violence. While developing the script, Uzo spent two years painting the large size Miro-esque murals featured in the film. The film premiered October 14, 1992, at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts Washington, DC. It was one of two films representing the United States at the Sixth Festival of the Americas, sponsored by the Organization of American States and the American Film Institute. He is considered the first African-born person to direct an American feature film. Uzo's second film, shot under the title Cul-de-Sac, was released by Water Bearer Films in a shortened version under the title Better Than Ever, presumably to avoid confusion with the cult classic by Roman Polanski. Described as Grumpy Old Men meets Home Alone, the film stars Academy Award Nominee William Hickey, Carl Gordon, Victor Colicchio, Frank Gorshin, Donald McDonald, Sylva Gassel, Irma St. Paule, Pee Wee Love, Neil Ruddy, and the acting debut of Joey Buttafuoco. He optioned the film rights and struggled for years on an adaptation of Simon Mawer's 1999 novel, Mendel's Dwarf. After years of languishing in what he calls, "Hollywood's development hell", the option elapsed and was subsequently sold to Barbra Streisand's company. Personal life Uzo was married to a white Long Island native from Wading River in the 1980s and divorced in 1990s; he has two daughters, Tyne and Anya. See also List of Nigerian film producers Notes Longsdorf, Amy. "Dodging Walls, Crossing Bridges: Uzo Perseveres In Making First Film". The Morning Call. April 3, 1994. External links Living people 1957 births Nigerian expatriates in the United States University of Nigeria alumni Nigerian graphic designers Igbo people Brooks Institute alumni Howard University alumni Nigerian film producers