Cutting-Edge Documentary 'The N-Word' Hits Stores Nationwide January 24, 2006

Los Angeles, CA (Urbanworks Entertainment) - Urbanworks Entertainment will release the hard-hitting documentary THE N-WORD in stores nationwide on DVD beginning Tuesday, January 24TH, 2006. Written and directed by Todd Larkins, produced by Helena Echegoyen and executive produced by cultural critic and best-selling author Nelson George, THE N-WORD takes an entertaining, insightful and in-depth look at the use of one of the most controversial and explosive words in the English language.

The documentary features some of the nation's leading celebrities including Whoopi Goldberg, Russell Simmons, Chuck D, Quincy Jones, Bryant Gumbel, George Carlin, Regina King and many more sharing their most candid and personal experiences surrounding the "N word.' "It's a word that's been seared into the American psyche,' says the film's writer/director Todd Larkins. "It's used to insult, enrage, demean, and oddly enough endear. It was a subject that begged for deeper examination.'

The documentary serves up differing perspectives on the "N word,' many of which are based on generational differences. For example, Grammy Award winning composer/arranger and legendary star-maker Quincy Jones believes Americans should leave the word and all of its derivative baggage in the past. Conversely, Russell Simmons, who is largely credited with ushering hip hop into the mainstream American cultural landscape, believes the "N word' has evolved into a non-racial, familial _expression among today's youth that is often used as a term of endearment.

THE N-WORD producer Helena Echegoyen, who is responsible for developing some of the most profitable urban film franchises of the last decade, including "Friday,' the "House Party' trilogy and 'set It Off,' says she does not believe the "N word' should be extricated from the American cultural landscape. "It's like being a little pregnant, no such thing. It's happened, lets deal with.'

THE N-WORD combines dramatic, historical footage with performances by such contemporary artists as: the late great Richard Pryor, who used the "N word' extensively in his act before publicly renouncing it years later; and Chris Rock whose racially charged stage routines have earned him countless awards and a reputation as the leading stand-up comedian in the nation.
THE N-WORD hits stores nationwide on Tuesday, January 24, 2006. It runs 85 minutes and will be sold for $19.99.