Mid-Atlantic Black Film Festival
MEDIA RELEASE
Contact: Monty Ross, MABFF Program Director
monty@mabff.org
(757) 622-4763
The 5th Annual Mid-Atlantic Black Film Festival Brings Together Audiences and Filmmakers at the Attucks Theatre
In the Spotlight this week is the 5th Annual MID-ATLANTIC BLACK FILM FESTIVAL (MABFF), a dynamic celebration of independent film and music taking place June 7-9, at Norfolk’s hip, vibrant Attucks Theatre. The MABFF Opening Night Party kicks off at the Palace on Plume, Thursday night, June 7, from 6 -9 p.m.
Gail Easley, founder and director of the Mid-Atlantic Black Film Festival stated, “We are thrilled to once again bring to our Hampton Roads community an incredibly diverse program with 20 independent films from local filmmakers and around the country. With an exciting festival programmed, the celebration will kick off with a free opening night party at the historic Palace on Plume and rewind with of a “Best of Fest” showcase of five audience favorite choices from past festivals. We are looking for filmmakers and film enthusiasts to come out and join us for the evening to mix and mingle, and enjoy a showcase of groundbreaking and dynamic art films.”
`The MABFF has become the festival for filmmakers and film lovers who are seeking a unique experience and a place to indulge their passion for film. The Festival connects audiences to compelling documentaries, features, shorts, dramas, comedies, and exciting surrounding festivities. Panels, discussions, master classes, and one-on-one meetings are designed to encourage artists and industry professionals to develop their craft, network with peers, and explore issues and opportunities relevant to the film, TV, and music industries. Visit the 2012 MABFF Film Festival Online Guide to search for films and events, www.mabff.org.
On FRIDAY, JUNE 8, EARLY BIRD SCREENINGS will feature a dramatic shorts program as well as select feature documentary films for eager film fans from noon to 6 p.m. Afro Punk: The Movie, explores race identity within the punk scene and The Story of Lovers Rock, dubbed romantic reggae is a unique British sound, developed against a backdrop of racial tension, the Brixton riots and sound systems in the late 70s and 80s. It went from a small UK scene to become a global phenomenon through artists like UB40 and Maxi Priest. Afro Punk screens at 3:00 p.m. and The Story of Lovers Rock screens at 4:30 p.m. Everyday Sunshine: The Story of Fishbone, narrated by Laurence Fishburne, chronicles one of the most original bands of the last 25 years. With a blistering combination of punk and funk they demolished the walls of genre and challenged the racial stereotypes and political order of the music industry and the nation. Everyday Sunshine screens on Saturday, June 9 at 6 p.m.
The MABFF proudly presents its LEGACY SPECIAL SCREENING, Sing Your Song, an Official Selection in Sundance Film Festival and Tribeca Film Festival. Sing Your Song follows the remarkable life and times of singer/actor/activist HARRY BELAFONTE. From his rise to fame as a singer, inspired by Paul Robeson, and his experiences touring a segregated country, to his provocative crossover into Hollywood, Belafonte’s groundbreaking career personifies the American civil rights movement and impacted many other social-justice movements. Sing Your Song will be screened on Friday, June 8 at 7 p.m.
On SATURDAY, JUNE 9, EMERGING DIRECTORS SHORTS & EXTENDED FILM SHOWCASE highlights up-and-coming young creative talent from noon to 8 p.m. GUERILLA FILMMAKING BEYOND THE BASICS WORKSHOP is an interactive workshop that student, amateur, first-timers and industry pros will enjoy – using a DSLR Camera and a microphone, participants script, shoot, edit and learn industry tips on how to create polished professional footage when filming various indoor or outdoor locations. WORKABLE STRATEGIES: MAKING A SUCCESSFUL LOW BUDGET FILM PANEL DISCUSSION welcomes emerging filmmakers and like-minded artists to learn how to minimize above the line expenses while maximizing on screen production value. Panelists include President & CEO at Stage Norfolk, Inc. and Playwright, Terrance Afer-Anderson; Atlanta Homicide TV Series Producer Hattie Lemon; Executive Producer and Co-founder of Youth Entertainment Studios (YES) Harry Young; as well as Producer, Director and Screenwriter Alex W. Leath. This exciting panel is moderated and sponsored by veteran Stage Playwright and Teleplay/PSA writer and instructor for the Attucks Writers Workshop Clyde Santana. SHE’S ON THE MOVE: KEY TOOLS TO ADVANCE WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT IN THE ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY PANEL DISCUSSION offers intimate insight on how women can achieve their highest potential within the entertainment, communications and media industries. The program is facilitated by established Hampton Roads Producer, Writer, and CEO of Renaissance Woman Productions, Tonya “Poetikk Justice” Shell. Panelist include 95.7 R & B Radio Host and Personality (Inside the Steve Harvey Morning Show) Cocoa Butter; Entertainment Journalist, Blogger and Writer formerly with Essence magazine and CEO of Powerhouse Media Group Feona Sharhran Huff; and more invited special guests.
The MABFF Closing Night party will be held on at the Attucks Theatre on Saturday, June 9 from 7–10 p.m. and includes a cocktail party and light refreshments for pass holders.
All-Access passes are on sale now at $10 and $15 and may be purchased in advance online at www.ticketmaster.com or Scope Box Office. Passes can also be purchased at the Attucks Theatre Box Office during the Festival and include all screenings, workshops, panel discussions and surrounding events.
Sponsors of the festival include the City of Norfolk, Seven Venues, Virginia Film Office, Virginia Commission for the Arts and Farm Fresh.
Mid-Atlantic Black Film Festival is a core program of Crispus Attucks Cultural Center, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. For more information, to join as a sponsor, volunteer, become a REEL Friend or make a contribution to MABFF, please contact monty@mabff.org.
