Cover Photo by Inye Wokoma - www.ijoarts.org Graphic Design by Naomi Ishisaka - www.naomiishisaka.com ARY G nternat ional IBLACK FILM FESTIVAL Get Inside Film. Get Outside Yourself.

OCT. 14-16, 2016 INDIANA UNIVERSITY BERGLAND AUDITORIUM, GARY, IN

WWW.GARYBLACKFILMFEST.ORG WWW.GARYBLACKFILMFEST.ORG 2016 FILM FESTIVAL SCHEDULE | FESTIVAL ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS PLEASE NOTE: SCHEDULE SUBJECT IN MEMORIUM TO CHANGE INDIVIDUAL DONORS GIBFF FESTIVAL TEAM The 2016 Festival is dedicated to John Bodin Kay Abraham the memory of Mrs. Dharathula WELCOME Yasmeen Perez Sydney Chatman H. “Dolly” Millender, beloved Gary The Gary International Black Film Vivian Phillips Pr. Lisette Celochia historian and steadfast friend of the Magan Do Saidah Holt Festival (GIBFF) is a Gary-born cultural GIBFF. Dolly attended the inaugural Ashley and Lance Leasure Lester Lowe GIBFF in 2011, and never missed a event that brings independent Black Julia Brewer Walter N. Jones festival since our very first day. film to Gary audiences providing Eleanor Watts Ludeen Kilgore Dolly was a 3rd generation Hoo- Stephen Silha Toni Simpson rich,authentic opportunities to cele- sier. She received her bachelor’s Deborah Vinsel Karen Toering degree from Indiana State Teach- brate African American and diaspora Rebecca Allen Kelechukwu Brnfre – Emeritus er’s College in 1941 and began a long and distinguished heritage and culture through film and Lara Davis professional career as an educator, author and librarian. Charles Murray GIBFF ADVISORY COUNCIL She received a master’s degree in educational media from discussion. Andre Canty Alyce Emory Purdue University/Lafayette in 1968. She came to Gary in 1960 as librarian of Pulaski School, and early on recognized Our goal is to foster authentic discus- Toshiye Ishisaka Charles Murray Mako Fitts Ward Anthony Riddle the rich history of Gary’s Central Community, as well as the rich and rare American ethnic diversity of the entire city. sion about our culture and history by Jerico Christa Bell Floyd Webb Mrs. Millender was Founder/CEO (unpaid) of The Gary (IN) Kylie Gursky using films that provide a counterbal- Historical and Cultural Society, Inc. in 1976, and she ded- ance for widely distributed misaligned Dianne Riley 2016 FILM SCREENING PANEL icated much of her adult life to the preservation of Gary’s POP UP PRE-FESTIVAL EVENTS Nathaniel Moxley Kyle Adams representation of our heritage and contributions to Ameri- illustrious history, as “Gary’s Historian”. Gary’s founding was Carson Flora Sewa Ade Akili and is a story that she told in her three books on Gary’s can and global society. THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13 Chris Olson Rachel Briegel history, and in her numerous cultural, historical and civic Mark Hutchison-Quillian Tyer Bush BROWNBAG POP-UP MINI FEST activities and programs. Some films are serious and deeply provocative, some are Lynne Nguyen Lisa DeNeal Photos by Saidah Holt Purdue University Northwest Alumni Hall 2-4 PM funny and irreverent, but we hope that all the films are Sam Parker Janelle Dowell Bring your lunch, we’ll bring ours. Let’s munch and check out provocative enough to remain in our hearts and minds long Stephan Turner Derrick Earls our popup mini fest! Films, Giveaways FREE Alrick Brown Roy Hamilton after leaving the theater. Community and culture are at the Giulia Pasciuto Mialyssia Hodges heart of this festival. NAIJA BETA Davida Ingram Fifi Locke Dir. Arthur Musah, GHANA, NIGERIA, USA 50mins Naomi Ishisaka Brandon Jones The festival is run by a committed core of community volun- Dreaming of shaking up education in Nigeria, a team of Ni- Naomi Millender teers who work year-round to review and select film content, gerian and Nigerian-American MIT students heads home one GRAPHIC DESIGN Andre Myers Naomi Ishisaka - Crystal O’Brien solicit in-kind and cash support for festival expenses, recruit summer to teach technology to high-schoolers through a com- petitive robotics camp in Lagos. As they seek to contribute to a naomiishisaka.com Jeanette Riley volunteers and build awareness and support for a success- new and better Nigeria, their ideals are tested by reality. FESTIVAL PHOTO IMAGE LaReina Valdez Inye Wokoma - ijoarts.com Jacqueline Schroeder ful festival event. This year we are honored to broaden our Krystal Wilson capacity to screen and deliver the best in indie Black film UNDER THE HEAVENS Dir. Tyrik Washington, USA, 9min through our film screeners, who reviewed hundreds of hours The American dream becomes a nightmare due to the recent of film submissions and helped us select films that our audi- killings of several unarmed black American citizens by the 6TH ANNUAL GARY INTERNATIONAL BLACK FILM FESTIVAL | OCT. 14-16, 2016 police. Rahkeem, a frustrated African- American ad­olescent ences are sure to enjoy INDIANA UNIVERSITY NW BERGLAND AUDITORIUM | SAVANNAH HALL 3400 BROADWAY, GARY, IN 46408 from Brooklyn, New York becomes vulnerable to questionable Often, we are asked, “Who are you?” and “Why are you spiritual guidance as he searches for justice. doing this?” Our answer is simply, we are the ones that we have been waiting for. As to “why”, we simply say why not? THE REUNION If we are not the best caretakers of our stories, whom do we Dir. Carmen Elly Wilkerson, USA, 20min A teenage girl is sexually assaulted at a drunken party. The next expect to take up this task? Supporting Black artists and the morning, her friends debate what to do next - call the police, stories they bring is of the highest priority to us. We support tell their parents or keep it a secret. their work with joy and enthusiasm. BLACKBIRDS: AFRICAN-AMERICAN IDENTITY AND We would like to thank all of our collaborators, supporters, ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT, A DOCUMENTARY FILM sponsors and the individual and in-kind donors who be- Dir. Maria Moore, USA, 0:33:21 lieved enough in us to lend their support. We think this year A study of the lived experience of two African-American male www.garyblackfilmfest.org | @garyblackfilm is our best yet, but of course, we think every year is our best. undergrads at Illinois State University; one performing well, the other academically challenged. The juxtaposition of the two 2 2016 GARY INTERNATIONAL BLACK FILM FESTIVAL 2016 GARY INTERNATIONAL BLACK FILM FESTIVAL 7 What would you do if you saw an old professor at a bus stop? student experiences explores What impact did they have on your life? What impact will you the impact of African- Ameri- have on theirs, now that you are what you wanted to be? can social identity’s effect on academic performance. SOME TORCHES DON’T BURN Dir. Chris Reese, USA, 22min CINEMA AND COCKTAILS The film examines progress (realized or perceived) in the Afri- Marshall Gardner Center can-American community since the civil rights era, while telling 5pm - 7pm the story of the films’ patriarchal character Winston. Spend ‘Film Fest Eve’ with us and enjoy nibbles, meet and MAN VS BEAST: CHILD EDITION greet filmmakers and get a Dir. Malik Bolton, USA, 3min sneak peek of the fest. A comedic retelling of a life changing event in my life. The day i Drink specials, short films. FREE was attacked by dogs. promotion. But when their car breaks down all hell breaks loose. Husband and Wife team, Director Seckeita Lewis and INTROVERT SUNDAY, OCTOBER 16 Writer Brandon Lewis bring a fresh story that will make you Dir. Chaz Bottoms, USA, 10AM laugh, cry, and think. 2min BRUNCH & BLACK FILM To win a bet, a quiet girl must LIBERTY IN A SOUP SCREENS WITH: make a friend at a crowded Dir. Dudley Lewis, Haiti, USA, 56mins LOST BOY party. Malkia Cyril in13th This documentary traces the culinary tradition of Soup Jomou, Dir. Aisha Porter-Christie, Jamaica, 12min celebrating the Haitian Revolution. $8 buffet, giveaways @ A 12 year old Jamaican runaway sneaks back into to his home BALL IS LIFE shelter where he meets other homeless youth. They discover a Mama Pearls, 411 E 5th Avenue town for what he assumes will be a routine visit with his best Dir. Terry Bluez, USA, 0:07:40 strong bond in their love for creating music. friend. Things don’t quite go according to plan. The story of a young female basketball star on the verge of 11AM earning a Division I scholarship under the intense coaching of FRIDAY, OCTOBER 14 SLEEPER NAGA PIXIE her overbearing father. But when her hoop dreams are jeopar- RECEPTION 6 PM | FILM 7:30 PM Dir. Christopher Miles Dir. Anthony Hobbs, USA, 15min dized by an unplanned pregnancy, she must decide which is Opening Night Reception is hosted by artist, soul music histori- A former soldier named Luke King, who is wanted for the assas- A pixie is always nagging everyone, and a group a friends more important, Ball or Life? an and DJ Ayana Contreras. Ayana is also an artist and collector sination of the President of the United States. While on the run, trying to figure her out. Naga Pixie is a short film by 11 year old (LPs & 45s), and enjoys the stories behind them, especially Luke takes a hostage and they drive to a remote house in the award winning filmmaker Anthony Michael Hobbs. FORGOTTEN SUNSET those recorded locally. Ayana’s radio program, Reclaimed Soul desert. While there, the truth unfolds. Dir. Alex Costello, USA, 0:24:30 is featured on Vocalo, serving young diverse audiences through 3PM After recently being released from prison, a man tries to recon- conversation, storytelling and local music, producers use the SCREENS WITH GARY SPOTLIGHT FEATURE nect with his daughter and see if there is any chance of saving power of radio, internet and social media to curate content LOVE DEATH OF A KING their relationship. contributed by the community. [photo] Dir.Marcellus Cox, USA, 14min Dir. Josetta Shropshire, USA, 97MINS Based on A True Story About Raymond Porter from Van Nuys, Death Of A King - A.D. King – The Untold Story...is the true amaz- THE PROCESS The festival is thrilled to have Guest Host Morocco Omari is an California. A Young Man who captures and seeks his revenge ing life history of Rev. Alfred Daniel Williams King, the only blood Dir. Folleh Tamba, USA, 0:12:59 actor and director, known for Hope (2003), Kubuku Rides (This on the murderer of his Mother. brother of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Positive Promotions Ltd. [The Process] What role do you play in the fight for social justice Is It) (2006) and Half Past Dead 2 (2007). Most recently, Omari TV has done a masterful job archiving and chronicling King’s in- and human rights? Art is a weapon. Gary, Indiana activist and can be seen on Fox’s Empire cast as Lucious Lyons’ half-brother, BULLIED timate behind the scenes involvement in the fight for civil rights performance artist N. Davina Stewart is one of many continuing Tariq Cousins. The introduction of the character, whose pres- Dir. Khaled Ridgeway, USA, 6min and equality. Using more than 100 hours of never before seen the tradition of using performance art and teaching to combat ence is much more felt in Empire’s season 3 has audiences and A meek high school janitor struggles to maintain both his footage, and photos from the private King family collection, Pos- social injustice. This is her process. What’s yours? critics alike taking notice. Omari also has an extensive theater dignity and moral compass when a bullying incident spirals out itive Promotions Ltd. TV explores Rev. A.D. King’s life and tragic career, appearing in INTIMATE APPAREL, THE BALLAD OF EM- of control. mysterious death. Through this film, the world is now exposed to NAIJA BETA MITT TILL AND QUEEN OF HAITI, to name a few. [PHOTO] this obscure yet important nugget of civil rights history. Dir. Arthur Musah, GHANA, NIGERIA, USA, 50mins THE CLOSET SCREENS WITH Dreaming of shaking up education in Nigeria, a team of Ni- 13TH Dir. Timeca Seretti, USA, 14min OUR LIVES IN TRANSIT gerian and Nigerian-American MIT students heads home one Dir. Ava DuVernay, USA , 100MINS Haile Stephens has it all, the husband, the house, the car and all THE PROCESS summer to teach technology to high-schoolers through a com- History has recorded the 13TH Amendment to the U.S. Consti- that money can buy. Or does she? petitive robotics camp in Lagos. As they seek to contribute to a tution as the supposed end to what is called this country’s Orig- 5PM new and better Nigeria, their ideals are tested by reality. inal Sin. But practically from the moment slavery was outlawed, 1PM FESTIVAL AWARDS CEREMONY its horrors became politicized and systemic, a genocide in plain JERICO Join us as we wrap up the festival with awards and a special IF THESE WALLS COULD TALK sight. Hauntingly, the blueprint for its continuation is a simple Dir. Seckeita Lewis, USA, 137mins closing night event (FREE) Dir. Elaine Spaull, USA, 0:21:00 phrase in the Amendment itself: “…except as a punishment for Best friends, Jerico Walker and Jarvis Cook , set out on the A young man becomes homeless when his mother becomes crime.” morning of the signing of the civil rights act of 1964 with as- terminally ill. With the help of a youth agency he is housed in a pirations to capture the newly available Paper Press Manager

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That is the powerful and unforgettable revelation of “13TH,” 7 PM Ava DuVernay’s searing, sweeping documentary that digs into HONEYTRAP how America’s politics, corporate structure, police militariza- Dir. Rebecca Johnson, United Kingdom, tion, media culture and legal system have colluded for over 100mins 150 years to imprison African-Americans in second-class-citi- Inspired by true events, it tells a story of zen status. Generation upon generation have been victims of fifteen-year-old Layla, who sets up the an incarceration machine that ruins lives and communities, boy in love with her to be killed. When obliterates families, and cripples the morality our democracy Troy discards her, Layla is left in ruins. is built on. She vows to rebuild herself as a hard- ened player in order to win him back and After Party with festival host, Morocco Omari $5 with promo Shaun becomes a pawn in her game. code (BROADWAY)Backstage on Broadway. Soon the forces she has set in motion are escalating out of control. The first UK SATURDAY OCTOBER 15 urban drama seen from a girl’s point of 11 AM view, HONEYTRAP is authentically local SOUND OF REDEMPTION: THE FRANK MORGAN STORY in its setting but universal in its themes Dir. Kyle Greenberg, USA, 91min of passion, jealousy and revenge. We Frank Morgan was touted as the greatest saxophone player in have not seen a character like Layla take the world, but if you wanted to hear him, you had to go to San Morocco Omari centre-stage before and it’s time her story Honeytrap Quentin. 91min to be told. Girlhood and gang culture collide as 15-year old Layla (Jessica Sula) SCREENS WITH SHORTS PACKAGE 2 PM themself in a bit of a rough patch when they cross two known contends with bullying at a new school by transforming her- ATTACHED AT THE SOUL MATINEE DOUBLE FEATURE gangsters. With Ali out of the picture Pharoh has to figure out a self inside and out. The teen’s compulsive journey for love and Dir. William Leon, USA, 11min EMERGENCY CONTACT way to make things better on his own. acceptance soon becomes fatal in this cautionary tale based on Donald Kline struggles with having to leave his wife Margie’s Dir. Nicolle M. Whalen, USA, 57mins headline news. death bed in order to attend a ceremony where he and his wife Roxanna Biltmore is a woman who knows what she wants out SCREENS WITH will be honored for their life time achievements. Through his of life; and having to sign her mothers name as her EMERGEN- LA2LA SCREENS WITH love, we learn how truly connected they are. CY CONTACT after turning 33 years is no longer an option. In Dir. Hakim Khalfani, USA, 8 MIN EASY LIFE this modern day, comedy about finding love, you witness the Lousiana rappers Lil Trill and Shell plan a trip to Los Angeles, Dir. Arnaud Bettan, France, 0:10:45 NAGA PIXIE men of Roxanna’s past and present collide when she decides to California, to film a music video and promote their new album. The story of a dad attempting to make his rebellious kid under- Dir. Anthony Hobbs, USA, 15min take matters into her own hands. 60min In addition to the music video and album promotions, the two stand how easy his life is compared to some other kids in the A pixie is always nagging everyone, and a group a friends trying also are looking for a PLUG to assist them in purchasing large world. To get his message across, he tells a vivid story of a little to figure her out. Naga Pixie is a short film by 11 year old award ONE LAST SUNSET: quantities of marijuana back to Lousiana. They pay a visit to kid in Africa being turned into a child soldier. winning filmmaker Anthony Michael Hobbs. REDUX a medical marijuana dispensary, looking for someone to help Sisters , Brigot and Nita seek shelter as an apocalytic virus turns purchase some weed. While waiting outside of the dispensary, MAN VS BEAST: CHILD EDITION Marianne the entire human population into flesh eating zombies. While they meet someone who not only got them some weed, but he Dir. Malik Bolton, USA, 0:02:51 Dir. Tomisin Adepeju, U.K, 18min battling disease , famine and cannibalism , they run across an took them on a journey they would never forget. A comedic retelling of a life changing event in my life. The day i A young Nigerian man travels to a remote Pentecostal church unpredictable and violent, former school teacher named Die- was attacked by dogs. with his ailing wife. dre. 60min THE EXAMPLE Dir.Gordon Williams, USA, 24min THE CLOSET INJUSTICE 4 PM During a race riot in Beaumont, Texas in June 1943, Officer Dir. Timeca Seretti, USA, 0:14:00 Dir. Amanda Chambers, USA, 12min MAJOR! Miller Harvey, a white police officer crosses paths with Black Haile Stephens has it all, the husband, the house, the car and all This redemptive narrative spans an emotional spectrum of a Dir. Annalise Ophielian, USA, 90mins business owner Carver Jefferson. Tensions explode on that hot that money can buy. Or does she? mother who mourns the loss of a son at the hand of the system MAJOR! explores the life and campaigns of Miss Major Grif- summer night, forcing them to make decisions that will ques- meant to protect him. fin-Gracy, a formerly incarcerated Black transgender elder and tion their morals, loyalty and manhood. FORGOTTEN SUNSET activist who has been fighting for the rights of trans women of Dir. Alex Costello, USA, 0:24:30 1 PM color for over 40 years. ReversALL After recently being released from prison, a man tries to recon- FILMMAKER PANEL DISCUSSION Dir.Eric Matthews, USA, 10min nect with his daughter and see if there is any chance of saving #OscarsSoWhite made Hollywood take note. Are we in a more SCREENS WITH Helen and Marcus Thomas are minority cafe owners, working their relationship. fertile time for indie Black film? Join Filmmakers Charles Murray REMIXING COLORBLIND through the daily struggles of married life and keeping their (Luke Cage, Star), Brandon Bowens ( Chicago PD, Chiraq) Hakim Dir. Sheena Howard, USA, 30min business afloat. Their stressful Saturday morning is interrupted 9 PM Khalfani (Forgiveness,LA2LA), and festival host Morocco Omari This documentary embarks on examining how the educational by a call from the Police. They arrive, one seeking to hold the LATE NIGHT FEATURE (Empire, Homeland) as we explore the new explosion of Black system today shapes our understanding of race and, by exten- blue line, the other, regretting lives he has just changed. THE HILLZ film. Can it last? (FREE) sion, the nuances of race relations – including notions of im- BUS STOP Pharoh (ERNEST BATTLE) and his cousin Ali ( NICK TATE) finds plicit bias, individual racism, and institutional racism. Dir. Jason Bostic, USA, 6min

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