NEWS - Creative Cypher

CAPTAIN ZERO LANDS NAACP IMAGE AWARD NOMINATION

CINDY — Wed, 14 Jan 2026 21:46:36 +0000

CAST YOUR VOTE TODAY IN SUPPORT OF THE CYPHER AFFILIATED ANIMATION!

VOTE FOR CAPTAIN ZERO

Ahead of the 57th NACCAP Image Awards, a staple celebration of Black creativity and excellence, nominees have been announced and the entertainment world is buzzing. The Cypher is especially ecstatic as one of our backed projects has been nominated.

Captain Zero is NOT just another superhero film; It's a cultural touchstone in the making, offering a hero for a new generation, packaged in a way we’ve NEVER seen before. From community backed beginnings to major cultural stages, this story exists to remind us that vulnerability IS strength and that storytelling can save lives. It's a story that will resonate with anyone who's ever felt like a "zero" but has the potential to be a "hero."

The nomination is just the first step, however. To bring the award home, Captain Zero needs votes. Cast your vote here to support a legendary piece of work in the making. With themes of mental health, perseverance, and self-acceptance, it is a body of work that speaks to a shared reality among us all.

VOTE NOW

This short was showcased at Creative Cypher’s 2025 XL Festival and was also an official 2025 selection at Tribeca Festival. Written and directed by Z Cher-Amié, the animation features renowned actor Keith David among other incredible talent like Zolee Griggs. Voting ends February 13th, so don’t miss your opportunity to be a part of history and help us bring home a NAACP Image Award. Vote today!

NAACP AWARDS VOTING

AN ERA OF ELEVATION, CREATIVE CYPHER’S NEXT CHAPTER

CINDY — Mon, 15 Dec 2025 14:00:00 +0000

Troy Pryor elevates Creative Cypher, appointing Cindy Beasley, Cypher’s Sr. Newsroom Producer, as company’s new President

On the heels of two Emmy nominations, three Telly Awards & major festivals, Creative Cypher — the innovative content collective founded by visionary creative and producer Troy Pryor — is entering a bold new era. The company announced today that Cindy Beasley has been appointed Interim President, signaling a strategic expansion of the Cypher brand as it continues to elevate underrepresented voices in film and television.

“Cindy will be an exceptional leader, and I’m beyond grateful for this entire team,” said Pryor. “We’ve been building together for a while now, and it’s important that every contributor gets the recognition they deserve.”

New President Cindy Beasley rocking the custom XL 25 x Chicago White Sox collab cap

In addition to leading projects across all of Cypher’s departments, Beasley is a lifelong Chicago creative, producing shows for some of the city’s most prolific talents, including former FOX Chicago News anchor, Robin Robinson and Emmy Award winning journalist, Samantha Chatman.

“I’ve been blessed to be a collaborative partner in something that the city and culture needs,” said Beasley. “Creative Cypher is building the next generation of creatives and entertainment thought leaders, and with structure and soul I look forward to leading the way. We will continue to set the bar higher as Chicago’s top entertainment ecosystem,” said Beasley.

Beasley’s career spans over a decade in TV and Media Production, and her executive leadership experience across companies including her own, Morally Cinful Productions, has proven her impactful capability to mold creative organizations by bridging the gap between logistics and the arts. Beasley steps into this role as the leader of a newly minted leadership team, as Pryor has also announced Kyle Marshall as Cypher’s new Chief Operations Officer, and Starr Gadson as Chief Marketing Officer. Both Marshall and Gadson are longtime contributors to Creative Cypher.

From left to right: CMO, Starr Gadson | Chairman, Troy Pryor | President, Cindy Beasley | COO, Kyle Marshall

In its next chapter, Creative Cypher’s flagship initiative, XL Fest, will continue its growth through a key collaboration with TateMen Entertainment, further anchoring its presence in Chicago. The festival has attracted an abundance of media coverage, and hosted an array of entertainment giants including Robert Townsend, Larenz Tate, Vivica Fox, Malcolm D. Lee, and Louis Carr, recently appointed president of BET. Cypher will also continue making great headway with its budding leadership team and extend its footprint across the global festival circuit, aligning with entertainment heavyweights like Robert Townsend & Lil’ Rel Howery (Chicago), XPO (London), and Parkway Social (Chicago).

Pryor remains the Chairman of Creative Cypher and maintains a dynamic presence on several boards including Soho House, SAG-AFTRA Chicago, Definition Theater, and more. After building the Cypher enterprise from the ground up, he is expanding his executive producer catalog, returning to his on-camera roots, and currently co-hosting radio alongside Gadson on “Connect the Starrs” airing on Rejoice 102.3 FM.

“The goal has always been elevation and avoiding founder syndrome," said Pryor. “I launched Creative Cypher, because I saw a lack of growth from other organizations so it’s important that we practice what we preach. This is a natural progression in the ecosystem.”

Robert Townsend’s Pop-Up Film Festival

Guest User — Mon, 17 Nov 2025 15:41:12 +0000

CALL TO ACTION-Greetings, Fellow Freedom Fighters!

In these times of uncertainty and change, your voice and presence matter more than ever. On behalf of the Chicago Westside Branch NAACP and The Answer, Inc. Autism Awareness & Support Agency, we’re calling on dedicated community members to stand with us and take action!

GET TICKETS HERE

For generations, the Chicago Westside Branch NAACP has stood as a steadfast voice for justice, education, and opportunity-uplifting families, empowering youth, and protecting the promise of equity for all.

The Answer Inc. Autism Awareness & Support Agency is dedicated to providing support, resources, education, recreation, advocacy, social skills and workforce development for families living with Autism/Developmental & Intellectual disabilities in under-resourced communities. They have been a lifeline for countless families navigating the challenges of autism and developmental differences-offering compassion, advocacy, and hope.

Together, these two pillars of community service embody the very spirit of resilience and love that defines throughout the city of Chicago.

Director & Actor Robert Townsend is joining us for a powerful community film festival and fundraiser, and we need passionate participation to help make this event a success! This is for our community, it will be a celebration of unity, creativity, and empowerment.

The event will take place Saturday-Sunday, December 6th through 7th 2025, at the Chicago Cultural Center, Columbia College and The Comedy Bar. This exciting two-day experience will feature film screenings, celebrity Q&A sessions, live music, a Bid Whist Tournament, and a comedy showcase-all curated to honor the legacy and artistry of Robert Townsend while raising funds for The Answer, Inc. Autism Awareness and Support Agency and The Chicago Westside Branch NAACP.

In these challenging times, we must band together to fight for human rights. Please come out and support Chicago's legendary filmmaker Robert Townsend for a fun 2-day fundraiser benefitting the Chicago Westside Branch NAACP and The Answer Inc., Autism Awareness & Support Agency. All proceeds will go to them.

Festival Highlights Include:

Opening Day Red Carpet & VIP Reception (Saturday, Dec. 6th | 11AM)
2. Film/TV Screenings of The Spook Who Sat by the Door (Dec. 6th @11AM), The Five Heartbeats (Dec 6th @3PM), The Meteor Man (Dec 7th @11AM), and Power Book IV: FORCE, an episode directed by Robert Townsend (Dec 7th @2PM).

3. Celebrity Moderated Q&A Sessions featuring invited industry leaders and journalists such as Troy Pryor, Vee Harrison, Pemon Rami, Cynthia Kaye McWilliams & LaRoyce Hawkins

4. Bid Whist Tournament & Buffet Reception (Saturday, Dec. 6th | 6PM-10PM) @Columbia College Chicago, 1104 S. Wabash Ave., Chicago, IL)
5. Comedy Showcase (Sunday, Dec. 7th | 7:30PM ) hosted by Lil Rel with performances by some of Chicago's top comedians. @ The Comedy Bar (162 E. Superior St. Chicago, IL 60611)

Parking:

Parking for the Chicago Cultural Center is available at several nearby garages, including Grant Park North, Grant Park South, and Millennium Park Garages. You can pay in person or pre-pay online for potential discounts at Millennium Garages.

Nearby parking garages

Grant Park North Garage: 25 N. Michigan Ave.

Grant Park South Garage: 325 S. Michigan Ave.

Millennium Park Garage: 6 S. Columbus Dr.

Millennium Lakeside Garage: 5 S. Columbus Dr.

(M) Palmer House: 17 E. Monroe St.

Millennium Park Plaza: 151 N Michigan Ave. (Lower Beaubien Ct.)

Wabash Randolph Garage: 20 E Randolph Street

Tips for parking:
Pre-pay online: Consider pre-paying for reduced rates, which are often available at the Millennium Garages.
Use a parking app: You can use apps like SpotHero or Parking.com to compare options and reserve a spot in advance.

XL Fest’s Year 3 Exceeds Expectations with nearly 4000 attendees

Guest User — Mon, 08 Sep 2025 14:00:00 +0000

Chicago, IL – In its third and most powerful year yet, XL Fest, led by visionary producer and cultural architect Troy Pryor, once again proved why it’s one of the nation’s most dynamic and essential creative festivals. With a lineup rivaling Hollywood’s biggest red carpets and a mission deeply rooted in empowering local voices, XL Fest continues to shift the paradigm—not just for Black creatives in Chicago, but for the global entertainment industry.

“Troy has mastered the art of connecting creatives with industry titans, following in the footsteps of legends like Quincy Jones and Clarence Avant. He doesn’t just host events — he builds bridges where none exist and architects legacy. With XL FEST expanding into the UK, it’s fast becoming a transatlantic hub for global collaboration,” says former British Broadcast Corporation (BBC), producer Terry Jervis.

This year’s all-star lineup featured cinematic legend George Tillman Jr., who headlined a signature brunch experience presented by the Tate Brothers—Chicago’s own Larenz, Lahmard, and Larron Tate, now official partners in XL Fest’s growing ecosystem. Their involvement brought elevated energy, amplified star power, and a commitment to sustaining the cultural legacy of their hometown.

Speakers and featured talent included:

Vivica A. Fox, Michael Beach, Malinda Williams, Vanessa Estelle Williams, Malcolm D. Lee, Woody McClain, KevOnStage, & George Daniels.

These artists and thought leaders brought deep insights and authentic conversations to the fest’s packed panels, screenings, and networking mixers.

More Than a Festival – A Movement

A standout element this year was XL’s new collaboration with Kickstarter, designed to empower future filmmakers with direct funding, visibility, and tools to build sustainable careers. Major brands such as AMC, Starz, JP Morgan Chase, University of Chicago, and the Obama Foundation lent their support—underscoring XL’s rising influence across media, finance, education, and civic engagement.

Every main event sold out, with almost four thousands of attendees engaging across 10 days and multiple venues. This is tremendous growth from last year's 350 attendees. XL Fest not only drew tourists and industry figures to Chicago—it centered the city as a hub for innovation, creativity, and cultural commerce.

From licensing content with AMC directly through the XL marketplace to launching new funding opportunities for rising creators, Pryor has woven together a business model that uplifts art, fuels economic growth, and closes long-standing cultural gaps.

Long-Term Vision. Real-Time Impact.

Pryor’s long-term plan for XL Fest includes expanding its reach while keeping its mission grounded in local community impact. By creating space for untapped talent, building economic pipelines, and fostering partnerships that last, XL Fest is positioned for generational success.

Whether through powerful film premieres, strategic partnerships, or soul-stirring conversations, XL Fest has become a cultural cornerstone.

What attendees can expect at this year's festival

Guest User — Mon, 04 Aug 2025 03:12:00 +0000

Troy Pryor, founder of XL Film Fest shares what attendees can expect at this year's festival. For speakers, panels and event info, visit xlfest.org.

Creative Cypher Brings on Kickstarter as Sponsor for XL Lab

Guest User — Fri, 25 Jul 2025 04:52:02 +0000

Creative Cypher Brings on Kickstarter as Sponsor for XL Lab

As sponsor, Kickstarter will introduce XL Lab filmmakers to the power and possibilities of crowdfunding CHICAGO (July 23/24, 2025) — Creative Cypher, the media collective founded by filmmaker and industry trailblazer Troy Pryor, today announced that Kickstarter, the leading crowdfunding and launch platform for creative projects of every size, will sponsor this year’s XL Lab—a year-round accelerator supporting underrepresented filmmakers through mentorship, production, and distribution.

For the past 16 years, Kickstarter has been a critical resource for independent filmmaking, helping creators like Chloé Zhao, Matthew A. Cherry, Issa Rae, Andrew Ahn, Blitz Bazawule, and Karyn Parsons bring their projects to life on their own terms. Its legacy of filmmaker support continues today with new efforts that include a recently-announced strategic partnership with Tubi aimed at helping independent projects get access to funding and guaranteed distribution.

As sponsor of XL Lab, Kickstarter is expanding its support of emerging filmmakers. Taylor K. Shaw-Omachonu, Chicago native and Kickstarter’s Senior Outreach Lead for Film, will offer direct mentorship to participating creators, sharing insights on how to leverage crowdfunding to bring their films to life. On Saturday, August 16, Shaw will also host a featured onstage conversation at XL Fest with actor Woody McClain, star of Power Book II: Ghost, who is launching his own Kickstarter campaign for a romantic comedy feature film. Check out Woody’s campaign here!

“At Kickstarter, we believe independent film thrives when creators are empowered to tell stories on their own terms, ”said Shaw-Omachonu.

“XL Lab is an inspiring example of what can happen when filmmakers are given the tools and community they need to succeed. I’m honored to support this year’s cohort and help more storytellers understand how crowdfunding can unlock creative freedom.”

“I remember helping launch a streaming platform years ago and realized that running a platform wasn’t my lane, ”said Pryor. “However, the Cypher ecosystem is prime for supplying content across a variety of outlets. We are looking forward to this collaboration as we continue scaling our capacity to uplift storytellers. Kickstarter is an excellent partner because of their commitment to empowering creative entrepreneurs.”

Now in its third year, XL Fest has supported a growing roster of celebrated projects and creators. Z Cher-Aimé’s Captain Zero, featuring Keith David, was selected for the Tribeca Film Festival by Whoopi Goldberg. Dusan Brown’s GO was backed by Viola Davis. George Ellzey’s Cottage Grove and Patrick Wimp’s Mister Abbot both earned Telly Awards and widespread acclaim. The Lab provides new creative voices with a real pathway from idea to execution—connecting them with industry mentors, funding opportunities, and distribution pipelines through curated partnerships. Find out more about how to participate in XL Lab here.XL Fest will take place August 14–23 in Chicago. Full programming, submission guidelines, and partnership updates can be found at XLFEST.org.

🎥 Watch Taylor K.Shaw-Omachonu discuss Kickstarter’s sponsorship of XL Lab on YouTube: https://youtu.be/X

🎧 Or listen on Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/episode/0SnTNDShUWdOQ0zKlxV0j8

XL FEST Chicago’s new cultural crown jewel

Guest User — Fri, 11 Jul 2025 19:55:21 +0000

If you think XL FEST is ‘just another festival’ you haven’t been paying attention. From August 14–23, Chicago becomes the center of gravity for a new class of storytelling innovation—and yes, deals will be made. READ MORE

Ironheart Forges It’s Own Path – With Chicago At Its Core

Guest User — Tue, 24 Jun 2025 05:35:55 +0000

The Marvel Cinematic Universe has officially touched down in Chicago. In the new

Disney+ series, “Ironheart,” the city doesn’t just serve as a backdrop—it’s a character all its own.

“It’s incredible,” said Dominique Thorne, who stars as young super genius Riri Williams in the Marvel series. “I love Chicago. I always have, honestly.”

The six-episode show, executive produced by Ryan Coogler and created by Chinaka

Hodge, follows the title hero after the events of “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.”

Expelled from MIT and her Tony Stark scholarship, Riri Williams is plunged into a world

of magic by a mysterious gang leader known as “The Hood,” played by former Hamilton cast member Anthony Ramos.

The bulk of the series was filmed in 2022, with some reshoots over the past year in

Atlanta. It’s a long-overdue moment for Chicago, a major metro that is no stranger to the superhero world for filming. It’s often been a stand-in for Gotham in the Batman movies and TV projects. But on its own, Chicago has often been overlooked in superhero lore.

But now, with scenes in Wicker Park, River North, and throughout the South Side of

Chicago, the Windy City is front and center, and the MCU feels fresher for it.

The city’s rich culture, music, neighborhoods, and political complexities are woven into

the narrative without cliché or caricature. Scenes shot in Chicago’s neighborhoods feel lived-in and authentic. The nods to community activism and local legends are treated with reverence.

The Ironheart character takes center stage in the Marvel Cinematic Universe after first

debuting in the comic pages in 2016 as a successor to Tony Stark’s Iron Man, created

by acclaimed writer Brian Michael Bendis. Her first solo comic was written by Chicago

sociologist and poet Eve Ewing, who further emphasized the character’s Windy City

roots. The city shines in the Disney+ series, serving as a formative piece to the

character’s journey, and setting her apart from Stark’s Iron Man.

“Riri is coming from the South Side of Chicago, and that comes with a very specific type of heart, a type of drive and grit that I think we see a little bit more of than in Wakanda Forever this time around,” said Thorne. “We get to peel that back completely, go into Chicago. And get to meet some of the people and the places that make her who she is.”

Ironheart is not Iron Man 4. It doesn’t lean on Tony Stark’s legacy to do the heavy lifting. Riri Williams is her own genius, her own hero, and her story is rooted in a different kind of brilliance that blends scientific innovation with heart, grief, Blackness, and a new kind of power.

“I think that’s where Chicago comes into the conversation,” said Thorne. “Riri Williams is coming from a very different way of life, a very different community of people, a very

different definition of success, or even of family. Obviously, we all understand how

essential Tony Stark's family dynamic was to his own legacy. And they share that similarity, but of course, at the heart of it is a very different family dynamic.”

Evergreen Park native Lyric Ross plays a new character named Natalie, Riri’s childhood

best friend turned A.I companion. In the comics, Tony Stark is the A.I guide in

Ironheart’s helmet, but with Natalie, the classic “voice in the helmet” dynamic takes on

greater narrative depth.

“There are so many colors, just to Natalie alone,” said Ross. “The relationship between

her and Riri is exactly what I was looking for at the time. And I was just super excited

about starting that journey. They basically gave me somewhat of a blank canvas when the audition came through, and that was the start of my freedom when it came to just doing whatever came through.”

For Ross, being a part of the MCU is a life-long dream. And doing it at home is extra

special.

“When I was little, I was a huge fan of Marvel,” said Ross. “I think I was about two-

years-old when …my dad got me into it and said, ‘listen, this is what we’re going to do

for every new Marvel release from that point on.’ One of my dreams growing up was just to get some type of local job. This is everything.”

Ironheart premieres on Disney+ on June 24 with three episodes. It is rated TV-14.

Whoopi Goldberg Selects Cypher-backed Captain Zero at Tribeca Film Festival

Guest User — Mon, 09 Jun 2025 12:52:27 +0000

Creators and cast of Captain Zero sit down with Cypher NewsRoom

Captain Zero: Into the Abyss Part II

Framed through his therapy sessions, high school senior Xerxes Hughes struggles to juggle his double life as a student and superhero, all while trying to confront his inner demon—literally.

This film is included in Shorts: Whoopi's Wonderful World of Animation alongside 6 other works.

Click here for full program and details.

Interview with Z and Zolee:

Vee: Why is this genre of animated film so important for the Black culture? We don’t usually see this, so why now?

Z: We have to see ourselves to best understand ourselves. If we see a true depiction of ourselves on the big screen, we get a chance to celebrate the Black culture.

Vee: Tell me more about the film.

Z: The film is based on the life of a young man growing up, and the main character, Xerxes, reflects my actual personality and childhood. He’s struggling to balance life, relationships and the trauma inside of him. And each day is a different struggle. He’s a superhero. Which we don’t see much of in our cultures.

Zolee: It's a tale of the typical teenager, trying to balance life and life is throwing all the curve balls his way. These types of stories are important for Black people to see and feel.

Vee: Z, How much of the main character’s life reflects your own life growing up?

Z: Every bit of it. The character was written with my own upbringing in mind. What I expressed through that character was feelings and situations I’ve experienced myself. And that took a lot of vulnerability to share.

Vee: Now I know that the film was based on a young man’s life, but how much of the film’s message is for young Black girls?

Whoopi Goldberg speaks about animated projects at Tribeca Festival 2025

Zolee: Well there is a message for young girls in this film. My character Daisy aka Buttafly Girl, which was Xerxes friend and crime fighting partner, reflected a strong sense of self. She wasn’t a typical girl, and that’s what was so brilliant about how Z wrote her character in.

Vee: Why a superhero? Of all the ways you could have shared your story, why this way?

Z: It’s because we just don’t see ourselves as Black people this way. I grew up watching white superheroes and wanted to depict something different about Haitian culture. Since I’m Haitian, I wanted a representation of where I’m from, and wanted the ability to tell my story through the lens of my culture.

Zolee: Z did such an amazing job sharing himself in this film. This character Xerxes is so parallel to his own life, and it takes a lot of bravery to do something like that.

Vee: what is the message you’re looking to leave behind from this film?

Z: The main message is the mental health of our young Black men needs to be a priority. Discussing these matters gives us all a platform to talk deeper about the mental health issues we all experience.

Zolee: We have to start having these conversations about mental health issues in the Black community, especially among young men.

Vee: But Z, I thought Black men didn’t seek and participate in therapy?

Z: That’s exactly the point I was looking to make in the film, and that it’s ok for Black men to discuss their mental health issues without shame.

Vee: How can people view this film?

Z: We are having a world premiere screening of the film next week at the Tribeca Film Festival and we are thrilled to share the film for the first time. We are also excited to have been handpicked by Whoopi Goldberg herself. What an honor!

Zolee: It seems so surreal that we’re screening this and it’s so exciting to share such an incredible film. I’m so proud of Z and the entire team.

Vee: Besides the major screening coming next week at Tribeca, how can people learn more about the film?

Z: We encourage everyone to follow us on IG at @captainzerotas and follow me at @zcheraime

Zolee: Follow me on IG at @zoleeg

XL Film Festival empowers rising storytellers

Guest User — Sun, 01 Jun 2025 03:16:25 +0000

CHICAGO -- XL Film Festival and Summit brings together industry professionals, providing an immersive experience for audiences. From thought-provoking panels to film showcases that celebrates the power of storytelling through the captivating art form of cinema.

READ MORE HERE

To Live and Die and Live Is a Love Letter to the Layers We Carry

Guest User — Sat, 31 May 2025 14:00:24 +0000

Set in the heart of Detroit and pulsing with raw emotion, To Live and Die and Live is more than a film, it’s a deeply personal exploration of grief, legacy, and emotional transformation. Directed, written, and produced by filmmaker Qasim Basir and creative force Samantha Basir Tanner (producer), the story follows Muhammad, a successful Hollywood director who returns to his hometown after the death of his stepfather. But this homecoming becomes a mirror, reflecting the unfinished business, both literal and emotional, he must face.

READ MORE HERE

Cottage Grove wins two Gold Telly Awards

Guest User — Sat, 24 May 2025 03:07:35 +0000

Cottage Grove, a short film made entirely in Chicago by South Side native George Ellzey, Jr., is now a two-time winner at the 46th Annual Telly Awards.

The film, starring Patrick Agadaand Sean Blake, is a gripping tale about forgiveness, healing, and the choices we make that impact family dynamics. It centers around a young man struggling to communicate with his stroke-afflicted father. Set in the summertime in Chicago, these men try to find common ground in a South Side grocery store parking lot. In stark contrast to the street lit setting and all its complexity is the simple beauty of a father-son reconciliation found unintentionally through halting words, meaningful looks, flights of fantasy, and ultimately love.

After screening at 30 festivals nationwide, receiving critical and audience praise, and being selected for XL Fest’s showcase on AMC+, Cottage Grove has been awarded the following:

2025 Inaugural Student Film Award (GOLD)

2025 People’s Telly Award – Film & Shorts (GOLD)

READ MORE HERE

Keeping Up With Kelley Kali

Guest User — Sat, 03 May 2025 16:56:39 +0000

One could easily write an entire series about Kelley Kali’s remarkable journey. A former Anthropology major with a focus on archaeology and a film minor from Howard University, she eventually committed to film school at USC. This decision led to a career filled with award-winning films that tackle heavy, urgent topics like child trafficking and the injustices of the U.S. legal system.

READ MORE HERE

Ryan Coogler, Ludwig Göransson unpack Sinners and Chicago ties

Guest User — Wed, 30 Apr 2025 14:14:44 +0000

Fangs, fear and a fusion of sound carry Ryan Coogler’s latest film, Sinners. The supernatural horror film, which Coogler wrote, produced and directed, is set in the 1930’s American south. It follows twin brothers Smoke and Stack, both played by Michael B. Jordan, who return home to Mississippi after criminal pursuits in Chicago catch up to them. Yet, what they encounter for their homecoming is anything but welcoming.

READ MORE HERE

In Conversation With Cinematic Powerhouse Emmai Alaquiva

Guest User — Thu, 10 Apr 2025 03:07:34 +0000

From homelessness in his native Pittsburgh to becoming a four-time Emmy Award-winning film director and photographer, Emmai’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary.

READ MORE HERE

Ryan Coogler made a special trip to Chicago

Guest User — Thu, 10 Apr 2025 03:04:25 +0000

April 6th 2025, Award-winning filmmaker Ryan Coogler made a special trip to Chicago to host a private screening of his highly anticipated new film, “Sinners,” starring longtime collaborator Michael B. Jordan.

READ MORE HERE

Writer / Director George Ellzey Jr. talks about Cottage Grove

Guest User — Mon, 07 Apr 2025 14:29:38 +0000

Producer LaTaryion “LT” Perrytalks with Chicago native, writer, and director George Ellzey Jr. about his film, Cottage Grove.

READ MORE HERE

Meet Playwright Richard Gallion: From The Court To The Stage

Guest User — Sun, 23 Mar 2025 21:29:58 +0000

He got his start in writing plays under the mentorship of Chicago playwright John Ruffin. And now, years later, Gallion has garnered roles in FOX’S APB, Transformers 4, USA’s Sirens, FOX’s Empire, and Chicago PD.

READ MORE HERE

Interview with LaTariyon (LT) Perry, producer of The Come Up

Guest User — Fri, 21 Mar 2025 13:45:07 +0000

In a conversation with Jessica Gillespie of Cypher News , LT Perry, producer of the Chicago made, half hour pilot, The Come Up, discusses the team’s recent distribution deal with AMC+ and the process behind creating this powerful work.

READ MORE HERE

Chat with Opus director Mark Anthony Green

Guest User — Fri, 14 Mar 2025 15:01:05 +0000

The austerity of celebrity ‘stan’ culture has become more stringent and divisive than ever before. If you dare wade into the choppy waters of the Rihanna-aligned “Navy,” the swarm of the “Bey-hive,” or the boutique of “Barbz,” with anything besides glowing praise, you’re liable to find yourself the target of online harassment.

READ MORE HERE