Queen Latifah Named As 2008 Honorary Chair Of Urban World Film Festival

This year's selection showcases New York-based films and filmmakers celebrating local artists and communities, as well as a strong representation of international filmmakers from around the world. The 2008 slate will culminate in the special closing night screening of The Secret Life of Bees, followed by a Q&A with talent from the film including Queen Latifah, Sophie Okonedo ('Hotel Rwanda'), and screenwriter/director Gina Prince-Bythewood ('Love & Basketball'

'These are really exciting times for the festival,' said Stacy Spikes, founder of Urbanworld. 'On display we have films of nearly every genre, created by filmmakers of nearly every background. This robust selection of cinema, together with our new partnership with BET Networks, promises to make this the best Urbanworld yet.'

'We're thrilled to have hip-hop's first lady Queen Latifah sign on as honorary chair for this year's festivities,' said Alvin Bowles, Senior Vice President, Integrated Marketing, BET Networks. 'The exciting lineup of cinematic talent rounds out our mission to embrace and support the new wave of filmmakers of color through our partnership with Urbanworld.' source