I got this as an e-mail:
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Last Night ...
As I lay on my bed, thinking about you, I feel this strong urge to grab you and squeeze you, because I can't forget last night. You came to meunexpectedly during the balmy and calm night, and what happened in mybed still leaves a tingling sensation in me.
You appeared from nowhere and shamelessly, without any reservations,youlaid on my naked body...you sensed my indifference, so you appliedyour hungry mouth to me without any guilt or humiliation, and you drove menear crazy while you drained me.
Finally I went to sleep.Today when I woke up, you were gone, I searched for you but to noavail,only the sheets bore witness to last night's events. My body still bears faint marks of your enthusiastic ravishing, making it harder toforget you.
Tonight I will remain awake waiting for you... you f***ing mosquito.
Saturday, June 30, 2007
Friday, June 22, 2007
(photo from Michuzi Blog)CURRENT EAST AFRICAN PRESIDENTS
These are the current East African Presidents.
From Left to right, President Paul Kagame of Rwanda, President Jakaya Kikwete of Tanzania, President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda, President Pierre Nkurunzinza of Burundi and President Mwani Kibaki of Kenya.
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
WOMEN OVER AGE 30
Andy Rooney said:As I grow in age, I value women who are over 30 most of all. Here are just a few reasons why:
- A woman over 30 will never wake you in the middle of the night to ask, "What are you thinking?" She doesn't care what you think.
- If a woman over 30 doesn't want to watch the game, she doesn't sit around whining about it. She does something she wants to do. And, it's usually something more interesting.
- A woman over 30 knows herself well enough to be assured in whom she is, what she is, what she wants and from whom. Few women past the age of 30 give a hoot what you might think about her or what she's doing.
- Women over 30 are dignified. They seldom have a screaming match with you at the opera or in the middle of an expensive restaurant. (or at Church - DC) Of course, if you deserve it, they won't hesitate to shoot you, if they think they can get away with it.
- Older women are generous with praise, often undeserved. They know what it's like to be unappreciated.
- A woman over 30 has the self-assurance to introduce you to her women friends. A younger woman with a man will often ignore even her best friend because she doesn't trust the guy with other women.
- Women over 30 couldn't care less if you're attracted to her friends because she knows her friends won't betray her.
- Women get psychic as they age. You never have to confess your sins to a woman over 30. They always know.
- A woman over 30 looks good wearing bright red lipstick. This is not true of younger women. Once you get past a wrinkle or two, a woman over 30 is far sexier than her younger counterpart.
- Older women are forthright and honest. They'll tell you right off if you are a jerk if you are acting like one! You don't ever have to wonder where you stand with her.
- Yes, we praise women over 30 for a multitude of reasons. Unfortunately, it's not reciprocal. For every stunning, smart, well-coiffed hot woman of 30, there is a bald, paunchy relic in yellow pants making a fool of himself with some 22-year-old waitress.
- Ladies, I apologize. For all those men who say, "Why buy the cow when you can get the milk for free". Here's an update for you.Nowadays 80% women are against marriage, why? Because women realize it's not worth buying an entire pig, just to get a little sausage.
Monday, June 18, 2007
What do these three have in common?
We all went to the Tanzania School of Journalism (at different times) and we all worked for Tanzania's government owned English language newspaper, Daily News. We all now live in the USA.
Here we were celebrating Lady Diana Kibodya's 50th Birthday, at a grand party held in Springfield, Massachusetts on June 16th.
Lady Diane is a originally from South Africa. She fled her native country following the Soweto uprising, she witnessed the murder of her schoolmate 13 year old Hector Pietersen by whte racist police in Apartheid South Africa. She then fled by foot with other shcoolmates to Swaziland and ended up in Uganda and later Tanzania where she met her husband Isaac Kibodya.
Lady Diane has four children and a grandson. All were present at the party along with many friends and colleagues from around the world.
Saturday, June 16, 2007
I got this in an e-mail, but I agree with what is said.
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Michelle Obama Comes Under Attack?
Many of us are noticing that there is really and truly an attack on the value, worth, and importance of Black women in the lives of prominent men. It has gotten so bold that Angelina Jolie is playing a Black woman, 70 percent of Black women are living without spouses, the vast majority of our children are growing up in a single mother household, sixty percent of Black men who earn over $100,000 annually are married to non-Black women, and now a group of White people have created, produced, and distributed a music video that insults Presidential hopeful's Black wife, Michelle Obama; who is now the newest Black women to come under attack to soon be unmated.
Before anyone writes me to tell me the ever-popular notion that supports a cowardly and ignorant point of view that "it doesn't matter", I'm here to tell you that it better matter quick because the attack on Black women or shall I say, "Nappy Headed Hos" is moving full speed ahead.
Yesterday, while watching Fox News, there was a story about a group of college White students who are posing as Barack Obama supporters that produced a music video called "I Got a Crush on Obama" featuring a sexy White chick lip singing because she was recruited from Craiglist.com to act in a music video.
Apparently, the Jewish looking female vocalist just wasn't sexy enough to persuade a response from the public or to get Barack Obama's attention they had to use a dummy to pull off this mind-twisting insult.
This video hails Mr. Obama as some type of sex symbol Mandingo that is swooning White women and White people with his sexiness and not his intellect nor his integrity. Forget that Mr. Obama is running for the most powerful job in the world, the Presidency of the United States of America, and put aside that he has a Law Degree from Harvard University and was the only Black President of the prestigious Harvard Law Review, plus voted in as the ONLY Black Senator in the United States Senate among many other notable accomplishments has now been reduced down to being the object of White women's sexual desire.
The scantily dressed White woman with the name of "Obama" on her butt must be to let Barack-ster recognize that she and the producers are aware that Black men like asses, or just in case, he's a tits man, her blouse is tight, especially around the breast area. Furthermore, there is zero mention of Michelle Obama nor his two Black daughters as if they don't even exists, or soon won't, because he is now on White women's radar.
You see, I've been watching Barack Obama and I was very interested in how he was going to handle the Don Imus incident; he came to Black woman's calling by saying "Don Imus should be fired" and then his ranking fell about 10 percentage points. I guess he was suppose to appease Whites by not taking offense that an old White man called a group of innocent Black female college students playing in a championship tournament, "hard-core hos" and "nappy headed hos". I never once heard Anna Nicole Smith or Paris Hilton being called "hos" of any type, especially "stringy headed hos", even though it is widely known that those White women have been very public exhibiting "whorish" behavior.
Of course, any President, despite his race or gender, must be a President for all American citizens, it's nice to know that a Black man running for President has enough sense and pride to realize that to insult innocent Black women on the purity that they are simply Black females is a slap and insult to all Black women, young, old, rich, poor, educated or uneducated. And to think some Whites have stopped supporting him due to him taking a stand that protects the image of his wife and his children is somehow less American, lets me know that racism is alive, growing, and inevitable hungry to keep Black inferiority THE status quo.
And to add insult to injury, the group of 4 White people appearing on Fox News who produced this raunchy, insulting, and belittling video had the nerve to act like the video was made out of love for Mr. Obama and would actually help him win the office of Presidency. I guess the diminishing of Black female worth is so low that during the interview not one of them mentioned Michele Obama at all, just a scroll across the screen as an after thought wondered how she would feel.
Maybe Fox News received my many emails complaining about the insult to Mrs. Obama. Then, there was the question asked if Hillary Clinton was behind this video to discredit Mr. Obama, and one of the producers responded with a slippery and shady "no comment" paraphrase.
Now sistahs of the Black Woman's Movement, (if you haven't signed up, please do so today because we are in phase one of gathering up the troops—tell all your friends), we must not get upset with Barack Obama over yet another White woman chasing after a Black man of prominence, he had absolutely nothing to do with the creation and distribution of this degrading video. As a matter of fact, Mr. Obama's camp has made no comment, but was urged to contact the producers and praise them for insulting his wife and his prestige. What the heck? You see, there are trick bags all over the place and this is just some bait to see if Barack-ster would be weak and dumb enough to insult his family by being flattered with such filth and attention diverting plots that he would praise a fake singing sex-pot that was hired to perform a duty. I'm not even sure the actress hired is a real Obama supporter.
Lastly, check out this comment that I received from youtube, "if Obama is a true black man he would dump his colored girl wife and shack up with a blonde lady".
Black men are getting clowned all the time due to their continual abandonment of Black women, because you know only a TRUE racist would use the word "colored" to describe today's Black woman.
Black women must be on the same page with understanding what is feeding our epidemic singleness. Furthermore, I'm receiving comments after comments about non-Black women stealing Black men from Black women—it has truly gotten way out of hand.
If you don't' believe me, then visit my website: www.BlackWomenNeedL oveToo.com and watch a clip from the movie Jungle Fever from 1991 and tell me that we have NOT participated in the "it doesn't matter" syndrome for far too long. It's past time for us to stand up for our rights to be loved, honored, and cherished just as much as any other woman.
Learn what we can do about it in my book, Black Women Need Love, Too! available on amazon.com and if a bookstore near you doesn't have any copies on their shelves, ask them to order it—Black Women Need Love, Too! is not only a book, but an important message that needs to be spread worldwide.
ORDER YOUR COPY OF THE BOOK, BLACK WOMEN NEED LOVE, TOO! AND TELL ALL YOUR FRIENDS TO DO THE SAME BECAUSE NOTHING WILL CHANGE UNTIL WE CHANGE IT.
www.BlackWomenNeedL oveToo.com
Don't forget what happened to Harold Ford when the "call me" commercial was let loose, he was a gonner--bye bye Senate!
www.BlackWomenNeedL oveToo.com
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Michelle Obama Comes Under Attack?
Many of us are noticing that there is really and truly an attack on the value, worth, and importance of Black women in the lives of prominent men. It has gotten so bold that Angelina Jolie is playing a Black woman, 70 percent of Black women are living without spouses, the vast majority of our children are growing up in a single mother household, sixty percent of Black men who earn over $100,000 annually are married to non-Black women, and now a group of White people have created, produced, and distributed a music video that insults Presidential hopeful's Black wife, Michelle Obama; who is now the newest Black women to come under attack to soon be unmated.
Before anyone writes me to tell me the ever-popular notion that supports a cowardly and ignorant point of view that "it doesn't matter", I'm here to tell you that it better matter quick because the attack on Black women or shall I say, "Nappy Headed Hos" is moving full speed ahead.
Yesterday, while watching Fox News, there was a story about a group of college White students who are posing as Barack Obama supporters that produced a music video called "I Got a Crush on Obama" featuring a sexy White chick lip singing because she was recruited from Craiglist.com to act in a music video.
Apparently, the Jewish looking female vocalist just wasn't sexy enough to persuade a response from the public or to get Barack Obama's attention they had to use a dummy to pull off this mind-twisting insult.
This video hails Mr. Obama as some type of sex symbol Mandingo that is swooning White women and White people with his sexiness and not his intellect nor his integrity. Forget that Mr. Obama is running for the most powerful job in the world, the Presidency of the United States of America, and put aside that he has a Law Degree from Harvard University and was the only Black President of the prestigious Harvard Law Review, plus voted in as the ONLY Black Senator in the United States Senate among many other notable accomplishments has now been reduced down to being the object of White women's sexual desire.
The scantily dressed White woman with the name of "Obama" on her butt must be to let Barack-ster recognize that she and the producers are aware that Black men like asses, or just in case, he's a tits man, her blouse is tight, especially around the breast area. Furthermore, there is zero mention of Michelle Obama nor his two Black daughters as if they don't even exists, or soon won't, because he is now on White women's radar.
You see, I've been watching Barack Obama and I was very interested in how he was going to handle the Don Imus incident; he came to Black woman's calling by saying "Don Imus should be fired" and then his ranking fell about 10 percentage points. I guess he was suppose to appease Whites by not taking offense that an old White man called a group of innocent Black female college students playing in a championship tournament, "hard-core hos" and "nappy headed hos". I never once heard Anna Nicole Smith or Paris Hilton being called "hos" of any type, especially "stringy headed hos", even though it is widely known that those White women have been very public exhibiting "whorish" behavior.
Of course, any President, despite his race or gender, must be a President for all American citizens, it's nice to know that a Black man running for President has enough sense and pride to realize that to insult innocent Black women on the purity that they are simply Black females is a slap and insult to all Black women, young, old, rich, poor, educated or uneducated. And to think some Whites have stopped supporting him due to him taking a stand that protects the image of his wife and his children is somehow less American, lets me know that racism is alive, growing, and inevitable hungry to keep Black inferiority THE status quo.
And to add insult to injury, the group of 4 White people appearing on Fox News who produced this raunchy, insulting, and belittling video had the nerve to act like the video was made out of love for Mr. Obama and would actually help him win the office of Presidency. I guess the diminishing of Black female worth is so low that during the interview not one of them mentioned Michele Obama at all, just a scroll across the screen as an after thought wondered how she would feel.
Maybe Fox News received my many emails complaining about the insult to Mrs. Obama. Then, there was the question asked if Hillary Clinton was behind this video to discredit Mr. Obama, and one of the producers responded with a slippery and shady "no comment" paraphrase.
Now sistahs of the Black Woman's Movement, (if you haven't signed up, please do so today because we are in phase one of gathering up the troops—tell all your friends), we must not get upset with Barack Obama over yet another White woman chasing after a Black man of prominence, he had absolutely nothing to do with the creation and distribution of this degrading video. As a matter of fact, Mr. Obama's camp has made no comment, but was urged to contact the producers and praise them for insulting his wife and his prestige. What the heck? You see, there are trick bags all over the place and this is just some bait to see if Barack-ster would be weak and dumb enough to insult his family by being flattered with such filth and attention diverting plots that he would praise a fake singing sex-pot that was hired to perform a duty. I'm not even sure the actress hired is a real Obama supporter.
Lastly, check out this comment that I received from youtube, "if Obama is a true black man he would dump his colored girl wife and shack up with a blonde lady".
Black men are getting clowned all the time due to their continual abandonment of Black women, because you know only a TRUE racist would use the word "colored" to describe today's Black woman.
Black women must be on the same page with understanding what is feeding our epidemic singleness. Furthermore, I'm receiving comments after comments about non-Black women stealing Black men from Black women—it has truly gotten way out of hand.
If you don't' believe me, then visit my website: www.BlackWomenNeedL oveToo.com and watch a clip from the movie Jungle Fever from 1991 and tell me that we have NOT participated in the "it doesn't matter" syndrome for far too long. It's past time for us to stand up for our rights to be loved, honored, and cherished just as much as any other woman.
Learn what we can do about it in my book, Black Women Need Love, Too! available on amazon.com and if a bookstore near you doesn't have any copies on their shelves, ask them to order it—Black Women Need Love, Too! is not only a book, but an important message that needs to be spread worldwide.
ORDER YOUR COPY OF THE BOOK, BLACK WOMEN NEED LOVE, TOO! AND TELL ALL YOUR FRIENDS TO DO THE SAME BECAUSE NOTHING WILL CHANGE UNTIL WE CHANGE IT.
www.BlackWomenNeedL oveToo.com
Don't forget what happened to Harold Ford when the "call me" commercial was let loose, he was a gonner--bye bye Senate!
www.BlackWomenNeedL oveToo.com
Saturday, January 06, 2007
Oprah's African Girl's School
I would like to take this opportunity to Congratulate, Oprah Winfrey, for opening the Leadership Academy for Girls in South Africa. These select girls are being offered a quality education in a posh environment by African standards. Let me just point out a few:
1. Dorm Rooms with Extra Large Closets
2. Hair Salon
3. Yoga Studio
4. Indoor & Outdoor Theatres
5. 200 Thread Count sheets
6. Fancy China to eat off
Having lived in Africa, I find such luxuries unnecessary for students. What counts is having your school fees paid, textbooks, uniforms and shoes, a way of getting to the school and being well fed. All these luxuries are not preparing the girls for life in the real world unless Oprah is planning on hiring all of them to work for her. That money could have been spent on educating several thousand African students. However I am still grateful that Oprah has done what she has and I hope that the beneficiaries will appreciate it as well.
Let me say that the students at that school are the envy of many school children on the continent. Many African children can't get a quality education because their families cannot afford the school fees or uniforms. Believe it or not sometimes the school fees are as low as $5. So to be assured of getting a quality education for free is a blessing to the student and the families. Many African children go to school hungry and can't concentrate on their studies because of the hunger pains in their bellies. I lived in Tanzania and studies there showed that schools where students were offered porridge in the morning did better than those that did not.
It will be interesting to follow the progress of Oprah's students. Most of them will no doubt go onto study at Ivy League schools like Harvard, Yale and Stanford.
It's no secret that in Africa most families with limited incomes will pour their resources into educating their males over females. Sometimes the girls get married off for bride price in order for their brothers to get an education. So it is uplifting to see this wonderful opportunity being offered to girls.
There is criticism of Oprah on her decision to fund schools in Africa and not the USA. Oprah says that American kids are materialistic. Yes, many are because US society has made them so. What does TV project to them.
At the same time, I disagree with Oprah that all inner city kids want are fancy sneakers and Ipods. Many want a quality education and unfortunately they don't get it and there are no scholarships. I have seen many children of color with dreams of going to College, only to have them shattered when they find out that their parents cannot afford to pay their share of the tuition and fees. Oprah needs to look into helping students in the USA who want to get an education but cannot simply because they can't afford it.
Yes, it is her money and she can spend it as she pleases, but please help kids in the USA as well. They will also appreciate it.
Thursday, December 14, 2006
The Lord works in mysterious ways! When God shuts a door he opens a window! Those are two sayings that I take to heart. I think Jennifer Hudson must agree them right now.
For those who remember, American Idol Season Three. She was seventh from the top when she got booted off in what was labelled a racist vote. Jennifer could sing better than most of the remaining contestants but she got the ax anyway. I was watching and was in tears at seeing her getting the vote so soon especially before 'several' others. Anyway that year, Fantasia Barrino went on to win.
But today, the Lord has done wonders for Jennifer. She has been nominated for Best Supporting Actress for the film, Dreamgirls. In the film she plays Effie White, the lead singer of a girl group who gets dumped in the end. I haven't seen the film, but I'm looking forward to see it when it is released. I have read rave reviews and major praise for Jennifer Hudson, which is great considering that this is her first major movie.
Let's see what the Oscars and other awards have in store for her. And hopefully this is the start of a great acting and singing career for Jennifer. Yes, the Lord does indeed work in mysterious ways.
JENNIFER, YOU GO GIRL!
Thursday, December 07, 2006
Aftershock Beyong the Civil War Film
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The Documentary film, 'Aftershock: Beyond the Civil War ' will Premiere on the History Channel on Tuesday, December 19, 2006 at 8:00PM Eastern. It will be shown again at Midnight (12:00am) on Wednesday December 20th, 2006.
The film is a documentary filmed mainly in Massachusetts. I play a field hand in it. You can find more details about the film on imdb.com.
Aftershock: Beyond The Civil War:
Despite common belief, the Civil War does not end in 1865, and the blood of many Americans continues to flow freely. It is a period known as "Reconstruction." America is supposed to be reuniting and healing its wounds, but what emerges is a picture of murder, terrorism and chaos as "free" black men and women remain enslaved by a South that does not completely surrender. Insurgencies led by ex-Confederate soldiers rip through every southern state. America's first terrorist group, the Ku Klux Klan, is formed. Hundreds are butchered in citywide race riots, like the infamous New Orleans Massacre of 1866. Counter-insurgency groups form, like the Lowry Gang, who fights a guerilla-style battle against Confederates and northern carpetbaggers like D.P. Upham, who battles the Klan in Arkansas. All Americans feel the Civil War's aftershocks for years, while some believe its tremors are felt even today.
TVPG
You can read my Previous Blogs on my experience making the film Here:
http://chemiche.blogspot.com/2006/06/filming-aftershock-i-just-acted-in.html
http://chemiche.blogspot.com/2006/06/me-and-tim-weske-after-shooting-our.html
http://chemiche.blogspot.com/2006/06/aftershock-post-civil-war-documentary.html
Saturday, November 11, 2006
Tuesday, November 07, 2006
Will Massachusetts have its First Black Governor?
Today is Election Day. Usually I try to avoid talking about politics, but today I will do so. The reason being that I have seen one of the nastiest campaigns ever in this state for the Governors races.
This race will be historic no matter who wins. Kerry Healey (46), a white woman is running on the Republican ticket, while Deval Patrick (50), a black man, is running on the Democratic ticket. If Healey wins, she will be the first female Governor for the state and if Patrick wins, he will be the first black Governor. There are two other candidates, Christy Mihos, and Independent and Grace Ross of the Green Party.
Let me say that while I would love to see a woman Governor, the nastiness of this woman's campaign turned me and many other off her. In the push to garner votes she came off looking like an evil, snobby, rich bytch, concerned only with the little circle of people around her.
Healey is a Republican. For the past few years she has been the Lt. Governor for Massachsetts under Mitt Romney. Romney is a trip as he only ran for Governor of Massachusetts so that he could run for President. Let the entire USA know, Romney is a photo-op guy who cares nothing for Massachusetts and spend little time him during he tenure as Governor. Let me lay off Romney and concentrate on Healey.
Healey was Romney's shadow and in fact he rarely let her speak. It's a miracle that the Repblican's even let her run for Goveror. I am sure that all her campaign ads were approved by the state Republican committee before airing. First, they tried to 'Willie Hortonize' Patrick because he defended a rapist. Patrick worked as a prosecutor and a defender and we all know how that goes. So kudos to him for doing his job. How many times have we seen attorneys defending shady characters. That's the beauty of the American justice system. Justice for all.
Then Healey's team dispatched campaign workers dressed in Orange prison uniforms to the homes of Patrick and his running mate Tim Murray to protest. Well, this stunt backfired big time. Tim Murray's 12 year son was home alone getting ready to go to school when the orange clad group showed up and terrorized the boy. After that both Patrick and Murray had police assigned to their homes.
Next Healey's team aired over and over again and ad is which some woman heads to her car in a garage and gets raped or is about to get raped or something, while the narrator says something about Patrick allowing it and he should be ashamed. I had to switch off my TV. It was disgusting. Grace Ross said of the commerical during a debate, " That ad makes rape victims feel like they are being raped again!"
Then Healey's campaign went to media with something about Deval Patrick's sister being raped by her husband! The husband served time over it and in fact the two have been happily married for over 15 years and they are counselors and their children knew nothing about it until Kerry Healey's campaign exposed it! Hey Healey, what did that have to do with the campaign, that was just vile!Now, many times a day we see a buff white guy jogging in some suburb, thinking to himself about Deval Patrick. In my opinion the only thing he didn't put into words was that he did not want to be governed by a black man!
And where was Deval Patrick during all this negative campaigning...well believe it or not, he stayed positive and focused on what he would do as Governor. He refused to go negative on Healey. He proved himself to be Gentleman. He could have had a field days with Healey's views that the elderly are overhoused.
Even in the debates Patrick showed his decency, though he did throw some jabs at Healey like, "Why don't you come down off your high horse, and I'll show you around so you can see how it works." This was after she attacked him over his work in the justice system.
Deval Patrick ran a grassroots campaign and reached out to everyone. Let me just say that I never even saw Kerry Healey in my neighborhood, or any of her people. And the barbebcues held by 'ordinary citizens' that she was seen attending were in posh suburbs. So obviously she doesn't stand for the common man. At one of the debates Patrick said that Healey should talk about the issues instead of trying to scare people into voting for her.
Let's see what the turn out will be. I hope that Deval Patrick wins. If he does, let it be a lesson to those who use negative campaigning tactics. People are not stupid.
Monday, October 30, 2006
SWAHILI SPEAKING ACTOR WANTED
By, Josiah Kibira
Kibira Films International is currently looking actors for its upcoming project to be filmed next year in Tanzania - July 1st - July 31, 2007 This new movie is a sequel to the movie Bongoland which was produced in 2003 by Kibira Films. Bongoland was/is a drama about different challenges that immigrants face once they arrive in the foreign land. It dealt with issues of immigration papers, employment, school and relationships. The main characters asked - "would you rather be a well fed slave or a hungry freeman"? He asked this while contemplating whether to keep chasing the ever elusive American dream or go back to his native land.
The sequel is a continuation of that drama following the main character Juma to see if his dreams for a better life were fulfilled after he decided to go back to his native Bongoland. The working title for the movie is "Bongoland II - There Is No Place Like Home."
Here are the qualifications for the post:
[1.] Be a male actor. [2.] Fluent Swahili speaker.[ 3.] Some film or stage acting - not necessary but would be helpful. [4.] Have seen the movie "Bongoland" [5.] Currently living in the United States [6.] Have legal status to travel in and out of USA. [ 7.] Willing to work on a deferred payment contract. [8.] Ability to get along with people.
Additional Perks for the role:
[1.] Free round trip ticket to Tanzania. [2.] All accommodations provided while in Dar. [3.] Daily stipend while on the set. [4.] Possibility of earning a role in Kibira Films future projects. [5.] Exposure to Film festivals in USA, Europe and Africa. [6.] Screen testing in Minneapolis, MN if selected or being considered. [7.] Possible career move.
For consideration:
[1.] Send a headshot. [2.] Your resume OR. [3.] An essay of why you think you should be considered for the role. [4.] Any tapes, DVD, vocals showing your acting abilities - In actual production i.e. play, movie (if you have it)
[5.] Send to: Kibira Films International 2860 Zanzibar Lane North Plymouth, MN 55447
[6.] Email - info@kibirafilms.com Thanks and Good Luck.
More information about Kibira Films - www.kibirafilms.com
Phone #: Office: (612)-291-2719; Mobile: (763)-229-2495
By, Josiah Kibira
Kibira Films International is currently looking actors for its upcoming project to be filmed next year in Tanzania - July 1st - July 31, 2007 This new movie is a sequel to the movie Bongoland which was produced in 2003 by Kibira Films. Bongoland was/is a drama about different challenges that immigrants face once they arrive in the foreign land. It dealt with issues of immigration papers, employment, school and relationships. The main characters asked - "would you rather be a well fed slave or a hungry freeman"? He asked this while contemplating whether to keep chasing the ever elusive American dream or go back to his native land.
The sequel is a continuation of that drama following the main character Juma to see if his dreams for a better life were fulfilled after he decided to go back to his native Bongoland. The working title for the movie is "Bongoland II - There Is No Place Like Home."
Here are the qualifications for the post:
[1.] Be a male actor. [2.] Fluent Swahili speaker.[ 3.] Some film or stage acting - not necessary but would be helpful. [4.] Have seen the movie "Bongoland" [5.] Currently living in the United States [6.] Have legal status to travel in and out of USA. [ 7.] Willing to work on a deferred payment contract. [8.] Ability to get along with people.
Additional Perks for the role:
[1.] Free round trip ticket to Tanzania. [2.] All accommodations provided while in Dar. [3.] Daily stipend while on the set. [4.] Possibility of earning a role in Kibira Films future projects. [5.] Exposure to Film festivals in USA, Europe and Africa. [6.] Screen testing in Minneapolis, MN if selected or being considered. [7.] Possible career move.
For consideration:
[1.] Send a headshot. [2.] Your resume OR. [3.] An essay of why you think you should be considered for the role. [4.] Any tapes, DVD, vocals showing your acting abilities - In actual production i.e. play, movie (if you have it)
[5.] Send to: Kibira Films International 2860 Zanzibar Lane North Plymouth, MN 55447
[6.] Email - info@kibirafilms.com Thanks and Good Luck.
More information about Kibira Films - www.kibirafilms.com
Phone #: Office: (612)-291-2719; Mobile: (763)-229-2495
Saturday, September 09, 2006
Being PHAT (Pretty Hot and Tempting) in America
When people here in America tell me that I have a big behind, I tell them that I wish it was twice the size. When I answer that, I can see them in shock. I grew up in Africa and believe me, the bigger the behind the more beautiful one is considered.
In America having a blessed behind is considered ugly, being overweight. Look at the way people initially laughed at Jennifer Lopez because they said she had a big one. I was appalled at the airbrushing of her pictures to reduce the size of her behind. Funny, nowadays people are buying padded pants to make themselves look like they have big one. Thank you Beyonce? and all the others in the ‘bootylicious’ movement.
Truth said in most African cultures having a flat behind is considered ugly. Being thin is a sign of illness and misery. This brings me to my point today, and that it the film Phat Girlz.
Phat Girlz is a film written and produced by an Ethiopian-American, Nngest Likke. The film is based on her frustrations that she felt in America as a plus-size women. Phat Girlz did not do well at the Box office, and I’m not surprised. America is a society that worships what Hollywood feeds it. It’s image of beauty is a skeletal thin, blonde blue eyed woman. Phat Girlz protagonist is a heavyset black woman…a no no in Hollywood .
In Phat Girlz many Americans are in disbelief that a gorgeous well toned, Dr. Tunde (Jimmy Jean-Louis) can fall in loved with heavyset PHAT sister Jazmin (Mo’nique). Well, of course it’s possible and to him she is the most gorgeous woman on the planet. He was raised in a culture where the ‘Thick Madam’ is Queen. The saying that, “Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder” rings true here.
Well I have the Phat Girlz DVD, and I have watched everything on it and heard about thetrials and tribulations of making them film. I have to say that I am and will be forever grateful that this film was made. As I have said before it is long overdue. The film will definitely have a cult following. And with the release of the DVD Phat Girlz has moved from the #1 worst movie on the Internet Movie Database to the #7 its rating will probably rise as more people watch it. It’s no secret that there were racist and anti-fat campaigns against the movie which led to low turn out at the movies.
Phat Girlz is not about glorifying being fat, but accepting who you are, living life and yes, Phat peoples dreams can come true too.
Director /Producer Nnegest Likke asks viewers which ending they prefer. I prefer the Extended version ending where Jazimn tells viewers to go be with the one they love. That’s a romantic ending that gets viewers involved.
I look forward to Phat Girlz 2.
When people here in America tell me that I have a big behind, I tell them that I wish it was twice the size. When I answer that, I can see them in shock. I grew up in Africa and believe me, the bigger the behind the more beautiful one is considered.
In America having a blessed behind is considered ugly, being overweight. Look at the way people initially laughed at Jennifer Lopez because they said she had a big one. I was appalled at the airbrushing of her pictures to reduce the size of her behind. Funny, nowadays people are buying padded pants to make themselves look like they have big one. Thank you Beyonce? and all the others in the ‘bootylicious’ movement.
Truth said in most African cultures having a flat behind is considered ugly. Being thin is a sign of illness and misery. This brings me to my point today, and that it the film Phat Girlz.
Phat Girlz is a film written and produced by an Ethiopian-American, Nngest Likke. The film is based on her frustrations that she felt in America as a plus-size women. Phat Girlz did not do well at the Box office, and I’m not surprised. America is a society that worships what Hollywood feeds it. It’s image of beauty is a skeletal thin, blonde blue eyed woman. Phat Girlz protagonist is a heavyset black woman…a no no in Hollywood .
In Phat Girlz many Americans are in disbelief that a gorgeous well toned, Dr. Tunde (Jimmy Jean-Louis) can fall in loved with heavyset PHAT sister Jazmin (Mo’nique). Well, of course it’s possible and to him she is the most gorgeous woman on the planet. He was raised in a culture where the ‘Thick Madam’ is Queen. The saying that, “Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder” rings true here.
Well I have the Phat Girlz DVD, and I have watched everything on it and heard about thetrials and tribulations of making them film. I have to say that I am and will be forever grateful that this film was made. As I have said before it is long overdue. The film will definitely have a cult following. And with the release of the DVD Phat Girlz has moved from the #1 worst movie on the Internet Movie Database to the #7 its rating will probably rise as more people watch it. It’s no secret that there were racist and anti-fat campaigns against the movie which led to low turn out at the movies.
Phat Girlz is not about glorifying being fat, but accepting who you are, living life and yes, Phat peoples dreams can come true too.
Director /Producer Nnegest Likke asks viewers which ending they prefer. I prefer the Extended version ending where Jazimn tells viewers to go be with the one they love. That’s a romantic ending that gets viewers involved.
I look forward to Phat Girlz 2.
Monday, August 14, 2006
Warriors: Spiritually Engaged
The Making of Maangamizi – The Ancient One
What does it take to make a movie in Africa? I guess most people would say cast, crew, equipment, money, patience and tolerance. It also takes resourcefulness, creativity and the blessings of the ancestors.
In 1994 a film crew from Los Angeles set out to make a film in Tanzania, East Africa with minimal budget. Little did they know it would take six years before the film would be completed. Maangamizi the Ancient One has an interesting history behind it. Maangamizi’s screenplay writer and producer, Queenae Taylor Mulvihill has written a book about the Maangamizi experience.
I have to say it’s been a while since I enjoyed reading a book. This past weekend I was fascinated with ‘Warriors: Spiritually Engaged, The Making of Maangamizi-The Ancient One. In fact the book was so good that I skipped TV watching and other household chores just to concentrate on finishing the book.
Maybe it’s because I took part in the film or the fact that I personally know or have met many of the people mentioned in the book. But, I think anyone would be intrigued by the behind the scenes drama that spanned three continents…Africa, North America and Australia. Queenae talks candidly about incidents in her life and an awakening process that happened because of her involvement with the film. She talks about culture shock, love, adultery, death, friendship, disappointment and more. Most importantly she talks of the hold that the film took on all involved.
Maangamizi the Ancient One was Tanzania’s official selection to the 74th Academy Awards in 2002, in the Foreign Language Category. It did not make the top five. But this was a major achievement as it was Tanzania’s first ever submission for the prestigious award.
Maangamizi has been screened at over 20 film festivals around the world and has been shown on every continent. It's won many awards, yet little is know about it in the USA.
For more information visit the Gris Gris Films website http://www.grisgrisfilms.com.
For more information visit the Gris Gris Films website http://www.grisgrisfilms.com.
Also check out Maangamizi on imdb.com
Friday, July 28, 2006
PHAT GIRLZ ON DVD 8-22-06
THERE'S NO DREAM TOO BIG FOR SOME GIRLS!
Mo'Nique Delivers BIG Laughs In The Outrageous Comedy Bursting Onto DVD August 22, 2006 From Fox Home Entertainment
CENTURY CITY, Calif . – The stars are big and the laughs are bigger in the full-bodied comedy Phat Girlz , on DVD August 22, 2006 from Fox Home Entertainment. Starring funny-lady Mo'Nique ( Soul Plane, “The Parkers”) as Jazmin, an aspiring plus-size fashion designer who struggles to find acceptance, Phat Girlz hilariously shows that size does matter — and big is in! Also starring Kendra C. Johnson (“Bones”), Joyful Drake (Beauty Shop), Godfrey (Soul Plane) and Eric Roberts (“The L Word”), Phat Girlz dishes up plenty of belly laughs as Jazmin and her friends find love and success by maximizing their inner strength and beauty. The Phat Girlz DVD features super-sized bonus material including a never-before-seen version, director and cast commentary, deleted and alternate scenes with optional director's commentary, “Supersize Dreams: A Director's Video Diary,” “The Reel Deal: The Making Of Phat Girlz,” “The Phattest Guy: A Tribute to Producer Bobby Newmyer,” outtakes and a gag reel. The DVD will be available for the suggested retail price of $27.98 U.S./$43.48 Canada .
Synopsis:Superstar comedienne Mo'Nique stars as a sassy, plus-sized fashion designer who's tired of taking no for an answer in this hilarious comedy about living life to the fullest. Jazmin Biltmore has big plans for large ladies – she's designed a sexy line of clothes for curvaceous women like herself. But when she can't get funding for her designs or meet a man who appreciates her unique physique, Jazmin's patience starts running thin. That is, until she wins an all-expense-paid trip to a resort in Palm Springs , where she just might just meet the man of her dreams.
DVD Special Features:The Phat Girlz DVD piles on the extras including a never-before-seen version, feature commentary by director Nnegest Likke, Mo'Nique and others, deleted and alternate scenes with optional director's commentary, “Supersize Dreams: Director's Video Diary,” “The Reel Deal: The Making Of Phat Girlz,” “The Phattest Guy: A Tribute to Producer Bobby Newmyer,” outtakes and a gag reel. The DVD will be available in either widescreen (1.85:1) or pan & scan (1.33:1) on a flipper disc with English 5.1 Dolby Surround, as well as French and Spanish Dolby Surround.
Saturday, July 22, 2006
Tanisha & Mo'nique CONGRATULATIONS MISS F.A.T. 2006
(Tanisha Malone)
Another year of Miss F.A.T. (Fabulous and Thick) has come and gone. This year the beautiful 27 year old Miss Tanisha Malone won the title. She beat out nine other fabulous and thick women of different races to win the competition despite having a huge burn scar of her body. Her personality was awesome and not to mention she blew the competition away in the lingerie segment. She wore a purple fur cape over a bikini like outfit. When she opened her cape everyone gasped in astonishment, no big belly! Whoa girl how do you do it? Guess what she does for a living, she's a morgue technician! More power to her, I don't know many women who do that for a living.
Another point, with her body shape, especially the huge backside, guys in Africa would be fighting over her. She's be guaranteed to marry the millionaire of her choice. Yes, that African Venus gene is strong in her, and in Africa having a huge backside is considered beauty.
I wish Tanisha well in going around and motivating youngsters. They need the motivation in a society that worships Hollywood's abnormal skeletal beauty image. I wish there were more motivators andI thank Mo'nique for pushing for this pageant. I have seen too many young women fall into depression because of their size and not strive to reach their full potential.
That said, Ladies get ready for next year's competition, it's going to be tougher!
Tuesday, July 11, 2006
Aftershock Behind the Scenes
photo by Scott LeftonThis a shot of all the actors who played Field Hands in Aftershock. The guy hanging is actually Stephen LeClaire, a local musician and also the owner of the ranch where this segment was shot. he gets hanged for killing someone in the film. In real life he's a great guy! Note this was definitely between breaks, we're wearing shoes and smiling!
Aftershock is now listed on imdb.com. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0818080/
Tuesday, June 27, 2006
MY 'GONE BABY GONE' EXPERIENCE!
I finally got a taste of A-list Hollywood. I was an extra last week in a scene shot at the popular Silver Spoon restaurant, in Roxbury, Massachusetts for the film Gone Baby Gone. The film is being directed and produced by Hollywood hunk, Ben Affleck in his directorial debut. For those who don’t know, Roxbury is the heart of Boston’s black community. I got a call from CP Casting. The scene would take place in the restaurant and customers were working class people. Specific instructions - don’t wear anything fancy, but take a few extra things just in case they wanted different wardrobe. Okay, I pull out the jeans, tank tap and a shirt over it, and my quiet shoes. I was trying to dress a comfortably as possible because I knew that it would be extremely hot that day.
I arrived at the Silver Slipper promptly at 7:00am as instructed only to be told that Extras were to report to the base camp a few blocks away. It was the old MBTA bus depot. So I walked over there and saw other extras. All the extras were black, I guess to reflect the neighborhood. I checked in, and was told to go to wardrobe for approval. What I was wearing was fine, one lady wearing jeans was told to wear a skirt, another lady was provided a waitress uniform. Some of the guys had to change their shorts or were given shirts from wardrobe. The extras who were pedestrians were immediately bused over to the set. Meanwhile it was early in the morning and I wasn’t sure of when we could eat or refreshments on the set. I asked if we could get some coffee or something to drink from the food table and truck set up in the lot. A crew person took us over and we got some drinks and snacks, then we were walked to the Silver Spoon.
When we got there to our amazement there was no holding area. So first they let us sit in the restaurant while they shot scenes outside. Inside we chatted with some of the crew, and I was chatting with a lighting specialist and I was fascinated by what he was saying about film lighting. Then we had to move outside while they set up the restaurant. They took down some of the photos on the wall and put up some others, all related to Black History. The wall looked great, and colorful, like Black Power wall. I was impressed. First we were hanging around on the sidewalk by the huge mural on the wall. It was interesting to see the curiosity traffic jams. Hey, it’s not everyday that movies gets shot in Roxbury or so many stars are there. And this was something positive not TV cameras covering crime.
We were then instructed to hang out the parking lot area, which had been turned into a multi-purpose area. It was small and crowded with trucks carrying generators and other stuff. So we sat on bumpers, truck steps, the hot ground, curb, whatever, but ended up standing most of the time.
On the set, one extra asked about a toilet. It turned out that the only toilet available was the one in the basement of the restaurant and to get to it, you had to go between set-ups. So people were cautious what they drank, but it was so hot and people were sweating so there was minimal need for bathroom trips. Luckily around 12:00noon two port-o-potties were delivered.
When it came time for our first call to the set we were lined up, and someone assigned us things to do. I got to sit at the counter in front of Ed Harris and John Ashton. My counter partner was an actor called Montez. Me and ‘my friend’ (as we became known during the shoot) were given bowls with Jamaican style peas and rice and bread and little saucers. They gave us drinks filled with plastic ice cubes, so they wouldn’t melt. We were told not to drink it, just pretend. The food was real though, it’s just that it had passed through so many hands. Every time they said “action”, we had to pretend to eat and drink. I tasted some of the beans and rice. They were good. I wouldn’t have minded having some of the curried goat or jerk chicken that was being served.
In the scene, Casey Affleck and Michelle Monaghan come in and talk to the older detectives. We did many takes, and of course the actors were flubbing their lines. Some of the flubs will probably make great outtakes. Ben Affleck kept coming over to Casey, pulling him aside and speaking to him in a low voice. It looked like he wasn’t pleased with his little bro’s acting, but finally he got it right. When they finished the first part, we had to go out mill around the equipment and wait to be called again. We were called in again and did the same thing, shot from a different angle. Michelle Monaghan talked to us, along with Casey between shots. I was like, wow, I’m talking to Michelle Monaghan! Casey even though he spoke to us seemed scared of us.
Finally we got a lunch break. Lunch was great! We were bused over to 12th Baptist Church on Warren St.. I wonder if Ben and the other crew knew that Martin Luther King Jr. was a Minister at that Church while he was a student at Boston University. We were in an historic venue. We got a hot lunch and got to choose what we wanted. There was Grilled Tilapia, Chicken Parmesan and Italian sausage, not to mention salads, fruits, desserts and other foodstuffs. Ben Affleck sat with his family and friends at a table in a section of the hall with dimmed lights. His wife Jennifer Garner got up came over to the table next to us and was chatting on her cell phone. It sounded like she was making a deal for a movie, or conditions on the future movie set for a film she’d be acting in. It was cool to see the Alias star in the flesh and she smiled at everyone. Soon lunch was over.
Ben and his wife took a photo with a lady from 12th Baptist and signed an autograph for another member. Then they were gone. Before, we went back our staff person told us to make sure we used the bathroom etc. We lined up outside and got bused back to the set. While we were waiting for the van, someone drove by and through a bag of garbage out their car window. The woman who took the photo with Ben ran into the street and picked it up and put in a garbage can.
Back at the set, this time, we had to wait until around 8:00pm to be called. So we just hung around. The sad thing was that there were no chairs, so we stood around. It was steaming hot. Luckily there was a big tube piping cool air, into the restaurant and also to certain areas of the parking. We took turns standing around it to cool off. The crew kept telling us to drink and stay hydrated so that we wouldn’t pass out. Some chairs were removed from the restaurant and some of the guys went to get them so we could sit on them, then some woman on the crew same running after them and told them to put them back. After a couple of hours people got so fed up of standing that they just took the chairs and sat.
So for our final scene, I was sitting at the counter on a stool when Ben Affleck brushed against my back and I almost spilled my fake drink. Well, the space was narrow so anything could happen. I turned and looked and he walked away without saying anything. If it had been elsewhere, I would have expected an, “excuse me.” But hey this was a Hollywood set. So I got back to the business of waiting for the cue and pretending to eat the now cold and dried out food. Someone told me I should hawk my shirt on E-bay! Ben Affleck touched it! LOL! I like my shirt, no way!
Ed Harris is the coolest guy! He came over and greeted all the extras and asked our names. On the set he addressed us by name. We were amazed that he remembered our names. During the day he asked us, how we were doing. What a nice person, I’m a fan not just as an actor but of him as a human being.
Why do I say this, because that whole day and despite seeing Ben Affleck numerous times and being physically close to us, he never spoke to us. He never said, Hello, Good-Bye, or thanks. He never asked any of us extras how we’re doing, told us good job or anything. Truth said, all that was being done by the crew and the assistants. Most of time Ben just sat behind some screen which showed what was being filmed. It was someone else telling people what to do. I guess that’s the Hollywood style of making films. As to conditions, I guess there are trade-offs, I've been on films, which had a great holding area and hardly anything to eat or drink, or worse you have to go and buy your own food. None of the extras went up to him and asked for his autograph or to take a photo with him, maybe we should have. I'm sure we'll see Ben Affleck again, Boston is a small town.
Note this film is Ben Affleck’s directorial debut. I hope it’s a hit at the Box Office and even better would be if it earns some Oscar nods. How cool, would that be to be able to say, “ I was an Extra in an Oscar nominated film!” Remember in filmmaking they may never use the scene. But hey it will be cool to see myself on the big A-list screen even if all you see is my back!
* I took some photos and will post them as soon as they are processed. Sorry none of Ben or Jen.
I finally got a taste of A-list Hollywood. I was an extra last week in a scene shot at the popular Silver Spoon restaurant, in Roxbury, Massachusetts for the film Gone Baby Gone. The film is being directed and produced by Hollywood hunk, Ben Affleck in his directorial debut. For those who don’t know, Roxbury is the heart of Boston’s black community. I got a call from CP Casting. The scene would take place in the restaurant and customers were working class people. Specific instructions - don’t wear anything fancy, but take a few extra things just in case they wanted different wardrobe. Okay, I pull out the jeans, tank tap and a shirt over it, and my quiet shoes. I was trying to dress a comfortably as possible because I knew that it would be extremely hot that day.
I arrived at the Silver Slipper promptly at 7:00am as instructed only to be told that Extras were to report to the base camp a few blocks away. It was the old MBTA bus depot. So I walked over there and saw other extras. All the extras were black, I guess to reflect the neighborhood. I checked in, and was told to go to wardrobe for approval. What I was wearing was fine, one lady wearing jeans was told to wear a skirt, another lady was provided a waitress uniform. Some of the guys had to change their shorts or were given shirts from wardrobe. The extras who were pedestrians were immediately bused over to the set. Meanwhile it was early in the morning and I wasn’t sure of when we could eat or refreshments on the set. I asked if we could get some coffee or something to drink from the food table and truck set up in the lot. A crew person took us over and we got some drinks and snacks, then we were walked to the Silver Spoon.
When we got there to our amazement there was no holding area. So first they let us sit in the restaurant while they shot scenes outside. Inside we chatted with some of the crew, and I was chatting with a lighting specialist and I was fascinated by what he was saying about film lighting. Then we had to move outside while they set up the restaurant. They took down some of the photos on the wall and put up some others, all related to Black History. The wall looked great, and colorful, like Black Power wall. I was impressed. First we were hanging around on the sidewalk by the huge mural on the wall. It was interesting to see the curiosity traffic jams. Hey, it’s not everyday that movies gets shot in Roxbury or so many stars are there. And this was something positive not TV cameras covering crime.
We were then instructed to hang out the parking lot area, which had been turned into a multi-purpose area. It was small and crowded with trucks carrying generators and other stuff. So we sat on bumpers, truck steps, the hot ground, curb, whatever, but ended up standing most of the time.
On the set, one extra asked about a toilet. It turned out that the only toilet available was the one in the basement of the restaurant and to get to it, you had to go between set-ups. So people were cautious what they drank, but it was so hot and people were sweating so there was minimal need for bathroom trips. Luckily around 12:00noon two port-o-potties were delivered.
When it came time for our first call to the set we were lined up, and someone assigned us things to do. I got to sit at the counter in front of Ed Harris and John Ashton. My counter partner was an actor called Montez. Me and ‘my friend’ (as we became known during the shoot) were given bowls with Jamaican style peas and rice and bread and little saucers. They gave us drinks filled with plastic ice cubes, so they wouldn’t melt. We were told not to drink it, just pretend. The food was real though, it’s just that it had passed through so many hands. Every time they said “action”, we had to pretend to eat and drink. I tasted some of the beans and rice. They were good. I wouldn’t have minded having some of the curried goat or jerk chicken that was being served.
In the scene, Casey Affleck and Michelle Monaghan come in and talk to the older detectives. We did many takes, and of course the actors were flubbing their lines. Some of the flubs will probably make great outtakes. Ben Affleck kept coming over to Casey, pulling him aside and speaking to him in a low voice. It looked like he wasn’t pleased with his little bro’s acting, but finally he got it right. When they finished the first part, we had to go out mill around the equipment and wait to be called again. We were called in again and did the same thing, shot from a different angle. Michelle Monaghan talked to us, along with Casey between shots. I was like, wow, I’m talking to Michelle Monaghan! Casey even though he spoke to us seemed scared of us.
Finally we got a lunch break. Lunch was great! We were bused over to 12th Baptist Church on Warren St.. I wonder if Ben and the other crew knew that Martin Luther King Jr. was a Minister at that Church while he was a student at Boston University. We were in an historic venue. We got a hot lunch and got to choose what we wanted. There was Grilled Tilapia, Chicken Parmesan and Italian sausage, not to mention salads, fruits, desserts and other foodstuffs. Ben Affleck sat with his family and friends at a table in a section of the hall with dimmed lights. His wife Jennifer Garner got up came over to the table next to us and was chatting on her cell phone. It sounded like she was making a deal for a movie, or conditions on the future movie set for a film she’d be acting in. It was cool to see the Alias star in the flesh and she smiled at everyone. Soon lunch was over.
Ben and his wife took a photo with a lady from 12th Baptist and signed an autograph for another member. Then they were gone. Before, we went back our staff person told us to make sure we used the bathroom etc. We lined up outside and got bused back to the set. While we were waiting for the van, someone drove by and through a bag of garbage out their car window. The woman who took the photo with Ben ran into the street and picked it up and put in a garbage can.
Back at the set, this time, we had to wait until around 8:00pm to be called. So we just hung around. The sad thing was that there were no chairs, so we stood around. It was steaming hot. Luckily there was a big tube piping cool air, into the restaurant and also to certain areas of the parking. We took turns standing around it to cool off. The crew kept telling us to drink and stay hydrated so that we wouldn’t pass out. Some chairs were removed from the restaurant and some of the guys went to get them so we could sit on them, then some woman on the crew same running after them and told them to put them back. After a couple of hours people got so fed up of standing that they just took the chairs and sat.
So for our final scene, I was sitting at the counter on a stool when Ben Affleck brushed against my back and I almost spilled my fake drink. Well, the space was narrow so anything could happen. I turned and looked and he walked away without saying anything. If it had been elsewhere, I would have expected an, “excuse me.” But hey this was a Hollywood set. So I got back to the business of waiting for the cue and pretending to eat the now cold and dried out food. Someone told me I should hawk my shirt on E-bay! Ben Affleck touched it! LOL! I like my shirt, no way!
Ed Harris is the coolest guy! He came over and greeted all the extras and asked our names. On the set he addressed us by name. We were amazed that he remembered our names. During the day he asked us, how we were doing. What a nice person, I’m a fan not just as an actor but of him as a human being.
Why do I say this, because that whole day and despite seeing Ben Affleck numerous times and being physically close to us, he never spoke to us. He never said, Hello, Good-Bye, or thanks. He never asked any of us extras how we’re doing, told us good job or anything. Truth said, all that was being done by the crew and the assistants. Most of time Ben just sat behind some screen which showed what was being filmed. It was someone else telling people what to do. I guess that’s the Hollywood style of making films. As to conditions, I guess there are trade-offs, I've been on films, which had a great holding area and hardly anything to eat or drink, or worse you have to go and buy your own food. None of the extras went up to him and asked for his autograph or to take a photo with him, maybe we should have. I'm sure we'll see Ben Affleck again, Boston is a small town.
Note this film is Ben Affleck’s directorial debut. I hope it’s a hit at the Box Office and even better would be if it earns some Oscar nods. How cool, would that be to be able to say, “ I was an Extra in an Oscar nominated film!” Remember in filmmaking they may never use the scene. But hey it will be cool to see myself on the big A-list screen even if all you see is my back!
* I took some photos and will post them as soon as they are processed. Sorry none of Ben or Jen.
Monday, June 12, 2006
Making Aftershock
Me and Tim Weske after shooting our scene.
Tim played Amos Black a mean old bast*d working his farm hands to death! He even killed one guy, for not working hard enough! Sad thing is it's a true story! One of the guys joked lets get together and kill him! After we finished shooting the scene Tim was more than a gentleman and came over and apologized to each of us and gave us a hug, dirty as we were! Of course there are no grudges as we were just acting! Plus it helped knowing before hand what the script was about.
I sure am glad I wasn't living back then! Even though I was just acting, working out in that field had me imagining what the real slaves and ex-slaves endured! God made humans resilient!
The Union soldier guy is one of the actors who came from Los Angeles. I'm not sure what his name is.
Aftershock will be shown on the History Channel. I'll let you know when or you an check the website: http://www.limulusproductions.com
You can read more about the Aftershock filming at http://www.the-valves.net/ Click on 'Steve LeClaire Movie Star'. There are also more great photos.
Friday, June 09, 2006
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FILMING AFTERSHOCK
I just acted in a Documentary film being shot for the History Channel. The name of the film is ‘Aftershock’. It’s about the chaos of the post Civil War period. I’m calling it more of the untold stories of that time. Aftershock is being made by Limulus Productions of Arlington, Massachusetts and directed by David Padrusch.
I landed the part of a lowly field hand …backstory -ex slave still living almost in slavery. In the scene Amos Black played by Tim Weske kills one of the farm hands and then threatens the others. Sadly, it’s a true story.
So I went out Sutton, Massachusetts which is about fifty miles from Boston. I arrived on the set, signed in, and went straight to wardrobe. I was dressed in a long black skirt, apron and man’s shirt! I then headed to make-up and this was no glam job. They actually put dirt make-up on me! I then headed to the set where they were filming which turned out to be a soggy field. Once there actors were assigned various farm implements. I ended up with a pitchfork, which turned out to be quite good for tilling the soggy land. The soil was dark and full of bugs and huge earthworms.
There a huge horse called Barney, he looked like a Clydesdale. He was being controlled by a white guy dressed in period clothing. Yeah we were back in 1866 alright. So the scene was blocked and we started filming. We all had to take off our shoes. The soil was soggy and I’m sure I sank at least six inches in it. Thank God I had put some bug spray on my feet before I went to the set.
David moved us around several times. I had to control my farming skills picked up from my days in Tanzania. We would spend the whole day farming with just a hoe. No tractor, no nothing. So the farming part was quite easy, in fact the other cast were teasing me that I was capable of farming the whole farm.
During one of the takes, something stung my foot and I couldn’t look back till David said, Cut. By then I had to ask for first aid. A paramedic on the set came and assisted me. First he had to wash the mud off with bottled spring water. Then he applied ice to help reduce swelling. Luckily it wasn’t too bad and I was able to continue although as I write this my foot is still irritated.
So we shot and an actor named Claude, kept having to fall after being hit by Amos Black. Amos then shoots him in the chest and the rest of us are so intimidated that we keep on working. I guess you would too if the boss cocked his shotgun at you. Amos shoots, spits, stands over the body like he just killed an animal! I think I turned numb with the thought that this really happened.
After shooting all that we moved to another angle and then Amos Black had to recite his nasty lines which included the n-word! When he was saying that all I could say was thank god we were just acting. But I thought of our ancestors who had to endure that harsh life, in the days of slavery. We were dirty all over and I imagined how awful it must have been back then without modern day conveniences. I felt awful, I felt dirty and filthy! But I kept saying to myself at the end of the day I can go home and soak in the tub, wash my clothes in a washing machine etc. What did those poor people have back then? Human beings are truly resilient.
After we finished shooting that scene we broke for lunch. I swear we did 100 takes. Tim came over and shook hands and hugged everyone one off us and apologized. We told him, that we knew he was just acting and had no grudges. We also told him the line wasn’t really a shock to us because it was used in the auditions. He said, he was wondering why people didn’t look surprised.
I felt terrible and quickly took off my costume I was going to leave until another actor told me we were still needed. So I waited until the next scene and put the dirty costume back on. This time, we got bloodied up because we were massacred. Some of the costumes were borrowed from re-enactors and they had to be careful with them. I had the luck of wearing a costume that could be dirtied and had a lot of fake blood poured on me. For this scene we had to lie on the soggy forest floor. They gave us lots of Bug Spray (OFF could use that for a commercial) and the EMT’s checked for poison ivy. We had to hold our breath and play dead.
After we were done and all the African American actors were released. I changed back to my 2006 clothes and tried to take as much of the dirt make up and fake blood off. One of the actors, Frank Shefton, told me that the other day he did a scene with the fake blood. He didn’t get it all off his face and on the way home he stopped at 7-11 and the clerk almost freaked out! Yeah that fake blood looked real and felt real. In fact, when the same EMT who assisted me earlier saw me with it he gasped.
Overall, what an experience! I’ll inform you when the film will be playing in the History Channel.
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