The 22nd Annual Pan-African Film Festival, will be held this year from February 6-17, at the Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza, in Los Angeles.
About PAFF:
Established in 1992, The Pan African Film Festival (PAFF) is a non-profit corporation dedicated to the promotion of cultural understanding among peoples of African descent. PAFF is dedicated to racial tolerance through the exhibition of film, art and creative expression. To do this, the organization presents and showcases a broad spectrum of Black creative works, particularly those that reinforce positive images and help destroy negative stereotypes. Film and art are used to better understand and foster communication between peoples of diverse cultures, races, and lifestyles, while at the same time, serve as a vehicle to initiate dialogue on the important issues of our times.
About this year’s Festival:
The Festival will kick off with a star-studded Opening Night Gala at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, February 6, 2014 at the new Rave Cinemas Baldwin Hills 15 at the Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza in Los Angeles. This year, PAFF has selected a total of 172 films, representing 46 countries — that is, 37 documentaries, 23 short documentaries, 55 narrative features, and 57 narrative shorts as well as 11 webseries in the new category of new media. The festival will hand out prizes for Best Documentary Feature, Best Documentary Short, Best Narrative Short, Best Narrative Feature,Best First Feature Film, and Best Web Series as well as audience favorite awards at the close of the festival. (Courtesy of PAFF’s Press Release)
The Opening Night Film will be “Of Good Report” (South Africa/101 minutes/2013) | February 6, 2014 – directed by Jahmil X.T. Qubeka. Parker, a shy and mysterious high school teacher, arrives at his new assignment in a rural school. While he is earnest in his passion for teaching, his extra-curricular attentions are drawn to a gorgeous young girl. When he realizes she is a student at his very school — and forbidden fruit — he grows increasingly obsessed with her. When the girl goes missing, a female detective comes snooping around, fueling Parker’s unstable, even dangerous, behavior. It’s a modern-day classic, a film noir – Mothusi Magano (Parker) and Petronella Tshum (Nolitha) co-stars along with Thobi Mkhwanazi , Nomhlé Nkyonyeni , Tshamano Sebe. The Centerpiece Presentation World Premiere will be “About Last Night” (US/2013) | February 11, 2014 – directed by Steve Pink, the film is a very hip re-imagining of the classic sophisticated romantic comedy. This contemporary version closely follows new love for two couples as they journey from the bar to the bedroom, and are eventually put to the test in the real world. The cast includes Kevin Hart, Michael Ealy, Regina Hall, Joy Bryant, Christopher McDonald and Paula Patton. The Closing Night World Premiere will be “Blackbird” (US/102 minutes/2013) | February 16, 2014 — directed by Patrick-Ian Polk. Based on the novel by Larry Duplechan, this film is a powerful coming-of-age story about 17-year-old Randy Rousseau. A devout high school choir boy, Randy is struggling to come to terms with his sexuality in a small, religiously-conservative Mississippi town he calls home. Randy juggles his role as star of the church choir while facing the everyday trials of life as a high school misfit. Complicating matters, his little sister has gone missing and his parents have subsequently split up, leaving him to care for his heartbroken mother, Claire. When Claire discovers the shocking secret her son has been hiding, she blames him for the disappearance of his sister. Randy’s father, Lance, who has been keeping a watchful eye on his broken family, steps in to give his son a hand as he struggles to make the difficult transition into manhood.The cast includes Oscar-winner Mo’Nique (“Precious”) and veteran actor Isaiah Washington, fresh off his critically-acclaimed and Gotham Award-nominated performance in “Blue Caprice.” (Courtesy of PAFF’s Press Release)
Now we’ll take a look at this Caribbean films in the Festival:
The Features
Kingston Paradise
by Mary Wells
Narrative
Jamaica, 2013
Rocksy, a small-time hustler, journeys into chaos to steal a car while his lady friend Rosie hangs a watercolor painting in their modest room and dreams of peace. The fight to survive their broken dreams and aspirations forces them to commit a crime that changes their lives forever. Shot on the streets of Kingston where poverty, beauty and desperation collide, this Jamaican story transcends its island locale to become a universal story of people whose poverty seems to trap them in a life where reckless acts seem the only road to an elusive better life. Stars Christopher “Johnny” Daley, Camille Small, Greggory Nelson and Paul Shoucair.
To learn more, visit the film’s FB page. Watch the trailer here:
Bahamian Son
Directed by Andre Melby
Narrative
Bahamas/US, 2013
Based on true events, BAHAMIAN SON follows main character Kevin as he sets out to find his father, whom he hasn’t seen in more than thirty years. During his journey Kevin examines his own life and the family he has built for himself, as well as his childhood growing up in the projects of North Minneapolis. When Kevin does track down his father, he travels to the Bahamas to meet him. What happens in the Bahamas opens Kevin’s eyes to a world and a history he never knew existed; it is also another test of Kevin’s beliefs regarding family, loyalty, and what it means to be a son, a father, and a man. Stars Reggie Henderson, Constance Anderson, Kennedy Storr and Leah Eneas.
To learn more, visit the film’s FB page. Watch the trailer here:
The Price of Memory
by Karen Marks Mafundikwa
Documentary
Jamaica/US
“The Price of Memory” is a poetic documentary exploring the legacy of slavery in Jamaica and the movement for slavery reparations. In the 1960s, a group of Rastas petitioned the Queen Elizabeth II for reparations, starting an ongoing demand that spans decades. When the Queen visited Jamaica in 2002 to celebrate her Golden Jubilee celebrations, she was again petitioned by a small group of Rastafarians for reparations for her family’s participation in slavery. Having received no response from the Queen, another group files a lawsuit against her. While these actions unfold, there is a growing movement for slavery reparations internationally. Eventually, the debate for reparations reaches the Jamaican parliament where it spurs further government action. Interwoven between these actions are the filmmaker’s own memories of first consciously encountering the legacy of slavery while growing up in Jamaica. She visits the ruins of former plantations scattered across the island and travels to England, where great profits were made from Caribbean slavery, and finds official forgetfulness. Featured are activists Ras Lion, a mystic Rasta farmer whose great-grandmother told him stories about slavery and Michael Lorne, the attorney who brought the lawsuit.
RasTA: A Soul’s Journey
directed by Stuart Samuels
Documentary
Canada, 2012
Canada, Jamaica and Ethiopia — to explore the roots, evolution and impact of Rastafari. Donisha acts as the irrepressible and charming guide, educating viewers about a way of life that many know little about beyond the dreadlocks, ganja, and the red, gold, and green. Along the way, she encounters Rastafarian elders, musicians, poets, professors and individuals who share personal stories of the influence of Donisha’s iconic grandfather, Bob Marley, on their lives. Moving away from the standing approaches to Rastafari and Jamaica, the film focuses on the international presence of Rastafari and the friendly people and places where the uplifting spirit of the movement can be found. In wanting to carry the torch of her famous family, Donisha uses this film to re-affirm the classic statement of her grandfather that indeed ‘Rasta is the future,’ At its heart, Rasta: A Soul’s Journey is a film that follows and celebrates a young woman’s quest as she comes into her own as a Rasta empress. With appearances by Rita Marley, Damien Marley, Dr. Benjamin Zephaniah, and Ras Levi Roots.
To learn more, visit the film’s website and FB page. Watch the trailer here:
The Skin
by HaMa Films
Narrative
Antigua & Barbuda, 2011
‘The Skin’ is a modern story filled with Caribbean folklore about Michael and Lisa (Brent Simon & Aisha Ralph) who are a young married couple on the verge of losing their home. Their luck changes when Michael, while on a photo-shoot at the historic Betty’s Hope Estate discovers an ancient vase and sells it to an antique dealer (Jeff Stewart). The couple gets little time to celebrate their good fortune before strange things begin to happen. They are introduced to a Jamaican mystic (Carl Bradshaw) who informs them that the ancient relic was not really a blessing but a curse. The film incorporates the sights and sounds of Antigua & Barbuda including music by Antiguan calypsonian Kaiso Joe, jazz vocalist Charmain Bailey and reggae artist Promise. Stars Carl Bradshaw, Peter Williams, Brent Simon, Jeff Stewart, Aisha Ralph and Veron Stoute.
To learn more, visit the film’s website. Watch the trailer here:
Tula: the Revolt
by Jeroen Leinders
Narrative
Netherlands Antilles/Netherlands, 2013
Tula, a slave on the island of Curaçao, is becoming increasingly aware of the inequality between his people and their white oppressors. When his girlfriend, Speranza, over hears their master and a visitor talk about the slaves of Haiti declaring their emancipation, she tells Tula that slavery has been abolished on Haiti. He in turn, pleads for freedom and equality between black and white in Curaçao. But Tula’s ideas fall on deaf ears with his master, plantation owner Van Uytrecht. He does find a willing ear among his own people and inspired by his willpower, people go on strike and join him. When the news about the strike reaches governor De Veer, he sends Dutch troops under the command of Captain Van Westerholt to the plantation. Tula, who has reluctantly become the leader of the uprising, wants to reach an agreement peacefully. However, he soon finds out that he has no option but to abandon this idealistic idea and fight with the other slaves for freedom, equality and brotherhood. Stars Danny Glover, Obi Abilli and Natalie Simpson.
To learn more, visit the film’s website and FB page. Watch the trailer here:
Toussaint Louverture
by Philippe Niang
Narrative
Haiti/France, 2012
The long-awaited two-part action epic film of the life of Haitian revolutionary Toussaint Louverture who led the first successful slave revolt in world history by giving the imperialist armies led by Napoleon Bonaparte their first defeat and winning independence from France. Known for his military genius and political acumen, Louverture established Haiti as the first black nation in the western hemisphere and the first Black free nation in it as well. The success of Louverture and the Haitian Revolution shook the institution of slavery throughout the “New World” of the Americas. Stars Jimmy Jean-Louis (Heroes, Phat Girlz) Aïssa Maïga (Bamako), Sonia Rolland (Midnight In Paris), and Hubert Koundé (The Constant Gardener). Best Feature Narrative, 2012 PAFF; Audience Award Narrative Feature, 2012 PAFF.
Watch the trailer here:
The Shorts:
Auntie
by Lisa Harewood
Narrative
Barbados, 2013
When a barrel arrives from London bearing an unwelcome parcel, a caregiver in Barbados makes a hasty decision that risks destroying her special bond with a beloved child. Stars Marcia Burrowes and Che-Annika Mayers.
To learn more, visit the film’s website and FB page. Watch the trailer here.
Diaries of an Immigrant
by Satya Collymore
Narrative
Barbados, 2013
A Guyanese mother sets out to find a better life in Barbados. She is forced into a life of danger and vice from which she sees no exit. Although this is a life she never wanted, she lives it for the sake of her family. Stars Nikita Akasma Kunar, Jerelle Joseph, Kim Weekes and Caroline Brathwaithe.
To learn more, visit the film’s FB page. Watch the film here.
Passage
by Kareem Mortimer
Narrative
Bahamas, 2013
Haitians locked in the hold of a fishing vessel are being smuggled to the US. If they get sick, they are thrown overboard. Seventeen-year-old Sandrine must hide the fact that her brother Etienne is sick in order to save his life. Stars Stephen Williams.
To learn more, visit the film’s FB page. Watch the trailer here:
Women West Indies Diaspora: Lili Bernard
by Steve James
Documentary
Guadeloupe, 2013
Born in Cuba, at an early age, Lili Bernard discovered the magic of shapes and colors and knew she was going to be an artist. Her paintings are a firework of colors, a family album and a political statement. Lili’s activism reaches far beyond her frames and becomes social in her curatorial work and community involvement. The exhibitions she organizes succeed in bringing together artists from various horizons and levels of experience. In order to challenge white supremacy in Los Angeles’ cultural landscape , she first created “HABLA” for Harvesting Asian, Black, Latino Artists, then “BAILA” for Black Artists in Los Angeles, both associations aiming at fostering the access of these groups and their works to mainstream museums and cultural venues.
Happy Festivalling!!!
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