Look To The Stars News: Bill Duke

Movies That Make A Difference

Fri, 03 Apr 2009 11:30:00 -0000

Look to the Stars likes to keep a look out for break-out informative films.

In 2007, we showcased Cover, a film by Actor/Director Bill Duke. Cover put the spotlight on the dangers of keeping secret when you have AIDS from your partner. We got a number of comments from our readers about this article.

In October of 2008, we deemed Trouble the Water an important film. It is a documentary about Hurricane Katrina and the aftermath. Trouble the Water went on to receive an Oscar nomination. Danny Glover is among the executive producers of the piece.

In 2009 we will seek to find more important films as we travel to more film festivals, beginning with the Method Fest March 26- April 2, 2009 in Calabasas, CA and NALIP in April. The festival is named for the famous school of acting which was advanced in popularity by Lee Strasburg. Among the famous students of this form of acting include the late great actor and philanthropist Paul Newman.

Last spring the festival gave top honors lesser known veteran actors Melissa Leo (Frozen River_) and Richard Jenkins (_Frozen River). Both would garner Oscar nominations in 2009. In The Visitor, Jenkins loaned his acting talents to a piece which showcased deep personal story of illegal immigration.

At LTTS, we make it our our mission is to shed light on the good works of artists be it the form of charity or social awareness.

Cindy Crawford And Spike Lee Honored

Fri, 18 Apr 2008 08:19:07 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

A model and a director were honored at two different charity events for their humanitarian work this week.

Supermodel Cindy Crawford was the honoree of the 10th annual Rick Weiss Humanitarian Awards in Palm Springs, California, earlier this week – an event that raised money for local charities such as Project New Hope, The Desert AIDS Project, the AIDS Assistance Program, the American Heart Association, Guides Dogs of the Desert, and the Barbara Sinatra Children’s Center.

Crawford was presented with the award by Daisy Fuentes, and spoke of her brother’s death from leukemia at the age of four and her mother’s efforts to raise funds for research into the disease.

“It inspired me by showing me that everyone can do something and make a difference,” said the 42-year-old.

Over in Los Angeles, film director Spike Lee was the recipient of the sixth annual Behind The Lens Award, and spoke on the involvement of African-Americans in the film industry – both behind-the-scenes and in front of the cameras.

The evening included appearances by Laurence Fishburne, Bill Duke, Damon Wayans, and Snoop Dogg, and celebrated the outstanding achievements of African-Americans in film.

“We’ve got a long way to go to catch up to where we are in sports and music,” said the 51-year-old director of Do The Right Thing and Malcom X.

The event was organized by the Chrysler Foundation, who also donated $25,000 to Lee’s old college in Atlanta – Morehouse College – in recognition of his work. The money will go towards a program to expand the college’s School of Sports Journalism for African-Americans.

“Spike Lee epitomizes the ideal of the Behind the Lens Award,” said Frank Fountain, Senior Vice President of External Affairs and Public Policy at Chrysler. “His thoughtful films and activism in Hollywood have inspired a generation of filmmakers, encouraged actors, challenged basic assumptions and expanded the field to include many more African-Americans in key roles behind the lens. We are thrilled to have him as the awards latest honoree and to celebrate his commitment and passion.”

"Cover" Story by Bill Duke

Wed, 31 Oct 2007 10:13:18 -0000

Written by Crystal A. Johnson

Actor/director Bill Duke’s film Cover held one of the two coveted spots for closing night film at the close of the American Black Film Festival (ABFF) in Los Angeles. Members of the audience were in awe by the dramatic unfolding of a story which sheds light on the issue of “down low” behavior and the alarming consequences which add up to African American women accounting for up to 70% of all new HIV/Aids cases.

What is “down low”? It is a street term which refers to the secret sexual infidelity on the part of a husband or boyfriend with a man/woman. Usually, the man learns that he has the disease and withholds the truth. Duke implores men to be honest.

The film seeks to save lives with its message. I asked Bill to elaborate on the main message that he hopes to send with his film. He replied emphatically with reference to percentages of Black women contracting AIDS, “For 80% of the women that are infected to be infected by men that know they have the disease something is wrong!” He prefaced the statement with addressing the issue as tragic.

Duke describes the film as a murder mystery yet it is so much more. The film is a masterful blend faith, tolerance and intolerance. It demonstrates the ripple effect of lies, and cautions for safe sex if one knows they are going to cheat. The cast of stars on board for this film project include Oscar winner Lou Gossett Jr, Patti LaBelle, Vivica Fox, Leon, Razaaq Adoti and Aunjanue Ellis. For more information about how to view the film entitled Cover, contact the American Black Film Festival.

Look To The Stars News: Bill Duke

Movies That Make A Difference

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Cindy Crawford And Spike Lee Honored

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"Cover" Story by Bill Duke

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