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Black Fire: Radio, Rhythms, and Revolution

Directors

Kia Freeman, Patrick Mamou

Producers

Charvis Campbell, Plunky Branch, Jamal Gray, Parrick Mamou

Editors

Raul DeLeon

Cinematographers

Darius Lyles and Caleb Hargett

The Black Fire Record company was founded in 1975 by Jimmy Gray and J. Plunky Branch, two iconic names in the music business, synonymous with creativity and commitment. Black Fire Records was established to amplify and produce culturally relevant jazz and progressive original music for the Washington, DC community. This small, independent label would go on to revolutionize the music business, nationally and internationally. Black Fire recounts the story of the label’s founders and the musicians, producers, and radio personalities they influenced. The film depicts iconic images of the 1970s and 80s and speaks to how the music and activism of that era shaped the terrain of the independent music business and paved the way for innovative jazz, hip-hop, deejays, and Afro-future creatives.

Kia Freeman

Co-Director, Black Fire: Radio, Rhythms, and Revolution

Co-founder of FreeMind Tv and Films. She has recently produced three feature films, “All In” starring Lil Mama, Elise Neal and Jim Jones, “Sinners Wanted” which premiered on TVOne and at Sundance Film Festival, and “Secrets” which premiered on BET in 2017 and is now available on iTunes and UMC.

Patrick Mamou

Co-Director, Black Fire: Radio, Rhythms, and Revolution

Founder of creative agency Mamou Group. He has made independent films and music videos, including short drama films “Together” which premiered at Afrikana Film Festival and “7” which was selected by the Richmond International Film Festival. Founder of Jazz Poets Society and Williamsburg Jazz & Wine Festival.