1-0
The barber started
cutting the boys hair while watching a football game on Tv.
Director: Saman Hosseinuor
October 8, 2015 – 9:00 AM UB Learning Commons (precedes Madina’s Dream)
A Walk in Purpose
Purpose wanders and run err
ands around his Brooklyn neighborhood in early December 2014, a time when racial tensions have climaxed and he regularly walks to protest institutional abuses against Brown people in the USA, with thousands of fellow New Yorkers. His mind roams, leading to suggestions that could greatly help his people in his country, and globally.
Director: Matamba Kombila
October 10, 2015 – 4:15 PM UB Learning Commons (Shorts: #BlackLivesMatter)
An American Ascent
AN AMERICAN ASCENT documents the first African-American expedition to tackle Denali (aka Mt. McKinley, North America’s highest peak), while shedding light on the complex relationship many African-Americ
ans have with the outdoors. As the United States transitions to a “minority majority” nation, a staggering number of people of color do not identify with America’s wild places. By embarking on the grueling multi-week climb of 20,237ft Denali, nine African-American climbers try to bridge this “adventure gap” – challenging outdated notions of what adventure looks like on the 100th anniversary of its first summit.
Directors George Potter and Andy Adkins Watch Trailer
October 11, 2015 – 2:15 PM UB Learning Commons
Alaska is a Drag
Leo stands out in a crowd. That’s not always a good thing working in a fish cannery in Alaska. His dreams of leaving this small town are hard fought, until a new boy moves to town and sees him for who he really is – an international superstar.
Director: Shaz Bennett Watch Trailer October 11, 2015 – 2:15 PM UB Learning Commons (precedes: An American Ascent)
August Wilson: The Ground On Which I S
tand
Emmy-winning director Sam Pollard (When the Levees Broke; Slavery by Another Name) explores the life and legacy of August Wilson, the playwright some call America’s Shakespeare, from his roots as an activist and poet to his indelible mark on Broadway. The first documentary about the Tony- and Pulitzer-winning playwright August Wilson is a co-production of THIRTEEN’s American Masters series and WQED. Unprecedented access to Wilson’s theatrical archives, rarely seen interviews bring to life his seminal 10-play cycle chronicling each decade of the 20th-century African-American experience, including the Tony Award- and Pulitzer Prize-winning Fences and Pulitzer Prize-winning The Piano Lesson. Director: Sam Pollard Watch Trailer October 10, 2015 – 10:30 AM UB Learning Commons
Behemoth
An itinerant preacher proclaims to people that their god is in the very coffin he is dragging along.
Director: Lemohang Jeremiah Mosese
October 8, 2015 – 2:45 PM UB Learning Commons (Shorts: #LoveIsLove)
Beverley
Beverley follows a mixed race girl’s struggle to carve out a sense of identity in a confusing, shifting cultural landscape – 1980 Leicester. A move from the decaying, poverty-stricken, urban environment to the relative comfort and theoretical safety of white suburbia does not provide the hope and opportunities Bev may have wished for. A familiar enemy is ever present – a threat that extends beyond her own safety, as she must also protect her brother and sister. By asserting her will and using her guile Bev tries to shape her new environment into something palatable, but the result is the opposite of what she is trying to achieve. Director: Alexander Thomas Watch Trailer October 9, 2015 2:15 PM UB Learning Commons (Shorts: Pain)
Blackcard
It would be just another day for Leonard…except The Commission, a shadow organization tasked with keeping members up to snuff on their “blackness”, is hot on his trail for his latest infraction. An afternoon with the love of his life, Lona, goes off course as a missing ID card escalates into questions of loyalty, life, and love. Director: Pete Chatmon Watch Trailer October 10, 2015 – 4:15 PM UB Learning Commons (Shorts: #BlackLivesMatter)
Broken Angels
In this hard-boi
led mix of Neo Noir and Blaxploitation homage, Mob Associate Bobby Cheeks learns he is marked for death by capo Dominic Caligula; he enlists the help of his estranged war buddy and underground MMA fighter to meet Caligula’s threat head on. Director: Tony Clomax
October 9, 2015 2:15 PM UB Learning Commons Watch Trailer (Shorts: Pain)
Charlotte
Alex, excited to have befriended the popular girl at school, will do anything to stay in her good graces. When her new friend wants to play house, Alex innocently plays along and develops feelings she doesn’t understand. Director: Angel Kristi Williams
October 9, 2015 6:45 PM UB Learning Commons Watch Trailer
(precedes: Christmas Wedding Baby)
Christmas Wedding Baby
Romantically ready Andrea is days from marrying picture perfect Brent, when her first love, Gabriel, walks in to her pre-wedding photo shoot, turning her libido up and her world upside down. Andrea reaches out to successful oldest sister, Lori who is having her own problems as she is suffering, alone, through premature labor. Middle sister Charlotte is overwhelmed by her career, kids and commitment-phobic boyfriend, Isaac and wonders if now is the time to break free of their relationship. Surprisingly, these three intelligent, charismatic, independent women are all manipulated by their overbearing Mother, Miranda, and her archaic archetypes of womanhood. Director: Kiara C Jones October 9, 2015 6:45 PM UB Learning Commons
Coming Home
Mahogany faithfully waits on her longtime boyfriend to come home from prison but things start to change as she is pressured by her best friend Zoe to move on.
Director: Derron Campbell
October 8, 2015 10:45 AM UB Learning Commons (precedes: Tytaziearnia)
Cour
age & Faith: American African Veterans of America’s Civil War.
It could be, and likely has been argued that America’s Civil War was preordained the moment that the Declaration of Independence was signed into the law of the land. ” We hold these truths to be self-evident,……that All men(and women) are created Equal”. For a county to birth itself in personal freedom and yet be economically dependent on slavery to cultivate it’s vast, virgin expanse, the day had to come, when the Declaration of independence would be bathed in blood. This film honors those American African men, women and children who sacrificed everything to ensure Freedom for themselves and their Loved Ones. Director: Susan beth Thomas
October 9, 2015 – 10:30 AM UB Learning Commons (Shorts: Nostalgia)
Cowboy’s Girl
A successful woman travels to the seedy fringes of Las Vegas to confront her estranged, eccentric father, known simply as ‘Cowboy’. Because of his failing health, this is her last chance to solve the mystery surrounding her identity that has haunted her for years. With a DNA test stored secretly in her purse, she knows she’s heading into the home of an unpredictable and manipulative man, who is unlikely to give up the answer. Director: Andrew Piccone Watch Trailer
October 8, 2015 8:45 PM UB Learning Commons (precedes: We Came to Sweat)
Cutter
A woman reconnects relatives with missing family members.
Directors: April Dobbins and Zilong Liu
October 9, 2015 8:45 PM UB Learning Commons (precedes: T-Rex)
Dante and Minnie
Dante and Minnie is the story of two young homeless people. Minnie is trying to escape life on the streets, while Dante is trying to escape the real world by retreating to the streets. They fell in love as their paths crossed, but now they struggle as they each try to push the other in the direction they are headed. Director: Miceal Og O’Donnell Watch Trailer October 8, 2015 – 6:45 PM UB Learning Commons
David’s Reverie
“David’s Reverie”, starring Brandon Fobbs (“The Wire”, “Walking Dead”, “HBO’s Getting On”), tells the story of a jazz musician struggling to prevent his epilepsy diagnosis from derailing his emerging jazz career. Director: Neil Creque Williams Watch Trailer October 10 2015, 10:30AM UB Learning Commons (precedes: August Wilson: The Ground On Which I Stand)
Deadline for Justice
After a hard-nosed detective gets setup by his wife and the city’s most notorious kingpin, he goes on the run and connects with a savvy hacker and a revenge-seeking ex-soldier to help clear his name before he’s caught. Director: Joseph Givens
Watch Trailer October 9, 2015 2:15 PM UB Learning Commons (Shorts: Pain)
The Decision
Inspired by the relationship between George Jackson and Angela Davis: A young couple is forced to make difficult decisions during the Black Power Movement. Director: Max Cole
October 8, 2015 – 11:00 AM Charles Theatre (precedes: Shortage of Children)
Divided Time
“Divided Time” captures the lives of nine fathers who share their experiences in parenthood and their pursuit of success in the music industry while being accountable to their families. It is an inspiring behind-the-scenes look that counters the negative imagery often associated with hip-hop in mainstream media. Director: W. Feagins, Jr. Watch Trailer October 9, 2015 – 9:00 AM UB Learning Commons
Don’t Hate Me
Don’t Hate Me takes a look at some of the internalized self struggles that adolescent girls face today and the people and things that can empower them. Director: Donna Fair Watch Trailer October 10, 2015 – 9:00 AM UB Learning Commons (Shorts: Sunshine)
Driving While Black
Driving While Black is a dark comedy, based on the police experiences of a black kid From LA. Dimitri delivers Pizzas for a living – but as a young black man he is faced with drama from the cops while navigating the city daily. We see the psychology behind Dimitri’s attitude towards the police through piercing flashbacks to his prior experiences with the cops and how he maneuvers in the streets. Director: Paul Sapiano Watch Trailer October 10, 2015- 8:45AM UB Learning Commons
ELISE
ELISE is a documentary that follows a young, transgender, and homeless woman who, because of multi-layered discrimination and economic oppression, has been forced to engage in survival sex along the streets of Washington, DC. Director: Evan Sterrett Watch Trailer October 8, 2015 – 2:45 PM UB Learning Commons (Shorts:#LoveIsLove)
Farming A Legacy
The loss of black-owned family farmland in America begins in 1865 with the government’s failed promise of supplying forty acres and a mule to the newly freed slaves. Since then, black farmers have struggled for survival and fought continuously to acquire and retain ownership of farmland while facing economic and racial barriers along the way. The black farmer has suffered greatly during his journey to obtain independent land ownership. Farming A Legacy is about black farmers in Calvert County, Maryland who survived for generations against incredible odds and found ways to continue a family farming legacy born on the backs of their slave ancestors. Director: Rodney Sutton October 8, 2015 – 4:45PM UB Learning Commons Watch Trailer (precedes: Naz & Maalik)
Ferguson Documented: In 36 Hours
On August 9, 2014, Michael Brown an unarmed black, 18 year-old, was shot and killed by a white police officer in the town of Ferguson, Missouri. What appeared to be just one more shooting by police of an unarmed black man proved to be something more. The outrage over Michael Brown’s killing moved not only Ferguson’s black community to mobilize, but sparked massive demonstrations in communities across the country. The events of Ferguson forced white, middle class, America to confront issues of racism and policing in communities of color. “Ferguson Documented: In 36 Hours” explores these issues through a diverse collection of voices sharing their experiences. Director: Carla Usher October 10, 2015 – 4:15 PM UB Learning Commons (Shorts: #BlackLivesMatter)
For A Dark Skin Girl
A love story set in the 1950’s in a town where race is an issue. This story has the feel of Little House on the Prairie with the essence of Beasts of the Southern Wild. There are two families: The Cardigans and The Turners. The Cardigan’s son, Jonathan, falls in love with The Turner’s daughter, Olivia.
Director: Brigid Turner Watch Trailer October 9, 2015 – 10:30 AM UB Learning Commons (Shorts: Nostalgia)
Four Balloons
A young girl spends a day with her father. During the day they buy four balloons and as the day drifts on so does the balloons. As the last balloon float in to the sky her father passes on leaving her behind. This is a story of a loss of innocence for a gain of womanhood. Director: Candace McCray October 9, 2015 – 10:30 AM UB Learning Commons (Shorts: Nostalgia)
Free Running in Baltimore
Tyson Sanford-Griffin is a young man that loves free running and parkour, activities that involve finding acrobatic ways of moving through urban spaces. However, in this short film, Tyson explains how he often feels unsafe doing his favorite activity in his native city of Baltimore, MD. Director: Tyson Sanford-Griffin October 10, 2015 – 4:15 PM UB Learning Commons (Shorts: #BlackLivesMatter)
Gideon’s Cross
As Gideon Ward (the resident vampire Slayer of Cedar Heights) prepares to battle an ancient evil, he learns of an even greater darkness that lies at his doorstep. In the battle-den of iniquity, we’ve all got a cross to bear. This is Gideon’s.
Directors: Damone Williams and Jenise Whitehead
October 11, 2015 – 9:00 AM UB Learning Commons (Shorts: Rain)
Glen’s Villiage
“From the hood to the Ivy League”
Glen Casey was born and raised in a world of drugs and violence. But with the help of counselors, mentors, teachers — and most of all, a mother who never quit on him — he’s now a University of Pennsylvania sophomore. “Glen’s Village” immerses viewers in University City and West Philadelphia. Although only separated by a few blocks — the two neighborhoods are galaxies apart in reality.
Director: Dorian Geiger Watch Trailer October 8, 2015 – 12:30 PM UB Learning Commons (precedes: N’kisi Concorde)
Harmony
A young female musician with a mental disorder struggles with hallucinations and seeks normal relationships with her friends and family.
Director: Enrique Rico Diaz Watch Trailer October 10, 2015 – 4:15 PM UB Learning Commons (Shorts:#BlackLivesMatter)
The Holistic Life Foundation: Breathing love into a Community
A portrait of the work being done by the Holistic Life Foundation in west Baltimore. Two of the three founders grew up in this tough inner-city neighborhood and have dedicated their lives to bringing the benefits of mindfulness, yoga and to put it simply, love to their hometown through their work with children at schools, drug rehab centers and community organizations for the past 14 years.
Director: Chris Farina October 10, 2015 – 9:00 AM UB Learning Commons Watch Trailer (Shorts: Sunshine)
The Invented People. Echoes from Cape Verde
In 1984 a group of young Cape Verdeans influenced by the spirit of the Woodstock festival decided to create the “Baia das Gatas” festival on the island of San Vicente, Cape Verde. What they could not imagine was that 30 years later this festival would be a reference to the island and one of the most important events in the country. Its music brings echoes of an invented people. Watch Trailer Director: Juan Meseguer October 8 2015 – 4:30 PM Charles Theatre
It Hit Upon the Roof
A young boy is at home, alone with his sick mother. It is raining outside and the roof of theirhome is
dripping. He is playing with his toys, and also collecting the pouring water but one spot is very challenging where his mother is sleeping. He wants to keep his mother dry and does not want to wake her up. Director: teymour ghaderi October 11, 2015 – 9:00 AM UB Learning Commons (Shorts: Rain)
Juvenile Justice: The Road to Reform
It was a turbulent spring of 2015 as protesters and rioters took to the streets of Baltimore expressing their frustration with the justice system.
Fifty miles away seven high school students watched the scene unfold and asked themselves why it happened. What were the factors that lead to this situation, and more importantly, what could be done to make our youth safer in the communities where they live?
This documentary was conceived and produced by the members of Gandhi Brigade Youth Media. Director: Gandhi Brigade Youth Media Watch Trailer October 10, 2015 – 4:15 PM UB Learning Commons (Shorts: #BlackLivesMatter)
Knucklehead
When his brother is shot, mentally disabled Langston Bellows is left without a protector in Brooklyn’s housing projects. Now under control of his abusive mother, he must take his future into his own hands. He sets out to find the one person he believes can cure him, a magazine columnist doctor who touts questionable prescription drug cocktails. Becoming ‘mentally excellent’ will mean moving into an apartment of his own with his girlfriend. Landing in the unscrupulous world of pharmaceutical marketing, the search for his mysterious doctor and hero leads to unwanted discoveries. Langston strives for independence from his prior life, from his mother, and from his fractured mind. Director: Ben Bowman Watch Trailer October 7, 2015 – 7:30 PM Charles Theatre
Late Expectations
India is a high school senior living in Brooklyn, she’s gotten a full scholarship to Brown University and is a model student, good daughter, fun best friend and loving girlfriend. On the outside, she seems to be living the teenage dream. However, it is all a lie. Internally, she is tormented, and hides a secret that threatens to end her most important relationships. She finally gains the courage to reveal her double life but discovers something that shatters her world completely. Director: Laurie Arakaki October 8, 2015 – 2:45 PM UB Learning Commons (Shorts: #LoveIsLove)
Little Man
A young Brooklyn boy has to grow up all too quickly.
Director: Princeton Holt Watch Trailer October 11, 2015 – 9:00 AM UB Learning Commons (Shorts: Rain)
The Lives of LaMott Atkins
W.E.B. DuBois famously wrote that every Black person in America grows up with “this double-consciousness, this sense of always looking at one’s self through the eyes of others.” But what happens when the double consciousness of being gay is overlaid on that? This self-narrated documentary follows a man of extraordinary talent: running back for the Stanford Cardinal; dancer at Julliard; model, singer, and performer in Europe; the epitome of Black masculinity and grace. And yet closeted for the first 40 years of his life. When he finally crashes and burns, his wanderings bring him to the very heart of gay life in San Francisco. And still he won’t come out. Director: Robert Philipson October 8, 2015 – 2:45 PM UB Learning Commons Watch Trailer (Shorts: #LoveIsLove)
Living Natural
The documentary is about Jenise Wamble’s natural hair story and her role as President of Towson University’s natural hair club, Naturalistas. Director: Jasmine Jones October 9, 2015 – 12:00 PM UB Learning Commons(precedes: Outed: The Painful Reality)
Love For Passion
Love for Passion tells the story of Jeffrey Love (James Brown III) who is a young African-American dancer on the verge of his NYC solo debut. All is well until his estranged father of ten years, Darryl (Miles Mussenden) shows up seeking forgiveness. At the urging of his sister, Janine (La Rivers) and his girlfriend, LR (Malikha Mallette) Jeffrey finally agrees to confront his father and ten years of pain. The film also stars Tony Award nominee & dance legend, Desmond Richardson as KC, the demanding artistic director of the Kaleidoscope dance company. Director: Nathan Hale Williams October 8, 2015 – 4:30 PM Charles Theatre (precedes: The Invented People: Echoes of Cape Verde)
LUV Don’t Live Here Anymore
This is the story of Reggie Hamilton, also affectionately known as Reggie Luv, a gay black man whose life takes a 180-degree turn when once he becomes severely ill. Not so easily willing to part with the way life was before, Reggie finds himself not only fighting for his health, but unearthing harsh truths about who he is and the relationships he holds dear. Director: Mikal K. Odom Watch Trailer
October 10, 2015 – 6:45 PM UB Learning Commons
Madina’s Dream
After decades of civil war, South Sudan achieved its independence from Sudan in 2011. But inside Sudan, the conflict continues. Sudan’s government employs aerial bombings and starvation warfare against the inhabitants of the Nuba Mountains. Hundreds of thousands of civilians have fled to refugee camps in South Sudan or remain trapped in the war zone. Eleven-year-old Madina and countless others dream of a brighter future for the Nuban people. Director: Andrew Berends October 8, 2015 – 9:00 AM UB Learning Commons Watch Trailer
Mannish Boy
Set in the 1970’s, 21 year-old Bobby Mayhill struggles to find guidance as his older brother Tommy serves a six year sentence for assault on a police officer. Abandoned during pivotal years of his youth, Bobby becomes troubled and is following in the footsteps of his older brother. Upon Tommy’s release, he finds out about Bobby’s involvement with Jason, an old friend, and must now give Bobby a way out of the crime surrounded streets of Brooklyn, New York. However, it becomes unclear who the real enemy is as Tommy’s past with the law catches up with him. Director: Ryan Tonelli Watch Trailer October 10, 2015 – 4:15 PM UB Learning Commons (Shorts: #BlackLivesMatter)
Meeting Supermann
When Neo wakes up one morning, she has no clue this is the day she will be meeting Superman.
Director: Hannah Stockmann Watch TrailerOctober 8, 2015 – 6:45 PM UB Learning Commons (precedes: Dante and Minnie)
Monnsongoa – The Mocked One
In a society riddled by patriarchy Mosonngoa embarks on an incisive quest to save her father’s farm. When all attempts fail, she enters a stickfighting competition – against all odds.
Director: Lemohang Jeremiah Mosese Watch Trailer
October 9, 2015 – 10:30 AM UB Learning Commons (Shorts: Nostalgia)
N’kisi Concorde
N’kisi Concorde, a documentary feature, investigates the lives and work of two Detroit-area outsider artists and visual storytellers, Olayami Dabls and Dmytro Szylak, whose extraordinary installations reflect the power of the imagination unbound by artistic conventions or popular tastes. Though unrelated by work or acquaintance, these artists are united by the power of their singular visions to stimulate lively public engagement and to color the cultural landscapes of their communities.
Director: Nikki Sass Watch Trailer October 8, 2015 – 12:30 PM UB Learning Commons
Naz & Maalik
Over the course of one Friday afternoon in Brooklyn, two closeted Muslim teens have their secretive lives rattled by FBI surveillance. Intimate and meditative, NAZ AND MAALIK examines the mysterious forces that animate teenage minds.
Director: Jay Dockendorf Watch Trailer October 8, 2015 – 4:45 PM UB Learning Commons
Nola Circus
NOLA CIRCUS chronicles the lives of the inhabitants of a black neihborhood in Algiers Point (New-Orleans) whose lives intercross around two barber shops facing each other on a main street. On one side there is Will, a black hairdresser who preaches against racial prejudices while having a secret affair with Nola, a young white woman who is dreaming of Broadway.
On the other side, there is Marvin, a well known sex addict who’s having a passionate affair with Karen, a small time pot dealer. The tensions sharpen on the day when Denzel, Nola’s super protective brother starts sinking into compulsive jealousy on the same day when three Ku Klux Klan members show up at Will’s place to kidnap him. Director: Luc Annest Watch Trailer October 11, 2015 – 4:15 PM UB Learning Commons
On Top of Mount Nittany
At an academic institution where only five percent of the student body identifies as Black/African American, On Top of Mount Nittany examines Penn State University’s ability to ensure racial equality. This documentary looks back at the events that took place on campus from 1999-2001 in regards to racist hate mail sent to minority students. Interviews with the 2013 Black Caucus student president and the Vice Provost for Educational Equality re-tell a story that reveals the less blissful side of Happy Valley. Directors: Gabrielle LeGendre & Alexander Spangler October 10, 2015 – 4:15 PM UB Learning Commons (Shorts: #BlackLivesMatter)
Only For Forever
A hipster thief who desperately needs money to get out of the city snatches a lonely model’s purse. Instead of running with the money Marlee returns, and finds that Nora is her soul mate. Now she must discover if love outweighs all obstacles, and if it is enough for forever. Director: Nia Imani Watch Trailer October 8, 2015 – 2:45 PM UB Learning Commons (Shorts: #LoveIsLove)
Ota Benga
An African was removed from the Congo in 1904, brought to he New York City Bronx Zoo, placed in a cage with primates and housed at the Monkey house at nights. He was to be evidence of Darwin’s theory of evolution. Director: Niyi Coker, Jr October 11, 2015 – 12:15 AM UB Learning Commons
Outed: The Painful Reality
On 25th February 2014, based on no evidence, a Ugandan tabloid published names and photographs of the people they perceived to be the “Top homosexuals” in the country. This outing not only provoked widespread hate messages towards people perceived to be of LGBTQ orientation but also instigated widespread debate among the Ugandan society. Based on a true story, the film looks into the life of John Alex Kigozi aka Vida who appears on the front page of the tabloid despite the fact that he had never disclosed his sexuality to anyone. Following the outing, Vida’s life turns woeful when he consequently loses his job, his house and so much more. Director: KAMOGA HASSAN Watch Trailer October 9, 2015 – 12:00 PM UB Learning Commons
Ọya: Something Happened On The Way To West Africa!
“I am from this place but not of it. I am of this place but not from it.” I am a Queer Gender-Non-Conforming Nigerian who returns home to speak directly with my ancestors, connect with Òrìṣà (African God/dess) tradition, and follow a trail back to the powerful legacy of my great grandmother, Chief Moloran Ìyá Ọlọ́ya. . This documentary vibrantly investigates the heritage of command, mythology, gender fluidity, womyn’s power in indigenous Yorùbá spirituality. During this personal and political story we follow Seyi Adebanjo’s journey is to locate the gender fluidity that is an important part of the Yorùbá inheritance. Gender dynamism supports a traditional legacy of power. As Seyi encounters obstacles of a national strike and anti-gay marriage legislation to find the roots of the practice, will Seyi be able to find affirmation for self as a person between genders/ worlds and take on this inheritance? Director: Seyi Adebanjo October 11, 2015 – 10:15 AM UB Learning Commons (precedes: Ota Benga)
The Passionate Pursuits of Angela Bowen
THE PASSIONATE PURSUITS OF ANGELA BOWEN is the story of a black girl who came of age during the Jim Crow era in the 1940s and 50s in Roxbury, Massachusetts, and how her early home life and experience of race, economics, gender, sexuality, sexual orientation and age have influenced her passions, mission, and strategies for survival over six decades. Angela Bowen’s powerful stories, which were heard by the film’s director for over 20 years, fueled the desire to more fully understand and appreciate the roots of her feminism, her early influences, challenges, strategies and life’s mission. Director: Jennifer Abod Watch Trailer October 8, 2015 – 2:15 PM Charles Theatre
Rise Up
A Young African American male travels back in time to 1964 to address social issues effecting Black America to Malcolm X and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Director: Marcellus Cox
Watch Trailer October 10, 2015 – 4:15 PM UB Learning Commons (Shorts: #BlackLivesMatter)
Righteous
A
young man spends the day blowing off steam, striking a psycho-logical blow to a white male after believing he is being profiled . Ultimately, this encounter becomes much more than he could ever expect. Righteous is a dual sided satirical look at the grey areas of profiling.
Director: Cory Bowles October 10, 2015 – 4:15 PM UB Learning Commons (Shorts: #BlackLivesMatter)
The Road We Travel
After arriving in Uganda without any money, a downtrodden photographer befriends a local taxi driver who offers him a place to stay, forcing him to embrace a culture very different to his own.
Director: Aidan Belizaire Watch Trailer October 11, 2015 – 9:00 AM UB Learning Commons (Shorts: Rain)
Romeo is Bleeding
A fatal turf war between neighborhoods haunts the city of Richmond, CA. Donté Clark transcends the violence in his hometown by writing poetry about his experiences. Using his voice to inspire those around him, he and the like-minded youth of the city mount an urban adaptation of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, with the hope of starting a real dialogue about violence in the city. Will Richmond force Donté to compromise his idealistic ambitions? Or will Donté end Richmond’s cycle of trauma? Director: Jason Zeldes Watch Trailer October 11, 2015 – 6:30 PM UB Learning Commons
Roubado
“Roubado” tells the story of Alain Castelo, an introverted Afro-Portuguese teen growing up in the south of France. As he suffers his parents’ recent breakup, the only solace he can muster is his penchant for photography. Director: Erica A. Watson Watch Trailer October 9, 2015 2:15 PM UB Learning Commons (Shorts: Pain)
Sankofa: Part I
A
woman has bleached her skin. After encountering one of her African ancestors and listening to her advise, she rinses her skin and her mind to become a proud woman African descent. Director: Mariona Lloreta Watch Trailer
October 10, 2015 – 9:00 AM UB Learning Commons (Shorts: Sunshine)
Shield and Spear
In the changing political climate of South Africa a revolution is taking place as artists, musicians and designers tackle issues of politics, race and history. Artist Brett Murray’s painted caricature of South African president Jacob Zuma results in a lawsuit and death threats. Photographer and activist Zanele Muholi’s work exposes hate crimes in the LGBT community. Shield and Spear presents intimate stories about the artists, art, music, identity, race and freedom of expression in South Africa 20 years into democracy. Director: Petter Ringbom Watch Trailer October 10, 2015 – 2:00 PM UB Learning Commons
Shortage of Children
Winter 1963…Two children, Camelien (10) and Lenais (5), from the Reunion Island are taken away from their mother to help in the resettlement policy of the French government. Instead of going to school and receiving an education, Camelien is going to serve as labor in an isolated farm.
Director: Marie-Hélene Roux Watch Trailer October 8, 2015 – 11:00 AM Charles Theatre
Silent Brave
A female veteran spirals out of control as a result of betrayal and a horrific incident that occurred within the ranks. Director: Jami Ramberan Watch Trailer October 9, 2015 2:15 PM UB Learning Commons (Shorts: Pain)
Sixteen
A film about a former child soldier from the Congo who is brought to the UK by an aid worker who he now lives with to escape his violent past. Director: Rob Brown Watch Trailer October 8, 2015 – 12:15 PM Charles Theatre
Spit
Spit is the story of Jeremiah Monk One Sinclair. A NYC Hip Hop artist who has reached a cross roads 
of trying to understand what is success and is edging to towards the end of his rope. A POV styled film, we enter the body of Monk One, travel in his world, seeing through his eyes the loss of passion, love for the music, life and city he once knew. Director: Mtume Gant Watch Trailer October 10, 2015 – 6:45 PM UB Learning Commons (precedes: LUV Don’t Live Here Anymore)
Steps of Faith
Steps of Faith, is a light-heart dramedy about Faith Houston an accountant, who is directed by God to move to a small town to work on a Hippotherapy farm helping children.
Faith is mocked by her family since she doesn’t have a rapport with children or animals and is not a devout Christian. Faith decides to follow her heart and move after she encounters several challenges. She finds herself at the farm in the horse stalls shoveling manure. Faith cracks under pressure and leaves after a child is almost injured questioning whether she heard God’s voice or not. Director: M. Legend Brown Watch Trailer October 9, 2015 – 4:30 PM UB Learning Commons
The Student
Body
The Student Body is a semi-anthology web series that parodies life at historically Black Colleges and universities (HBCU’s). THE STUDENT BODY chronicles the lives of Students at Nagrom State University. A Fictional University in Baltimore, Maryland. Director: Christian Smooth October 8, 2015 – 2:15 PM Charles Theatre Watch Trailer (precedes: The Passionate Pursuits of Angela Bowen)
The System
The System is a story about a Judge and a Prosecutor who only see things his way.
Director: Larry Wright
October 10, 2015 – 4:15 PM UB Learning Commons (Shorts:#BlackLivesMatter)
T-Rex
“T-Rex” is an intimate coming-of-age story about a new kind of American heroine. For the first time ever, women’s boxing is included in the 2012 Olympics. Fighting for gold from the U.S. is Claressa “T-Rex” Shields, just 17 years old, and by far the youngest competitor. From the hard knock streets of Flint, Michigan, Claressa is undefeated and utterly confident. Her fierceness extends beyond the ring. She protects her family at any cost, even when their instability and addictions threaten to derail her dream. Claressa does have one stable force in her life. Coach Jason Crutchfield has trained her since she was just a scrawny 11-year-old hanging out at his gym. Jason always wanted a champion, he just never thought it’d be a girl. Her relationships with her coach and her family grow tense as she gets closer to her dream. But Claressa is fierce and determined. She desperately wants to take her family to a better, safer place and winning a gold medal could be her only chance. Directors: Drea Cooper & Zackary Canepari Watch Trailer
October 9, 2015 – 8:45 PM UB Learning Commons
Tap Shoes & Violins
When, Charlie, 25, socially awkward but incredibly charming and Scott, equally socially awkward and dispelled by the possibility of actually meeting a woman that peaks his interest, meet in their favorite coffee shop, both are caught off guard by the possibility that they actually might have just met someone they actually like. They are caught off guard so much, that they both walk away from the encounter without asking for each others number and making sure they see each other again. Director: Dax Brooks Watch Trailer October 11, 2015 – 12:15 PM UB Learning Commons (precedes: The Year We Thought About Love)
Tonsure
Between heists of a mysterious, high value product, a young girl and her uncle hunt down the man responsible for the death of a beloved family member. Director: Fred Bumaye Watch Trailer October 10, 2015 – 8:45 PM UB Learning Commons (precedes: Driving While Black)
Tytazierna
Tytaziearna is a documentary which follows the life of a young teenage mother from inner city D.C. Tytaziearna is a 17 year old, former cheerleader who just had her first son. She experienced some of the worst things life could throw at a child, but remained positive, and persevered. The film delves into her life both in and out of school while addressing issues of self-worth, love, survival, motherhood, and education. Despite being a single teenage mom, primary caretaker of her siblings, and nearly homeless, Tytaziearna endeavors to graduate on time from high school and pursue her dream of going to college. This film evokes compassion and empathy upon the viewer’s heart and calls for a new approach to helping and understanding America’s teenagers. Director: Brittaney Nunnally October 8, 2015 – 10:45 AM UB Learning Commons
The Untitled Bob Marley Project
After Bob Marley’s passing, a couple editors at the BBC find some lost interviews in the vaults and put together a retrospective of the life of the reggae icon.
Director: Shawn Carter Peterson October 9, 2015 – 4:30 PM UB Learning Commons (precedes: Steps of Faith)
Vow Of Silence
A heart-broken composer takes a vow of silence to win back the heart of her true love. Director: Be Steadwell
October 11, 2015 – 4:15 PM UB Learning Commons (precedes: Nola Circus)
War Child – Chapter 1
The first chapter of Emmanuel Jal’s autobiography, War Child. It begins the story of when Emmanuel was a seven year old Sudanese boy, living in a small village at the onset of the Sudan civil war. Director: Norm Fassbender October 8, 2015 – 12:15 PM Charles Theatre (precedes: Sixteen)
We Came to Sweat
Over 50 years of gay, African American heritage is at stake when a revered and celebrated pre-Stonewall Black owned Brooklyn bar is threatened by redevelopment. WE CAME TO SWEAT is a documentary feature about the oldest Black-owned gay establishment in Brooklyn, the Starlite Lounge. The film follows the bar’s struggle to fight an impending eviction, while tracing back the history of its formation over half a century ago. The film explores the intersections of race, sexuality, and gentrification through the documentation of a historic and cultural institution on the verge of disappearance. Directors: Kate Kunath & Sasha Wortzel Watch Trailer October 8, 2015 – 8:45 PM UB Learning Commons
The Year We Thought About Love
THE YEAR WE THOUGHT ABOUT LOVE focuses on a Boston-based group of LGBTQ youth of color band together and dare to be ‘out’ on stage about their lives and their loves. The cast of True Colors: OUT Youth Theater transforms their struggles into performance for social change. With humor, directness, and attitude, the troupe captivates audiences surprised to hear such stories in school settings. The film’s cast members include a transgender teenager, Alyssa, who is kicked out of her home, a devout Christian, Chi, who challenges his church’s homophobia, and a genderqueer individual, Ayden, who likes to wear masculine clothing, even as they model dresses on the runway. After A tragic event occurs yards from their rehearsal space, the troupe becomes even more determined to share their stories of love to help their city heal Directors: Ellen Brodsky Watch Trailer October 11, 2015 – 12:15 PM UB Learning Commons
Zoo (Volkerschau)
Two girls prepare for a fun day at the 1958 World’s Fair in Brussels, Belgium, with the same expectations, but very different outcomes. Director: Monda Raquel Webb Watch Trailer
October 10, 2015 – 2:00 PM UB Learning Commons (precedes Sheild & Spear)