Singer Akon Film 'Rise Up' Screened at 18th Annual American Black Film Festival

Rise Up, written, produced and directed by Jeta Amata was screened at the 18th Annual American Black Film Festival on June 22, 2013 at the SVA Theater in New York City.

Nina Henderson Moore, President of RLJ Entertainment – Urban, joined Jeta Amata at the screening as part of a new partnership of RLJ Entertainment and KonLive Distribution, founded by Platinum-selling artist Akon, which produced Rise Up, being the first of several films to be released across RLJ Entertainment platforms and digital channels.

The film features an all-star cast including Akon, Vivica A. Fox, Mbong Amata, Kim Basinger, Mickey Rourke and Anne Heche. Taking its inspiration from the incredible true story of a country devastated by corporate greed and indifference in the Niger Delta, Rise Up is a powerful new film that will resonate with today’s socially conscious audiences.

After seeing their land in Nigeria exploited and destroyed by a major oil company, a group of men travel to the US and take the company’s leader hostage to expose the public to the truth. But the fight for justice is also being waged at home and one brave young woman may pay the ultimate price for encouraging her community to rise up!

Make sure to check out the new film.