San Francisco-Director
Robert Townsend's
dramatic portrayal based on a true story "In The Hive" has the
universal theme of one person making a difference in the lives of many.
"In the Hive" opens The San Francisco Black Film Festival, Friday, June
15 at the historic Lorraine Hansberry Theatre 450 Post Street in Union
Square.
Michael Clarke Duncan,
Loretta Devine,
Vivica A. Fox and newcomer
Jonathan McDaniel
headline the film that tells the story of how a cook in rural North
Carolina changed the hopeless lives of young men discarded by society.
We're
pleased to have Robert Townsend's film that was produced in
collaboration with "One Economy" as part of the our fourteenth
festival," said Kali O'Ray. "It is a signature piece
that leads what I am seeing as a redemptive theme considering films like
the international Fambul Tok of Sierra Leone that demonstrates
forgiveness in its highest form to Kevin Epps,' "FAM BAM," JR Valray's "Block Reportin' 101" and Jacquie Taliaferro's
"10-10 Gotta Win," and other films. The San Francisco Black Film
Festival, in alignment with our mission, provides a platform for
established and emerging filmmakers," added O'Ray.
"The San Francisco Black Film Festival organizers and volunteers see the festival as more than just entertainment," said Rey Ramsey,
Co-founder and Chairman of the Board for One Economy. "We're beginning a
relationship that will launch on-going educational opportunities
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Actress Loretta Devine (r) portrays real life heroic figure of "In The Hive" Vivian Saunders (l).
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that include screenings and panel discussions
beyond opening night. Most important is the message of the movie, 'In
the Hive' is about real people and represents what's happening everyday
around the country. Stay tuned for the additional educational programs
in the upcoming months. "
"More than entertainment is right," said Dr. Joseph Bryant Jr.,
Senior Pastor at Calvary Hill Community Church, Rainbow P.U.S.H Bay
Area Director and Radio Talk Show Host. "The San Francisco Black Film
Festival is partnering with Calvary and participating organizations for
the "Focus on Fathers Family Day," Saturday, June 16,
12 noon-6 p.m. during the Juneteenth Weekend. "The innovative day will
give businesses an opportunity for direct marketing, the screening of
films, a music concert, healthy cooking demonstrations, and a call to
action panel discussion, "Get in the Game: A Call to Fatherhood in the Hood,"
featuring athletes and community leaders. We invite San Francisco and
the Bay Area to join us for the day of fun and enlightenment.," added
Dr. Bryant.
"Focus on Fathers Family Day & Juneteenth Celebration" at Calvary will include a vendor
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Chef Robert Dorsey III to provide healthy cooking demonstration at
SFBFF "Focus on Fathers Family Day" at Calvary Hill Community Church,
June 16.
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and table top fair, activities for the children, a healthy cooking demonstration by Chef Robert Dorsey and his son (www.chefrobertdorsey.com)
film screenings, and in alignment with June as Black Music Month
Calvary Hill Community Church's own, Minister Marcus Dyson will
orchestrate a gospel concert as the finale for the day.
SFBFF Films Include:
"In The Hive,"
directed by Robert Townsend, is universal story of the triumph of the
underdog when just one person decides there is a better way and that the
weakest among us is noble and has great worth.Former De Young Museum
Fellow Kevin Epps' "FAM BAM" examines the Black family structure and its
resilience. Taliaferro's "10-10 Gotta Win" showcases the importance of
voting and, JR Valray's Block Reportin' 101 gives the 4-1-1- on the
Block Report brand of journalism and how it serves people and
communities that are often denied outlets elsewhere. Fambul Tok (Family
Talk) by Sara Terry chronicles Sierra Leoneans drawing
on ancient traditions of addressing issues within the safety of the
family circle to make their communities whole again. Elza by Marriette Monpierre
is the dramatic tale of a young Parisian woman of Caribbean descent who
returns to her native island of Guadeloupe looking for the father she
has never known.
For a list of other films and workshops on animation with special guest Leo Sullivan, Bill Cosby's legendary cartoonist (Fat Albert & the Cosby Kids) visit: http://www.sfbff.org/z2011-aftr-fest/2012-schedule-shell.html.
Other
events associated with the San Francisco Black Film Festival include a
PreEvent Mixer at Club Infusion, Thursday, June 14. Dion Roberts, Executive Director of Mary Elizabeth Inn salutes the San Francisco Black Film Festival from 6-9 p.m. during
"Happy Hour to End Homelessness." Filmmakers, actors, directors and the
public are invited. Club Infusion is located at 124 Ellis Street in San
Francisco. Check out the Pre-Fest Double Screening at the Jazz
Heritage Center of "Thugs, the Musical & "Elrus Pearsley as the
King," Special appearance by San Francisco own Kevin Avery.
Enjoy complimentary food and drink, and discount festival tickets. The
Jazz Heritage Center is located at 1320 Fillmore Street in San
Francisco.
The
San Francisco Black Film Festival is open to everyone. It's an
opportunity for all multicultural Bay Area residents and visitors to San
Francisco to take a glimpse at the Black community from the everyday
media that often just displays the problems and issues when there is
much more than meets the eye. The San Francisco Black Film Festival
provides the African American Community and opportunity for reflection
and affirmation.
To find out more about Opening Night at the Lorraine Hansberry Theatre, "Focus on Fathers Family Day & Juneteenth Celebration," the Red Carpet VIP Reception, the films, the panels, and the "My Dad is My Hero" contest, visit www.sfbff.org. For organization and corporate sponsorship opportunities contact Kali O'Ray at 415.400.4602 or Jackie Wright at 415 525 0410. Community vendor opportunities begin at $125.00.
Photos from 2011 Red Carpet Event:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F3z5GNmECOg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XYt7cF7YAgM
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About the San Francisco Black Film Festival
The
San Francisco Black Film Festival was founded with the artistic vision
to provide a platform for Black filmmakers, screenwriters, and actors to
present their art. As a competitive film festival, SFBFF identifies
filmmakers, screenwriters, and actors that are emerging as talents and
established artists who are contributing to the cinematic legacy of
African Americans. SFBFF conscientiously expands the notions of "Black
film-making" to a global perspective. The San Francisco Black Film
Festival is the brainchild of the late Ave Montague.
Other News From Lorraine Hansberry:
Smooth Jazz Sounds of Tony Saunders kick offs "Summer at LHT" June 22 6 p.m.
Community News
