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"Dirty Laundry" Nominated for a 2008 NAACP Image Award

Hollywood, CA. - Highlighting a banner year in Black film, the 39th Annual NAACP Image Awards were announced in Hollywood this morning and indie hit "Dirty Laundry" was nominated in the Best Independent Film Category.

Written and Directed by newcomer Maurice Jamal, the film garnered rave reviews at film festivals and will be released in select cities January 18, 2008 by Codeblack Entertainment and FOX Pictures.

The dramatic-comedy starring Rockmond Dunbar (Prison Break), Loretta Devine (This Christmas, First Sunday) Jenifer Lewis, Terri J. Vaughn and Sommore follows a traditional southern family dealing with the return of an estranged son and the many secrets he brings with him.

The film generated considerable buzz in the industry because it is the first major Black film to deal with themes of sexuality and orientation. Writer-Director Maurice Jamal says "I think the NAACP recognizing this film makes a powerful statement to the community at large. Black audiences want films that are intelligent, honest and bold." Star Rockmond Dunbar added, "The story we've told here is being embraced by all audiences because it's funny and warm, but most of all because it's real."

A true American dream in the making, "Dirty Laundry" was shot in just three weeks with funds raised from family, friends and dedicated investors. Among the Executive Producers were Nathan Hale Williams and Crystal McCrary Anthony. Williams says "I don't know if anyone knows how challenging this journey has been. But the reward is in seeing how the film affects people for the better." Maurice Jamal concluded "I just give thanks to God for guiding this journey."

The laffer played to sold out festival and preview audiences before being acquired by Codeblack Entertainment. It had a successful limited engagement this December in Los Angeles and New York and expands next week.

Among the other notable nominations were "The Great Debaters," "Talk To Me" and "Why Did I Get Married" in the Major Motion Picture category, the Angelina Joie film "A Mighty Heart" joins "Laundry" in the indie slot and actors ranging from Denzel Washington and Terrance Howard to Loretta Devine.

Dirty Laundry expands to theaters in Atlanta, Washington, DC and Baltimore on January 18, 2008

Visit:
Dirtylaundrythemovie.com and myspace.com/mauricejamal for more information.