 Martha's Vineyard African American Film Festival A Smashing Success
New York, NY (PRWEB) September 2, 2004 -- In marking its second annual event,
the Martha's Vineyard African American Film Festival completed another
successful program on the popular Massachusetts vacation island. Growing
exponentially, the 2004 festival attracted attendees from locations as far away
as Europe, Los Angeles and New Orleans.
"The turnout was phenomenal, the films were exceptional and everyone's energy
was very positive," said festival organizers Floyd and Stephanie Rance. "We are
looking for an even better festival next year."
Highlighting this year's festival were films by Vondie Curtis Hall, director of
"Redemption" and “Dense” by Soul Food actress Vanessa William. "Redemption" is
the story of former Los Angeles gang leader turned peacemaker Tookie Williams
starring Jamie Foxx and Lynn Whitfield. It originally screened on Fox's cable
network, FX. "Dense", a Showtime original film is the directorial debut of
Williams and details the frustrations of a female artist caught in a love
triangle.
Following their screenings, both Hall and Williams graciously spoke for more
than an hour to overflow audiences that presented them with very insightful and
thought-provoking questions. Williams also stayed to sign copies of her book of
poems, "Shine."
Additionally, several emerging independent filmmakers' screened their projects
including "Familiar Fruit" by New York University graduate student Alrick Brown,
"Red Eye" by Kevin Gordon, "Shook" by Melanie RW Oram and "Positive Attitude" by
Deborah Marcano.
Also, two out-of-competition films and festival circuit veterans proved to be
audience favorites. "Move" directed by the team of Jacqueline March and
Jacqueline McKinley along with "Love in Harlem" directed by Julius I. Key
screened before very enthusiastic audiences.
The winner of the Kodak Short Film Competition was "Shooter," produced by J.J.
Goldberger and directed by Todd Jeffrey. Other notable films in the competition
were "Allergic to Nuts" directed by Rosalyn Coleman Williams and "Sunday Morning
Stripper,” written by Lionel Hilliard and directed by Sheldon Collins.
The festival also inaugurated a screenplay competition won by Rene Rawls with
her entry of "Get to the Back of the Line."
The two most notable documentary films were "Sideman" and "The Village".
"Sideman" directed by Fre'de'ric Baillif who traveled from Switzerland for the
American debut of his documentary which chronicles the journey of aspiring jazz
musician, Gregoire Maret. "The Village" directed by New Orleans native, Matthew
Broussard, details a two-week protests by Penn State's Black Student Caucus.
The organizers are already making preparations for what they anticipate will be
an even bigger festival next year. For more information or to submit a film and
or screenplay, please visit www.mvaaff04.com.
Next year's festival is slated for August 11-14, 2005.
Timothy Yates
MARTHA'S VINEYARD AFRICAN AMERICAN FILM FESTIVAL
http://www.mvaaff04.com
917-684-7753
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