"Big In Oakland"-

The Oakland International Film Festival 10  

 

"The Spook Who Sat by the Door" &  

The San Francisco Connection

 

 

Oakland International Film Festival 10~You're Invited.

OAKLAND, CA: The multicultural Oakland International Film Festival starts today at Oakland Museum today, as it celebrates its tenth anniversary, Easter Weekend Friday-Sunday, April 6-8, 2012 at the Oakland Museum. David Roach, Executive Director has themed the festival "Big in Oakland." It is the culmination of the festivals three intertwining themes: "Made in Oakland, Black in Oakland and Healthy Economics." San Francisco plays a role in "Big In Oakland" with filmmakers San Francisco Public Defender, Jeff Adachi, Kevin Epps and Jacquie Taliaferro screening their films in the Oakland Museum with an added contribution from Marcus Bookstore in the Western Addition.

Marcus Bookstore will host author and filmmaker Sam Greenlee, whose book "The Spook Who Sat By the Door" was developed into a film directed by the now deceased actor and director, Ivan Dixon (born April 6, 1931 in New York City) who acted in the popular TV series "Hogan's Heroes." "The Spook Who Sat By The Door" can be screened today thanks to Dixon, who had the foresight to hide the original print in a safety deposit box. The FBI confiscated the film after three weeks of three weeks of theatrical release because "it could start riots."

Greenlee will be at Marcus Bookstore, 1712 Fillmore St. in San Francisco for a book signing from 2:00-4:00 p.m. Saturday, April 7. "The Spook Who Sat By the Door," (102 Minutes) starring Lawrence Cook, Janet League and Paula Kelly, will be part of the Easter Sunday closing night lineup that begins at 6:00 p.m. with "Basketball 3:16" (71 minutes) directed and produced by Oakland filmmaker Ramesses Head.

San Francisco will be represented in the Oakland International Film Festival with San Francisco Public Defender, Jeff Adachi's "You Don't Know Jack: The Jack Soo Story (20 minutes) which highlights the Oakland Actor and Comedian's life; "FAM BAM" by San Franciscan and 2011 de Young Fellow Kevin Epps which takes a critical look at the Black Family structure in America; "10-10 Gotta Win" by San Francisco native, Jacquie Taliaferro that shows the power of the vote as 20 candidates battled for the position of District 10 Supervisor with the result of Malia Cohen being the victor.

Films from Spain: Anos Despues, Lagun Mina, La Media Pena, Coptos from Egypt, "Haiti-Where Did the Money Go, Amnesty International produced "In the Land of the Free, youth produced "Radioactive," "Merritt College: Home of The Black Panthers," narrated by Congresswoman Barbara Lee, Dar He's "The Lynching of Emmett Till," JR Valray's "Block Reportin 101," "Snow," directed by Isaac Ergas, and environmental expose, "A Darker Shade of Green" are among the festival's line up. Film themes include the Environment, Social Justice and Health. Visit www.oiff.org for more listings and schedule.

The Oakland International Film Festival is more than a pretty face. Beyond the entertainment, the education, contribution to commerce and branding Oakland as a point of destination, the festival is providing film-goers an opportunity to make a difference. Roach and his team of volunteers invite the public on Saturday, April 7 to volunteer during the 1stSaturdays.com campaign by volunteering at Sanofa Elementary School and Claremont Middle School to support the Mo' Better Food program presented by Familyhood Connection. Visit http://www.healthyeconomics.org for more information.

The Oakland Film Market in the California Room of the Oakland Museum will be from 12-5:00 p.m. also on Saturday, April 7th. It will be a great forum of networking, documentary, narrative and music videos. Sam Styles of Supreme Pictures curates the afternoon.

For updates visit www.oiff.org.    Check out the happenings on twitter.com/oiff.

The Oakland International Film Festival held a special filmmakers networking event at FAZ in Oakland one of the newest restaurants in Oakland. "We are thankful to Faz Pouroshi of FAZ for opening his arms to the Oakland International Film Festival after only three months of operation in Oakland, showing his vision for community service," said David Roach, Oakland International Film Festival Founder. "We thank him and all of the sponsors, filmmakers, and volunteers for helping us grow vision of the festival to give positive images for all cultures and to help brand Oakland Oakland as a destination for arts and culture."

The Oakland International Film Festival brings positive attention Oakland as a destination for the arts. Oakland has a rich tapestry of artistic talent. The Oakland International Film Festival is a testament to Oakland's artistry, the positive happenings and the grabbling with challenges in Oakland.   Visit www.oiff.org. Sponsors include (partial list): AC Transit, The Oakland Museum, City of Oakland, Scenechat.com, FAZ in Oakland, KONO Neighborhood Association, Golden Gate Litho, KPFA, Fly Oakland, Oakland Visitors Bureau, Made in Oakland, The Oakland Asian Cultural Center and The Marriott Oakland City Center. Sponsorships for year around events are available. Contact oaklandfilmfestival@gmail.com for more information.

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