Last year's lineup was varied and strong, and I'm looking forward to seeing what this year's lineup looks like.

But in the meantime…

Montreal, July 25, 2012 – Jamal Ben mahammed's poster, representing the 8th Montreal International Black Film Festival, has been chosen as the winner of a competition open to graphic designers and illustrators from all over the world.

The festival, which runs from September 20 to 30, is presented by Global Montreal in collaboration with the Fabienne Colas Foundation.

"In creating the poster for the 8th Montreal International Black Film Festival, I wanted to illustrate the fact that it was providing a new perspective on Black realities all over the globe. The eyes represent those of the filmmakers, but also those of the public. In the end, all of the perspectives come together to form a single point of view: that of the festival, whose goal is to give a modern vision of Black cinema." – Jamel Ben mahammed

Jamel Ben mahammed studied Applied Arts at L'école Estienne (ESAIG) in France. During 10 prolific years as an in-house graphic designer, mahammed worked on advertising, corporate communications, packaging, cultural events and film. Ultimately, mahammed's work creating film posters drove led him to work with the International Black Film Festival.

Montreal International Black Film Festival – www.montrealblackfilm.com