October 11, 2012

The Pan African Film Festival (PAFF) has announced its call for submissions. The 21st annual PAFF will be held on February 7-18, 2013 in Los Angeles. Currently, PAFF officials are accepting submissions of independent features, shorts, narratives and documentary films made by or about people of African descent, though it is not a requirement that filmmakers are of African descent, they said.

“Films can be of any genre -- drama, comedy, horror, adventure, animation, romance, science fiction, experimental, etc.,” officials said.

“[They] should preferably depict positive and realistic images. The film festival will accept submissions of works in progress; however, the final version of the film must be completed no later than January 5, 2013…”

Over the years, PAFF has showcased films from all parts of the world, representing such countries as Angola, Austria, England, Bermuda, Canada, Egypt, Ethiopia, Brazil, Kenya, Mexico, South Africa, Nigeria, and the United States.

“Over the years, the filmmakers from around the world have become more sophisticated in telling their stories,” says Asantewa Olatunji, the director of programming for PAFF.

Last year, more than 40,000 folks attended the festival, and were the first to see a string of highly-anticipated films, including Screen Gems’  “Think Like a Man,” based on the New York Times best-selling book by radio host/comic Steve Harvey. Directed by Tim Story and written by Keith Merryman and David A. Newman, the romantic comedy has grossed nearly 100 million dollars in its theatrical run, making it one of the highest grossing films with a predominantly African American cast.

“This is certainly proof that Black audiences will respond to good stories and positive depictions of ourselves on the big screen,” added Olatunji.

The PAFF competition categories are: Best Narrative Feature, Best Narrative Short, Best Documentary, Best Director -- First Feature, plus, Audience Favorite Awards for Narrative Feature and Favorite Documentary. Films in competition must be copyrighted no earlier than 2012. With the exception of Audience Favorite Awards, all films are judged by industry professionals, selected by PAFF. In addition to competition awards, other programming and festival special prizes will be awarded.

For information about the festival, submission procedures, fees and registration, visit www.paff.org or call 310. 337-4737. Submissions will be accepted from July 2, 2012 through October 15, 2012. Late submissions will be accepted until November 21, 2012 and December 1, 2012 for international entries. Official selection announcements will be made beginning December 15, 2012.

Category: Arts & Culture