Black Celebs Show Out At The BET 17th Annual Urbanworld Film Festival

Words by Alyson Robinson

BET Network presented the 17th Annual Urbanworld Film Festival last night at the SVA Theatre in Manhattan. Opening the festival was the lively screening of the anticipated romantic comedy “Baggage Claim.”

Lyn Talbert, David E. Talbert

Director David E. Talbert presented the film along with his wife and executive producer, Lyn Talbert. Cast members, which included Paula Patton, Derek Luke, Jill Scott, Jenifer Lewis and Rickey Smiley, were also at the festival and participated in the post-screening Q&A which was moderated by entertainment editor of The Grio, Chris Witherspoon.

Stacy Spikes, the founder of Urbanworld, welcomed the audience and the executive director, Gabrielle Glore followed up with remarks.

The after-party featured performances by Luke James, Yummy Bingham and more. The Urbanworld Festival continues today with spotlight screenings of VH1’s “Funding The Funk, They Die By Dawn” and BET’s “Gun Hill” starring festival ambassador Larenz Tate.

Tickets are still available at www.urbanworld.org.

Photo credit: Terrence Jennings, Stephen Knight

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