LEON AND YOBA JOIN CCBFF TO CELEBRATE 25-YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF FILM COOL RUNNINGS

(Black PR Wire) AUSTIN, Texas -- The Capital City Black Film Festival (CCBFF) today announced the return of its premier film festival to the city of Austin on August 30 – September 2, 2018 at the Austin Convention Center. This year’s festival will feature film screenings of documentaries, features, shorts and music videos from talented filmmakers from across the globe. Filmmakers and fans can expect engaging and educational programming and the opportunity to network with and learn from industry professionals. Film submissions are currently being accepted and tickets are now on sale for All Film and VIP festival passes. Visit www.capcitybff.com for more information.

Leon and Malik Yoba will serve as ambassadors to this year’s festival – bringing with them a wealth of experience in the film industry. Yoba and Leon will join in the celebration of the 25th anniversary of Cool Runnings, a true-life comedic saga of four athletes who go to extremes to compete as bobsled racers at the Winter Olympics. Actors will attend screening and meet-and-greet to allow fans an opportunity to learn more from their experiences.

Leon Robinson is an accomplished actor, producer and musician whose acting career began in the early 80’s. With more than 30 years in the industry, he is most notably known for his roles as ‘David Ruffin’ in the television movie The Temptations, ‘J.T. Matthews’ in the 90’s classic Robert Townsend film The Five Heartbeats, ‘Derice Bannock’ in the 1993 film Cool Runnings, and as ‘Shep’ in the 1994 basketball drama film, Above the Rim. Leon has collectively appeared in more than 40 television and film roles over the years. He is also an accomplished musician and leads the band Leon & The Peoples.

Yoba’s acting career spans more than 25 years. He has appeared in more than 25 films including his breakout film was his role as ‘Yul Brenner’ in Cool Runnings and ‘Gavin’ in Tyler Perry’s Why Did I Get Married I and II. Yoba is well-known for his starring role as ‘Detective Williams’ in 90’s hit television show New York Undercover, as well as recent TV roles in Empire, Designated Survivor and Netflix’s Seven Seconds.

“We are honored to have industry veterans’ Leon and Malik Yoba join as ambassadors for CCBFF. These artists have exemplary careers and a wealth of knowledge that spans over three decades. We are excited to have their support and look forward to bringing aspiring filmmakers and supporters an enhanced experience at this year’s festival,” said CCBFF Executive Director Winston G. Williams.

For the past five years, CCBFF has brought passionate, determined filmmakers to Austin to celebrate the rise of Black film. Filmmakers come from across the globe to showcase their work and learn from the brightest minds in the industry. With growing support from the Austin community and beyond, CCBFF expects to present a slate of more than 50 films on five screens at this year’s festival. Overall attendance and filmmaker submissions are growing at a rate of more than 200% since the festival’s debut!

Much of the festival’s growth can be contributed to the strategic counsel of the CCBFF Advisory Council. The Council has been instrumental in guiding CCBFF organizers and ensuring the festival attracts some of the most talented filmmakers the nation has to offer. CCBFF Advisory Council includes Code Black’s Acquisitions and Development Executive Director Candice Wilson, 3-time Emmy and Peabody Award-Winning Filmmaker and Academy member Laurens Grant, Senior Director of Marketing for Fractured Atlas and #OscarsSoWhite viral hashtag creator April Reign and Xavier Neal-Burgin Writer, Filmmaker and one of Fast Company’s Most Creative People of 2017.

“The provision of the Advisory Council has helped CCBFF tremendously. Each member provides industry knowledge, guidance and important connections that are key to the success of CCBFF,” said Williams.

CCBFF has continued to make inroads in providing more access to festival participants. Recently, CCBFF Executive Director Winston G. Williams was selected to serve as a jury member for the Beyond Borders: Women in Formation Short Film Showcase held during the 71st Cannes Film Festival.  With the help of Cinema Du Cannes Project Co-Founders, Dr. Dana Glover and Michelle Carter, CCBFF is now a film industry member of Cannes.  This provides an opportunity for CCBFF to assist their festival alumni in navigating international distribution.

Capital City Black Film Festival is made possible by a host of sponsors who believe in providing a platform for black filmmakers to thrive and advance in the industry. CCBFF welcomes new sponsors Envolve Inc. and Austin Convention Center. Ongoing supporters include 6th year sponsors H-E-B, JuVee Productions (Julius Tennon and Viola Davis), the City of Austin’s Cultural Arts Division Office and the Austin Film Commission.

Submissions are open and filmmakers are invited to apply via Film Freeway or Without a Box. Only films created on or after January 1, 2017 will be considered. Films must be in English or have English subtitles. CCBFF alumni and students currently enrolled in a college or university receive a 50% submission discount.

Remaining Submission Deadlines are as follows:

Late Deadline - July 5, 2018

Fee - $100.00

ABOUT COOL RUNNINGS

With few resources and virtually no clue about winter sports, it's an uphill course for this troupe from the tropics who are sliding on thin ice as they go for the gold in Calgary, Canada. Refusing to let anything stand in their way, these four Jamaicans enlist the help of a down-and-out ex-champion American slider named Irv. Based on a true story.

ABOUT CAPITAL CITY BLACK FILM FESTIVAL

Capital City Black Film Festival (CCBFF) showcases the best in new Black independent film from the brightest minds in filmmaking. One of the fastest growing film festivals in the region, CCBFF presents screenings, special events and exciting opportunities for people to experience the brilliant works of artists and filmmakers of color from across the globe. CCBFF 2018 will take place Aug. 30 – Sep. 2, 2018. Festival passes and individual event tickets can be purchased at http://www.capcitybff.com/passes/. For more information about the Capital City Black Film Festival, please visit www.capcitybff.com.

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