The Volunteer Wins Best Narrative Feature at Urbanworld Film Festival
The 17th Urbanworld Film Festival drew to a close on Sunday night and named The Volunteer this year's big winner. The film, directed by Vicky Wight, won the Best Narrative Feature award along with a $5,000 prize. The film chronicles a reformed career woman's unlikely affair with a homeless man.
In the documentary category, Yoruba Richen's The New Black took home the win. The moving film about the gay rights movement in the Black community captured the hearts of audience members and the festival jury alike.
This year's judging panel included industry heavy-hitters from Fox Searchlight, Magnolia Pictures, HBO and BET Networks. The awards ceremony capped off four days of films, stars and premieres of some of the most anticipated releases in the fall. The highlight of the festival was the premiere of Baggage Claim, the romantic comedy starring Paula Patton — along with an array of the best looking actors in Black Hollywood — and directed by Reggie Rock Blythewood.
For a complete list of winners of this year's festival, which was once again presented by BET Networks, click here. Check out our video below of opening night at Urbanworld.
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(Photo: Courtesy Urbanworld Foundation)