Let’s All Go to The Movies.
The Pan African Film and Art Fest wrapped up February 18th with an all-star hip hop gala, featuring Xzibit, Common and many more surprise guests.
Common, Sherri Shepherd and Dante Brown will present the Screen Short Film ‘Hats’ and ‘Xzibit’ hosts the Red Carpet Premiere of BROKEN GROUND making his Directorial debut.
Q&As with writers, directors, producers, celebrities and cast members abound, The Pan African Film and Art Festival among other things is a chance for viewers to not only browse through a repertoire of award-winning shorts and feature-length films, but also offers a sneak peek into a world that often goes unappreciated by mainstream media.
The World of Black Excellence.
This is particularly important for those of African Diaspora who grow tired of constantly having to see themselves portrayed in a negative light. From Hollywood to the local news, not excluding social media, over the years, for the sake of ratings and possible hidden agendas, people of color are mostly viewed as problematic, disadvantaged, dysfunctional, oversexed, or easily angered.
When not these images, then images of servitude, athletics or spectacles of entertainment fill the programming leaving the world almost oblivious to the legions of affluent black communities, other types of positive black role models, prominent business moguls, hard-working citizens, solid family units and true black heroes.
If you want something done right…
Enter the Pan African Film & Arts Festival where negative images are found less and less, and positive images balance out negative stereotypes reflecting the true nature of the population.
Not to be misleading, the Festival does include comedy, drama, and the chilling truths found in documentaries.
But, when it comes to action, this year, the Festival broke the mold with the surprisingly entertaining and empowering feature film, “Atone” starring, Jaqueline Fleming (The Quad- BET and Walking Dead), WWE’s Sheamus, Robert Rusler & Scott Elrod.
Atone’s plot
With no shortage of traditional hero to villain one-liners, plot twists, gunplay, and blood splatters while the film moves you along at the edge of your seat, you truly get to learn what happens when you mess with mama eagle.
Somebody make the sequel. A Black Female Action Hero… with the acting chops and fighting skills to pull it off?… Shut up and take our money.
Trust in God… He will show you the way!
Downtown Weekly was privileged to take part in some behind the scenes action as well while attending Opening Night, numerous galas, minding red carpets, and enjoying the company of screenwriters over the span of 10 days. We even involved ourselves as “actors” as part of the Festival’s Annual Screenwriter’s Competition hosted by famed Casting Director, Tracy “Twinkie” Byrd (Fruitvale Station, Stomp the Yard).
The screenplay we read, now with the iconic line, “Trust in God…He Will Show You the Way”, was written by DTLA local Samuel Lee Taylor. The screenplay entitled, “At the Mercy of Faith”, has been accepted at 38 festivals and has won numerous awards this past year. The screenplay can be found on Amazon. Go DTLA!
27 Years and Counting.
The ceremonies which began February 7th with a never before seen documentary featuring Aretha Franklin was Co-Founded by Danny Glover (Lethal Weapon, Color Purple), and international cultural, political and legal consultant Ayuko Babu over 27 years ago.
Held in recent years at the Cinemark Theater at the Crenshaw Mall, the Pan African Film and Art Festival has sparked the careers of many famous actors and inspired dozens more to become filmmakers by exposing their peers to networking opportunities, insider tips, inspirational stories, excellent programming and a chance to shine.
For more information visit www.paffnow.org
