I just learned directly from The Pan African Film Festival (PAFF) in Los Angeles that Think Like a Man, the film adaptation of Steve Harvey's best-selling book (directed by Tim Story and produced by Rainforest Films), will officially kick off its 20th anniversary next year.
Last night sources for Humor Mill mag told them that the festival was working out a deal to have the film make its world premiere at PAFF. Now I can say it's officially a done deal. I spoke to a rep for the festival who confirmed with me that the film (which isn't scheduled to open nationwide until March) will be the opening night title for the Pan African Film Festival, on Thursday, February 9, 2012.
The festival itself runs from February 9-20, 2012 in Los Angeles. The rep says there are more surprises in store for festival attendees, so stay tuned!
Also, I'm told exclusively that actress Meagan Good (who co-stars in Think Like A Man) and actor David Oyelowo (who co-stars in Ava DuVernay's Middle Of Nowhere) have been tapped to receive the Beah Richards and Canada Lee Rising Star Awards, respectively, named after the two award-winning industry trailblazers. The honors will be presented at the festival's awards show event, Night of Tribute, which will be produced by the Africa Channel.
The PAFF was founded in 1992 by award-winning actor Danny Glover, Emmy Award-winning actress Ja’Net DuBois (best known for her role as the busybody neighbor Willona in the tv series, Good Times) and executive director, Ayuko Babu, an international legal, cultural and political consultant who specializes in African Affairs. PAFF is a non-profit corporation dedicated to the promotion of ethnic and racial respect and tolerance through the exhibit of films, art and creative expression.
By the way, I'll be interviewing Ayuko Babu tomorrow evening, as I continue to profile of black film festival heads. That interview will be posted here on S&A, likely closer to the festival. But I'm looking forward to learning more about its 20th anniversary celebration in February, and what other surprises might be in store for audiences.
Recently, the Pan African Film Festival (PAFF) announced that it had been awarded a $10,000 grant for its StudentFest program from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) through its Film Festival Grant program.
“We’re happy to receive this support and acknowledgement from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences… It’s an honor to be a grant recipient from such a prestigious organization that recognizes the important work of PAFF and our contribution to the community,” said Ayuko Babu.
We'll have the festival's full 2012 lineup once it's available, but in the meantime, visit Paff.org for more info on the festival.