Langston Hughes Performing Arts Center (LHPAC) will host its fifth annual Afrcan American Film Festival through April 20.
All festival activities take place at the historic Langston Hughes Performing Arts Center on 17th and Yesler (104 17th Ave. S.
The African American Film Festival runs consecutive nights through Sunday, April 20.
On that evening, the festival will wrap with a special showing of "Namibia: The Struggle for Liberation" and the film's director, Charles Burnett will be on hand to discuss his work.
The festival includes a record number of entries from emerging and established filmmakers from around the world. The selection of powerful, diverse, intelligent and evocative films will include a robust shorts program designed to give rise to the emergent filmmaking voice, and a wide array of talkbacks, panels and receptions provide a much needed bridge for artists and community patrons to engage in meaningful dialogue.
This annual event is expected to draw more than 1000 people who are passionate about creating and appreciating films by and about Black people in the world. The Festival spotlights more than 40 feature-length and short films by independent filmmakers, and includes panel discussions, readings, special screenings for senior and youth and the rare opportunity to chat face-to-face with prominent filmmakers, industry professionals and community leaders.
"Our goal for each year is to present as wide, and as honest, a variety of portrayals of Black life as possible." said Zola Mumford, the festival's curator. "People of African descent are doing all sorts of interesting things all over the world; and this little gem of a festival invites audiences to learn and expand their view of the African experience."
Selected film highlights
❚ "Honeydripper" is a rock n' roll fable about Guitar Sam set in 1950s Alabama. It is directed by John Sayles, stars Danny Glover and features music by Keb Mo
❚ The Seattle premiere of "Namibia: The Struggle for Liberation." An epic tale by legendary director Charles Burnett about the rise of Sam Nujoma, the first President of Namibia. Burnett will be on hand to discuss his work
❚ Seattle filmmaker Eddie Smith premieres two films, "Man to Man," a psychological drama; and Behind Closed Doors, a courtroom drama exploring racial identity.
❚ Women Together as One by Gilda Sheppard is a documentary about Liberian women refugees and child soldiers
❚ Seattle poet and filmmaker Stacey Tolbert premieres "Got Breast?"
❚ "Pariah" is a coming-of-age drama about a lesbian teenager who unsuccessfully juggles multiple identities to avoid rejection from her friends and family.
❚ "Adopted by Aliens" animators Shawnee and Shawnelle Gibbs will be in town to host an animation workshop
❚ Alonzo Crawford, Howard University Cinematography Professor and filmmaker will also host "The Pedagogy of Cinema," a film workshop for all audiences.
Times and ticket prices
The opening night event, "Honeydripper" begins at 7 p.m. The closing night event, Namibia also begins at 7 p.m.
All evening showtimes are 7 p.m.. Matinees are at 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
Tickets are $7 for adults, $5 for seniors and $2 for youth. An all-access "Langston Pass" is $75. Film details and ticketing information are available at www.langstonblackfilmfest.org or by calling 206-326-1088.
The Langston Hughes African American Film Festival supports community building by providing opportunities for artists and audiences to connect using the medium of film as a catalyst for dialogue that leads to social change.
Established in 1969 as a dynamic and creative cultural arts center under the Model Cities, Urban Renewal program the Center provides a cultural institution in Seattle's Central Area, where arts specific to the African American experience could be taught, explored, expressed, and enjoyed by all.
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