Jackie Moscou, artistic director of the center, reflected on the festival's goals for this year.
"The Center maintains its cultural history and mission by providing a place where talented artists can dialogue with seasoned artists in a nurturing environment," Moscou said. "This year we expect to draw over a thousand attendees, and it marks the first time awards will be given out."
The center has historically been a beacon for African American stage theater, and this venue for film doesn't necessarily signal a new course for the center.
"The center is engaged in making sure that its voice is connected to other voices," Moscou said. "The level of entry needs to be broader in order have a larger impact. Film has the power to impact and have access to stories of others in a short amount of time."
Among the events to be included in this year's film festival are panel discussions, readings, special screenings, and a rare opportunity to chat with prominent filmmakers. Also added are animation workshops for children and special interests to seniors. "Theater is the last town hall gathering we have in our own backyard. The arts bring soul to a material existence. And these events are designed to give voice to a generation of artists who grew up watching films and video... a gem has just begun to be polished," Moscou explained.
The center's commitment to attract local talent has made a difference to director, Lonnie Renteria. The local filmmaker's work, "Ebony Chunky Love: B*tch Can't Get A Date," premiered Sunday evening, April 13, to an audience that wouldn't normally have access to the film.
"The group at Langston Hughes invited the film to screen at this year's festival," Renteria said. "The film has taken on a life on its own."
Renteria spotlights the flamboyantly funny co-host of Sirius Radio's OutQ in the Morning, Keith Price, in this documentary about the dating problems of a black gay man.
Renteria, who is a college professor, made the film for $700 and says the film has captured a universal appeal.
"A woman walked up to Keith and said, 'I'm Asian, skinny, and straight... and what you said to your father resonated with my own life. Thank you for putting yourself out there and telling your story,'" Moscou noted.
Renteria is looking forward to doing a series of sequels on Price's romantic life.
"Keith connects with so many different people," Renteria remarked. "Dating isn't a gay issue. It's a universal problem for many people. It's all people stuff!"
There are future dates in planning for the film to be shown in the Seattle area, he said.
The festival will include two other local filmmakers and their works.
Eddie Smith directed Man II Man and Behind Closed Doors. His latest, Behind Closed Doors finished in 2007, is a mystery about a black professor who is accused of murdering one of his students, a white woman with whom he had an affair. The jury discussion turns into a bitter dispute about racial authenticity. The film will be shown April 17, at 7 p.m., and Smith will be in attendance.
Anastacia (Stacey) Tolbert's, "Got Breast?" (2007) documentary highlights cultural values regarding breasts, body image and body politics of female beauty. This film will be shown April 18 at 4:30 pm., and Tolbert will be in attendance as well.
The festival will continue through Sunday, April 20. All screenings and events will take place at the Langston Hughes Performing Arts Center located on 18th and Yesler. Tickets are $7 for adults and $5 for seniors.
Show times, film summaries, and other ticket options are available at www.langstonblackfilmfest.org or by calling 206-326-1088. Other showtimes are listed at right.
Faustina Robinson is an independent filmmaker and can be reached via editor@sdistrictjournal.com.[[In-content Ad]]