54 & Counting produced by We Shall See Entertainment and directed by Calvin Smith is set to release in August 2021. The documentary focuses on Black officer Nakia McConnell's journey to follow in his father's footsteps as a police officer to change the system from within. In his journey, he encounters more adversity than success seeing Black people being killed daily by police officers and questions his decision to become a cop. The documentary gives a nuanced insight into the complexities of being a black police officer in New Jersey defending your profession while also advocating for reform.54 & Counting produced by We Shall See Entertainment and directed by Calvin Smith is set to release in August 2021. The documentary focuses on Black officer Nakia McConnell's journey to follow in his father's footsteps as a police officer to change the system from within. In his journey, he encounters more adversity than success seeing Black people being killed daily by police officers and questions his decision to become a cop. The documentary gives a nuanced insight into the complexities of being a black police officer in New Jersey defending your profession while also advocating for reform.
"I want to tell my story because of my admiration for my dad and our love of law enforcement. I could not sit idly by as systemic racism vilifies my people. I want to encourage other Black and white officers to speak out against injustice and to seek answers on how we can make a change", said Officer Nakia McConnell.
Police brutality against black people has long been a problem in the United States, and in the past year, with the pandemic and several high-profile deaths of black people, we have seen public outcry to defund the police and hold law enforcers accountable for their actions. 54 & Counting represents the black lives lost by the hands of police officers and told from the lens of a retired black police officer who sought to change the system from the inside.
Trailer Source: YouTube
Calvin Smith founded We Shall See Entertainment in 2018. The company was formed to make a positive difference in the entertainment industry and sow back into the community.
Asian World Film Festival (AWFF) Announces 2024 Film Line-Ups
The Asian World Film Festival (AWFF) announced the festival’s Main Competition and Short Film lineups; select, noteworthy screenings; special program highlights; and centerpiece film. Celebrating its 10th anniversary of showcasing Asian film from around the world, AWFF will take place November 13-21, 2024, at The Culver Theater in Culver City, CA. The nine-day festival will present narrative and documentary motion pictures and short films from 27 countries, including four that premiered at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival. More than 30 of the screenings will feature live Q&As with the filmmakers, talent, and crew. Georges N. Chamchoum, AWFF Executive Director, said, “We are very grateful to the filmmakers around the world supporting this year’s line-up with more than 60 narrative and documentary films. The AWFF continues to open the window to the region of Asia as well to showcase Asian-American talent through our range of programs. I am amazed at the depth and breadth of the work on the AWFF schedule this year.” AWFF Main Competition The Main Competition will exclusively include sixteen motion pictures submitted for the 97th Academy Award® for Best International Feature Film. Snow Leopard trophies will be awarded for Best Film, Best Actor, Best Actress, Special Jury Prize, and Audience Award. The Best Cinematography winner will receive a $45,000 Panavision Camera Package... Read More