LHAAFF Announces Opening & Closing Festival Films

The Last Fall is a coming of age sports drama about the difficulties an NFL journeyman faces when trying to transition after his playing days are over. Former NFL player turned writer/director, Matthew A. Cherry visits Seattle for the Opening Night screening of his film, The Last Fall. Cherry got his start in 2007 on the CW show Girlfriends after retiring from the NFL (playing for the Jaguars, Bengals, Panthers and Ravens). From there he transitioned into directing music videos for the likes of Jazmine Sullivan, Kindred The Family Soul, Snoop Dogg and Bilal. This is Cherry's first feature film.

 

Restless City tells the story of a West African immigrant surviving on the fringes of New York City where music is his passion, life is a hustle, and falling in love is his greatest risk. Fashion photographer turned director Andrew Dosunmu will visit Seattle for the closing night screening of this, his first feature film. Besides a flourishing career in photography,Dosunmu has received awards for his documentary film, Hot Irons (1999). He has  served as creative director for album covers (for Erykah Badu and Public Enemy), and, likeCherry, has directed music videos for musicians Isaac Hayes, Angie Stone, Common, Wyclef Jean, Kelis, Aaron Neville, Maxwell, Tracy Chapman and Talib Kweli.

 

This nine day festival from April 14 – April 22, 2012 features a powerful lineup dozens of films that include Seattle premieres, local directors, a LGBT focus, Weekday Happy Hour Films, Ladies Night, Teen Fest, talkbacks and panel discussions. A complete list of films, visiting filmmakers and panels will be posted on the website www.langstonblackfilmfest.org on Monday March 26, 2012. There will be new and seasoned filmmakers in attendance, some with recent awards and accolades in tow. LHAAFF always offers a unique blend of returning filmmakers  and each year the festivAl Sparks memorable and provocative discussions from across the aisle and across neighborhoods.

 

This annual African American Film Festival is expected to draw more than 2,500 people passionate about creating and appreciating films by and about Black people in the world. The festival spotlights dozens of feature-length and short films by independent filmmakers, and the rare opportunity to chat face-to-face with filmmakers, industry professionals and Seattle leadership. Tickets to just the opening or closing night film events are $20. All other LHAAFF screenings are $8 for adults and $5 for youth younger than 16 and seniors. The All-Access Langston Pass, which includes access to both the opening and closing night films, is $50. All film details, including show times, locations and ticketing information are available at www.langstonblackfilmfest.org or by calling 206-326-1088.

 

Langston Hughes Performing Arts Center™ (LHPAC) is located at 104 17^th Ave. S (at Yesler Way), and 2012 marks its 40^th year as a thriving performing arts center for Seattle Parks and Recreation.

 

The African American Film Festival is supported by Comcast, Seattle Parks and Recreation, 4Culture, and a host of local businesses and organizations. The Langston Hughes African American Film Festival gives Northwest audiences a chance to view a diverse array of irreverent, poignant, provocative films on topics such as youth, politics, history, social justice and relationships.

 

About the Langston Hughes African American Film Festival ™: The Langston Hughes African American Film Festival ™ is a Langston Hughes Performing Arts Center ™ program. The Festival began in 2004 as a weekend series, and has grown to nine days of film, workshops, filmmaker events and community celebrations. Films are selected from entries screened by panels, and curated from current and vintage offerings worldwide. The  festival, grounded in community capacity building and collaborative ventures, features panel discussions, readings, matinee screenings for middle/high school youth and audience 'talk-backs' with filmmakers, industry professionals and community leaders. The festival is known for finding positive, provocative, penetrating independent film created by emerging and established filmmakers from around the world and in our own back yard.

 

The 2012 Langston Hughes Performing Arts Center Film Festival™ Program Coordinator is Karen Toering, and Zola Mumford returns as the Festival Curator. Each year dedicated crews of passionate film festival volunteers help bring the film festival to life in our communities.