Looking Forward to 2014

I came into 2013 realizing that I needed to prove myself -- especially when it came to this blog. In 2012 I didn't post frequently and by the summer of that year, between being swamped with work and a hectic schedule overall, this blog kind of fell by the wayside. There were entire months without a single post. If you want to get better at something you have to work at it on a continual basis. In 2013, I set out to do that.

Since then there have been a lot more posts on FilmSwag and I can honestly say I've gotten better at being more consistent. I've also learned from a lot of blogs and contributors alike from this thing we call the internet. Whether it was current events, movie reviews, or focusing in on particular issues, I tried to do my best in covering them and going beyond what you might see on just a typical news site. Along with that, I think it's important to look under a variety of stones per say when it comes to topic ideas. These could be news sites, fellow blogs, twitter streams, Facebook posts, or good old fashion television.

As we step toward 2014, collaboration is a goal that I'll be focusing on. I'm looking forward to working in conjunction with other blogs/bloggers and possibly doing some interviews as well. I'm still working out the concept of FilmSwag Features which would be short videos of people doing artistic works and talking about their passions. Don't know when that'll start, but I'll keep y'all posted. Once again, as always, THANK YOU to all of you who have read this blog or shared it with someone. I definitely do appreciate it. Oh yeah, if you dig this blog, feel free to like our Facebook page which is just to the bottom right of this article. Peace & Blessings in 2014 folks.

Looking Back At Some Popular Posts in 2013

2013 was a year full of ups, downs, achievements, and controversies.  Here are some of the noted/popular articles featured on this blog over the last 12 months.

January
Slavery Makes A Comeback in Recent Films

February
As Black History Month Comes to a Close, The Education Must Continue

March
Still Thanking Black Starz 11 Years Later
Howard University Students Making A Difference in Chicago

April
Remembering Roger Ebert

May
A Shooting Breaks Out, But National Coverage Is Slow to Follow

June
A Little Girl, A Bowl of Cheerios, and A Whole Lot of Hate

July
Fannie Lou Hamer Speaks Out on Voting Rights and Police Brutality

August
Remembering Lee Thompson Young

September
Russell Simmons, Harriet Tubman, and the Continued Degradation of Black Women
Barry Jenkins on Being A Black Filmmaker

November
Andrea Lewis Debuts in "Black Actress"

December
The Importance & Significance of 12 Years A Slave 

Taking Off The Coat of Desperation

In a beautiful speech last week at the 2013 Film Independent Forum, filmmaker Ava DuVernay spoke to making do with what you have and being your own catalyst when it comes to making films. Replacing desperation with passion and putting in the work is what moves your forward. Check it out below.