The Pan African Film and Arts Festival (PAFF), America’s largest and most prestigious Black film and arts festival, hosted the world premiere of “Blood Done Sign My Name” as their Opening Night feature presentation. “Blood Done Sign My Name,” which opens nationally on February 19th from Paladin, stars Nate Parker as notable Civil Rights activist Dr. Ben Chavis, along with an ensemble cast that includes Lela Rochon, Omar Benson Miller, Afemo Omilami, Golden Globe- winner Ricky Schroder, Nick Searcy, Michael Rooker, Darrin Dewitt Henson, and Gattlin Griffith. The film is an adaptation of the best-selling book by Timothy Tyson and is written and directed by Jeb Stuart. PAFF’s Opening Night Gala is one of the most glamorous red carpet Hollywood film events that attract Hollywood A-list celebrities and kicks off one of America’s largest Black History Month events.

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The annual free PAFF Art Market showcased the best in Black fine art, sculpture, photography, unique handmade crafts, home furnishings, designer jewelry, designer fashions and accessories that highlight the artistry and beauty of the African aesthetic at the Westfield Culver City. Photos by Ian Foxx.

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On Friday, February 12, the PAFF hosted its annual Night of Tribute Awards ceremony at the Nate Holden Performing Arts Center sponsored in part by The African Channel and Time Warner Cable. Honorees included Emmy award-winning actor Glynn Turman, F. Gary Gray, Tatyana Ali, Nate Parker, Peace Anyiam-Fiberisima, and Mark Ridley-Thomas.

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On February 15 the PAFF featured “41st & Central: The Untold Story of the L.A. Black Panthers” (120 min), the first part of a documentary series by filmmaker Gregory Everett that follows the Southern California Chapter of the Black Panther Party from its glorious Black Power beginnings through to its tragic demise. The response from the public was so great that the festival had to add two additional screenings of the film that both sold out. The film ended winning the Audience Favorite Documentary Award.

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The PAFF 2010 Closing Night presentation featured the film "Freedom Riders." Photos by Ian Foxx.

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The Jury, Audience, Festival, and other special award-winners of the 2010 PAFF were announced at the Festival's Awards Ceremony hosted by actress CCH Pounder (Avatar) at the Culver Plaza Theatres on February 17.

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The PAFF provides FREE arts education for over 10,000 students from the Los Angeles Unified School District and throughout Los Angeles County. Students view age appropriate specially programmed films and have discussions with film and community professionals in the morning and in the afternoon tour the fine arts market where they interact with the artists. (10,000+ elementary, middle and senior high school students attend.) One of PAFF’s most popular special programs! Photos by Ian Foxx.

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Various photos from PAFF's staff photographers takenduring the 2010 PAFF at the Culver Plaza Theatre.

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A special Friday evening of some of the hottest, hippest, SpokenWord artists in the country plus a public open mic session! Featured Rudy Francisco, Tamara Blue, Superb, Artus Monsier, Food4Thought Evy Tresvant, Prophet of P4CM, C-Bone Jones, Mr Foster, Socks, Curtiss King, and Lil Nay Nay

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On Friday, February 12, the Directors Guild of America hosted the PAFF's filmmakers for our annual PAFF DGA Filmmaker's Brunch...

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The annual PAFF Fashion Show! Photos by Hiltron Bailey.

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This panel examined the reoccurring racial profiles in cinema and how these social messages impact society. Hosted by the African American Film Critics Association, this panel discussed past and present examples of racial profiling in films and offered suggestions for what contemporary filmmakers can do to debunk these stereotypes. Presented by AAFCA, moderated by Kathy Williamson, and featuring Erika Conner and Rob Edwards. Photos by Hiltron Bailey.

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On Sunday, February 14, Michael Ajakwe led an esteemed panel of professionals on the topic of creating for the web. Black comedies and dramas may have disappeared from tv and cable, but a new breed of Black TV has popped up on the internet that is more innovative and diverse than the networks ever were. Attendees heard first hand from those who are creating new opportunities for themselves and others to shine. Photos by Ian Foxx.

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Featured film "Punta Sol" is an intergenerational story of a music in migration. Through its intimate portraits of Garifuna musicians such as Andy Palacio, Punta Soul chronicles the evolution of popular Garifuna music from Belize. The Garifuna, an Afro-Indigenous people exiled from the Caribbean to the coast of Central America in 1798, have carried on a rich and vibrant culture whose expression is found in the electric sound called ‘punta rock’ and the even more soulful ‘paranda.’ Punta Soul explores the role of the music and the musicians in the cultural renaissance of ethnic communities in Belize.

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Opening the 2009 PAFF was the acclaimed South African drama “Jerusalema” directed by Ralph Zinman.

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The 17th Annual Pan African Film and Arts Festival (PAFF), America’s largest and most prestigious flagship black film and arts festival, will took place February 5-16, 2009. The festival’s highly anticipated Art Market was presented to the public free of charge at the Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza featuring the work of over 100 different artists and artisans, artistic works range in scope from oil paintings, watercolors, sculpture, mixed media, pen and ink drawings, glass painting and carvings to jewelry art and woven apparel. The featured artist was Obasogie Aimuwu, whose work was on display throughout the Art Market’s twelve-day run.

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