Legendary filmmaker Robert Townsend's impact on defining Black cinema is undeniable.
Dubbed The Godfather of Independent Film, Townsend began his acting career in the 1980s, a time when Hollywood was only letting in one Black actress/actor at a time. Fed up with demeaning roles and bit parts, the Chicago native decided to tell his own story, taking the reins to write, produce and direct Hollywood Shuffle, a satire film that critically analyzed the plight of Black actors trapped in dangerously stereotypical roles that persists in the industry to this day.
By bringing his own seat and building his own table, Townsend wrote himself into history, going on to direct iconic films like The Five Heartbeats, and creating the hit sitcom The Parent 'Hood while building a legacy that has carried well into the 21st century. Now, the B*A*P*S director has teamed up with Gentleman Jack's Real to Reel, a Q&A tour that fosters the creativity and talent of up and coming Black filmmakers. Each year, Gentleman Jack and Code Black Entertainment give one African American filmmaker the chance to win $10,000 and a trip to the American Black Film Festival where their work is showcased.
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