Black celebs attend red carpet premiere of UP’s ‘In the Meantime’

theGRIO REPORT - The romantic comedy, which stars the likes of Kali Hawk, Darrin Dewitt Henson, Terri J. Vaughn and Musiq Soulchild, will premiere exclusively on the family-friendly cable network on Saturday and Sunday...

Luther Vandross was outed as gay after his death.

ATLANTA – Celebs graced the red carpet last night for the hometown screening of UP TV’s original movie — In the Meantime.

The romantic comedy, which stars the likes of Kali Hawk, Darrin Dewitt Henson, Terri J. Vaughn and Musiq Soulchild, will premiere exclusively on the family-friendly cable network on Saturday and Sunday.

Based on an award-winning screenplay by Nzinga Kadalie Kemp, Meantime chronicles the life of Jazmin “Jazz” Welles (played by Kali Hawk) and her blossoming friendship with the smart and charismatic attorney Kwame Davis (Darrin Dewitt Henson).

Speaking to theGrio after the screening Dewitt Henson said they are an “unlikely pair” because “she is quirky and he is focused on getting things done.”

“I feel in love with the script,” said Hawk. “It reminded me of the great romantic comedies I watched growing up. You learn to recognize a good script when you see it.”

She adds that after the screening people approached her and said they were touched by the strong, relatable characters and honest portrayal of the complexity of relationships, “People laughed, cried and cheered.”

Directed and produced by Roger Bobb, a former executive producer at Tyler Perry Studios, the movie was shot over summer in and around Atlanta and on the Georgia State University campus.

It is the latest offering from Georgia’s flourishing film and entertainment industry which is seeing more and more projects, showcasing black talent, coming out of the state. “Atlanta has become that place where people of color in the industry can develop,” said Henson.

Other cast members who attended the event were Elizabeth Omilami, Rodney Perry, Thomas Mikal Ford and Kendal Tuttle.

The film’s soundtrack features: the original song In the Meantime by Billboard-Music-Award-winner and Grammy-Award-nominee KEM, a song by Stellar-Award-winner Tamela Mann, and a duet by Grammy-Award-nominee Musiq Soulchild and Demetria McKinney.

In addition, Peter Thomas (Real Housewives of Atlanta), Chanita Foster (Beyond the Game), V103 radio personality Egypt Sherrod (Property Virgins), Sharlinda Parker (Big Rich Atlanta), LaConia Jenkins Dean (Upscale magazine), musical artist/producer Justin A. Moore (Mary Mary), Emmanuel & Phillip Hudson (Wild N’ Out, Streetz 94), author Miasha, radio host Griff, V103’s Mo Ivory, Meelah (formerly of 702), Victor Jackson (The Kandi Factory, The Game), boxer Michael Seals, actress/producer Hope Forever (Let’s Stay Together), actor Dr. Maurice A. Lee and models from Positive Runway were just some of the other names who attended last night’s event.

Follow Kunbi Tinuoye on Twitter at @Kunbiti

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