice Now Awards, taking place on Friday, June 10, 2022, at the LAX Marriott in Los Angeles, CA. Included in this year’s notable list of honorees will be Mario Van Peebles (actor & director), whose late father Melvin Van Peebles (actor, filmmaker, playwright, novelist, & composer) will also be honored posthumously for his activism through his work. Additionally, EJN will honor Brandon “Stix” Salaam-Bailey (rapper, producer, songwriter, entrepreneur, and founder of Think Watts Foundation), Gilbert Cedillo (Los Angeles City Councilmember and Chairman of the Committee on Immigrant Affairs, Civil Rights and Equity), Bakari Sellers (attorney, activist, author, and CNN political analyst), and Charlie Rocket (social media personality & founder Of Dream Machine Foundation). The honorees announced today will be joining Kiesha Nix (vice-president of charitable affairs and first Black female vice president of the Los Angeles Lakers organization); and former Congresswoman Diane Watson (former state senator, ambassador, former congresswoman, and the first African American woman in the California State Senate). EJN has selected these honorees due to their work in philanthropy and advancing justice and human rights. Daytime Emmy Award and two-time NAACP Image Award winner and comedian Loni Love will host this year’s awards ceremony. Houston musician, artist, and activist Mi$fit will open the show with a song and music video entitled “Better Days,” written especially for the organization. DJ Carisma (Real 92.3’s Music Director/ Mixshow Coordinator and “Female DJ of the Year” at the 2015 & 2016 Global Spin Awards) will be …
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