Some people curate films.Maori Karmael Holmes curates futures. She doesn’t just show us the reel—She shows us what’s real. From the front row to the projection booth, from the streets of Philly to global cinematic circles, Maori has redefined what curation means for the culture. As the founder, chief executive, and artistic officer of the BlackStar Film Festival, she hasn’t just held space—she’s built it. But this story started long before the big screens.I first met Maori when she …
Because of Melvin
We love a good “Top Five” debate, don’t we? Favorite rappers, favorite albums, favorite movies—it’s part of the culture. But when someone asks me who my favorite actor is, I like to throw them off with a name they’re not expecting: Fred Williamson. That always gets a puzzled look—followed by, “Wait… why?” I hit them with his own words: “Because he always gets the girl, he wins all his fights, and he doesn’t die at the end.” …