(Day Two) Black History MonthFilm Festival 2023

The Afrikan Poetry Theatre's 8th anual

Black History Month Film Festival:

@Museum of The Moving Image

Hosted by Vernon “Smij” Williams 

(Afrikan Poetry Theatre’s Director of Programs)

Short Film Showcase: 2:00 p.m

Followed by a Q&A discussion, this free showcase will feature a selection of short films, including one written, shot, and produced by students and Alumni  of The Afrikan Poetry Theatre.

Film Educational Initiative.

1. No Way Home

Directed by: Atiyah Taylor, Is a documentary about the homeless crisis for immigrants in New York City that was developed in The Afrikan Poetry Theatre’s film class.

1. Not Enough

Directed by: Gabrielle Barlatier about a married couple seeking to restore their relationship.

1. Home Confinement   (New Episode)

a locally shot situational comedy directed by Vernon “Smij” Williams about an ex-con who becomes a babysitter. Total runtime: 64 min.

Featured Film 3pm

Produced by Amazon Studios

with Indiana Productions

Autumn Beat:

Dir. Antonio Dikele Distefano. 2022, 103 mins.

Autumn Beat is a moving, unprecedented story depicting Black culture in Italy. The film is about two brothers, Tito (Seydou) and Paco (Abby 6ix), who have the same dream: to break into the rap music industry. Paco is a born performer and Tito knows how to write yet ambition, life, and love for the same woman will test their bond. Using music as a symbol for redemption and the search for identity and stunningly shot by cinematographer Luigi Martinucci, director Antonio Dikele Distefano’s film is a beautifully crafted story expanding over decades of the lives of brothers and sons.

Following the screening, there will be a discussion in the Fox Amphitheater with director Antonio Dikele Distefano; Vernon “Smij” Williams of Afrikan Poetry Theatre; and Sarah Von H, music curator and founder of the cultural journal RAREPEACE, about the production of Autumn Beat and the use of hip-hop music in film.