Robert Townsend's "In The Hive" Opens San Francisco Black Film Festival

June 1, 2012 - PRLog -- San Francisco Black Film Festival
P.O. Box  15490
San Francisco, CA  94115


Media Contact:
Jackie Wright, 415 525 0410
jackiewright@wrightnow.biz


Robert Townsend’s “In the Hive” with Michael Clarke Duncan, Loretta Devine & Vivica A. Fox, Opens The San Francisco Black Film Festival, June 15 at
The Historic Lorraine Hansberry Theatre

San Francisco- Director Robert Townsend’s dramatic portrayal based on a true story “In The Hive” has the universal theme of one person making a difference in the lives of many.  “In the Hive” opens The San Francisco Black Film Festival, Friday, June 15 at the historic Lorraine Hansberry Theatre 450 Post Street in Union Square.  Michael Clarke Duncan, Loretta Devine, Vivica A. Fox and newcomer Jonathan McDaniel headline the film that tells the story of how a cook in rural North Carolina changed the hopeless lives of young men discarded by society.

We’re pleased to have Robert Townsend’s film that was produced in collaboration with “One Economy” as part of the our fourteenth festival,” said Kali O’Ray.  “It is a signature piece that leads what I am seeing as a redemptive theme considering films like the international Fambul Tok of Sierra Leone that demonstrates forgiveness in its highest form to Kevin Epps, “FAM BAM,” JR Valray’s “Block Reportin’ 101” and Jacquie Taliaferro’s “10-10 Gotta Win,” and other films.  The San Francisco Black Film Festival, in alignment with our mission, provides a platform for established and emerging filmmakers,” added O’Ray.

“The San Francisco Black Film Festival organizers and volunteers see the festival as more than just entertainment,” said Rey Ramsey, Co-founder and Chairman of the Board for One Economy.  “We’re beginning a relationship that will launch on-going educational opportunities that include screenings and panel discussions beyond opening night. Most important is the message of the movie, ‘In the Hive’ is about real people and represents what’s happening everyday around the country. Stay tuned for the additional educational programs in the upcoming months. ”

“More than entertainment is right,” said Dr. Joseph Bryant Jr. Senior Pastor at Calvary Hill Community Church, Rainbow P.U.S.H Bay Area Director and Radio Talk Show Host.  “The San Francisco Black Film Festival is partnering with Calvary and participating organizations for the “Focus on Fathers Family Day,” Saturday, June 16, 12 noon-6 p.m. during the Juneteenth Weekend.   “The innovative day will give businesses an opportunity for direct marketing, the screening of films, a music concert, healthy cooking demonstrations, and a call to action panel discussion, “Get in the Game: A Call to Fatherhood in the Hood,” featuring athletes and community leaders. We invite San Francisco and the Bay Area to join us for the day of fun and enlightenment.,” added Dr. Bryant.

“Focus on Fathers Family Day & Juneteenth Celebration” at Calvary will include a vendor and table top fair, activities for the children, a healthy cooking demonstration by Chef Robert Dorsey and his son (www.chefrobertdorsey.com) film screenings, and in alignment with June as Black Music Month Calvary Hill Community Church’s own, Minister Marcus Dyson will orchestrate a gospel concert as the finale for the day.

SFBFF Films Include:

“In The Hive,” directed by Robert Townsend, is universal story of the triumph of the underdog when just one person decides there is a better way and that the weakest among us is noble and has great worth. Former De Young Museum Fellow Kevin Epps’ “FAM BAM” examines the Black family structure and its resilience. Taliaferro’s “10-10 Gotta Win” showcases the importance of voting and, JR Valray’s Block Reportin’ 101 gives the 4-1-1- on the Block Report brand of journalism and how it serves people and communities that are often denied outlets elsewhere.  Fambul Tok (Family Talk) by Sara Terry chronicles Sierra Leoneans drawing on ancient traditions of addressing issues within the safety of the family circle to make their communities whole again.  Elza by Marriette Monpierre is the dramatic tale of a young Parisian woman of Caribbean descent who returns to her native island of Guadeloupe looking for the father she has never known.

For a list of other films and workshops on animation with special guest Leo Sullivan, Bill Cosby’s legendary cartoonist (Fat Albert & the Cosby Kids) visit: http://www.sfbff.org/z2011-aftr-fest/2012-schedule-shell.....

Other events associated with the San Francisco Black Film Festival include a PreEvent Mixer at Club Infusion, Thursday, June 14.  Dion Roberts, Executive Director of Mary Elizabeth Inn salutes the San Francisco Black Film Festival from 6-9 p.m. during “Happy Hour to End Homelessness.” Filmmakers, actors, directors and the public are invited.  Club Infusion is located at  124 Ellis Street in San Francisco.   Check out the Pre-Fest Double Screening at the Jazz Heritage Center of “Thugs, the Musical & “Elrus Pearsley as the King,” Special appearance by San Francisco own Kevin Avery.  Enjoy complimentary food and drink, and discount festival tickets.  The Jazz Heritage Center is located at 1320 Fillmore Street in San Francisco.

The San Francisco Black Film Festival is open to everyone.  It’s an opportunity for all multicultural Bay Area residents and visitors to San Francisco to take a glimpse at the Black community from the everyday media that often just displays the problems and issues when there is much more than meets the eye.  The San Francisco Black Film Festival provides the African American Community and opportunity for reflection and affirmation.

To find out more about  Opening Night at the Lorraine Hansberry Theatre, “Focus on Fathers Family Day & Juneteenth Celebration,” the Red Carpet VIP Reception, the films, the panels, and the “My Dad is My Hero” contest, visit www.sfbff.org.   For organization and corporate sponsorship opportunities contact Kali O’Ray at 415.400.4602 or Jackie Wright at 415 525 0410.  Community vendor opportunities begin at $125.00.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sFARWl3Q92A



Photos from 2011 Red Carpet Event:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F3z5GNmECOg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XYt7cF7YAgM

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About the San Francisco Black Film Festival  
The San Francisco Black Film Festival was founded with the artistic vision to provide a platform for Black filmmakers, screenwriters, and actors to present their art. As a competitive film festival, SFBFF identifies filmmakers, screenwriters, and actors that are emerging as talents and established artists who are contributing to the cinematic legacy of African Americans. SFBFF conscientiously expands the notions of “Black film-making” to a global perspective. The San Francisco Black Film Festival is the brainchild of the late Ave Montague.

Other news from the Lorraine Hansberry:
Tony Saunders kicks off Summer at LHT with Sounds of Smooth Jazz
http://www.lhtsf.org/summer2012ts.html