Black History Month: Preview Of The 20th Annual Pan African Film And Arts Festival
Pan African Film and Arts Festival
February 9 – 20, 2012
Rave Cinemas Baldwin Hills 15
4020 Marlton Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90008
(323) 296-1005
2012.paff.org
Hailed as the largest Black History Month event in the country, the Pan African Film Festival (PAFF) is currently in full blast at the Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza. Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, PAFF was founded in 1992 by actor Danny Glover, actress Ja'Net DuBois and cultural consultant Ayuko Babu. PAFF is a non-profit organization that showcases African American works that underline positive images, intend to eliminate negative stereotypes and present a wider vision of the cultural experience. In Los Angeles, PAFF is an official event hosted by Mayor Antonio R. Villaraigosa in celebration of African American Heritage Month. The following events will be part of PAFF in the upcoming days.
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Centerpiece Presentation of "The Under Shepherd"
February 16, 2012
In the world premiere of "The Under Shepherd" directed by Russ Parr, co-stars Isaiah Washington and Lamman Rucker perform in an all-star cast.
Saturday Night Presentation of "We The Party"
February 18, 2012
A coming of age comedy, this film stars Michael Jai White, Salli Richardson Whitfield and rapper Snoop Dogg. In collaboration with the Roxbury International Film Festival, "We the Party" will be screened simultaneously on both coasts of the United States. RIFF is the largest film festival in New England dedicated to honoring filmmakers of color. Having already received "Best Ensemble Performance" in Atlanta's BronzeLens Film Festival, "We The Party" will be a must-see at the festival.
Closing Night Premiere of "Woman Thou Art Loosed: On the 7th Day"
February 19, 2012
In its world premiere, this sequel to the film by the same name costars Blair Underwood, Sharon Leal, Pam Grier and T.D. Jakes. Based on the relationship between husband and wife, this film takes the audience on week-long journey to find the couple's missing daughter in the Louisiana bayou.
Night of Tribute Awards Ceremony
This evening celebrates two artists for their contributions to the film and entertaining industry. Actress Meagan Good will receive the Beah Richards Rising Star Award and actor David Oyelowo will be presented with the Canada Lee Emerging Artist award. Good, who has been acting since age four, has starred in numerous films including "Stomp the Yard" and "The Love Guru." Oyelowo, who was born in Oxford, England to Nigerian parents, has also starred in the Oscar nominated film "The Last King of Scotland."
A Night at the African Oscars
A special screening and reception celebration welcomes the representatives of the Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) who have traveled from Africa to Los Angeles to be part of this year's PAFF.
Besides the numerous film screenings, PAFF also spotlights some of the most talented spoken word artists; exhibits unique fine arts, photography, and fashion; provides free screenings for seniors ages 62 and over; and presents the "StudentFest," a festival within the festival dedicated to educating and entertaining the younger audience.
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Dena Burroughs is a freelance writer living in Azusa, CA. She is a CSULA graduate with specialties in Creative Writing and Communications. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
