Actors Boris Kodjoe, Terrence J, and Derek Luke checked their luggage at a "Baggage Claim" panel discussion during the ABFF where they dished on the resurgence of Black-led films and features. Get in on the discussion inside....
TheYBF.com was on the scene in Miami, FL for the American Black Film Festival (ABFF) where director David E. Talbert joined the cast of his upcoming feature film Baggage Claim in the Cadillac Lounge of the Ritz-Carlton Hotel. As the ABFF celebrated their 10th year in Miami, the Baggage Claim cast talked with journalist Jawn Murray about the progress African Americans have made in films over the past decade.
While touting the new feature, Boris Kodjoe cautioned movie-goers about simply labeling Baggage Claim as a Black film or putting it in a box. When asked about what might explain the recent increase in Black-led films, Boris said:
"It's not about 'Black being in again', it is about supply and demand and how basically Black people have a lot of buying power."
And now, Boris explained, the movie industry is willing to feed the market with films that feature Black casts.
Derek Luke was asked about working on the film, which also stars Paula Patton, Taye Diggs and La La Anthony, so he joked that he'd give an industry answer......it was "Amazing"! Wonder what REALL Y went down....
At one point during the panel, Terrence J reminded the packed room of admirers that his book, The Wealth of My Mother's Wisdom, will be hitting stores this fall.
In case you missed it......
Baggage Claim will hit theaters on September 27, 2013.
Photos via ABFF