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Urbanworld Film Festival Opening Night

Lights, camera, action! The 34th Street AMC Theater was all abuzz last night during the 14th Annual Urbanworld Film Festival.

The opening night’s film, “Night Catches Us,” brought out the beautiful Kerry Washington. The talented actress played double duty; she starred in writer/ director Tanya Hamilton’s tale of social awareness and forbidden passion, and also served as ambassador of this year’s film festival. Kerry, a self-proclaimed urban child/hip-hop baby from The Bronx, walked the red carpet with the perfect balance of regality and around-the-way-girl vibe.

Sharing her thoughts on her role as ambassador, Washington simply stated, “I’m loving it!” Despite building a solid career of starring roles in major Hollywood productions, Washington is a huge supporter of indie projects.

“Independent films are very important; it’s how we guarantee that everyone has a voice. Film is one of our most important mediums and we all deserve to have our stories told.” She later shared a story with the audience about saving her money years ago during her starving artist phase, in order to purchase a ticket to this vey film festival.

Many mixed and mingled over a roar of questions and conversations. Celebs and industry vets in attendance included “The Wire” bad boy Jamie Hector, Kellita Smith (“The Bernie Mac Show”), BET’s own Free ("106 and Park"), cinematic trailblazer Warrington Hudlin ("House Party") and newcomer Tahir Jetter.  The Brooklyn-based filmmaker Jetter expressed his excitement and anticipation of introducing his film short “Close” to this weekend’s moviegoers. Thanks to the Urbanworld Film Festival, he is one step closer to having his voice heard.

Please click here to purchase tickets for the Urbanworld Film Festival this weekend.

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