The third day of the New Voices in Black Cinema Festival at BAMcinematek in Brooklyn, NY will continue to be one of the biggest, even following the sellout of Brooklyn filmmaker Wilkie Cornelius Jr.’s Single Hills last night, the wonderful turnouts for Sneaker Stories and From Fatherless to Fatherhood, and the passionate (and full) audience for Infiltrating Hollywood: The Rise & Fall of The Spook Who Sat By The Door.
Another local filmmaker, Joshua Bee Alafia, shows his work-in-progress film Let’s Stay Together, but before that New Voices debuts its ‘New Black Classic’ pick for 2012, the beloved Love Jones. Director Theodore Witcher will be at the Q&A, moderated by another film legend, Mr. Warrington Hudlin. All that is followed by a neo-soul Love Jones afterparty in BAMcafe (tomorrow's a national holiday, don't be afraid to come shake it), just downstairs from where all the screenings take place – the party is for Love Jones ticket holders only. And don't miss our second showing of The Tested. No controversial Q&A this time around, but you'll see a great film.
Tickets can be bought in advance at: BAM.org/NewVoicesInBlackCinema
The Tested (2010) 107min – 2pm Directed by Russell Costanzo
When an unarmed teenager is shot and killed by a police officer, his mother, brother, and the officer take vastly different paths towards redemption, understanding, and eventually forgiveness, in this gritty New York drama starring Aunjanue Ellis and Frank Vincent.
Shorts Program I: A Matter of Time – 4:30pm
This compelling program of short films explores how past events affect present circumstances.
Black Folk Don't: Go to Therapy
Directed by Angela Tucker
In this episode of the cutting-edge web series, experts, entertainers, and regular people explain the stigma attached to therapy within the black community. Special content presented by National Black Programming Consortium
The Becoming Box
Directed by Monique Walton
A family of three siblings deals with the appearance of a mysterious box in their backyard in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina
Their Eyes Were Watching Gummy Bears
Directed by Raafi Rivero
A Princeton undergrad tries to win back his ex-girlfriend on the eve of his graduation
The Dream Team
Directed by Rachel Johnson
On the last day before winter recess, a passionate teacher is forced to surrender his class, keys, and long-time friendship
The Tombs
Directed by Jerry Lamothe
A Brooklyn man maintains his innocence throughout a 3-day journey through New York's infamous central booking jail system
Q&A moderator: filmmaker Keith Davis with directors Jerry Lamothe, Angela Tucker, Monique Walton and Raafi Rivero
Love Jones (1997) 110min – 6:50pm – Directed by Theodore Witcher
Fifteen years ago, Theodore Witcher’s debut film introduced audiences to the sexy poetry and modern jazz scene of Chicago with this dramatic love story of Darius Lovehall (Larenz Tate), a young black poet, and Nina Moseley (Nia Long), a beautiful, talented photographer. While trying to figure out if they've got a "love thing" or they’re just "kicking it," they test each others’ strength in romance. A fan favorite since its release, Love Jones is a true classic. Theodore Witcher in person
Q&A moderator: Warrington Hudlin, veteran film producer and director of dvRepublic
Let’s Stay Together (2011) 100min – 9:30pm – Directed by Joshua Bee Alafia
On the premonition that a new Rev. Al Green album could save families, a young man embarks on a mission to better understand the role of black men and their families. Shot in various locations in Brooklyn, the magical-realism drama of Let’s Stay Together provides rich narrative on a major issue facing many black Americans. Joshua Bee Alafia in person
Q&A moderator: Charli Penn, Essence.com/ManWife&Dog.com
BAM Rose Cinemas is located at 30 Lafayette Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11217
Subway: 2, 3, 4, 5, Q, B to Atlantic Avenue
D, N, R to Pacific Street; G to Fulton Street; C to Lafayette Avenue
Train: Long Island Railroad to Atlantic Terminal
Bus: B25, B26, B41, B45, B52, B63, B67 all stop within three blocks of BAM
Car: Commercial parking lots are located adjacent to BAM
