Robert Townsend Receives Lifetime Achievement Award at the 8th Annual Florida Entertainment

Dec. 5, 2012 - PRLog -- Miami, Florida -- The 8th Annual Florida Entertainment Summit (FESummit) kicked off in downtown Hollywood, FL with a taping of Comedienne Aida Rodriguez “Model Behavior” Comedy Special.  The FESummit weekend included a mix of emerging talent and legends in fashion, film and music with appearances by Grammy Winner Betty Wright, Filmmaker Robert Townsend, Actor Christian Keyes, top DJs Bigga Rankin, Tony Neal, DJ DEMP and a host of others.

Tri Destined film “Note To Self” was the featured film in the 2012 FESummit Cinema Lounge and was screened at Miami's cutting-edge independent theatre O Cinema. The coming of age film is written by and stars Christian Keyes (Tyler Perry’s Madea Goes to Jail), alongside Grammy recording artist LeToya Luckett, Richard T. Jones, platinum recording artist Brian McKnight, Clifton Powell, Jason Weaver, Valarie Pettiford, Brely Evans and America’s Next Top Model Eva Marcille.

After the film guest participated in a Q&A with the actor/writer Christian Keyes and Director Trey Haley on how independent filmmakers can break into the industry.

FESummit has grown to include a teen summit and become strong advocates of incorporating social issues into the programming of the annual entertainment event. This year students were encouraged by artist Tracy Simmonds to seek creative ways to accomplish their goals at this year’s Teen Summit organized at Carol City Senior High School. The workshop included sculpting using white; air-dry clay to mold replicas of the Nkyinkyim symbol [pronounced N-chin-chim] and dialogue about the power of visual art and how it relates directly to the public's perception about issues that impact society. Students worked with wood that had been purposefully dyed red to highlight World AIDS Day.

This year rather than having traditional panel discussions, FESummit music day was held in observance of the 24th Annual World AIDS Day in association with Empower U Empowerment Conference and featured workshops on HIV Prevention/Intervention, free testing,  a block party with live performances and dance competition hosted by Singer, BET Rap it Up HIV/AIDS advocate T’Juan and more.

In recent years, the Fashion Day has become one of the most sought out day of events throughout the weekend. FESummit headed back to Miami’s Wynwood Arts District for The Ace Entertainment Magazine “Power of Influence” Awards Dinner & Fashion Show.  Guests were treated with a fashion show produced by E. Mackey, which featured his Angels & Demons collection and the fall collection from emerging designer Kindsey London. Check out video footage from the fashion show and dinner: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DJc3z1xVgmk



Robert Townsend noted filmmaker of the cult classic “The Five Heartbeats”, received the lifetime achievement award in recognition of his commitment to strengthen the artistry of film and to honor his will to inspire; demonstrated by his exemplary work ethic, performance as well as his empowerment of others through the charitable Robert Townsend Foundation which strives to open doors to new and underrepresented artists. Celebrity DJ, Music Executive and a legend in his own right, Bigga Rankin, was also honored with a Power of Influence Award.

The 2012 Florida Entertainment Summit was sponsored in part by Ace Entertainment Magazine, Vitamin Water, 365Voice.com, NLPGimages, Nikki’s Party Rental, Chasin 3D and a host of others.

For more information on the Florida Entertainment Summit or to get involved next year visit www.FloridaEntertainmentSummit.com

Photos:
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