We're starting off 2024 with a lot more exciting things in store! As the Director of the DC Office of Cable Television, Film, Music, and Entertainment (OCTFME) over the past year, I wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to each one of you. Leading this office has been an incredible journey, and I'm immensely grateful for the support and collaboration that we've received from our wonderful community of creatives. I cannot wait to keep the momentum going. We are committed to bringing you top-notch entertainment experiences that cater to your diverse interests and preferences.
In February, we celebrated Black History Month—a time to honor the contributions of African Americans to our nation's history and culture. We celebrated with a series of events that highlighted the achievements and honor the perseverance of the black community, featuring renowned performers, thought-provoking discussions, and artistic displays. The city came together to acknowledge, appreciate, and learn from the past as we build a more inclusive future.
We were excited to commemorate the fourth anniversary of the Go-Go bill signing. This landmark legislation has played a pivotal role in preserving and promoting the vibrant Go-Go music scene in our city. We hosted a series of concerts and cultural events, showcasing the undeniable influence of Go-Go music on our community and honoring this milestone to ensure the longevity of this cherished art form.
I want to express my deepest gratitude to all of you for your continued support and partnership. The past year has been an incredible journey, and I am honored to serve as your director. Together, we will continue to create memorable experiences, foster community engagement, and promote the vibrant arts and culture scene in our city.
OCTFME extends a special thank you to our photographers:
Darrell Stoney, Patricia McDougall, Avante Davis, Markel Gale
Celebrating Homegrown National Celebrities and Critically Acclaimed Movies Filmed in The District
as Part of OCTFME's DC Film Rebate Program
The iconic March on Washington scene in the acclaimed Netflix film "Rustin" was expertly captured against the backdrop of Washington, DC, thanks in part to the support of the DC Film Rebate Program. The film's stellar portrayal and the remarkable performance by Colman Domingo have garnered widespread acclaim, earning numerous award nominations and cementing "Rustin" as a standout in contemporary cinema. Notably, co-screenwriter Julian Breece hails from Washington, DC, adding a hometown touch to the project.
Hometown hero Jeffrey Wright, also starred in Rustin, was nominated this week for an Oscar for his leading role in "American Fiction" and is also known for roles in "Westworld" and "The Batman." He won a 1994 Tony Award for his role in "Angels in America" — and he got his first job through Marion Barry's Summer Youth Employment Program in 1982.
"I worked at Douglass Pool over in Anacostia, in the locker room, when I was about 15 years old, and that was the start to my working life," Wright said. "It opened up just so many possibilities for me that summer, the primary being making a little cash, which was always useful. But it also just was the beginning of lessons and responsibility that I carry with me to this day."
We were thrilled to host an advanced screening of The Color Purple movie was held to pay homage to Taraji P. Henson, a native of DC, in partnership with Mayor Muriel Bowser. The event was a huge success, and the attendees were treated to an exclusive screening of the movie. We would like to express our gratitude to everyone who participated and helped make this event possible. Together, we celebrate the talent and accomplishments of one of DC's own.
"We live in a city where Black history is DC history and DC history is Black history. This month – and every month – we’re sharing our history, we’re celebrating Black excellence, and we’re uplifting the people and voices who continue to make DC the greatest city in the world," says Mayor Bowser.
“African Americans and the Arts” was this year’s Black History Month Theme that has been designated by the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH). The Mayor’s Office on African American Affairs (MOAAA) and the Office of Cable Television, Film, Music and Entertainment (OCTFME) hosted Black History Month events all month long in keeping with this year’s theme. Weekly events around the themes that honor and celebrate Black history and culture in DC, include:
The Welcome Black event was hosted by Mayor Bowser and co-hosted by comedian and radio personality Joe Clair, who invited a cast of local performers to the stage to highlight the history of the African Diaspora. Performances included DC-based organizations and local artists, including: a dance interpretation by members of the Dance Institute of Washington that highlighted early African American history; a jazz performance from Marcus Johnson that raised awareness about Black contributions during the renaissance era; and a salute to R&B and Go-Go music performed by the bounce kings TCB.
There was also artwork on display from local Black artists from across DC. The event took place at Carlyle Room, a Black-owned venue that hosts jazz, soul, and R&B performances year-round in the heart of Downtown DC.
Mayor Muriel Bowser and members of the District of Columbia Combat Sports Commission hosted an event called "Black in Action" to celebrate Black History Month. The event brought together boxers from the past and present to honor them for their contributions to the sport.
The honorees included Mayweather Promotions Jalil "Major" Hackett, the new WBC Youth Champion, guest announcer Henry "Discombobulating" Jones, WBA Super Featherweight Champion, Lamont Roach Jr, and Jahmal Harvey, U.S. hopeful for the Paris Summer Olympic Games (virtually).
To close out Black History Month, OCTFME hosted Mayor Bowser’s First Annual Jazz in the City Jazz Festival at the Carlyle Room. The standing room only audience enjoyed performances by ASCAP and Grammy-winning pianist and producer Daniel Weatherspoon, Crank Crusaders ft. DC’s own Grammy-nominated R&B crooner Raheem DeVaughn, DC native Marcus Johnson, Carly Harvey and Amy K. Bormet.
Attendees included DC’s former First Lady, Cora Barry, and Chair of the Commission on Arts and Humanities, Reggie Van Lee.
The evening’s free event underscores Mayor Bowser’s support of the arts and her vision for more entertainment downtown.
This year, Keep the Beat Week, February 19-23, marked the four-year anniversary signing of the "Go-Go Official Music of the District of Columbia Designation Act of 2019" by Mayor Bowser on February 19, 2020. Since then, Go-Go has been the official music of the nation’s capital.
The celebration included a holistic approach to activating the Go-Go community, ranging from education to healing and wellness programming.
Residents from all 8 wards of the city were welcome to engage with the events and programming, which will honor Go-Go’s past, present, and future.
Let’s Keep the Beat going!
For more information visit, www.creativeaffairsdc.com/keepthebeat
OCTFME, in partnership with the DC Public Library, and the Mayor’s Office of Nightlife and Culture (MONC), hosted a free Go-Go anniversary concert that brought together some of DC’s greatest Go-Go musicians at the historic Howard Theatre. The event was hosted by Mike Brooks and featured legendary performances by EU, Backyard Band, and New Impressionz.
Click here to watch more
Women in Go-Go Panel was an inspiring evening celebrating the incredible women in the Go-Go music scene at The Alumni at Baby Wale. This panel featured Kimise, Ms. Kim, Michelle Blackwell, Kacey, Sweet Cherie & other leading ladies in the Go-Go community, moderated by WPGC’s Midday host Poet. The conversation centered around women’s experiences in Go-Go from behind the scenes to leading bands.
LOVE & GO-GO Cafe hosted by Poet Charity Blackwell
Reminiscent of the cult classic movie, Love Jones, 202Creates presented the Love & Go-Go café. Attendees enjoyed an evening of spoken word to Go-Go pieces backed by a live band. Spoken Word to Go-Go finalists partnered with couples who’ve participated in our Love & Go-Go social media campaign and turned their love stories into spoken word pieces.
For more information, please visit www.creativeaffairsdc.com/keepthebeatweek
The day of health, fitness, and Go-Go fun was a huge success! Attendees enjoyed free community sessions of health and fitness classes accompanied by a live band and pre-recorded Go-Go music. There was a variety of classes available, including yoga, mindfulness, and dance aerobics. Attendees were able to unwind with sound bath meditations and learn to ‘beat their feet’ with Crazy Legs.
The event took place at Stead Park Recreation Center, 1625 P Street, NW Washington DC. Those who attended had a great time and it was a day to remember. If you missed out, don't worry! Keep an eye out for future events like this and come join us for some fun and healthy activities.
For more information, please visit www.creativeaffairsdc.com/keepthebeatweek
Over 40 restaurants across Downtown DC, with the support of the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington (RAMW), will offer a variety of morning, lunch, and happy hour specials. Specials will run through March 31 and allow residents, visitors, and workers to explore the Downtown DC dining scene.
For a full list of restaurants participating in the Be Downtown Specials, CLICK HERE.
In collaboration with the Mayor's Office of African American Affairs, OCTFME sponsored an exclusive interview with Common. Common is a multi-award-winning artist, author, and activist. During the interview, he shared his journey towards self-discovery and emphasized the significance of mental and physical health in achieving fulfillment in life. Common's latest book, "And Then We Rise: A Guide to Loving and Taking Care of Self", offers a comprehensive program for promoting self-care and well-being, encouraging individuals and communities alike to prioritize themselves. The conversation was hosted by New York Times bestseller Clint Smith, and both speakers delved into key topics related to self-care and community well-being.
DC BLACK HISTORY FILM FESTIVAL
The 2024 DC Black History Film Festival was a sold out 2-day event that took place on Friday, February 9th at the Lincoln Theater in NW and on Saturday, February 10th at Alamo Cinema Drafthouse in NE. The festival is an annual celebration of Black History through film, arts, and culture.
Director LaToya Foster delivered remarks on behalf of Mayor Bowser to celebrate the Warner Theater's Centennial Anniversary and highlight the economic and cultural impact of live entertainment not just in Washington D.C. but also in cities around the country. Together, along with Live Nation, they toasted to 100 years of entertainment at the Warner Theatre and set their sights on the next 100 years of live entertainment in the nation's capital and beyond. The event was hosted at the Warner Theater, on the stage, during the US Conference of Mayor's (USCM) Winter Meeting.
DC Star is a Quarterly Creative Industry Contributor Special Spotlight Feature. It recognizes the achievements of one (1) District resident each quarter who has demonstrated a significant and notable accomplishment in the area of creativity, education, creative entrepreneurship, economic revitalization of creative businesses, social justice, or racial equity in the District of Columbia.
“Raymone K. Bain's remarkable career and achievements are a testament to her unwavering dedication, pioneering spirit, and exceptional skills. Her contributions to the entertainment industry, sports management, and community initiatives are truly remarkable, and her impact will be felt for generations to come. Congratulations on your incredible legacy, Raymone, and thank you for your outstanding leadership and service," says Director LaToya Foster.
The District of Columbia Office of Cable Television, Film, Music & Entertainment is responsible for implementing, managing, and administering programs, initiatives, and services that support the District's creative economy. Sign up for our email list to receive monthly news & updates.
Award-winning Peter Kimball is the OCTFME February 2024 Filmmaker of the Month. Peter is an accomplished screenwriter, director, and advocate for d/Deaf representation. As the father of a deaf child, Peter has been a strong voice and advocate for inclusion and diversity in filmmaking and society at large. His 2023 film "Millstone" won the Grand Jury Prize at the Slamdance Film Festival and has gone on to play at festivals around the world. In addition to his work in fiction, Peter has directed several documentaries, including "My Brother is Deaf," a short film documentary that premiered at Slamdance in 2022 and won "Best Short Documentary" at DC Independent Film Festival as well as the ADA Award for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Access at Thomas Edison Film Festival. The short film also qualified for shortlist consideration for Academy Award in 2023. Peter is a respected script consultant and screenplay adapter and has worked as a programmer for major film festivals. He is also a dedicated teacher, sharing his expertise with students at American University and George Mason University.
For Peter’s Filmmaker of the Month Press Release CLICK HERE.
The heartbeat of the District Wharf is live music and entertainment. And February’s OCTFME Location of the Month, Southwest Waterfront’s Union Stage consistently delivers an incredible schedule of emerging talent along with established acts. The venue is a live music goers dream, with acts gracing their stage from the District and beyond. Union Stage boasts three bars and can pack up 225 seated or 450 standing guests at 7,500 square feet. This waterfront establishment is the brainchild of the Brindley Brothers, Luke, Daniel and Jonathan, who built what has quickly become known as one of the District’s most popular music venues. From amazing sound quality, state-of-the-art equipment, a signature menu and unforgettable performances, the Southwest Waterfront’s Union Stage is .
For the Union Station Location of the Month Press Release CLICK HERE.
LaTrice Amanda founded Bird Out Of The Cage Productions, formerly known as A LaTrice Production, and has written and produced award-winning films that have become official selections at national and international film festivals. Her extensive educational background includes a Master of Arts in Creative Writing with a specialization in Television and Film from Full Sail University (2012) and a Doctoral candidate focusing on academic curriculum design.
Mayor Muriel Bowser and the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (DMPED) hosted their tenth annual March Madness event at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center. The event highlighted opportunities to provide quality affordable housing, attract and support businesses, and other resources for District residents. At the event, Mayor Bowser announced three businesses that will expand their footprint in Washington, DC through the Vitality Fund, creating 232 new jobs and leasing nearly 90,000 square feet of office space in Downtown DC.
Director LaToya Foster skillfully led a panel discussion on Tourism and Activations, bringing together some of the most accomplished leaders in their fields to share their insights and expertise. The conversation was a powerful reminder of the potential for collaboration and innovation to drive positive change and growth in the District. The members of the panel were Robin McClain, Chief Marketing Officer of Destination DC , Angie M. Gates, President & CEO of Events DC, Shawn Townsend, President & CEO of Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington DC , and Solomon Keene, President & CEO of Hotel Association of Washington DC .
You're invited!
Save the date for Tuesday, March 26th at Eaton Hotel for an exciting event Conversations with Women in Media and Entertainment Panel.
Join us for a captivating discussion with women leaders in the arts and entertainment industries as they share their dynamic journeys and inspirational stories. This inaugural event will provide networking opportunities and intergenerational perspectives, paying homage to women who have paved the way in media and entertainment. Don't miss out on this exclusive insight into the changing face of media and entertainment. Stay tuned for more details!
Our mission is to produce and broadcast programming for the District of Columbia’s public, educational, and government access (PEG) cable channels and digital radio station; regulate the District of Columbia’s cable television service providers; provide customer service for cable subscribers; and support a sustainable creative economy and labor market the District of Columbia.
