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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,
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."
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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.”
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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!
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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."
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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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