blac-seed

FINDING ME goes abroad!

2008-11-25T19:04:00.000-08:00

My favorite gay black film..FINDING ME, has been short-listed for Festival del Sol - Canary Islands Gay and Lesbian Film Festival!

Wish us luck and see you in Spain!

Visit the links below to learn more about the film!

The Philadelphia International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival (This is the second largest LGBT Festival in the U.S.)
http://www.phillyfests.com/piglff/2008/home.cfm
http://www.phillyfests.com/piglff/2008/film-details.cfm?c=205&id=7936

Reel Affirmations 18: The Nations LGBT Film Festival
http://reelaffirmations.org/2008/index.html

Links to Press

http://www.afterelton.com/blog/alonsoduralde/after-noahs-arc-the-flood?&comment=57782

http://www.tlareleasing.com/details/product_details.cfm?id=274672

FINDING ME ..PIGLFF, ONE IN TEN..THEATRICAL RELEASE COMING SOON!

2008-09-18T17:07:00.001-07:00

Obama won!

2008-09-18T17:07:00.000-07:00

Yep, Blac-seed was out of commission for awhile. We are back!

Congrats to Obama..and we are a long way from winning the race!

More on the Super Delegates

2008-01-30T13:55:00.000-08:00

I think it's only appropriate to talk about the race for the Democratic nomination when Super Tuesday is only days away..

If you haven't stopped to think about it, next week we may have the best chance of finally electing the first African-American President in the History of the United States..it's almost surreal to think about it..now say it aloud.

I encourage you to read the links below get better acquainted with the political process.

WHY OBAMA MIGHT NOT WIN?
SUPER DELEGATES 101
SUPER DELEGATES ENDORSEMENT LIST
WIKIPEDIA - SUPER DELEGATES

Sontaia

Why Barack Obama may lose, and why I have kept my mouth shut about him.

2008-01-12T07:28:00.000-08:00

Hello,

I realize in accordance with the stated mission of Blac-Seed, we are not a vessel for political rants, although I love them. I unapologetically use Blac-Seed to update you on the happenings of our film and other relevant beautifully random topics.
Part One
Yesterday, I found myself reading The New York Sun newspaper, and my deep-seeded thought of Obama's impeding loss was brought to fruition..in a tiny little corner of this newspaper there was a box listing The DELEGATES, what I have now come to learn are the "Super Delegates". This is the real system of how Democratic and Republican candidates are elected.

You need 2,025 nominations from the Super Delegates to win the house nomination. Their are 4,049 all together. Hillary has 187, Obama 89, and Edwards 50. Also for you very hopeful types there is a safety incorporated into this system to ensure the "People" that's you don't foolishly elect a nominee that the party collective doesn't support. This means that their are anonymous delegates and state representatives that area allowed to vote how they choose regardless 'if a candidate won a state according to the citizen votes'..the delegates have the last vote..literally.

If you want to learn more about the 'super delegates' google and do your research!

Part Two: The Rapture
Today I woke up with a burning question that I have be avoiding for months...Why have I not be swept away in the Obama loving wave? I have actually refused and avoided the conversation not wanting to offend anyone or talk about a man I really didn't know much about. The only thing that I could say with certainty is that, "I wasn't caught up in the rapture."

Finally the only candidate that will move people of color forward is the one that can unite us all in common values and struggles. This leader will end class, race, sexuality, religion, and all other internal wars that are driven to keep us against each other.

HAPPY NEW YEAR

2008-01-02T09:10:00.000-08:00

New Years is the best time of year in my opinion. Show me a Grinch and I'll show you a smile on that person's face New Year's Eve. After all it's the one day of the year besides your birthday that is symbolic for new beginnings.

Everyday that God breaths life into your body, is a new beginning but for many we only associate this blessing with New Years Day.

I am personally predicting 2008 a year for financial success! Many of us are working on our individual projects and aspirations..all trying to bring the dream to fruition.

I encourage you to make everyday a New Year, everyday a chance to right the wrongs. Live life courageously and without regrets. I read an interesting article today on NYT online THE NEW YEAR COCKTAIL: Regrets with a Dash of Bitters.

The article emphasized how many spend New Years Eve making positive affirmations and then on New Years Day begin to rethink and regret all their past mistakes.

I think this behavior is the most dangerous kind for your mental and spiritual well being. The important thing about past mistakes is they are the past.

I decided a few years ago to consider every mistake I have made to be lesson, and life and God's little instructions on what to do differently or better.

Again I encourage you to adopt this template and apply it to everything in your life.

Happy New Year..everyday!

Sontaia

WANNA BE A STAR

2007-12-28T08:14:00.001-08:00

The highly anticipated independent feature film FINDING ME...is looking for extras! As it goes with the movie making business your work is never really finished.

We have to re-shoot a few scenes and would like to invite YOU to be apart of this history making process. We will be re-shooting in Jan/Feb 2008!

Why do I speak so highly of FINDING ME you ask?

While our film will entertain you it also educates the public on the issues facing the SGL community of color. The characters in our film explore issues of identity, family, and community through the eyes of an all African-American cast in an urban city setting.

The characters in FINDING ME are real people.

We attempted to make a film that imitates life's sometimes heartwarming and painful realities.

That's enough..I don't want to tell the story..you will have to wait until MAY 2008 to find out the rest!!!

If you are interested in becoming an extra in the film email director@thanks4findingme.com

Your favorite almost movie mogul!

Sontaia P. Briggs

Meet Faybien and Lonnie

2007-12-26T13:42:00.000-08:00

FAYBIEN .... young, sexy, Caribbean man idealistic by nature, yet very cautious has given up on love until he meets Lonnie.

LONNIE .... older, handsome, and charming man is openly gay and Faybien proves to be a worthy challenge.

LONNIE AND FAYBIEN its "LOVE JONES meets the LWord with boys"

FINDING ME ...the most highly anticipated gay film of 2008!

The View From Above

2007-12-23T08:52:00.000-08:00

Looking outside my window, one can capture many perspectives...

Imagination and technology collide together in our public and private spaces creating all forms of visual anomolies...

Perception and subjectivity...are defined by the viewer even the artist is subtly influenced by surrounding as he/she is creating.

Mobile Blogging - The Grind!

2007-12-14T14:44:00.001-08:00

Well we certainly live in an advanced society...I send you this blog while mobile!

What I mean is as I sit in this cafe with my 'crackberry' affectionately known by the masses as a blackberry or any such PDA device I write to you!

Wonderfully, horribly, fantastic as my girlfriend would say!

Anyway today I write about the 'daily grind'. You know that thing you do to make cash, dollar- dollar bills, money. We all have realized, youthful optimism aside that life is terribly uncomfortable without it. This grind could be a career, job, or just the place you spend 8-10 hours daily hoping to make some overtime. For me it's definitely a job, there is no love or passion involved in my grind. The same is true for a lot of folks, except if you are one of those lucky souls where you happen to be grinding everyday and love it..please share with us. It encourages me and will inspire others!

Once I read a poem that stated.."don't send eight hours of your day everyday, making someone's dream come true." That has and will remain the most profound thing I have read about the "daily grind". This man, I believe his name was Kurt Nugent, was attempting to deliver a message. He was an average joe, like most grinding and believed himself to be content mostly. That is until his passion for words got the better of him. That's when he was hit by the idea..! Grinding for self, you working hard, everyday to your own dreams come true...beautiful!

I wish I could ask him how exactly did he accomplished this, how did he leave his job, become a poet, and now a famous author, public speaker and motivator.

I believe I have an idea..SACRIFICE. You would have to be willing to sacrifice. Sacrifice your: level of comfort, a new pair of shows, having a few dollars to blow on nothing, nights drinking with friends and all the many fantastically frivolous things we do every single day.

I actually find all these things to be distractions. Distractions from all the pain, suffering, and misery we may feel from our present "daily grind".

Believe it or not this blogging business is about my dream/passion i.e., making my dream come true. There was a time I dreamed of getting published in the New Yorker, Atlantic Monthly, Essence, Ebony and other magazines. I would submit my writing over and over. Eventually being the practical strategist I am I decided I should get a more appropriate dream. I guess one could say I had given up on this dream for a while.

Then one day, my friend did the bravest thing..I've seen in years: he made a film. One day he said there has been a story in my head and I'm finally going to tell it. Of course you know this is the film FINDING ME which you will frequently read about on this blog and I will make reference to occasionaly. This is important because he decided to be very uncomfortable and made tremendous sacrifices to make his dream come true!

For me this blog is the first in many little steps to make my dreams come to fruition, because there are many come true. I'm publishing myself. I have a voice and something to say..and guess what? I'm not waiting for any more editor-in-chief or publishers to notice. This blog is the first in many steps to establish my voice and that of other independent thinkers and writers.

First step: Blac-seed the blog
Next: Blac-seed the magazine

I write today, as an important reminder that is it never to late to pursue your dreams and to remind you of that profound wise statement: "Don't spend eight hours of your day everyday, making someone's dreams come true"

Peace, Love and to the pursuit of Dreams!

Sontaia P. Briggs
future magazine owner, editor-in-chief!

I speak because of Mr. Keith Boykin

2007-12-12T12:43:00.000-08:00

"I Speak Because" is the title of a poem delivered before the Millennium March in 2000 written by Keith Boykin.

Referencing this poem is the best introduction I have for my writing at this moment. This poem speaks for all our visible/invisible faces and voices of the African-American SGL (same gender loving) community.

Mr. Boykin speaks of having a voice and no longer remaining voiceless. Stating that those who remain voiceless participate in a system that aims to destroy all forms of dissent.

He speaks to enlighten and educate a community so confused, disillusioned and hateful toward those that look at exactly like them.

His voice is one that teaches us to support each other as African-Americans and SGL people. He teaches us that oppression in any form is wrong and ignorance is the greatest form of oppression; one in which we can free ourselves at any point if we choose.

The other day our family at OmeProductions/FINDING ME discovered that Mr. Boykin mentioned our film on his website, this single act of kindness has created a surge of visitors to ur site and I'm certain has added to the growing number of supporters of our film FINDING ME.

We sincerely would like to thank Mr. Boykin for mentioning our site on his page and further adding our websites link for others to learn more about our film, FINDING ME.

Mr. Boykin is an advocate and pioneer within the African-American SGL (same gender loving) community.

We thank him for his hard of work creating and continuing the dialog between the African-American community, larger society and those who desire to learn about and understand the issues of the African-American SGL community.

Sontaia

Official Wrap Party for FINDING ME the movie!

2007-12-12T11:41:00.000-08:00

On December 5th, 2007 OmeProductions, LLC. held the Official Wrap Party for FINDING ME the movie. A GREAT time was had by all!

There were a host of old and new friends. The cast and crew of this important project were in full effect.

We screened the official film teaser..for the first time (click on the link to view the teaser). See the crowd respond in amazement at the hard work our post-production team and director put into making this small part of our vision come to life!

As we approach 2008 this steady train we call OmeProductions will storm into the New Year with a host of projects to promote our film FINDING ME and the message of the
Black, Urban, Gay, Independent(BUGi) Film making community.

Thank you for your support and continue checking the website for updates and events sponsored by OmeProductions, LLC.

Sontaia P. Briggs, President
OmeProductions, LLC.

RUB my belly!

2007-11-17T08:14:00.000-08:00

Get your mind out of the Gutter!

RUB or Righteous Urban Barbeque located at 23rd between West 7th and 8th Avenue is the 'answer' to NYC Barbeque!

I have walked past this place twice headed for Dallas BBQ's or food with barbecue sauce as the good folks in the south would say! There are two types of Barbeque: REAL and the meats with sauce.

Real Barbeque is slowly smoked and grilled to tender perfection, the entire time constantly being basted with sauce that will make you slap you Mama!

So like most NYC/NJ folk when I get to craving BBQ, I will settle for a BBQ's or some similiar establishment. Nothing against BBQ's, it's certainly satisfy's the craving that most city dwellers like myself who have a hankering for Barbeque.

But if your especially religious with Barbeque, desiring the taste of the pit, sauces that will set your mouth on fire, and the swanky feel of a southern Barbeque joint then RUB is the place for you.

On this cold November night RUB was truly a RIGHTEOUS experience! Like I said this is not my first time seeing this place, or should I say experiencing it. You can actually smell RUB down the block. That smell of smoked meat travels blocks and draws you in like a dancing serpent.

I'm telling you it will make the most religious vegan's mouth water! On this particular evening, I decided to walk through RUB's doors.

Being an avid beer aficionado and lover of Barbeque, RUB has truly answered my prayers.

I spent many weekends this summer in Nashville, TN tasting the best down home Barbeque and southern treats. Fried pickles, tomatoes, baked beans, hush puppies, slaw and all the appropriate Barbeque accessories.

Let me tell you folks...
RUB has a beef brisket that is so tender and juicy, each bite rivals the first! I can still taste that beautiful Brisket sandwich slathered with hot, spicy and sweet Barbeque sauce all over it.

No better way to top such a treat than an ice cold beer! If your ever in the neighborhood, do stop by for that RIGHTEOUS URBAN EXPERIENCE a.k.a RUB!

Just more randomness and life with your favorite city journalist.

Niggaz, Crackers, Hate another case of Blog Wars

2007-11-15T12:49:00.000-08:00

Below is a blog conversation that I had with a man over an incident that happened in September in Plainfield, NJ involving the infamous N-word. The article is entitled: PLAINFIELD STORE'S RECEIPT ANGERS CITY MAN. Click on the title to read the article. I guess the most shocking part wasn't really the actual events that took place, but the online comments. I know that the struggle for equality continues and I believe that their have been strides. But this article goes to the heart of our internalized stereotypes and deep racism that we truly have as an American people. We do a lot of pretending in this country, but events like these allow people to show their true colors. "Boomin" posted the comment below, which sparked our dialogue. The conversation is in chronological order.

______________________Boomin
You know what I love about the black community. a small section of the community want to have it one way and not the other. You make a big deal out of words and that is funny to me. Young black men can call each other "nigga", deal drugs to each other, kill each other in the streets and thats not a problem. But as soon as a white man uses the word nigga, its up in arms call in Al Sharpton(that racist) and call the papers. Have you people ever heard of context. The way this word was used in this instance was not in a hateful or malicious way. So stop it already, because in the long run you are only going to hurt yourselves. Try tackling some of the real problems in your community like the fact that a large group of young black people can't gather together without someone getting kill or a riot type situation breaking out. STOP going after the easy targets and try bettering your community.

______________________Me
You know what I love about self-righteous people? They love to suggest what people should do when clearly they lack the respect, understanding and education to advise anyone of anything.

Listen, I don't walk around calling white people "crackers", mexicans people "wet backs'' asian people "chink", gay men "fags", or men/women "bitches".

Why, because those words have historical and negative connotations. There is nothing positive about them. The same goes for the word nigger, nigga, or niggaz. However you want to mask it.

Now have I heard many people refer to themselves and others with those words. Does this mean that the definition has changed? Are those words now good/acceptable and that I should use them: NO!

Unlike yourself and others, one person's ignorance seems to be enough validity for your own.

As for the "Black community needing to tackle their problems" as you put it, I suggest you concern yourself with tackling your own apparent ignorance.

_____________________Boomin
You are correct those words have been negative in history. The key word being history. People who is this day still make a big deal out of a word give that word the power that it has. Now when someone call me a cracker or whitey I laugh at them. I give those words no power.My cousin is half hispanic. When someone calls him a spic he laughs at them. Again giving the word no power. People like you and others who draw attention to this behavior are giving the word power to hurt. Just as Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson want to ban the "N"-word they are giving the word greater power. Yes in history it has meant horrible things. Its time to move on and put history behind us and stop letting a word cause so much pain. The past is in the past and we a a nation need to move on,learn from our mistakes and make this country a better place. That will never happen if people like you and Sharpton and Jackson keep further dividing the races

_____________________Me
I understand why the 'let's forget the past' argument is appealing.

Unfortunately, we live in a country where there is Jena-6, a black man can be dragged from the back of a pick-up, and states still raise the confederate flag...it's a little hard to forget history when we are constantly reliving it.

Well I'm happy that you and your half-Hispanic cousin are so evolved, systemic white privilege will do that for you.

I'm beginning to think this is a circular conversation and I will now get off the merry-go-round.

Have a Great Weekend!

Interview with DJ Baker of the Da Doo-Dirty Show

2007-11-14T18:58:00.000-08:00

It was a Saturday afternoon, and the cast of FINDING ME was on the set with Jonathan Plummer. I will refresh your memory for those of you who are unfamiliar with the name. Jonathan Plummer is the ex-husband of writer Terry McMillian. Jonathan was in town for the Derrick L. Briggs Book Club in collaboration with POCC.

After finishing what will be our last day on the set for the filming FINDING ME, we were presented with the opportunity to be interviewed by DJ BAKER of the Da Doo-Dirty Show! We met DJ and associates at COSI restaurant Cafe for what turned out to be a very fun day!

We are all new at OmeProductions, LLC. in this business of movie making, but I must say that we have assembled a great crew and cast for what will be a first in LGBT film making!

FINDING ME is set in Jersey City, NJ and tells the story of Faybien Allen a young gay man of Caribbean descent. Faybien as well as the other characters are people that we believe most people can identify with or have met in their travels. It is a story of a young gay man's urban experience. Personally speaking I was born and raised in Newark, NJ and I know many Faybien's. What I mean by this: I know Faybien the young gay man, Faybien the young black man, and Faybien the you black man of Caribbean ancestry. There is a difference in the two!

To listen to the interview of the FINDING ME cast with DJ BAKER please visit
http://www.ddirtyshow.podomatic.com/