Film Festival

Community Folk Art Center's film program is designed to provide additional support to existing programming. Many of our films are related to the exhibitions on view in content or cultural perspective, and we also screen films that are connected to the diverse constituencies we serve. February 9-12 we hosted our Caribbean Cinematic Festival, which featured acclaimed movies from Haiti, Cuba, the Bahamas, Trinidad & Tobago and Jamaica. Please continue to check this page for future festivals.

Screening Schedule:

Feb. 9: Caribbean Diaspora in the UK

• 6p.m.-7:40p.m. The Story of Lover's Rock This film sheds light on a forgotten period of British musical, social and political history that allowed young people to experience intimacy and healing through dancing to Lovers Rock (romantic reggae), a uniquely black, British sound that developed in the late 70s and 80s against a backdrop of riots and racial tension. Directed by Menelik Shabazz, 96 minutes. UK, Music Documentary, 2011.
• 7:45p.m. Discusssion with Asomgyee Pamoja, plus music by DJ Jah Roots

Feb. 10: Current Social Issues

• 6p.m.-7:33p.m. Children of God Bahamian Kareem Mortimer's debut narrative feature tells the stories of three very different individuals: Lena, the conservative, deeply religious wife of a secretly gay firebrand pastor; Romeo, a handsome young black man hiding his sexuality from his close-knit and loving family; and Jonny, the conflicted and creatively-blocked white artist in search of himself. Directed by Kareem Mortimer, 93 minutes. USA, Drama, 2010.
• 7:30p.m.-8:30p.m. Discussion led by Professor Linda Carty
• 8:30p.m.-8:50p.m. The Almighty Penis This documentary centers its attention on men's sexuality and masculinity from a Trinidadian perspective. Directed by Jimmel Daniel, 25 minutes. Trinidad & Tobago, Documentary, 2009.
• 8:50p.m.-9:10p.m. The Power of Vagina Trinidadian Jimmel Daniel's The Power of the Vagina, explores the issue of women's sexuality and sexual politics, examining opinions and assumptions about the various ways in which women use their sexuality and the ways men respond. Directed by Jimmel Daniel, 25 minutes. Trinidad & Tobago, Documentary, 2010.
• 9:30p.m. Discussion led by Professor Cecilia Green

Feb. 11: Historical Films

• 11a.m.-12:30p.m. Fire in Babylon Fire In Babylon is the breathtaking story of how a team of West Indian cricket players used their undisputed skill, combined with a fearless spirit, to dominate the genteel game at the highest level, replaying it on their own terms. Directed by Stevan Riley, 120 minutes. USA, Sport Documentary, 2011.
• 12:30p.m.-1:30p.m. Discussion led by Professor Kevin Browne
• 1:30p.m.-3:00p.m. First Rasta From he sought to find his promised land. With a cocktail of ideas-- Bolshevism to New Thought, Gandhi to Anarchism and Garveyism to psychoanalysis-- Leonard Going Howell (the First Rasta) founded Pinnacle, the first Rasta community in Jamaica. Directed by Hélène Lee, 90 minutes. France, Documentary, 2011.
• 3:00p.m.- 4:00p.m. Discussion led by Professor Horace Campbell and Jerk Hut owner Irvin "Bongo" Hanslip
• 4:30p.m.- 5:30p.m. Egalite for All The only successful slave insurrection in history, the Haitian revolution grasped the full meaning of French revolutionary ideas liberté, eqalité, fraternité and used them to create the world's first Black republic. Directed by Noland Walker, 60 minutes. USA, Documentary, 2009.
• 5:30p.m.- 6:30p.m. Discussion led by Professor Herbert G. Ruffin 

Feb. 12: Music

• Noon- 1:40p.m. La Salsa Cubana An authentic and rare view of Cuba today and the dancing that lifts the national spirit, La Salsa Cubana is about a dance group from the outskirts of Havana, striving to win the Cuban national dance competition. Directed by Eric Joseph Johnson and Sarita Streng, 80 minutes. USA/Cuba, Music/Dance Documentary, 2011.
• 1:40p.m.- 2:40p.m. Discussion immediately following led by Professor Kwame Dixon and Salsa lesson by Jose Miguel "Papo"

* Some films may not be suitable for children.