NOT THE AVERAGE GIRLS IN YOUR VIDEOS

...Graduating from "Video Girls" to Filmmaking Women The INTERNATIONAL BLACK WOMEN'S FILM FESTIVAL in San Francisco, California. November 8 - 17, 2002

March 2002, SAN FRANCISCO, CA--

Graduating from "video girls" to filmmaking women, the International Black Women's Film Festival was established to provide a wider audience for Black women filmmakers from around the world, while also sharing a glimpse into their world!

Festival organizer Adrienne Anderson found herself fed up with how African American women were being portrayed in film. Rarely seen as lead characters, they were overwhelmingly represented as appendages and peripheral characters with no real motivation or character development. In her conversations with friends and colleagues, she heard the same issues from other women...and men! From these concerns, the International Black Womens Film Festival was born. In collaboration with Café de la Souls CEO Robin Bates and her business partner Constance Bryan, these three women started a grassroots movement to bring films by and about Black women to venues and audiences that are worthy of their efforts, art, profession and perseverance.

The festival has received films from all over the world, including, Haiti, France, Cuba, Brazil and -of course- the United States. Shown according to themes", in the music line up is Rachel Raimists Nobody Knows My Name (1999), a documentary exploring the hip-hop phenomenon and how women are addressing the conflicting messages in much of the urban-bred music. The festival will feature documentaries, feature length films, shorts, digital films, animation and experimental films.

Ms. Anderson found that filmmaking for Black women hasnt gotten the support of many people, mainly because theyre not aware of it, Filmmakers throughout the African Diaspora have made such strides in filmmaking that when Spike Lees movie 'Shes Gotta Have It took off, we were inundated with Black movies...and thats a 'good thing!" But when you looked closer, it was so difficult finding a woman filmmaker. I honestly believe that is why 'Daughters of the Dust took off the way it did. We were so happy to finally start seeing [African American women filmmakers creating lush, beautiful films with 'real Black women characters in believable, non-demeaning situations...we couldnt get enough of it."

Unlike such African American filmmakers as Spike Lee (Do the Right Thing, 1991; The Summer of Sam, 1999), the Hughes Brothers (From Hell, 2002; Menace to Society, 1995) or John Singleton (Baby Boy, 2001; Boyz N the Hood, 1991), very few people can name Black women filmmakers such as Julie Dash (Daughters of the Dust, 1991; Funny Valentines, 1999), Kasi Lemmons (Eve's Bayou, 1997; Caveman's Valentine, 2001), Euzhan Palcy (A Dry White Season, 1989; Sugar Cane Alley, 1983), Pratibha Parmar (Warrior Marks, 1993; A Place of Rage, 1991) and Rachel Raimist . Rarely known outside of their communities, these women have directed beautifully written films and have had nominal success among the independent film industry.

Festival co-organizer Robin Bates was eager to help bring the stories of Black women to the general public, "As Black women, we have so many stories to tell. This festival will give participants insight to our brilliance, our creativity, our talent, and most importantly, our lives." In collaboration with Café de la Soul: Your Guide to Black Paris (http://cafedelasoul.com) and the African American Art & Cultural Complex, this festival will introduce you to new and classic films, workshops and speakers from the film industry, in an arts-supportive environment with positive exchanges and networking opportunities. Whether a film fan or filmmaker, you will discover film experiences you thought were out of reach and open yourself to new --and familiar-- faces. Co-organizer Constance Bryan's enthusiasm is indicative to the sentiments of many of the supporters and sponsors of this festival, " I'm honored and excited to be involved in the event, and hope that it will inspire other women and girls to pursue filmmaking!"

The IBWFF is slated for two weekends in the fall of 2002: November 8 - November 17, 2002, in San Francisco, California --a hub of diversity and innovation! In addition to other venues, screenings will be held at the African American Art & Cultural Complex in San Franciscos Western Addition neighborhood, the home of the historic jazz district", beat poets and Bill Grahams the Fillmore. This festival is a vanguard event and serves as testament to the achievement, strength and creativity of Black women in film and Black women filmmakers. Everyone will identify their humanity, emotion and spirit in these films, while recognizing their own heart and soul in the art of these filmmakers. So join us November 8 - 17, 2002, in San Francisco, California and help us celebrate the achievements of Black women and the bright future of film...

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