Who:Robert Townsend, Actor, Comedian, Producer, Director, Writer, Television Executive, Kali O'Ray, Co Director San Francisco Black Film Festival, Peter Fitzsimmons, Chairman Jazz Heritage Center, Dion Roberts, Executive Director, Mary Elizabeth Inn, Steven Anthony Jones, Artistic Director, Lorraine Hansberry Theatre, Filmmakers: Kevin Avery, Kevin Epps, Jacquie Taliaferro, JR Valrey and others.

What: News Conference highlighting The San Francisco Black Film Festival that opens with "In the Hive," a film produced with the public/private partnership of Townsend and the Rey Ramsey founded, One Economy Corporation, a global nonprofit operating on four continents dedicated to providing low-income people with digital access. 

"In the Hive" is based on the true story of Vivian Saunders, a North Carolina cook who founded an alternative school to help troubled young men overcome challenges to be productive members of society. The film stars Loretta Devine ("Grey's Anatomy" & "Boston Public") as Vivian Saunders, Michael Clarke Duncan ("The Green Mile" with Tom Hanks) and Vivica A. Fox (Independence Day with Will Smith). "In the Hive" is a universal story of triumph over the odds.

When:  3:30 p.m., Thursday, June 14, 2012

Where: The Lorraine Hansberry Theatre, 450 Post Street @Powell, Union Square, San Francisco.

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Note to Editors: Mr. Townsend will also be available for interviews at the San Francisco Black Film Festival pre-festival mixer at the Jazz Heritage Center with Kevin Avery's "Thugs, The Musical," also "Elrus Pearsley." Time: 6:30 p.m.  

Mary Elizabeth Inn's Happy Hour to End Homelessness salutes the San Francisco Black Film Festival from 6-9 pm at Infusion Lounge, 124 Ellis Street. Mr. Townsend is scheduled to arrive at 8 pm.  

Friday morning, Mr. Townsend is available for morning TV, radio and print interviews through 9:00 am.

Background Information:

In the Hive Opens SFBFF 

Hard Hitta Karim Mayfield @ SFBFF & Calvary Hill Focus on Fathers Family Day 

Bill Cosby's Legendary Cartoonist Leo Sullivan @SFBFF & Digital Workshop 

VISIT WWW.SFBFF.ORG  FOR MORE INFORMATION.