"Living with Faith" a Hit at Independent Black Film Association
Mini-Fest
Atlanta, GA - Even the most zealous skeptics would have to
believe that faith heals after witnessing the audience's moving
response to "Living with Faith," an independently produced film
screened last week during the Independent Black Film Association
(IBFA) mini-fest, held as part of the Brand Atlanta Weekend.
Starring teenage actress and publisher of Black Girl Magazine,
Kenya James (Faith), and Atlanta radio personality, Sasha the
Diva (in the role of Faith's mother), "Living with Faith" weaves
the life challenges of five girls in a home for troubled teens
into the story of 15-year-old Faith, a poet whose mother falls
prey to drugs.
"What happens in your past dictates what happens in your future,
and everyone has a past," says writer/director Deidre Thomas.
"This film illustrates how 'Living with Faith' - faith in God,
in yourself, and in the people around you - empowers you to deal
with your past and embrace your future," the Los Angeles based
filmmaker adds.
The IBFA mini-fest offered panel discussions with leaders in the
entertainment arena and screenings of independent films created
by or about people of color. A series of mini-fests will lead up
to the third annual Independent Black Film Festival (IBFF) in
Atlanta March 12-18 2006.
"IBFA caters to an upscale crowd looking to enjoy the finer
points of independent film and engage in intellectual
conversations," says IBFF director Asante Addae. "We were
thrilled to be part of the Brand Atlanta Weekend which
celebrates arts and culture. Presently we are making final
confirmations of those who will be in attendance for the 2006
Independent Black Film Festival," Addae adds.
As part of the weekend events, the Media Arts Society of Spelman
College sponsored an evening of panel discussions hosted by Greg
Torre of the Georgia Film, Video, & Music Office. Moderated by
Atlanta Insider host Carleen Brown, "Almost Famous," was a panel
comprised of the next generation of filmmakers including, Erik
Eddings and Duane Boyd, Mandara Pictures; Shandra McDonald, Kiss
the Limit Productions; and Sylvia Jackson, Film Captive
Productions.
The second panel, "Industry Connect," moderated by 11Alive news
anchor Karyn Greer, offered an in-depth conversation with a
number of accomplished filmmakers including Tracy Baker-Simmons,
"Being Bobby Brown;" Dianne Ashford, "Trois: The Escort;" and
Rob Hardy, director of the much lauded film "The Gospel."
The IBFF mini-fests provide an opportunity for people to hone
their filmmaking skills, get to know some of the major players,
and connect with internship opportunities says IBFF COO, Henry
Petty.
The skills learned during mini-fests are particularly valuable
to the youth who will participate in the IBFF "Youth Film
Challenge," a filmmaking competition for teens to be held in
2006. According to Nzingha Ali, IBFF managing director, IBFF
will allow selected youth to assign directors, actors, and
organize crew, locations, and equipment prior to the kick off of
the competition. The teens will have one week to make a 5-10
minute film. The judging and awards presentation will take place
during the festival in March.
IBFA Brand Atlanta Weekend culminated with a screening of "The
March to Psychological and Economic Freedom," at the Black-owned
Cinefe Movie Theatre in Lithonia. Produced by the MATAH Network,
the documentary presents conversations with Black scholars
addressing solutions to the many problems facing the African
American community.
The Independent Black Film Association, the overseer of the
Independent Black Film Festival, was founded in 2003 to stage an
event for independent filmmakers to showcase their work and
discuss pertinent industry issues. For more information about
the IBFF visit www.indieblackfilm.com or call (404) 249-9529.