Unspool Hollywood

TCM Classic Film Festival 2021 Schedule

The 2021 TCM Classic Film Festival Will be Virtual this Year and Features More Than 100 Films and Over 30 Special Guests Across Turner Classic Movies Channel and HBO Max

Calling all film fans – Turner Classic Movies (TCM) today released the extensive lineup of talent, films, and exclusive content for the 2021 TCM Classic Film Festival, airing from Thursday, May 6 through Sunday, May 9 at two virtual venues: the TCM network and the Classics Curated by TCM Hub on HBO Max.

View Turner Classic Movies Schedule

View HBO Max Lineup

View the linear schedule here

A STAR IS BORN, James Mason, Judy Garland, 1954

Programming and Talent highlights of the Festival include:

Opening Night on Thursday, May 6 at 8pm ET features the 60^th anniversary screening of West Side Story (1961) with stars Rita Moreno, George Chakiris and Russ Tamblyn giving new and exclusive interviews. Opening Night will premiere simultaneously on TCM and HBO Max
The Masters collection on HBO Max, featuring interviews with directors Barry Levinson (Good Morning, Vietnam) and Barbara Kopple (Harlan County, USA)
Debbie Allen introduces Fame (1980) and sits down for an exclusive interview
Michael Douglas introduces One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (1975) on HBO Max
Jacqueline Bisset introduces Bullitt (1968) on TCM and on HBO Max
The world broadcast premiere of Bill Morrison’s latest short film on TCM, let me come in (2021), featuring decayed film reels from the lost German silent film Pawns of Passion (1928) and co-presented by the Los Angeles Opera
A tribute to iconic comedian Martin Short with Clifford (1994) and Innerspace (1987) on HBO Max
SF Sketchfest Presents a table read of Ed Wood’s Plan 9 From Outer Space (1959) on TCM, adapted by comedian Dana Gould and featuring Maria Bamford, Bobcat Goldthwait, Oscar Nuñez, Laraine Newman, Bob Odenkirk, David Koechner, Janet Varney, Jonah Ray, Paul F. Tompkins, Gary Anthony Williams, Baron Vaughn, Deborah Baker Jr. and Kat Aagesen

Fans will also be able to engage with the Festival at live virtual events and experiences throughout the weekend including:

The return of fan favorite Meet TCM panel where network execs share insight into the network, how programming is scheduled and produced, and a preview of upcoming events and series, will be live on Wednesday, May 5
Club TCM, a staple at the in-person Festival, is going virtual this year. Fans can join on Zoom to hear from TCM hosts and festival talent, learn something new, and share their love of classic movies with fellow fans
Live Tweets and Instagram Lives with Festival talent and hosts – follow along with #TCMFF
The official TCM Classic Film Festival Boutique featuring limited-edition merchandise such as a new host pin set, mugs, t-shirts, popcorn salt, and more

Last year’s Special Home Edition of the TCM Classic Film Festival was one of the first festivals to shift to an all-virtual experience at the onset of the pandemic, and this year, viewers can expect even more stars, movies, and ways to watch.

For more information, please visit http://filmfestival.tcm.com

About Turner Classic Movies (TCM)

Turner Classic Movies (TCM) is a two-time Peabody Award-winning network that presents great films, uncut and commercial-free, from the largest film libraries in the world highlighting the entire spectrum of film history. TCM features the insights from Primetime host Ben Mankiewicz along with hosts Alicia Malone, Dave Karger, Jacqueline Stewart and Eddie Muller, plus interviews with a wide range of special guests and serves as the ultimate movie lover destination. With more than two decades as a leading authority in classic film, TCM offers critically acclaimed series like The Essentials, along with annual programming events like 31 Days of Oscar® and Summer Under the Stars. TCM also directly connects with movie fans through events such as the annual TCM Classic Film Festival in Hollywood, the TCM Big Screen Classics series in partnership with Fathom Events, as well as through the TCM Classic Film Tour in New York City and Los Angeles. In addition, TCM produces a wide range of media about classic film, including books and DVDs, and hosts a wealth of material online at tcm.com and through the Watch TCM mobile app. Fans can also enjoy a TCM curated classics experience on HBO Max.

About HBO Max

HBO Max® is WarnerMedia’s direct-to-consumer platform, offering best in class quality entertainment. HBO Max features the greatest array of storytelling for all audiences from the iconic brands of HBO, Warner Bros., DC, Cartoon Network, Adult Swim, Turner Classic Movies and much more. The streaming platform initially launched in the United States in May 2020. This year, it will expand into Latin America and the HBO-branded streaming services in Europe (the Nordics, Spain, Central Europe, the Baltics and Portugal) will be upgraded to HBO Max.

VIEW TRAILER BELOW!

Arclight Cinemas and Pacific Theatres To Close Permanently

ArcLight Hollywood-Pacific Cinerama Dome Theater. Photo: Yevette Renee

The COVID-19 vaccines is here, yet it did not come soon enough for many movie theatres. After closing all of their locations in March 2020 due to COVID-19, the Decurion Corporation, the parent company of Arclight Cinemas and Pacific Theatres, has announced the permanently closures of their six Los Angeles-area Pacific Theatre locations and 11 Arclight Theatres located around the country.

The permanent closures include the iconic Arclight Hollywood -Cinerama Dome at 6360 Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood. It was a place where independent filmmakers would go to screen and premiere their films in heart of Hollywood.

Full statement from The Decurion Corporation:

After shutting our doors more than a year ago, today we must share the difficult and sad news the Pacific will not be reopening its ArcLight Cinemas and Pacific Theatres locations.

This was not the outcome anyone wanted, but despite a huge effort that exhausted all potential options, the company des not have a viable way forward.

To all the Pacific and ArcLight employees who have devoted their
professional lives to making out theaters the very best places in the world
to see movies: we are grateful for your service and your dedication
to our customers.

To our guests and members of the film industry who have made going to the
movies such a magical experience over the years: our deepest thanks. It has been an honor and a pleasure to serve you.

Pacific operates Vineland Drive-in, located in La Puente, the only remaining drive-in in Los Angeles County.

Pacific Theaters was founded in 1946 by William R. Forman, who began construction on the Cinerama Dome in 1963. The ground breaking ceremony
included Hollywood stars Buddy Hackett, Edie Adams, Spencer Tracy and others.

It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World, directed by Stanley Kramer, was the first film that premiered at the Cinerama Dome in 1963.

BAFTA 2021 Winners

A List of the 2021 BAFTA Winners

NOMADLAND - Best Film
PROMISING YOUNG WOMAN - Outstanding British Film
HIS HOUSE - Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director or Producer
ANOTHER ROUND - Film Not in the English Language
MY OCTOPUS TEACHER - Documentary
SOUL - Animated Film
CHLOE ZHAO - Director
PROMISING YOUNG WOMAN - Original Screenplay
THE FATHER - Adapted Screenplay
FRANCES MCDORMAND - Leading Actress
ANTHONY HOPKINS - Leading Actor
YUH-JUNG YOUN - Supporting Actress
DANIEL KALUUYA - Supporting Actor
SOUL - Original Score
ROCKS - Casting
NOMADLAND - CINEMATOGRAPHY
SOUND OF METAL - Editing
MANK - Production Design
MA RAINEY'S BLACK BOTTOM - Costume Design
MA RAINEY'S BLACK BOTTOM - Make up and Hair
SOUND OF METAL - Sound
TENET - Special Visual Effects
THE OWL AND THE PUSSYCAT - British Short Animation
THE PRESENT - British Short Film

Restrictions Lifted, Hollywood Reopens

Oscar Marquee. Photo credit: Yevette Renee

Because of the commitment of President Joe Biden, he has exceeded his goal of 100 million shots in the arms in his first 100 days in office, which has greatly help in the decline in COVID cases.

And after a year of lockdowns, with no movie premieres, music, television or film productions, Los Angeles County has been moved into the "Orange Tier" of the State's Blueprint for Safer Economy framework, and some of the restrictions will be lifted for the music, television, and film productions. To meet the requirements, the county of Los Angeles must report 3.9 or fewer daily new coronavirus cases per 100,000 residents and a test positivity rate under 5%.

And, beginning on April 15th, Los Angeles and Orange County, will be able to lift restrictions on indoor concerts, theater performances and other indoor music, television and film productions. If you want to attend any of these indoor events, you will have to show a negative COVID-19 test result or proof that you have completed ALL vaccination requirements.

Restaurant and movie theaters can increase their indoor capacity from 25% or 100 people to 50% or 200 people. This also also applies to museums, zoos, and places of worship. Bars can open at 33% capacity.

Amusement Parks
Six Flag Magic Mountain reopened on April 3rd.
Universal Studio Tourswiil reopen to California residents only on April 16th.
Disneyland will reopen on April 30th

Education
Los Angeles Unified School District is scheduled to return preschool
and elementary school students to in-class instruction instruction in the middle of April. Middle and high school students scheduled for the end of April.

Film Festivals
Sun Valley Film Festival April 14-18, online
Hot Docs, April 29-May 9
True/False Film Festival, May 5-9, in-person and online
Tribeca Film Festival, June 9-20
Mountainfilm, May 29-31, in-person; May 31-June 6, online
Provincetown Film Festival, June 16-25, in-person and online
Comic-Con, July 22-25
CinemaCon, August 26-30
Telluride Film Festival, September 2-6
Indigo Moon Film Festival, October 8-10 is in-person, October 9-15, online
AFM-American Film Market, November 2-7

Movie Theaters that have reopened in Los Angeles County:
AMC Theatres in Century City, Santa Monica and Burbank
Cinemark at the Promenade at Howard Huges Center, Westchester
El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood
Laemmle Theatres In Santa Monica, North Hollywood, Glendale, West L.A. and Pasadena
Landmark Theatres in Westwood opened on March 26th
Nuart Theatre in Santa Monica
Pacific Theaters in the Grove, Pacific Northridge Center, Americana Glendale
Regal Cinema reopened with the April 2nd limited release of Godzilla vs. Kong.
Regency Theatres in Van Nuys, Granada Hills, Agoura Hills
TCL Chinese Theatre reopened on March 29th with the limited release of Godzilla vs. Kong

ArcLight Cinemas -Hollywood has not reopened

Museums
Have opened at 25% capacity.
The Autry Museum of the American West
California African American Museum
California Science Center
LACMA
The Los Angeles County Museum of Art opened on April 1st
Los Angeles Zoo
The Hammer Museum
Natural History Museum of Los Angels Countym La Brea Tar Pits, and William S. Hart Museum
Skirball Cultural Center

Museum to reopen soon
The Broad to reopen in May
GRAMMY Museum no reopening date announced
MOCA no reopening date announced
Travel Town Museum

Governor Newsom is scheduled to phase-out the four-tiered, color-coded system that has been used as the guide for the state's reopening during the year-long closure, and open up the California economy on June 15th. This is subject to change based on the trend of COVID cases.

The Los Angeles County health protocols, called Appendix J, must be agreed to in order to receive a film permit from FilmLA. This includes Employers must provide all personal protective equipment (PPE).

All productions that are one or limited-time special event or performances must submit an event safety plan for review at least 10 business days before the planned event. You must submit your event plant via email to the Public Health department at: LiaisonCOVID19@ph.lacounty.gov. It is required to include the details of the event, a completed Department of Public Health Appendix J Protocol Checklist, schematics and any additional information that PDH may need to ensure the safety of all.

All productions for live outdoor events and performances mut also follow the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health "Protocol for Outdoor Seated Live Events and Performances.

Additional requirements for music, television and film productions are as follows:
Restaurants and bars
Retail Operations
Office Spaces
Warehouse and Manufacturing
Construction

Each productions is required to provide information on how they will protect employees health, with social distancing and infection control, how they will communicate with their employees and the public and how they will ensure fairness to all their employees and their ability to access services.

See Appendix J here

12th African American Film Critics Association Awards Virtually Tonight, April 7

The African American Film Critics Association (AAFCA), the world’s largest group of Black film critics, will hold its twelfth annual awards ceremony virtually on Wednesday, April 7th, sponsored by Nissan and Morgan Stanley. “Judas and the Black Messiah” was named the year’s Best Film, in addition to winning Best Supporting Actor for Daniel Kaluuya and Best Supporting Actress for Dominique Fishback.

“It is an honor to help present an award to ‘Judas and the Black Messiah’ because I am from Chicago where we have a tradition of community advocacy,” said RogerEbert.com publisher Chaz Ebert. “Emmett Till and his mother, Mamie Till Mobley, lived here; the Rev. Jesse Jackson lives here; and former president Barack Obama was a community advocate here. I lived on the West Side of Chicago, and I met Fred Hampton, and I know he aspired to be a lawyer. After his death, his brother contacted me as the head of the Black American Law Student Association to help establish the Fred Hampton Scholarship at DePaul Law School for African-American students. So this film was particularly meaningful to me.”

“Serving alongside an all-Black producing team, “Judas and the Black Messiah” director Shaka King created a project that permanently enshrines pivotal Black Panther leader Fred Hampton as an American hero. Released against the backdrop of the present-day Black Lives Matter movement, the film’s message of commitment and sacrifice to social justice is empowering,” says AAFCA President/Co-Founder Gil Robertson. “Daniel Kaluuya as Hampton is literally on fire and is supported well by Dominique Fishback who increasingly has become an actress to watch. Our members are thrilled to award the film with our highest honor.”

Andra Day won Best Actress for her harrowing portrayal of the title role in “The United States vs. Billie Holiday,” while Chadwick Boseman posthumously won Best Actor for his stunning performance in “Ma Rainey's Black Bottom.”

“Our Best Actress winner Andra Day was phenomenal as Billie Holiday,” continues Robertson. “Director Lee Daniels has a terrific knack for bringing out the very best from his actors and Day is no exception as she delivered a performance that serves as an impressive launch to an acting career we feel has great promise. The members of AAFCA are excited to see even more of her range in the future. In ‘Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom,’ Chadwick Boseman again showcased a great understanding and execution of the acting craft. In what is the final performance of his career, he confirmed why he will forever be considered one of the best actors of his generation. AAFCA is tremendously pleased to honor him for this extraordinary performance.”

Here is the complete list of winners:

Best Picture: “Judas and the Black Messiah” (Warner Bros.)
Best Director: Regina King, “One Night In Miami” (Amazon Studios)
Best Actor: Chadwick Boseman, “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” (Netflix)
Best Actress: Andra Day, “The United States vs. Billie Holiday” (Hulu)
Best Supporting Actor: Daniel Kaluuya, “Judas and the Black Messiah” (Warner Bros.)
Best Supporting Actress: Dominique Fishback, “Judas and the Black Messiah” (Warner Bros.)
Best Screenplay: Kemp Powers, “One Night in Miami” (Amazon Studios)
Best Ensemble: “One Night In Miami” (Amazon Studios)
Best Foreign Film: “Night of the Kings” (Neon)
Best Documentary: “All In: The Fight For Democracy” (Amazon Studios)
Best Animation: “Soul” (Pixar/Disney)
Best Short Film: “Two Distant Strangers”
Breakout Performance: Radha Blank (Netflix)
Breakout Director: Shaka King (Warner Bros.)

The organization, whose membership spans the U.S., the Caribbean, Europe and Africa and is the largest of its kind, also announced its Top 10 films of the year (listed here in ranked order): “Judas And The Black Messiah,” “One Night In Miami,” “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom,” “Nomadland,” “Night Of The Kings,” “American Skin,” “Da 5 Bloods,” “Minari,” “Miss Juneteenth” and “The United States Vs. Billie Holiday.”

“The common theme with all of our Top 10 Films this year is the grace of humanity. All of these films spotlighted different circumstances that put the human spirit to a test. During a year when COVID-19 forced everyone on this planet to unite against a common threat to our health and well-being, these films spoke to the resilience and courage we all possess to overcome challenging odds. The AAFCA members were deeply heartened and inspired by these amazing stories as we also look forward to a return to “going to the movies” with our family and friends,” said Robertson.

The public airing for the 12th Annual AAFCA Awards virtual ceremony will take place at 8pm CT on Saturday, April 17th. For updates on how to stream the ceremony, follow AAFCA on Twitter and Instagram. For more information, visit the official site of AAFCA.

Angela Davis, Lee Daniels, Genius: Aretha, Queen Latifah, Nika King, and More Featured During Second Week of the Pan African Film Festival

Special screenings, conversations, panels, and events

LOS ANGELES - America’s largest Black film festival, the Pan African Film Festival, continues this week. Below are highlights of this week’s programming.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 29th Pan African Film Festival will run through March 14 on-line and on-demand only. The virtual component allows this year’s Festival to reach a global audience. More information and tickets can be found at www.paff.org.

SPECIAL SCREENINGS

CBS has partnered with PAFF to premiere episodes from The Equalizer (Mar. 9, 6 p.m. PT), The Neighborhood (Mar. 12, 6 p.m. PT), and Bob❤️Abishola (Mar. 12, 6 p.m. PT) along with exclusive Q&As with the cast of each show.

National Geographic’s Genius: Aretha starring Cynthia Erivo (Harriet, The Color Purple) will premiere during the PAFF on Mar. 11 at 6 p.m. PT.

Closing Night (Mar. 14, 6p.m. PT) will spotlight Lázaro Ramos’ directorial debut Executive Order. The film is set in a dystopian near future in Brazil where an authoritarian government orders all citizens of African descent to move to Africa – creating chaos, protests, and an underground resistance movement that inspires the nation. Director Lázaro Ramos’ and members of the cast will participate in a Q&A following the screening. Mar. 14, 6 p.m. PT.

Trade tells the story of two men, one a streetwise hustler, the other a strait-laced lawyer, who meet and form a relationship that brings to light who they really are. As their relationship deepens and their lives intertwine, the complexity and dangers of living their truths reveal themselves in ultimately tragic ways. Hosted by Better Brothers Los Angeles and In the Meantime Men’s Group, following the screening, there will be a discussion about the lives of transgender people and how to support and advocate for the LGBTQ+ community. Mar. 12, 6 p.m. PT.

CLIPS AND CONVERSATIONS

A special conversation with director Lee Daniels and the cast of The United States Vs. Billie Holiday. Mar.10, 6 p.m. PT.

PANELS

Unless otherwise stated, panels are on-demand at paff.org.

Where Do We Go From Here: Chaos or Community? - A powerful group of change-makers across multiple generations come together to discuss today’s Black Lives Matter Movement in the context of the struggle for Black Liberation. Panelists include activist and professor Angela Y. Davis, historian and scholar Dr. Gerald Horne, Black Lives Matter activist Dr. Melina Abdullah, and political strategist and journalist Jasmyne A. Cannick. The conversation is moderated by Pan African Film Festival co-founder Ayuko Babu.

Facebook Presents ‘We the Culture’ - PAFF and Facebook will host a roundtable discussion with filmmakers and digital creators from Facebook's We The Culture Program--a creative community fueled and curated by Black creators, dedicated to celebrating and championing Black culture and broader conversations important to the Black community. Panelists include: Dr. Mehret Mandefro, Lacey Schwartz Delgado, Wesley Armstrong, and James Bland. Mar. 12, 4 p.m. PT on Facebook.com/paffnow.

Showtime Presents ‘Inside THE CHI Writers' Room’ - Get an inside look into The Chi's Writers Room. Features panelists Justin Hillian, Showrunner, Writer, and Executive Producer, Jewel Coronel, Writer and Co-Executive Producer, Resheida Brady, Writer and Supervising Producer, and James Rogers III, Writer and Executive Story Editor.

The Intersectionality of Women of Color in Film & TV - Women of Color Unite (WOCU) hosts a discussion on the highs and lows of the intersection of Women of Color in film, the Women of Color run media and entertainment organizations that support them and the infrastructure that tries to erase them. Panelists include: Cheryl L. Bedford, Nikki Bailey, Tatiana Lee, Fanshen Cox, Diana Elizabeth Jordan, Twinkie Byrd, and Tonya Pinkins.

Other panels include: How to Get Your Kids Into Show Biz, Fix it in Post, Can't Stop, Won't Stop: Black Women Transforming the Industry, and By Any Means Necessary: Making Movies on Micro to No Budget.

SPECIAL EVENTS

Spoken Word - Hosted by poets Paul Mabon and LaLa Deville, PAFF will once again present its popular poetry slam featuring the best wordsmiths in Los Angeles. Premieres Wed. Mar. 10, 6 p.m. PT and then available on-demand.

LOL! Comedy Jam - PAFF’s annual comedy show featuring comics from around the world. Hosted by Nika King (Euphoria), this year’s featured comics include Jazmyn W (Tik Tok content creator), Marcus Smith (You Know Maacus), Zainab Johnson (100 Humans), Jonnae Johnson (Tru TV), and David Lucas (Freshest Fat Boy). Premieres Wed. Mar. 10, 6 p.m. PT and then available on-demand.

Children’s Fest - Free age-appropriate screenings for children 4 to 12. Feature films include Nigeria’s Lady Buckit and the Motley Mopsters and various Disney animation features. Sponsored by Union Bank. Mar. 13-14, 11 a.m. PT.

The 29th Pan African Film Festival Announces Competition Selections

Global Black Film Festival to Feature Over 65 World Premiere Titles

For Immediate Release: February 5, 2021

Media Contact: press@paff.org

LOS ANGELES - The Pan African Film Festival (PAFF) announced today film nominations in its prestigious juried competition. The Pan African Film Festival is America's largest and most prestigious Black film festival. Each year, the PAFF screens more than 200 films made by and/or about people of African descent from around the world. PAFF holds the distinction of being the largest Black History Month event in the country. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) has designated PAFF as an official qualifying film festival for live-action and animation short films. The 29th Pan African Film Festival will take place virtually from February 28 – March 14.

This year, the competitions will include over 65 World premiere titles and over 29 US premieres.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 29th Pan African Film Festival will run February 28 – March 14 on-line and on-demand only. The virtual component allows this year’s Festival to reach a global audience. More information can be found at www.paff.org.

Best Narrative Feature Competition

Back of the Moon (South Africa)
Director: Angus Gibson

Caged Birds (US)
Director: Fredrick Leach

Poppie Nongena (South Africa)
Director: Christiaan Olwagen

Red Pill (US)
Director: Tonya Pinkins

The Fisherman's Diary (Cameroon)
Director: Enah Johnscott

The Ghost and the House of Truth (Nigeria)
Director: Akin Omotoso

The Milkmaid (Nigeria)
Director: Desmond Ovbiagele

Best Documentary Competition

City On the Hill (US)
Director: Xavier Underwood

Disruptor Conductor (Canada, US)
Director: Sharon Lewis

Firestarter - The Story of Bangarra (Australia)
Director: Wayne Blair, Nel Minchin

Fresh Guide To Florence with Fab 5 Freddy (Italy, US, UK)
Director: David Shulman

Lake Women (Rwanda, Germany)
Director: Deve Shema

Raymond Lewis: L.A. Legend (US)
Director: Ryan Matthew Polomski, Dean Prator

Through the Night (US)
Director: Loira Limbal

Uprooted - The Journey of Jazz Dance (Canada, France, UK, US)
Director: Khadifa Wong

Best First Feature - Director Competition

Narratives
African America (South Africa, US)
Director: Muzi Mthembu

Caged Birds (US)
Director: Fredrick Leach

Executive Order (Brazil)
Director: Lázaro Ramos

Love Like Winter (US)
Director: Artel Great

Shaina (Zimbabwe, South Africa)
Director: Beautie Masvaure Alt

Documentaries

Finding Sally (Ethiopia, Canada)
Director: Tamara Dawit

Hollywood's Architect: The Paul R. Williams Story (US)
Director: Royal Kennedy Rodgers, Kathy McCampbell Vance

Softie (Kenya, US)
Director: Sam Soko

The Letter (Kenya)
Director: Maia Lekow, Christopher King

The Patterson: Another Bronx Tale (US)
Director: Bahati Adrien Best

Who is Gatsby Randolph (US)
Director: Kobie Randolph

Best Short Narrative (Animation or Live Action)

#WeAreDyingHere (South Africa)
Director: Shane Vermooten

Antivirus (Greece)
Director: Anastasia Sima

Guillermina (Cuba)
Director: Aida Esther Bueno Sarduy

Junebug (US)
Director: Winter Dunn

Junior (US)
Director: Jehnovah Carlisle

London Arabia (UK)
Director: Daniel Jewel

Nazen (US)
Director: Shemar Yanick Jonas

Pure (US)
Director: Natalie Jasmine Harris

Sër Bi (Les Tissus Blancs) (Senegal, France)
Director: Moly Kane

Smell of Summer (US)
Director: Kris Wilson

The Cypher (US)
Director: Letia Solomon

The McHenry Trial – Don’t Judge a Kid by Their Hoodie (US)
Director: Ken Sagoes

The Power Of Hope (US)
Director: Kalia Love Jones

Till Death Do Us Part (Póki śmierć nas nie rozłączy ) (Uganda, Poland)
Director: Dolores Vunda

Tuk-tuk (Egypt)
Director: Mohamed Kheidr

Two Single Beds (UK)
Director: William Stefan Smith

Festival Sponsors and Partners

The 29th Pan African Film Festival’s sponsors include the City of Los Angeles; the Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs; the Los Angeles County Department of Arts and Culture; Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell, Los Angeles City Councilmember Marqueece Harris-Dawson (8th District); Los Angeles City Councilmember Curren Price (9th District); Los Angeles City Councilmember Mark Ridley-Thomas (10th District); California State Assemblyman Mike A. Gipson, 64th District; Commissioner Willard H. Murray, Jr., Water Replenishment District; U.S. Congresswoman Karen Bass, 37th District; U.S. Congresswoman Maxine Waters, 43rd District; Union Bank; Brotherhood Crusade, Groundwurk; FilmLA; Sony Pictures Entertainment; Mervyn M. Dymally African American Political and Economic Institute; Academy of Motion Pictures Arts & Sciences; Los Angeles Sentinel; The Wave; KPFK; Black Cultural Events; Immigrant Magazine; KJLH; Our Weekly; okayafrica; L.A. Focus; Envoi, Miss Everything Entertainment, Girl In Charge Public Relations and Empowerment Justice Strategies.

The Pan African Film & Arts Festival is supported, in part, by a grant provided by: The Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences; LA Arts COVID-19 Relief Fund with the California Community Foundation; and the LA County COVID-19 Arts Relief Fund administered by the LA County Department of Arts and Culture.

About the Pan African Film Festival

Gearing up for its 29th anniversary, the Pan African Film and Arts Festival (PAFF) is America's largest and most prestigious Black film festival. Each year, it screens more than 200 films made by and/or about people of African descent from around the world. PAFF holds the distinction of being the largest Black History Month event in the country. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) has designated PAFF as an official qualifying film festival for live-action and animation short films.

PAFF is a non-profit corporation, founded in 1992 by award-winning actor Danny Glover (“The Color Purple,” “Lethal Weapon” movie franchise), Emmy Award-winning actress Ja’Net DuBois (best known for her role as Willona in the TV series, “Good Times”) and executive director, Ayuko Babu, an international legal, cultural and political consultant who specializes in Pan African Affairs. PAFF is dedicated to the promotion of ethnic and racial respect and tolerance through the exhibit of films, art, and creative expression.

The goal of PAFF is to present and showcase the broad spectrum of Black creative works, particularly those that reinforce positive images, help to destroy negative stereotypes and depict an expanded vision of the Black experience. PAFF believes film and art can lead to better understanding and foster communication between peoples of diverse cultures, races, ethnicities, and lifestyles in an entertaining way while at the same time, serving as a vehicle to initiate dialogue on the important issues of our times.

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HOLLYWOOD’S First Day of 2021 in Pictures

Hollywood Boulevard and LaBrea Avenue

The Roosevelt Hotel Photo: Yevette Renee

Hollywood High School Photo: Yevette Renee

Santa Monica Blvd and LaBrea Ave Photo: Yevette Renee

Highland Ave. and Sunset Blvd. Photo: Yevette Renee

ArcLight Hollywood-Pacific Cinerama Dome Theater. Photo: Yevette Renee

Kiosk Hollywood Blvd. and Vine Ave. Photo: Yevette Renee

The Breakfast Club, a future restaurant on Vine Ave. Photo: Yevette Renee

Taraji P. Henson Makes Directorial Debut in Bron Studio’s Comedy Film ‘Two-Faced’

Oscar nominee, Best Supporting Actress for her role in ‘The Curious Case of Benjamin Button’, Television star, talented singer and successful business woman Taraji P. Henson is set to make her film directorial debut and have a starring role as the mother of the student in the upcoming comedy film ‘Two-Face from Aaron L. Gilbert and Brenda Gilbert’s BRON Studios.

“Two-Faced follows Joy, a Black high school senior whose chances to attend the college of her dreams are threatened by her wildly popular and charismatic school principal, Jerald, after she confronts him with evidence of his racist past. With the help of her friends, Joy sets out to expose Jerald for who he truly is but quickly learns that he is not above waging all-out-war against the students trying to take him down.”

Written by Cat Wilkens, a talented writer who graduated with a degree in broadcast journalism from the University of Missouri in 2015. In 2018, she began her studies at UCLA in its MFA Screenwriting Program. The script for Two-Faced won the first place prize in the feature comedy category at the UCLA Screenwriters Showcase in 2020.

Sharing producing duties with Henson and her production company TPH Entertainment are Aaron L. Gilbert with Bron Studios and Tim Story with The Story Company, who was behind the successful films Barbershop, Think Like a Man, Shaft and Ride Along. Sales and distribution for ‘Two-Faced’ will be Releasing and UTA Independent Film Group.

Beginning in 2015, Henson starred as Cookie Lyons in the hit Fox television show Empire about a family working in the hip-hop music business. This role brought her the third Golden Globe for Best Actress – Television Series Drama ever awarded to an African-American actress. Henson was named Entertainer of the Year by the 46^th NAACP Image Awards in 2015.

Taraji also found success in film and music. Starring opposite her Empire costar Terrence Howard in the 2005 film ‘Hustle & Flow’, she sang vocals on the Three 6 Mafia Academy Award for Best Original Song “It’s Hard Out Here for a Pimp.”

“I could not be more excited to support one of the most talented people I have ever known,” Story was quoted as saying. “Taraji and I have done three movies together and I knew it was only a matter of time before she would make this leap to directing and I am honored to produce this film along with BRON Studios. Taraji is like family to me and I cannot wait for everyone to see her directorial vision of this hilarious script by Cat Wilkins brought to the screen.”

“After two decades spent in front of the camera, I’m thrilled to finally jump behind it for my feature directorial debut!” Henson said, “What first attracted me to this project was Joy – she is the character I needed to see in films growing up, but never had. It’s important that stories be told from a woman’s point of view and partnering with Bron Studios and the amazing talented Tim Story – both who use their platforms to help elevate women and people of color – feels like the perfect match. I can’t wait to bring this hilariously heartfelt script by Cat Wilkins to life!”

THE MIMIC! Trailer

Director and Writer: Thomas F. Mazziotti
Starring: Thomas Sadoski, Jake Robinson, Austin Pendleton, Gina Gershon, Marilu Henner, Tammy Blanchard, Didi Conn, Josh Pais, Jessica Keenan Wynn, Doug Plaut, with M. Emmet Walsh and Jessica Walter
Genre: Comedy
Language: English
Country: United States
Rating: Not Yet Rated

Director and writer Thomas F. Mazziotti’s film ‘THE MIMIC!’ open in selected theaters and VOD on Friday, February 5, 2021

Mazziotti’s film is based on a true story, this clever, intriguing, and hyperbolic comedy follows the main character - 'the Narrator' (Thomas Sadoski) who is befriended by his young new neighbor 'the Kid’ (Jake Robinson), after he joins the local newspaper team.

Obsessed with the idea that the Kid may be a sociopath, the Narrator goes to extreme lengths to uncover the truth about him and his wife, a woman he ultimately begins to fancy. Between long walks down the street, a twisted dinner date, and a car drive gone terribly wrong, the Narrator gets closer and closer to the truth about the Kid. But the truth, as he finds, is anything but what he expected.

Thomas Sadoski (The Newsroom), Jake Robinson (American Odyssey), Austin Pendleton (Finding Nemo, Oz), Gina Gershon (Showgirls, Riverdale), Marilu Henner (L.A. Story, Taxi), Tammy Blanchard (Into the Woods, The Invitation), Didi Conn (Grease), Josh Pais (Motherless Brooklyn, Joker), Jessica Keenan Wynn (Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again), Doug Plaut (Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt), with M. Emmet Walsh (Blade Runner, Sneaky Pete), and Jessica Walter (Arrested Development).

Run time: 1 hour 21 minutes
Starring: Thomas Sadoski, Jake Robinson, Austin Pendleton, Gina Gershon, Marilu Henner, Tammy Blanchard, Didi Conn, Josh Pais, Jessica Keenan Wynn, Doug Plaut, with M. Emmet Walsh and Jessica Walter
Written & Directed by: Thomas F. Mazziotti
Produced by Benjamin Cox, p.g.a.
Executive Producers Stephen R. Foreht, Paul Jarrett
Co-Producers Bonnie Blue Edwards, Sig De Miguel and Stephen Vincent
Director of Photography Timothy Gillis
Edited by Benjamin Cox, Käla Mandrake
Production Designer Laura Miller
Costume Designer Jevyn Nelms
Original Music by Mitch Davis,
Casting by Sig De Miguel and Stephen Vincent.
A Red Square Pictures and Only Child Films Production

Website: TheMimicMovie.com
Facebook: facebook.com/TheMimicMovie
Twitter: twitter.com/TheMimicMovie
Instagram: instagram.com/TheMimicMovie

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