10th bfm International Film Festival Programme 2008
Tuesday 11th November
BFM Short Film Awards
BFM International Film FestivaI’s prestigious and much anticipated annual awards event. Hosted by Tameka Empson (Three Non Blonde’s), the night will feature a screening programme of the best short films entered into the festival with audience voting. Presentations will be made for the best script; best female actor; best male actor, best cinematography, and best short film. All followed by a Blactronica night in the Benugo Bar. BFM Short Film Awards are sponsored by the BBC, ilab and Kodak.
When grief knows no bounds and desperation sets in, where does a man turn?
One of Us
Dir: Clint Dyer /12min / 2007 / UK
The dynamic pace of Quincy’s basketball match is frozen when he is faced with a crucial dilemma.
Win, lose or draw
Dir: Lawrence Coke / 30min / 2007 / UK
As Caribbean’s arrive in Britain in search of a new life, it is not only the weather that dishes out a cold reception.
Survivor
Nicole Volavka / 15min / 2007 / UK
A tale of friendship made on fragile emotional grounds in the world of London’s night cleaners.
Wednesday 12th November
Dreamer’s Dream + Q&A
Dir: Chester Yang / UK Premier / 57min / 2006 / UK
A romantic comedy which follows the journey of twenty-something, Ray (Alexis Rodney), who settled with his partner Kylie (Sophie Marriotte) and their daughter, fances himself as a performance poet. Caught up in the lofty world of his ideals, he meets two devious men who trick him and set about the unraveling of his comfortable life. Can Ray get his world back together and find a voice? Screening will be followed by a Q&A with the Director.
+ Tony Blackwood: In Stereo
Dir: Keston Neunie / 5min / 2007 / UK
An animated short in which the comical Tony Blackwood narrates the tribulations of being a young black male.
U People
Dir: Hanifah Walidah and Olive Demetrius / UK Premier 76min / 2008 / US
An accidental documentary where an entire cast and crew of 30 gay, straight women and trans folks of color were caught on camera behind the scenes of a not so typical music video shoot. What the camera caught introduces a strong and very human voice into the discussion of gay and straight relations and the diversity within the minority.
The Dancing Forest + Q&A
Dir: Brice Laine / 76min / 2008 / Togo / UK
Set in the rural plains of Togo, The Dancing Forest is an eloquent and inspirational story of the people of Baga who refuse to be victims of a global system of dependence and inequality. With fantastic cinematography and a rare glimpse into traditional agricultural practices, The Dancing Forest offers a story of survival and hope. French with English subtitles. Screening will be followed by a Q&A with the Director.
Dir: Alison Saunders-Franklyn / UK Premier / 99min / 2007 / UK
A captivating fictional story of a playboy West Indies cricketer who fights demons of his past, including a match fixing charge, and learns about love while struggling for his last chance to play in a major global tournament and earn the respect of his estranged father, a former great West Indies player. Stars Rudolph Walker.
+ What can i do?
Dir: Hugo Martin / UK /Premier / 15min / 2007 / UK
A short piece following participants on a London charity walk for sickle cell anemia awareness.
Friday 14th November
From Mambo to Hip Hop: A Bronx Tale
Dir: Henry Chalfant / 60min / 2006 / USA
A charming view of the music that blossomed in the Latino community of the South Bronx from the late 1940's when mambo burst onto the New York cultural scene, through the birth of Hip-Hop in the 1970's. The film chronicles two generations who grew up literally on the same streets, and both used rhythm as their form of rebellion - for the older generation it was the pulsating rhythms of Cuba; for their children it was the rhythms of Hip-Hop.
Venue: Institute of Contemporary Arts
Time: 18.30 Cinema 2 Book now + B.L.A.C.K. - An Aboriginal Song of Hip-Hop
Dir: Grant Leigh Saunders / 26 min / 2007 / Australia
B.L.A.C.K., a cipher scribed by independent and Indigenous Hip Hop artist, Wire MC, urges his audience to consider what it means to be Black in contemporary Australia. Through interview and observation, the song is visually and dialectically deconstructed to speak of contemporary theories of Aboriginal blackness, politics and culture. It shows how traditional story telling and dance is being re-invented by adapting the elements of Hip Hop culture to enliven the quest to maintain traditional values, cultural knowledge, language and B.L.A.C.K. (Born Long Ago Creation's Keeper) pride.
Wu: The Story of the Wu-Tang Clan
Dir: Gerald Barclay \ 90min / 2008 / US
Traces the early formation of Staten Island’s most famous export, The Wu Tang Clan. Written and Directed by the group’s childhood friend and former video director, it features early footage of the group and interview with family members charting their success. With a particular focus on the colourful life, and untimely death of the talented OBD, Wu: The Story of the Wu-Tang Clan is a must see for all Hip Hop fans.
A Charmed Life + Q&A
Dir: Ros Williams & Patrick Vernon UK Premier 50min/2008/UK
A story of the life and times of Eddie Martin Noble. Born in Jamaica in 1917 he volunteered at the age of 25 to serve in World War II. When he came over to Britain in 1943 he was stationed in East Anglia at a RAF base. The documentary examines Eddie’s perspectives and values of inspiring young people and gives a historical perspective on the issues around colonisation of the Caribbean, racism in the RAF during the War, the colour bar and racial inequality in post-war Britain.
Venue: Rich Mix
Time: 12.00 Cinema 2
Book now 020 7613 7498
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The Truth is you Can Never Leave Home + Q&A
Dir: Tian Glasgow / 30min / 2008 / UK
A portrait documentary which explores the changes in attitude and ambitions which have occurred within the Black community since the Windrush era, exposing the clashing cultures of first generation immigrants, their children and increasingly, their grandchildren.
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School Dinners
Dir: Charles Da Costa / UK Premier / 6min / 2005 / UK A quirky animation where a West Indian elder talks about her life growing up in London during the second World War.
Return
Dir: Damani Baker / UK Premier
A fascinating documentary which follows two African-Americans as they journey to South Africa, Nigeria, Ghana, Burkina Faso and Senegal to investigate the practices of traditional medicine men and reconnect with their ancestry. Features an interview with Malidoma Somé, acclaimed author of Of Water and the Spirit. Winner of the best documentary, Independent Black Film Festival 2007.
Time: 14.00 Cinema 2
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Les Eaux
Dir: Kapwani Kiwanga / UK Premier / 15min / 2008 / France / Benin
Les Eaux navigates the sacred realm of Vodoun and oral histories in Southern Benin looking into the mystery that surrounds ‘mammywater’. French with English subtitles.
African Shorts Programme + Q&A
Dir: Various
Time: 16.00 Cinema 2
Book now: 020 7613 7498
Africa’s Daughters
Dir: Natalie Halpern / UK Premier / 25min / 2007 / US / Uganda
The story of two Ugandan girls with big dreams, defying the odds in a country where a high school education is generally reserved for boys. Hoctavia is one of 31 children, most of whom dropped out of school. Ruth lives in a tiny apartment in a Kampala slum with her mother and three siblings. Graduating from high school is the only way they can lift themselves and their families out of poverty. Like millions of girls in Africa who will never move beyond primary school, their challenges are not unique but their journey is.
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A Short for my Niece (the Yaa Asantewaa Story)
Dir: Akua Ofosuhene /UK Premier / 17min / 2007 / Ghana / UK
The story of the valiant Ashanti Queen Mother who took up arms in defence of her nation.
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The Slave Coast: Inside Old Calabar
Dir: Charles Aniagolu /UK Premier / 22min / 2008 / Nigeria / UK
A glimpse into the Atlantic slave trade from an African perspective. For almost three hundred years, Old Calabar dominated the slave trade in the Bight of Biafra, turning the area into one of the most intensely trafficked slave-trading regions in Africa. Over the course of the trade, approximately ten million men, women and children from Africa were captured, sold as slaves and transported to the new world. The film examines the communities that traded along old Calabar and tells the story of their important role in facilitating the Atlantic slave trade; the largest forced migration in human history highlighting the complicity of the chiefs and institutions of Old Calabar.
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Blood Money
Dir: M. Martin Ngongo / UK Premier / 7min / 2007 / France
Two young African Students in the late 60’s in Paris are dreaming about the evolutions, the progress that will bring independence in their country. Twenty years later, one kills his former friend.
The Disciple (Repeat)
Dir: Rodney Charles / UK Premier /102min / 2008 / USA / UK
Four trans-cultural friends: Pete, an American mid-westerner; Jud, a Black European; and Lisa, a first generation Polish-New Yorker, who share a house in Los Angeles. Together with their South African friend Mary, the group is coaxed into temporarily escaping the complex lies they live and the façade of happiness when Michael, Jud’s estranged ex-military cousin, comes to visit from London. As they abandon their protective façade, however, tenuous boundaries begin to fray, secrets are revealed and the friends are forced to evaluate volatile personal truths and confront their suspicions about the deadly nature of Michael’s visit.
Cover + Q&A
Dir: Bill Duke / UK Premier / 98min / 2007 / US
When someone is murdered on New Year’s Eve, the prime suspect is Valeris Mass, a church-going home maker whose life unravels when she discovers that he husband of many years has been leading a double life. Her strength of character and faith keep her going as the revelation of her husband’s betrayal threatens to destroy all that they have known. Stars Vivica A Fox, Lou Gossett Jr, Aunjanue Ellis and Raz Adoti. Screening will be followed by a Q&A with the producer Corey Redmond and Raz Adoti.
The Red Glasses Dir: Yinka Djin / UK Premier / 43min / 2005 / Ghana
The adventures of a young sister and brother as they find a pair of magical glasses.
Venue: Bernie Grant Arts Centre
Time: 12.00
Booking: 0208 365 5450 - Opening Times: 9am - 5pm (Mon-Fri) 10am - 3pm (Sat)
Sunday CLOSED except during performances
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Dream Flight
Dir: Bobby Heany /14min / 2008 / South Africa
When Jubulani loses his ability to walk, his dreams of being a pilot are shattered. But maybe he can make his dream happen?
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Obara & the Merchants
Dir: Manauvaskar Kublall / UK Premier / 8min / 2007 / US
When his village suffers from famine, after a hunger filled hunt, Obara the hunter is finally able to make a delicious stew! But is there enough to share with the hungry merchants who are coming up the path? Winner of Best Animation Hollywood, Black Film Festival 2008.
Jingle Blues Jingle Bells
Dir: Sylvester Williams / UK Premier / 88min / 2008 / UK / Cert 12A
Former Eastenders actor Sylvester Williams makes his directing debut with a romantic comedy drama which focuses on a not so typical black British family. Christopher Carroll strives to please his family in the face of an impending financial crisis. Will the secrets that emerge from his actions tear the family apart? Jingle Blues, Jingle Bells is the first black British Christmas feature film. Screening will be followed by a Q&A with the Director.
The Black Candle
Dir: M.K. Asante / European Premier / 71min / 2008 / US
Narrated by world renowned poet Maya Angelou, The Black Candle is a timely illumination on why the seven principles of Kwanzaa (unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity and faith) are so important to people of African descent today. Looking closely at the pan African celebration, Kwanzaa, The Black Candle traces the holiday’s growth out of the Black Power Movement in the 1960s to its present-day reality as a global, pan-African event embraced by over 40 million celebrants.
Soulmate
Dir: Andrea Wiley / UK Premier / 83min / 2006 / US
43% of African American Women remain unmarried. Soulmate presents the realities facing today’s successful, saved and single African-American woman. This personal portrait reveals the trials and triumphs of remarkable women while offering hope and practical advice on such issues as loneliness, the desire for sexual intimacy, men on the down low, the ticking biological clock and the uncertainty of the future. Winner of Best Feature Film African American Women in Cinema Film Festival. Winner Best Documentary, San Francisco WYSIWYG Film Festival.
Black. womyn.: conversations with lesbians of african descent Dir: Tiona.M. / UK Premier / 2008 / US
An illuminating documentary made up of structured interviews with 43 lesbians of African descent from various backgrounds. It features candid revelations from black lesbian women discussing coming out, sexuality and religion, love and relationships, marriage, patriarchy, visibility in media, discrimination and homophobia, activism, gender identity. Black lesbian youth and elders, balancing gender/race/sexuality, question what it means to call oneself a Black lesbian today. Winner of Best Documentary, Philadelphia International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival 2008 Screening will be followed by a discussion with the experimental filmmaker Campbell (formerly known as Inge Blackman).
Afrikan World Masters
Dir: Dr. Kwaku Lynn / UK Premier / 99min / 2007 / US
Rare, dated footage of historic presentations given by African pioneers, John Henricke Clarke, Ivan Van Sertima; Francis Cress Welsing and Fela Kuti.
Venue: Imperial War Museum
Time: 12.00
Booking: First come basis
Youth Crime Shorts + Q&A
North by Northwest Ten Dir: Denny Mendoza and Richard C Gordon
Why do so many black males fail in school? What will they do after being labelled a failure? How will they survive? Where do the guns and drugs come from? What is the role of the Government in their lives? How do the authorities relate to them? What is being done to help these young people? Where do we go from here? A no-nonsense examination of a generation, North by Northwest Ten, offers a look at the youth/gang culture of urban UK and explores the evolution of this culture over the past twenty years.
Time: 14.00
Shoot and Score
Dir: Leon Herbert / European Premier /17min / 2007 / UK
Three young friends, growing up on an estate in Hackney with different paths in life.Drugs, football and broken homes.
Choices
Dir: Caz Kennedy / World Premier / 1min / 2007 / UK
2 men, same neighbourhood, 1 moment, 1 choice.
Knife Trends LDN
Dir: Shola Amoo / World Premier / 13min / 2007 / UK
A film looking at the problem of knife crime in London, questioning the government response.
Showdown
Dir: Dewi Bruce-Konuah / World Premier / 2min / 2008 / UK
This town ain’t big enough for the both of ‘em… A short film with a simple message: when guns are drawn, blood is spilled. Star Ashley Walters and Alexis Rodney.
Growing
Dir: David Aexander /10min / 2007 / UK
A day in the life of three teenage boys, whose idle lifestyle of smoking, joking around and chasing girls, results in tragedy. The screening will be followed by a panel discussion with the Directors.
Monday 17th November
BANG! BANG! In Da Manor (Repeat)
Dir: Ishmahil Blagrove Jnr / 57min / 2004 / UK
A shocking expose into the disproportionate levels of violence and murder suffered by the black community of Britain. Screening will be followed by a discussion with the Director.
Venue: University of East London Docklands Campus Lecture Theatre WBG 02
Time: 17.00
Booking: First come basis
CLOSING NIGHT SPECIAL
Tic
Dir: Keith Parmer / World Premier / 2008/US
Thriller and fast paced heist film starring Lennie James, Treva Etienne, Gary McDonald and Howard Anthony. Set in LA with flashbacks to 90s London, C-Note and Anton, hustlers from London's East End seek to avenge the death of one of their crew. Screening presentation and discussion with the Director and selected actors.
Venue: Rich Mix
Time: 19.00
Book now: 020 7613 7498
Dreamer’s Dream + Q&A
Hit for Six! 
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