Yasmin Shiraz

I hope you all aren’t tired of reading about Can She Be Saved? and the success that its having as its being screened at film festivals throughout the country. For independent filmmakers, film festivals are you’re first outlet to see if you can connect with film watchers. The people who produce film festivals love films and ready support the movement. I say thank you to the Arizona Black Film Showcase producers. It’s an honor to have Can She Be Saved? screen there.

We have a facebook page for the film now where you can keep up with screenings, red carpet photos and the whole nine yards. Here’s the link:

http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Can-She-Be-Saved-Documentary-Film-Page/334549792121?ref=mf

And below is the trailer, in case you haven’t seen it yet. Please rate the trailer and leave some comments, if you would…

Me at the Regal Cinema in San Diego

Hey peoples! My film, Can She Be Saved? is screening tomorrow at 1pm at Regal Cinemas in downtown San Diego and also on Sunday at 11am in the same location! I’m excited. It’s a big milestone. Someone told me yesterday that thousands of films submitted for this festival but only 100 made it. So there’s stiff competition.

I want to give a big THANK YOU and SHOUT OUT to Karen Willis for putting the festival on and giving us filmmakers a place to go! Much love.

Me and Kenneth Gamble

Above is a picture of me and Kenneth Gamble of Gamble and Huff. He’s one of the founders of the Philadelphia International Sound. He had a documentary that screened at the festival. And ya’ll know I love music, so I had to  get a photo with this legend.

Also, I’m not sure if everyone who is reading my blog has heard of the Village People, but for those of you OLD HEADS who know the deal, I couldn’t pass up an opportunity to take a photo with Victor Willis who was the lead singer of the ORIGINAL VILLAGE PEOPLE. That was really cool cuz again I love music. Somebody out there has to remember the song, “YMCA!”

Me and Victor Willis of the Village People

Also, here’s a photo of me in front of the San Diego Black Film Festival backdrop.

And screen legend, Danny Glover kicked off the opening night reception. As I told my friends on Facebook, Danny Glover has a “God-Like” presence. Believe it. He was on his way to South Africa and then Haiti but he stopped by to support his new documentary and inspire the crowd.

Danny Glover at the San Diego Black Film Festival

Me and fellow filmmaker Michael Melvin. His film is entitled, Broken. He’s a cool cat, he hails from the Baltimore area.

Me and fellow director, filmmaker Michael Melvin

I was recently notified that my debut film, Can She Be Saved? has been selected to screen at the 5th Annual Women’s International Film and Arts Festival in Miami which is being held March 26 – April 3, 2010. I look forward to meeting my fellow women filmmakers. And for the people who indulge me and encourage me to pursue my dreams: I love you.

Here’s the trailer–Feel free to rate it. It helps or something like that:

Me taking a picture of the Can She Be Saved? girls on our 1st day of shooting!

I affectionately refer to my film, Can She Be Saved? as the little film that could. Last night when I was on the way home from the airport, I received an email that alerted me that Can She Be Saved? is an official selection of the 2010 Texas Black Film Festival. I’m thankful and honored! I want to thank the girls in the film for sharing their stories.

PERFECTION, ARIELLE, MARICKA, LADASHIA, SHAKORA, WHITNEY, SHANA, SAMARI, MARSHAY: You are my heroes! May your stories give voices to all girls who want to speak of their anger but are afraid that no one is here to listen. I heard you and I am making sure that others hear you as well.

I will be in the house at the 4th Annual National Girl Bullying Conference presenting a session that will feature my film, Can She Be Saved? and my book Retaliation. As most of you know, working with young women has been a passion of mine for many years, so I’m overjoyed that this opportunity has presented itself. Thank you to the young ladies who continue to inspire me and trust me with their stories.  It has been my honor to share your voices with the world.

Much love—

Yasmin

PS. I will share more info on the conference as it gets closer. Its in June 2010!

Yesterday, I received word that the San Diego Black Film Festival has selected my film, Can She Be Saved? to be screened at their film festival in 2010. The film festival is January 28 – 31. I plan to be in the house with bells and whistles. There are a lot of people that supported me becoming a filmmaker and some key people that really helped make this project be as phenomenal as it is. You all know who you are: My little sister from Hampton, My Auntie in Syracuse, My headfakin’ partner in Atlanta who went to the other HU–thanks for the support. See you on the red carpet. I will be posting photos!

Here’s the trailer in case you haven’t seen it yet.

Andrea Thomas

I was doing some research today on girl fights and came across a teen girl who was attacked TODAY! According to news reports out of Chicago, Andrea Thomas, 16 was attacked while sitting in her sister’s car. The reason for the attack? A dispute stemming from her SISTER’S previous romantic relationship.

Andrea was apparently an innocent bystander and was nonetheless stabbed in the back around 2:30pm CST.

The family is saying that she will recover but this is yet another attack that was unncessary.

Please look at the trailer below of my film, Can She Be Saved? It documents teen girl fights in the US. This film was made to be shared with teen girls about why they are fighting. The goal is to “Stop The Violence.”

I look forward to your feedback. The film is for sale on my site at the store.

Can She Be Saved? Film Poster

My film, Can She Be Saved? will be screening this Saturday, November 21, 2009 as a part of the DC Hip Hop Shorts Festival at the DC Historical Society, 801 K St, NW, Washington, DC. It starts at 1pm, but my film will be shown around 2pm. I will be meeting with members of the audience in the Producer’s Lounge where I’ll be autographing copies of Retaliation–the book that inspired the film.

**It’s FREE and open to the public. It’ll be a great time. I hope to see you there.