Josephine Lawrence (Photo by Nikkiyo Films©2007)

HBFF
June 3-8, 2008
Beverly Hills, CA

April 24, 2008 (Atlanta) -- Whistle Lesson, a short film by Nikkiyo Films, has been selected for the 9th Annual Hollywood Black Film Festival (HBFF). The festival, will take place June 3-8 in Beverly Hills, California. Whistle Lesson is among 50 short films chosen for screening at the six-day festival, dubbed “The Black Sundance.”

“We are extremely excited and honored to be selected for the Hollywood Black Film Festival,” said writer/director Nikki Young. “This event is a great venue for showcasing Black independent films and we look forward to participating in this annual celebration of Black filmmaking.”

Whistle Lesson is about a young girl’s special relationship with her grandfather and the valuable lessons he teaches her about life, family and faith. The film stars Georgia-based veterans Charles A. Black and Freda Scott Giles, and features the film debut of 8-year old Josephine Lawrence. The cast also includes Aviya Payne, James Austin and writer/director Nikki Young. Tony “Shock” Shockency was Director of Photography and Judge Luckey served as Associate Producer and Casting Director on the project.

The film features the music of teen sensation Brandon Kane and an original score composed by Krisi Young. Filmed in Southwest Atlanta and College Park, the SAG signatory project was shot on mini-DV within a six day production schedule.

Nikkiyo Films, a division of Nik Noc Entertainment, was founded in 2002 by actor, producer, writer, and director Nikki Young. The goal of Nik Noc Entertainment is to develop productions for screen, television and stage that entertain and enlighten with a special focus on the common threads that transcend our diverse experience.

The first project from Nikkiyo Films was the romantic comedy, WINNING LISA. The 40 minute short feature was well received by audiences and praised for its spiritual themes, realistic dialog and positive characters. Since it’s completion in 2003, WINNING LISA has screened at various events and film festivals including: the BFM International Film Festival in London; Urban Literary Film Festival; Independent Black Film Festival; Urban Media Makers Film Festival; and the Atlanta Women of Color Film Festival. In November 2005, the film was selected by Robert Townsend to air on the Black Family Channel program, Pilot Central.

Nikkiyo Films is currently developing a feature version of WINNING LISA, as well as other television and feature film projects.

Visit www.hbff.org for festival updates, registration and screening schedule information.