Xenon Pictures title list for selected platforms and territories
Xenon Pictures | Worldwide Avails
URBAN FEATURES
Joy Road
a film by HARRY DAVISWood Harris, Roger Guenveur Smith, N'Bushe Wright, Obba Babatundé, Christian Mathis
Directed by: Harry Davis
A burned out lawyer looking for a new direction in life has to put his plans on hold when his sister asks him to defend her fiancé, a gang kingpin who is under arrest for a triple murder that he says he didn’t commit. Suddenly the feds and a shadowy corporation get involved, along with a private investigator who seems to be working all sides.
“Directed with gritty authenticity… an extraordinary script” -Sundance Film Festival
Durdy Game Director’s Cut
(Director's Cut)Tawny Dahl, Janisha Faith, Karima Holloway, Jay Barron, Najawaun Ali
Directed by: Mody Mod
Three bitter young women involve themselves with a gang that targets well-to-do black men, leading to a series of home invasion robberies that ends in the murder of someone close to them.
“…the ultimate story of reaping what one sows.”—Variety
KLA$H
Jasmine Guy, Giancarlo Esposito, Paul Campbell, Carl Bradshaw
Directed by: Bill Parker
“The Mandalorian”, “Breaking Bad” and “Better Call Saul”‘s Giancarlo Esposito stars in this action-packed, Reggae-soaked noir film set in Jamaica about a world-weary photographer who falls into the clutches of a sexy dance hall girl and her world of crime, deceit and murder. Features a box-office heist at a major Reggae concert…and was filmed during the actual event.
“An explosive sun-drenched, rum-soaked thriller.”—Sundance Film Festival
With or Without You
Mushond Lee, Cynda Williams, Guy Torry
Directed by: G. Stubbs
Robert Hightower’s seemingly perfect life is turned upside down when his girlfriend announces that she is pregnant and pressures him to get married.
Mixing Nia
A film by Alison SwanKaryn Parsons, Isaiah Washington, Eric Thal, Diego Serrano
Directed by: Alison Swan
Directed and written by Alison Swan, featuring an all-star cast, and praised by festivals around the world, Mixing Nia is a refreshing, romantic, and hilarious take on identity and relationships.
Nia Evans (Karyn Parsons – Fresh Prince of Bel Air) appears to have “the perfect life” – she’s beautiful, young, and intelligent with a loving family and a lucrative job at a New York advertising firm. That is until
her employer gives her the assignment that seems ... Read more
BLAXPLOITATION!
Coonskin
Barry White, Scatman Crothers, Philip Michael Thomas, Charles Gordone
Directed by: Ralph Bakshi
“The most incendiary work of the entire genre” – Quentin Tarantino
Starring Scatman Crothers, Phillip Michael Thomas, and soul legend Barry White. Originally reviled by activists (who had not seen the film), Coonskin has now been acknowledged by critics as the important masterpiece that it is. Rap superstars The Wu Tang Clan have expressed their love for the film, and want to produce a remake.
“Coonskin could be RALPH BAKSHI’S MASTERPIECE.”-New York Times
Lord Shango
A Battle Between Gospel Glory and Shango SACRIFICE! Remastered from Original Elements! 1974 lost blaxploitation/horror classic!Marlene Clarke Lawrence Cook Wally Taylor
Directed by: Ray Marsh
In this horror film, black African Christians confront the traditional religion of their peers when a Yoruban priest is drowned after attempting to stop the Christian baptism of a young girl and her mother. Trouble ensues when the priest comes back to life.
“Rife with powerful allegory … A film of style and deep substance that ranks among the best independent works of 1970s Black cinema.” – Screen Slate
This came out of nowhere and hit me like a ton of bricks…. extremely well constructed …. I can’t recommend it enough! – Chris Kirby, Letterboxd
The Black Godfather
Rod Perry, Jimmy Witherspoon
Directed by: John Evans
A small-time numbers runner takes on the drug king pin that murdered his best friend.
ABAR: Black Superman
Tobar Mayo, J. Walter Smith, Roxie Young, Gladys Lum, Tony Rumford
Directed by: Frank Packard
A black scientist moves his family into an affluent neighborhood, only to be greeted with threats and vandalism by their new white neighbors. When the bigotry turns murderous, the good doctor works to transform his militant bodyguard into a black superman with fantastic physical strength and mental powers that set the stage for a remarkable climax!
“Strike fear into the hearts of intolerant racists everywhere.” Rovi
Blackenstein
Referenced in Eddie Murphy's "Dolemite is My Name"!Joseph De Sue, Ivory Stone, Roosevelt Jackson, Liz Renay, Cardella Di Milo
Directed by: William A. Levey
Eddie, a Vietnam vet who has lost his arms and legs, is restored by DNA expert Dr. Stein. But the results turn monstrous when a rival for Eddie’s fiancée gives him the wrong medication.
BLAXPLOITATION: The Films of Rudy Ray Moore – DOLEMITE (more info!)
Dolemite
Eddie Murphy stars as Rudy Ray Moore in 2019's "Dolemite is My Name"Rudy Ray Moore, Lady Reed, Jerry Jones
Directed by: D'urville Martin
The legendary classic…the pillar of the ‘blaxploitation’ genre….Rudy Ray Moore is DOLEMITE!
Dolemite and his beautiful All-Girl-Army of Kung Fu Killers take on the corrupt city in this groundbreaking film whose influence is still being felt today. The basis for Eddie Murphy’s “Dolemite is My Name”!
“The Citizen Kane of kung-fu pimpin’ films”—New York Times
The Human Tornado
(Dolemite II)Rudy Ray Moore, Lady Reed, Jimmy Lynch, Ernie Hudson
Directed by: Cliff Roquemore
In this sequel to the smash hit Dolemite, Dolemite is on the run from a redneck sheriff who has caught him with his woman. Dolemite and his posse (including a young Ernie Hudson) dodge the sheriff and his bullets in a high-speed chase that takes them to LA. Upon Dolemite’s arrival, he learns that Queen Bee (Lady Reed) and her Kung Fu Girls have been pushed out of the night-club business by a ruthless competitor who ... Read more
“The most essential Dolemite movie…”-ColeSmithey.com
Petey Wheatstraw: The Devil’s Son-In-Law
Remastered from Original Elements!Rudy Ray Moore, Jimmy Lynch, Leroy & Skillet, Eboni Wryte, Wildman Steve
Directed by: Cliff Roquemore
One of the classic films from Dolemite himself – Rudy Ray Moore! Gunned down by the mob, a comedian is given a second chance at life if he will marry the Devil’s hideous daughter.
“…[Moore] delivers his particular brand of humor forcefully…” – Variety
Disco Godfather
Remastered from Original Elements!Rudy Ray Moore, Carol Speed, Lady Reed, Jimmy Lynch, Jerry Jones
Directed by: D'urville Martin
Rudy Ray Moore’s fourth in a series of cult favorites finds him playing an ex-cop called back into action to stop an angel dust producer.
“Rudy Ray Moore is a comic genius.” –ColeSmithey.com
INDIE / CULT
Hunting Bigfoot
John Green, Ben Cockman, Monica Sarah Lynn
Directed by: Taylor Guterson
Did he really see it? Or was it just in his head?
As he emerges from yet another long slog in the Northwest wilderness, John’s resolve remains undiminished. Long estranged from his family, John checks in to grab some provisions and touch base with some fellow sympathizers and true believers before resuming his all-consuming quest—to verify the existence of a Sasquatch he claims to have witnessed.
In Hunting Bigfoot, Seattle-based filmmaker, ... Read more
“Perhaps the greatest sasquatch movie ever made…”
– Michael Medved
Traveling Light
Tony Todd, Danny Huston, Olivia D'Abo, Stephen Dorff, Duke Nicholson, Matthew Jacobs
Directed by: Bernard Rose
Funny and frightening in equal measure, Traveling Light is a Bunuelian satire of bourgeoise life in Los Angeles at a moment of extreme crisis. From Candyman creator / director Bernard Rose.
“Continues Rose’s ongoing efforts to create haunting miniatures about life in Los Angeles with a classical twist.” –Vulture
Oversexed Rugsuckers from Mars
Must be seen to be believedDick Monda, Billybob Rhoads
Directed by: Michael Paul Girard
Tiny Martians use Earth as a laboratory to try out new life forms. They return after ten million years only to find that the human experiment is a complete failure. They decide to mate a human with a vacuum cleaner to create a species that will be better at cleaning up after itself, but a programming error by a drunken Martian sends the oversexed cleaner on a wild rampage of rape, murder and overall bad manners.
“MY SICKEST PLEASURE”
—cincity2000.com
Plaster Caster
Cynthia Plaster Caster, Noel Redding, Eric Burden, Jello Biafra, Pete Shelley
Directed by: Jessica Villenes
Artist-turned-groupie or groupie-turned-artist? Decide for yourself as Cynthia Plastercaster tells her amazing story with the help of some of the famous rockers whose “members” she has immortalized.
“Superb. Hilarious”—San Francisco Chronicle
Gam Cam Grrl
The lost cult classic
Directed by: Paul Michael Girard
A farfetched story filled with quirky humor, international intrigue, clueless crime fighting government agencies, and a beautiful girl with a web cam and some very peculiar ideas about how best to achieve her ambitious, mostly illegal, cyber objectives.
GENERAL AUDIENCE
Outsourced
The film that inspired the hit NBC series!Josh Hamilton, Larry Pine, Ayesha Dharker, Arjun Mathur
Directed by: John Jeffcoat
U.S. based Western Novelty decides to outsource it’s personnel to India and as a result a large number of employees are let go. Before he himself is let go, Todd Anderson is instructed to travel to Gharapuri to train Purohit to replace him. He travels there via Mumbai, and finds his name comically mispronounced as ‘Toad’. He realizes that he must educate himself about Indian culture before he could even think of Americanizing Purohit and his subordinates. ... Read more
The Book of Stars
Mary Stuart Masterson, Jena Malone, Karl Geary, Delroy Lindo, D.B. Sweeny
Directed by: Michael Miner
An emotionally crippled woman named Penny prostitutes herself to help take care of her sister Mary who has cystic fibrosis. Mary is determined to re-ignite a spark of hope in Penny’s life by expressing her deepest feelings in her BOOK OF STARS. A beautiful film with astounding sound track.
Mary Stuart Masterson (Penny) gives the performance of a lifetime.
“A beautiful film with astounding sound track.. Mary Stuart Masterson gives the performance of a lifetime.”
TV: The Movie
Steve-O, Chris Pontius, Preston Lacy, Jason "Wee Man" Acuña, Sam Maccarone
Directed by: Sam Maccarone
“Jackassian” stunts combined with sketch comedy form the basis of this demented channel-surfing adventure for the unfocused youth of the world. From “Fear Factor” to “Wife Swap” to “The Apprentice” to “Girls Gone Wild”, nothing is off limits.
“A movie that dares you to watch it…Steve-O [is] the poster boy for a lack of foresight, getting thoroughly drunk and stoned”—Richmond Times-Dispatch
Dos Coyotes
(Two Coyotes)Joe Esteves, Jorge Cordova, Nico Guilak
Directed by: Jose Reyes Bencomo
Goodfellas meets Traffic in this complex, violent tale of loyalty and betrayal in the Mexican Mafia. The right hand man to a Mexican drug lord must choose between his own survival and that of his closest friend after the latter commits a gruesome double murder.
Pure White B*tch
A film by DAVID POMESAnson Mount, Xander Berkeley, Ryan Donowho, Polly Cole, Rutherford Cravens
Directed by: David Pomes
Pure White B*tch unflinchingly tells a raw story of rural life where crystal meth dictates the family dynamic.
After a stint in prison, Sonny (Xander Berkeley -Air Force One, Terminator 2) returns to his home in East Texas, determined to repair his relationship with his son, Abe. Standing in his way is his brother Bump (Anson Mount -“Star Trek: Strange New Worlds”, Dr. Strange in the Multiverse of Madness), who ... Read more
A Day Without A Mexican
Yareli Arizmendi, John Getz, Maureen Flannigan, Muse Watson
Directed by: Sergio Arau
California awakens one day to discover that its entire Latino population has vanished. A peculiar pink fog surronds the state and communication outside its boundaries has completely shut down. As the day progresses, it becomes apparent that the sole charateristic linking the missing 14 million is their Hispanic heritage.
7 Dias
(7 Days)Eduardo Arroyuelo, Martha Higareda, Jaime Camil, Sofia Vergara, Roberto D'Amico
Directed by: Fernando Kalife
An unlikely friendship develops between a small-time concert promoter and a mobster who work together against all odds to bring the band U2 to Monterrey, Mexico. (U2 performs in the film)
“Engaging and heartfelt”— Leonard Maltin
FLATLAND
Sci-fi meets martial artsDennis Hopper, Francoise Yip, Phillip Rhys, Bumper Robinson
For 4000 years an apocalyptic battle has been raging in an alternate timeline. In the year 2010 the battle lands in Hong Kong where two ancient foes have been reincarnated to fight to the death. This is the story of a private war between good and evil-and the fate of the entire planet is at stake.
Series 22 Episodes: 44 mins ea.
From the producer of “The Godfather” and “Billion Dollar Baby”.
Born to Lead: Jim Calhoun
The Definitive Biography
During a career that spanned 40 years as head coach at the University of Connecticut, legendary basketball coach Jim Calhoun won 873 games and three national championships which puts him in a league with the people like UNC Tar Heels coach Dean Smith and UCLA coaching great John Wooden.
DOCUMENTARIES – other
ABOUT FACE: Jewish Refugees in the Allied Forces
Peter Coyote (narrator), Henry Kissinger
Directed by: Steven Karras
Documents the as-yet-untold WWII story of young Jewish men and women who escaped certain death at the hands of the Nazis…and returned to fight them in Europe and North Africa. Told via the recollections of these brave men and women, the film chronicles the journey from Nazi victim, to refugee and finally, to Allied soldiers and spies.
“For all those who have not heard this story at their father’s or grandfather’s knee, and for anyone who has considered the question, ‘Why didn’t the Jews fight back?’ this is essential.” The Jewish News
MUSIC & CONCERTS
Welcome to Death Row
Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Suge Knight, Tupac Shakur, Kevin Powell, Eazy E
Directed by: Leigh Savidge
The true story of the rise and fall of Death Row Records. As told in the words of the people who lived it, Welcome to Death Row tells the story of this enigmatic enterprise, its shadowy origins, and how it forever changed American business.
“Riveting”—The San Francisco Chronicle
Straight Outta Puerto Rico: Reggaeton’s Rough Road to Glory
Daddy Yankee, Tego Calderon, Luny Tunes, Don Omar, Daddy Yankee
Directed by: Leigh Savidge, Jim Chankin
STRAIGHT OUTTA PUERTO RICO explores the burgeoning Reggaeton music scene, from its roots in Jamaican Reggae and Latin American Soca rhythms to its meteoric rise in popularity and the multitude of artists that are the driving force behind this scorching musical phenomenon. Features top Reggaeton stars Daddy Yankee, Tego Calderon, DJ Playero, The Luny Tunes and many more!
Eminem AKA
Marshall Mathers (a.k.a. Eminem), Treach, Debbie Mathers, Kim Mathers, Todd Nelson
The story of rap superstar Eminem and his rise to fame, as told through interviews with family and friends. Featuring extensive interviews with his mother (the notorious Debbie Mathers who sued her son for defamation of character), his grandmother and his late Uncle Todd, as well as music industry colleagues and others who knew him in his formative years, here at last is the real 8 Mile.
STAND-UP
JAY LENO
The 1984 Los Angeles Comedy CompetitionJay Leno, Ray Combs, Fred Willard, Steve Oedekerk, Howie Gold
America’s best-known comedian hosts the 1984 LA Comedy Competition. The show includes 25 minutes of Leno’s world-famous nightclub act from that era. Fred Willard is hilarious as one of the celebrity judges.
Rudy Ray Moore: EAT OUT MORE OFTEN
Restored from original 35mm elementsRudy Ray Moore, Leroy & Skillet
Directed by: Cliff Roqumore
While Rudy Ray Moore is best remembered today for his outrageous blaxploitation movies, such as Dolemite and The Human Tornado, he started out as a standup comedian who broke barriers for off-color comedy on such “party” albums as “This Pussy Belong to Me”. Eat Out More Often is a restored performance film which captures Moore live on-stage, delivering the rhyming rap routines and epic tales of sexual conquest that first made him famous. (Some portions previously released on home ... Read more
“This man is a hot mess; he was ahead of his time. Make sure the kids are asleep upstairs.” – Amazon User Review
Rudy Ray Moore: Live at Wetlands
Rudy Ray Moore
Directed by: Donald H. Randell
Rudy Ray Moore returns to his R&B roots in this incredible September, 2000 live performance at Wetlands, N.Y.C. The man who taught America how to rap is back to show us how to sing the Blues.
“…he wisecracked his way through a world of uncontrollable lusts and endless battles: men challenging men for dominance, and women demanding that men perform.”—The New York Times
Before They Were Kings
The Whole Damn Thing!Dave Chappelle, Martin Lawrence, Steve Harvey, Keenan Wayans, Chris Rock, DL Hughley, Arsenio Hall, AJ Jamal, Happy Cole
With nothing more than a punchline and a dream, these struggling artists transformed themselves into comedy legends. Here is a rare opportunity to see some of today’s greatest stars perform the routines that would one day make them kings of comedy.
BLACK HISTORY
Authorized by the King Foundation
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr: An Historical Perspective
Endorsed by The King FoundationDr. Martin Luther King Jr. Narrated by Arthur Burghardt
This comprehensive and fully authorized documentary traces King’s life and the development of his philosophies, set against the backdrop of the Civil Rights movement.
“This outstanding production deserves a place in all collections”-School Library Journal
The Legend of Dolemite
Bigger & BadderRudy Ray Moore, Mike D. (Beastie Boys), Ice T, Eddie Griffin, LaWanda Paige
Directed by: Ross Guidici
Rudy Ray Moore tells all as only he can in this all-new retrospective legendary career. From his humble beginnings to his crowning as “King of the Party Records,” Rudy Ray guides us through his struggles and triumphs in the film and music industries.
Nightfighters: The True Story of the 332nd Fighter Group, Tuskegee Airmen
The 332nd Fighter Group, Tuskegee Airmen, Arthur Burghardt (Narrator)
The story of the Tuskegee Airmen, a group of elite black pilots who distinguished themselves during numerous World War II combat missions over Europe is documented.
“Outstanding”
— Video Librarian
Slippin’: 10 Years with The Bloods
a film by TOMMY SOWARDS and JOACHIM SCHROEDERThe Bloods street-gang
Directed by: Tommy Sowards and Joachim Schroeder
Over a period of 10 years, filmmakers Joachim Schroeder and Tommy Sowards hit the streets to follow a group of teenagers from L.A.’s Rollin’ 20s Bloods documenting the violent and troubled lives of one of the toughest gangs in the country.
“No preaching or moralizing…JUST STRAIGHT FORWARD TRUTH.”
-New York Times
Huey P. Newton: Prelude to Revolution
Huey P. Newton, The Black Panther Party
Directed by: John Evans
Filmmaker John Evans’ never-before-seen interview with jailed revolutionary and founder of the Black Panther Party, Huey P. Newton.
You see bullet riddled walls, ransacked family dwellings and shattered windows. This is the very terrorism that Huey and the Black Panther Party were standing up against.”—activist Assata Shakur
GOSPEL
Mahalia Jackson: The Power & The Glory
MAJOR HOLLYWOOD BIOPICS in the works!Mahalia Jackson, Studs Terkel, Jessie Jackson, George Avakian, Brother John Sellers
Directed by: Jeff Scheftel
Meet the gospel great who has influenced many of today’s pop superstars. This special edition DVD combines the outstanding documentary Mahalia Jackson: The Power & the Glory, with over two hours of vintage kinescope performances from the 1961 series, “Mahalia Jackson Sings”.
“An incredible film” – Paul McCartney
Mahalia Jackson Sings
Mahalia Jackson
Featuring over 2 hours of vintage performances by the world’s greatest gospel singer, this is Mahalia at her most powerful, singing the beloved songs that made her a legend, and landed her in the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame.
Originally intended as musical vignettes for CBS’s 1960-61 television season, this beautiful footage has been digitally remastered for optimum sound and picture quality form the original 16mm Kinescopes.
“A voice like hers comes along once in a millennium.”- Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Mahalia Jackson Sings the Songs of Christmas
Mahalia Jackson
Includes: “Silent Night”, “A Child of the King”, “Sweet Little Jesus Boy”, “Evening Prayer”, “A Star Stood Still”, “O Come, All Ye Faithful”, “The Lord’s Prayer” and many more!
“A voice like hers comes along once in a millennium.”-Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
The Winans: The Lost Concert
The Winans, The Commissioned, Vanessa Bell Armstrong
This powerful live concert performance by The Winans, The Commissioned (with their original line up), and Vanessa Bell Armstrong was lost for over 13 years.
“The most important group of the last 30 years in pushing the crossover of gospel into both soul and pop radio”- SoulTracks.com
AL GREEN: Everything’s Gonna Be Alright
Al Green
Reverend Al Green, founder of the Full Gospel Tabernacle Church, has become one of the world’s best-loved and well-known Gospel singers. His numerous accomplishments include winning seven Grammy Awards for his Gospel recordings. This incredible concert contains many of his greatest and award-winning hits.
The L.A. Mass Choir
Special guest appearance by Higher DimensionL.A. Mass Choir, Higher Dimension
The L.A. Mass Choir performs at the Celebrity Theatre in Anaheim, California, along with a special guest appearance by Higher Dimension. Includes the songs “Take up Your Cross”, “Give Him the Glory”, “Grace”, “The Battle Hymn of the Republic”, and many more.
Donnie Harper and the New Jersey Mass Choir: I’ll Tell It
Donny Harper, New Jersey Mass Choir, Allen T.D. Wiggins