Metropolis Books Reading & Signing of War Child by Emmanuel Jal
Emmanuel Jal will be appearing at Metropolis Books in Downtown Los Angeles on Friday, March 27th from 6-8pm for a reading and signing of his book, War Child: A Child Soldier's Story.
Time Magazine Book Review
NY Times Book Review
Washington Post Book Review
Facebook Event Invitation
NYSE Celebrates Black History Month with Emmanuel Jal
February 12, 2009
Wall Street, NYC
International Hip Hop Sensation, Author, Documentarian and Activist Emmanuel Jal visits the NYSE in celebration of Black History Month. In honor of the occasion, International Hip Hop Sensation, Author, Documentarian and Activist Emmanuel Jal rings The Closing Bell®.
Watch a live webcast of The Closing Bell.
ABOUT EMMANUEL JAL:
Emmanuel Jal has won worldwide acclaim for his unique style of hip hop with its message of peace and reconciliation born out of his experiences as a child soldier in Sudan. His music can be heard alongside Coldplay, Gorillaz, and Radiohead on the fundraising ‘Warchild - Help a Day in the Life’ album, as well as in three episodes of NBC’s hit television show, “ER,” the National Geographic documentary “God Grew Tired of Us,” and most recently in the feature film “Blood Diamond,” starring Leonardo DiCaprio. Emmanuel is also featured on John Lennon’s ‘Instant Karma: The Amnesty International Campaign to Save Darfur’ amongst the likes of U2, REM and Lenny Kravitz.
Emmanuel Jal was born in war-torn Sudan, and while he doesn’t know exactly when, he believes it was in the early 1980s. He was taken from his family home in 1987 when he was six or seven years old, and sent to fight with the rebel army in Sudan’s bloody civil war. For nearly five years, he was a “child warrior,” put into battle carrying an AK-47 that was taller than he was.
More information on Emmanuel Jal
Photos of the event
War Child film screening at Faison Firehouse Theater
February 5 - 22, 2009
Harlem, NYC
The Faison Firehouse Theater, in conjunction with MEGA Dream & Handle Your [entertainment] Business, will have a special screening series of Emmanuel Jal's award winning documentary, War Child from February 5 - 22, 2009.
Showtimes are Tuesday - Sunday at 6:30pm and 9:00pm.
Faison Firehouse Theater is located at 6 Hancock Place (124th Street between St. Nicholas & Morningside Aves)
View Press Release
Photos available in the Photo Gallery
Emmanuel Jal & Nikki Giovanni - Upstairs at the Square
February 5, 2009
Barnes & Noble, Times Square, NYC
The acclaimed poet shared the stage with rising hip-hop star and activist, Emmanuel Jal.
See footage here: Barnes & Noble - Upstairs at the Square
View the Press Release
Emmanuel Jal: War Child screening at Hue-Man Bookstore & Cafe
February 4, 2009
Harlem, NYC
Hue-Man Bookstore & Cafe welcomes ex-child soldier turned hip hop artist, Emmanuel Jal, for a special screening of his award winning documentary, War Child.
Emmanuel Jal Book Tour & Appearances
Capture Cannes
Capture Cannes, the joint effort between Catch A Dream Entertainment, Inc., MEGA Management, Inc., Ultimate Life Living and P3R (Practically Perfect PR) will take place during the 62nd Annual Cannes Film Festival from May 13 - 24, 2009.
Capture Cannes will be an adventure on land and sea, with locations at one of the hottest beaches and on one of the most amazing yachts in all of Cannes. For Sponsorship Opportunities, please visit www.CaptureCannes.com.
For Faith, For Love, Forever
More information for the feature-length documentary, For Faith, For Love, Forever directed by Nefertiti A. Strong and executive produced by The Center for Lesbian and Gay Studies in Religion & Ministry can be found at www.forfaitforloveforeverthemovie.com.
7th Annual Festival National des Arts et de la Culture
December 19 - 23rd, 2008
Maroua, Cameroon - AFRICA
Rounding out 2008, MEGA Dream found themselves meeting with the Minister of Culture of the Republic of Cameroon,Minister Ama Tutu Muna as part of an invited delegation of 10 Americans and a number of International Guest to attend FENAC, the country's National Festival of Arts and Culture (fenac.org). Maroua, the headquarters of the festival in the Far North Province of the country, was the venue area of this dual artistic, cultural and scientific event, provides a forum for a concrete implementation of the cultural policy of the Head of State and Head of Government from Nigeria, Chad,Gabon, Mali and the US, who now intend to elevate culture to an indisputable status of a major lever of our economic policy and create an arts exchange program with the United States.
Photo Slideshow
Old Bank District Holiday Block Party
Saturday, December 6th, 2008 from 6pm - Midnight
4th & Main Streets, Downtown Los Angeles
Come join the festivities as kickoff of the Old Bank District Holiday Block Party starts at 6pm. Attractions include:
- Holiday Decor & Outdoor Light Installation
- Outdoor Beer & Wine Garden
- Live Bands presented by Little Radio
- $3 Flat Rate Parking at 415 S. Main St. (at Winston Street)
- Local Art & Gift Bazaar (Cash only, $200 and under)
- Restaurant & Retail Specials including month-long holiday menus, drinks & discounts
- Benefiting Downtown Charities
- Live Jazz in Harlem Place Alley
Join the Old Bank District Group on Facebook
Visit our website at www.laloft.com
See more info about the Holiday Block Party on blogdowntown.com, angelenic.com and latimes.com
Il Dominican Republic Global Film Festival 2008
November 19th - 23rd, 2008
Santo Domingo, Nagua, Santiago, Puerto Plata & Higuey
Catch A Dream Entertainment, Inc. presented Emmanuel Jal and his film, War Child, at the 2008 Il Dominican Republic Global Film Festival where it was the Winner of the Best Documentary Film as voted by the people.
"Left home at the age of seven. One year later I leave with an AK-47." For hip-hop artist Emmanuel Jal, a veteran of the 20-year civil war in southern Sudan, these lyrics are hardly empty posturing. One of the tens of thousands of "lost boys" of the Sudan, Jal left his devastated home in 1987. At a United Nations camp for Sudanese refugees in Ethiopia, he became the children's spokesperson and soon joined the Sudanese People's Liberation Army, training to fight the Arab-dominated north right under the UN's watch. After almost five years, he and his friends deserted, embarking on a harrowing journey that few survived. Now in his 20s,Jal is using his music to raise awareness about the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Sudan and the plight of child soldiers throughout the world.
First-time filmmaker C. Karim Chrobog follows Jal as he performs at a fundraiser and meets with students in Washington, DC then returns to Sudan for the first time in 18 years to reunite with his family, including the father who summoned him to war and then abandoned him. On the way he visits a battlefield that brings back painful memories, a UN camp in Kenya for Sudanese orphans, and the Nairobi prep school where he wound up after a chain of events so remarkable they'll soon be retold in a movie directed by Tony Scott. Audience Award, Tribeca Film Festival.
Movie trailer for War Child and music video from Emmanuel Jal's album, War Child, below.
11th Annual African American Women In Cinema (AAWIC) Film Festival
November 12th - 15th, 2008
New York, NY
For one week in November, African American women come together to celebrate themselves in film. Panels and film screenings were held at the Magic Johnson Theaters in Harlem, NY as well as the Faison Firehouse Theater in Harlem, NY.
Bloc28 by Disney: Series 2
November 12th - 17th, 2008
Continental Gallery, Downtown Los Angeles
Bloc28 by Disney presents Series 2 at the Continental Gallery in the Old Bank District of Downtown Los Angeles.
See more photos of the event here.
Election Night at Farmers & Merchants National Bank
Tuesday, November 4th, 2008
Farmers & Merchants National Bank, 401 S. Main St., Los Angeles
Join the Old Bank District as we celebrate Election Night with Red, White & Blue cocktails and pizza from Rocket Pizza Lounge while broadcasting CNN live for election results!
See photos of the event here.
Town Hall Meeting: "For Faith, For Love, Forever"
Update: Due to a generous donor, this event is now FREE to all guests!
Thursday, October 2, 2008, 7:00 p.m.
First Congregational Church of Oakland 2501 Harrison St. Oakland, CA
Pre-Event Reception with the actors of Noah’s Arc
4:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. ($300.00) ONLY (50) VIP Ticket available
Town Hall Meeting 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. ($30.00) General Admission
Sponsors: Center for Lesbian and Gay Studies in Religion and Ministry; San Francisco Foundation; Bleu Magazine, Energy 92.7 FM; and First Congregational Church of Oakland
More on the town hall meeting: Central to the debate on same-sex marriage in the African-American community is the institution of the black church. Despite media portrayals suggesting complete disapproval, African-American clergy have a variety of opinions on same-sex marriage. This event will highlight an inclusive vision among African-American pastors and ministers. Joining in the discussion will be the cast of the hit Logo network television series Noah’s Arc, also starring in the ground breaking feature film Noah’s Arc: Jumping the Broom. The cast will share their thoughts on making the first black gay love story for the big screen. Voter registration and “No on Prop 8“ information will be available following this forum.
Clergy participating in the discussion with the cast will include:
Rev. Roland Stringfellow, director of the Bay Area Coalition of Welcoming Congregations
Rev. Lynice Pinkard, pastor, First Congregational Church of Oakland
Rev. Francine Brookins, pastor, Wright Chapel A.M.E. Church San Francisco
Dr. Dorsey Blake, Dean of the Faculty Starr King School for the Ministry
Proposition 8
California voter opposition to a ban on same-sex marriages has grown over the past two months and is now a solid majority, according to a new Field Poll. The nonpartisan poll of voters likely to cast ballots in the Nov. 4 election shows 55 percent opposing Proposition 8, a constitutional amendment that would reinstate a ban on same-sex marriages, to 38 percent in favor. Only 7 percent were undecided.
For more information and registration, see: http://equalitytownhall.eventbrite.com/
For more on Noah’s Arc: Jumping the Broom, see: http://www.noahsarcmovie.com
Downtown Los Angeles Artwalk with MJ Higgins Gallery + Tiara Cafe
September 11, 2008
Nefertiti Strong and Tracie Rice partnered together to join MJ Higgins Fine Art & Furnishings gallery with Tiara Cafe for an awesome end to the Downtown Artwalk. A BioDiesel bus carried artwalkers and partygoers from the gallery located at 4th & Main to Tiara Cafe at 9th & Main for specialized Tiara Mimosas and Tiaratinis. Eye candy provided by MJ Higgins Fine Art & Furnishings; Food & Drink provided by Chef Fred Eric of Tiara Cafe; Music provided by DJ Kerry.
2nd International Faison Firehouse Street Festival
Harlem, NY
August 9, 2008
Brought in partnership with the following:
Faison Firehouse Theatre, Harlem Hip Hop Center, LaGree Baptist Church, Lotus Music and Dance, Lorraine Monroe Leadership Institute and Mannie Wilson Senior Towers.
Marc Davis Story on ABC News
June 17, 2008
Marc Davis was featured in a story by ABC News.com. Please click on the picture to the right or visit the link below to watch the full video.
"If Looks Could Kill" Fashion Show, Essence Magazine & Toyota
New York, NY
On June 11th, 2008, Nefertiti Strong & Richard E. Pelzer II produced the Essence "If Looks Could Kill" fashion show featuring the new Toyota Camry with fashion provided by GHITA, Alexis Phifer's new clothing line.
View Press Release
Ashanti Rings Bell @ New York Stock Exchange to ring in Black Music Month
New York, NY
June 3, 2008
R&B songstress, Ashanti, rang the opening bell for the New York Stock Exchange, honoring Black Music Month. The event was organized by Richard E. Pelzer II of MEGA Management and Nefertiti Strong of Catch A Dream Entertainment, Inc. and captured by BleuTV, a division of Bleu magazine. View the Press Release
Catch A Dream & MEGA Management @ 2008 Cannes Film Festival
Cannes, France
Director/Producer Nefertiti Strong, and CEO of Catch A Dream Entertainment, Inc., invited Richard E. Pelzer II of MEGA Management to join her in Cannes for the 2008 Film Festival from May 14th - 25th.
As part of the kickoff to the festival, Catch A Dream Entertainment partnered with Nikki Beach and Yan Saquet Music Design to bring Macy Gray to perform at Nikki Club at the Palais Stephanie on May 14, 2008.
Ms. Strong and Mr. Pelzer also used this opportunity to announce their new joint production company, MEGA Dream, to the world with the film, A Race to Win: the Marc Davis story, about 17 year old NASCAR development driver, Marc Davis, and his accomplishment at being the first black race car driver.
Other projects shopped by Ms. Strong include Crenshaw Blvd., to be distributed by Patriot Pictures and featuring Nefertiti as the director; Constellation, the second feature from writer/director Jordan Walker-Pearlman; and Fast Forward Girlz, the personal project of Ms. Strong which she also wrote.
Contact International Trip to Gabon, Africa
Libreville, Gabon
December 2007
At the invitation of Madame Pascaline, several prominent African-American leaders, entertainers and businessmen and women visited the Republic of Gabon, Africa. Through Gail McKenzie, founder of Contact International, Inc. and the attaché to the country of Gabon, the visitors found themselves attending the Balafon Music Awards, Gabon's version of the Grammy's, and having life-altering experiences when visiting some of the shrines built in honor of the slaves that were lost to America during slavery. Visitors included Jermaine Jackson, director Kasi Lemmons, Benjamin Jamerson, Nefertiti Strong and Richard E. Pelzer II.
10th Annual African American Women in Cinema Film Festival
New York, NY
November 7-9, 2007
2007 marks the 10th anniversary of the African American Women in Cinema Festival. The festival, which was founded by Terra Renee, gives kudos to films written, produced or directed by African American women. This year's honorees included Kasi Lemmons, director of Talk to Me in which Don Cheadle played the lead character. The three day festival was held in New York and featured several panels such as The Art of Music in Film, which was hosted by Thembisa Mshaka, who is authoring "Handle Your [Music] Business: Her Guide to Entering, Navigating, or Exiting the Record Industry."
Santo Domingo with actor Juan Fernandez
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
July 2007
In July, Nefertiti traveled to the Dominican Republic with the country's darling, actor Juan Fernandez. Juan made Nefertiti a partner of his new production company, Monos En La Montaña and together, they picked up the film The Last Track by director, Juan Basanta.