Jumping the Broom Cast Members Praise Salim Akil

It's no secret that a Black director in Hollywood only comes around once in a blue moon. 'Tis why a feud between two of the film industry's biggest, Tyler Perry and Spike Lee, becomes such a hot topic. Now, director Salim Akil, who is mostly known for his television résumé (The Game, Soul Food), could be the next to get thrust into a war of criticism with, or by, Spike or Tyler (but more likely by Spike).

At an exclusive press dinner at New York City's Pranna restaurant, Mike Epps, Pooch Hall, Tasha Smith and Laz Alonso answered questions about Akil's feature-length directorial debut, which hits theatres this Friday, May 6. With each answer, the cast showed their admiration for Akil.

"I just feel like Salim is a renaissance man. There aren’t enough good things I can say about him," said Alonso. "But in this film, he really shows us what he can do when he’s given two hours to tell you a story. Musically, visually, [and] through his characters."

Pooch Hall, star of Akil's The Game, stressed the importance of not pigeonholing the film. "It’s not a black film. It’s a great film," he said.

When asked whether there would be a Jumping the Broom sequel, Smith acknowledged that the answer depended on opening weekend. If Black films are supported more at the box office, more sequels could be a possibility.

(Photo: Stephen Knight)