The full program line-up is released for this year’s 17th Annual African-American Women In Cinema Film Festival taking place November 19th to 22nd in New York City. The Opening Night selection is the New York premiere of Princess Monique’s SEASONS OF LOVE. Starring Gladys Knight, Taraji P. Henson, Method Man and LeToya Luckett, the film follows one couple’s romantic ups and downs, as they struggle to determine the things that matter most in life. The film also features Ana Isabella, a rising star from Puerto Rico. The film is a Lifetime Studios production and will premiere on Lifetime on November 23rd. The festival will close with an awards VIP reception that will take place at the United Nations and the Nigerian Embassy, respectively.
AAWIC also announced the premiere event entitled International Day presented by UNESCO NYS and African Women for Good Governance on November 22nd. There will be a panel discussion called Discussing the African Film Industry moderated by Winsome Sinclair (prominent casting director). Following the discussion there will be a special presentation organized by African Women for Good Governance and later a film screening hosted by producer Mohamed Dione.
Below are the full program details:
The 17th Annual AAWIC Film Festival Premiere Screenings
Opening Night Selection
SEASONS OF LOVE
Director: Princess Monique
Closing Night Selection 1
THE GRAND GESTURE
Director: Dana Verde
Closing Night Selection 2
Strings Attached
Director: Nelcie Souffrant
Closing Night Selection 3
On My Own
Director: Rachel Miller-Bradshaw
Afraid of Dark
Director: Mya B.
Christmas Wedding Baby
Director: Kiara Jones
Naturally Native
Director: Valerie Red-Horse
Hate Crimes in the Heartland
Director: Rachel Lyon
Special Short Film Screening Program
The Bully
Director: Jamie Burton-Oare
Synopsis: Two kids, who grew up in the same neighborhood where one bullied the other, have children later in life. Their children are now in the same situation as their parents, but the outcome is different.
Mani-Pedi
Director: Sandra Nixon
Synopsis: Have you ever wonder what the nail technicians are talking about, while you were getting your manicure & pedicure? This short comedy shows how a normal day at a nail salon turns out to be an amusing experience….when you get past the language barrier.
Lift Every Voice
Director: Monet Gray
Synopsis: This film examines how one teacher’s unconventional method of incorporating RAP and HIP-HOP music into her lessons was able to get her public school students motivated and interested in their education.
Buenos Aires Rap
Director: Diane Ghogomu
Synopsis: In a cosmopolitan city where class and color segregation are the norms, a group of minority kids are brought together through a shared love of music transcending that of political and economical deviations.
Greenhouse
Director: Ah-Keisha McCants
Synopsis: The short film follows eight-year-old twin boys from the New Jersey suburbs, who appear to be raising themselves in the absence of their parents. They both yearn for an escape, but it soon becomes apparent that “nobody and nothing is what it seems”.
Field Goal
Director: Tanesa Kassa
Synopsis: Monica Jones, a secretary at a law firm attending law school, is dedicated to her relationship with blue-collared and workaholic boyfriend, Darius Smith. The same can’t be said of Darius whose busy schedule has turned the relationship dull. This is their commitment story.
Fixed
Director: Ashley Ellis
Synopsis: After the funeral of Eric Ross, family and friends gather at the home of his mother to find comfort and answers. When a devious yet familiar face from the past shows up with details regarding Ross’s mysterious death, it may be more than his mother can handle.
Each year, AAWIC invites key industry players to participate in provocative panel discussions on the nature of the business and the course of African-American cinema in mainstream media. This year, no less, AAWIC offers an array of stimulating film conversations that make up the Panels Program.
