Black Voices has learned that filmmaker Spike Lee will be heading to Miami this summer to lead the Art of Directing master class at the Pro-Hollywood Initiative during the 14th annual American Black Film Festival (ABFF).

The Pro-Hollywood Initiative (PHI) is a pilot program created to encourage professional athletes to explore careers in the motion picture industry. The program's main objectives are to stimulate athletes' interest in the movie business, connect them with talented filmmakers, educate them about the workings of the industry and promote their involvement in the production of quality independent films.

PHI centers on master classes that cover a variety of disciplines related to filmmaking, including screenwriting, directing, cinematography, producing, acting and film financing. Instructors will be selected from among leading filmmakers, industry executives and professors at top-tier film schools.

The 2010 Pro-Hollywood Initiative is by invitation only and will be limited to 10 participants. Current or retired athletes from any professional sport are eligible to attend. This innovative program will seek the support of player associations and major sports leagues, including the NFL, NBA, WNBA and MLB.

PHI was inspired by the 2009 meeting between ABFF founder Jeff Friday and Baltimore Ravens linebacker Terrell Suggs, who attended the festival for the first time that year after launching a film-production company. Suggs is currently producing his first film, 'Sisters,' which is based on a screenplay by a writer he met at the festival.

The 14th annual American Black Film Festival runs from June 23 to 26.