-- Storyteller Competition Live Staged Reading, Monologue Slam, and A Conversation with Devon Franklin --

Hollywood, CA(BlackNews.com) -- Tanya Kersey, Founder & Executive Director is proud to announce three (3) FREE Events at this years' Hollywood Black Film Festival (HBFF). All events will be held at the host hotel, The W Hotel, 6250 Hollywood Blvd, Hollywood, CA 90028. "The Hollywood Black Film Festival is excited to offer 3 events which are free to the public," said Kersey.

These events are free, but they do require tickets which can be obtained at http://hollywoodblackfilmfestival.eventbrite.com

Friday, October 26 at 4:00 PM
Monologue Slam with Twinkie Bryd and Celebrity Friends
Watch actors show off their acting skills by performing a 1-minute monologue of their choice in front of a panel of judges and LA's entertainment industry. The panel will offer feedback to the actor and give them notes on improving their audition. Led by Celebrity Casting Director, Tracy "Twinkie" Byrd of In the Twink of an Eye Casting (Sparkle, Jumping the Broom, Notorious). It's free to watch an its always SRO! A separate Monologue Slam registration is required to audition. You can register to audition, space permitting, at https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?oeidk=a07e6eop4dd45fb7325&oseq=.
Register to watch the auditions at http://hbffmonologueslam.eventbrite.com. Space is limited.

Saturday, October 27 at 7:00 PM
Michael Baisden presents the HBFF Storyteller Competition Live Staged Reading
This event will feature live stage reading of the 3 finalist scripts in the festival's storyteller competition. Hosted by radio personality Michael Baisden, the readings will be directed by veteran stage director/writer/producer Don Welch ("The Bachelor Party" and "The Bachelorette Party") and performed by celebrity actors.
Register at http://hbffstoryteller.eventbrite.com.

Sunday, October 28 at 11:30 AM
Faith in Films: A Conversation with DeVon Franklin
You've seen him on "Super Soul Sunday" with Oprah Winfrey, now producer and preacher DeVon Franklin take centerstage at the Hollywood Black Film Festival's Infotainment Conference In Faith in Film: A Conversation with DeVon Franklinsponsored by Wells Fargo.

Ten years ago, DeVon started in the business as an assistant and today he is a rarity: an African-American studio executive at the forefront of Hollywood. He currently serves as Vice President of Production for Columbia Pictures, a division of Song Pictures Entertainment where he oversaw the remake of one of the summer's biggest hits, The Karate Kid, starring Jackie Chan and Jaden Smith, which grossed over $350 million worldwide. He also worked on The Pursuit of Happiness and Hancock starring Will Smith, the faith-based hit Not Easily Broken, produced by Bishop T.D. Jakes and Jumping the Broomstarring Angela Bassett and Paula Patton.

In this up-and-close and personal conversation, DeVon sits down with Tanya Kersey, HBFF Founder/Executive Director to discuss Faith in Films, the secret to successfully balancing life in Hollywood and faith. Following the discussion, DeVon will be signing copies of his book, Produced by Faith.

Register for "A Conversation With DeVon Franklin" at http://hbff2012-faith-in-film-with-devon-franklin.eventbrite.com

For more information on the 2012 Hollywood Black Film Festival, and see a full line up of events, visit www.hbff.org. For press credentials, contact Edna Sims at espublicrelations@gmail.com no later than Monday, October 22, 2012.

About the HBFF
Founded in 1999, The Hollywood Black Film Festival aims to enhance the careers of emerging and established North American filmmakers through a public exhibition, competition program and industry panels. Known amongst the entertainment industry's powerbrokers as, "The Black Sundance," the festival brings independent works of accomplished and aspiring black filmmakers to an environment encompassing the mainstream Hollywood community and Southern California film-going audiences. The festival's goal is to play an integral role in discovering and launching independent films and filmmakers by bringing them to the attention of the industry, press and public.

HBFF Sponsors
HBFF 2012 is made possible by the generous support of its sponsors. Official sponsors are NBC/Universal, Wells Fargo, Nike and Studio System. Donor sponsor Greenhouse Studios. Patron sponsors are Final Draft, Hawaiian Springs Water, Michael Baisden, Motions Haircare, Syncom and Waves & Trails Travel. Festival friends include CC Nails, Cofer Entertainment Group, Creative Handbook, Emma's Cupcakes, Glidecam and Sony Creative Studios. BlackPR.com and Naija Standard Newspaper are media partners. One Village Entertainment, Tri Destined Studios, Swirl Films and Southern Girl Desserts are the Opening Night sponsors. Additional thanks to the W Hotel and The Montalban.

CONTACT:
Edna Sims, ESP Public Relations
310-827-9727 office
310-770-8117 mobile
espublicrelations@gmail.com