On behalf of the Oakland Film Society, with a mission to improve the MENTAL, PHYSICAL & SPIRITUAL health of the DIVERSE POPULATIONS of THE EAST BAY THRU INSPIRING FILMS, we are excited to present: The 12th Oakland International Film Festival (OIFF12) -Destination East Bay - Oakland • San Leandro • Berkeley.

The 12th Oakland International Film Festival begins - April 3 - 6th, 2014, featuring
40+ films from around the world, including films from Oakland (local) filmmakers. OIFF12 includes filmmaker networking/panels, special events, after -parties in the East Bay!

The opening film this year was made in France, "Toussaint Louverture,"directed by Philippe Niang, starring Jimmy Jean-Louis. "Toussaint Louverture" will be screened at The Historic Grand Lake Theater followed by a series of short films.

 

April 3rd, 2014 – Opening Night Screening

 

GRAND LAKE THEATER	APRIL 3, 2014	5:30–8:45 P.M.
“TOUSSAINT LOUVERTURE” Jimmy Jean-Louis plays Toussaint Louverture

Following "Toussaint Louverture,"  at the Grand Lake Theater, The 12th Oakland International Film Festival will present a series of short films.

They are:

El Hombre Equivicado (The Wrong Man)	Directed by: ROBERTO GOÑI Produced by: HUGO SERRA	16 min
He is an ordinary sales rep, she is an attractive sea archeologist and there is a loot of 200.000 euros. These are the ingredients of this romantic comedy with a touch of a thriller.
A Confused War	Produced and Directed by: Mariel Waloff and Rachel Waldholz	25:56
Richmond, California has long been one of the state’s most dangerous cities. In 2007, this city of 103,000 people had 47 homicides, one of the highest murder rates in the country. By 2012, that number had dropped from 47 to 18. This short documentary examines the city’s unorthodox–and surprisingly successful–efforts to tame the violence: a police chief forging a new model of community policing, and a city agency reaching out directly to the young men behind the shootings.
Democratia	Directed by Borja Cobeaga	11 min
The manager of a company proposes a daring plan for keeping the workers morale high.
Colera	Directed by Aritz Moreno	6:30min
Cholera: Path. Acute, infectious disease, often epidemic and very serious.
Lou’s Prey	Directed by Juan Davis Produced by Stefan Gonzalez	12 min
A hit man and his victim end up in an unexpected situation. A situation that lands them face to face with the ultimate evil.
Yabanci	Director: Mo Faramawy Co-Director: Leo Gilbert	19 min
Mo, an Egyptian living in Turkey, celebrates his last night in Istanbul with his best friend Mina. Over the the course of the night, he questions whether Istanbul really is his home, and if not, where that leaves him as he takes the daunting steps towards the rest of his life.
Curdled	Directed by Yolande Geralds Produced by Courtney Carreras and Lisa Love	20 min
Mara hosts a post-forty prenatal support group meeting as she anxiously awaits her daughter’s return from college. Tara is unaware of her mom’s “condition” and initially misinterprets the gathering. But eventually, in a hilariously educational sequence of events, Tara learns what to expect when her own mom is grown and expecting.

Day 2 of The 12th Oakland International Film Festival - Destination East Bay - moves to the Historic Bal Theater in San Leandro.

The first screening session at the Historic Bal Theatre runs from 12:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.



The short film, "UNA HORA UN PASO," directed By Bernat Gual and Aitor Iturriza (from the Basque region (near Spain) will screen. UNA HORA UN PASO tells the story of Juan, who has been a prisoner in Egypt for 17 years. A team of reporters enter the prison to interview him, unaware that something terrible is about to happen.

Following, "UNA HORA UN PASO, the feature film,"Garifuna In Peril," will screen.

"Garifuna In Peril" written, produced and directed by Alí Allié and Ruben Reyes (made in U.S./ Honduras). TRT: 99

"Garifuna In Peril," tells the story of a Garifuna language teacher, Ricardo, struggles to preserve his endangered Afro-Amerindian culture by building a language school back in his home village in Honduras, Central America.

The next session of films at The Historic Bal Theatre are:

April 4- 3:00 – 5:30 p.m.

The Bal Theater		3:00 -		5:30 p.m.
"Ngutu"	Director: FELIPE DEL OLMO & DANIEL VALLEDOR	5 min
Ngutu is a newspaper street vendor who hardly sells any copies at all. Resentful, he starts watching the passersby closely in order to make progress in his business.
Bhirmi Junction	Directed and Produced by: Abhi Singh	18 min
Bhiwani Junction, is a portrait of Himanshu, a 12-year-old boy who aspires to win an Olympic boxing medal and trains at India’s leading grassroots boxing gym, the Bhiwani Boxing Club. Through Himanshu’s eyes, we experience boxing training that is relentless, sometimes brutal, and marked by a rhythm of its own. Himanshu’s dreams provide a glimpse into the dreams of millions of Indians in the lower middle class – dreams that are simultaneously grandiose and pragmatic.
"The Lives of LaMott Atkins"	Directed by: Robert Philipson Produced by: Shoga Films Foundation	35 min
A man of extraordinary talent and beauty struggles with his homosexuality while pursuing the roles that provide the traditional models of Black success.
CARGOLS!	Director: GEOFFREY COWPER	13 min
Joey is with his friends at a party in a park when he sees his ex-girlfriend there. He decides to go talk to her and tell her he still loves her, but a giant snail interrupts them! Joey will have to do whatever it takes to get the girl of his life back.
"Hold Me Closer"	Directed and Produced by: Thomas Fisher & Taylor Luce	25:56 min
Hold Me Closer documents the events of a Cuddle Party held in March 2011. Seven strangers gathered under the supervision of a certified Cuddle Party Facilitator for 3 hours of “freestyle cuddling” meant to bring people together through the use of healthy, nonsexual touch. However, conflicting personalities and a cuddler trying to subvert the rules threaten to derail the proceedings.
"Thrown For A Loss"	Produced & Directed by John Chavez	49 min
In November 1963, an undefeated youth football team from Northern California, has a once in a lifetime opportunity to meet President John F. Kennedy. However, due to the tragedy of President Kennedy’s assassination on November 22nd the entire team attends his emotional, funeral instead. Four days later, they defeat Mayfair Athletic Club 33 to 0 to complete a perfect season and win the National Pop Warner Championship.

The next session of films are from 6:00 - 8:30 p.m. at The Historic Bal Theatre

April 4th – San Leandro – 6:00 – 8:30 p.m.

The Bal Theater	6:00 – 8:30
"Suicide Party Short"	Directed by David Millet Produced by  Gini Graham Scott,	16:30
A once successful salesman who is about to lose everything decides to have a suicide party with the help of friends who are struggling, too; if he raises enough to save his house and get back on his feet he’ll live; if not he’ll end it all.
"21"	Directed & produced by Marina Niava Co- produced by Agence dLight	27:00
A girl falls in love with her rich mother’s boyfriend, only to find out that she was deceived by them both.
Set Me Free	Directed by: Big Spence Produced by: Big Spence & Anquenitta Williams	90
Four boys, now men (Keith, Kevin, Korey & Kenny), still live in their neighborhood. The community has transformed and what remains is the “hood.” Each man negotiates his way through the day surviving the hood and each one has a plan to be set free.

The Next session of films are:

April 4th – San Leandro – 9 – 12:00 a.m.

Bal Theater			9:00-12
Methel Island	Directed & Produced by: Meg Smaker	12 min
There is an island in the delta of northern California that is infested with crystal meth. In this documentary we will explore the island and its inhabitants relationship to the drug. Four characters will take us on the journey of an addict: from the first taste, to the come down, and finally the long road to recovery.
Pistols to Porn	Directed & Produced by: Meg Smaker	6 min
An unusual story of urban renewal…oh, if these walls could talk. From National Guard to fetish porn castle, take a glimpse inside the most unlikely of transformations.
Hopes Identity	Produced & Directed by: Christopher L. Ellis	79 min
Marcus and Cynthia are young middle school teachers who begin an interracial relationship that threatens to tear apart their family and friends. While the lines of color become blurred when combined with careers and deception, they experience the roller coaster ride of life.
The Ghost of March 21st	Produced & Directed by: Samuel Stoker	29 min
”Some of American’s most saliently held notions are challenged as the deadliest encounter in the history of Bay Area law enforcement is analyzed from the position of its so-called perpetrator in this probing documentary examination of race, power and justice in the contemporary United States . “

The 12th Oakland International Film Festival - Destination East Bay - moves back to Oakland for Day 3.
The first set of screenings begin at Geoffrey's Inner Circle at 12:00 - 2:30 p.m.

These films are:

April 5th – Geoffrey's – 12:00 – 2:45

Geoffrey's inner Circle
Saturday, April 5th
Screening
12:00 – 2:30
Oakland Originals	Directed by: Jim McSilver   Produced by; Jim McSilver and Erin Palmquist	7 min
Much of the bounty of fruit growing over fences and sidewalks in Oakland’s Temescal neighborhood was going to waste. Asiya Wadud founded Forage Oakland, a community barter network, to bring neighbors together to build communities and share the incredible riches of their own backyards. From the series Oakland Originals.
To The Moon	Directed by Emma Thatcher Produced by Anita Gou	86 min
Eighteen college students bicycle from California to Massachusetts in order to spread awareness about cooperatives, a business model they believe to be a solution to the volatile global economy. They confront frustrating realities while discovering their place in the world, and the results are at once chaotic, enlightening, and unforgettable.
The Organic Life	Directed by: Casey Beck Produced by: Ryan White, Casey Beck	60 min
The Organic Life is a yearlong chronicle of life on a Sonoma farm, where young farmer Austin Blair re-embraces the traditional agriculture practices that built America. It’s a story filled with sweat and blisters, sun and rain, as Austin and his fellow farmers struggle strive to sustain maintain one of the world’s most ancient livelihoods the old-fashioned way.

The next session of films begin at 3:00 - 5:00 p.m.
 

April 5th – Geoffrey's – 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Geoffrey's Inner Circle
Sinceridad (Sincerity)	Director: ANDREA CASASECA	2 min
After lunch, David must confess the news to his parents. What he still doesn’t know is the impact it will have in them.
Detroit Party Marching Band	Produced and Directed by Lauren DeFilippo and Katherine Gorringe	8 min
Amidst the harsh winter landscape of a struggling city, the members of a radical marching band strive to renew and reconnect with brass, percussion, and lots of glitter.
COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT, RICHMOND, CALIFORNIA THE DOCUMENTARY 28 MIN.	PRODUCED BY SHARON COLLINS AND STEPHANIE SLADE OF	28  min
In this short documentary, the issues of living in a poor community with an over abundance of foreclosed and deserted homes, are explored including; Blight, Homelessness and Bad Bank Practices. The Mayor of Richmond, Gayle McLaughlin, offers some solutions. The work of ACCE, The Alliance of Californians for Community Empowerment, helping people to stay in their homes, is explored.
Black and Cuba	Directed by Dr. Robin J. Hayes Produced by Robin J. Hayes, Progressive Pupil	82 min
A diverse group of street-smart students are outcast at an elite Ivy League university, band together and adventure to Cuba to see if revolution is truly possible. While filming their poignant encounters with AfroCuban youth, the American travelers question if either nation is post-racial or color blind.

After the above screenings, The Oakland Film Market will take place, also at Geoffrey's Inner Circle. During the Oakland Film Market, filmmakers will present 10 minutes of their films and speak for a one minute afterwards, followed by a Q and A. 

The Oakland Film Market will be followed by The Official 1st Saturdays / OIFF12 after party- featuring DJ Holla downstairs and DJ Atlas upstairs. Your film ticket or film pass will enable you free access to the party. If you come after the Oakland Film Market, if space is available, you will have to pay general admission at the door.

Day 4 of the 12th Oakland International Film Festival will be held at The Berkeley Black Repertory Theater. The first session of films begin at 12:00 p.m. to 2: 30 p.m.

April 6th – Black Repertory Theater -12:00 -2:30 p.m.

Black Repertory Theater	12:00 – 2:30
The Last Piano	Produced and Directed by Katherine Gorringe	4 min
A meditation on music and change by the piano player and bartender of an old establishment frozen in time.
Control	Directed and Produced by: Chris Bravo and Lindsey Schneider	52 min
A 16 year old is arrested and charged with assault. This is an unremarkable event in the Bronx or anywhere else. What follows, however, is a harrowing story of anxiety, confusion, isolation, and doubt. A child is thrown into a bureaucratic labyrinth—is escape even possible?
The Sunflower County Freedom Project	Directed by Carmen L. Scott Produced by Carmen L. Scott and Lenny Payan	90 min
Sunflower County, Mississippi’s legacy of racial injustice is apparent in its still segregated school system. Using the region’s rich history of Civil Rights activism, an after-school program called the Sunflower County Freedom Project seeks to teach young people that overcoming profound adversity is not only possible, it’s in their DNA.

The next session of films at the Berkeley Black Repertory Theater run from 3:15 - 5:45 p.m.

April 6 – Black Repertory Theater – 3:15 -5:45 p.m.

The Black Repertory theater		3:15 – 5:45 p.m.
Shine Shine is a documentary that follows the inspirational lives of three youth transitioning into adulthood while overcoming mental health challenges born from trauma. From gun violence to abuse, these young adults recount how they rose through their struggles and give hope to those who are dealing with the same issues.	Directed by Dan Reilly Produced by Shannon Eliot	30 min
Entanglement – part 1	DIRECTOR: Diallo M Jeffery PRODUCERS: Omar Howard & Diallo M Jeffery	30 min
“ENTANGLEMENT” is a twelve-part cinematic soap series of fictional narratives entwined at the fringe of reality. Episode One – “First Impressions” : Expecting a problem in her relationship, Angela finds trouble that could derail her lover’s ambitions.
In Da Cut	Directed by Lamont A. Coleman Produced by Biblical Films	95 min
Meet Michael Albert, a college graduate who plans to have it all…coming back to Hollywood. Now, if only his friends, family, or granddad, (Mr. Johnny Brown), could possibly get him to recognize that life is more than just a trip to the OSCARS, but a journey with the ones you really love.

The next session of films at The Berkeley Black Repertory Theater run from 6:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

April 6th – Black Repertory Theater- 6:30 – 9:00 p.m.

The Black Repertory theater		6:30 – 9:00 p.m.
Joke Thief	Directed and Produced by Tony “Phruishun” Spires	30 min
Aspiring comedian Cab Holiday is set on making it to the next level… but without paying his dues. In order to accomplish his nefarious goals he becomes the scourge of the comedy world, a Joke Thief. Starring BT Kingsley and William L. Johnson.
Savage Dance	Producer: Cheo Tyehimba Taylor	7:38 min
Ray-Savage began dancing at Katherine Dunham’s Performing Arts Training Center in East St.Louis, IL, where he studied with such great Dunham company alumni as Norman Davis, Lenwood Morris, and his mentor Archie Savage. His training with these legendary dancers has informed his teaching style and choreography. But mostly, it is his unconventional and passionate approach to dance as a way to challenge to the next generation of artistic leaders that marks him as a true community Game Changer.
Agent 6	Directed by: DESCIPLE Produced by: The Collective	16 min
An agent from a group of secret government assassins suffers from multiple personality disorder and seeks professional help when his last minute is compromised in this Action / Comedy shot in Hyper-Reality.
The Life of Michael Lange Story	Directed by Beau Spinks	45 min
This documentary is a biography of Michael Lange’s life.  The film begins with footage from the play “The Meeting”.  He has performed in hundreds of plays.  He has directed plays and movies.  Michael talks about what he expects from actors when directing.  His brother is Ted Lange (he appeared on “That’s My Mama” and played the Bartender on the “Love Boat”.  His mother was a journalist in the 70′s for News Week.  Michael has interviewed hundreds of people as a TV host (on the local TV show ” Oakland is”).

The next session of films run from 9:00 p.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Til Infinity: Souls of Mischief,

They Die by Dawn, Fruitvale to Florida

April 6th –	Black Repertory Theater	9:00 p.m -12:00 a.m.
Tickets
From Fruitvale to Florida -Strange Fruit No more	“A tribute to Oscar Grant, Trayvon Martin and countless Black and Brown youth murdered by the police, security guards and vigilantes”	Directed by Karen Seneferu
They Die By Dawn	Four outlaws with a bounty on each head, set a date for a shootout in Langston, Oklahoma. The last man takes the collective bounty. Violence and mayhem ensue.	Directed by Jeymes Samuel of “The Bullets”
Til Infinity	Highlights the story of the Souls of Mischief and the key events leading up to the release of their debut “93 ‘Til Infinity.”	Directed by Shomari Smith

To view the current line-up of films and events, download the official program guide here.

To stay abreast of the latest news, follow us on Twitter/oiff

Thank you for your support.

Looking forward to seeing you at the movies!

Kind regards,

David N. Roach