FREDI WASHINGTON December 23, 1903 – June 28, 1994
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FREDI WASHINGTON December 23, 1903 – June 28, 1994 Intersections of OCTOBERUniversity of Houston-Downtown 11 - 13, 2018 Entertainment 201 Gerard Street, 4th Floor and Activism Houston, TX 77002 www.mpac-arts.org Houston Film Commission a division of HOUlltonfn'l!t July 13, 2018 Re: MPAC 2018 To Whom It May Concern, Since 2012, the Houston Film Commission has been proudly involved with Jalene Mack and the annual Mack Performance Arts Collective's (MPAC) "It's A Wrap" conference as an industry panelist and/or sponsor, and we look forward to the 2018 edition. MPAC is dedicated to performing artists and aspiring talent in Houston by bringing in established entertainment professionals to share their path to success and expertise. It's a unique educational and inspirational organization that positively contributes to the cultural fabric of our community. Sincerely, Rick Ferguson, Executive Director Houston Film Commission 713-853-8956 direct [email protected] 701 Avenida de las Americas, Suite 200 • Houston, Texas 77010 1-800-4-HOUSTON (1-800-446-8786) Toll Free • (713) 853-8959 Direct • (713) 853-8341 Fax www.HoustonFilmCommission.com October 11, 2018 Welcome to MPAC’s Film Festival, A Collaboration with UHD’s Center for Critical Race Studies! Mack Performing Arts Collective (MPAC) is a 501 ( C ) 3 nonprofit with a mission of “cultivating the interest of visual & performing arts by exposing, educating and entertaining”. To further this mission, we have launched our 2nd bi-annual MPAC Film Fest to empower those presently working in the film & entertainment industry or aspiring to get in the business by providing them with invaluable information to enhance their knowledge, skills and the confidence to be successful. We are beyond excited to fulfill our mission in collaboration with the University of Houston-Downtown’s Center for Critical Race Studies (CCRS). This year’s theme is “Intersections of Entertainment & Activism”. The next three days include celebrity guest speakers, scholars, community leaders, and industry experts, industry panel discussions, competition based short film screenings and special exhibition screenings, monologue competition, vendors row, artist lounge with open mic and a networking wrap up party. The fest is about connecting industry people and socially conscious enthusiasts from all over to merge in one place for several high-energy art, entertainment, business and education packed days. Although the technical aspects of filmmaking are interesting, discussions centering around “Intersections of Entertainment & Activism” will engage not just the filmmakers and film enthusiasts but the greater community and university as a whole drawing more attendees over the three days. Grammy Award-nominated soul singer, songwriter, pianist Marsha Ambrosius is a great example of how entertainers of all genres use their platform for social change. MPAC continues to position “It’s A Wrap Educational Workshops and Symposiums” amongst the cream of the crop, by connecting industry professionals with aspiring industry professionals for an informative, yet interesting day. We want our attendees to hear stories good or bad, want you to absorb the knowledge and insight gained from years of experience and being in the trenches, and have validation that you are on the right track or confirmation that you are not...and if you are not, then you will have received direction on how to get there. With that being said, the dialogue will be conversational as much as possible. With the engagement of CCRS, we see how these conversations and actions intersect with activism. The best part about all of these screenings, panels and networking events, high school students interested in performing, creative and visual arts are awarded scholarships allowing them to attend for absolutely free! Nothing like FREE education AND instruction from the best on how to be successful! With the help of your donations, continued support and collaborations, MPAC can make an impact. We thank you all for attending and especially thank UHD and CCRS for making this all possible. Support the Arts, Jalene M. Mack, Esq. Founder/Artistic Director Mack Performing Arts Collective SHEILA JACKSON LEE Congress of the United States STEERING AND POLICY COMMITTEE 18TH DISTRICT, TEXAS _________ COMMITTEES: House of Representatives HELSINKI COMMISSION MEMBER Washington, DC 20515 JUDICIARY _________ SUBCOMMITTEES: Ranking Member VICE CHAIR Crime, Terrorism, Homeland Security and Investigations CONGRESSIONAL PROGRESSIVE CAUCUS Immigration and Border Security _________ _________ SENIOR WHIP HOMELAND SECURITY DEMOCRATIC CAUCUS SUBCOMMITTEES: _________ Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection, and Security Technologies FOUNDER AND CO-CHAIR CONGRESSIONAL CHILDREN’S CAUCUS Counterterrorism and Intelligence _________ BUDGET COMMITTEE October 11, 2018 Dear MPAC Film Festival Attendees: Welcome to the 18th Congressional District, the hub for arts and entertainment in the city of Houston, to participate in this exciting festival. We are excited to have you all attend this 2nd Bi-Annual Mack Performing Arts Collective (MPAC) Film Festival. MPAC’s mission to empower those presently working in the film and entertainment industry and those aspiring to join the industry creates a great dynamic and collaborative effort of giving back and ensuring the opportunity and inclusion of young talented and aspiring minds. America’s increasingly diverse audiences demand film and television content populated with characters whose experiences resonate with their own, who look like them, and with whom they can relate. MPAC is leading the way to ensure that opportunities to engage in the broad array of fields in the industry are as diverse as our country. The theme for this year, “Intersections of Entertainment & Activism,” comes during a time in our nation when we desperately need to see the talents of those socially conscious put into film and placed on the big stage to speak truth to power. Again, congratulations to all of you who are seeking to empower others and to be empowered in this most important industry that impacts our culture in so many ways. MPAC is cultivating our future in the film and entertainment industry and I look forward to our continued partnership. Very truly yours, Sheila Jackson Lee Member of Congress WASHINGTON OFFICE: DISTRICT OFFICE: HEIGHTS OFFICE: FIFTH WARD OFFICE: 2187 Rayburn Office Building 1919 Smith Street, Suite 1180 420 West 19th Street 4300 Lyons Ave., Suite 200 Washington, DC 20515 Houston, TX 77002 Houston, TX 77008 Houston, TX 77020 (202) 225-3816 (713) 655-0050 (713) 861-4070 (713) 227-7740 October 11, 2018 Dear Friends, On behalf of the constituents of District 146 and the Texas House of Representatives, I extend greetings and best wishes to the 2nd Bi-Annual MPAC Film Fest! The goal of the MPAC Film Fest is to educate, enlighten, and empower local artists who wish to succeed in the Hollywood film and entertainment industry. I salute the esteemed entertainment attorney, Jalene Mack, founder and artistic director of Mack Performing Arts Collective (MPAC) and commend Ms. Mack for lending her vision and voice to inspire so many others. Her excellent work and commitment to expanding industry access to a more diverse audience deserves recognition and distinction. MPAC’s community outreach and engagement efforts are also noteworthy, as the organization continues to award scholarships to creative and artistic high school students. These scholarships help provide the next generation of talent with access to valuable educational workshops, celebrity mentoring, expert panel discussions, and opportunities to showcase their unique gifts and talents. It is an honor to welcome all the organizers, volunteers, participants and attendees of the 2018 Bi-Annual MPAC Film Fest. We are proud to be a part of the program and look forward to an exciting and dynamic schedule of events! Together We Thrive, State Representative Shawn Thierry Texas House District 146 Sylvester Turner CITY OF HOUSTON Mayor P.O. Box 1562 Houston, Texas 77251-1562 Telephone – Dial 311 www.houstontx.gov October 11, 2018 Greetings, As mayor of the City of Houston, I extend a warm and hearty welcome to all participating in the 2018 bi-annual Mack Performing Arts Collective Film Festival held at the University of Houston-Downtown. An important part of my desired legacy is to expand opportunities in film and television production here in Houston. The motion picture business is a multi-billion-dollar industry. Filmmakers, actors, writers, production and service companies, distributors, financiers and film enthusiasts have traveled near and far for this remarkable showcase of talent and dedication. Houston is a city that supports cinematic storytelling through media and performing arts, as it is a field of interest and an industry that promotes culture, heritage, community celebration and economic impact on our local businesses. The efforts of Mack Performing Arts Collective, in collaboration with the Center for Critical Race Studies at the University of Houston-Downtown, has resulted in three days of activities including film screenings, panel discussions, monologue competition, performers showcase, and networking platforms giving participants the opportunity to share their talents, expertise and resources with all attendees. The City of Houston applauds all efforts that inspire creativity and provide an opportunity for emerging filmmakers to excel at this type of film competition. Best wishes