Tue, 05/15/2007 - 1:03pm

A few nights ago marked the public premiere of the indie film “And Then Came Love”, starring Vanessa Williams, Eartha Kitt and Ben Vereen. The smart romantic comedy is part of the Urban Film & Discussion Series taking place monthly at Landmark E Street Cinema at 555 11th St., N.W., a great place to catch a flick and hang out afterwards. Each film is followed by brief Q & A period in one of the theatres, generally featuring the filmmaker or director.

Caytha Jentis answered questions about her first film, which concerns a working mom who seeks out the sperm donor who fathered her six-year old. Another concurrent series Urban Film Series hosts at E Street is called Black Docs, so there are films in either series every few weeks, the one series being distinguished by the discussion sessions. There will be screenings of other films in the twin series here on Thursday, May 24 (“Finally Sayin’ What I Really Mean”, featuring recording artists Common and Jill Scott), June 21 (the premiere of “Diary of a Tired Black Man”), and June 28. Look for other updates here. Next Generation Awareness Foundation of Alexandria, Va. brought the program here. If you haven’t seen a movie at E Street, this is the place to check out offerings such as “The Namesake” (based on the best-seller by Jhumpa Lahiri) and former SNL star Molly Shannon in “Year of the Dog”.

The films are a great opportunity to sneak preview independent and documentary features in the convenience of downtown D.C. “And Then Came Love” screened at 7:30 p.m. (“Spin City”, “China Beach” and “Arli$$” actor Michael Boatman, and Stephen Spinella rounded out a fine cast, as Williams weaved a tangled romantic web in a challenging role. Unlike some of the formulaic romantic comedies starring Sandra Bullock, Meg Ryan, and more recently Jennifer Lopez, Williams portrays a competent professional, and a woman with a real family. “Ugly Betty” fans will appreciate her timing and second-takes.

Film fans seeking to sign up for Black Docs, the Urban Film & Discussion Series, or both, may call 202-409-7240 to receive Evites, or visit UrbanFilmSeries.com.

About the author
Bijan C. Bayne is a local film and theatre critic who blogs at http://bijanc.wordpress.com/

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