NEWS ITEMS ABOUT AMERICAN BLACK FILM FESTIVAL STARTING TOMORROW IN MIAMI

	ABFF Announces 2009 HBO Short Film Finalists
	· *Chains* written and directed by Sharon Lewis · Cuts co-written by Rashaad Ernesto Green and Ryan Haydon, directed by Rashaad Ernesto Green · *Osvaldo's* written and directed by Randy Wilkins · *Popous Pane and the Kids He Loves to Hate* written and directed by Derrick Anthony · *The Roe Effect* written and directed by Kiel Adrian Scott HBO is Founding & Premier sponsor of the 2009 American Black Film Festival. Don't miss HBO's 12th annual Short Film Ceremony at the festival on Thursday, June 25, at The Colony Theater in Miami.

	"Nail the Audition...Get the Job" Symposium sponsored by SAGIndie
	Film, Television, commercial and video casting directors will provide insider information on how to research, prepare for and present at auditions. Panelists will share key characteristics they seek in new actors and share tips on mastering the craft of acting and nailing the audition. SAGndie will share information on building a reel for guild consideration, working on SAG vs. non-SAG projects as well as the benefits and services provided by the guild. Panelists include Winsome Sinclair WSA Casting, Wood Harris actor, and Ruth Paul SAGIndie.

	ESPN & ESPN Films announce Sports Documentary Symposium at ABFF
	Whether played out on the field, in the ring, or on the court, every great sports drama is ultimately a human tale--of conflict, determination, passion, triumph, and loss. Since its launch, ESPN Films has been bringing audiences unique projects which represent an extraordinary and diverse mosaic of the impact of sports on American and World culture. From the Peabody Award winning film BLACK MAGIC to Spike Lee's KOBE DOIN WORK, ESPN Films is dedicated to producing films which represent the highest level of sports storytelling. Please join members of ESPN Films and selected filmmakers as they discuss their experiences and the future of the sports documentary. Click here for more.

TNT's "HawthoRNe" starring Jada Pinkett Smith to screen at ABFF

"HawthoRNe is a new TNT drama starring Jada Pinkett Smith as Christina Hawthorne, a headstrong yet compassionate nurse. She leads a team of dedicated nurses who give their all for the patients, even when the system does not.

Christina will often sacrifice her own needs as she juggles her personal life and the demands of her career. But Christina is more than a nurse - she's a fighter, a mother, and a friend - she's every patient's hero."

The screening will take place Saturday, June 27 at 1:30 pm. Champagne and popcorn will be served so arrive early!