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ABFF - It’s A Family Affair!
By Alyce D. Emory

Set for June 8th through the 13th, the Acapulco Black Film Festival kicks off its third year continuing its mission to bridge the gap between independent black filmmakers and Hollywood insiders. While in sunny Acapulco, actors, writers, directors, and cinema fans will network, relax and enjoy films from some of the hottest black independent filmmakers.

Jeff Friday
Jeff Friday,
ABFF Exec. Dir.

"We’ve created a mechanism for people interested in the black independent film world to get together in a retreat-like environment with successful hollywood insiders."

Tireless festival Executive Director Jeff Friday states “We’ve created a mechanism for people interested in the black independent film world to get together in a retreat-like environment with successful Hollywood insiders. This year we’re including Bill Duke’s Actors Boot Camp and the Writers Guild of America's Workshops. This really achieves our goal of bringing resources to the people.”


And the people do come! Festival attendance has tripled over the years with industry executives coming in increasing numbers. This year however, festival organizers are limiting attendance to 1500 people in order to maintain the intimate “family” atmosphere” for which the festival is known. “Folks get emotional while expressing how much they enjoyed themselves when connecting with others in our community” Jeff explains. “That’s one thing that makes us unique and one we’ll always work to maintain.”

In reflecting on what distinguishes ABFF from other festivals, Friday noted that ABFF provides attendees with a retreat from the usual rigors of the industry and fosters a relaxed atmosphere that is apparent from the moment people arrive. Friday also remarked that the festival’s relaxed atmosphere not only facilitates networking among filmmakers, executives and fans, but it also leads to the development of solid relationships. In fact, the first ABFF in 1997 inspired a producer to return to a project he had been mulling over. This year, his film will screen at the festival and some of the cast includes people he met at ABFF!


Atmosphere aside, the festival also features a select number of the best independent films scheduled so that screenings don’t conflict with other festival activities. Dynamic panel discussions and festive social activities create a nice balance to the festival’s business side. A gala awards ceremony honoring the best independent feature film and short film closes the festival. This year's ceremony will also honor Samuel L. Jackson and Pam Grier for career achievement. Also at the ceremony, winners of the Black Film Awards (as determined by festival attendees) are presented to Hollywood actors, writers, producers and directors.

"Folks get emotional while expressing how much they enjoyed themselves when connecting with others in our community."



So what’s next? UniworldFilms will begin distributing independent films in African-American communities with the goal of achieving increased notoriety and financial success for these filmmakers. For more information contact 800-544-8570 or visit the festival's website at www.uniworldfilms.com. M

June 1999

 

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