NAMIBIA: THE STRUGGLE FOR LIBERATION

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2008
7 P.M.

Directors Guild of America
7920 Sunset Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA
Tickets $150
Includes After party

PURCHASE TICKETS

The Pan African Film and Arts Festival (PAFF) Opening Night Gala is the official start to PAFF. Always a star-studded red carpet affair, the Opening Night Gala is attended by Hollywood celebrities, elected officials, African dignitaries, civic and community leaders, filmmakers, and more.

This year’s expected attendance is 800 and will include a screening of the featured film, Q&A with the filmmakers and actor, and after party.

The 16th Annual PAFF Opening Night Gala is sponsored in part by the Namibia Film Commission and will be hosted by 2008 PAFF Celebrity Host Isaiah Washington.

ABOUT THE FILM

Starring Carl Lumbly, Danny Glover , Joel Haikali, and Obed Emvula, NAMIBIA: THE STRUGGLE FOR LIBERATION depicts the long struggle waged by the people of Namibia for their independence that was ultimately won with the help of Cuban military volunteers fighting in Angola . The 1987 battle of Cuito Cuanavale, in which the South African army was decisively defeated, turned the tide in the liberation struggle for all of Southern Africa. This was one of the key factors that led to Namibian Independence and the election of Sam Nujoma as Namibia 's first President and forced the white supremacist South African government to free President Nelson Mandela and to negotiate with the African National Congress.

ABOUT THE DIRECTOR

Charles Burnett's first film, "Killer of Sheep" (1977), was declared a "national treasure" by the Library of Congress. It was among the first 50 films placed in the National Film Registry because of its significance.

The Vicksburg , Mississippi native moved to Los Angeles at an early age. He received a M.F.A. from UCLA's School of Theater, Film & Television. "Killer of Sheep," Burnett's UCLA thesis film, was expanded into his first feature. He was the director, producer, writer, cinematographer and editor.

Burnett's next film will be “The Man in a Basket” starring Carl Lumbly and Delroy Lindo with Martin Scorsese and Margaret Bodde as Executive Producers.

Sponsored by:

Designs by Allohn
Linda Bronson & Associates