The African Diaspora International Film Festival (ADIFF) has announced the program for its monthly film series that features the work of independent filmmakers focusing on the African American experience, including two classic films: Charles Burnett’s “My Brother’s Wedding,” now newly restored and re-edited by its director; and “A Warm December,” directed by and starring Sidney Poitier- 2 films that have been covered on this blog in the past: the tragicomedy “Wedding,” which was Burnett’s second feature film after “Killer of Sheep,” which tells the story of a rather feckless and aimless youth who drifts though life working at his parents’ business; and “A Warm December,” Sidney Poitier’s 1972 adult romantic drama following a widower with a young daughter on vacation in London, dealing with grief and loss who meets a beautiful, equally charming woman (played by Esther Anderson).
There’s much more to each story, but you’ll have to go see both films at ADIFF’s Independent African American Film Series, which kicks off this Friday, May 27, running through Sunday, the 29th.
In addition to those 2 classics, the film series also features a sneak preview screening of the visually stunning Chicago murder mystery “Hogtown” by Daniel Nearing; the powerful drama about a female Sergeant’s struggle to reintegrate civilian life after three tours in Iraq and Afghanistan in “Stand Down Soldier” by Jeryl Prescott Sales; the first independent digital film about the independent film industry titled “FLMKR” by John Carstaphan, and “Desirée,” a work of fiction by Felix De Rooy set in 1984 Brooklyn, and based on a true story.
The series will also feature several short films directed and produced by local filmmakers who will attend the screenings: Shanea Williams, director of “Paralysis,” Richard Turke, director if “Buried Treasure;” and Monet Gray, producer and lead actor of “Lift Every Voice.”
The series takes place at Teachers College, Columbia University, 525 West 120th Street – 263 Macy.
For more information about ADIFF’s African American Independent Film Series visit the festival web site at www.nyadiff.org.
Here’s the schedule at a glance:
Friday, May 27
6:30pm – African-American Shorts: Watch This, Buried Treasure + Paralysis + Q&A
Saturday, May 28
1pm – White Like the Moon & Lift Every Voice – Q&A
3pm – Stand Down Soldier
5pm – A Warm December
7:30pm – Hogtown – Sneak Preview
Sunday, May 29
2pm – Desiree
4pm – FLMKR
6pm – My Brother’s Wedding
TICKET PRICES
Opening Program Friday, May 27 FREE
Saturday and Sunday screenings: $12/$10
Weekend Pass: $35
