Description:

The long and colorful life of legendary entertainer Herb Jeffries, America's "first Black singing cowboy," began with a little white lie. Ninety-six-year-old Herb Jeffries starred in “The Bronze Buckeroo”, sang with Duke Ellington's band, was a TV personality, a ladies' man and an accidental activist. The light-skinned Jeffries struggled with his racial identity for nearly a century.

Community Collaborators: Stretch for Success/Vedantic Center; Simply Wholesome; International Association of Black Yoga Teachers

About the Director:

A California native, Kim graduated with a RTVF degree from San Jose State University. She then moved to Texas where she wrote and produced for a number of talk and news programs. In 1999, Kim relocated to New York to produce talk/variety and reality shows for NBC, A&E and the USA Network . In 2004, Kim moved back to Texas and freelanced produced for WE and the Style! Network. She joined AMS Production Group as a Senior Writer/Producer in 2006. A Colored Life is her first documentary.

Description:

An old-school barber recounts an incident from his past to a troubled young man who is on the verge of making a major life-altering decision. But can the barber get through to him before things spiral out of control? Q&A

About the Director:

A Philadelphia native, Bé Garrett started as a production assistant on music videos and commercials in New York City. He joined the production company Portfolio/Black Dog Films where he worked his way up the production later. In 1994, he was a recipient of the prestigious Silas Rhodes Scholarship for Film, at the School of Visual Arts and graduated as a Film major. His short film "A Nick In Time" was a official selection at 2007 Sundance Film, Tribeca Film Festival and a winner of Moving Picture Magazine’s Festival Du Cannes Best Short Film. He is currently working his feature script and looking to lens his second short film this Fall.

Description:

The stories of five courageous women in Ethiopia who have suffered from devastating childbirth injuries and have been shunned by their families and villages. As they fight to regain their lives, we are no longer in the heart of Africa, we're in the hearts of these women.

Community Collaborator: The Kierrah Foundation for former foster girls. Founders Brandy and Stan Sanders - www.kierrahfoundation.org

About the Director:

For over a decade Mary Olive Smith has produced, directed and written prime-time documentaries for major television broadcasters including the Discovery Channel and National Geographic Channels. A Walk to Beautiful is her feature-length directorial debut. Mary Olive joined Engel Entertainment in 1996 after an established career in public radio and has a Masters in International Affairs from Columbia University.

Description:

Shots ring out one winter night and a bullet meant for a local street dealer kills a ten-year-old boy. In the downtown Toronto community of Parkdale, grief and suspicion hang heavily in the air, while the nightly patrons at Miss G’s Caribbean TakeAway resume their ritual of beer and banter. But one of them, Gene Wright, cannot go on. He begs his friends for help. In a most unusual development, six Black men make a pact to form a support group in hopes of salvaging their broken spirits and redeeming their besieged community. Against the backdrop of a multicultural community's unrealized hopes and dreams, a uniquely Canadian story that features Toronto as a central character.

About the Director:

Frances-Anne Solomon is an award-winning filmmaker, writer and producer. Her recent projects include A Winter Tale, which opened The 15th New York African Diaspora Film Festival, the 7th ReelWorld Fim Festival, and the 2007 Trinidad and Tobago Film Festival, taking home a slew of awards including the Tonya Lee Williams Award for Outstanding Canadian Feature, and the Audience Award for Best Caribbean Feature Film. Her landmark sitcom Lord Have Mercy!, dubbed "Canada's first Multicultural sitcom", was broadcast on 4 Canadian networks, and nominated for 2 Geminis, including Best Comedy Series. She is the artistic director and president of the two companies that she founded, Leda Serene Films, her film and television production vehicle, and CaribbeanTales, a prolific not-for-profit producing multimedia projects for the educational market. From 1989 to 1898, she was also a Radio, Film and TV Drama producer for the BBC in England.

Description:

A crisis arises in a wealthy immigrant family when their modern teenage daughter objects to returning home to participate in a traditional coming of age ritual.

Description:

A singular and masterfully executed film that is at once concert tribute, Marley family travelogue, and humanitarian documentary. Africa Unite ignites the screen with the spirit of world-renowned reggae icon Bob Marley in its every frame. In commemoration of Bob’s 60th birthday, Africa Unite is centered on the Marleys’ first-time-ever family trip to Ethiopia in 2005. There in the capital city of Addis Ababa three generations of Marleys take part in a landmark one week event including a 12-hour concert like no other, attended by more than 350,000 people from around the world, with the ultimate purpose of inspiring the young generations of Africa to unite for the future of their continent.

Features exuberant on-stage spots as well as a soundtrack brimming with Bob Marley studio classics. Includes appearances by UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador / actor Danny Glover, world music sensation Angélique Kidjo, Bob Marley’s mother Mrs. Booker, and Princess Mary, granddaughter of Emperor Haile Selassie, as well as rare archival footage of Bob circa 1980. Produced and directed by Stephanie Black (Life & Debt; H-2 Worker), Associate Produced by Ras Bobby Morgan, and Executive Produced by Rita Marley, Cedella Marley, Danny Glover, and Joslyn Barnes. Q&A
Community Collaborator: South Central Prevention Coalition

ADDED SCREENING -- Monday, February 11, 8:35pm

About the Director:

Stephanie Black is an award-winning director/producer whose filmography includes the documentaries "Life and Debt" (2001) and "H-2 Worker" (1990). She directed programming for BRAVO, Sesame Street, Nickelodeon and Cartoon Network, in addition to numerous music videos. She is also Adjunct Professor of Documentary Film at the School of Visual Arts.

Description:

Two Ugandan girls with big dreams challenge their culture, defying the odds in a country where a high school education is generally reserved for boys. Hoctavia is one of 31 children in her family, most of whom have dropped out of school. Ruth lives in a tiny apartment in a Kampala slum with her mother and three siblings. Graduating from high school is the only way they can lift themselves and their families out of poverty. Like millions of girls in Africa who will never move beyond primary school, their challenges are not unique; their story is. Q&A

About the Director:

Natalie Halpern is an award-winning filmmaker with a passion for documentaries that capture the immeasurable capacity of the human spirit and the vulnerabilities of children living in poverty. Prior to beginning her film career, she was a producer and television news reporter. Natalie's inspiration for making films came from a desire to share stories of hope and courage that were not being told and provide a deeper understanding of some of the critical social issues facing our world. Born in Hollywood, California, but raised in Miami Beach, Florida, her love of film was nurtured by her mother who took her to a movie almost every week from the age of four. “Africa’s Daughters” is Natalie's second film.

Description:

Prom nears and things seem to be spiraling out of control for the typically composed Isatu. In this coming of age story, West African tradition conflicts with American idealism as Isatu is forced to reassess her idea of the "perfect dress."

About the Director:

October of 1982 Writer/Director Nikyatu Jusu was born in Atlanta, Georgia to Sierra Leonean immigrant parents. She attended Duke University with plans of becoming (of all things) a Biomedical Engineer; however, a chance meeting with a Screenwriting professor introduced her to the world of filmmaking. Nikyatu was from then on obsessed-consumed-addicted to the art-form and eventually graduated from Duke U. having earned the Most Promising Filmmaker Award. New York University's prestigious M.F.A. film program, was kind enough to fuel her addiction. Currently a 3rd year in the competitive film program, Nikyatu recently wrapped her second year film "African Booty Scratcher" which has already garnered her a Director's Guild Honorable Mention and an HBO Short Film Award from the American Black Film Festival. Presently, Nikyatu is developing her short thesis film along with a feature script that explores the struggles of a displaced rape victim escaping West African civil war. Because she has a preoccupation with foreigners, marginalized protagonists and the contradictory nature of humanity, these themes presently permeate her work.

Description:

A romantic comedy/drama about an expatriate Japanese hip hop DJ. When a young Black culinary arts student walks into his shop, his life is changed forever. Does love conquer all? Or will prejudice and politics drive the couple apart? Q&A

Description:

Justin Thomas is a walking mystery. An orphan trying to make a life for himself in adulthood, he yearns to create the family he never had. But when he discovers the secrets of his past, his hopes for the future and his life are put in jeopardy. Justin finds out that his body is an experiment that could change the nature of the world for good or ill. Those who want him will stop at nothing. The chase begins. When it ends, Justin will either assist mankind or help along its ultimate destruction. Which way will be a way out? Either way, his world will be forever changed in this all-too-present-day thriller.

About the Director:

The film ALGENY marks the feature debut of Andrew Burroughs. A winner of Kodak

Description:

Unable to secure a distribution deal for their latest film, Ed and Stacey Brown are forced to reconsider their cinematic dreams. Despite having a finished product in the can--accompanied by critical praise and a slew of festival circuit awards-the filmmaking couple encounters a Hollywood establishment that is unwilling to budge and unresponsive to their attempts, its barriers set in place to keep the independent Black filmmakers from making any noise. With their cinematic careers riding on her screenplay, the couple sets out for Clarksdale, Mississippi in search of Morgan Freeman and their uncertain future. Stars Boris Kodjoe, Ryan Michelle Bathé, Luke Swanson, LaTanya Richardson Jackson, Raven Goodwin, the legendary Ruby Dee and a cameo by Academy Award winner Morgan Freeman. Q&A

Description:

Marquis, a troubled youth, is at ends with bullies at schools. His older sister, Vanessa, offers no positive advice after a scuffle at school has left Marquis distraught. Seeking solace and solitude, he walks the streets searching for answers. Discovery of a dead gang member and gun changes his world forever. Q&A

About the Director:

A recent Los Angeles City College graduate in Cinema Production, Jeff

Description:

As her husband Bobby prepares to report for redeployment, Leanne confronts fear, loneliness and her anger at a policy that has called her husband back to active duty. Leanne is fighting the war at home. Q&A

About the Director:

Always faithful is writer-director-actor Sam Wellington's first film. Sam received his MFA in acting from Mason Gross School of the Arts at Rutgers University. He spent the beginning of his career based in New York working on the American regional theatre circuit. Always Faithful was written while Sam was participating in a writers group lead by Jose Rivera.

Description:

A socially probing documentary which explores the question "Does America have an unhealthy obsession with beauty?" Filmmaker Darryl Roberts journeys into the psyche of celebrities like Paris Hilton and Jessica Simpson, athletes like Reggie Theus, industry professionals such as Jill Ishkanian from "US Weekly," Ted Casablanca from the "E! Channel" and the American citizenry to determine the roots of this superficial obsession.

Pop culture celebrities like Britney Spears and Madonna have become the poster girls for most of the social woes of our youth! Is it there fault that millions of people are obsessed with their looks and lifestyle? Are they really that beautiful in the first place or does the media aid their beauty through hype and repetition? Plastic surgery, once considered an upper class phenomenon that was primarily isolated to California, Texas & Florida, has through the recent influx of "self-improvement" reality shows caused the popularity of cosmetic surgery to transcend economic boundaries. Beautification "quick fixes" have risen to epidemic levels. America the Beautiful takes a look at an extreme example of a self-destructive, "over-the-top," "quick fix."

The ubiquitous deceptions, by advertisers and the media, that thin, beautiful models set the standard to which all women must aspire, has been identified by some as a primary cause of low self-esteem and the meteoric rise in clinical depression in women. To demonstrate this deception, Roberts chronicles 12-year-old Gerren Taylor's journey from an unknown, innocent adolescent to supermodel, providing an insider's perspective of Gerren's personal struggles and successes along the "right of passage" to gracing the catwalks of Marc Jacobs, DKNY, Tommy Hilfiger and similar mega-designers. Gerren experiences that the same beauty that attracts some people to her is the very attribute that repels others.

By juxtaposing his personal obsessions with beauty with those of people like Martin Short, Michael Beach, Mena Suvari, Anthony Kiedis, Tisha Campbell and Aisha Tyler, Roberts illustrates that to varying degrees we all fall victim to this superficial social phenomenon. Q&A
Community Collaborator: Myspace.com/BlackGirlUniversity

About the Director:

Darryl Roberts, President of Sensory Overload Entertainment, is an established writer, producer, and director. He is celebrated in the U.S. and internationally for the independent film, "How U Like Me Now," starring Salli Richardson, which is a comedic look at Black relationships in the 90's. Mr. Roberts also amassed experience in the radio and television industry. He began his career as an on-air personality for radio station WKKC-FM, in Chicago. He used his earnings as a salesman at Seagram's wine division to produce his own local cable television program entitled Backstage with Darryl Roberts. Then Roberts joined WMAQ-TV's Sunday morning news program as host of Hollywood Hype, an insider's look at the entertainment industry. His segment rapidly gained a strong following and was rated among the top entertainment features in Chicago. Mr. Roberts also directed some of Europe's hottest commercials and music videos. Most notable of the bunch was the music video for Gloria Gaynor's European comeback titled "I Never Knew." Presently Mr. Roberts has teamed up with acclaimed actor Michael Beach to produce the documentary, "America the Beautiful," which takes a look at America's unhealthy obsession with beauty. The Los Angeles screening of "America the Beautiful," at the Pan-African Film Festival is in honor of Kanye West's mom Dondra.

Description:

AMERICAN LANDING traces Jimi Hendrix’s remarkable transformation from obscurity to his triumph at 1967’s Monterey Festival. Featuring previously unreleased performances and the entirety of his Monterey set in its original sequence - newly transferred from the original negative - with new 5.1 soundtrack mixed by Hendrix engineer Eddie Kramer. Includes new and previously-unseen interviews.

Description:

Presents the life and achievements of an extraordinary man. Athlete, singer and scholar, Robeson was also a charismatic champion of the rights of the poor working man, the disenfranchised and people of color.

NOTE TIME CHANGE: Sunday, 2/10 @ 8:40, NOT Monday, 2/11

Description:

A drama based on the autobiography of abolitionist Harriet Jacobs in which an enslaved woman in the pre-civil war South must choose between freedom of body and freedom of spirit and in the process re-defines the very notion of freedom. Q&A

TO BUY TICKETS ONLINE, SEARCH FOR THE TITLE VICTIMS OF OUR RICHES

About the Director:

Karen Hayes produced and directed AN INCIDENT IN THE LIFE OF A SLAVE GIRL, based on abolitionist Harriet Jacobs’ autobiography, in AFI’s Directing Workshop for Women. She is in post-production on the authorized documentary THE FOOLISHNESS OF GOD: DESMOND TUTU AND RECONCILATION. Karen holds an M.F.A. in Film and Television from UCLA.

Description:

The inspiring story of Marion Cloete, a university-trained therapist who— with her husband and three daughters— fearlessly walked away from a privileged life in a wealthy Johannesburg suburb to build Botshabelo, an extraordinary village and school that provides shelter, food, and education to more than 550 South African children. Q&A
Community Collaborator: Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science

Description:

On the outskirts of São Paulo, four girls who have been singing together since their childhood fight to fulfill their dream of making a living with their music. Tired of singing back-up for male rap artists, they form their own rap group, find a manager and begin to put on shows in bars and parties. But, just as the dream seems to be coming true, their hopes are dashed by brutal violence, internal jealousies, unplanned pregnancy and the daily events which accompany poverty. Filled with R&B, soul and rap music, this energetic look into modern Brazilian life, explores cultural oppression, chauvinism and urban violence yet manages to stay engaging and upbeat especially in its depiction and appreciation of female friendship.

ADDED SCREENING: Monday, February 18, 10:00pm

Description:

A film of passion, profiling 12 amazing women delves deep into the underground movement of female artistry. Artists, singers, emcees, activists, poets and writers come together in an explosive exploration of feminine creation. Independent-minded women with voices that must be heard, each lady brings to the screen her innermost struggles in an attempt to outline the obstacles that face the female artist. Based in New York City, this journey is narrated by the mystical Smokifantastic, and navigates the challenges of poverty, politics and personal sacrifice while exploring love, identity and urban culture. Features artists Raqiyah Mays, Amanda Diva, Helena D. Lewis, Claudia Alick, Elizabeth Mendez Berry, Toni Blackman, Nemesis, Denise De La Cruz, Vista, Kyana Brindle and Rosa Clemente.
In association with the Hip Hop Association
Community Collaborators: hiphopradio.net; Poetess Media

Description:

An intimate portrait of living legend Bi Kidude, probably the oldest singer on the world stage today. Her home island of Zanzibar has long been a meeting point for African and Arabic influence. The island's music is its most potent expression. Bi Kidude beguiles audiences wherever she travels but domestically she continually courts controversy, her behavior challenging perceptions of the role of women in a Muslim society.

Description:

Produced on location in Manhattan, Queens, and Brooklyn and inspired by the French New Wave Movement and Jean-Pierre Melville’s classic noir film, Le Samourai, The Assassin was made in the truest spirit of guerrilla filmmaking, using Dogma techniques and shot almost entirely with available light. This moody, contemporary film noir is set against the backdrop of New York City in a post 9/11 world. John Brown, a junkie, melancholic hit man, is hired to hit a Japanese nightclub owner. The plan goes wrong when the beautiful nightclub singer bumps into the killer leaving the scene of the crime. Their eyes meet. Brown is picked up in a dragnet but his meticulous planning pays off. When the cops bring the singer to ID the killer their eyes lock. Does she recognize him? He holds his breath. No, she says. He is free but the police captain knows he is the killer. Meanwhile, the gangsters who took out the contract see him as a liability. The tables have been turned. The hunter is now the hunted. As the noose tightens around him, he is nevertheless drawn to the mysterious woman who saved his life. Q&A

About the Director:

DEVIN EMANUEL HAQQ - Native of Nashville, Tennessee has appeared Off-Broadway at the Tribeca Playhouse, and the Classical Theatre of Harlem, as well as, numerous regional theatre productions. He is a graduate of the Alabama Shakespeare Festival