Second film “Sacred” by “One Week” director is Visions Blu headliner

Rap superstar Nas stars in director Carl Seaton’s $300,000 feature, “Sacred,” that headlines the 3rd annual Visions Blu Symposium April 24. It sceens with a selection of shorts as part of the symposium, titled this year “Penetrating the Business of Film and Television.”

In “Sacred,” rapper Nas stars as a Gary talent agent who moves to Los Angeles only to find his marriage and identity crumbling amidst the temptations of Tinseltown. The Strange Fruit Films production is due for video release.

A Chicago native and Columbia College alum, Seaton made his first feature, the HIV drama “One Week,” with Griot Filmworks partners producer Phil James and writer/star Kenny Young in Chicago in 2000. The film won the Acapulco Black Film Festival (ABFF) and enjoyed a brief theatrical release from ABFF founder Jeff Friday’s distribution outlet Film Life.

Seaton is in development on his third feature, under the working title “Scandalous,” planned for a Chicago production.

“The Visions Blu Symposium is an opportunity to network with other people in the TV and film industry in Chicago and learn more about advancing within the industry, the tax incentives and the productions that are looking at coming here as a result,” said Visions Blu executive director Karon Hamlet.

The Symposium features panels on screenwriting and directing, production and distribution, acting and casting, marketing, and soundtracks. Panelists include representatives of Turner Broadcasting and Time Warner, actor Khalil Kain (“Ali”) and filmmakers Sam Greenlee, Coodie Simmons and Shari Lynn Hines.

Hamlet, a Park District employee, in 2000 founded Visions Blu, whose nonprofit status is pending. Last year’s Symposium drew 700 attendees. “We hope to attract more people this time,” Hamlet said. “We’d like the Symposium to grow, and we’d like to offer more events and programs throughout the year.”

Opening reception is 7-11 p.m. Friday, April 23 at Gallery 312, 312 N. May St., $20, $15 for students, free for Visions Blu members. Panels are from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Saturday, April 24, at the Bilandic Building, 160 N. LaSalle, $35 each or all five for $150, $25/$110 for students and members. Screenings start at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at the Art Institute Columbus Theater, Columbus and Jackson, $15 (includes all films).

Reach Visions Blu at 773/955-2349 or see a complete schedule at www.visionsblu.com.

? by Ed M. Koziarski, edk@homesickblues.com.