African American Film Festival
The Rehoboth Beach Film Society’s third annual African-American Film Festival (February 14-16) will celebrate the trailblazing work of black artists in shaping American culture, while taking an unflinching look at the indignities and roadblocks designed to silence their voices. It will expose the violence still perpetuated against black communities and show a hopeful way forward through justice and reconciliation. From the lecture halls of academia – where the still-powerful voices of James Baldwin and Zora Neale Hurston ring out to the sunny shores of Mexico; from a small southern town to ballet stages across the country; viewers will have the rare opportunity to experience worlds and viewpoints not often shown on screen. Recognizing that these films are thought-provoking, an audience discussion will be led by members of the festival’s volunteer planning committee after each screening. We hope that you will stay, listen and/or share your thoughts.
Click here to download the Festival program.
Note: A special thanks for the hard work and spirited debate of the members of this year’s programming committee: Wanda Baskerville, Ann Loar Brooks, Murry Gatling, Alicia Jones and Charlotte King.
Black Ballerina
View ScreeningsFilm Description:
Featuring a complimentary presentation of the National Negro Opera Company
This short film tells the story of the history and the preservation of the Pittsburgh home that once housed the trailblazing National Negro Opera Company. [2009, US, 13 minutes, Not Rated].
Black Ballerina
Hosted by Ann Loar Brooks and Alicia Jones
This documentary tells the story of several black women from different generations who fell in love with ballet. Six decades ago, Joan Myers Brown, Delores Browne, and Raven Wilkinson faced racism in their pursuit of careers in classical ballet. Today, young dancers of color continue to face formidable challenges breaking into the overwhelmingly white world of dance. Moving back and forth in time, this lyrical, character-driven film presents a fresh discussion about race, inclusion, and opportunity across all sectors of American society. [2016, US, 56 minutes, Rated G].
After the film, Michelle Meadows, a local author who addresses the black ballerina experience in her book, Brave Ballerina: The Story of Janet Collins, will be present for a Q&A session.
Please note that tickets are non-refundable and may not be exchanged for other screening dates/times or film title.
Location: Cinema Art Theater View Location Details
Admission
- $10.00 General
Click on the desired screening times for tickets
Una Great Movie
View ScreeningsFilm Description:
As a screenwriter takes notes from Hollywood executives, her beautiful diverse movie about a black American woman traveling to Mexico slowly becomes a romantic comedy with an all-white cast. A quirky cerebral look into commercialism and greed, juxtaposed with a heartwarming movie that challenges stereotypes.
Una Great Movie uses comedy to reflect on relevant contemporary issues. It is fun and humorous with a unique storytelling style that incorporates a professional cast mixed with local Mexican non-actors. The movie introduces refreshing new perspectives against common stereotypes, portraying a universal humanity rather than categories of difference. [2018, US, 102 minutes, Not Rated].
After the film, a discussion will be led by committee members Marshall Shord and Alicia Jones.
Please note that tickets are non-refundable and may not be exchanged for other screening dates/times or film title.
Location: Cinema Art Theater View Location Details
Admission
- $10.00 General
Click on the desired screening times for tickets
Always In Season
View ScreeningsFilm Description:
Hosted by Murry Gatling
In the small town of Bladenboro, NC, 17-year-old Lennon Lacy was found hanging from a swing set on August 29, 2014. Despite inconsistencies in the evidence, local officials quickly ruled Lennon’s death a suicide, but his mother, Claudia, believes Lennon was lynched.
Always In Season follows Claudia as she moves from paralyzing grief to leading the fight for justice for her son. It asks the question: what will it take for Americans to build a national movement for racial justice and reconciliation? Brian Tallerico of RogerEbert.com praises the documentary as, “A nuanced, layered reminder of how far we still have to go to correct the injustices of this country’s past and present.
[2019, US, 89 minutes, Not Rated].
After film discussion led by committee members Murry Gatling and Wanda Baskerville.
Please note that tickets are non-refundable and may not be exchanged for other screening dates/times or film title.
Location: Cinema Art Theater View Location Details
Admission
- $10.00 General
Click on the desired screening times for tickets
1 Angry Black Man
View ScreeningsFilm Description:
Hosted by the Southern Delaware Alliance for Racial Justice
Mike Anderson is a senior at the quintessential New England Liberal Arts School, Frost College, and Mike is eight weeks away from graduation. On this particular day he has his African-American literature class with his favorite professor. But today, Mike is feeling sadness. He’s feeling isolated. He’s feeling angry.
Jamie Broadnax of BlackGirlNerds.com calls the film “profound in its exploratory approach to observational perspectives within the fabric of gender dynamics, racism, class, as well as an empirical study of Black intellectuals.”
[2018, US, 92 minutes, Rated R].
After film discussion led by committee members Charlotte King and Murry Gatling.
Please note that tickets are non-refundable and may not be exchanged for other screening dates/times or film title.
Location: Cinema Art Theater View Location Details
Admission
- $10.00 General
Click on the desired screening times for tickets