Posted Courtesy of Wright Enterprises Community Spotlight San Francisco ~ Dallas ~~~
San Francisco Black Film Festival
1755 O’Farrell St. Suite 309
San Francisco, CA 94115
Media Contact:
Jackie Wright, 415 525 0410
jackiewright@wrightnow.biz
FACT SHEET
San Francisco Black Film Festival XXVI
“26 Years of Celebrating Black Film”
San Francisco Black Film Festival ‘Healing the World, One Film at A Time”
June 13-June 16, 2024
Visit www.sfbff.org to invest in the community by becoming a sponsor. There’s always time. Sponsorships are a yearlong and span year-round through the next festival year.Embrace Diversity and Empowerment at the San Francisco Black Film Festival (SFBFF) led by Executive Director, Cree Ray
Join us in celebrating the 26th anniversary of the San Francisco Black Film Festival (SFBFF), where our mission of "Healing the World, One Film at A Time" has been at the heart of our journey since the beginning. Rooted in the belief that film can be a powerful tool for social change, SFBFF stands as a testament to the transformative power of storytelling to bridge divides and inspire meaningful dialogue across cultures and communities.
Major Highlights
Opening Night, June 13th
Dwayne Wiggins of Tony Toni Tone & Edward Laborde’s film “Timeless” will be screened at the African American Art and Culture Complex, (AAACC, )762 Fulton Street, San Francisco. For details of the screenings visit https://www.sfbff.org/events. Dwayne Wiggins & Edward La Borde will appear in person for live interaction with the audience. Opening Night Ticket Details including showing of additional short films:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/san-francisco-black-film-festival-opening-night-tickets-898925549517?aff=oddtdtcreator
June 15-16th
Acclaimed filmmaker and actor Mario Van Peebles will appear in 2024 edition of the San Francisco Black Film Festival at the Kabuki Theater and the San Francisco Main Library, Saturday and Sunday respectively. Van Peebles will present three of his powerful films, “Outlaw Posse,” “Panther,” and “Armed” showcasing his unique cinematic vision and commitment to social justice.
Saturday Tickets -"Outlaw Posse" & "Panther" plus live in person Q& A with Mario Van Peebles,
Only $20
Sunday Tickets- FREE-"Armed," plus live in person Q& A with Mario Van Peebles
Over 75 Films Selected
For a list of all films including from filmmakers Jeremy Givens (“King’s Initiative”) and James Farr ("Soul Bowl" Kennedy v El Cerrito: The Game that Changed NCS Football Championship"), both recipients of the Jeff Adachi Social Justice Award visit: https://www.sfbff.org/films.
A Platform for Change and Collaboration
At SFBFF, social justice isn't just a theme—it's our foundation. As a multicultural platform for both emerging and established artists, we provide a space for filmmakers of all backgrounds to showcase their work, collaborate on projects, and amplify voices that are often marginalized or overlooked. From thought-provoking documentaries to captivating dramas, our diverse lineup of films offers audiences a window into the rich tapestry of human experience, fostering empathy, understanding, and connection across racial, cultural, and social divides.
Uniting Communities Through Film
SFBFF isn't just a film festival; it's a celebration of unity, empowerment, and the enduring spirit of resilience. From our roots in the historic Fillmore District to our continued celebration of Juneteenth, Black Music Month, and Father's Day, we honor the legacy of African American culture while embracing the contributions of artists from every corner of the globe. Through our events, workshops, and panel discussions, we create opportunities for people of all races and backgrounds to come together, share their stories, and build a more inclusive and equitable society.
Making an Impact, Inspiring Change
As SFBFF continues to grow and evolve, so too does our commitment to making a difference in the world. From expanding our collaborations with international film festivals such as the Durban International Film Festival to championing the voices of emerging filmmakers, we strive to be a force for positive change in our communities and beyond. By inviting the world to San Francisco, we not only showcase the incredible talent and creativity of our local community but also contribute to the city's vibrant cultural landscape and economic growth, making a lasting impact that extends far beyond the silver screen. SFBFF was at the forefront of the historic renewal of business with the 2021 San Francisco Black Film Festival opening reception at Hotel Nikko, as Mayor London Breed highlighting sculptor Dana King’s “Monumental Reckoning,” celebrated the re-opening of businesses in San Francisco that had been closed since the pandemic shutdown of March 2020.
Join Us in Creating a Better World Through Film
Whether you're a longtime supporter of SFBFF or experiencing the festival for the first time, we invite you to join us on this extraordinary journey of discovery, inspiration, and healing. Together, let's celebrate 26 years of resilience, empowerment, and the transformative power of cinema to change hearts, minds, and lives. Visit www.sfbff.org to learn more about how you can become a sponsor and invest in our community's future. Check out the “Brand Ambassador” opportunity. Together, we can make a difference—one film at a time.
Key Takeaways
SFBFF celebrating 26th Anniversary, June 13-16, with the theme from its inception: “Healing the World One Film at A Time.”
SFBFF was founded in 1998 on the principle of Social Justice; since 2019 the festival has presented the “Jeff Adachi Social Justice Award” in honor of
SFBFF is a platform for both emerging and established artists to display their art and collaborate
SFBFF is multicultural and open to all artists creating films for, by, and about the local and international African Diaspora
SFBFF speaks truth to power
SFBFF gives voice to the voiceless
SFBFF gives opportunities for artist to display work that changes the world for better (Healing the World One Film at a Time)
SFBFF is a platform for people of all races, backgrounds to gather together to have a better understanding of each other
SFBFF invites the world to San Francisco having a growing impact on the economy as people visit
SFBFF was born in the heart of the Fillmore District once known as The Harlem of the West
SFBFF was established in 1998 to celebrate Juneteenth (Before it was a national holiday), Black Music Month and Father’s Day
SFBFF IS “A FAMILY AFFAIR,” created by a woman, the late Arts Impresario, Ave Montague and is in its 3rd Generation as a Black led organization, a rarity in San Francisco, where the Black population has dwindled significantly since the 1990’s. Since 2011, the festival has presented ‘My Dad Is My Hero’ Award which became the “Kali O’Ray, My Dad is My Hero Award,” in 2022 with the Alameda County Fathers Corp becoming the first recipient
SPONSORS TO DATE
Sponsors for this year's San Francisco Black Film Festival include:
The San Francisco Foundation; African American Art & Culture Complex; AATCLC (African American Tobacco Control Leadership Council); SFHDC (San Francisco Housing Development Corporation); San Francisco Arts Commission; California Arts Commission; The Dream Keeper Initiative of San Francisco; SF GIANTS; The Academy of Art University; Durban International Film Festival; SFJAZZ; NOSACONN; Hotel Nikko; Hylife O'City Productions; and others. For a complete list of sponsors visit www.sfbff.org.
Sponsorships are still available as they are yearlong through the upcoming 25th Anniversary San Francisco Black Film Festival, June 13-16, 2024. Email creeray@sfbff.org for the San Francisco Black Film Festival Sponsorship Package.
A donation of just $25 adds you to the "25 to Thrive Campaign" launching the next quarter of a century of the San Francisco Black Film Festival. Donate here:
https://tinyurl.com/SFBFF25toThrive.
HIGHLIGHTS OF PAST FESTIVALS
San Francisco Black Film Festival 2023
KPIX Interview of SFBFF Executive Director, Cree Ray 2023
https://youtu.be/gJ2YH6x_HjE?si=kLMuigE3fUX50WFt
Black Panther’s Letitia Wright Greets San Francisco Black Film Festival 2023
https://youtu.be/zWdh_mrQQDg?si=WTAyATBnQFdHUjf8
SF Black Film Festival Celebrating 25 year
https://localnewsmatters.org/2023/06/15/san-francisco-black-film-festival-celebrates-25-years/
San Francisco Black Film Festival 2022
KMEL/iHeart Radio- SF Black Film Festival Continues "Healing The World One Film At a Time: https://www.iheart.com/content/2022-06-18-sf-black-film-festival-continues-healing-the-world-one-film-at-a-time/
San Francisco Black Film Festival Presents Inaugural “Kali O’Ray” My Dad is My Hero Award: https://www.prlog.org/12921730-san-francisco-black-film-festival-xxiv-presents-first-kali-oray-my-dad-is-my-hero-award.html
San Francisco Black Film Festival 2023 Facts at a Glance: http://www.wrightnow.biz/apps/articles/default.asp?articleid=83816&columnid=2898
https://www.prlog.org/12872513-san-francisco-black-film-festival-the-legacy-continues-facts-at-glance.html
San Francisco Black Film Festival 2021
SF BayView Newspaper 2021
https://sfbayview.com/2021/06/in-the-san-francisco-black-film-festival-xxiii-the-legacy-continues-june-17-20-healing-the-world-one-film-at-a-time/
SF Chronicle 2021
https://datebook.sfchronicle.com/movies-tv/san-francisco-black-film-festival-returns-in-a-mood-of-celebration-after-a-year-of-grief
San Francisco Black Film Festival & Durban South Africa 2020
https://www.einnews.com/pr_news/521952379/sf-black-film-festival-xxii-virtually-possible-thru-august-30th-via-atlanta-ga-san-diego-ca-durban-south-africa
Black Lives Matter @Durban International Film Festival 2020/Via SFBFF
https://www.prlog.org/12838487-black-lives-matter-takes-stage-at-durban-international-film-festival-with-equal-standard.html
Festival Director Kali O’Ray Mourned-2020
Mayor London Breed Shares Condolences for the Loss of Festival Director, Kali O’Ray
https://youtu.be/j92eSxY2WKw
SF BayView Newspaper-Longtime Partner with SFBFF Notes Loss-2020
https://sfbayview.com/2020/08/san-francisco-black-film-festival-mourns-the-loss-of-director-kali-oray/
SF Chronicle Chronicles Loss
https://datebook.sfchronicle.com/festivals/kali-o-ray-director-of-san-francisco-black-film-festival-dies-at-48
San Francisco Black Film Festival Promoted Equal Standard @DIFF Durban International Film Festival
https://www.prlog.org/12838487-black-lives-matter-takes-stage-at-durban-international-film-festival-with-equal-standard.html
The Power of the Heroic Figure: Tribute to San Francisco Black Film Festival’s Kali O’Ray and Chadwick Boseman
https://youtu.be/zcPnWu45qj4
San Francisco Black Film Festival Jeff Adachi Media Briefing @ Cinemark 2019
https://www.prlog.org/12777045-view-films-screened-at-tribute-to-late-sf-public-defender-jeff-adachi-san-francisco-black-film-festival-xxi.html
Don Cheadle's "Miles Ahead" at SFBFF Commonwealth Club Screening
https://www.prlog.org/12713223-san-francisco-black-film-festival-xx-june-14-17-just-the-facts-at-glance.html
Danny Glover Headlines San Francisco Black Film Festival 2017
https://www.sfgate.com/movies/article/Danny-Glover-in-person-to-kick-off-SF-Black-Film-11217951.php#photo-13055093
About San Francisco Black Film Festival
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The Mission of the San Francisco Black Film Festival is to celebrate African American cinema and the African Cultural Diaspora and to showcase a diverse collection of films – from emerging and established filmmakers. This is accomplished by presenting Black films, which reinforce positive images and dispel negative stereotypes, and providing film artists from the Bay Area in particular and around the world in general, a forum for their work to be viewed and discussed. The San Francisco Black Film Festival believes film can lead to a better understanding of and communication between peoples of diverse cultures, races, and lifestyles, while simultaneously serving as a vehicle to initiate dialogue on the important issues of our times. For more information about the San Francisco Black Film Festival visit www.sfbff.org.