(C) 2014 by Rych McCain, All Rights Reserved. No part of this column may
be reprinted, re-posted or duplicated without written permission from
Rych McCain Media/Syndication. Violation is subject to applicable laws.
Pan African Film Festival (PAFF) 2014 - Film
By Rych McCain International/Nationally Syndicated Entertainment Columnist
www.twitter.com and Facebook (Like Me)
“Sharing Our Stories”
2014 Annual Pan African Film Festival
Events &Highlights
Coming
off a phenomenal year of black films, The Pan African Film Festival (PAFF)
has raised the bar again. This year’s fest gave movie goers a 12-day marathon
of offerings from around the Diaspora. PAFF celebrated its 22nd anniversary
in grand style with a string of highly-anticipated films, which included a
controversial film, initially banned in South Africa; a comedy, starring comic
Kevin Hart, of course; and the return of Oscar®-winner Mo’Nique to the big
screen! PAFF, America's largest and most prestigious Black film festivals,
happened February 6-17, 2014 at the new Rave Cinemas Baldwin Hills 15 at the
Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza.
This year, PAFF 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. PAFF took its movie goers on
a cinematic journey with screenings from around the world – including such
countries as Argentina, Brazil, Bahamas, Canada, Egypt, Ethiopia, France,
Germany, Italy, Jamaica, Kenya, Morocco, Nigeria, South Africa, and of course,
the United States. The goal being that the global appeal did open the minds of
its audiences, and transport them to lands far away and back home again …
without ever packing a suitcase.
 |
| Jeff Clanagan and Roz Stevenson PAFF Honorees |
Opening night festivities on Friday, Jan 31, 2014 began with The Night of Tribute preshow of the Pan African Film Festival (PAFF) and The African American Film Critics Association Award Ceremony
(AAFCA) at the Taglyan Complex in Hollywood. The PAFF and AAFCA collaborate
to honor world-renowned actors, filmmaker’s, community leaders and artists for their
contributions in the film and entertainment industry. Thursday, Feb 6th
followed with the Opening Night Gala – screening of “Of Good Report” Directed
by Jahmil X.T. Qubeka at the Rave Cinemas Baldwin Hills 15 at the Baldwin Hills
Crenshaw Plaza, Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza. Of course it was complete with a
red carpet followed by a swank reception.
 |
| (L) Garcelle Beauvais and (R) Leila Djansi |
Other highlights
included the annual Filmmakers Brunch at the
Directors Guild of America (DGA). Ms. Cheryl Boone Isaacs, president of the
Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, was this year’s keynote speaker.
PAFF in partnership with DGA hosts a filmmakers brunch to welcome the
festival’s filmmakers to Los Angeles. PAFF’s filmmakers travel from around the
world to attend the festival and meet studio executives, tastemakers and
distributors to get a better understanding of Hollywood’s filmmaking industry. The festivities
continued with a conversation with actor Charles Dutton; Spoken Word Fest, hosted by Lil Mama, PAFF’s celebrity
host; Super-sized Centerpiece Presentation World Premiere -- “About Last
Night” at Cinerama Dome in Hollywood with the red carpet and after party; Filmmakers
Party, hosted by Lil Mama, at The Redbury Hotel in Hollywood and
the grand wrap-up, Closing Night World
Premiere -- “Blackbird” Directed by Patrick-Ian
Polk starring Oscar® winner Mo’Nique at the Rave Cinemas Baldwin
Hills 15. Of course between all of this were plenty of film screenings,
mingling with the film makers and major networking. For the list of film
maker’s winners and more information about PAFF, visit www.PAFF.org.
©
2014 Rych McCain Media/Syndication TM
(You
DID Hear It From Me!)
Twitter@rychmccain and Facebook (Like Me)
