San Francisco- LaHitz Media founded by San Franciscan, Jacquie Taliaferro presented the Sojourner Truth Award to film industry great Jean-Marie Gaston Kabore, the cofounder of FESPACO held in Burkina Faso.  FESPACO, held biannually, is called the Black Cannes my many industry insiders.  Hundreds of journalists, filmmakers were on hand for the presentation at the Pavilion Les Cinemas du Sud, May 24 in Cannes, France.

Kabore joins Danny Glover, Neema Barnett, Melvin Van Pebbles, South African Film Commissioner, Eddie Mbato, filmmaker Nakita Romma of Niger and U.S labor activist, Maria Elena Durazo, Marla Gibbs and Nichelle Nichols of Star Trek fame as recipients of the award which is presented twice annually at the Cannes International Film Festival and the Pan African Film Festival. The “Sojourner Truth Award” is presented for art and humanitarian contributions.

“Gaston has the heart of a humanitarian.  As I discussed the need to build theaters and manage distribution in Africa, he pointed out building theaters would be good, but there is a greater need to build housing, hospitals and schools” said Jacquie Taliaferro.

 “Cannes is unbelievable with over 10,000 participants from 91 countries, nearly 4,000 companies, more than 500 exhibitors, over 1600 buyers, and over 500 producers. The potential for great business connections and deals is an artist’s and businessperson’s dream come true,” said Jacquie Taliaferro.  The LaHitz Film Showcase at Cannes was born out of the necessity to feature Diaspora filmmakers and filmmakers of conscientiousness.

 “As we see changes in market forces that would marginalize Black-buying power, it’s important that we remember to affirm our own work no matter the platform or genre.  With all due respect to others, a people should never forfeit their right to affirm themselves.  That is way having our own voice at Cannes is so important to provide a stage in that world market, ” added Taliaferro.

For more information about Cannes 2008 visit www.lahitz.com or call 415 821.1111.