Local Filmmakers Bring Unique Urban Drama to the Greater Cleveland Urban Film Festival

LOS ANGELES - July 23, 2014 - PRLog -- Hot, new, urban film Blood First has been selected to screen at the Greater Cleveland Urban Film Festival in Cleveland, Ohio, September 25-28th, 2014. The Greater Cleveland Urban Film Festival's objective is to educate, entertain and highlight the African American experience via independent films and documentaries that represent the African American journey. Blood First is the first feature film for Cleveland natives Najaa Young and Olufemi Young and former Cleveland resident Rasheed Jihad.

Blood First chronicles the lives of two brothers who haphazardly follow their father's footsteps into a dangerous life of crime and violence. When faced with serving lengthy prison sentences for their crimes one brother chooses to cooperate with the prosecution while the other does not, testing the meaning of loyalty, honor and blood. The film’s non-linear storytelling fluidly mixes the past with the present as audiences experience what events occurred in their lives to make these men who they are today. Blood First also boasts a powerful score by multiplatinum music producer Drumma Boy and original music by Project Pat, Big KRIT, Turk (of the Hot Boyz), 8 Ball and MJG.

Najaa Young, who has a MFA in Film Production from Florida State University and worked for many years locally in the Cleveland arts scene, says, "I'm thrilled to be bringing this project home to Cleveland! This film addresses the serious issues of crime, violence and imprisonment facing many communities in northeast Ohio and takes an unflinching look at manhood in the inner city. We hope our film can create a real dialogue around these issues and ultimately real solutions.”

Blood First has been rated R by the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) and is distributed by eOne and NSUC Entertainment Group. To learn more about the film and to see the trailer visit: www.BloodFirstTheMovie.com.  Passes are on sale now for the Greater Cleveland Urban Film Festival please visit: http://www.GCUFF.org for more information!