Yasmin Shiraz

Here’s a new letter that I received a few days ago from a Retaliation reader.

Dear Ms. Shiraz,

I’ve become one of your biggest fans. I read your book Retaliation which you said was not a true (story.) But to me, it felt real. I cried because it reminded me of my old life when I lived in Maryland. I lost my cousin to a gang in 2008. I looked up to him just like Tashera did with her brother. We did everything together when we (were) little. He got put in a foster home and I was (gonna be) next. But I made it out. I’m a 3.5 GPA student and I’m preparing to go to college to become a Registered Nurse. I enjoyed reading the book because it felt like i–the reader–was there. I will continue reading your books.

Your biggest fans,

Tamika

I appreciate Tamika for sharing this with me and letting me know of her journey. These are the letters that keep me motivated. Thank you Tamika!!! I’m sure you’ll make a great RN. Keep shooting for the stars!

I’m sure you’ve heard the phrase: “Your network is your networth.” If you haven’t, it simply means that whoever it is that you are networked with determines your networth. If you are networked with folks who don’t have a lot of value then your value will automatically be lower. If you are networked with individuals of high value, then you will have greater access to raising your value as well. And if you are not networking period, well, you have a bunch of potential problems on your hands. I’ve had many friends say, “I don’t like networking.” Its one of the most absurd statements for a working person to make. When you say, “I don’t like networking,” what you are really saying is “I don’t want to meet people who may be able to help me down the road.” Who in this world doesn’t believe that they’ll need help at some point in their lives? I’ve begun to step up my networking even more this year and I wanted to share some valuable ways for you to increase your network as well.

1. When attending conferences/workshops get the business cards of everyone you meet and then send them an email when you return to your office. Request to connect with them via facebook and/or linkedin.
2. When attending conferences/workshops look through the conference program and reach out to potential colleagues via facebook and linkedin and let them know that you both recently attended the same conference.
3. If you are using twitter, use the search engine and type in topics that interest you. When people come up, follow those people and introduce yourself. I’ve increased book sales, and press coverage through previously unknown twitter contacts.
4. Write handwritten thank you note to people that you’ve met recently. You’ll stand out since it’s not a formulaic email.
5. Attend networking events just for the sake of meeting people. Your purpose is to increase your network.
6. Set a goal of 5 new people a day.

In 2008, when I decided that I was going to focus on my film career, I didn’t have a lot of personal contacts in the film industry. But I decided to go to networking events, pitchfests, film festivals, acting classes–whatever was out there to introduce myself to my potential colleagues in the film industry. In less than one year and a half, I have over 200 film contacts. Its not a thousand contacts, but again its much more than I had in 2008. Now when I have a issue or I need support, I have people that I can reach out to. And that’s the great thing about networking, you can make it happen for yourself.

The King of Down Low, author JL King

So much has been said about the Down Low as it relates to men, but I want to hear from women who were SHOCKED when they found out that their mate was secretly on the ‘Down Low.’ Your stories can remain anonymous if you prefer. I’ve been talking to many women in Atlanta and some of their opinions have brought interest for me in this area. I haven’t decided what kind of project I want this to be yet, but I’m in the research phase, so pass the information on and feel free to email me with your experiences. My email is yshiraz at yasminshiraz.net.

Can She Be Saved? — as you have heard by now is my lil’ film that could–  screened at the Texas Black Film Festival in Dallas today. I was not in attendance as I was returning from a business trip in Atlanta but I was there in spirit. I hope the film touched many people’s lives.

Here’s the link to the festival: http://www.texasblackfilmfestival.com/

For those of you who have never attended a film festival, the point of a festival is to get industry and audience feedback on your project. Its important in the launch of a filmmaker’s career. Also, the more festivals that select your film, it validates your work as a filmmaker. So, every time I share that Can She Be Saved? was selected for a festival is such a tremendous blessing because it pushes me one step closer to doing my feature film, Retaliation. I’m claiming that each and every day.

And here’s the trailer to Can She Be Saved? Feel free to view it and rate it.

As I perused the internet tonight, I came across a magazine entitled, ARISE. According to their publicist, it’s the “leading global African-themed style and cultural magazine.” I don’t know how long its been around, but I’ve never even heard of it.

This week ARISE selected top African designers Black Coffee, Loin Cloth and Ashes along with Deola Sagoe to showcase Fall/Winter 2010 designs during the publication’s AFRICAN COLLECTIVE PART III Mercedes Benz Fashion Week runway presentation.

On Saturday, February 13th at 8 p.m., show producer Jan Malan will transform Bryant Park’s largest venue, The Tent, into a living African landscape with elaborate staging inspired by award-winning poet Ben Okri. Models will walk through a virtual day and night on the great continent flush with excitement as South Africa gears up to host the FIFA World Cup and many states celebrate a half century of independence as well as economies poised for rapid growth.

I encourage all of us to check out ARISE and see what they are all about. As a former magazine publisher, I have love for anybody who decided to walk that line. Its not the easiest job that you can take on. Here’s a link to their website: www.arisemagazine.net

Here’s a great interview clip of singer Fantasia on Oprah.

Oscar nominated actress Mo'Nique

I wanted to share the good news about the movie Precious. It has received six Oscar nominations.

• Gabourey Sidibe received a nomination for a best performance by actress in a leading role.
• Mo’Nique received a nomination for a best performance by actress in a supporting role.
• Director Lee Daniels received a nomination for achievement in directing.
• Editor Joe Klotz received a nomination for achievement in film.
• Precious received a nomination for best motion picture of the year.
• Precious, the movie, received nomination for best adapted screenplay.

Congratulations everybody. And here is the trailer below in case you missed it!

I’m so proud of Caressa Cameron the 2010 Miss America who hails from Virginia. She’s intelligent, poised and beautiful. This African American woman is 22 years old and a broadcast journalism major. I didn’t get to watch the Miss America parent on Saturday as I was out celebrating the art of filmmaking with my filmmaker brethren and sistren in San Diego. But, Caressa’s brother sat in front of me on my plane from Houston to Washington, DC and we talked. He is proud of his sister and his barely audible voice was a sure indicator of how loud he yelled for her when he was in the audience. Congratulations Caressa. May being Miss America live up to all of your expectations.

Me and living legend, Spike Lee

In the spirit of my Rules to Live By column, I’d like to share a portion of a short speech that Spike Lee gave Saturday night at the San Diego Black Film Festival. He talked about people subscribing to mediocrity and how as filmmakers–but also as people–we should be willing to raise the bar. To say there are all sorts of products in the marketplace that are mediocre is surely an understatement. In America, mediocrity has become a way of life.

It’s rarely about the best that you can do, it’s mostly about the least that you can do to get the job done.

Funny, often people want to put in the least amount of effort but when it comes to how they want to be treated or the types of products that they are buying, they do not want to think that someone only put forth the least amount of effort. It’s one to grow on.

Me at the Regal Cinema in San Diego

Hey peoples! My film, Can She Be Saved? is screening tomorrow at 1pm at Regal Cinemas in downtown San Diego and also on Sunday at 11am in the same location! I’m excited. It’s a big milestone. Someone told me yesterday that thousands of films submitted for this festival but only 100 made it. So there’s stiff competition.

I want to give a big THANK YOU and SHOUT OUT to Karen Willis for putting the festival on and giving us filmmakers a place to go! Much love.

Me and Kenneth Gamble

Above is a picture of me and Kenneth Gamble of Gamble and Huff. He’s one of the founders of the Philadelphia International Sound. He had a documentary that screened at the festival. And ya’ll know I love music, so I had to  get a photo with this legend.

Also, I’m not sure if everyone who is reading my blog has heard of the Village People, but for those of you OLD HEADS who know the deal, I couldn’t pass up an opportunity to take a photo with Victor Willis who was the lead singer of the ORIGINAL VILLAGE PEOPLE. That was really cool cuz again I love music. Somebody out there has to remember the song, “YMCA!”

Me and Victor Willis of the Village People

Also, here’s a photo of me in front of the San Diego Black Film Festival backdrop.

And screen legend, Danny Glover kicked off the opening night reception. As I told my friends on Facebook, Danny Glover has a “God-Like” presence. Believe it. He was on his way to South Africa and then Haiti but he stopped by to support his new documentary and inspire the crowd.

Danny Glover at the San Diego Black Film Festival

Me and fellow filmmaker Michael Melvin. His film is entitled, Broken. He’s a cool cat, he hails from the Baltimore area.

Me and fellow director, filmmaker Michael Melvin