Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom star Colman Domingo has partnered with the American Black Film Festival (ABFF) and ALLBLK for the festival’s second inaugural “Shoot Your Shot” National Talent Search.

This year, the festival is helping Domingo discover actors for his upcoming comedic drama, West Philly, Baby. One person, male or female between the ages of 55 to 70, will be cast in a recurring role in the series. Actors with disabilities are also encouraged to apply between July 5 through Aug. 15, with their disabilities written into the role. Five finalists will be chosen from the submissions and invited to come to the 25th annual ABFF in Miami Beach to perform for a live audience and a panel of judges. More info can be found at ALLBLK.

Domingo said in a statement that he wants to give older actors more chances to be visible in Hollywood, an industry that notoriously silos older actors into smaller roles.

“It is my hope that as we center this family drama, we are able to create some truly intricate, flawed, and nuanced roles for actors of color who may be of a certain age,” he said. “I am very interested in working with talent and developing characters that have some life experience behind them, for after all, these are the vessels through which we will elevate and enrich our West Philly, Baby experience.”

Brett Dismuke, ALLBLK and WEtv general manager, said he and the ABFF is “excited” to continue their partnership and the “Shoot Your Shot” talent search.

“Colman’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusivity in the entertainment industry shines through in every facet used to develop this series – as exemplified by the criteria selected for this recurring role opportunity,” he said. “ALLBLK and ABFF have always been vehicles for showcasing underrepresented voices, and we look forward to continuing that effort, alongside Colman, at the 25th year anniversary of ABFF.”

“The team at ALLBLK is phenomenal, and we are so excited to continue our partnership to bring about the second installment of “Shoot Your Shot” with Colman Domingo’s, West Philly, Baby series,” said Nicole Friday, president of ABFF Ventures. “ALLBLK and ABFF have shared the same vision for providing a platform for emerging artists for years, so a talent search that gives opportunity to individuals who just need a shot makes all the sense in the world, and there is no better place to see this come to life than at the 25th anniversary of the American Black Film Festival.”

The first “Shoot Your Shot” talent search took place virtually in 2020 with MC Lyte’s series Partner in Rhyme. From the search, Precious Way became a co-lead in the series.

West Philly Baby

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