The Chi is an American drama series created by Lena Waithe about life in a particular neighborhood on the South Side of Chicago. In this tough neighborhood, real dangers threaten daily to squelch dreams, and the simplest decisions can have life or death consequences.

The pilot was directed by Rick Famuyiwa. It premiered on Showtime on January 7, 2018. Executive producers are: Lena Waithe, Elwood Reid, Aaron Kaplan, Rick Famuyiwa and hip-hop star Common. Click here or on the image above to watch the premiere episode.

Mary J. Blige will be hitting the big screens this Fall. She is one of the stars of the new film, Mudbound, which will air on Netflix as well as in theaters on November 17th.

Mudbound is about a family that relocated to rural Mississippi only to find themselves trying to deal with numerous issues, including racism and a relative returning from World War II. The movie also stars Jason Mitchell and a host of other amazing actors.

Make sure you check it out!

GT Network Staff

A new network, called GT (Great Things) TV, will begin broadcasting in Trinidad, Barbados, St. Lucia and Curacao via the Flow platform as of January 7, 2017. CEO and Director of Operations, Ancil Harris, has made it clear that they have full intentions to expand to all the Islands in the Caribbean, as the station will serve as a unifying platform that promotes West Indies culture, music and lifestyle.

Currently they are seeking content from Jamaican visual producers. Submissions can include anything, ranging from: animated series, music videos, soap operas, comedies to movies. Submissions should be made to their representative in Jamaica, MJE (www.mjent.net). For more information persons can Call, Text or WhatsApp 1.876.313.6319.

Ville Ventures, a Trinidad based film company that was designed to provide content for the growing local digital media industry, will launch its own network on Saturday January 7^th, 2017.

The new network, which will be called GT TV, will broadcast in Trinidad, Barbados, St. Lucia and Curacao via the Flow platform. CEO and Director of Operations, Ancil Harris, has made it clear that they have full intentions to expand to all the Islands in the Caribbean, as the station will serve as a unifying platform that promotes West Indies culture, music and lifestyle.

There will be programs for all age group and demographic: animated series, music videos, soap operas, comedies, movies etc. GT TV also intends to serve as a training facility for young talent. They are committed to fostering and encouraging innovation and creativity among the youths from all over the globe.

Comedian Ayo ‘AY’ Makun’s ‘A Trip To Jamaica’ currently showing in cinemas nation­wide in Nigeria has already raked in 80 million naira, surpassing any other Nolly­wood movie that has hit the cine­mas in 2016. The movie set a good tone for itself in its first week in the cinemas, by raking in 61 million na­ira over and above American actor, Will Smith’s ‘Hollywood’s ‘Suicide Squad’ record of 40 million naira in at the cinemas. In addition, the mov­ie also has a new record of the fast­est film to hit the naira century mark in the history of Nigerian cinemas in seven days.

“Going by these figures, ‘A Trip To Jamaica’, is set to smash the box office records currently held by AY’s own ‘30 Days In Atlanta’ which is the highest grossing movie since the advent of cinemas in Nigeria,” says Moses Babatope of Film One Dis­tribution. The 2014 film, ‘30 days in Atlanta’, made over 160 million na­ira during its stay in Nigerian cine­mas making it one of the three world highest domestic gross movies in The Guinness World Records. ‘A Trip to Jamaica’ which premiered on Sep­tember 25, 2016 features AY him­self, Funke Akindele, Nse Ikpe-Etim, Eric Roberts, Paul Campbell, Chris Attoh etc.

The GIIFF was founded in 2012 with a mission to preserve the values and aspirations of all indigenous people and Garifuna cultures. Founded by Freda Sideroff an indigene of the Garifuna, the GIFF’s mission is to specifically support the preservation of all indigenous cultures in the world through art and film.

An annual event where leaders and members of the community are recognized for their contributions to the betterment and elevation of the dignity of humanity, GIIFF showcases a variety of films and documentaries created by Garifuna filmmakers as well as by many other indigenous people including feature films & short films as well as panel discussions, workshops and cultural presentations. It is equally an annual venue that reconciles, entertains and portrays the very diverse and brilliant cultures to participants of the festival.

At a time when Western civilization is struggling with global problems, the GIIFF showcases important lessons to be learned from indigenous cultures such as interconnectedness, wisdom of our elders, sustainable living and how to live in harmony with nature.

Founded by Freda Sideroff, the 5th Annual Garifuna International Indigenous Film Festival will take place at the Electric Lodge, in Venice, California, May 26th through June 1, 2016 (www.GarifunaFilmFestival.com).