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BLACK FILM FESTIVAL BITS: PAFF accepting submissions for 2007; ABFF announces award winners.
*After a successful event in February, the Pan African Film and Arts Festival (PAFF) is now accepting submissions for their 15th annual signature event taking place February 8-19, 2007 in Los Angeles. The PAFF is currently accepting submissions of independent features, shorts, narratives and documentary films made by or about people of African descent. The submission deadline is October 31, 2006. There is a $10 fee for submissions postmarked between July 1 and August 15. Submissions postmarked between August 16 and September 30 must be accompanied by a $25 submission fee. Submissions postmarked between October 1 and 31 must be accompanied by a $40 submission fee. Late submissions (postmarked after October 31 require a $60 submission fee. Applications and more information are available via the PAFF website at www.paff.org or by calling (323) 295-1706.
*The Film Life and HBO 10th American Black Film Festival (ABFF), held July 23 at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in Miami, Florida, culminated with the presentation of this year's ABFF Independent Film Awards.
• The Grand Jury Prize for Best Picture was handed to “My Brother,” directed by Anthony Lover. Presented by Kodak, the winner receives film stock valued at $20,000. Anthony Mackie (Crossover) and Bill Tompkins, Kodak, presented the award, which goes to the best feature-length film as determined by the festival's Grand Jury.
• The Audience Award for Best U.S. Feature, presented by Blockbuster went to “Dirty Laundry,” written and directed by Maurice Jamal. The award was presented by actor/director Robert Townsend and Larcine Bland, Blockbuster. This award is voted on by the festival's registered attendees. The winner receives $20,000.
• The Audience Award for Best Performance by an Actor, presented by Boost Mobile, was given to Loretta Devine for her performance in “Dirty Laundry.” The award was presented by Tricia Bouzigard, Boost Mobile, and actor/director Bill Duke. This award is voted on by registered festival attendees. The winner receives $10,000.
• The "Voices of Color" Best Documentary Award, presented by Wal-Mart, was awarded to “If I Die Tonight,” directed by Seyi. This award was presented by Paul Busby, Wal-Mart and Elise Neal. The winner receives $20,000.
• The HBO Short Film Award was given to “Pop Foul,” which was written, directed and executive produced by Moon Molson. The award was presented by Olivia Smashum, HBO and Tamara Tunie (“Law and Order: SVU.”) The winner receives $20,000.
• The Founder's Award for Outstanding Achievement in Independent Cinema was awarded to Christopher Scott for his role in the film “My Brother.” The award was presented by Nicole Friday, ABFF co-executive producer.
• The winner of the "Define Lincoln Luxury" commercial contest went to "Award Show," written and directed by Javier Prato. New to the festival, the contest requires the production of a digital 30-60-second commercial. The winner received the Lincoln Filmmaker Trophy and keys to a new Lincoln Zephyr.
• The three finalists of the newly launched AXE Black Filmmaker Series, a screenwriting and film contest that allows budding filmmakers the opportunity to turn their scripts into a film, were spotlighted. The finalists selected via national competition are: Stephanie Louis of Brooklyn, New York, for “Holy Fit;” Richard Montgomery of Cleveland, Ohio, for “Only in Your Dreams,” and; Selton Shaw of Washington, D.C., for “The Let Out Guys.” The winner will be announced in Los Angeles on November 18.
For more information about ABBF, visit www.abff.com.
