McDonald’s and American Black Film Festival “My Community” Video Competition Returns

Barbershop: The Next Cut film director, Malcolm D. Lee, to mentor finalists

Back for its second year, McDonald’s USA and the American Black Film Festival invite emerging filmmakers to enter McDonald’s “My Community” Video Competition. Filmmakers are challenged to create one 90-second video that illustrates McDonald’s 365Black mantra, “Deeply Rooted in Your Community.” Aspiring filmmakers nationwide are encouraged to enter their best, original submissions by 11:59 p.m. EDT April 15, 2016, for their chance to win the grand prize. Three finalists will be selected to attend the 20^th annual American Black Film Festival in Miami, June 15 – 19 and have an exclusive opportunity to be mentored by critically-acclaimed film director Malcolm D. Lee (The Best Man; The Best Man Holiday; Barbershop: The Next Cut), who will provide finalists with invaluable film industry tips and advice.

The submissions will be judged by a panel of industry experts and the top three short videos will premiere at the highly-anticipated 20^th anniversary festival. Submissions will be critiqued on creativity, implementation of concept and quality. One finalist will take home the grand prize — a film equipment package valued at $2,500and an opportunity to have their video featured on prominent websites, including McDonald’s 365Black.com and other media entities. More information about the competition can be found at www.abff.com.

“We are proud to partner with McDonald’s on bringing this opportunity to emerging content creators. Without a doubt, this competition is a catalyst for introducing undiscovered talent to the industry-at-large,” said Jeff Friday, ABFF founder and CEO.

Award-winning filmmaker, Malcolm D. Lee (The Best Man; The Best Man Holiday; Barbershop: The Next Cut), partners with McDonald’s and the American Black Film Festival (ABFF) for McDonald’s ‘My Community’ Video Competition (PRNewsFoto/McDonald’s USA)

“I look forward to returning as mentor to the finalists in the McDonald’s ‘My Community’ Video Competition,” said Malcolm D. Lee. “There is so much great talent out there in the film industry and it’s always inspiring to connect with them and hopefully do my part to support the next generation of great filmmakers.”

Furthering their relationship with filmmakers, McDonald’s is also working with writer/director/producer Reginald Hudlin (House Party; Boomerang), who will star in an All Day Breakfast commercial airing this month.

McDonald’s 365Black mantra, Deeply Rooted in Your Community, will inspire what the brand does in 2016, extending to this video competition.

“This partnership with ABFF allows us to affect meaningful and impactful change in the communities we serve and be a catalyst in cultivating stories from African American communities nationwide through these aspiring filmmakers,” said Marty Gillis, Chairman, McDonald’s African American Consumer Marketing Committee. “We are looking forward to the creativity that will come out of this competition and hope that it sparks inspiration and excitement in the film industry.”

Last year’s winner, Richard T. Fields, won the competition with his short video “Puppy Love.” (watch the video below). The ‘My Community’ Video Competition and ABFF’s vision to promote diversity in the film and television industry align with McDonald’s 365Black platform — an initiative that celebrates the pride, heritage and achievements of African-Americans year round. McDonald’s encourages those interested in the competition to follow @365Black on Twitter and join the conversation using #365BlackFilm. To learn more about the 365Black initiative, visit www.365Black.com.

To learn more about the American Black Film Festival and the ‘My Community’ Video Competition, visitwww.abff.com. Follow @ABFF on Twitter and @AmericanBlackFilmFestival on Instagram and join the conversation using #ABFF20.

Puppy Love from Richard T. Fields on Vimeo.

First place winner of the McDonald’s Lovin’ Video Competition at the American Black Film Festival 2015.

Synopsis:
After a young girl’s mother goes away to war, she finds love through an unexpected friend.

Tags365Black American Black Film Festival competition filmmaking Malcolm D Lee mcdonalds My community video video competition

Dean Meyers

BE BRAVE AND ITERATE! Dean is visual thinker who blends experience and expertise across multiple disciplines (technology, marketing, design, art, performance and management) as a Design Thinking and Innovation Management Consultant, Trainer, and Transformational Coach. He is happiest when working visually in innovation, user experience, education, and transformation—even more when they are all combined into one! His goal with VizWorld is to create and hold the space for visual thinkers who are looking for news and information about applied design thinking practices and innovation in life, education and work.