The Cultures Collide Community Film Festival Commences - More Films Added to the Line-up
An update and synopsis of the films featured in The American Theatre of Harlem's Inaugural Community Film Festival, Cultures Collide (February 22-26, 2005). A supplement to the press release titled "Cultures Collide with the American Theatre of Harlem" released on February 9, 2005.
Brooklyn, NY (PRWEB) February 25, 2005 -- The Cultures Collide Film Festival, presented by The American Theatre of Harlem (ATH), began last evening. The festival, featuring multi-cultural films and filmmakers and an industry panel, runs until February 26th. The activities begin each night at 7pm in The Great Room of the South Oxford Space, 138 South Oxford Street, located in the arts community of Fort Greene (near downtown Brooklyn, NY).
A portion of the event's proceeds will be donated to Prostate Cancer research and recovery programs in honor of Hal DeWindt, founder and father of ATH.
More films have been added to the festival schedule and a synopsis of each film is listed below:
Tuesday, February 22nd
Free Reading of The Mogul by Carla Alleyne presented by the ATH ensemble. A drama about the transformation of a power-driven, self absorbed, hip-hop record label mogul.
Wednesday, February 23rd
Driving Lessons Dir. Susan Chiu, 24 min., 16mm
There is more to life than chili dogs and grape Snapple once Shirley realizes that parents are two people, not one.
Next Tuesday Dir. Michael Dennis, 35 min.
Mack, 30, decides to visit his son Andre for the first time since his birth 13 years ago. When things dont go as planned, both are forced to accept one another on more human terms and come to respect one another as men.
In Da Spirit Dir. Ronda Haynes, 60 min.
Documentary that tells the story of African-American midwives and their efforts to preserve not merely a profession, but a traditional way of life, amidst powerful misconceptions and virulent opposition form practitioners of Western medicine they continue to offer women a holistic alternative. Narrated by Phylicia Rashad.
Q & A with directors following screening
Thursday, February 24th
I'd Rather be Dancing Dir. Yvonne Farrow, 30 min.
On the tenth anniversary of her crippling accident, a dance diva is presented with a dance alternative she never dreamed possible. A story about spiritual and creative re-birth, shedding the old and becoming something new. A soul searching look at what keeps us bound in our lives mentally, emotionally or physically.
Gopher Dir. Joe Hammersky, 14 min.
An immigrant gopher on a construction site finds acceptance.
Kiss & Run Dir. Hollie Harper, 11 min.
She: Madly in love with her childhood sweetheart and wants to get married. He: Not trying to hear it. Something's gotta give in this romantic comedy starring Hollie Harper and Andre Royo (The Wire).
Train Ride Dir. Rel Dowdell, 90 min.
A riveting thriller that takes place on an all Black college campus. Will is an upperclassman who, after a night of partying, convinces freshman Katrina to stick around and have a drink. What Katrina doesnt realize is the drink has been spiked with a drug that renders her unconscious. When Will invites two friends to participate in a gang rape things spiral out of control. Stars Wood Harris (The Wire), MC Lyte, and Esther Rolle in her last film performance. Official website: http://www.reldowdell.com/
Q & A with filmmakers following screening
Friday, February 25th
Mina de Fe (Girl of Faith) Dir. Luciana Bezerra, 14 min.
A young girl announces to her boyfriend, a local drug lord, that shes pregnant. As the police raid their favela for the shooting death of a narcotics officer, the boyfriend must decide if he should leave his girl, leave the gangs or leave them all. Shot in Brazil.
Sweet Samoa Dir. Tomas Casas, 3 min.
A sub continental journey though parallel worlds left at a place where paths cross.
Love Aquarium Dir. kA' RAMUU Kush, 35 min.
Three African American couples, in three unrelated stories tackle the myriad interpretations of love in this cinematic aquarium of thoughts, feelings and lifestyles. They comprise a love triangle of a decidedly different nature. Official website: http://theblackop.com
Dead Guy Dir. Clayton Broomes, Jr, 3 min.
Guess who's coming to dinner?
Sangam Dir. Prashant Bhargava, 24min.
Raj and Vivek cross paths on a New York Subway train. As each long for what the other takes or granted, they must confront the currents that bind, divide and drive them. It is a meditation upon the struggle to maintain faith as first and second generation immigrants. Featured in Sundance 2004. "A bluesy, visually arresting meditation on urban isolation and the unshakeable tug of cultural identity." - Jan Stuart, Newsday. " An elegant and poetic evocation of immigrant angst, memory and haunted spirituality." - Greg Tate, Village Voice. Official website: http://sangam.tv/
Discussion Panel: The Art of Independent Filmmaking
A discussion with cinematographer Larry Banks ( Juice, Strapped, The Substitute 2 ), actor/director Arthur French (Broadway, Kinsey, Malcolm X ), filmmaker Nicole Franklin and Emmy Award winning editor, Howard Tate (Senior Editor & Producer NBC Universal Television ).
Saturday, February 26th
The First Three Lives of Stuart Hornsley Dir. Leigh Dana Jackson, 28 min.
Seven years ago, Stuart Hornsley missed his chance with the lovely Mimi Chan. Using his newly completed time machine, he tries repeatedly to undo his greatest mistake, but finds that even tiny changes can lead to some very surprising repercussions . Stars Tunde Adebimpe (Jorge, Jump Tomorrow, and TVOTR).
The Adventures of Supernigger: Episode I, The Final Chapter
Dir. Alrick A. Brown, 14 min
An allegory about the shooting death of Amadou Diallo. Its shines light on the undying issue of police brutality and put a comical spin on the fear of the black man shared by so many in the United States, including law enforcement. Official website: http://alricksporch.com
Big in the Mind: The Legend of Joe Hammond Dir. Noah Lerner and Mike Novak, 19 min
Documentary on streetball legend Joe "The Destroyer" Hammond, who dominated the New York City playgrounds throughout the 1960s and '70s, turned down pro contract offers and ultimately served time under drug charges in a New York state jail.
Interrupted Motion Dir. M. Shantale Maurice, 37 min.
A young woman's quest for love and her realization that happiness comes from internal and not external forces. Official website: http://www.interruptedmotion.com
Living the Legacy Dir. Howard Tate, 10 min.
Biography on minister and activist Rev. Dr. Herbert Daughtry.
Tribute to Dr. Herbert Daughtry and Closing Ceremony Presenting the Festival and Audience Choice Awards.
For more information about the festival or schedule, visit ATH on the web at www.americantheatreofharlem.org or contact Keith Johnston at (718) 857-2783.
Founded in 1989 by the late Hal DeWindt, the American Theatre of Harlem produces showcases, readings, and full-length plays. It also conducts ongoing acting workshops. ATH Artistic Director, Keith Johnston, in addition to leading the workshops, has directed many of its full-length productions including The Colored Museum, Orphans, A Streetcar Named Desire and Seasons, an annual One-Act Play festival showcasing emerging playwrights, directors and actors. Mr. Johnston also created the Shine Program, an educational theater component that provides workshops for youth and other community groups.
The American Theatre of Harlem is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization and member of the Alliance of Resident Theatres-NY (ART/NY).
Contact:
Keith Johnston
American Theatre of Harlem
(718) 857-2783
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