TV/Film | Chicago Defender

DC Universe Actress Azie Tesfai Makes History as a Writer

Danielle Sanders - December 8, 2021

Actress Azie Tesfai is accomplished. From her role on "Jane the Virgin" and "Supergirl," she made history as the first actor in any Greg...

The Chicago Southside Film Festival Celebrates Five Years

Theresa Horton, Contributing Writer - November 29, 2021

The Chicago South Side Film Festival (CSSFF) celebrates 5 years by introducing a hybrid experience, including live screenings for film-goers and filmmakers throughout the...

Documentary Spotlighting Missing Person’s of Color Airs on HBO

Site Editor - November 23, 2021

Four-part documentary series BLACK AND MISSING, by multiple Emmy® winner Geeta Gandbhir and award-winning documentarian, journalist, author and activist Soledad O’Brien, follows sisters-in-law and Black and Missing...

Actor Russell Hornsby Talks about His Role on the Hit Series, “BMF”

Danielle Sanders - November 23, 2021

Named one of Variety's "10 Actors to Watch," leading man Russell Hornsby is a part of the next generation ready to take his place...

Newcomers Saniyya Sidney and Demi Singleton Shine in “King Richard”

Danielle Sanders - November 18, 2021

"King Richard," tells the story of Richard Williams, father to tennis icons Venus and Serena Williams. Played by Will Smith, Richard Williams is a...

HBO Max Amplifies Black Voices at Chicago Launch of Scene in Black

Racquel Coral, Contributing Writer - November 18, 2021

Last Saturday was a celebration of Black voices as HBO Max rolled into Chicago to celebrate the launch of its Scene in Black initiative....

Will Smith Promotes Memoir in Chicago

Tammy Gibson (SankofaTravelHer) - November 12, 2021

Will Smith took Chicago by storm on Wednesday with the release of his self-titled memoir, "Will." Smith's first stop in Chicago was at XS...

Black Harvest Film Festival Returns

Lee Edwards - November 12, 2021

The 27th Annual Black Harvest Film Festival returns to the Gene Siskel Film Center after a one-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic to...

Everything’s Not Black and White in Film “Passing”

Danielle Sanders - November 10, 2021

Premiering on Netflix, November 10, "Passing" tells the story of two Black Women who can "pass" as white but choose to live on opposite...

Soul Singer Maxwell Among 2021 Soul Train Award Honorees

Danielle Sanders - November 4, 2021

BET announced three-time GRAMMY® award-winning singer-songwriter and producer Maxwell will receive the ‘Legend’ award at the 2021 “Soul Train Awards.” Award-winning and multiplatinum singer/songwriter, actor,...