Our Stories Films' Romantic Family Comedy, Jumping the Broom, Ranks High at Weekend Box Office With Impressive Reviews

LOS ANGELES, May 9, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Jumping the Broom delighted movie goers across the country this weekend. During its debut weekend, Jumping the Broom grossed an estimated $15.3 million to finish its opening weekend at number 3 according to final weekend box office numbers, making Jumping the Broom the highest ranking comedy in the country.

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Produced by Our Stories Films, an RLJ Company, and released by TriStar, a Sony Pictures Entertainment company, Jumping the Broom received an "A" CinemaScore grade across all categories, solidifying its longevity and success. This grade is determined by a survey given to opening-day audiences.

"The film's success demonstrates the talent and creativity among our African American writers and actors," says producer Tracey E. Edmonds. "One of our goals with this film was to showcase African American family dynamics and love in a positive light. We wanted Jumping the Broom to be a testament of Black love and to be an uplifting film for our viewing audience."

"I am pleased at the weekend box office results for Jumping the Broom," said Robert L. Johnson, founder and chairman of The RLJ Companies and Chairman of Our Stories Films. "Our vision is to create urban-oriented films that are quality produced and that are entertaining and Jumping the Broom achieves both.  I commend Tracey and her team for developing and producing the film and bringing together an all-star cast. This is the type of film we continue to look forward to producing," he concluded.

Jumping the Broom's cast includes Angela Bassett, Paula Patton, Laz Alonso, Loretta Devine and Mike Epps. Salim Akil directed the comedy, which centers around two families from two very different environments who gather on Martha's Vineyard for a wedding.

About The RLJ Companies: Founded by Robert L. Johnson, is an innovative business network that provides strategic investments in a diverse portfolio of companies. Within The RLJ Companies portfolio, Johnson owns or holds interests in businesses operating in hotel real estate investment; private equity; financial services; asset management; insurance services; automobile dealerships; sports and entertainment; and video lottery terminal gaming. The RLJ Companies is headquartered in Bethesda, MD, with affiliate operations in Charlotte, NC; Little Rock, AR; Los Angeles, CA; San Juan, PR; and Monrovia, Liberia. Prior to founding The RLJ Companies, Johnson was founder and chairman of Black Entertainment Television (BET). For additional information please visit: www.rljcompanies.com

Our Stories Films, LLC: Our Stories Films is the first African American owned film production studio that produces theatrical motion pictures that showcase the talents of African Americans on both sides of the camera and in the creative process. Founded in 2006, Our Stories Films is headquartered in Hollywood, CA, and targets underserved, urban audiences within the family and urban comedy genre with a production budget of $5M–$7M per film. For additional information please visit: http://www.ourstoriesfilms.com

Contact: Traci Otey Blunt, 240.744.7858 or [email protected]

SOURCE The RLJ Companies