Langston Hughes African American Film Festival
April 25-28, LANGSTON will showcase stories from the African Diaspora through the lens of over 25 independent filmmakers in the 16th annual Langston Hughes African American Film Festival. The four-day event, hosted at Langston Hughes Performing Arts Institute will kick off with a screening of provocative short films by emerging talent. The Langston Hughes African American Film Festival is a preeminent event for LANGSTON, an organization with a deep-rooted legacy as a hub of African American arts and culture in Seattle.
The 2019 festival lineup truly celebrates the nuance of Black storytelling, boasting films that grapple with themes both potent and timely in the current political climate as well as stories of self-discovery and personal triumph. There is a particularly interesting mix of voices exploring art, politics, history, love; the films are a unique peek into what’s on our conscious today, and there are some really funny films in there that will catch you off guard, and others that revisit what we thought was familiar territory.
LHAAFF opens on April 25th at 6:00pm with a Bites and Bubbly soiree where guests and filmmakers are invited to gather in celebration of Black brilliance. Following the mixer, film screenings kick off with a series of cutting-edge short films across a range of genres, from dark comedy to animated drama. Audiences will have an opportunity to engage with Northwest filmmakers, including Kiana Harris, Jamal Bradley and more, in a talk-back following the screenings.
LHAAFF 2019 Schedule
Thursday
April 25th, 2019
Opening Night | 6:00 pm
Audiences will have an opportunity to engage with Northwest filmmakers, including Kiana Harris, Jamal Bradley, and Elijah Hasan, and more, in a talk-back following the screenings.
- #WeMatter by Sherrie Quannea
#WeMatter is a short film that strives to highlight the growing epidemic of police violence against people of color. We hope that by focusing on the human aspect of the issue–the hurt, frustration and often the feelings of hopelessness, the importance of changing a system that allows these actions to flourish, can be thwarted. We hope that our film not only elicits an emotional response and encourages conversations of change, but inspires action. - Still Here by Troy Charbonnet
Left to their own devices in a flooding house during the wake of a life-threatening hurricane, a caregiver and an elderly patient with differing spiritual beliefs struggle to find hope in each other.Left to their own devices in a flooding house during the wake of a life-threatening hurricane, a caregiver and an elderly patient with differing spiritual beliefs struggle to find hope in each other. - PAWG Day 12 Pretty Ass White Girl 2.1 by John Eddins
In this dark comedy, the ending is only the beginning as lovers reunite 12 days after one of them gets a whole new lease on life and love. - Baby Steps by Eric Dyson
Every year on the anniversary of his father’s suicide, Kenny’s battle with depression pushes him in the same direction. - Goodnight, Fred by Wes Goodrich
It’s after midnight in Chicago on December 4, 1969 and young Black revolutionary Fred Hampton only has a couple hours to live. The FBI is tracking him, The Chicago Police are outside his door and there’s a mole in his ranks. But all Fred can think about is his unborn child and the divided country it will be birthed into. “Goodnight, Fred” is the true story of a young black man, his girlfriend and his sudden, tragic demise. - SUBSTANCE by Jamaal Bradley
Based on True Events; Jason, the oldest of two boys loves his home but battles with wanting to change the deteriorating community and the desire to leave it behind. Tension turns to anger as Jason and his brother John battle over the decision to embrace the drug culture while simultaneously endangering John’s daughter. Her symbolic gesture will change the future of the family and change her father’s SUBSTANCE. - Dynamite by Leila Jarman
A short, poetic performance art/dance film that investigates gender and masculinity –more specifically the American black male experience– through embodied inquiry to find spaces where identity exists between and in opposition to social constructs. This film guides us through narrative incorporating movement, spoken word, and chant, as it uncovers truths about race, gender, and success in an ever-changing social landscape. - Me Time by Iyabo Boyd
After a long work week, Deborah is exhausted and needs to relax. One part of her psyche, Sexy Deb, appears and tries to bully her into going out to a bar for a hook-up. Soulful Deb also shows up- she lights some incense and tries to guide her into some self care stroking. Then Scaredy Deb pops in and whines that she just wants to eat oatmeal and watch Gilmore Girls. When they finally rally together to get-it-on solo, Scaredy Deb questions aloud if they’ve ever truly had an orgasm, undermining each aspect of the Debs and threatening to derail their whole plan. Through laughter and introspection, ME TIME explores women’s sexuality, self care, and highlights the richness of our inner lives. - My Life Interrupted by Alana Devich
Alana Devich Cyril is on a quest to figure out how to navigate life following a stage 4 cancer diagnosis. In this comical, poignant documentary, she wants to show the world what her life looks like, but things like 3 million doctors’ appointments and a fear of travel get in her way. - Knock Knock by Kennikki Jones-Jones
Sinia does the best she can to help the kids next door, however when they are in danger, she does nothing. Stricken by guilt, she decides to check on the kids, but she discovers is a chilling reality that pushes her over the edge.
Friday
April 26th, 2019
Women Empowered | 4:30 pm
Two unique stories of women taking necessary risks in their quests for triumph after trauma.
- Respect & Love by Angelique Webster
It has been said that Gloria was the first African-American woman to sue the Catholic Church. RESPECT and Love is a short experimental documentary, in which the film-maker sits down with her mother 30 years later to gain insight on how those experiences have shaped her mother’s life. - Solace by Tchaiko Omawale
Following the death of her father, a 17-year-old girl is sent to live with her estranged family and finds comfort in a questionable friendship with a self-destructive neighbor, leading both on a startling path to self discovery.
On The Beat | 8:00pm
Two films explore themes of Black music: A documentary uncovers the birth of Africa’s most exported music genre and a drama follows a passionate DJ in pursuit of his dream.
- The Birth of Afrobeat by Opiyo Okeyo
African music pioneer, Fela Kuti once said, ‘Without Tony Allen, there would be no Afrobeat. “ In this hybrid live-action/animated short, filmmaker Opiyo Okeyo documents drum legend Tony Allen as he recounts his contribution to the birth of Africa’s most exported music genre–Afrobeat. - Wheels by Paul Starkman
Wheels is a coming of age story about Max, a 19 year old from Brooklyn who wants to be a well known DJ. He has been the sole provider for his sick grandmother, DJing parties for Oscar, a neighborhood shark. Things shift when Max’s brother Terry returns home after three years in prison, forcing Max to reconcile their relationship. Max gets close to Liza, the manager of a dance studio who inspires him with her work ethic and determination. Max finds himself at a crossroads between family obligation, the streets, and pursuing his dream.
Saturday
April 27th, 2019
Perseverance | 12:00 pm
A series of films in various genres showcase characters who ascend from challenging circumstances, often gaining a stronger sense of purpose in the process.
- Lalo’s House by Kelly Kali
Inspired by true events. After being taken from their home in Jacmel, Haiti, two young sisters must escape a child sex trafficking ring, disguised as a Catholic orphanage. - Due Process by Gabe Braden
An overburdened social worker fights to bring justice to a mother and her unborn child. - Soar, Torian, Soar by Audrey Candy Corn & Peter Menchini
An Oakland woman comes to terms with the murder of her eldest son while working to raise her two other children and grappling with poverty. - Where the Heart Is by Elijah Hasan
Candid conversations about coming of age, and to grips within a city struggling to find its own sense of cultural identity. This film details the diverse experiences of black Portlanders navigating life in the Rose City – Surviving its assaults, recalling the effects, finding the opportunities and seizing the moments surrounding when they left, how they stayed, and why they continue to call Portland home. - Aloha by Brandi Payne
Aloha follows one new mom’s quest to find the perfect birth announcement after the delivery of her baby doesn’t go quite as planned. It’s a lighthearted drama that touches on a pregnancy complication that isn’t always easy to discuss.
Juicy Ladies Edwin Walker 30:00 2019
After being given a grim diagnosis from her doctor, Angie, the world’s biggest foodie, embarks on a quest to find love and health.
Filmmaker Panel | 2:30 pm
Audience members are invited to engage in lively, up close and personal conversation on the theme of Black storytelling with filmmakers in attendance.
In the System | 4:30 pm
Following the stories of Black politicians in the South and a Brooklyn-based teen volunteering with the NYPD, this series of films interrogates the complex relationship between U.S. politics and Black American experiences.
- All Skin Folk Ain’t Kinfolk by Angela Tucker
After a contentious race, the runoff for mayor of New Orleans came down to two candidates: Desirée Charbonnet and LaToya Cantrell, two very different black women. The winner of this election would take office as the first female mayor of New Orleans and the city’s fourth black mayor. Through news footage, campaign advertisements and archival audio and video, “All Skinfolk Ain’t Kinfolk” is the unprecedented story of this mayoral runoff told through the eyes of black women living in this city. - Civic Mind by Adonis Williams
A teenage, NYPD volunteer goes undercover to purchase alcohol and other items not permitted to be sold to minors. His methods are put into question when the biggest bust of his career is done illegally, jeopardizing everything he’s worked for and threatens a gentrifying, Brooklyn community. - While I Breathe, I Hope by Emily Harrold
What does it mean to be young, Black, and Democrat in the Southern Republican state of South Carolina? Through experiences of politician Bakari Sellers, While I Breathe, I Hope unravels that question.
College Try | 8:00 pm
Three stories dive into the lives of young adults fumbling to find their own lane, including a feature-length comedy following a rich freshman shooting his shot at joining a poor, but proud fraternity.
- Showtime by Shawn Antoine II
Darius and Hakeem dance on New York City trains to earn honest money and escape the crime-riddled streets of Harlem. Darius is offered the opportunity to audition for a Juilliard travel dance team, but Hakeem is jealous that Darius may pursue this opportunity. Hakeem turns to crime with the neighborhood goon TJ, succumbing to the pressures of the streets in Harlem. Darius is faced with the decision to pursue this life-changing opportunity or help keep Hakeem out of trouble. - BRED by Casiano Hamer
A troubled teen in high school escapes expulsion and is closely watched by his environment until he ultimately rebels against the system that is supposed to help him. - Po’ Psi Broke feature film by Akil DuPont
A hilarious comedy about a rich freshman trying to get into a poor and PROUD fraternity!
Sunday
April 28th, 2019
The Motherland | 3:00 pm
- Aje Ijo Series (3rd installment – River of Nine) by Kiana Harris
‘AJE IJO’ Short Dance Film Series centers the humanity, resiliency, vulnerability of black & african diasporic people [of all genders], interrogating the western gender binary and interrupting accompanying notions of masculinity and femininity. Our individual and collective complexity, survival, thriving, and ultimately our healing as a people are at stake, and compel the elaboration of this narrative. To this end, the film elicits elements of spiritual cosmologies of the african diaspora, particularly those that emerge from the Yoruba divine consciousness, Ifa, and the Orisa (deities) that comprise it. - Mabata Bata by João Luis Sol de Carvalho (Mozambique)
Azarias is a young orphan shepherd, keeper of a herd of oxen, where the ox Mabata Bata stands out. The oxen will be the basis of the “lobolo” payment, a traditional dowry that his uncle Raul must pay for his own marriage.
Azarias’ dream is to be a normal child, to go to school, gold that is supported by his grandmother. One day, when Azariah is in the pasture, Mabata Bata steps into a mine – the result of the civil war in the country – and explodes.
The young man fears his uncle’s reprisals and flees to the forest, taking with him the remaining oxen. The grandmother and uncle leave in their quest to rescue him and persuade him to return.
Closing Night | 6:00 pm
- CRASH Workshop Short Films by Various
LANGSTON partnered with SIFF to host 25 youth between the ages of 9-12, in a series of three-Saturday 8 hour immersive filmmaking workshops. The youth created short films around culturally appropriate themes based on historical figures of the Central District and specific social justice issues in the community. - Spirits of Rebellion: Black Cinema at UCLA by Zeinabu Irene Davis
Chronicles the critically acclaimed yet relatively unknown black filmmakers and media artists collectively known as the Los Angeles Rebellion.
About LHAAFF
The annual Langston Hughes African American Film Festival (LHAAFF) is a major season program of LANGSTON organization. The festival hosts provocative films and works about the Black experience from independent filmmakers. In the heart of Seattle’s historically black neighborhood, the festival features hands-on workshops, discussions, and in-depth chats with filmmakers, industry professionals and local community leaders, housed at the historic Langston Hughes Performing Arts Institute.
As Seattle grows as a seat of activism, progressive ideology, innovation and technology, the Langston Hughes African American Film Festival serves as a meeting place for filmmakers and audiences to exchange ideas with Black film as a catalyst for discussion.
The event is the culmination of a year’s worth of community-building through a series of smaller events that provide audiences with unique cinematic and filmmaking opportunities, resulting in the community-wide film festival. The festival focuses on established names and emerging talent in Black cinema and creating ways for audiences to connect with filmmakers and filmmaking through interactions in and outside the theater.
Films are selected from entries screened by panels and curated from current and vintage offerings worldwide. The festival takes pride in finding independent film that is by or about Black people from emerging and established filmmakers from around the world and in our own backyard.