SHE WASN'T LAST NIGHT featured in NEW YORK'S
QUEER BLACK CINEMA INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
OCTOBER 15TH -18TH -- COME OUT EAST COAST!!!!

Many of you have asked when we'll be screening in New York. Please come out and support the efforts of Angel Brown and crew October 15th through 18th in New York as she puts on the Queer Black Cinema International Film Festival, promoting the proliferation of queer black images in film. See She Wasn't Last Night and a whole host of other phenomenal films, by and about our community! Get your tickets online at http://www.queerblackcinema.org

Description: Beautiful activist Shantel Crockett is slammed by drama as her relationship with Reyna, 10 years her junior, begins to crumble. To make matters worse, charming player Jack (Jaqueline) is determined to make Reyna hers - if only for one night. With her jewelry-making talent long-abandoned, and her mounting feelings of failure in her work supporting LGBTQ Youth, Shantel is forced to face Reyna's despair and decide what kind of life she wants for herself. Shantel’s best friend Vanessa encourages her to move on and find meaning her own artistic expressions, and maybe even in a new love. Meanwhile, one of Shantel’s youth, Afro-Dominican poet Reggie, struggles to find her own path and discover her own voice. With the help of a small community of good friends and mentors, both Shantel and Reggie learn lessons they will never forget.

April 28th, 2008
Oakland, CA
~~~~~~~CHEERS TO ALL OUR SUPPORTERS & FRIENDS!!!~~~~~~~~


Thanks to the tireless efforts of an EXTREMELY DEDICATED and CONSISTENTLY VIBRANT Bay Area cast & crew, production on one of the first ever BLACK LESBIAN ROMANTIC DRAMA feature films, "She Wasn't Last Night" is complete. We finished filming April 26th, 2008.

A community effort all the way, we were able to overcome all obstacles to reach this 3/4 point in our completion of the film. Our story advanced from its beginnings as a romantic comedy to its present fuller form as a romantic drama, and our incredible cast brought a high level of integrity and love to the new storyline.

We have been extremely blessed to connect with caring community members and organizations, all of whom have helped the low-budget-same-gender-loving-movie-that could find her way!!!

Now, is a great time to make a donation and help US reach our natural destination.

Make a TAX DEDUCTIBLE donation at http://www. griotsoulfilms. org

We're a neighborhood non-profit film company working to make diverse quality films by and about African descendants.

Our community services for 2008 include:
* Oakland Black Film Library
* Black Family Film Nights w/moderated discussions
* Low and No Cost Film Production Workshops/Classes
* Video Advertising for Small Businesses in Oakland

Thanks for all your love and support!!! And now we EDIT...

GRIOT SOUL FILMS
DONATE TODAY @ http://www. griotsoulfilms. org
EVERY CENT COUNTS!

Conscious artist/activists RACHEL MAYS brought passion and depth to her role as Dance Choreographer/Teacher Millie in "She Wasn't Last Night" this weekend. Flanked by a supportive crew, Rachel added a grace and movement to her performance that infused Sunday's shoot with excitement for all!

Janae Brumby (pictured above)

La Shanda Armstrong (pictured above)
Rising community activists and natural actors JANAE BRUMBY and LA SHANDA ARMSTRONG brought energy and thoughtfulness to their performances on set this weekend. Janae, who plays charming mischievious Jack, poured on her own unique brand of flirtatious flavor in our Lingerie Shop scene on Saturday. La Shanda, who plays Reyna, aspiring dancer and girlfriend to our main character, brought layers and complexity to her role working hard BOTH DAYS to bring Reyna's voice & struggle alive.

Our INCREDIBLE CREW was skilled and efficient working as a fluid team to make the entire experience POSITIVE & PURPOSEFUL!

She Wasn't Last Night STARS Janae Brumby and LaShanda Armstrong , pictured below, Reach Out to The SGLBT Community With Low Cost Legal Services!

Connect with their work online at:
www.prepaidlegal.com/hub/janaebrumby
janaebrumby@prepaidlegal.com
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Soulful actress Dalila Ali Raja joins the cast of She Wasn't Last Night to bring her vibrant flavor & straightforward energy to the already fiery cast! Make friends with Dalila here on NING!
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Budding star Violeta Michel Pantelion joins the cast of She Wasn't Last Night bringing a tough edge to the role of young Reggie. Make friends with Violeta her on NING!
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http://womensspace.wordpress.com/justice-for-the-new-jersey-7/

1. Become an Online Volunteer! Contact volunteer@griotsoulfilms.org for more info!

Online volunteers help us keep this NING site and our other social networking sites vibrant as well as ensuring that our presence online is positive and compelling!

2. Host a Fundraising Party in Your City!

As part of our community YOU are our best ally in pulling together the necessary resources to produce this and other stories that reflect our diversity. Put your flair for connecting with people to work with us.

3. Make a Donation of Any Size - If you believe in our vision of enhancing the number and quality of images available by and about diverse Black people, take a moment, click the button to the left, and make a donation of any size to Griot Soul Films.

OR

EVERY CONTRIBUTION OF EVERY SIZE HELPS!!!!

4. Donate Your Old Films to Griot Soul Films Oakland Black Film Library! (We need narrative and documentaries, especially films that promote healing and spark dialogue about community issues)

5. Add Our Badge to Your MySpace, Facebook, GLEE, Tribe pages! Find it on the bottom right of this page!!! And Friend us everywhere!

6. View the trailer on YOUTUBE and give us a good rating if you like it. The more hits we get, the more folks will connect with us!

7. Get 3 Friends to Join Us On NING!

8. Tell Us About Your Project or a Storyteller We Should Feature!

9. Donate Equipment - Go To www.griotsoulfilms.org and click the links to purchase essential camera equipment and software we need to be able to support community members in learning filmmaking and producing films!

10. Write a Letter to a Potential Donor You may not be in a position to support us financially...you CAN write a letter to someone you know who is able to support us. Write a letter to someone you know and tell them you believe our mission is one worth supporting!

Everything you do to support Griot Soul Films supports community building through the arts, African storytelling, and the building of a long-term sustainable network of community members who have marketable skills coupled with a passion for producing and preserving images of Black folks that heal and empower!

"AN EVENING WITH DON CHEADLE" GALA BENEFIT
BLACKDOT'S ELEVEN!

You Won't Want To Miss This Dynamic Event
Celebrating 11 years of outstanding cultural arts programming in the Bay Area, we invite you to join us in a benefit gala, light dinner, cocktail party, and conversation with our special guest, acclaimed actor Don Cheadle.

Black Dot Artists, Inc. fundraiser, “An Evening To Celebrate with Don Cheadle,” benefiting the nonprofit’s development of a cultural district in West Oakland, celebrates eleven years of outstanding arts and educational programming in the Bay Area. In his first public appearance in Oakland, Don Cheadle engages in a lively conversation with Black Dot Artists, Inc. Chief Creative Officer Marcel Diallo. “An Evening To Celebrate with Don Cheadle”, a benefit gala dinner, conversation, and cocktail party at The Rotunda Building in Downtown Oakland, will feature the eclectic sounds of DJ Afrikan Sciences, a live art auction featuring visual art by Eesuu Orundide, Keba Konte, and Githinje Wa Mbire, a raffle and silent art auction, and a live jazz lounge. Complimentary wine available all evening.

The festivities begin at 6 p.m., Saturday, December 22nd, 2007, and continue until 9 p.m.

Ticket prices are $200 for individual tickets, $500 for individual Beacon sponsors, $2500 for corporate Stellar sponsor tables seating ten persons, and $5000 for Luminary sponsor tables seating ten persons. Advance registration is required. Tickets are non-refundable. A receipt will be emailed to you after your purchase. Tickets will be mailed within 5-7 days of purchase, along with event program. You can also request a R.S.V.P. Card by email. Please print and send it in with your ticket payment by mail. Please make checks payable to "Black Dot Artists, Inc." and mail R.S.V.P. card with payment to: Black Dot Artists, Inc. 924 Pine Street; Oakland, CA 94607. If you can't attend, but would still like to make a donation in another amount, please select "Other" Thank you!



Register NOW for LUCY and GAIL's Party for Black Women at Dinah Shore

Mention that you heard about it from Griot Soul Films and She Wasn't Last Night when you register to attend Lucy and Gail's popular party for African American and women of color during the Dinah Shore weekend 2008. It's fun in the sun and the best desert party you'll ever attend. Lucy and Gail provide music, cultural events, and vendors!!! Check out their lovely website at http://www.lucyandgail.com

LUXURIATE at the LUCY AND GAIL party during the Dinah Shore Weekend April 4-6, 2008.

Susan Gilbert, host of The Inappropriate Show, welcomed She Wasn't Last Night Writer/Director Darice Jones and Actress Jianda into the studio 11/27. The show airs December 26th, 2007 at 7PM on Cable Channel 26. Be sure to watch!

She Wasn't Last Night Family at NIA 20th Anniversary Celebration

Griot Soul Films Promotions Director, actress and singer Jianda connected directly with Nobel Prize winning author Alice Walker at NIA's 20th Anniversary Celebration November 17th, 2007. Jianda opened a dialogue with Ms. Walker about the unity of all living things.

Griot Soul Films Executive Director, Darice Jones had the honor of connecting with legendary Lucy & Gail at the NIA gathering. The dynamic duo invited the whole She Wasn't Last Night crew to come down for their party at the Dinah Shore event 2008.

Sistas, young and old, shook it deep into the night after the Gala the final evening of NIA's fabulous annual event.
GET INVOLVED WITH THE NIA COMMUNITY BY CONTACTING THEM ONLINE AT <"http://www.niacollective.org">

Get aquainted with the storytelling and artistry of Pippa Fleming. Check out her website for details on her upcoming shows. sponsored by the Museum of the African Diaspora, the GLBT Historical Society, and the Endangered Species project.
The website is: http://www.pippafleming.com

ALSO...
GO SEE JIANDA ON WEDNESDAY AT EL RIO

The Det's:
November, 14 2007 at El Rio
3158 Mission Street, San Francisco, California 94110
Cost : $4
Wed, Nov. 14, Jianda shares the bill with the marvelous Margrit Eichler and Bhi Bhiman. Only 4 bones! More info:

Margrit Eichler-www. truemargrit. com "Eichler's songs have their own sexy, anxious take on interpersonal politics.... the language and Eichler's delivery have a surreal edge...that bridges the gap between what you hear on the radio and what sticks in your head."

Bhi Bhiman-www.myspace. com/bhibhiman "The first thing you notice about Bhiman is his voice; it's instantly striking and unique, a slapdash mixture of Bill Withers, Richie Havens, and Little Richard." -The Guardian

Jianda: If you don't know, you betta ask somebody!
A health-conscious artist, musician, vocalist and widely-published writer, Jianda's also a poet, guitarist, actress and singer-songwriter with singles/albums that are both self-released and available on several international independent labels including: Om Records, Merck, Ghostly, Kinkysweet Records, Jam Music Australia and Gammaphone.

A regular Pride, Open Mic and Feature performer, Jianda's many genres include electronica, conscious soul, jazz and acoustic folk. In various venues, she primarily performs as a solo acoustic act. Jianda also improvs and jams with DJs, rap artists and other artists, performs her poetry or that of others and collaborates in staged readings live and in-studio.
- www.jianda.net - myspace.com/ jianda
More info at www.elriosf. com

Progressive Research and Training for Action, a non-profit that serves Oakland's diverse Same Gender Loving BT community with innovative programs needs our help. After 12 years of contracting with the State to provide cultural competency training to alcohol and drug treatment programs, PRTA is being shut out of the contract even though it is the lowest bidder. The agency contracted has no experience and the decision appears to be politically motivated. Please take a moment and send an e-mail to the politicians below:US Congresswoman: Barbara Lee lee.house.gov
State Senator: Don Perata, Senate President pro Tem, Senator.Perata@sen.ca.gov
State Assembly member: Sandre Swanson, veronica.williams@asm.ca.gov
HERE'S Text you can send in your e-mail:
Dear Elected Official,

I am emailing you to express my support of Progressive Research & Training for Action’s (PRTA) Protest of the Department of Alcohol and Drugs Programs intent to award RFP-07-7 to another organization who does not have direct alcohol and drug experience and who lacks PRTA’s vast experience in the field. This decision by the State Department of Alcohol and Drugs Programs to denied this contract to PRTA after a twelve year unblemished record of providing stellar consulting, training and technical assistance services for alcohol treatment, prevention and education providers in the State of California, which is designed to increase improve their abilities to accommodate the complex needs of the LGBT substance abusing population in California, makes no logical sense to me and smacks of “politics.”

As one of your constituents, I am requesting that your office look into this issue and support PRTA’s in its efforts to get this decision reversed so that the agency may continue to provide top quality cultural competency training.

I am also requesting that Congresswoman Barbara Lee’s office get involved since these contracts are 100% funded through Federal Block grants.

Sincerely,

Name

Address Zip code

We hAd a great wEEKEND!!! Eating, playing games and connecting at our BBQ sponsored by Thighbones Catering at Middle Harbor Shorline Park in Oakland, CA!!!! SATURDAY OCTOBER 6th.

WE HAD AGREAT TIME AT EL RIO!!!

IF THAT'S YOUR GIRLFRIEND" FUNDRAISING PARTY
FOR SHE WASN'T LAST NIGHT....
FEATURING LIVE MUSIC BY *JIANDA*

HELP US RAISE THE NEEDED FUNDS TO PRODUCE THIS FILM!
NEWS: LaShanda Armstrong Re-Cast As Reyna!!!

Griot Soul Films is excited to announce that LaShanda Armstrong has been re-cast in a lead role as Reyna in She Wasn't Last Night. LaShanda brings a complexity and depth to the role and we are grateful for her big talent and subtle charms!

Griot Soul Films maintains a good relationship with Tosin Otitoju, who formerly played Reyna, and we wish her great success in all she does!!!

GRIOT SOUL FILMS Steps it Up For the 6th Annual Oakland Dyke March & Celebration!
Across from Lake Merritt in Oakland
Sistahs took over the streets near the Grand Lake Theatre with motorcycles, drums, banners, and our voices. PRIDE reigned supreme as we marched to share our LOVE for our community and ourselves with OAKLAND.

If you missed it this time, YOU HAVE GOT TO BE THERE for Sistahs Steppin' 2008!!!!

Griot Soul Films and Cast Members from She Wasn't Last Night attended the5th Annual Oakland International Black LGBT Film Festival. Griot Soul Films connected with several directors and film funders at the festival and spoke to the crowd after the director's panel on Saturday sharing the vision of the film, She Wasn't Last Night, and GSF with the festival audience!

The festival featured Amber Sharp's highly anticipated "Don't Go"

Amber Sharp's Don't Go is a no-holds-barred drama, exploring the ups-and downs of a wild mix of Same Gender Loving folks who live in the same apartment complex in Southern Cali. Skyler Cooper (Butch Mystique) brings the flavor as the complicated butch "Bone," who's holding a deep dark secret from her best friend "Jaden," played by Melange Lavonne. The cast is also littered with familiar faces including Guinevever Turner (L Word, Go Fish), Nisha Gonatra (Chutney Popcorn) and Janora McDuffie (Veronica Mars). The premiere episode of the series opened at the Oakland International BLGBT Film Festival to wild applause and a Best Directing Award for Amber Sharp who was in attendance.



One of the festival highlights was the well written and beautifully shot series from Here!TV the DL Chronicles


The series writers did an amazing job taking on various stories of men who for various reasons live their lives in the closet - pretending to be straight.



as well as the work of film pioneer Marlon Riggs

One of the most fun films in the festival was, Flower Fokes, created by Belinda Sullivan. You had to see it to believe the creativity and unfettered joy with which the film was made.

FOR PHOTOS and INFO ON WHAT HAPPENED HIT UP....

http://www.clubrimshot.com/filmfestival.html">

AROUND THE BAY
Beautiful B.U.S.H. Magazine Supports Griot Soul Films and She Wasn't Last Night!

Bushmama, who uses her beautiful online magazine at http://bushmagazine.blogs.friendster.com/bush_magazinetto share thought-provoking commentary on issues that effect the Black Same Gender Loving community, has joined forces with Griot Soul Films adding her support to our effort to produce She Wasn't Last NIght.






Oakland's MacArthur Blvd Laid in Velvet

Open for Women who LOVE Women, 7 Nights a week, the new Velvet bar adds to Oakland's reputation as a city at the pulse of Same Gender Love for People Of Color.

Oakland's HomoHop Festival's Got Some Rhythm for Ya SGL Soul

Keepin' it Fresh For The Sistas

492 9th St
In the lower patio
(between Broadway & Washington St)
Oakland, CA 94607
(510) 444-2377

BEYOND THE BAY...

SerraFemme Hosted it's Third Annual Queer Women's Music Festival Bringing Together the Hottest SGL Talent!

JIANDA ROCKED SAN DIEGO PRIDE!

Soulful crooner Jianda who is cast as earthy Kya in She Wasn't Last Night, sprinkled some much needed Bay Area flavor over San Diego's Pride this weekend, July 21st.
Jianda enthralled fans who heard her singing and stopped in their tracks. She connected with old friends and made some new ones, expanding her network!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Anissa Infuses Black Expo Crowd With Love

With her lovely voice and heartfelt performance 7/14, lead Actress Anissa, who is cast as Shantel in She Wasn't Last Night, excited the large crowd that jammed into a hall at Oakland's Marriot to hear the East Bay Choir.

Angela Odom's Trailblazing Site for Lesbians Of Color FemmeNoir.net Gives Nod to She Wasn't Last Night

Griot Soul Films is HONORED to have She Wasn't Last Night featured at http://www.femmenoir.net where Angela Oddom provides news about everything from current affairs to the next hottest film for lesbians of color. We encourage all of our members to make sites like http://www.femmenoir.netandhttp://www.terryhowcott.com regular stops on your online journey!

TerryHowcott(dot)com turns ONE...

Power-packed, Uniquely-Black, Got-Your-Back, online experience for the soul http://www.terryhowcott.com has been online for one year! If you haven't been there, better get there and if you have you know exactly how soul-stirring and beautifully creative the site is. We're suggesting that everyone take a moment and contact the site administrator, activist extraordinairre, Terry Howcott, and tell the sista Happy Birthday for the site that might just shift the Black experience in a more healing direction.

International Coverage of She Wasn't Last Night!

UK Black Out printed our press release at thier online space. check out http://www.ukblackout.com We've had 258 hits to the story already!!!

National Coverage of She Wasn't Last Night!
Article in Chicago's Windy City Times sparks Blurb in The Advocate!

|| Entertainment News ||
June 28, 2007
Black lesbian film set to film in fall
Allegedly a cross between The L Word and the Whitney Houston film Waiting to Exhale, the upcoming Griot Soul Films lesbian offering She Wasn't Last Night is set to begin production in October, according to The Windy City Times Web site.

The story follows the relationship of the beautiful Shantel, her troubled lover Reyna, and the town player Jack who threatens to rip them apart.

The film derives its title from bisexual funkster Meshell Ndegeocello's 1993 song "If That's Your Boyfriend (He Wasn't Last Night)." (The Advocate)

She Wasn't Last Night Cast & Crew Blow Kisses at Soul Of Pride Area at San Francisco Pride 2007

Pictured above enraptured by love...cast members LaShanda and Janae (who play Reggie & Jack) see only each other in a crowd of thousands steps away from Griot Soul Films pride booth Sunday.

The cast from She Wasn't Last Night and Griot Soul Films' staff worked it all day Sunday 6/24, handing out goodies and sharing info about the film. Over Pride weekend we provided direct info to approximately 4,500 people and made indirect contact with another 4,000. We signed up 5 on the spot volunteers and are talking with several others who contacted us after Pride. A great success!!!

She Wasn't Last Night Cast at San Francisco Dyke March

The cast of She Wasn't Last Night was out in force representing at the 15th Anniversary of San Francisco's Dyke March. We passed out materials, met great people, and shared about the film. We all wore White Tee's that had She Wasn't Last Night written across the top! SEE YOU ALL THERE!

Griot Soul Films at Frameline Film Festival
A film to check out...
BORN IN FLAMES
Friday, June 22, 10:30 PM
Roxie Film Center

DIRECTOR: Lizzie Borden
In her classic indie polemic on racism, sexism and socialism, director Lizzie Borden definitely has her own ax to wield — and grind. On the tenth anniversary of the United States’ Social Democratic War of Liberation, the government celebrates “the most peaceful revolution the world has known,” while the citizenry becomes increasingly angry and agitated. In this alternate America, government oppression and violence against women is rampant, and the feminist response is potent.

Nia Collective Invites Griot Soul Films to Yearly Gathering of Same Gender Loving Sisters....http://www.niacollective.org

Cast and crew from She Wasn't Last Night plan to attend Nia's yearly gathering of Black Same Gender Loving women. This year is Nia's 20th Anniversary held in Monterey, Ca.

She Wasn't Last Night Director and Cast Members Attend
QUEER WOMEN OF COLOR FILM FESTIVAL Panel on the Representation of Queer Women of Color in Film

Panelists shared how they came to filmmaking and encouraged today's film producers to overcome fear and create work now.

SAN FRANCISCO BLACK FILM FESTIVAL - Griot Soul Films Tables at the 9th Year of the Annual Event
Spanning the Globe with Eighty Films, SFBFF Expands to Two Weekends, June 7-10 and June 14-17

A Film To Check Out:
Finally Finally Sayin’ What I Really Mean
Director: Monique Woods
2006 | 75 min. | USA | West Coast Premiere
Through conversation with signed and independent artists, this film explores hip-hop as a cultural voice, soul music as a movement, and the creativity of poetry. Cast includes Lalah Hathaway, KRS One, Saul Williams, David Banner, Common and Jill Scott

Prolific and passionate Detroit activist, Terry Howcott, is featuring the slideshow and contact info for She Wasn't Last Night online at her popular website dedicated to revolutionary fairness and perfecting justice through Black reunification. The slideshow is featured at the base of a recent commentary written by Griot Soul Films Director, Darice Jones. We hope everyone will check out http://www.terryhowcott.com and explore the beautiful artwork and thought provoking writing by Ms. Howcott herself as well as a wide range of thinkers nationwide. Terry is always looking for photos of Black Same Gender Loving Women couples to add to her breathtaking With Our Exceptional Selves photo gallery. Consider submitting a photo. We're sure that when you delve into terryhowcott.com you'll be moved to take time to write the sista and give her your positive feedback, as well as find out ways you can support her work.

To read Darice's commentary copy and paste this link into your browser ~ http://terryhowcott.com/greenspace.asp?id=808

Thanks Terry!

Griot Soul Films is excited to report a great turn-out and exciting reading of the script. Approximately 30 people filled the Ecology Center in Berkeley and sat rapt as our incredible cast gave a bold performance.



The performance was followed by audience feedback. Everyone in the audience enjoyed the performance and had many positive things to say about the script. One noteable comment was the idea that the film will break down barriers between LGBTQ and straight communities because it represents common human emotions and desires. Another great comment was that the film offers much needed representation of the ways in which Black women ralley around each other when we're wounded and how we heal from heartache.



The audience also provided lots of constructive ideas that will help us tighten and enhance the script before production.



Several audience members expressed interested in supporting our fundraising efforts by hosting fund parties, involving their community organizations, and taking on marketing tasks.



We're on our way toward a successful summer fundraising campaign an followed by a thrilling Fall film shoot!



Thanks again to all who participated and for those who couldn't make it, we look forward to seeing you at our next event!



Darice Jones

Director

Griot Soul Films