Community Corner

9th Annual African-American Film Festival Returns

More than 60 films highlighting the best in African-American cinema will be screened this week in Vineyard Haven.

Stephanie Rance never forgot the painstaking wait to catch a glimpse of the latest blockbuster at the Oak Bluffs theater, 10 years ago.

The kernel of an idea would soon blossom into the 9th annual Martha’s Vineyard African-American film festival, showcasing more than 50 films each year.

“Floyd and I would holiday on the Vineyard when we were dating,” Stephanie said. “Someone brought films and showed them at the theatre on Circuit Avenue in Oak Bluffs—the line was around the block.”

Find out what's happening in Martha's Vineyardwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The now-husband-and-wife took matters into their own hands, creating an outlet for upcoming directors, filmmakers and already accomplished artists, as well as an Island destination for those seeking to enjoy the best in African-American films.

“We are showing a film that Jamie Foxx produced called ‘Thundersoul,’” Stephanie said. “CNN is showing a documentary called ‘Pictures Don’t Lie.’”

Find out what's happening in Martha's Vineyardwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The film festival will take place at the and the  in Vineyard Haven from August 9–13. Multiple films will be screened each day. Festival parties will take place August 10 at the Louisa Gould Gallery in Vineyard Haven, and August 12 and 13 at Lola's in Oak Bluffs.

For film festival regulars, this year will feature something new: an interactive, hands-on workshop. The "This is How We Do It" workshop will be conducted by Sheldon Levy, deputy director of broadcast production at Saatchi & Saatchi, a festival sponsor, and will allow participants the opportunity to see first-hand how a commercial is made from start to finish.

Visit http://www.mvaaff.com for more information and a complete schedule of events.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

More from Martha's Vineyard