EUGENE PARKER, CEO 5120 ENTERTAINMENT
When 5120 Entertainment CEO Eugene Parker decided to take a chance on the comedy motion picture ‘Back on the Strip’ his goal was to see the independent film to the finish line.
Released in theaters last August 2023, ‘Back on the Strip’ was nominated for Outstanding Independent Motion Picture for the 55th NAACP Image Awards airing Saturday, March 16 at 8PM on BET and CBS.
“First and foremost, I really liked the project and secondly and not the least bit significant was because it was a film with a lot of talented people on screen and behind the scenes,” said Parker from his Woodland Hills headquarters.
‘Back on the Strip’ is featured in the category of Outstanding Independent Motion Picture along with Brother (Vertical Entertainment), Story Ave (Kino Lorber), Sweetwater (Briarcliff Entertainment/Universal) and The Angry Black Girl and Her Monster (RLJE Films).
“We are thrilled to celebrate the achievements of this year’s nominees, whose outstanding contributions across film, television and streaming, music, literature, podcasts, and more have inspired us all,” said Derrick Johnson, President and CEO of the NAACP. “The NAACP Image Awards stand as a tribute to their creativity, talent, and dedication to authentic storytelling and are a testament to the richness and diversity of our community.”
“Back on the Strip” marks a significant milestone, serving as the directorial debut of veteran comedian Chris Spencer, that expresses his richness of storytelling through the film’s predominantly Black cast.
Featuring iconic talents such as Wesley Snipes, Tiffany Haddish, J.B. Smoove, Gary Owen, Bill Bellamy, Spence Moore II, Raigan Harris, and Faizon Love, the movie resonated culturally with its audience.
The NAACP Image Awards recognition is more than an accolade for ‘Back on the Strip’, it also represents a pivotal moment for Parker and 5120 Entertainment’s vision of elevating independent entertainment to unparalleled heights.
The NAACP Image Awards, considered the Black Academy Awards, celebrates the incredible achievements of Black artists, producers, directors and storytellers who underscores the evolving dynamics of representation and diversity in the entertainment industry.
As 5120 Entertainment continues to champion the mantra “Bring Your Dreams Here,” its impact on the live event space and beyond illustrates the boundless possibilities when dreams are nurtured and brought to fruition on grand stages like the NAACP Image Awards.
