by Justin Darden
Dozens of Nashville movie-goers got an opportunity to view various films and documentary movies and to meet the people behind these ground-breaking films as they participated in question-and-answer sessions at the International Black Film Festival, Nashville, October 2-5.
The festival took place at various locations in Nashville, including the R. Milton and Denice Johnson Center on the campus of Belmont University, which showcased films and documentaries by filmmakers from Tennessee and around the United States and gave movie viewers a chance to watch and meet the people behind these movies and documentaries.
The theme for the IBFFN, ‘Who’s Gonna Tell Them? Breaking Barriers Through Knowing Your Story,’ tells of a need to look beyond the thinking and behaviors that keep people confined in their own bubbles, according to the IBFFN website. The website also said the goal of the IBFFN was to celebrate, encourage, and inspire those that tell these stories through movies and documentaries. Hazel Joyner-Smith, IBFFN organizer/founder, said there was a unity among the creatives, industry professionals, and movie fans who have a passion for storytelling.
“We are deeply humbled to have been a part of this journey for 19 years, fostering a platform that not only showcases exceptional filmmaking but also engages our community in meaningful ways,” said Joyner-Smith. “Through our festival, we have built a vibrant family of creatives, top industry professionals, and film enthusiasts, all united by a passion for storytelling through film and TV and a commitment to amplifying marginalized voices.”
A number of short films had started the IBFFN premiere, including the film The McFaltons. Directed by Lance Montgomery, The McFaltons tells the story of a successful married couple who could not confront issues in their marriage that needed to be resolved. Lori Livingston, one of the film’s cast members, said she decided to do the movie because it was a story that needed to be addressed by everyone.
“It was a story that needed to be told, especially in the Black community,” said Livingston. “It’s something that’s highly emphasized right now, especially today, everyone is always looking for that next black love story, that next Black love couple. It’s not always roses. It’s not always going to be happy. I think the way Lance Montgomery is bringing it to me was authentic.” Livingston said she was surprised by reading the script, because she thought the director understood the subject matter. Livingston said the director and producers gave a successful resolution to the film, causing a positive response to the movie’s important message.
“We’re just human, and all Black women are not angry and all black men are not aggressive. We do have families. We do have genuine love for one another and we can work things out in a peaceful manner,” said Livingston.
There were a number of documentaries on display at the IBFFN, including I am Hope, directed by Shaka Jamal. The documentary is about a group of people who come together to create a yoga and mindfulness class in the Oakland, Calif. Unified School District Middle Schools. Jamal said the documentary process was long and very rough due to budget issues and the pandemic. He also said that he had to find a way to get the kids’ attention for a 90-minute yoga class.
