After his son is denied enrollment by the local elementary school for not identifying his “primary race,” a multiracial father journeys through America’s maze of Identity Politics to better understand our relentless preoccupation with race. *Film subjects Eric and Carl Jaskolski will be present for an audience Q&A.
A Swazi girl embarks on a dangerous quest to rescue her young twin brothers. This animated African tale is born in the imaginations of five orphaned children in Swaziland who collaborate to tell a story of perseverance drawn from their darkest memories and brightest dreams. Their fictional character’s journey is interwoven with poetic and observational documentary scenes to create a genre-defying celebration of collective storytelling. Awards: Grand Jury Award Best Documentary - LA Film Festival; Jury Award for Artistic Bravery - Durban International Film Festival
The Golden Age of hip-hop is regarded as the best era in hip-hop. The Killing of the 5th Element, examines the lost element of “consciousness” / knowledge in music. The Killing of the 5th Element covers diverse opinions from artist who answer the question, is music just entertainment or a movement that can spark change? *Director Moe Reed will be on hand for audience Q&A
The Golden Age of hip-hop is regarded as the best era in hip-hop. The Killing of the 5th Element, examines the lost element of “consciousness” / knowledge in music. The Killing of the 5th Element covers diverse opinions from artist who answer the question, is music just entertainment or a movement that can spark change. *Director Moe Reed will be on hand for an audience Q&A
A Swazi girl embarks on a dangerous quest to rescue her young twin brothers. This animated African tale is born in the imaginations of five orphaned children in Swaziland who collaborate to tell a story of perseverance drawn from their darkest memories and brightest dreams. Their fictional character’s journey is interwoven with poetic and observational documentary scenes to create a genre-defying celebration of collective storytelling. Awards: Grand Jury Award Best Documentary - LA Film Festival; Jury Award for Artistic Bravery - Durban International Film Festival
MultiPlatinum Dallas music producers life takes a drastic turn when he goes into a coma after complications during gallstone surgery and dies 3 times but lives to tell the story.
Father Divine was born in poverty, the son of emancipated slaves. At his peak, he was one of America’s most controversial religious leaders. He preached that he himself was an incarnation of God, and that by following his rules of purity and celibacy, you can live forever in “heaven on earth.” His movement, dedicated to integration and communal living, was an innovator in desegregating neighborhoods, schools, businesses, and the ballot box in the 1930’s and 40’s, through his radical program of empowerment. He commanded hundreds of properties and businesses, all funded by the work of his thousands of followers. But scandal, suspicion, and racism lead to clashes with the law. Though he was once a celebrity, and was decades ahead of his time fighting for civil rights, he has largely been written out of history because of the audacity of his religious claims, and doubt about his motives.
Today, Father’s few remaining followers live as a communal family on a magnificent estate outside Philadelphia. As time and mortality confront the followers, they struggle to preserve Father’s legacy. Through unprecedented access to this unique and reclusive community, the film explores the line between faith and fanaticism, between a religion and a cult. Father’s revolutionary ideas on race and identity still resonate today.
James and Jackie Rice take us on a journey of how they fell in love with Soul Line Dancing, through it’s history to CaliJam, the first and biggest soul line dance convention on the West Coast.
*Film Subject Big Mucci Wynn will be on hand for audience Q&A
A small landlocked country in West Africa, Burkina Faso is home to a vibrant community of artists, musicians, engaged citizens who carry on the revolutionary spirit of Thomas Sankara, killed in a coup d'état led by his best friend and advisor Blaise Compaoré, who then ruled the country as an autocrat for 27 years, til a massive popular insurrection led to his removal. Today, the spirit of resistance and political change is mightier than ever and it permeates every aspect of the Burkinabe life. It is an inspiration, not only to Africa but to the rest of the world.
Mrs. Recy Taylor was gang raped by six white boys in 1944 Alabama. Unbroken, she spoke up and fought for justice with help from Rosa Parks and legions of women.
Through force of will, keen intellect and intractable faith, Robert Madison overcame significant economic and social barriers to achieve the American dream through architecture, while also making a commitment to extend that dream to others. A documentary film chronicling the life story of Robert P. Madison, preeminent architect, maverick, patriot & patron of arts and humanities. This is a story about a man who has been instrumental in building Cleveland's new waterfront yet at one time was denied an opportunity to even apply to one of the city's schools of architecture. Despite these and many other challenges, Mr. Madison has reached the pinnacles of professional and personal success. He has designed and built domestic and international structures since 1951. He served as Chairman of the American Institute of Architecture Fellows, lectured worldwide, and received several honorary doctorates and yet still found the time to foster the advancement of the arts, disadvantaged youth, multiculturalism and equality in hiring and promotional practices. He is also the former fiancee to Coretta Scott during his time in college in Ohio and is featured in her biography 'Desert Rose' in photo and print.
*Director Derek Morton will be on hand for audience Q&A
Derek has been involved with writing screenplays and teleplays and participating in independent film productions for over a decade. His writing earned him top screenplay honors in the HBO sponsored screenplay workshop at the American Black Film Festival in 2006. Derek chose to pursue... Read More →
A star-studded roster of interviewees (including Jerry Lewis, Whoopi Goldberg and Billy Crystal) pay tribute to the legendary, multi-talented song-and-dance man.
Miracles & Muzik is the factual documentary featuring the life of Platinum Record recording, Grammy Nominated and Golden Globe winning producer Rickey “Slikk Muzik” Offord. His life takes a drastic turn when he goes into a coma after complications during gallstone surgery and dies 3 times but lives to tell the story.
Father Divine was born in poverty, the son of emancipated slaves. At his peak, he was one of America’s most controversial religious leaders. He preached that he himself was an incarnation of God, and that by following his rules of purity and celibacy, you can live forever in “heaven on earth.” His movement, dedicated to integration and communal living, was an innovator in desegregating neighborhoods, schools, businesses, and the ballot box in the 1930’s and 40’s, through his radical program of empowerment. He commanded hundreds of properties and businesses, all funded by the work of his thousands of followers. But scandal, suspicion, and racism lead to clashes with the law. Though he was once a celebrity, and was decades ahead of his time fighting for civil rights, he has largely been written out of history because of the audacity of his religious claims, and doubt about his motives.
Today, Father’s few remaining followers live as a communal family on a magnificent estate outside Philadelphia. As time and mortality confront the followers, they struggle to preserve Father’s legacy. Through unprecedented access to this unique and reclusive community, the film explores the line between faith and fanaticism, between a religion and a cult. Father’s revolutionary ideas on race and identity still resonate today.
Marvin Rees is a mixed race man in his 40's. Having experienced poverty, racism and witnessing the increasing hatred of Muslims, he wants to shape the society he lives in. Believing political office will give him the power to do so, he runs for mayor in Bristol, UK – a city with an unknown history of civil rights movements, inspired by Martin Luther King and protests that sparked of nationwide riots. As an complete amateur, Marvin's journey into politics begins and crosses failure and a deep inner struggle before he eventually meets the biggest success of his life.
Black youth stereotypes are turned upside down in Purple Dreams. This three-year journey serves as an inspirational window into the lives of at-risk students struggling with difficult situations while participating in a triumphant musical production that serves as a springboard to unexpected opportunities.
A small landlocked country in West Africa, Burkina Faso is home to a vibrant community of artists, musicians, engaged citizens who carry on the revolutionary spirit of Thomas Sankara, killed in a coup d'état led by his best friend and advisor Blaise Compaoré, who then ruled the country as an autocrat for 27 years, til a massive popular insurrection led to his removal. Today, the spirit of resistance and political change is mightier than ever and it permeates every aspect of the Burkinabe life. It is an inspiration, not only to Africa but to the rest of the world.
A century and a half ago, Black soldiers, known as “Buffalo Soldiers”changed the face of the military forever. Despite astonishing achievements in the face of heartbreaking adversity, the heroism of these brave men has remained obscure. Until now! Buffalo Soldiers: A Quest for Freedom begins in the turbulent days leading to the Revolutionary War, traverses Frontier expansion and the Spanish American War, and concludes with a modern perspective of military officers of color. This ambitious body of work chronicles, year by year, the extraordinary story of these notable African American men -and yes women! - and the invaluable service they rendered serving our beloved country. *J. Isabelle will be on hand for audience Q&A
After his son is denied enrollment by the local elementary school for not identifying his “primary race,” a multiracial father journeys through America’s maze of Identity Politics to better understand our relentless preoccupation with race.
Through force of will, keen intellect and intractable faith, Robert Madison overcame significant economic and social barriers to achieve the American dream through architecture, while also making a commitment to extend that dream to others. A documentary film chronicling the life story of Robert P. Madison, preeminent architect, maverick, patriot & patron of arts and humanities. This is a story about a man who has been instrumental in building Cleveland's new waterfront yet at one time was denied an opportunity to even apply to one of the city's schools of architecture. Despite these and many other challenges, Mr. Madison has reached the pinnacles of professional and personal success. He has designed and built domestic and international structures since 1951. He served as Chairman of the American Institute of Architecture Fellows, lectured worldwide, and received several honorary doctorates and yet still found the time to foster the advancement of the arts, disadvantaged youth, multiculturalism and equality in hiring and promotional practices. He is also the former fiancee to Coretta Scott during his time in college in Ohio and is featured in her biography 'Desert Rose' in photo and print. *Director Derek Morton will be on hand for audience Q&A
Derek has been involved with writing screenplays and teleplays and participating in independent film productions for over a decade. His writing earned him top screenplay honors in the HBO sponsored screenplay workshop at the American Black Film Festival in 2006. Derek chose to pursue... Read More →
“Who is the foreigner?” So asked Toni Morrison at “The Foreigner’s Home,” her 2006 exhibition at the Louvre. Morrison invited artists whose work addressed the experience of migration and displacement to join her in conversation about issues she had long examined in her own writing and teaching. Through extensive archival footage, music, and animation, this film expands that conversation. Neither biography nor traditional documentary, it is instead a provocative and timely meditation on some of humanity’s oldest divisions, exploring Morrison’s artistic and intellectual vision through a series of candid and incisive exchanges about race, identity, “foreignness,” and art’s redemptive power. *Directors Geoff Pingree and Rian Brown Orso will be on hand for audience Q&A
A century and a half ago, Black soldiers, known as “Buffalo Soldiers”changed the face of the military forever. Despite astonishing achievements in the face of heartbreaking adversity, the heroism of these brave men has remained obscure. Until now! Buffalo Soldiers: A Quest for Freedom begins in the turbulent days leading to the Revolutionary War, traverses Frontier expansion and the Spanish American War, and concludes with a modern perspective of military officers of color. This ambitious body of work chronicles, year by year, the extraordinary story of these notable African American men -and yes woman! - and the invaluable service they rendered serving our beloved country. *Director J. Isabelle will be on hand for audience Q&A
“Who IS the foreigner?” So asked Toni Morrison at “The Foreigner’s Home,” her 2006 exhibition at the Louvre. Morrison invited artists whose work addressed the experience of migration and displacement to join her in conversation about issues she had long examined in her own writing and teaching. Through extensive archival footage, music, and animation, this film expands that conversation. Neither biography nor traditional documentary, it is instead a provocative and timely meditation on some of humanity’s oldest divisions, exploring Morrison’s artistic and intellectual vision through a series of candid and incisive exchanges about race, identity, “foreignness,” and art’s redemptive power. *Directors Geoff Pingree and Rian Brown Orso will be on hand for audience Q&A
Black youth stereotypes are turned upside down in Purple Dreams. This three-year journey serves as an inspirational window into the lives of at-risk students struggling with difficult situations while participating in a triumphant musical production that serves as a springboard to unexpected opportunities.
Marvin Rees is a mixed race man in his 40's. Having experienced poverty, racism and witnessing the increasing hatred of Muslims, he wants to shape the society he lives in. Believing political office will give him the power to do so, he runs for mayor in Bristol, UK – a city with an unknown history of civil rights movements, inspired by Martin Luther King and protests that sparked of nationwide riots. As an complete amateur, Marvin's journey into politics begins and crosses failure and a deep inner struggle before he eventually meets the biggest success of his life.
James and Jackie Rice take us on a journey of how they fell in love with Soul Line Dancing, through it’s history to CaliJam, the first and biggest soul line dance convention on the West Coast.
*Producer Jamie Burton-Oare will be on hand for audience Q&A
Jamie Burton-Oare is an award-winning Writer/Director/Actor whose feature film directorial debut, "Doing The L.A. Thing," was the winner of the HBO Best Feature Award at the Martha’s Vineyard African-American Film Festival (MVAAFF.) Jamie’s short film "The Bully," garnered the... Read More →
“Invisible Chess” is a feature-length documentary exploring a deeply flawed provision of Ohio’s criminal justice system that has drawn little media attention. In 1996, Ohio changed sentencing procedures from an indeterminate system - 7 to 25 years, for instance - to a “truth in sentencing” scheme giving judges far greater control over time served.The new law has reduced the incentive for inmates to participate in programs intended for rehabilitation, and because the law passed in 1996 was not retroactive, inmates sentenced under the old law suffer disproportionately. Jason Goudlock - African-American, Cleveland native, published author, prolific internet figure, and Ohio inmate #284-561 since 1994 - has been a victim of this injustice. His story reveals a situation so convoluted and daunting that Goudlock has called it a game of "invisible chess.”
*Director Sam Crow will be on hand for audience Q&A
In his latest documentary, Sean Menard gives viewers an unprecedented look at Vince Carter: the six-foot-six, eight-time NBA All-Star from Daytona Beach who made waves in the Canadian basketball scene when he joined the Raptors in 1998
This is a movie for and about black, brown and allied women - and the people who love them. That covers a lot of diverse, sex-positive people! Yes it’s hilarious. Yes it’s sexy. Yes it’s LGBTQ friendly. And, Yes it’s a little raunchy. But somewhere along the way the movie pivots into a conversation about race, class, family, community and sisterhood. It’s not your typical stripper movie by a long shot and repeatedly, audiences from all backgrounds have shown love and appreciation for this “surprising” and “joyous" theatrical experience. *Director Gene Graham will be on hand for audience Q&A
In his latest documentary, Sean Menard gives viewers an unprecedented look at Vince Carter: the six-foot-six, eight-time NBA All-Star from Daytona Beach who made waves in the Canadian basketball scene when he joined the Raptors in 1998
“Invisible Chess” is a feature-length documentary exploring a deeply flawed provision of Ohio’s criminal justice system that has drawn little media attention. In 1996, Ohio changed sentencing procedures from an indeterminate system - 7 to 25 years, for instance - to a “truth in sentencing” scheme giving judges far greater control over time served.The new law has reduced the incentive for inmates to participate in programs intended for rehabilitation, and because the law passed in 1996 was not retroactive, inmates sentenced under the old law suffer disproportionately. Jason Goudlock - African-American, Cleveland native, published author, prolific internet figure, and Ohio inmate #284-561 since 1994 - has been a victim of this injustice. His story reveals a situation so convoluted and daunting that Goudlock has called it a game of "invisible chess.”
*Director Sam Crow will be on hand for audience Q&A
When America’s last standing roller rinks are threatened with closure, a community of thousands battle in a racially charged environment to save an underground subculture –– one that has remained undiscovered by the mainstream for generations, yet has given rise to some of the world’s greatest musical talent.
Few people are aware that roller rinks remain a segregated space throughout the country. “Black Nights,” now often referred to as “Adult Nights,” can be found in nearly every major city, each boasting a vibrant music and skate scene original to their region. Baltimore is home to Snapping, Detroit has Open House, J.B. skaters reign in Chicago, and in New York/New Jersey they skate in trains and trios. “Adult Nights” are credited as incubators of East Coast Hip Hop, and West Coast Rap. From Queen Latifah, Salt-N-Pepa and Naughty by Nature in New York/New Jersey to Dr. Dre and Ice Cube in Los Angeles, roller rinks have long been a mecca for music and creativity. These nights are also safe spaces, where street rivalries are left at the door. And still, many white rink owners refuse to host adult nights, even though this community could keep them in business. With an average of three rinks closing a month, "United Skates" takes a deep dive into the vibrant and celebratory world of African-American roller skating through the eyes of three central characters: Phelicia, Reggie, and Buddy. Each living in a different part of the country, and each fighting to preserve a tradition that reaches deep into their family history, this film documents a small but monumental piece of American culture at risk of disappearing entirely.
*Director/Producer Dyana Winkler will be on hand for audience Q&A *Roll-Pla Skate Party follows this event at Mig's Pla-Mor Roller Rink
TINA BROWN | DIRECTOR / PRODUCERFor more than 20 years New York-based, Vietnamese-Australian filmmaker TINA BROWN hasworked in media and entertainment through various roles including film publicist, magazineeditor and writer, TV & Film producer, and now filmmaker. Brown co-produced... Read More →
For nearly a decade, Dyana Winkler worked full time supporting filmmakers at the Sundance Institute Documentary Film Program and later the Tribeca Film Institute Feature Film Program, where she deliberated upon thousands of grant submissions in both documentary and fiction film and... Read More →
This is a movie for and about black, brown and allied women - and the people who love them. That covers a lot of diverse, sex positive people! Yes it’s hilarious. Yes it’s sexy. Yes it’s LGBTQ friendly. And, Yes it’s a little raunchy. But somewhere along the way the movie pivots into a conversation about race, class, family, community and sisterhood. It’s not your typical stripper movie by a long shot and repeatedly, audiences from all backgrounds have shown love and appreciation for this “surprising” and “joyous" theatrical experience. *Director Gene Graham will be on hand for audience Q&A
A special screening about The Man. The Politician. The Game Changer... Maynard Jackson.
Maynard was the first black mayor of the City of Atlanta - the Obama before Obama. In 1968 after the assassinations of MLK Jr. and Robert Kennedy, he announced his candidacy for the Georgia U.S. Senate against known segregationist, Herman Talmadge. His loss ignited a movement in the South and transformed the reputation of Atlanta from the “heart of the confederate South” to a cosmopolitan world-class city that included bringing the 1996 Olympics to Atlanta.
This film is presented by Olivet Institutional Baptist Church.
