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The 2nd Annual Blackstar Film Festival hits Philly on August 1st with a fresh crop of films and events for 2013. The fest is set to illuminate black cinema and the individuals creating it for the second year in a row, placing the spotlight on everyone from writers and directors to producers, cinematographers and more. The festival kicks off with a focus on black men, including Little Black Boy Wonder - a dedication to Trayvon Martin - and Question Bridge: Black Males. The festival hailed by Ebony Magazine as the "Black Sundance" will host its first-ever screenplay competition, including a live reading of scripts juried by celebrity judges; Black Thought will be seated on the panel which also includes Dorian Missick and Lisa Cortes. The Howard University Film Program will be honored for excellence in training industry professionals. The festival spearheaded by Maori Karmael Holmes will feature films from emerging and established directors, addressing a host of topics concerning communities of color over the course of four days.
Official events include film screenings, industry workshops, panel conversations, live music, receptions and parties. The festival has doubled in size since last year's inaugural fest, featuring 75 films and a few premieres; Wangechi Mutu's The End of Eating Everything will be amongst the festival debuts. The festival will also feature a special screening of Yelling To The Sky, followed by a Q&A with actors Yolanda Ross and Black Thought as well as Zakee Kuduro - the man behind the film's dynamic score. Films range in format from features to documentaries, shorts and music video presentations. The majority of the screenings this year will be held at the International House. The Barnes Foundation, Drexel University and a few smaller venues will be hosting the remainder of the events. Check the trailer below to whet your appetite for what's to come at the 2nd Annual Blackstar Film Festival. Tickets to all festival events are available online at blackstarfest.org. Scroll down for festival details.
BlackStar Film Festival Details:
When: August 1-4
Where: International House, 3701 Chestnut Street; Drexel University, 33rd and Chestnut streets; The Barnes Foundation, 2025 Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Cost: $10, general admission; $7, students and seniors; $125 all-festival pass
More info: www.blackstarfest.org
