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The Supremes at Earl’s All-You-Can Eat: A must-see premiere at the Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival
You can’t hurry love, but you can hurry to catch the world premiere of “The Supremes at Earl’s All-You-Can Eat” at the Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival. The Searchlight Pictures movie, starring Uzo Aduba, Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, and Sanaa Lathan, will debut on August 7 as the Centrepiece selection for the 22nd annual film fest.
A festival celebrating Black voices and storytelling
The MVAAFF, an Oscar-qualifying film festival in the short film category, was established in 2002 by Run & Shoot Filmworks principals Floyd and Stephanie Rance. Running from August 2-10, the festival boasts an impressive slate of films, documentaries, panel discussions, and exclusive events focused on amplifying Black voices, storytelling, and culture. The special presentation of “The Supremes at Earl’s All-You-Can Eat” will be followed by one of the festival’s signature “Color of Conversation” discussions, featuring Aduba, Ellis-Taylor, Lathan, Mekhi Phifer, and director Tina Mabry, moderated by journalist Cori Murray.
A story of unbreakable bonds
Based on Edward Kelsey Moore’s 2013 bestselling novel, “The Supremes at Earl’s All-You-Can Eat” follows best friends Odette (Ellis-Taylor), Barbara Jean (Lathan), and Clarice (Aduba), nicknamed “The Supremes.” According to the film’s synopsis, they “share the unbreakable bonds of sisterhood from decades of weathering life’s storms. Through the joys and sorrows of life, marriage and children, happiness and blues, love and loss, new shades of heartbreak and illness threaten to stir up the past when the trio sees their bond put to the test as they face their most challenging times yet.” The movie begins streaming on August 23 on Hulu. For a sneak peek, check out the trailer here.
Spotlight on Cynthia Erivo
This year’s MVAAFF lineup also features “Wicked” star Cynthia Erivo sitting for a “Color of Conversation” chat, scheduled for August 7. The festival will take a retrospective look at the Emmy, Grammy, and Tony award-winning entertainer’s career — from her roles in “Harriet” (for which she was nominated for two Academy Awards) and Broadway’s “The Color Purple,” leading up to her starring role as Elphaba in Universal Pictures’ big-screen adaptation of the hit musical “Wicked.” Watch the trailer for “Wicked” here.
Daughters: A heartwarming documentary
On August 5, Netflix will present “Daughters,” the Sundance award-winning documentary about a program that allows young girls to participate in a special dance with their incarcerated fathers. This screening will be followed by a discussion with the film’s directors, social change advocate Angela Patton, filmmaker Natalie Rae, and fatherhood coach Chad Morris. For more details, view the trailer here.
Ol’ Dirty Bastard: A tale of two Dirtys
On August 6, Motion Entertainment and A&E present “Ol’ Dirty Bastard: A Tale of Two Dirtys,” about the Grammy-nominated musician and legendary founding member of the iconic hip-hop group Wu-Tang Clan. This will be followed by a conversation with father and son directors Sam and Jason Pollard. Check out the trailer here.
Emperor of Ocean Park: A new series to watch
On August 9, Warner Brothers Television brings the upcoming MGM+ series “Emperor of Ocean Park,” followed by a discussion with showrunner and executive producer Sherman Payne, director Damian Marcano, and stars Grantham Coleman and Tiffany Mack. Then, the Recording Academy presents the documentary “Luther: Never Too Much,” about famed R&B singer Luther Vandross, followed by a conversation with the film’s director, Dawn Porter. Watch the trailer for “Emperor of Ocean Park” here.
Special events and networking opportunities
Special events include “Celebrate Black Stories,” a networking event hosted by ESPN Films’ 30 for 30, Hulu, and Onyx Collective on August 6; “The Bonds of Brotherhood” luncheon, hosted by Floyd A. B. Rance on August 7; and the annual Women’s C-Suite luncheon on August 8.
Additional screenings and panel discussions will be updated throughout the festival, with all scheduled to take place at Martha’s Vineyard Performing Arts Center (MVPAC). For more information on the MVAAFF and a complete schedule, visit here.
Reflecting on the power of storytelling
The MVAAFF is more than just a film festival; it’s a celebration of the power of storytelling and the importance of diverse voices in the media landscape. As we look forward to the premieres and discussions, it’s a reminder of the unifying power of cinema and the stories that connect us all.
