Filmmakers from all over the country are in Music City to showcase their cinematic talents as more than 20 films have been selected to screen during the 2013 International Black Film Festival of Nashville (IBFFN). The sixth annual IBFFN began October 31 and continues through Sunday, November 3, at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in downtown Nashville.
The world premiere of The Best Man Holiday was Oct. 31. The film tells the story of college friends who reunite during the Christmas holidays after 15 years apart. They quickly discover just how easily long-forgotten rivalries and romances can reignite. The film returns with members of the original, star studded cast that include: Taye Diggs, Sanaa Lathan, Morris Chestnut, Nia Long, Harold Perrineau, Terrance Howard, Regina Hall and Melissa DeSousa.
Friday, Nov. 1, the IBFFN and TV ONE present the premiere episode of Unsung: CeCe Peniston. Saturday, Nov 2 from 5-6:45 pm, the IBFFN and Bravo TV present the world premiere episode of Thicker Than Water. Join IBFFN and the Tankards immediately after the screening for a ‘meet and greet mixer.’ Saturday evening’s Centerpiece Film Party and live performance by Arrested Development runs from 8:30 pm-1 am.
“Independent films by African Americans have increased in visibility and have made a visible imprint in theatres and major film festivals across the country with such films as Fruitvale Station, Blue Caprice, 12 Years a Slave, and Winnie Mandela. IBFFN contributes to this momentum by encouraging aspiring filmmakers to submit their work to our festival and other film competitions around the world,” said Hazel Joyner-Smith, IBFFN founder. “We understand how important it is for our filmmakers to have a venue to show their work and that is our mission .”
The film competition takes place annually as a panel of experienced judges chooses official selections. Awards will be given in the following categories: Best Documentary, Best Feature, Best Short, Best of Festival, Best International Film, Honorable Mention and the Founder’s Award.
The ‘official selections’ highlights include an exceptional group of Tennessee-based films, including: Short film The Exchange, directed by Tennessee native Robert Poole, starring Michael Beach, tells the story of Brian Tilghman who is desperate to solve the seemingly irreconcilable problems in his marriage and seeks the help of a mysterious fixer who handles situations like his for a hefty fee.
Mabon ‘Teenie’ Hodges — A Portrait of a Memphis Soul Original, is a documentary that details the life of ‘Teenie’ Hodges, an accomplished writer and musician who penned some of legendary artist Al Green’s greatest hits. And lastly, The Prisonaires, identified as one of the earliest known cases where the prisoner truly was set free by the power of music.
This documentary tells the story of five amazing men in the Tennessee State Prison located in Nashville, Tenn., who captured the hearts of officials with their music.
The festival also welcomes renowned TV and film director Jono Oliver who will screen his feature length film Home. This film tells the story of a man recovering from mental illness who tries to rebuild his life and reconnect with his estranged son. Oliver served as the assistant director for popular films such as The Great Debaters, Brown Sugar, Notorious, Soul Food and many more.
For a complete listing of official selections, trailers, director information, synopses and cast, visit the IBFFN website at <www.ibffnashville.com>.
