The Jury, Audience, Festival, and other special award-winners of the 2010 PAN AFRICAN FILM & ARTS FESTIVAL (PAFF) were announced tonight at the Festival’s Awards Ceremony hosted by actress CCH Pounder (Avatar) at the Culver Plaza Theatres.  The Kenyan narrative FROM A WHISPER won for Best Narrative Feature.  A three-way tie was announced for the Audience Favorite Narrative Award for films SOUL DIASPORA, A STING IN A TALE, and SPEED-DATING.  The documentary on the L.A. Black Panthers 41ST & CENTRAL: THE UNTOLD STORY OF THE L.A. BLACK PANTHERS won the Audience Favorite Documentary Award.

With the theme “Get Involved,” this year’s PAFF featured 135 films representing 36 countries, including 40 in competition, 64 feature length films, and 12 world premieres.

The films receiving Jury Awards were selected from six categories: Best Feature Documentary, Best Documentary Short, Best Narrative Short, Best Feature Narrative, and First Time Narrative Feature Directing.  All films in competition were also eligible for the PAFF’s Audience Awards as selected by Festival audiences.  The PAFF Board of Directors and Programmer Festival Awards were awarded to their pick for Best Documentary and Best Narrative film.  A special award from the BritishAcademyof Film and Television Arts/Los Angeles Festival Choice Award was awarded to the film FROM A WHISPER.

The Pan African Film and Arts Festival, is America’s largest and most prestigious Black film and arts festival that takes place annually in Los Angeles during the month of February.  For more information, please visit www.paff.org.

2010 PAFF FILMMAKER AWARD WINNERS

BEST NARRATIVE FEATURE

From A Whisper (Director: Wanuri Kahiu; Screenwriter: Wanuri Kahiu) – One of the most important films made in the world in this historical period. This stunning narrative revolves on one hand around a Kenyan family that was caught up in the bombing of the American Embassy by Islamist terrorists a few years ago. On one hand it revolves around a daughter’s experience to the bombing, on the other it revolves around Abu, a Muslim intelligence officer who is investigating the bombing. Abu has a complex and deep friendship with one of the terrorists. This film gives riveting and enriching insight into the complex narrative that is our life. Winner of the best picture in Africa last year at the Africa Movie Awards (AMAA).  Los Angeles Premiere.

BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATURE

Stolen (Directors: Violeta Ayala & Daniel Fallshaw) – Set against the backdrop of the Sahara, in the Polisario-governed refugee camps, two unsuspecting filmmakers find themselves in the middle of a high-stakes political thriller when the Black Saharawis start talking about a forbidden subject: their freedom. Against the threat of severe consequences, the Black Saharawis reveal to the documentary filmmakers that they are enslaved. This story is all the more frightening because it is true and the issue of modern day slavery is proven to be a widespread reality.  US Premiere.

BEST NARRATIVE SHORT

Cred (Director: Sherman Payne; Screenwriter: Sherman Payne) – What do you do when your upstairs neighbor refuses to stop the 24-hour party? You get your homies and prove that you have some cred. Stars Al Thompson.

BEST DOCUMENTARY SHORT

For the Best and For the Onion! (Pour Le Meilleur et Pour l’Oignon!)(Director: Elhadj Magori Sani) – The Galmi purple, an onion from Niger, pervades West African markets with 400,000 tons a year. In Galmi, Salamatou has been waiting for her wedding for two years.  Her father Yaro, on advice from both her future in-laws and the village gossip, makes a decision: The wedding will take place during the harvest! Yaro is aware that to follow through on his commitment this time, he has to produce more and sell at a higher price…Los Angeles Premiere.

BEST FIRST TIME NARRATIVE FEATURE AWARD FOR DIRECTING

The Harimaya Bridge (Director: Aaron Woolfolk) – Daniel Holder’s father was killed fighting the Japanese during the Second World War…something he thought he had made peace with long ago, until a recent discovery revealed to him the cruel and brutal way in which his father died. So when Daniel’s beloved artist son Mickey takes a job in Japan teaching English, it creates a rift between them. Mickey dies in a traffic accident, and Daniel’s profound regret at their estrangement is matched only by his increased resentment towards Japan…a country he thinks took not only his father, but now his only child as well. Despite these feelings, Daniel goes to Japan to retrieve Mickey’s final paintings. But despite the kindness he is shown and the evidence of the happy life his son led, he cannot let go of his hatred. But some unexpected discoveries about Mickey’s life and legacy change everything for Daniel, forcing him to reassess his feelings and the life he will henceforth lead. Starring Ben Guillory, Saki Takaoka, Misa Shimizu, Danny Glover, Victor Grant.

AUDIENCE FAVORITE-NARRATIVE FEATURE

Soul Diaspora (Director: Odera Ozoka) – Saidu, a Nigerian immigrant living in Los Angeles, must overcome sleepless nights due to his family’s tormented lineage inAfrica. He is alone in the world, often hearing voices in his head. The film interweaves through color and black & white to illustrate Saidu’s erratic behavior and mental state. The souls of the characters are stripped to the core by one searing event which gives them all a fresh perspective, exploring the varying shades of grey in life.  Los AngelesPremiere.

Speed-Dating (Director: Joseph A. Elmore Jr.)This high-energy romantic comedy follows three bachelors, speeding through life and scheming on women. When it comes to the opposite sex, it’s about the “chase” and “finish line.” Dog and Beaver spend their last dime on a nightclub, while Too Cool devises the ultimate scheme to get women and money – SPEED-DATING! Stars Wesley Johnathan, Chris Elliot, and Holly Robinson Peete. World Premiere.

A Sting in A Tale (Director: Shirley Frimpong-Manso; Screenwriter: Shirley Frimpong-Manso) – Two young couples are striving to survive the harsh realities of life after university; unemployment, uncertainty, desperation and in the middle of it all, love. Kuuku is frustrated with unemployment and is faced with the possibility of losing his true love Frema because Frema’s mother sees no good future in their relationship. With these pressures, Kuuku moves heaven and earth trying to find a good job and a means to provide the future he so desperately seeks for himself, his future wife and kids. He takes the most drastic measure by resorting to rituals and soon after that, Frema passes away. After her death, Kuuku gets a well paying job and becomes a millionaire almost overnight. With the new fortunes comes a new set of problems as his best friend, Nii Aryee starts to envy Kuuku’s wealth and starts asking questions. The ghost of Frema will not rest until the mystery surrounding her death is cleared. What unfolds is a series of unpredictable and hilarious events that would take viewers on a roller-coaster of emotions from laughter to tears and even pity.  US Premiere.

AUDIENCE FAVORITE-DOCUMENTARY FEATURE

41^st & Central: The Untold Story of the L.A. Black Panthers (Director: Gregory Everett) - 41ST & CENTRAL: THE UNTOLD STORY OF THE L.A. BLACK PANTHERS is the first part in a documentary series that follows the Southern California Chapter of the Black Panther Party from its glorious Black Power beginnings through to its tragic demise. Despite the Party’s formation of free medical clinics and a successful breakfast program for children, the L.A. chapter was also known as the most violent Black political group in the United States. 41ST & CENTRAL: THE UNTOLD STORY OF THE L.A. BLACK PANTHERS explores the Black Panther ethos, its conflict with the L.A.P.D. and the US Organization, as well as the events that shaped the complicated and often contradictory legacy of the L.A.chapter. 41ST & CENTRAL: THE UNTOLD STORY OF THE L.A. BLACK PANTHERS contains interviews with former Black Panther Party members along with archival footage detailing the history of racism in Los Angeles, including the Watt’s uprising from the perspective of the participants who “engaged with the L.A.P.D.” 41ST & CENTRAL: THE UNTOLD STORY OF THE L.A. BLACK PANTHERS is the most in-depth study ever of the L.A. Chapter founder Alpretice “Bunchy Carter” and features first hand accounts of the Party’s formation as told by the original surviving members. This film gives the viewer an eyewitness account of Bunchy and John Huggins murders at U.C.L.A. in 1968 and includes exclusive interviews with Black Panther Party leaders Geronimo Ji Jagga and Elaine Brown. Also featured are former Black Panther members Ericka Huggins, Roland & Ronald Freeman, Wayne Pharr, Jeffrey Everett, Long John Washington, Muhammad Mubarak, former L.A.P.D. Chief Bernard Parks, US Organization member Wesley Kabaila, U.C.L.A. Professor Scot Brown, and many others.

PAFF PROGRAMMER AWARD-NARRATIVE

Everyday Black Man (Director: Carmen Madden) – Since closing the door on a violent past, quiet and thoughtful Moses Stanton’s everyday existence is running a small neighborhood fruit and vegetable store. When a young man, Malik, comes in with a business proposition, Moses takes him on as a partner but soon realizes that Malik is selling more than just baked goods. Produced by Dwayne Wiggins, formally of Tony, Toni, Tone.  Los Angeles Premiere.

PAFF PROGRAMMER AWARD-DOCUMENTARY

Sweet Crude (Director: Sandy Cioffi) – A scathing look at the politics, the people and the spin surrounding the policies in the Nigerian Delta. Although it is one of the most oil rich regions on Earth and the source of much of oil the products used in the U.S., the people living in the area do not share in the enormous wealth generated by the precious natural resource.

PAFF BOARD OF DIRECTORS AWARD-NARRATIVE

Nothing But the Truth (Director: John Kani) – Film written by John Kani one of South Africa’s top actors. This film is an in depth look at a major issue in South Africa today and indeed in all societies that have been created from a revolutionary struggle. The story revolves around a middle age man who did not participate in the liberation struggle. He opted to sit out the liberation struggle and remain at his post as a junior librarian in apartheid South Africa. On the other hand, his brother joined the liberation struggle and became a hero. The film deals with sibling rivalry cut across with the social political and psychological contradictions that have always played out in any liberation struggle. Los Angeles Premiere.

PAFF BOARD OF DIRECTORS AWARD-DOCUMENTARY

Motherland (Director: Owen ‘Alik Shahadah) – From the director of the internationally acclaimed “500 Years Later” comes this gem of a film. Tracing the past and with an eye to the future, the film examines the current African landscape. Featuring an all-star cast of African Presidents and thinkers including Dr. Maulana Karenga, the father of Kwanzaa, and Dr. Molefi Asante.  World Premiere.

Beyonce Knowles and Alicia Keys were spotted in Carnival inspired ankara costumes and swarkoviski headgear while filming a music video in a Rio de Janeiro slum for Keys’ “Put It In a Love Song,” the latest single from the album The Element of Freedom. The outfits were carnival-inspired

“It’s nice that we just celebrate each others careers, that’s what the song is about, coming together to empower each other,” Alicia told Brazilian newspaper O Dia of the track and Beyonce. “This song was meant for us at this time. We’ve become really good friends.”

The video — produced by Alicia’s married boyfriend Swizz Beatz — is expected to debut later this month.

VIEW PHOTOS FROM THE SET >>

The deadline to apply  is Friday, March 31, 2010 at 5 p.m. PT.

Please complete and submit the form below if you are interested in performing at the African Vibes Magazine 4th Anniversary Event. Each Artist wishing to perform must complete and submit this form. Upon approval we will contact you.
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African Vibes Magazine has partnered with Keller Graduate School of Management, a subsidiary of Devry University to present an Ideas Contest. The contest offers African Vibes Magazine subscribers, Keller Graduate School of Management/Devry University students and alumni across the country, the opportunity to play an active role in influencing Africa’s development by offering creative, innovative proposals that will answer the question:  ”What can you do with $1000 to help fight poverty in Africa?” African Vibes Magazine will award $1000 to the winner to fund his/her idea. All proposals submitted for this contest should answer the following questions:

• Where will the idea be implemented?
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• How will the idea be sustained?
• How will the $1000 be used to implement the idea?
• How does this idea address poverty in Africa?
• Who will benefit from this idea?

Submission Deadline

Submission Deadline has been extended until April 10th 2010.

Proposals entered by the deadline will be reviewed and the winner will be selected by a panel of judges.

How it works

• Submit your idea through our online submissions form below by April 10th 2010. Your idea should be submitted in the format of a word document/pdf (2 pages max) or Video (5 minutes max).
• On April 16th 2010, check our website www.africanvibes.com for the winner. The winner will have the opportunity to share their winning idea at the African Vibes Magazine 4th Anniversary Event on April 24th 2010.

Judging Criteria

• Reach: How many people would this idea affect?
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• Attainability: Can this idea be implemented within a year or two?
• Efficiency: How simple and cost-effective is the idea?
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• Feasibility: Can the Idea be implemented within the specified budget of $1000
• Relevance: Is the idea relevant to the contest topic?
• Sustainability: Can the idea sustain itself or will it always require a new investment to be sustained?

Contest Prize

African Vibes Magazine will offer the Winner an Award for their innovation and $1,000 to fund their idea

Who can apply

Must be an African Vibes Magazine Subscriber or Keller Graduate School/Devry University Student or Alumni to be considered for the award

Submission Form

In its 3 years, the African Vibes Magazine Anniversary Celebration has attracted an excellent cross section of sponsors interested in reaching our audience of primarily African immigrants and African Americans.

For sponsorship inquiries, simply submit the form below or email Lisa Brown at lisa.brown@africanvibes.com

On April 24th 2010, African Vibes Magazine is rolling out the red carpet in style to celebrate 4 years of putting the positive spotlight on Africa and Africans.

This Red Carpet glam event focuses on showcasing contemporary Africa by presenting an eclectic mix of African culture, style and entertainment. Guests will be engaged in ways that will encourage them to take an interest in playing an active role in shaping Africa’s future.

A portion of the proceeds from this event will go toward supporting the African Vibes Magazine 1000 Africans for Haiti initiative  (http://www.causes.com/AfricansForHaiti) to help earthquake victims in Haiti.

Schedule of Events

• Pre-Event Ideas Contest
• Glam Lounge
• I Wear African Runway and Awards Show
• VIP Lounge after Party

SPONSORS

The deadline to apply  is Friday, February 26, 2010 at 5 p.m. PT.

Please complete and submit the form below to receive designer’s information. Each designer wishing to participate in the “I Wear African” Runway and Awards Show must complete and submit this pre-qualification form. Upon approval we will send you a designer’s package with fee information and keep you updated on show schedule. If you have any questions, please email karlee.dike@africanvibes.com

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Media credentials are non-transferable and African Vibes Magazine reserves the right to refuse entry if media credentials are improperly used.

Registration for journalists: Registration for this event is complimentary for professional journalists who may provide editorial coverage and who meet the eligibility criteria described below.

Media qualifications: You must be currently employed by a publication OR you must be currently employed with a recognized (network, cable, independent, internet) news organization. Television and radio stations must maintain a regular news department. You also may be required to submit credential information to support your qualifications. If so, African Vibes will contact you upon receipt of your media registration form.

Media credentials are given to members of the working media whose attendance at the African Vibes Magazine Anniversary will result in coverage, whether print, online or broadcast, of the anniversary event.

Individuals who do not qualify for media credentials: Individuals representing companies or organizations listed below do not qualify for media registration.

• Book authors
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Please review the criteria for your appropriate media category.

1. Current masthead or link to site with your name as contributor or columnist
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REGISTRATION FORM

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