JA'NET DUBOIS
Actress & Humanitarian
Festival Co-Founder and 1st Vice President

Stage, screen and television actress as well as fine artist, the beautiful Ms. DuBois is best known for her role as “Wollona” in the comedy TV series Good Times . The two-time Emmy Award winning actress is a frequent guest in television series and performs onstage throughout the United States. www.janetdubois.com

ISAIAH WASHINGTON
Actor & Humanitarian
Opening Night Gala Master of Ceremonies

Whether in his professional life as an actor and producer or his personal role as a husband, father and activist, Isaiah Washington passionately commits himself to all ventures. As an actor, critics have lauded Isaiah’s ability to effortlessly disappear into each role; allowing the audience to become acquainted with the multifaceted nature of the character. As a producer, Isaiah has championed a variety of projects which fulfill his vision to enlighten the human imagination and experience. As a philanthropist, he uses his resources and notoriety to aide people in need both at home and abroad, founding his own non-profit organization, The Gondobay Manga Foundation, for his work in Sierra Leone, West Africa. It is his fervor for his craft and humanity that drives Isaiah's dedication to both entertaining the public and effecting change in the world.

Over the course of his career, the Houston native has offered memorable performances in stage productions, on television shows and in feature films. But before his current career, Isaiah served in the Air Force, specializing in Aerospace Engineering. After seeing Spike Lee’s first feature film, She’s Gotta Have It, Isaiah decided he had to take a shot at an acting career. Captured by Lee’s vivid storytelling and filmmaking, Isaiah was drawn to the art form. He enrolled in Howard University and joined the legendary performer Ossie Davis' Howard Players. While attending Howard University, Isaiah vowed that within 10 years he would appear in a Spike Lee film. He has appeared in four films by Spike Lee; Crooklyn, Girl 6, Clockers and Get on the Bus.
Appearing in over 30 feature films, Isaiah’s other credits include Warren Beatty’s Bulworth, Clint Eastwood’s True Crime, Romeo Must Die, Exit Wounds, Ghost Ship, Welcome to Collinwood, Dead Presidents, Hollywood Homicide, Dead Birds, and love jones. Isaiah recently wrapped the independent film, The Least of These, in which he plays a priest who is transferred to a Catholic boarding school to replace a priest who has mysteriously disappeared.

Most recently Isaiah has won the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series for two years running in recognition of his portrayal of cardiac thoracic surgeon Dr. Preston Burke on Grey’s Anatomy. Isaiah received critical acclaim and an NAACP Image Award Nomination for Outstanding Actor for his work in HBO’s Dancing in September. Isaiah has also guest starred on Law & Order, NYPD Blue, Ally McBeal, and Showtime’s Soul Food, to name a few. This fall, Isaiah will star in NBC’s new drama series, Bionic Woman.

In 2005, through African Ancestry, a personal genetic history company, and a DNA sample, Isaiah learned that his maternal bloodline traced back to the Mende people of Sierra Leone. His father's bloodline was traced to the Mbundu people of Angola. Isaiah's newfound awareness of his direct genetic link to Sierra Leone inspired him to travel to the tiny West African nation. Beginning with his first trip in May of 2006, Isaiah has documented his travels to the country, his appearances before Congressional leaders, and his attempts to bring attention to the needs of Sierra Leone and her people. Through his Coalhouse Productions, Isaiah is producing a documentary chronicling his work in Sierra Leone, and highlighting the present state of the country and her people. Through his own example Isaiah hopes to lead others toward awareness and a sense of responsibility.

Isaiah is the founder and chairman of The Gondobay Manga Foundation, a non-profit organization committed to helping Sierra Leone rebuild and prosper. Recently, Isaiah and The Gondobay Manga Foundation built a new school in the village of Njala Kendema in the Bo Region. The Chief Foday Golia Memorial School, which will accommodate 150 students in grades K-5, will open in September 2007 and is named in honor of the former leader of the village. Isaiah and his foundation have also
worked with the White House Summit on Malaria to fight the war against malaria's devastating effects throughout Africa. The Gondobay Manga Foundation is currently working on in country projects to address the medical and educational needs of Sierra Leoneans, as well as efforts to preserve and restore the country's rich history.
Isaiah currently resides in Los Angeles with his wife of 10 years, fashion designer Jenisa and their three children; 2 sons and a daughter.

For more information about Isaiah Washington and Coalhouse Productions, please visit
www.IsaiahWashington.com.

For information about The Gondobay Manga Foundation, please visit www.gondobaymangafoundation.org.

JIMMY JEAN-LOIUS
Actor
Night of Tribute Master of Ceremonies

Haitian born actor, Jimmy Jean-Loius stars in NBC hit TV show "HEROES"

Jean-Louis, already a successful international model, came to America just nine years ago to pursue his acting career. To his credit thus far he has appeared opposite Mo'Nique in "Phat Girlz", Jane Fonda and Jennifer Lopez in "Monster-in-Law," Harrison Ford in "Hollywood Homicide," Bruce Willis in "Tears of the Sun,"and in "Derailed" with Jean-Claude Van Damme. Jimmy also took on the role of soccer champion Joe Gaetjens, in "The Game of their Lives." He recently completed four movies including "Loaded" with Jesse Metcalfe; "The Adventures of Power" with Adrian Grenier, "The Diary of a Tired Black Man" and "The Penthouse."

Prior to coming to America, Jimmy's modeling career ranked him the number two personality in Great Britain. He thrilled audiences in Barcelona with his performances in "La Belle Epoque" and his handsome face and chiseled physique have graced the pages of international magazines such as Vogue, GQ, Harpers Bazaar, FHM, Arena and Mondo Uomo. Add to that, he speaks five different languages.

In a recent Entertainment Tonight segment, actress Mo'Nique commented on her co-star:

"When I saw him come out of the pool in those red swimming trunks, I was ready to scream 'Wrap! Cut! That's a take!'"