Pan African Film & Arts Festival, Los Angeles

The Pan African Art and Film Festival (PAFF) is considered America’s largest and most prestigious Black arts and film festival, regularly attracting over 200,000 visitors and holding annual screenings of more than 100 films made by and/or about people of African descent from the United States, Africa, the Caribbean, South America, the South Pacific, Europe and Canada. PAFF also holds the distinction of being the largest Black History Month event in the country.

PAFF was founded in 1992 by award-winning actor Danny Glover (“The Color Purple,” “Lethal Weapon” movie franchise), Emmy Award-winning actress Ja’Net DuBois (best known for her role as the busybody neighbor Willona in the tv series, “Good Times”) and executive director, Ayuko Babu, an international legal, cultural and political consultant who specializes in African Affairs.

The goal of PAFF is to present and showcase the broad spectrum of Black creative works, particularly those that reinforce positive images, help to destroy negative stereotypes and depict an expanded vision of the Black experience. PAFF believes film and art can lead to better understanding and foster communication between peoples of diverse cultures, races, and lifestyles, while at the same time, serve as a vehicle to initiate dialogue on the important issues of our times.

This year’s event will  take place from February 9 through 20, 2012 at the Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza (BHCP). Situated at the intersection of Crenshaw and Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevards, the 820,000 square foot, newly renovated regional mall is located in the heart of one of Los Angeles’ historic Black communities. There is ample free parking and close and convenient public transportation.

Once again the ArtistFEST will showcase fine art, sculpture and photography, unique handmade crafts, home furnishings, designer jewelry, designer fashions and accessories that highlight the artistry and beauty of the African aesthetic.

The film festival portion of PAFF will take place at the new Rave 15 Theatres (formerly Magic Johnson Theatres), one of Los Angeles’ newest state-of the-art theaters. PAFF will present over one hundred fifty (150) new black films from around the world.

PAFF will also feature musical performances, poetry and performance art, workshops and panels, including:

• The Night of Tribute  honors world-renowned actors, filmmakers, community leaders and artists for their contributions in the film and entertainment industry.

• Spoken Word Fest features some of the country’s most talented wordsmiths and spoken word artists to entertain and enlighten the consciousness of film festival goers.

• Student Fest features various screenings with age appropriate subject matter open to children and parents.

Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza
3650 W Martin Luther King Jr, Los Angeles, CA
Phone:(323) 290-6636
Web: www.crenshawplaza.com
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