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Festival Report
The 2009 International Black Man Film Fest was a great success on all counts. We had great attendance through the day... great set of films... great discussions after each film... we gave away gifts to all women in our program "In Praise of Black Women"... and a young brother who was sagging was so moved, he pulled up his pants! The audience applauded!
click here to see 2009 pictures
-- Attendance was more than 445, one of the largest we have had in the eight years of the Festival.
-- Audience approval was high. We took an audience survey. On a scale of 1 to 5, 5 being best, how did we rate? Our average score was an amazing 4.8! [some gave us a fractional score.] Thanks to Festival Director Yemi Toure and all the staff!
-- Comments on the forms included: "Well-organized... Great selection of films... Very educational... A loving tribute to us Black men... Great to expose the community to this... More films more days... Will definitely be back next year... Superb... Keep on keeping on..."
-- Winner of the Audience Award was the film "A Panther in Africa". Winner of the Festival Director's Award was "As The Technics Spin".
-- We showed a variety of films about Black male culture and creativity... We presented positive images of Black men as role models... We explored Black male style critically... We presented an alternative to mass media images... We showed Black men in the depth and complexity... We showcased the work of Black male filmmakers... We stressed our international presence and influence and variety... In other words, we met our goals for the Festival!
-- Audience approval was high. We took an audience survey. On a scale of 1 to 5, 5 being best, how did we rate? Our average score was an amazing 4.8! [some gave us a fractional score.] Thanks to Festival Director Yemi Toure and all the staff!
-- Comments on the forms included: "Well-organized... Great selection of films... Very educational... A loving tribute to us Black men... Great to expose the community to this... More films more days... Will definitely be back next year... Superb... Keep on keeping on..."
-- Winner of the Audience Award was the film "A Panther in Africa". Winner of the Festival Director's Award was "As The Technics Spin".
-- We showed a variety of films about Black male culture and creativity... We presented positive images of Black men as role models... We explored Black male style critically... We presented an alternative to mass media images... We showed Black men in the depth and complexity... We showcased the work of Black male filmmakers... We stressed our international presence and influence and variety... In other words, we met our goals for the Festival!
None of this would have been possible without the help of many many volunteers. Thank you thank you to all of them.
Akbar Imhotep, ACCUSD/Kuumba Storytellers, www.akbarstories.com
Anika Madden, International Black DocuFest
Ari Meier
Larry L. Miles, Association for the Study of Classical African Civilization (ASCAC),
Dawud Anyabwile, Big City Entertainment, Inc., www.Brothermancomics.com
Carolyn Grady, Rhythm of Life Entertainment
Crystal R. Pennington
Dejuaii Craig
Derrick Boazman, WAOK
Ernestine Brown
Ifini Shepard, Artist/Writer/Public Relations
Floyd Webb, www.blackworldcinema.net, www.icetheatres.com
Francesca Lowe, Cultural Health Dynamics
Gina Ashby-Blackett
Hanifah Huntley
Jana Jay, Indigo Ink Black Writers Group, indigoink2005@aol.com
Kalonji Changa and the FTP Movement
Karin Smoot, Verbal Essence & Divas of House, www.verbalessence.com & divasofhouse.net
Kenneth Zakee and all the Brothers of Trinity House
Kiera Lewis, Kennesaw State University,
Lateef Pyles, The Doctor’s Office Barbershop
Lucia Fernandez, Mutamba Project International
Mama ASID (Re Ausetkmt), Bad Gals Radio, ausetkmt@gmail.com, www.badgalsradio.com
Morris Gardner, Auburn Avenue Research Library
Michelle White, Michelle White Photography, www.mwsphotos.com
Nisa Aqtifa
Bro. Olatunji, Shrine of the Black Madonna
Penelope Write, Parker & Sons Publishing, www.parkersonspublishinginc.com,
Phebe Dowels
Plain Brown, Plain Brown Produtions
Shahara Ruth, Goldfire Productions www.goldfireproductions.com
Sis. Shukura, Shrine of the Black Madonna
Sisters Ama and Susie, Afro Books, West End Mall
Sonia Perry, www.youravon.com/soniaperry
Valora Flukers, Save A Life Training Team (CPR Training)
Wandi St
Wanique Shabazz and Sister Tawhiyda, WRFG
Warren Green, Office of Support Services @ Morehouse College, www.morehouse.edu
Thanks to artist Keef Cross for the great display of art of Black men.
A milestone in the history of the Festival. We had shown a film called "Saggin in the ATL..." which explored the drooping pants trend among some Black men. At least one young man had come to the Festival sagging. The film explored both sides of the issue, but was generally critical. When the film ended, there was both applause and boos from the audience. Lively debate followed. At the end, one young man who had been sagging stood up at his seat and pulled up his pants, to the applause of the audience.
Below are some Facebook and phone messages we got, all unsolicited
My students enjoyed the festival, especially the film about sagging pants. The ladies appreciated the free gifts as well. -K.O.---
Congratulations Yemi! I wish I had been there. Keep inspiring those young men to stand up straight and hold their heads up high. keeping their pants up so they can use both hands to embrace their loved ones. -S.G.
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Couldn't be there but that action alone [young brother in audience who was sagging who pulled up his pants] speaks volumes. lol. -I.O.
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AWESOME EVENT... Keep Up The Spirit. -P.R.
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I agree, this was the best one yet....I've never seen a full house until the end. -A.M.
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Hey Yemi...I got a report all the way over here in the Middle East that the Black Man Film Festival was awesome! I was happy for everyone that got to enjoy it and sad for myself because this is my second year missing it! Thank you for sharing such a wonderful event with the World. -R.O.I.B.
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Great work! -D.G.
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It was a blast!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! -D.L.
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BRO YEMI THANK YOU FOR INVITING THE BROTHERMAN COMICS TEAM TO PARTICIPATE IN THE IBMFF THIS YEAR! WE ENJOYED IT AND APPRECIATED THE COURTESY AND SUPPORT FROM THE MUSEUM STAFF AND GUESTS! WE LOOK FORWARD TO BUILDING WITH YOU IN THE FUTURE! PLEASE KEEP US IN THE LOOP! BABA DAWUD - Filmmaker Dawud Anyabwile
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Bless up! keep me posted, I catch the next one! -D.B.
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Enjoyed the festival Yemi, based on the response, I know the community did too. -A.R.
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Check out your interview from the film festival at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fXW3GuVkMpo -A.O.M.
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Very nice Yemi...The festival is growing well. Keep up the excellent work. -M.D.
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I am calling to tell you how very delighted i was to attend your film festival... thank you so much for the invitation. -W.M.
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Hello Yemi, just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed the film festival. You and your volunteer staff did a phenomenal job of selection of films. its funny how people interpret [films] differently. I think its a generational divide. I enjoyed it very much, glad I came, job well done. -V.F.
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Yemi Toure, Festival Director
info@blackmanfilmfest.net
usa phone > 404.432.2194
