Behind the Movement (Presented by TV One)
(2018/US/Narr)
Dir: Aric Avelino
Fri, Feb9@8:00p
Behind the Movement is a unique and fast-paced retelling of how Rosa Parks’ refusal to give up her seat launched the history-making Montgomery Bus Boycott. The film will reveal the untold story of how a group of everyday people decided this incident was the right time to take a stand for their civil rights and demand equal treatment.
King of Stage: The Woodie King Jr. Story
(2017/US/Doc/90min) World Premiere
Dir: Juney Smith
Sat, Feb10@7:15p
The awe-inspiring story of legendary Theatre Producer Woodie King Jr, the founder and producing director of New Federal Theatre (NFT) and National Black Touring Circuit in New York City. He has presented over 200 productions in the New Federal Theatre’s 47 seasons, which began in 1970. In addition to producing Broadway shows such as For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide/When the Rainbow is Enuf, What the Winesellers Buy and Checkmates, the life of this living legend provides a window into the history of Black life in the 20th Century and highlights the Black Arts Movement of which he was a commanding presence. This giant of a man facilitated theatre artists of every discipline. Many of the actors have become household names such as Denzel Washington, Phylicia Rashad, Morgan Freeman, Samuel L Jackson, Viola Davis, Debbie Allen, Glynn Turman, Laurence Fishburne and many more were members. NFT alums, including Glynn Turman, Vernee Watson, Ella Joyce, Vanessa Williams, Dawnn Lewis, Lawrence Hilton-Jacobs and many more, attended this wonderful experience. King was awarded PAFF’s esteemed Lifetime Achievement Award and received a proclamation from the City of Los Angeles.
Nothing Like Thanksgiving
(2018/US/Narr/90min) World Premiere
Dir: Mark Harris
Sat, Feb17@8:00p
Having cancer and six months to live sends the controlling Clayton Rockwell, a successful businessman, devoted husband and father, on a journey to do the unthinkable. He decides to find his replacement..someone he can groom to exactness to take over his business and his family before he dies. He meets and recruits Wesley Madison, a true Cinderfella who migrates from the hood with major potential. As Clayton puts this plan into action, it seems to be coming along quite well. Maybe a little too well because it starts to unveil what Clayton had been missing out on all along-the love and connection of relationships with friends, colleagues and most of all family.