The Redford Center has partnered with Black Public Media for BPM’s 2023 open call for climate stories. The center, which was co-founded by actors and activists Robert Redford and James Redford, is one of the only US-based non-profits dedicated to environmental impact filmmaking. Black Public Media will award a total of $230,000 in funding for feature-length documentaries and documentary or scripted shorts. Projects in all stages of production are invited and should be appropriate for public media distribution. The application window is September 1-25.

Stories that examine the impact of climate change on communities of African descent are encouraged. The projects can focus on how the crisis is being managed, environmental racism, health impacts, solutions, climate education, sustainable industries and climate policies. One $30,000 award will be given to a stand-alone or limited-series short film. Five $40,000 awards will be granted for broadcast or feature-length nonfiction film projects. Recipients of those awards might also get to participate in BPM’s PitchBLACK Forum, which is the largest national pitch competition for independent filmmakers and creative technologists making content about the global Black experience. PitchBLACK competitors will face off for an additional $150,000 in funding. All Black Public Media funding awards are licensing agreements for public media distribution. 

Robert Redford and James Redford co-founded The Redford Center in 2005 and they will partner with BPM on the open call and offer advice and resources. 

“We are honored to partner with BPM on this open call, and grateful to BPM for creating this opportunity to center frontline filmmakers and projects focused on increasing knowledge and resonance of the importance of safeguarding our environment,” said The Redford Center Executive Director Jill Tidman. “As more and more people experience the effects of climate change, it is vital that we hear from and learn from communities who are often disproportionately impacted by it. I cannot wait to see what stories come through this effort.”

The open call submissions link will go live on September 1st at  https://blackpublicmedia.org/for-media-makers/open-call/ and close on Monday, September 25 at 11:59 p.m. ET.

All applicants must be the producer or director of the project, be a US citizen, have a minimum of three years of producing and directing experience, or have a senior producer tied to the project. Key members of the creative team must include at least one person of color. 

Black Public Media will have free information sessions on August 29 and September 21. Applicants are encouraged to attend these sessions. Details on the information sessions and the open call will be available at https://blackpublicmedia.org. For more information, email: funding@blackpublicmedia.org or call 212-234-8200.

BPM’s Climate Stories initiative is supported by the New York Community Trust Pare Lorentz Documentary Fund and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.

An independent panel of media professionals will review applications and select the winners who will be announced in December. 

BPM has supported climate projects in the past including Black Folk Don’t: Go Green (2012), by Emmy-award-winning director Angela Tucker; Pangaea (2016), by Olivia Peace; Midnight Oil (2023), by Bilal Motley (currently streaming in BPM’s new AfroPoP Digital Shorts) series; and Razing Liberty Square (broadcast premiere in Jan. 2024), by Katja Esson.

For more information on Black Public Media go to  www.blackpublicmedia.org.

Dub poet Mutabaraka ceases a 14-year break with the release of “Black Attack” produced by Mad Professor. The dub prophets reconnect to make a perky song about everything in the way of progress for Black people. Mutabaraka’s list of problems is serious but Mad Professor’s rhythms sound festive despite the gloomy poetic assessment. He explained how the song happened in a statement, “’Black Attack’ is attacking all the things that are keeping black people from progressing after 500 years of slavery and now colonialism, I had connected with Mad Professor over ten years ago and he actually sent some riddims but we didn’t connect again until last year when I was in England.”

The single is the first from Mutabaraka’s upcoming album also titled Black Attack. He is just as concerned with Black life and freedom as he was when he started publishing his poems in the ’70s. His Cutting Edge and Steppin’ Razor radio shows were another place where he shared his strong opinions and they were two of the most popular shows in Jamaica. Mutabaraka and Mad Professor performed together at Rototom Sunsplash in Europe earlier this month. Black Attack comes out on October 6th via Shanachie Records. 

Kevin Ross and Eric Bellinger unite for “Ready For It” the first single from Ross’ forthcoming Midnight Microdose Vol. 2 EP. The new single is a rare exercise in deliberate vulnerability from the male voice. Ross says, “I just wanted to make a bop that wasn’t completely toxic. Men can still be clear in their intentions for love without it being perceived as soft or corny.” “Ready For It” confronts the prospect of love with unwavering romantic conviction supported by galactic bass and sweet guitar riffs. Bellinger lets his potential love know that he is ready for a partnership as long-lasting and committed as Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King’s marriage. The combination of both singers creates a serious proposal that makes “Ready For It” a sure win for any wedding reception and serious romantic journey. 

Little Brother is having a block party in their hometown of Durham, North Carolina as part of their yearlong celebration of their debut album The Listening. Group co-founders Rapper Big Pooh and Phonte kicked off the 20th-anniversary celebrations in March with a four-city tour.  Made In Durham: A Little Brother Block Party will take place on October 7th. They will perform and Big K.R.I.T., The Cool Kids and Zo! & Tall Black Guy are the supporting acts. Comedian Sam Jay will host the event and DJs Wally Sparks and DJ Hourglass will be behind the decks.  The duo released a video parody of wrestler Booker T’s infamous use of the N-word use in a 1997 promo with Phonte posing as Booker and Big Pooh playing his partner Stevie Ray aka Harlem Heat. The party starts at 12 noon and performances begin at 3 PM. The location is 310 East Main St, Durham, North Carolina 27701. Tickets can be purchased here.