The 23rd annual Pan African Film & Arts Festival (PAFF) today announced that director Stanley Nelson’s documentary look at the rise and fall of the Black Panther Party, "The Black Panthers: Vanguard of the Revolution," will make its West Coast premiere as the Opening Night film selection.
"PAFF is excited about hosting award-winning director Stanley Nelson’s ‘.’ This film is right on time. The issues that the Black Panther Party and other Black Power organizations dealt with in the 1960s continue to be the major issues confronting the black community today. The film offers a striking and compelling look at the personalities, the drama, the wit that come hurtling down to us in the present day. The film is an The Black Panthers: Vanguard of the Revolutionentertaining must-see for all who are looking to better understand where we are at this historical moment and where we might go in the future," says PAFF Founder and Executive Director, Ayuko Babu.
Also announced, closing the Festival will be the thriller "The Man in 3B," which stars Lamman Rucker as a new and mysterious tenant of a a Queens apartment building, who seems to have the attention of other tenants, each attracted to him for one reason or another, and who gets involved in their individual lives, for better and worse, until one of them is murdered.
The cast includes Billie D. Williams, Jackee Harry, Marla Gibbs, Brely Evans and more.
PAFF Executive Director Ayuko Babu says, "PAFF loves to showcase films like ‘The Man in 3B.’ There is an interesting twist in the storyline which is not usually found in romantic comedies. It is the kind of film that PAFF loves to showcase because it is entertaining and gives us insight into ourselves and encourages attitudes that are important to our development, which makes this the perfect closing night film at PAFF.”
Meanwhile, the drama "Triangle-Going to America" will be highlighted as the Centerpiece selection at the festival. The film tackles America’s broken immigration system. It stars Solomon Bogale and Mahder Assefa, two of the most famous actors in Ethiopia.
"At PAFF, we always want to stay current with today’s domestic and international issues and be entertaining at the same time. ‘Triangle’ fits into this vision. Immigration is not just an issue in the Latino community, but also affects the Black communities in the U.S. and Europe," adds Babu.
All films will screen at RAVE Cinemas 15, located within the Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza, 4200 Marlton Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90008.
Festival passes and tickets are on sale now. For more information, visit www.PAFF.org.
