Thug Life Army

The most significant monthly screening series in Urban America, covering topics such as Katrina, Environmentalism, Women's Rights, Drug Addiction, Child Support, Family, Music Industry Lifestyles, HIV/AIDS, Fashion Industry, LGBT Community Issues and other hot topics, plus performances by Jill Scott, hip hop artist/philosopher KRS-One and Omar on May 24^th; will be held April through October as part of the Black Docs Film Series 2007.

Next Generation Awareness Foundation, Inc., producers of the Urban Film Series Tour and Black History Month Film & Discussion Series, have announced that Landmark Theatres will again host its Annual Black Docs Film Series. Black Docs, often proclaimed as the most significant screening series in urban America due to the range of hot topics and issues it covers, will run from April through October at Landmark Theatre's E Street Cinema, located at 555 11th Street, NW, Washington, DC.

All members of the public are invited to come and support the April 12th kick-off which will include the official premiere of Gus & Rose: Reflections of Katrina and The Big Easy and The Anacostia: Restoring The People's River. Ticket prices to the monthly fundraising event range from $9.00 - $10.50 and can be purchased at Landmark Theatre or UrbanFilmSeries.com.

Well over 300 films were submitted from filmmakers, festivals and production companies from all over the world. Sticking true to its motto of Connecting Communities with History and Progressive Cinema, Black Docs is the only program of its kind in that it focuses exclusively on documentaries related to urban lifestyles and issues.

"We are pleased to present a program that is undoubtedly the most significant screening series for urban America because of its coverage of the hottest topics in urban America," says Corey Jennings, founder and project coordinator. "Never before have so many hot topics been encompassed in one program, providing an outlet for independent filmmakers who too often have little or no opportunities for exposure of documentaries of this sort," says Jennings.

Who: Next Generation Awareness Foundation, Inc.

What: 2nd Annual Black Docs Film Series

Where: Landmark Theatre's E Street Cinema

When: 7:30pm - 9:30pm, on April 12, May 24, June 28, July 26, August 23, September 27, and October 25

Tickets: Students/Seniors/4+Group: $9.00; Adults: $10.50. Prices may vary per month.

Schedule of Themes and Films

April 12th: Environment & Family

Films: Gus and Rose: Reflections of Katrina & The Big Easy (2006) (Mid-Atlantic Premiere); The Anacostia: Restoring The People's River (2005)

Q&A with Anacostia Watershed Society

About: A couple reflects on their life and times in New Orleans, including the ravaging impact of hurricane Katrina and the challenges of family and rebuilding with new challenges. The Anacostia Watershed Society explores the rich history of the Anacostia River, featuring interviews and illustrations of past and present, including the planned restoration process.

May 24th: That Music

Films: Finally Sayin'' What I Really Mean... (2006)

Q&A with Filmmaker Monique Woods

About: A music documentary featuring over 30 signed and independent artists including Anthony David, hip hop and rap artists Chamillionaire, Sticman, Common, David Banner, plus Jill Scott Van Hunt, Cody ChestnuTT, Saul Williams, Lalah Hathaway, Martin Luther, Eric Roberson, and others, who talk freely and openly about the music industry and how their music or image is redefined, stuffed in a box, packaged and sold. Features performances by Jill Scott, hip hop artist/philosopher KRS-One and Omar.

June 28th: Jazz & Latin Culture

Films: Under The Radar: A Survey of Afro-Cuban Music (2005)

Q&A with Filmmaker and Legendary Jazz Musician J. Plunky Branch

About: A documentary film that introduces viewers to the history of Afro-Cuban music and samples Cuba's current music scene, including tremendous footage of Cuban artists, bands and music traditions.

July 26th: Family Drama

Films: Baby Mama Drama: Child Support Court Talk Show (2006) (World Premiere)

Q&A with Producer Keith Mungin, Positive Motivation and Child Psychologists

About: A startling documentary that delivers a message about saving our children, bringing together parents from throughout the NorthEast and Mid-Atlantic regions to share their stories, emotions and concerns about real issues of parental love, single parenting, child disorders, visitation rights, child support and more. Includes actual stories from parents hashing out their differences and insightful commentary from child psychologists, and activists.

August 23rd: Just Say No!

Films: Meth Around (2004) (Mid-Atlantic Premiere); Crack Heads Gone Wild (2006) (Mid-Atlantic Premiere)

Q&A with Drug Addiction Experts and Filmmakers

About: Two startling and shocking documentaries going deep into the world of drug abuse and the effects it has on our families and communities. Real stories, real people, real issues, real destruction. This program is not for those with weak stomachs. Hear from persons addicted to crack cocaine about how it has destroyed their lives and see how they struggle and witness their daily routines and habits.

September 27th: Advocacy and Hope

Films: Turning A Corner (2005) (Mid-Atlantic Premiere)

Q&A with Filmmakers and Women's Issues and Awareness Groups

About: A groundbreaking public awareness and women's education project created in a media activism workshop. Over a dozen members of the Prostitution Alternatives Round Table (PART) recount their stories of survival and triumph over homelessness, violence and discrimination, giving rare insights into Chicago's sex trade industry.

October 25th: Awareness and Empowerment

Films: How Do I Look: From Fantasy to Reality (2006)(Mid-Atlantic Premiere)

Q&A with Filmmakers and Awareness/Activists Groups

About: An arts in education program, artistic empowerment and HIV/AIDS awareness documentary heavy in demand across the screening and festival circuit, capturing over 10 years of the artistic progression of the over 30-years-old Harlem "Ball" community, covering competitions at balls and showcasing the history of their talents on the runway. Think Madonna's video "Vogue", "Truth or Dare" and "Paris is Burning".

Visit www.UrbanFilmSeries.com  or for more and to learn about the cities, films, themes and participants selected for this year's series.