A FATHERS PRIDE

Written by Jimmysodope

The last movie that premiered by the Halls Mills Network was the high energy dance film “Lit”. Not only was the “Lit” movie premier at CityPlex 12 was sold out, the movie went on win “Best Feature Film” from Hollywood Urban South Film Festival and “Best Indie Feature” in the Vegas Movie Awards. I spoke to director Jamal Hall about how it feels to have another sold out premier evening with “A Fathers Pride”

“It feels good. Our 1st film “Live With No Regrets” was screened at the AMC theater & had a good turn out but to come from that and to keep it going, especially during a pandemic, we really appreciate the support.”

The premier essentially had two components, the actual screening of “A Fathers Pride” the mix & mingle which functioned like a meet and greet. Taking place in the atrium of the theater, the moments before and after the movie played allowed the audience to meet cast members, photos were captured on the red carpet and an abundance of networking opportunities. As the cameras flashed I caught up with the film’s writer and co director, J Burroughs, he shared what he’s most proud of when it comes to “A Fathers Pride”?

“The way the team brought everything together. There’s no small roles in putting this all together. We had fun filming. And it’s amazing to see and share something that was inside of my head. Y’all get to feel the vibe and all the emotions and energy. Working with this great cast and the way it was shot.”

The mix & mingle was a huge success. To see all of those brilliant, smiling brown faces would be enough to make Spike Lee proud any day of the week. A Fathers Pride didn’t disappoint on the big screen either. What really captured me was that quite a few of the cast members made their acting debut with this movie. R&B singer and entrepreneur Lea Robinson spoke on the importance of her 1st movie role and the message her character Goldie portrayed.

“The best story tellers are the ones that are truthful. It felt really dope to tap into someone else’s life because these are things that people are actually going through. To be able to channel a whole emotion that I’ve never felt. It’s so important for black families especially with mental health being popular right now. It’s important for us to express ourselves and be open and be vulnerable about what’s going on in our lives. We suppress a lot of things as black people. It’s just now becoming cool to speak about mental health, going to therapy and seeking help.”

 

The film hit a few pain points. It touched on religion, family feuds, black on black violence, HIV and so much more. Ironically, the mix & mingle portion of the night showed that the solution to some of these problems could be as simple as black folk coming together to celebrate each other. I asked filmmaker Roc Davis about the importance of mentorship and the roles of men in today’s society.

“My father was a stay at home pops. My mom went to work everyday. My father was in. My life everyday. I learned film making from my father. So mentorship is very important. And the world is upside down. They try to eliminate us with all the stuff going on. So we gotta pull together. The men gotta run it. We gotta get back on our stuff and make it right. The women have been out here holding it down. The fathers have been kinda absent. We got some great brothers out here so I’m not saying it’s all but that’s just me being honest as a man and a father.”

If you missed the premier don’t worry, A Fathers Pride will be screening March 20th at CityPlex12 In Newark, NJ. Click the link below for movie times & tickets.

 

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-fathers-pride-movie-screening-tickets-278237314297

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Stylish Night Out in New York City with Hennessey

(Hennessy Carolina)

 

Last weekend  was unarguably on of the most stylish nights for the books.  The Vision Room had its big 2022 debut with stylists Charles Reynolds from The  Pluglicist  to coordinate a high fashion look for social media’s style icon,  Hennessey Carolina.

Everyone was there but we give credit to the following brands that showed huge support and love. Now lets get in to these looks.

Left to Right Charles Reynolds, Hennessy Carolina Xavier Banks

First up we have, Charles Reynolds (left), in a dripped in handmade Arcoa  (@arcoa.ny) and Air Jordan kicks. Charles he was looking sleek and ready to fly.

Next we have Xavier Banks (right), who graced us with his fashionable presents,  wearing a jacket by Arcoa  (@arcoa.ny), shirt by Revery, and shoes by Rick Owens (@rickowensonline). As per usual, he always smashes any look. 

Finally we have Hennessey Carolina (center) our pièce de résistance,  in a snow stopping Daniel’s Leather fox trench coat ,  gorgeous black laced one piece by Shane Justin, and Christian Louboutin pumps.

In great words of Fat Joe, these bombshells reminded us that  “Yesterday’s prices [will never be ] today’s prices. Together, this trio keep the city that never sleeps on its toes. 

We cannot forget the other amazing brands  that added their professional touch to this fashionable night.  The Pluglicist and Access by NKC teams work so effortlessly as they assisted with Charles Reynolds with the vision for this styling project.
Access by NKC  collaboration with Charles Reynolds made this an elegant night for the fashionista. It was a  night of style, and if you missed it, we got you covered!! Feast your eyes on all the juicy pictures and more on Instagram @ thevisionroom.
The Vision Room is a creative and collaborative space that works with content creators, enabling them and providing a platform to showcase their passion and skills on social media. The team is comprised of a professional team with the tools and talents to enhance your expertise and work. They are all about creating and capturing unique and wow-I-wish-I-was-there moments.

The story of JT Thor

The NBA summer league is upon us, and as usual, we find a star to zero on, and this year we have JT Thor. We are not sure how much of a god he is in other aspects of his life, but we can say that he has cracked this god-juice with basketball. 

 

This 18 year old south Sudanese-American player who recently got selected to the Charlotte Hornets is a brilliant player who dazzled us at the NBA summer league. 

His story is quite an inspiring one. Before getting drafted by the Hornets for the 37th overall pick in the NBA draft, Jokhow Panom Thor played college basketball for the Auburn Tigers. In west high, where he went to high school, he played for the varsity team and then moved on to West Virginia’s Huntington Prep, where he played among people who were better than him. Knowing that the competition was now stiffer, JT worked harder than he had ever worked in his life because he was looking at getting noticed. 

 

JT had to work hard because he had made a huge sacrifice for basketball. At a young age, he left his family at Anchorage and went to West Virginia to chase basketball, earn money and send money home to his family. He comes from an immigrant family, with a mother who left Sudan 23 years ago when the country was ravaged by war to chase a better life for her family. 

 

JT would again use this hard-wor strategy when he was waiting to be drafted for the NBA 37th overall draft. The work he did showed clearly in his body and skills that the Hornets were convinced that at that rate, he would grow better. When asked about his growth process, he said, “From my last game until now, I’ve drastically improved. My lower body got stronger, and my shot mechanics are way better. I feel like I’m going to be a great player someday, and I think the coaches seen that in me, and that’s why they took a chance on me.”

Seeing his recent performance at the summer league, it is clear that his hard work is paying, as we can see. Future predictions show that he will do even better as time goes on and become one of those names we sing of. 

 

JT Thor may not have a hammer, but he has a basketball, and right now, in our eyes, they are one and the same thing. 

Conrad Khalil shoots exquisite photographs of Bow Wow AND Soulja Boy Verzuz battle via The Vision Room.

Last night we witnessed what was arguably the most entertaining Verzuz episode ever. Bow Wow and Mr. I did it first, Soulja Boy delivered a performance that was all shades of entertaining, fun, nostalgic, and crazy dances.

If you missed it, here it is in a wrap. After months of throwing shades on social media, these two American singers, rappers, and songwriters throw down old gees style.

But aside from the baggy jeans, jerseys, and blinged wristwatches, it was fun all through the night as they took the crowd through some of their favorite hit songs from 2000. While many thought the Verzuz would not happen because Bow Wow has failed to honor a previous invite, this was different.

As the crowd screamed their favorite tunes, acclaimed songwriter, freelance photographer, creative content creator, and guy-with mad vibes were there to capture this once-in-a-lifetime moment from his lens. If you missed it, well, you missed it. It was dope, and the atmosphere was legit vibrating.

Conrad Khalil, a member of Vimeo, is now a photographer that shot out of the Vision Room to create high-quality images that replicate being in the moment. 

Vision Room is a creative space that collaborates with creative content creators, giving them a well-deserved platform to showcase their skills and sell themselves on social media. 

Supported by an experienced team tailored to enhance your talents, the Vision Room is all about creating a unique and never-before-seen experience.

Despite their Twitter rant and banters, the two rappers were present at Verzuz and brought the house down with electrifying music from the past and some new records too. There is certainly no bad blood between these two music legends as they cranked it to the audience’s amazement.

For more information, check out Conrad Khalil, Verzuz, and Vision Room’s Instagram pages.

Everything I Learned from Chandler Bing

By Neha Seenarine (Photo from Tumblr) 

 

“Friends” is one of the most well-known sitcoms. Six young adults learning how to live successfully and happily in New York City. We all know about Rachel’s iconic haircut and Joey’s pickup lines. However, for me, Chandler Bing is the one that hits close to home. Sitcom characters are made to be relatable. We find them in similar situations with wanting to get a dream job or going through heartbreak and Bing has been through it all. 

The Man Behind It All 

Bing’s character would not be possible without Matthew Perry. His wit drives through every episode’s performance. We hear Perry’s sarcasm in most lines and see his body language when he is trapped in certain situations. I could not imagine any member “Friends” cast, being replaced with someone else. 

Chandler’s Average Life 

Bing’s character is pretty normal. He’s an average dude, and that’s all we need from a sitcom character. Then there is Rachel who comes from a rich household and Phoebe who has an estranged twin. I think Bing’s storyline is the most relatable out of all the characters. He has a lost hope for love because of his divorced parents. Regardless of our parents’ marital status, we tend to realize our love lives is not the easy “lose a shoe at the ball” plotline from Cinderella. We have seen Bing strike out with women he’s interested in, go through heartbreak, and even go back to his crazy ex, Janice. It happens to us all. A good portion of “Friends” is not knowing what Bing’s career is. We see him in an office setting from time to time. He works in statistical analysis and data reconfiguration (I had to Google it). Regardless, it’s okay not to have a job like Rachel at Ralph Lauren. Yes, we shoot for the stars working for big companies and it is important to have goals. However, a local firm that pays the bills and offers 401k will get you by day to day. 

 

Modernizing Chandler 

Bing’s character would fit in any timeline. In 2021, I can imagine a storyline of him being upset about gas price inflation. He’s an average guy you would meet in the grocery, and that’s what is perfect about him, he is relatable. Bing being average does not mean he’s boring, it means more people can identify with him if he does not have much of a story at all. 

What We Can All Learn from Mr. Bing 

Normal is not bad or boring. Characters are always portrayed to be rich, happy, and glamourous. It took Bing almost the entirety of “Friends” to find his special someone and be content with his life. You can’t always get what you want, but what is meant for you will come to you.

 

What’s Up Next Meets Bingeables:

 

Bingeboundby: Samantha Stemmer (Bingebound-Binged LLC) 

With all the recommendations coming from The Vision Room’s series “Bingeables” one might be feeling overwhelmed with all these shows on their “to watch list.” Well, those overwhelming feelings can move along because Binged LLC created an app called Bingebound which will satisfy all your binging needs. The app allows people to track what they are binging, want to binge, and have binged. In addition, the app provides a social aspect for friends, family, and TV watchers to bond over their favorite shows they have binged. Trying to keep track of all the shows one has seen and then the ones that they still want to watch on phone notes apps, is now a task of the past. 

Bingebound has created three simple categories to organize shows into one’s profile: binging, want to binge, and binged. The “binging” category allows one’s social network to see what they are currently watching. The “want to binge” category will provide the user with the space to organize their TV recommendations and now no one will not miss out on a great recommendation because they simply forgot about it. Lastly the “binged” category allows the user to look back at everything they have seen and leave ratings and reviews. 

Along with the organization of TV shows, Bingebound has data on over 100K television programs, tells users what streaming platforms the programs are available on, and provides users with updates on any shows that are saved to their profile. Bingebound also alerts when new episodes are released, what the most popular and trending shows are, and programs that are similar to what users have seen. 

Bingebound is the app of every TV lover’s dream. The app is still very new and working out kinks on the technical side, but the concept of this app is beyond genius. That being said, we at The Vision Room believe Bingebound might be the next big thing. Make sure you download Bingebound for free from the App Store or Google Play

 

Special Screening of HBO original PAUSE with Sam Jay

As told by JIMMYSODOPE

Keenan Ivory Wayans’ “In Living Color” set the bar for sketch comedy
shows. Today we are seeing shows like “A Black Lady Sketch Show”
innovate their approach to the genre, building a scripted story around
the skits. Last night Fader presented a virtual screening of the HBO
original “PAUSE with Sam Jay”. Sam, a former writer for SNL, pushed
the boundaries of how a sketch comedy can be structured and delivered
a message to viewers that could empower them and alter the way they
see the world. Dare I say… It was genius.

PAUSE displayed a level of authenticity and honesty not seen on
television these days. The skits laid in a bed surrounded by a party
scene where Sam and her crew of friends/writers had casual
conversations that served as precursors for each skit. For instance,
in the “Go Judge Me” bit, and the conversation that preceded it, Jay
challenged the way we see Go Fund Me campaigns.

“It would be nice to shed light on these conditions of poverty that
force these circumstances”, Sam Jay expressed in a pre-recorded
interview that aired after the premier.

The writer/comedian spoke of the lessons learned since spending time
amongst wealthier friends and acquaintances. She mentioned how the
approach to wealth is different in affluent environments as opposed to
the hood. Whether it’s access to loans or candid investment group
chats, Sam simply stated, “Access creates opportunity.”

One of the last questions posed to Sam during the exclusive conversation with comedian and show writer Zack Fox was about how views on cancel culture. She explained “The only thing that frightens me is the mob needing blood. Needing a particular version of retribution.”

Sam Jay is here to make you laugh hysterically, question what you
think you know and push the limits of comedy!

“PAUSE with Sam Jay” airs Fridays on HBO and is also streaming on HBO Max.

A Photographic Love Affair with digital graphics, Arts and Fashion

Written by: The Vision Room

VIARAP Gallery, a limited time pop up, is now open this June for an artistic exploration that showcases how arts and fashion intertwine. A viewing of hip hop’s most influential visual moments through the lens of pop culture and social justice.

But there is more to this grand opening.

Super talented celebrity photographer Shareif Zidayat will also be there,2 not just to take pictures as VIARAP Gallery will be showcasing his marvelous works to the public.

Shareif Zidayat and graphic artist Flashgrfx are joining skills to deliver an exhibition like no other. You are invited to the 4-day event, and the stars are showing up.

The opening is sponsored by some of the best premium liquor brands. Ciroc Vodka and Deleon Tequila are getting guests started with the perfect glass.

One of their works worth seeing is the beautiful art piece of the late artist, DMX, whose picture was shot by Shareif Zidayat and surrounding mural and enhancement finished by Flashgrfx himself. Besides the elegant mural/photography of the rapper, Shareif has worked with countless celebrities, including Jennifer Lopez, Alicia Keys, Swizz Beatz, Black Eyes Peas and Wyclef Jean to name a few.

This is one fashion & art show not to miss. It is the best collaboration between the graphic artist and photographer. This high-profile gathering will feature VIPs and celebrities from all walks of life. They will celebrate with these two talents and also gain valuable insight during the event.

Where is the event taking place?

The VIARAP Gallery photography exhibition promises to be exciting and fun-packed in a 6-day event holding at 2 Rivington Street, New York, NY 10002.

The event begins June 8th with the grand opening of the exhibition to VIP guests from the red carpet welcome starting at 6pm and ending by 9pm.

June 9th presents the Panel – An art and activism program hosted by two young and fashion-forward ladies taking female independence to the next level. They are Nialah Edari and Savannah Britt.

June 10th is a special program tagged The Black and Brown Experience

June 11th is the last day for VIPs and hosts the Masters of Ceremonies for VIP and VVIP.

The VIARAP Gallery will also be opened to the public from 9th to the 13th from 11am to 4pm to appreciate our fans.

The VIARAP gallery grand opening will not be complete without the master strategist, award-winning marketer, brand consultant, and motivational speaker, Nick Storm.

If you love fashion, digital arts, and photography, this is one place to see all three in the spectacular works of Shareif Zidayat and Kedar Flash grfx Griffith.

Vote of thanks from The Vision Room

We are living the American dream and are determined to give back to our society and other African American people as well. We appreciate the support from all the artists, designers, celebrities, and especially celebrity photographer Shareif Zidayat and VIARAP Gallery.

Thanks to Ciroc Vodka and Deleon tequila for your sponsorship as they push to be a major brand in the industry.

 

Page Turners: “Later”

By Neha Seenarine

 

Stephen King released his latest novel, “Later,” earlier this year.

(Photo from Stephen King’s website)

“Later” follows a teenage boy, Jamie Conklin and his unordinary power to see the dead. His abilities are taken advantage of when he is forced to talk to dead to receive unanswered questions.

King has a specialty for coming-of-age stories. He writes young characters and develops them in a way you would think he was writing about his childhood best friend. We see numerous young characters in King’s popular work like: “The Shining,” “It,” and “The Body.” 

Young characters tend to have a supernatural ability to see the dead. A part of the skill is that children have not been exposed to the “real world.” They do not know their parents go Black Friday shopping for their Christmas presents, they think Santa Claus took a year to build it at his workshop. Adults are used to not having magic in their lives anymore. The adults in Conklin’s life struggle to believe him but they take his word. It is an interesting dynamic to see how he interacts with adults when they want to use his ability.

The theme of this story is manipulation. It seems people will take advantage of others regardless of consequences. Conklin interacted with a ghost to help his mother’s ex-lover out. Conklin was held accountable with his interaction with the dead. It seems like the adult never thought about how this might disturb someone’s childhood. People can become selfish when they see an opportunity and not recognize the aftermath because it does not affect them personally. 

Personally, I am not into the horror genre. “The Shining” is the only horror movie I have seen and will be the only horror movie I will ever see. It was great, it just successfully gave me the heebie jeebies. “Later” did not make me feel uneasy, but it did make me want more. I read this book in under a week because I wanted to know where Conklin was headed next. I am familiar with some of King’s previous work, but this book is perfect for anyone who may have not read “Rita Hayworth” or “Shawshank Redemption” and wants to be exposed to a new genre. 

You can learn more about “Later,” and Stephen King’s work here

 

April Kae – RIDE ON

The tricky thing about being young is that you’re expected to have an infinite supply of energy and ambition. Our culture acts as if young adults are immune to generational trauma, endless loops of police brutality on the news, paying rent, depression and heavens knows what else. What intrigues me most about April Kae is that the musician, influencer, activist and  podcaster embodies relentlessness. Seeking until she find what she’s looking for, April continues to ride on… 

“I’m originally from Austin, Texas. I was born in a small town called Denton, Texas where my parents met because the university of Texas is there. Which is a really great jazz school. I actually went college in Oregon. I went back home to get my life together then I realized I wanted to be in Philly. I visited a friend there and I fell in love with the city. I was also able to start a music club. A HipHop writing club after school. I’m not pretending like I went to the school to save these kids. Hopefully I helped a couple people but if anyone saved anyone it was the vibe of blackness. The black community saved me. I felt more empowered and decided to go back to college to study finance.”

The decision to study economics led April to New York, but even the big city wasn’t loud enough to quench her thirst for creative freedom. After more schooling and travel, April was committed to starting a band. Teaming up with her sister Nikki, Imani Gold was birthed in Portland. 

“Growing up in a musical household, singing together and playing music together was always a given. My mom is also music teacher and was the whole time I was growing up. During the holidays she would take my sister and I and her students around caroling to nursing homes. Then she would have twice a year concerts where I would play bass and my sister would help with organizing. Before the band was a thing, that’s what we were doing. That’s who we are.” 

The name of the band “Imani Gold” stays true to the sisters bond. Imani not only means faith in Swahili, it’s also Nikki’s middle name. Gold is a representation of the sense malleability and strength of marginalized people. Listening to their single “Ride On” you get a sense of April’s story and inspiration. Ride on has an island vibe but was written with the intention of writing a GREAT country song. 

“I actually wrote “Ride On” as an exercise for myself. I wanted to write the most straight forward country song possible. I think it was Miles Davis that said that he liked country music because of the stories. It starts ‘I was born in a small Texas town’. Like how much more classic country can you get than that?”

So whether you’re experiencing April Kae as the lead vocalist of Imani Gold, the influencer showing how beautiful natural body can be or the host of the “I See What You Mean” podcast, brace yourself for a big dose of authenticity and passion. 

Follow April Kae on Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/aprilkae.nyc/

See official visual for Ride On by Imani Gold

MUSIC

Hear the latest episode of I See What You Mean

https://www.april-kae.com/what’s-your-legacy-kimmortal-musician-and-artist