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EastEnders spoilers and updates for the week of February 10 tease someone’s brother arrives to save him, there’s a showdown with a murderer, a copper makes a confession and more!

Grant Mitchell (Ross Kemp) returns, there’s a showdown with Reiss Colwell, (Jonny Freeman) Jack Branning (Scott Maslen) makes a confession, and more!

Phil Begins Hallucinating

Phil Mitchell’s (Steve McFadden) mental health takes a troubling turn next week, precipitating the return of his younger brother, Grant.

Despite Phil’s reluctance, a worried Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean) persuades him to visit a doctor.

Phil is frustrated by her interference, and returning home, he unleashes his anger on her until she storms out; however, Sharon can’t shake her concern for Phil; alone, he starts to hallucinate.

Meanwhile, as the Mitchell family goes all out for Billy (Perry Fenwick) and Honey Mitchell’s (Emma Barton) ‘sten do’, Sharon learns from...

EastEnders spoilers for the week of February 3 tease six shocking spoilers upcoming. Phil Mitchell’s (Steve McFadden) rushed to the hospital after a suicide attempt, Cindy Beale (Michelle Collins) discovers her locket is missing, and more!

Phil’s Rushed To The Hospital

Phil finds himself in a tough spot as his struggle with depression continues next week; will he be able to get the support he needs?

Nigel Bates (Paul Bradley) is getting ready for a date with Norma (Angela Curran), with some assistance from Yolande Trueman (Angela Wynter).

Norma brings her friend Livi along, so Nigel asks a hesitant Phil to join them.-however, things take a turn when Livi notices Phil’s sadness, causing him to leave abruptly.

Nigel considers following him but ultimately chooses to stay and have dinner with Norma.

Meanwhile, at The Arches, Phil’s actions put him in serious danger, and employee Harry Mitchell...

EastEnders spoilers for the week of January 13 tease Lauren Branning (Jacqueline Jossa) is arrested, Cindy Beale (Michelle Collins) wakes up, Denise Fox (Diane Parish) is jealous and conflicted.

Plus, Reiss Colwell (Jonny Freeman) tries to help, Yolande Trueman (Angela Wynter) offers a listening ear, and Ruby Allen (Louisa Lytton) struggles with jealousy.

EastEnders Spoilers – Lauren Branning Arrested, Cindy’s Awake

Next week, the police will arrest someone in connection with the Christmas attack on Cindy, but is it the right suspect? Cindy has finally woken up and is eager to find out what happened to her.

When her son Peter Beale (Thomas Law) avoids her questions about the family, Cindy becomes upset. Her daughter Anna Knight (Molly Rainford) informs their father George Knight (Colin Salmon) and the family that Cindy is awake.

At the hospital, Dci Arthurs (Ian Burfield).interviews Cindy, who is shocked to discover that her attacker might be someone she knows.

EastEnders spoilers and updates for the week of October 14 tease Denise Fox (Diane Parish) spills, Nish Panesar (Navin Chowdry) meddles, Junior Knight (Micah Balfour) plays games, and more!

Also, Freddie Slater (Bobby Brazier) tags along uninvited, Teddy Mitchell (Roland Manookian) lets someone down, Avani Nandra-Hart (Aaliyah James) worries, and Jean Slater (Gillian Wright) expresses concerns.

EastEnders Spoilers – Denise Fox Spills, Reveals Chelsea Fox’s Guilty Secret

Chelsea Fox (Zaraah Abrahams) instructs her mother to steer clear of Jack Branning (Scott Maslen), while Kim Fox (Tameka Empson) enthusiastically supports the idea of Denise and Jack getting back together.

Meanwhile, at the hospital, Amy Mitchell (Ellie Dadd) is frustrated with her slow recovery, leading to a heated argument with her older sister, Penny Branning (Kitty Castledine).

After their confrontation, Penny makes the decision to leave Walford and arrives home just as Denise and Jack are attempting to cheer up Amy.

As tensions rise,...

EastEnders spoilers and updates for the week of October 7 tease David Wicks’ (Michael French) return, Ian Beale’s (Adam Woodyatt) admission, Denise Fox’s (Diane Parish) confession and more!

Jay Brown (Jamie Borthwick) gets a special present, and Tommy Moon (Sonny Kendall) terrorizes his mom.

EastEnders Spoilers – David Wicks Is Shocked

David has returned to Walford, and while reconnecting with his troubled daughter Bianca Jackson (Patsy Palmer), he is taken aback to see his former flame Cindy Beale (Michelle Collins) alive!

Cindy confides in her ex-husband George Knight (Colin Salmon) about how David’s arrival has thrown her off balance, prompting George to encourage her to confront the situation head-on.

After a meeting with Reiss Colwell (Jonny Freeman), David is hit with a shocking reminder of his past when he comes face-to-face with a very much alive Cindy.

With so many unanswered questions, David and Cindy take the opportunity to...

EastEnders spoilers and updates for the week of September 9 tease an unexpected pregnancy, a runaway family member, a controversial return and more!

Anna Knight (Molly Rainford) finds herself pregnant, Kojo Asare (Dayo Koleosho) runs away and Chrissie Watts (Tracy-Ann Oberman) returns under mysterious circumstances.

EastEnders Spoilers – Baby Bombshell For Anna Knight

Anna finds herself facing an unexpected surprise, but her romantic life is already tangled. She confides in her boyfriend, Bobby Beale, (Clay Milner Russell) about her struggles, prompting him to try and lift her spirits.

However, Bobby soon has to focus on his responsibilities at Beale’s Eels, leading him to ask his friend Freddie Slater (Bobby Brazier) to step in and support Anna.

Unbeknownst to Bobby, Freddie harbors feelings for Anna and is so anxious about being alone with her that he concocts a weak excuse to avoid the situation, leaving Anna feeling rejected.

Later, Anna musters the...

EastEnders spoilers and updates for the week of September 2 tease five shocking spoilers next week! Dean Wicks’ (Matt Diangelo) trial begins, the Six are frantic, Chelsea Fox (Zaraah Abrahams) feels guilty, and more!

EastEnders Spoilers – Is Dean Wicks Going Down?

This week in EastEnders is set to be monumental as the notorious Dean Wicks (Matt Di Angelo) faces trial for the murder of Keanu Taylor (Danny Walters).

The moment that fans have eagerly anticipated, while The Six have dreaded, has finally arrived, leaving Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean) in a state of turmoil.

Although Linda (Kellie Bright) attempts to comfort her friend, their moment is disrupted by Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden) and young Albie Mitchell (Arthur Gentleman).

Overwhelmed with emotion, Sharon grapples with the sadness of missing such a significant milestone for her son, his first day of school, which only heightens Linda’s anxiety.

In a bid to check on her friend,...

EastEnders spoilers and updates for the week of August 26 tease accident shock, family reunion, a verdict and more! Chelsea Fox (Zaraah Abrahams) is shocked by an accident she causes, George Knight (Colin Salmon) has a family reunion, and Denzel Danes (Jaden Ladega) receives a verdict over his steroid use.

EastEnders Spoilers – Chelsea Fox Causes A Devastating Accident

Next week, Chelsea unwittingly triggers a catastrophic event, but what fallout will follow? The Square is alive with the energy of a lively carnival weekend, yet Penny Branning (Kitty Castledine) finds herself ill-prepared for her club night at Peggy’s bar. She’s desperately hawking last-minute tickets outside The Queen Vic.

Inside Peggy’s, tensions flare as Penny confronts her former manager Chelsea, who then attempts to undermine the event. Chelsea tampers with the booking system to release more tickets online, despite the fact that the venue is nearly at capacity.

EastEnders Spoilers...

EastEnders spoilers for the week of August 19 tease shocking scenarios afoot. Reiss Colwell (Jonny Freeman) and Sonia Fowler (Natalie Cassidy) are arrested, Cindy Beale (Michelle Collins) gives an ultimatum, and Teddy and Harry Mitchell have a secret!

EastEnders Spoilers – Reiss In A Panic

Reiss is in a state of panic as the deadline for repaying Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden) looms closer. In a desperate attempt to escape the pressure, he suggests to Sonia that they take a day trip together, but she declines.

However, she feels a warm sense of appreciation when Kathy Cotton (Gillian Taylforth) offers to host an engagement party for her.

Just then, an irate Phil shows up at their door, forcing Reiss to come clean to Sonia about his obligation to pay Phil today, which he can’t fulfill.

Thankfully, Teddy Mitchell (Roland Manookian) and Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean) step in to diffuse the tension, and...

EastEnders spoilers and updates for the week of July 21 tease risky moves, plea hearings, job opportunities and more! Reiss Colwell (Jonny Freeman) makes a risky move, Dean Wicks’ (Matt Di Angelo) plea hearing takes place, and Penny Branning (Kitty Castledine) is ruthless over a job opportunity.

EastEnders Spoilers – Reiss Colwell Risky Move

Reiss’ financial problems are getting worse, and a reminder from the nursing home about the money he still owes them only adds to his stress.

Desperate for a quick cash infusion, Reiss creates a Vat (Value Added Tax) invoice claiming that Sharon Watts (Leticia Dean) owes him money.

Although he initially considers backing out, he ultimately decides to follow through with the plan, giving Sharon a deadline of the next day to settle the payment.

Will Sharon fall for his scheme so easily? Or will she realize something’s fishy besides the fish and chips?

EastEnders Spoilers – Plea...

EastEnders spoilers and updates tease six explosive twists ahead for the week of June 10. Keanu Taylor’s (Danny Walters) funeral rocks the Six, Bianca Jackson (Patsy Palmer) uncovers Reiss Colwell’s (Jonny Freeman) secret, and more!

EastEnders Spoilers – Keanu Taylor’s Funeral Rocks The Six

Get ready for some nail-biting drama in Walford next week! The aftermath of Keanu Taylor’s (Danny Walters) murder continues to haunt Linda Carter (Kellie Bright) and Sharon Watts (Leticia Dean) causing worrying setbacks for the residents.

As Father’s Day approaches, Linda’s emotions run high, and she finds solace in the support of Elaine Peacock (Harriet Thorpe) and Johnny Carter (Charlie Suff).

Determined to honor Mick, Linda plans a Father’s Day event at The Queen Vic. However, things take a shocking turn when Bernie Taylor (Clair Norris) reveals that Keanu’s funeral is scheduled for the same week and asks to host the wake at the pub.

Rami Malek is one of the most interesting actors working today. The projects he takes on run the gamut from an Egyptian mummy in a kid's movie to one of our most beloved musical superstars. Malek has a unique presence, and his deep, piercing eyes are quite an arresting sight to behold. James Bond himself, Daniel Craig, even said that Malek would beat him in a staring contest due to the intensity of his gaze.

Malek's proven that he can play sweet or evil with equal skill, and it's always a surprise to see what role he'll take on next. With an Oscar for best actor already under his belt, there's a good chance his career will continue to flourish in the future. However, right now is as good a time as any to look back at some of the roles that turned him into the in-demand actor he is today.

Though the first season of The Knick attracted some very positive reviews, the series drew very low ratings. Cinemax brought it back for a second season anyway. Will the numbers go up this time around? Will it be cancelled or renewed for a third season? Stay tuned.

The second season of The Knick continues to follow the troubled professional and personal life of Dr. John W. Thackery (Clive Owen), a physician who works at the Knickerbocker Hospital in New York in the early 1900s. The rest of the cast includes Andre Holland, Jeremy Bobb, Juliet Rylance, Eve Hewson, Michael Angarano, Chris Sullivan, Cara Seymour, Eric Johnson, David Fierro, Maya Kazan, Leon Addison Brown, Grainger Hines, Zaraah Abrahams, Charles Aitken, Latonya Borsay, Rachel Korine, Tom Lipinski, and Michael Nathanson.

Below are the show's TV ratings, typically the best way to tell if the series will...

As she picks at her food in her parents' New York dining room near the end of the Gilded Age, the camera closes in on Cornelia Showalter (Juliet Rylance) as if to impart a secret. Reeling from the news that her onetime lover, Dr. Algernon Edwards (André Holland), is married, her downcast eyes are at the center of the image, but another, expressly political narrative is afoot just beyond the frame.  "What the [Eiffel] Tower shows to me is progress, that even the impossible is possible," proclaims Cornelia's father, shipping magnate August Robertson (Grainger Hines).  "I certainly benefitted from your progressive thinking," replies Edwards, the lone black surgeon at Robertson's Knickerbocker Hospital.  "If that's the case, then why are [Algernon's] parents not invited to this lunch?" Edwards' wife, Opal (Zaraah Abrahams), asks pointedly, as the scene finally cuts away from Cornelia's face. "I suppose we have different...

How Da Sweet Blood of Jesus came to be is beyond me and a better question still: how is this made by Spike Lee? Has he completely lost his way when it comes to making movies? Truth be told, it's a fascinating take on the vampire story (Lee can argue all he wants that this isn't a vampire story but hell, if this isn't a vampire story, neither is Dracula) which sees Stephen Tyrone Williams play historian Dr. Hess Greene who is doing research on a little known African tribe when he becomes infected by an artefact and finds himself craving blood.

After much wandering, Hess comes into contact with Ganja (Zaraah Abrahams), the estranged wife of Hess' missing research partner. Ganja and Hess (ha!) begin a romantic relationship that eventually leads to her discovery of his secr [Continued ...]...

A Kickstarter-financed Spike Lee Joint, Da Sweet Blood Of Jesus is a new kind of love story, one that centers on an addiction to blood that once doomed a long forgotten ancient African tribe. When Dr. Hess Green (Stephen Tyrone Williams) is introduced to, and then murdered with, a mysteriously cursed artifact by art curator Lafayette Hightower (Elvis Nolasco), he is uncontrollably drawn into a newfound thirst for blood that overwhelms his soul. Lafayette quickly succumbs to the ravenous nature of the infliction, killing himself, but leaves Hess a transformed man. Soon Lafayette’s wife, Ganja (Zaraah Abrahams), comes looking for her husband and becomes involved in a dangerous romance with Hess that questions the very nature of love, addiction, sex, and status in our seemingly sophisticated society. The couple marry, and Hess seems genuinely in love, while Ganja is genuinely in love with her new position, and not in...

After a theatrical run in February Da Sweet Blood of Jesus, directed by Spike Lee, will be released on Blu-ray and DVD on May 26th, 2015. Also in this round-up: release details on a Fright Rags shirt for The Texas Chain Saw Massacre and a trailer for The Man in the Shadows.

Da Sweet Blood of Jesus: Press Release -- "Anchor Bay Entertainment and Gravitas Ventures will release the Spike Lee thriller Da Sweet Blood Of Jesus on Blu-ray™ and DVD on May 26, 2015. The film previously hit theaters on February 13th after a successful Kickstarter campaign to fund the production. It’s a reinterpretation of Bill Gunn’s horror cult film “Ganja & Hess”, which played as a Critics Choice at the 1973 Cannes Film Festival; Spike Lee’s stylized thriller features an Original Score by Bruce Hornsby.

A Spike Lee Joint, Da Sweet Blood Of Jesus is directed by Spike Lee,...

Stars: Stephen Tyron Williams, Zaraah Abrahams, Rami Malek, Elvis Nolasco, Thomas Jefferson Byrd, Joie Lee, Felicia Pearson, Jeni Perillo, Katherine Borowitz, Donna Dixon, Chiz Schultz, Lauren Macklin, Steven Hauck, Stephen Henderson, Rafael Osorio | Written and Directed by Spike Lee

The respected filmmaker hitting Kickstarter for help phenomenon seems to have died down over the last year or so but along with Zach Braff, Spike Lee was certainly one of the highlights of this short-lived trend. Shaking the virtual tip jar towards a great many people, myself included, he managed to get together a budget of just under $1.5 million, including a $10,000 donation from Steven Soderbergh and so presents us with Da Sweet Blood of Jesus, a somewhat surprise remake of 70’s indie flick Ganja & Hess. Even with my meagre donation, I think it was $10, it’s sad to say that I feel ripped off and I suspect most will.

The question...

Sneak Peek writer/director Spike Lee's comedy romance thriller "Da Sweet Blood Of Jesus", starring Stephen Tyrone Williams, Felicia Pearson, Rami Malek, Elvis Nolasco and Zaraah Abrahams, available on DVD and Blu-ray, May 19, 2015 from Anchor Bay Entertainment:

"...'Dr. Hess Green' (Williams) becomes cursed by a mysterious ancient African artifact and is overwhelmed with a newfound thirst for blood.

"He however is not a vampire. But soon after his transformation he enters into a dangerous romance with 'Ganja Hightower' (Abrahams) that questions the very nature...

"...of love, addiction, sex, and status in our seemingly sophisticated society..."

Click the images to enlarge and Sneak Peek "Da Sweet Blood Of Jesus"...

Plot: Dr. Hess Greene (Steven Tyrone Williams) becomes cursed with a thirst for blood after his deranged assistant stabs him with an ancient African dagger. His new addiction leads to a torrid romance with the widow of his first victim, the beautiful, alluring Ganja (Zaraah Abrahams). Review: It.s been a rough couple of years for Spike Lee. Universally regarded as one of the preeminent filmmakers of his era, Lee.s had trouble making new films on par with his early revelatory work....

Da Sweet Blood of Jesus

Written and Directed by Spike Lee (based on the film by Bill Gunn)

USA, 2015

Spike Lee films tend to fall into two categories, masterpieces and trainwrecks. His latest, Da Sweet Blood of Jesus, leans to the latter. However, even his failures – including this – work as engrossing bits of cinema. The reason why Spike Lee is as fascinating even in his failures is because the same tireless, fiery energy is always present . He always has something to say in his films, even if he runs into trouble in how he says them: When Lee trips and falls, he hits the ground hard enough to shake you.

A remake of the 1973 Bill Gunn film Ganja & Hess, Lee’s film follows Dr. Hess Green (Stephen Tyrone Williams) who after getting stabbed by an ancient artifact, becomes addicted to blood. Soon after he enters into a romance with Ganja...

“We don’t think this is a horror film,” Spike Lee and lead Zaraah Abrahams greet me. I’m not so sure, but Spike Lee’s new film Da Sweet Blood of Jesus, a remake of Bill Gunn’s cult favorite Ganja and Hess, is a fascinating, violent, dreamy work nevertheless. It evokes both Gunn’s eccentric tone and themes…

The post Horror Elements: Spike Lee, Zaraah Abrahams and Da Sweet Blood of Jesus appeared first on Shock Till You Drop.

America is awakening from the fantasy of living in a post-racial society despite the leadership of a black president. This current racial landscape is crucial to understanding the attitudes and addictions in Da Sweet Blood of Jesus. Many African Americans are angry, thirsty for blood, or have coped with hardships through destructive habits. The pastor’s message in a black Baptist church is timely and resonates emotionally. “Put down that 22, put down the 38, put down your 45! Oh, glory to God lift up your Bible and put down that oozie! You don’t need no Ak 47, you need Romans 8:21,” he howls.

It feels cold: an exhausting insatiable desire; like a vampire’s thirst for blood, addiction is unsatisfying. No amount of sex, drugs or violence can kill the inner beast and satisfy the need for redemption. For all the gruesome blood on display in the blaxploitation vampire flick, Da Sweet Blood of Jesus,...

S’Blood: Lee’s Facsimile of Bill Gunn an Odd Satisfaction

Surprisingly, after the failure of his 2013 remake of Park Chan-wook’s Oldboy, provocateur Spike Lee’s latest, the Kickstarter funded Da Sweet Blood of Jesus, is also a remake, a modernization of Bill Gunn’s 1973 classic Ganja & Hess, a film tenuously positioned within the spectrum of Blaxploitation. Lee initially explained that the film was about blood addiction and not vampires, with early conversations indicating that this had nothing to do with the likes of Blacula. But those familiar with Gunn’s brilliant and strange (if somewhat compromised) original film will see his stamp all over it, directed with uneasy disconnect from Lee. It’s an odd, sometimes off-putting film, but it strikes a distinctive, addictive chord, generating a particular scent that will draw you down its path. Though Lee expressly wishes the focus of the film to be about...

Hi everyone! This is a feature we’ve been running in every issue of Deadly Horror & Sci-Fi Magazine and I thought this would also be a great resource for our readers here at Daily Dead as it can be often very difficult to keep up with everything arriving on VOD platforms each and every month.

Be sure to check back on the first week of each month to get all the details on what genre films you can look forward to on VOD!

The Voices (Lionsgate)- 2/6

Jerry (Ryan Reynolds) is an affable singleton who works on the factory floor at a bathtub factory, ever eager to get along with his co-workers, especially Fiona, (Gemma Arterton) and Lisa (Anna Kendrick) from accounts. After work Jerry goes home to his pet cat, Mr. Whiskers, and loyal dog Bosco, where the three of them hang out, watch TV and discuss the day’s events.

In writer-director Spike Lee's new film, Da Sweet Blood of Jesus, Stephen Tyrone Williams plays a man who becomes cursed with an addiction to drinking blood. Zaraah Abrahams is the woman with whom he falls in love during this, let us say, interesting chapter in his life. Something else interesting about Lee's film: He used Kickstarter to finance this remake of the 1973 cult horror movie Ganja & Hess, which is available to watch via Lee's 40 Acres website and will arrive in cinemas, Feb. 13. Below, find an exclusive clip from the film—and Lee talking about Da Sweet Blood of Jesus,...

Here is first trailer for Spike Lee’s new film Da Sweet Blood of Jesus, which he made after he raised $1.5 million on Kickstarter. Lee is a director that is hit or miss with me. He’s made some great films and some crappy ones. This new one definitely looks intriguing as it follows the story of a man who is addicted to blood.

The movie stars Stephen Tyrone Williams, Zaraah Abrahams, Rami Malek, Elvis Nolasco, Thomas Jefferson Byrd, Joie Lee, Felicia “Snoop” Pearson, and Jeni Perillo.

Spike Lee’s new stylized thriller Da Sweet Blood Of Jesus is a new kind of love story. Dr. Hess Green (Williams) becomes cursed by a mysterious ancient Afrian artifact and is overwhelmed with a newfound thirst for blood. He however is not a vampire. Soon after his transformation he enters into a dangerous romance with Ganja Hightower (Abrahams) that questions the very nature of love,...

As with many directors from his generation, Spike Lee was once a household name who has since fallen on hard (creative) times. His more personal projects have failed to produce much critical or box office interest, while his “safe” films like Inside Man and Oldboy have been more successful, but arguably less interesting. Lee’s latest effort, Da Sweet Blood of Jesus looks like it’s a melding of the personal narrative with the vitality of his more commercial works.

The film tells the story of Dr. Hess Green (Stephen Tyrone Williams), who is cursed by an ancient African artifact that gives him an incredible thirst for blood. He’s not a vampire, though, as the official plot synopsis tells us. He embarks on a relationship with Ganja Hightower (Zaraah Abrahams), in a narrative that focuses on the nature of addiction, religion, sex, and status in contemporary society.

The first...

It was to be expected that a "vampire" movie from Spike Lee would not look or feel like your average vampire movie offering and low and behold, the first trailer for Da Sweet Blood of Jesus suggests just as much.

I'm not really sure what's going on with the music here which seems completely off kilter with the rest of the trailer but Lee's new movie, which was financed in part through Kickstarter and with some cash from Steven Soderbergh, stars Stephen Tyrone Williams as Dr. Hess Green, a man who becomes cursed by an African artefact and finds himself with a new found thirst for blood. Along with Williams, the movie also stars Zaraah Abrahams and Rami Malek.

Lee hasn't exactly been burning up the screens over the last few years and he's certainly in need of a hit but I'm not s [Continued ...]...

Last year, *sshole/director Spike Lee released his remake of "Oldboy" and launched a campaign on KickStarter to raise money for a film called "Da Sweet Blood of Jesus." He ended up raising $1.4 million and we now have a trailer. Check it out below. Plot: When Dr. Hess Green (Stephen Tyrone Williams) is introduced to a mysteriously cursed artifact by an art curator, Lafayette Hightower (Elvis Nolasco), he is uncontrollably drawn into a newfound thirst for blood that overwhelms his soul. He however is not a vampire. Lafayette quickly succumbs to the ravenous nature of the infliction but leaves Hess a transformed man. Soon Lafayette's wife, Ganja Hightower (Zaraah Abrahams), comes looking for her husband and becomes involved in a dangerous romance with Hess that questions the very nature of love, addiction, sex, and status in our seemingly sophisticated society. "Da Sweet Blood of Jesus" is a remake of Bill Gunn...

A trailer has dropped for Spike Lee’s latest, Da Sweet Blood Of Jesus – aka “the newest, hottest Spike Lee joint,” a no-star, semi-experimental affair made possible with the help of $1.4 million in Kickstarted donations. Gravitas Ventures picked up the re-envisioning of Bill Gunn’s 1973 cult horror film Ganja & Hess, about a doctor who develops a thirst for blood after an art curator introduces him to an ancient African artifact. The thirst consumes his soul as he embarks on a dangerous romance with the curator’s widow that Lee describes as “funny, sexy and bloody. A new kind of love story (and not a remake of Blacula).”

Da Sweet Blood Of Jesus closed its successful Kickstarter campaign in August and debuted at the American Black Film Festival. Gravitas will open it February 13 in theaters and on VOD. Stephen Tyrone Williams, Zaraah Abrahams, Elvis Nolasco, and Rami Malek star in the...

Over the years, the popularity of the crowdfunding platform Kickstarter has grown, leading to well-known artists such as Zach Braff and well-known projects such as a film continuation of Veronica Mars, finding their way on to the site in search of public backing. One such artist was acclaimed filmmaker Spike Lee, who decided to put his next project up for public funding as well. Aided by a $10,000 contribution from fellow filmmaker Steven Soderbergh, the movie surpassed its $1.25 million target, finishing with a total of nearly $1.5 million.

Titled Da Sweet Blood of Jesus, the film is a remake of the 1973 feature Ganja and Hess, the movie focuses on people who are addicted to blood, and stars Stephen Tyrone Williams and Zaraah Abrahams in the main roles, with a supporting cast that includes Rami Malek and Felicia ‘Snoop’ Pearson. Ahead of the film’s Us theatrical and VOD release on February 13, the...

While the "celebrity using Kickstarter" trend seemed to have a moment this year with fan funded "Veronica Mars" and Zach Braff's "Wish I Was Here" hitting cinemas, it seems the novelty of handing over your money to the pet projects of industry professionals has worn off a bit. And if it hasn't, Spike Lee's "Da Sweet Blood Of Jesus" might do the trick. He also passed the hat for his latest effort, and it might be the worst received of them all (here's our review). However, it has found a distributor and you can judge for yourself. Starring Stephen Tyrone Williams, Elvis Nolasco and Zaraah Abrahams, the loose remake of Bill Gunn’s 1973 horror cult film “Ganja & Hess” follows Dr. Hess Green, whose encounter with a mysterious cursed artifact finds him uncontrollably thirsty for blood (he's not a vampire). Soon a death and deadly romance opens up questions...

Back in the summer of 2013, Spike Lee announced that he was launching a Kickstarter campaign to finance a new movie, which he said would be "sexy and bloody." Now, that flick finally has a trailer, and it looks like the director's description was accurate.

The trailer for "Da Sweet Blood of Jesus" focuses on Dr. Hess Green (Stephen Tyrone Williams), who through an encounter with some ancient, evil magic, develops a thirst for blood. He then becomes wrapped up in a twisted romance with Ganja Hightower (Zaraah Abrahams), that also seems to involve his newfound addiction.

"People have many addictions," Hess says in voiceover, as we see shots of him disposing of dead bodies and slurping up blood. "Sex, food, drugs, nicotine, alcohol, money, power."

Ganja adds "blood" to that list, and it seems that all of those items' powers are set to combine and implode Hess's life. At least Lee's film,...

Back in August 2013, Spike Lee launched plans for his newest movie on Kickstarter, causing a big hullabaloo in the process. People questioned whether an established director like him was taking money away from other independent filmmakers and projects, even though he clarified that more people came to Kickstarter who had never heard of the service. He added that this was the new order, the new way indie filmmakers like himself got the word out.

Lee did end up earning the funding for his film, just over $1.4 million from over 6,000 backers, and now that film has finally arrived. The movie is Da Sweet Blood of Jesus, a reimagining of a cult horror classic from 1973 Ganja & Hess. Indiewire has details that the film will be released in theaters and VOD, presumably with many perks for Kickstarter backers, on February 13, 2015. This follows its premiere at the American Black Film Festival back in June,...

Spike Lee’s latest film, “Da Sweet Blood of Jesus” has been picked up by Gravitas Ventures! The film, which stars Zaraah Abrahams and Stephen Tyrone Williams, will be distributed in North America by Gravitas Ventures and will come to theaters and on demand Feb. 13, 2015. The film is a reinterpretation of 1973′s popular horror film “Ganja & Hess.” The film, funded through Kickstarter, made its debut at this year’s American Black Film Festival. “Making ‘Da Sweet Blood of Jesus’ is one of my most gratifying experiences in my body of work,” said Lee in a statement. “The support and love we got raising the money through Kickstarter is a [ Read More ]

The post Spike Lee’s Da Sweet Blood of Jesus Coming to Theaters Next February appeared first on Shockya.com.

Gravitas Ventures has acquired North American rights to Spike Lee’s Da Sweet Blood Of Jesus starring Zaraah Abrahams and Stephen Tyrone Williams.

The film, which is a reinterpretation of Bill Gunn’s 1973 cult horror classic “Ganja & Hess,” previously made its debut earlier this year at the American Black Film Festival after a successful Kickstarter campaign to fund the production.

Gravitas will release the film theatrically and on video on demand on February 13, 2015.

“Making Da Sweet Blood Of Jesus is one of my most gratifying experiences in my body of work,” said Spike Lee. “The support and love we got raising the money through Kickstarter is a true blessing. I thank everyone who brought this New Spike Lee Joint to life.”

“We are thrilled to collaborate with Spike Lee to release Da Sweet Blood Of Jesus in theatres and on demand across North America,” said Nolan Gallagher, Gravitas Ventures’ Founder and CEO.

Gravitas Ventures has acquired the North American distribution rights to Spike Lee's horror film Da Sweet Blood of Jesus, which stars Zaraah Abrahams and Stephen Tyrone. Gravitas plans to release the remake of Bill Gunn's 1973 Blaxploitation film Ganja and Hess theatrically and on VOD on February 13, 2015. Da Sweet Blood of Jesus was launched with a Kickstarter campaign last year. Read more 'Da Sweet Blood of Jesus': Film Review The genre pic, from 40 Acres & A Mule Filmworks, is based on a script by Lee and Gunn. Tyrone plays an academic who becomes addicted to blood after finding

read more...

Gravitas Ventures has acquired North American rights to Spike Lee’s Da Sweet Blood Of Jesus starring Zaraah Abrahams and Stephen Tyrone Williams. Separately, Cinema Guild has acquired Asghar Farhadi’s 2009 mystery About Elly.

The reinterpretation of Bill Gunn’s 1973 cult horror classic Ganja & Hess debuted earlier this year at the American Black Film Festival after a successful Kickstarter campaign to fund production.

Gravitas has set a February 13 theatrical and VOD release on the comedy romance about people addicted to blood.

Stephen Tyrone Williams, Elvis Nolasco and Zaraah Abrahams star.

Nolan Gallagher of Gravitas brokered the deal with ICM Partners on behalf of 40 Acres And A Mule Filmworks.

Cinema Guild has picked up all Us rights from DreamLab Films to Asghar Farhadi’s mystery. Cinema Guild has set an April 8 New York theatrical release prior to nationwide expansion for the story of an Iranian teacher on a visit to the seaside who goes missing. About Elly premiered...

Since its premiere at the Abff over the summer, I've been bombarded with emails from readers, asking me if I know when the film will be released theatrically. Well, here you go folks! Wonder no more, as it's coming to a theater and/or video on demand service near you soon. Gravitas Ventures has announced its acquisition of North American rights to Spike Lee’s latest effort, the Kickstarter-funded "Da Sweet Blood of Jesus," a film that we now know is Spike's reinterpretation of Bill Gunn’s 1973 cult horror classic "Ganja & Hess," which stars Zaraah Abrahams and Stephen Tyrone Williams. Gravitas will release the film theatrically and on video on demand, starting...

Gravitas Ventures acquired North American rights to Spike Lee’s Da Sweet Blood Of Jesus. Pic, which stars Zaraah Abrahams and Stephen Tyrone Williams, reinterprets Bill Gunn’s 1973 Ganja & Hess. The movie got off the ground through Kickstarter funding and premiered at the American Black Film Festival. Gravitas will release the film theatrically and on video on demand on February 13, 2015.

“Making Da Sweet Blood Of Jesus is one of my most gratifying experiences in my body of work,” Lee said in a statement. “The support and love we got raising the money through Kickstarter is a true blessing. I thank everyone who brought this New Spike Lee Joint to life.”

Storyline involves an addiction to blood that once doomed a long-forgotten ancient African tribe. When Dr. Hess Green (Williams) is introduced to a mysteriously cursed artifact by an art curator, Lafayette Hightower (Elvis Nolasco), he is uncontrollably drawn into a...

It's been a busy year for Spike Lee. He celebrated the 25th anniversary of "Do the Right Thing." (My interview with producer Jon Kilik here.) He's the go-to guy for shooting stage and concert shows. He directed "Mike Tyson: Undisputed Truth," which HBO aired last fall as well as comedy Store documentary "Jerrod Carmichael: Love at the Store," which HBO will air on October 4. He shot "Amex Unstaged Pharrell Williams Live at the Apollo," "Katt Williams: Priceless" and "Go Brasil Go!" He also helped to create (uncredited) opening sequences for "The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon." A year ago Lee raised a total of $1,418,910 on Kickstarter for horror comedy "Da Sweet Blood of Jesus," his remake of Bill Gunn's "Ganja & Hess," starring Stephen Tyrone Williams, Zaraah Abrahams, Rami Malek, and Elvis Nolasco in a "movie about human beings who are addicted to...

Earlier this week, Spike Lee’s highly anticipated “Da Sweet Blood of Jesus” finally made its world debut at the American Black Film Festival in New York City, where it elicited a wide variation of reactions, ranging from sheer delight to confusion, to complete contempt, with even several indignant walkouts halfway into the premiere screening. I shared my own thoughts on the film yesterday in a review you can read here. A day after the film's premiere, I had the opportunity to speak with Spike Lee at his 40 Acres head quarters in Brooklyn, NY, along with the film's lead actors Zaraah Abrahams and Stephen Tyrone Williams, discussing everything from the casting process to the...

The first image from Spike Lee's Kickstarter project, Da Sweet Blood of Jesus, is here courtesy of Black Film, and you can check it out right here. Look for the flick to premiere on Sunday, June 22, at the 18th Annual American Black Film Festival.

Zaraah Abrahams, Stephen Tyrone Williams, Michael K. Williams, Felicia Pearson, Steven Hauck, and Elvis Nolasco star in the film, which focuses on human beings who are addicted to blood. It's a new kind of love story (and not a remake of Blacula).

“It’s scary. Humorous. Bloody. Sexy,” said Lee in a previous interview, adding that the film uses blood as a “metaphor. As we all know, human beings have many addictions. Drugs, sex, alcohol, power, money, Air Jordans [laughs]. In this one they’re addicted to blood. We shot in New York, Martha’s Vineyard... We shot it in 16 days, and we were one day ahead of schedule.

After nine eventful series, ITV's Dancing on Ice finally hangs up its skates this Sunday (March 9).

Since its launch on January 14, 2006, the show has given us some truly memorable comedic moments - with Todd Carty's stumble off the rink in series four certainly springing to mind.

As ITV prepares to broadcast the last televised Bolero performance from Olympian duo Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean and crown its final pair of winners, we present ten facts about Dancing on Ice in celebration of all things icy and sparkly.

1. Since 2006, Torvill and Dean have taught an incredible 111 different celebrities, comprising a total of 700 choreographed routines and a staggering 260 days on the ice. This all amounts to a grand total of 3,432 hours spent coaching. Somebody give them another medal!

2. Alongside all this training and coaching, the Olympic champions have also performed 90 different routines themselves for the show over the nine years.

3. Speaking of figures,...

S&A recently reached out to filmmaker Kiandra Parks to learn more about her critically-acclaimed short film Black Girl in Paris, her chance encounter with director Spike Lee early in her career, and the current project she's using Kickstarter to help fund, C'est La Vie, a feature film homage to Lee's She's Gotta Have It. Black Girl in Paris, a narrative film about a down-on-her-luck writer living in The City of Lights who experiences personal and sexual awakening thanks to a savvy prostitute, is currently available on HBO Go, until March 31.  The short film stars Tracey Heggins and Zaraah Abrahams.  Written and directed by Parks, Black Girl in Paris is adapted from the...

An update on a short film we've been following for a while, Black Girl in Paris.  Based on the novel by Shay Youngblood, the film stars Tracey Heggins (Medicine for Melancholy) as a down-on-her-luck writer who experiences personal and sexual awakening thanks to a savvy prostitute, played by Zaraah Abrahams (Spike Lee's upcoming Da Sweet Blood of Jesus). After filming in 2012 and touring the festival circuit in 2013, winning Abff's short film award, the project is now headed to HBO.  Black Girl in Paris is written and directed by Kiandra Parks. Find broadcast details Here.  Below, find a few sizzle reel glimpses from the film:...

Bonnie Langford has become the latest celebrity to leave Dancing on Ice All-Stars.

Langford follows in the footsteps of Zaraah Abrahams, who exited the ITV competition at the end of last Sunday's (January 26) live show.

Langford and partner Andrei Lipanov had to battle it out in the skate-off with Sam Attwater and Vicky Ogden to decide who remained in the show.

Duel winners Kyran Bracken, Hayley Tamaddon, Ray Quinn and Gareth Gates were earlier given immunity from elimination.

Attwater performed to 'Don't Stop the Music' by Jamie Cullum in the skate-off, while Langford performed to 'Big Spender' in a bid to stay in the competition.

Judges Karen Barber, Ashley Roberts and Jason Gardiner all voted to save Attwater, while head judge Robin Cousins said he would have done the same.

Langford said on hearing the result: "These skaters are all wonderful. They're all half my age. I don't...

Last week we were treated to 'Dance Week' and got to witness Beth Tweddle in a kilt, Gareth Gates attempting street dance and the surprise elimination of Zaraah Abrahams. What could be better than that, I hear you ask? Well this week is 'Duel Week'.

That's right. Two celebrity pairings will be taking to the ice at the same time. Join Digital Spy at 6.15pm to see the remaining eight celebrities battle it out.

20:55So that's it from us tonight guys. Join us again next week.

20:54It's 80's week next week, hopefully Schofe will be rocking a mullet.

20:54Aww Bonnie, I shall miss your gurning face and how your voice gets higher and higher as the show goes on.

20:52Jason also saves Sam meaning Bonnie is going home.

20:52Ashley follows suit and also saves Sam.

20:51Karen saves Sam.

20:50If Bonnie leaves, do you...

Duncan James has revealed that he was close to signing up for this year's all-star edition of Dancing on Ice.

Speaking to Digital Spy at the launch of Pentahotel Warrington, which was organised by Mason Media and 20 Ten Entertainment, James explained that he just didn't have time in his schedule for the show.

"I was meant to do Dancing on Ice this year, but I couldn't do it for certain reasons." he said.

"I was quite gutted, because I would have liked to have done it. I was asked to do it and I was in the final in 2007, but it just couldn't happen with my schedule, it just couldn't work."

James, who finished third in the show's second series, added: "I would have had to start training last year when [Blue] were on tour and all sorts, and I just couldn't commit myself to it. But I am really supportive...