Actor director producer Robert Townsend on his new film the movie industry and more

Dave Goodman of "RADIO with a VIEW" and Open Media Boston speaks with actor, director, producer Robert Townsend, in Boston for the 10th annual Roxbury Film Festival. Townsend's entry, "Of Boys and Men" features himself as the father of a Chicago family that recently has lost it's mother.

Well known for his 1987 movie "Hollywood Shuffle," Townsend became legendary when word spread that he financed the film by leveraging more than a few credit cards. The movie satirizes the status of blacks and other ethnic and racial minorities in Hollywood. Since then he has starred and directed in a number of films and tv projects including "The Five Heartbeats," "The Meteor Man," and "The Parent 'Hood."

Upcoming projects include a bio-pic about boxer Sonny Liston and a documentary about the history of African Americans in comedy. Townsend also serves as President and CEO of cable's Black Family Channel.

We spoke in a near empty gallery at the Museum of Fine Arts, just before a public showing of "Of Boys and Men." Townsend - not unfamiliar with the idea of taking risks during his 25 year career - was asked why he took a chance on a film directed and written by two very young and new artists.

More information on the Roxbury Film Festival: www.roxburyfilmfestival.org

http://radioview.podomatic.com/entry/2008-08-02T10_30_28-07_00