I've begun this year with a bang by attending the
San Diego Black Film Festival, held at San Diego's Reading Gaslamp Theater, January 30 - February 2nd. I found out about the festival via a weekly email from OfficeTeam detailing upcoming events in San Diego. I had almost forgotten to read the email, but noticed it as I was closing down my laptop on Friday evening. Once I read it I raced home, changed clothes, and then blazed a trail for the Gaslamp District to attend the Industry Party at 9pm.
Once I arrived at the Reading Theater and collected my ticket from Will Call, I was informed the party didn't start until 10pm. Dangit! I could have used that extra hour to prepare for evening. But it was cool. I walked down the street to Seersucker's and enjoyed a nice meal. I returned to the theater just as the staff was admitting guests into the party.
I had a great time! I met so many wonderful authors and filmmakers, promoting their works. Ready to snap a bunch of pictures, I reached into my purse for my camera and realized I'd left it at home. So my new friend
Elva Nelson Hayes, author of
Unnamed, snapped a few photos and sent them to my phone.
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| Elva Nelson Hayes (left) Claudia Ross and Stefhen Bryan (Right) |
The gentleman to my right is Stefhen Bryan, writer, director and actor in the stage production,
Doodu Boy. I wish I had been able to catch his performance at the
Santa Monica Play House. Perhaps one day he will bring his production to San Diego (hint). The next performance will be held at the
Soho Playhouse in NYC, March 2nd. If you live or will be in New York City, be sure to check it out!
The following day, I returned to the festival, this time attending showings of
In Da Cut directed by Lamont A. Coleman (winner for best Inspirational Film),
Momma's Own, and
The Devil Goes Down.
Momma's Own (written and directed by Harrell Williams) and
The Devil Goes Down (directed by Nicholas Julius) are short, poignant films; leaving a lasting impression on the viewer. I would recommend them both.
The screenings started late; therefore, ending late. I feared arriving late for the dinner ceremony at the Hard Rock Hotel, five to six blocks away. As soon as
In Da Cut ended, I bolted from the theater and raced back to the Marriott Gaslamp, changed, and then hurried over to the Hard Rock Hotel to attend the awards dinner. Much to my relief, the event hadn't started, so I had the opportunity to mix and mingle a bit before dinner.I met an interesting man at the bar, Winston A. Young, director of the film
The Light Is Still On. Thanks for the libation (wink)! I will view his works soon, posted in several parts on
YouTube.com.
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| Shawn Batey, Claudia Ross |
Assigned to table 23, I sat with Shawn Batey, the Producer of
The Changing Face of Harlem, nominated for best documentary. Although I had missed the screening of her documentary earlier that day, I purchased the DVD. It is an excellent documentary, where Batey provides her audience with a unbiased presentation of the different philosophies surrounding the revitalization and future of Harlem, showcasing the differing perspectives of each of the vying stakeholders, each attempting either to retain or to gain control of this historic community. I'm working on my review of the film and will publish it later this week.
Sitting to my left were Rommie Martinez (Make Up Aritst) and Dave Rutherford (Steadycam Operator), two members of the crew of
Tula the Revolt. I haven't seen this movie as of yet, but plan to do so. The film received great reviews and won for Best Picture at the Film Festival. Danny Glover is one of the stars of the movie.
After dinner,
Robin Givens (
Head of the Class,
A Rage in Harlem,
Boomerang) emceed the awards ceremony. The ceremony began with a award to
Bill Withers, who screened his documentary
Still Bill (which I missed). He gave a great speech, summing up his career and life experiences. He looked great, cooing to his fans with his sultry and sexy voice; he is Still Bill.
Sunday February 2nd was the final day of screenings. Although pooped, I got of bed to hike over to the Reading Theater, following a fabulous brunch at
The Broken Yolk, to catch the last few flicks of the festival. First up was
Tim Lopes - Historia de Acanjo, written and produced by Bruno Lopes. In the film, Bruno recounts the life of his late father, Tim Lopes, a legendary investigative reporter in Brasil, and the events leading up to his murder. The film was great. Although the subtitles skated across the screen a bit too fast at times (please take into consideration I'm a slow reader), the film still proved to be moving, gripping the audience's interest and compassion for not only Tim, but the Brazilian people as well, from the very first moments of the film. I recommend this film. Afterwards, the Bruno engaged the audience in a short question and answer session, granting everyone a better perspective on the life of his father.
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| Apiyo Amolo, Bruno Lopes, Claudia Ross |
Immediately following Bruno's film, the festival presented the short film,
Not Swiss Made. I love this film which is only about five minutes long; however, it spoke volumes in the time allotted to Kenyan born Apiyo Amolo's life in Switzerland, her love for her adopted homeland, and the heartbreak she continues to suffer surrounding the nation's rejection of her.
Much to my delight, I ran into Bobby Hill once again at the screening. I had met him the preceding Friday and Saturday nights of the festival. Bobby is the producer of
Prayer Changes Things, directed by Marrill Clayton. Both Bobby and Bruno were gracious and allowed me to snap a photo of them.
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| Bobby Hill, Bruno Lopes |
I had the great fortune to meet many great artists at this event; I will be sure to attend next year. For more information on San Diego Black Flim Festival, please visit
http://www.sdbff.com.
Photo Gallery
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| Tracey Phillips Boone and Shawn Batey |
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| Marrill Clayton and Bobby Hill |
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| Claudia Helena Ross |
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| San Diego Black Film Festival 2014 Winners |
Mr. Mandela was more than a blessing for South Africa alone, but for the international community as well. It seems as if he changed the world with a gentle admonishment and a smile, but I know this isn't the case. Leaders listened to and respected him. He didn't seem to get the push-back that some leaders experience. He had a way of talking to folks, of interacting with them. He was like a grandfather, who having raised his children in the callousness of youth, now molds his grandchildren with tenderness, love, and compassion in the twilight of his years.
This is a special night for me. 50 years ago today, thousands of people from around the nation, from all walks of life, arrived in Washington, D.C. to participate the following day in the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. Celebrities such as Lena Horne, Josephine Baker, Charlston Heston, and the March's organizer, A. Philip Randolph, strapped on their walking shoes to participate in the festivities, headlined by Dr. Martin Luther King, encouraged by Mahalia Jackson to "Tell them about the dream, Martin."
I find it strange. The 50th Anniversary of one of the greatest human rights events in history is approaching, but no one seems to be talking about it. At least I'm not hearing or reading about it. I know it's coming because the event is the back drop for the opening of my book, La Rose Book I Le Baton Chronicles. Granted, I don't have cable, but anyone who follows me on Twitter knows that I keep up with my news outlets. I haven't seen anything on CNN, Reuters, MSNBC, or FOX websites. If they posted something, I missed it.
On Wednesday, August 28, 2013 America will celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the March on Washington, forever altering the course of American History. Although many may believe the March to be the brainchild of Dr. King and the Southern Christian Leadership Council (at least I had), it was organized by A. Philip Randolph, leader of the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters and political activist.
Growing up in the 70's, I always fantasied what the March must have been like for those fortunate enough to attend. I have missed major events in my adulthood, such as the President Obama's inaugurations, due to either financial limitations or obligations at home. In my novel La Rose, Book I Le Baton Chronicles, 24 year old Julian Charles Chamberie also suffers the same misfortune. An activist in the Civil Rights Movement, Julian is summoned home to New Orleans by his 116 year old Great-Grandmother Lela Chevalier Roberts on the eve of the March on Washington. Although furious with his grandmother's request, Julian skips the March and returns home to visit her once more, expecting her to die soon.
