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Excellent! Thank you for the great work.

Rafee Kamaal
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Last night I went to the video store to return a movie and thought I would browse a little while there. To my pleasant--there in the back corner of the store--on a top shelf nonetheless-was "Civil Brand." I grabbed it, rented it and ran home and watched it--twice! The original version and the one with the director's commentary.  I was so ELATED to see sooooooo many BEAUTIFUL women of color in roles that did not glorify ignorance nor flaunt sexuality unnecessarily. However, while I did enjoy the film I thought it was a bit choppy.  The great ideas did not necessarily flow together as cohesively as I would have liked.  Michael's (Mos Def) character could have done so much more.  I thought the research he was doing would have given a more detailed view of the corruptness prison system.  Also, I did not get a genuine sense of the women "taking over the prison," it was more like a stand off.  The scene were LisaRaye and N'Bushe's character are in the sweat shop and are raising their "peaceful" work stoppage was ideal time for a takeover. Another would have been the shake down.  By the way what book was that, the one Wet? was reading?  In both scenes the women were riled up enough that a coup would have been appropriate.  Nevertheless, I do understand some of the setbacks the cast and crew faced in production and did the best with the limited resources they had.  Can't wait for the next one.
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I saw the film Civil Brand in New York City on August 10, 2002 at the Urbanworld Film Festival.  I thought the film was superb!  I laughed; I cried; and more importantly, I was educated about a subject about which I knew very little.  I strongly recommend that this film be allowed a first-rate distribution in a manner acceptable it its Director and Producers. 
 
Note:  I, like most of the people in attendance on August 9th and August 10th, learned about the film via a local radio program, 98.7 Kiss FM's Open Line Program, which aired on August 4, 2002.  I appeared on August 9th to view the film, but the tickets were sold out; and when I appeared on August 10th, this time with my pre-purchased ticket in hand, the film had also been sold out.  Hundreds of disappointed people were turned away.  If one radio program can generate this type of a record turn out, imagine what a responsible marketing campaign might accomplish.
 
Very truly,
 
Angela J. Moffitt, Esq.

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I saw the movie tonight on 34th street.

It was truly an incredible movie.  It took me to place that I have ignored-The plight of women in prison.  So many times, I have said "Prison is just a country club".  But I realized today that it is not a country club and that many innocent women are behind bars.  Women just like Lil Momma, for example, who have killed in self defense.

I am so proud that you developed each character in the prison and made the audience come to terms with the fact that these women were survivors and not animals.

Peace and Many Blessings
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I've been reading the fantastic reviews and can't wait to see Civil Brand.  I was an extra on the film and saw first hand the tremendous amount of dedication and hard work that went into making it.  I'm hoping that there will be a showing here in Nashville ASAP!

Zan
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When will Civil Brand be released on video?  I really wanna see it...I've read about it on the net!

Answer:  Civil Brand will be in theaters in March 2003
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I have heard so much about Civil Brand. I have also been anticipating the release of the movie and the Theaters. Every month I anxiously wait for the movie to suddenly appear in the theaters, and every month I am sorely disappointed. What's going on guys? Please keep me informed.

Brook

Answer: Lions gate has announced a late August 2003 release date.
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I saw the screening at Arclight last week... this was an excellent film.. the acting was very real, I hope that this film will be in the theatres soon.

Mitzi Clendening
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Much Love and Respect to the cast and crew of Civil Brand.  I thought the movie was GREAT, Also to Ms. Neema Barnette you keep up the good work girl.
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I've been reading about this movie for about five months. I really want to go see it when it hits theatres. It has an universal, interesting storyline. Because people, especially women are going through abuse everywhere. I also wanted to know when will it hit theaters in Cleveland and how many?

Answer: Lions Gate has not committed to a release other then Los Angeles at this time.
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I have seen the trailer for this movie, and this is an universal story that should be shared with everyone. It deserves to be in theatres across the country with excellent distribution.
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Ms. Barnette I am a great admirer of yours. As a member of IFPWest I have the privilege to meet you briefly @ IFP's presentation of "Civil Brand's premiere. What a wonderful experience; you motivated and inspired me to try to complete a long time in the makes expose of my own which you might find interesting however has proven to be very frightening at times!!!
 
I have always enjoyed 'true stories, autobiographical, and especially expose'.   I was extremely in awe and greatly appreciated the courage and persistence it must have taken to continue to pursue this production during the 'down' times.
 
 I am a demographic that appreciates what you represent to us all in view of this great triumph "Civil Brand" Congratulations!!! and "Rock on, Girl!" You are a hero to us all!

A new fan!
 
Mei Sumita
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I saw the premiere of "Civil Brand" at the Loew's Theatres on August the 10th of 2002 in N.Y.C. This film needs to be seen by people all over the country! My hat goes off to the entire cast, crew & director in the making of this film! I intend to see it again! So please bring it back to New York & at Theatres in New Jersey!     

Yours Truly'  
Brian Isaac Thomas
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I live in Nashville, where most of Civil Brand was taped.  Is there a theatre anywhere close that will have Civil Brand soon?  A lot of us "extras" would like to see it.

Answer: We are working on bringing Civil Brand to Nashville! We keep everyone posted.
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I have seen the trailer for this movie, and this is an universal story that should be shared with everyone. It deserves to be in theatres across the country with excellent distribution.
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I've not only seen the film, but I fell in love with the saga of the film. The heart and sweat, tears and time that director Barnette put into this seamless classic, is sure to go down in the history books. She took no prisoners and freed captive minds with her poignancy and truthful storytelling. I have never cried so much and been so angry and felt so happy... it was an emotional rollercoaster. When Lil Mama lost her fight, I couldn't help but feel she was a close sister of mine taken too soon. When LisaRaye and N'Bushe Wright formed their bond in solitary confinement it reminded me of why the caged bird sings. And the power of unity. I will forever be changed by this film. The actors were wonderful and if only Lions Gate had given the project the respect it was due to include more of the background story, it would've taken a great film to brilliance. I commend the director and her crew who stood beside her in this battle. You've succeeded in making this little film that could, a big film that did! I loved Civil Brand and I will see it a million more times until the message has completely sunken in, because it's just that deep.

Epiclife

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I think Civil Brand is the best prison flick I have ever seen.  I especially like Wet, and Sabrina, who told the story.  However, Nikki, Frances, Lil Mamma and Aisha (Arnold) were all very good and believable.  When is it coming to Theaters in Chicago?

Marieth  (You go, Ms. Calhoun!)

Answer:  Civil Brand opened in Chicago on October 10th but because Lions Gate refused to do any publicity at all for the film, I'm not surprised you and the many other fans who have emailed us from Chicago didn't know about it.  This is yet another example of the poor treatment African American Films receive from Hollywood.
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I saw the premiere of Civil Brand at the 34th Street Loew's Theatres. On August 10th of 2002, I was very impressed with the story. My hat goes off to the entire cast & director. I managed to get inside even after tickets were sold out. Me & an actress made up a list of how many people would be interested in seeing the film. We handed our large group of names and were immediately escorted in after urbanworld representatives called out our names. Once inside I got the first row, I could hardly see but I was glad I came . I still want to see it again and I would recommend all African-American communities to see this film. So please bring it back to New York & New Jersey

Yours Truly'   Brian Isaac Thomas
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I live in Nashville, where most of Civil Brand was taped.  Is there a theatre anywhere close that will have Civil Brand soon?  A lot of us  "extras" would like to see it.

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I loved this movie. Very well directed and acted

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I guess I might be the first person who has seen this film who was not completely overwhelmed by it.  The performances were absolutely first rate.  However, the writing was lackluster at best.  While I understand the plight of women (or men for that matter) in prison can be down right horrific.  Mr. Whitmore and Ms. Lewis were never able to truly deliver dialogue or character development that engaged the audience enough to truly care what happens to the characters.  Rather than focus on one or two specific characters, we are greeted with a half dozen and never develop a true connection to any of them.  Instead we are teased with moments of back-story, but it never follows through.  Understanding the budget constraints and shooting schedule, Neema Barnette has done her best to deliver a compelling film.  But for this movie go'er the heart of any film starts with a story.  And that story starts with the writers.  Just one persons opinion.

Truly, Lisa Sloan
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It seems to me that Lions Gate Films is F---ing over the African American Woman just like the men in this film. You would think that they would learn a lesson from it. The Sistas will always fight!  I enjoyed this movie, It showed the power of women, the intellect of women from all walks of life, and the bond that women share. Good Job!
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I think Civil Brand is the best prison flick I have ever seen.  I especially like Wet, and Sabrina, who told the story.  However, Nikki, Frances, Lil Mamma and Aisha (Arnold) were all very good and believable.  When is it coming to Theaters in Chicago?

Marieth  (You go, Ms. Calhoun!)
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I did enjoy Civil Brand with its stellar cast. I was however saddened by the fact that my first time ever hearing or seeing anything about it was when I was in Blockbuster Video, Jan 2004. I live in the San Francisco Bay Area and at least thought that there would have been a little publicity about the film that myself or someone I know would have been privileged to see. At any rate, I'm glad that I was able to see it and I'll do my part to see that more people are made aware of its existence.  

Ms. Barnette, great job and I look forward to your future works....keep doing your thing!

A Very Appreciative Northern California Girl
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Cause we got guns!! And she with the guns, makes the mutha f--Kn rules!!   I love that s--t! This movie was the best LisaRaye film I have ever seen.  Not only her, but everybody else too.  And the production was much higher quality than her [other] movies.  It was put together really well; the quality was good enough to be released in theatres.  I rented it from BBuster but I will be buying this one for my collection.

Ben
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This was an excellent movie and surprisingly very informative about the prison system. My girlfriend turned me on to this movie so word of mouth is definitely working for it. All of the actresses are my favorite to begin with so to see them together again (I'm referring to the two from the "Players Club" and "Gang of Roses") was a joy. Please keep fighting to bring us great films like this. And by the way, why can't some of these rich rappers pool their monies together and do our own distribution for all of our films so we don't need a "Lions Gate". What do you think?
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You should be selling this movie from this web site. I live in the Pocono's of Pennsylvania and we barely get any black films in theatres here so when we see them in blockbuster we go right for them (although most of the time we are lucky if there are two copies for the whole mountain to rent) I'm still trying to find it to purchase, so it would have been nice if I could have done it from here when I found your wonderful web site.
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I live in princess anne maryland. I have heard my friends say so much about how good the move was so i had to watch it for myself. I had so many emotions flowing out, I cried, laughed, and was mad all at the same time. But most of all I learned alot, and i now asked the question, I wonder if things like this happen (the abuse) in alot of local womens prison?
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My husband and I bought this movie from Hollywood Video in Trenton, New Jersey and it was just a title on the shelf. Yeah it sounded good but we weren't sure so we took a chance. This movie was one of the best depicted films about crime behind bars against prisoners that we have ever seen. I hope more people see it and become aware of all the horrors behind the walls of the so called justice system.
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