Layla Mashavu profile picture

Layla Mashavu

I am here for Networking

About Me

I'm a graduate from California State University, Northridge with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Film Production. My senior thesis film "Through Thick and Thin" screened at various film festivals, won awards and had internet distribution.

I was the producer and program director of Black and Brown Shorts, a short film showcase that celebrated and encouraged independent cinema. Companies including Fox Searchlight and Overbrook Entertainment have participated in Black and Brown Shorts. I turned Black and Brown Shorts into a non-profit entity called Cinematic Images Foundation, Inc in 2002. In the summer of 2002, I was a programmer for the IFP/West Los Angeles Film Festival. I am currently the Creative Executive for Ramcity Productions where I develop and produce the company's projects.

My documentary feature film about a Gullah/Geechee family (a sub-culture of African American Culture) in Charleston, South Carolina entitled Cuzin Sista is now on sale on DVD for $20. Email me for more info on that :) I was nominated by the Sacramento Observer Newspaper as 'Someone to Watch' in 2005. A short film I produced "The State of Grace" won the Melvin Van Peebles Maverick Award at the 2005 San Francisco Black Film Festival."

Other films I've directed include: inspired by... and The Lockdown Club which one awards and toured the festival circuit. A GOOD DAY TO BE BLACK & SEXY, a film I produced for 1976 Films, will premier at SUNDANCE 'O8. So stay tuned...

My Interests

I'd like to meet:

Malcom X; Jesus; Allah; Tupac; Ghandi; Oprah; My Great Grandfather Theodore; Anyone who would like to invest in my films :) Many others who are about inspiration and lifting up instead of bringing down their communities.

NOTE: Who I DON'T want to meet: My space folks who are looking soley to 'hook up'. I am happily married, so I'm not looking. And please don't try to add me if you have nothing but raunchy pix of females (and males) on your profile or as your friend. I'm here to network with folks in the entertainment industry and to promote my work not look at fat asses and tig ol bitties.

My Blog

My film on DVD

I'm proud to say a film I produced 'A Good Day to be Black & Sexy' is released today on DVD.  Unfortunately some stores are being slow in putting it on the shelves, but it's on the shelf at Target and...
Posted by on Tue, 03 Feb 2009 13:24:00 GMT

wanna make it sexy??

Then take a date to see the film 'A Good Day to be Black & Sexy' that will be playing at The Bridge Cinema de Lux in Los Angeles. For one week only: This Friday Dec. 5th to Thursday Dec. 11th.Check t...
Posted by on Wed, 03 Dec 2008 12:19:00 GMT

Two Week Countdown until ’A Good Day to be Black & Sexy’ opens in LA

'A Good Day to be Black & Sexy' will hit theaters...well a theater for one week starting December 5th at The Bridge Cinema de Lux in the Howard Hughes Center in LA. This little film that could has bee...
Posted by on Fri, 21 Nov 2008 20:20:00 GMT

Check out this event: Sneak Preview of A Good Day to be Black & Sexy

Hosted By: InnerCaucus Inc.When: Thursday Sep 25, 2008 at 7:30 PMWhere E. Street Cinema555 11the Street NWWASHINGTON, DC 20004United StatesDescription:InnerCaucus Inc. Click Here To View Eventwww.the...
Posted by on Mon, 22 Sep 2008 14:28:00 GMT

The Lockdown Club - my latest directorial effort

The next west coast screenings of The Lockdown Clubwill be this Tuesday at 5pm & 10pm, Wednesday at 9pmand again Sunday July 6th 11am & 5pm.(Eastern times will screen 3 hours later)It is the 2nd film...
Posted by on Wed, 02 Jul 2008 18:49:00 GMT

Companies and their word when it comes to compensating filmmakers

BIG SHOT OUT TO BADAMI PRODUCTIONS. Just in time, they sent me a check for airing my short film inspired by... They honored their contact. It didn't cover the expenses it took to make the film but ...
Posted by on Wed, 20 Feb 2008 22:24:00 GMT

Black & Sexy Party

This will be short and sweet cuz I'm gonna try to actually see other folks films. But we threw a party for our film and it was a success. We did something different and had our actors interact with ...
Posted by on Mon, 21 Jan 2008 15:30:00 GMT

DAY 4 at Sundance

It is cold as Hell! But enjoying every minute of it. Besides our Premiere, I only saw the opening film IN BRUGES. It was cute. Been to some panels, networked, finally got some swag. Our actors ar...
Posted by on Sun, 20 Jan 2008 00:16:00 GMT

OPEN YOUR EYES. DON’T BELIEVE THE HYPE (especially media hype)

I'm not militant. I'm just tired of the lies. That's why I don't watch the news or trust the gov't.
Posted by on Tue, 28 Aug 2007 23:38:00 GMT

Cuzin Sista my doc film will air on BET J in March 07

The short version of the film will be aired. The full length version is available on DVD.Channel: BET J ChannelShow: Black StoriesDates and Times:Mon March 19 at 9pmWed March 21 at 1amSun March 25 at...
Posted by on Tue, 06 Mar 2007 22:22:00 GMT