Sunday, May 27, 2007

Film Updates: Gospel Hill & Toussaint


Gospel Hill is a political drama starring Danny Glover and Angela Bassett as husband and wife with conflicting desires. This contemporary story follows a former sheriff of a southern town dealing with past sins, and a former civil rights worker withdrawn since the martyrdom of his brother thirty years before. Their final confrontation comes when a corporation descends on the town, echoing a struggle some thirty years old.

Gospel Hill also stars Julia Stiles, Simon Baker, The RZA, and Nia Long. Filming will begin June 11th, 2007 in So. Carolina and will be backed by Fox Studios. The full cast has been revealed thanks to Gospel Hill writer, Jefferey P. Gordon. View more details on this film at DangStoryco.com


The Controversy over 'Toussaint'


Toussaint has barely begun production yet the film is getting heat from two seperate countries:

(Article from Monterary Harold)
Danny Glover is thrilled now that Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has promised him $18 million to make a film about 18th-century Haitian freedom fighter Toussaint L'Ouverture. But the move is drawing fire from critics in Venezuela and Haiti.

Haitian President Rene Preval believes Glover should film "Toussaint" in the country where the story took place — not in Venezuela.

"The entire world should be proud of our patrimony," Preval tells us. "We had the first successful revolt against slavery in this hemisphere. It's our contribution to humanity. If Danny Glover can bring it to the screen, we will be happy. But I hope he will shoot it here."

Haitian-born Wyclef Jean agrees that Glover owes it to the struggling nation, a land with nothing like Venezuela's oil wealth, to film there.

"We want it shot in Haiti," the music star tells us. "If a portion of the movie is not shot in Haiti. ... I would definitely feel disappointed."

"You can't film in Haiti," Glover told us when we last spoke to him about his dream project. "It doesn't have the infrastructure, unfortunately."

Glover has spoken with Don Cheadle, Mos Def, Wesley Snipes and Angela Bassett about starring in the film — a marquee of American names that angers some Haitians.

But Glover argues, "It's a $30 million film and you have to bring people in (with stars)." He adds, however, "We haven't started casting yet. I'm sure there will be many Haitian actors in this."

Meanwhile, Venezuelan filmmakers are asking why Chavez is lavishing their country's funds on a Hollywood star.

"Eighteen million could fund five years of local cinema in Venezuela," director Jose Novoa told Variety. "And the film's not even about Venezuela."

Director Jonathan Jakubowicz says, "With so much poverty in our country, I can't deny that it infuriates and hurts me deeply."

Danny Glover is still planning to shoot Toussaint in the Venezuelan city, Caracas, October-December 2007.

Monday, May 21, 2007

High Tea, Anyone?

Angela was honored at Victoria Rowell's 3rd Annual RFCPP (Rowell Foster Children's Positive Plan) High Tea at Noon Sunday!

You can only wear hats like these at High Tea!




The Bassett-Vance couple are at High Tea with Pauletta Washington, Victoria Rowell, and Anthony Anderson.





FACT SHEET
High Tea @ Noon
Sunday, May 20, 2007
Hosted by the Rowell Foster Children’s Positive Plan

WHO: Victoria Rowell, actress, child advocate and spokesperson
WHAT: High Tea @ Noon, a charity event hosted by RFCPP. The event is supported by the
corporate, business, entertainment and foundation community. The event is sponsored
by ING Foundation. All proceeds will benefit RFCPP.
• Oscar-nominee Angela Bassett will be honored with the Agatha Award, named after
Victoria’s primary foster mother, Agatha C. Wooten Armstead.
• A hat auction will feature the designs of Patricia Underwood.
• A dress auction will feature the work of fashion designer Kai Milla.
• Recording artist Patti Austin will be the musical guest.
WHEN: Sunday, May 20, 2007
WHERE: The Beverly Hills Hotel


About the Rowell Foster Children’s Positive Plan (RFCPP)

RFCPP is an organization that provides structure, support and encouragement for foster youth through a variety of enrichment programs. RFCPP has awarded full scholarships for fine arts, sports and summer camps and offer job placement for emancipated foster youth. Companies that have provided jobs for RFCPP foster youth include E! Entertainment, Paramount Studios and Viacom. The charity is endorsed by United Parcel Service (UPS), the Annie E. Casey Foundation, the United States Conference of Mayors and American for the Arts.

Visit www.rowellfosterchildren.org

Friday, May 18, 2007

The Vances Enjoying Disney World

Bronwyn Golden and Slater Josiah (15 months) with their parents.

The whole Bassett-Vance family took a ride on Cinderella's Carousel at Magic Kingdom in Orlando. Those two are so adorable....O and the twins are cute too. ;-)


In Random News...
(Whats that Got to do With it?)

  • Angela's new film, Gospel Hill has found more cast members and support from Fox! [source]
  • Angela will be judging Female Filmmakers with Jennifer Lopez! [source]
  • Angela and Courtney to appear on BET's Meet the Faith, June 3rd! [source]
  • Angela Bassett nominated for BET Awards Best Actress [source]

Sunday, May 13, 2007

Photos of the Week!

Its been a while since we've had a photo of the week here at Angie B News! And for that I apologize, but its well worth the wait with these pictures. This is Angela Bassett and Courtney Vance getting into the Bahama spirit at a Disco Concert for the opening of The Cove Atlantis Resort!

Happy Mothers Day, BassettHounds!


Friday, May 11, 2007

Kaimilla Resort Fashion Show

We all know Angela Bassett loves fashion shows. Here she is, joined with Legend Cicely Tyson, at Kaimilla Resort's 2007 Fashion Show at the Cove Atlantis Resort. Ofcourse she was in the front row. She also was in the Bahamas to help celebrate icon Stevie Wonder's 60th birthday. "Happy Birthday to Ya" Stevie!


Monday, May 7, 2007

Escada and Young

The stars stepped out on the red carpet for the opening of the newly renovated Escada store in Beverly Hills Thursday, May 3rd, including our very own escada Veteran!



Sunday, May 6th, Former UN Ambassador Andrew Young celebrated his 75th birthday at the Hyatt Regency Atlanta. The "who's who" on hand for the Mardi Gras-style celebration included Angela Bassett and husband Courtney B Vance, Jane Fonda, Chris Tucker, Maya Angelou, and Evander Holyfield. Proceeds from the dinner will benefit the former Atlanta Mayor's nonprofit foundation. (ajc.com)



Click the link below for more pictures of the Marti Gra style Birthday Bash!

http://http://lpe.ajc.com/gallery/view/metro/0507/0506ayoung/