Leon W. Grant

The Brother from Another Planet -- An alien from outer space lands on the mean streets of Harlem but is quickly adopted by the local residents. This film is directed by John Sayles and features an early performance by Academy Award nominee David Strathairn. From IFC Films.

The Brother from Another Planet -- YouTube - Full movie (Flash)

All of New York is their stage when the Big Apple's hottest hip hoppers ignite in this uplifting story of teenagers who dream of making it in the recording business. A musical love story with fabulous songs and flashy dance sequences. Breakdancing, rapping, graffiti art, and DJ scratching are the driving beat!

In this black comedy from John Sayles, a terrified space pilot (Joe Morton) is forced to ditch his rickety-looking UFO in the Hudson River. Dawn breaks over the twin towers of the World Trade Center as The Brother begins to explore his new surroundings. On the streets of Harlem, surrounded by people who look like him but could scarcely be more different, even ordinary sights and sounds are fascinating and at times, terrifying. The Brother finds a haven in the friendly neighborhood bar run by Odell (Steve James), where the regulars are puzzled by The Brother's mute, inquisitive presence. The fastidious Walter (Bill Cobbs) worries about germs and dirt and mourns the passing of Harlem's glory days. Hard-drinking Smokey (Leonard Jackson) conducts a few experiments with a shot of whiskey and a handy paper bag, determining that while The Brother is not "deaf," he is unable to speak. And Fly (Daryl Edwards), a video-game fanatic, discovers one of The Brother's special talents: he can fix any machine with a touch of his hand. This indie comedy from IFC Films features cameo appearances by John Sayles and David Strathairn as mysterious visitors from Somewhere Else. Armed with a set of mug shots and an ESL textbook, these ungainly men claim to be hunting an "illegal alien."

Playing for Keeps follows the challenges facing several African American football players & their coach at San Jose State University, as they struggle to overcome obstacles on the field & in the classroom. This very timely & provocative documentary highlights the national debate around the social & financial costs & consequences of maintaining competitive football programs on college campuses.

Playing for Keeps follows the challenges facing several African American football players & their coach at San Jose State University, as they struggle to overcome obstacles on the field & in the classroom. This very timely & provocative documentary highlights the national debate around the social & financial costs & consequences of maintaining competitive football programs on college campuses.

A group of Bronx teens use their dancing, rapping and artistic skills to lift themselves out of the ghetto. Dazzling street moves are on display in this musical drama that was one of the first films to feature rap music.

A humanoid slave from another planet (Joe Morton) escapes to the mean streets of Harlem. The people of the neighborhood are slowly won over by the slave's technical wizardry, and they adopt him as a "brother." His new friends then protect him from the two alien bounty hunters on his tail. A heartfelt look at race and belonging from writer/director John Sayles.

An alien from outer space lands on the mean streets of Harlem but is quickly adopted by the local residents. This film is directed by John Sayles and features an early performance by Academy Award nominee David Strathairn. From IFC Films.

An alien from outer space lands on the mean streets of Harlem but is quickly adopted by the local residents. This film is directed by John Sayles and features an early performance by Academy Award nominee David Strathairn. From IFC Films.

Urban ghetto kids from the South Bronx find creative outlets in painting graffiti, breakdancing, rapping and developing new disco D.J. routines.