The Eighth Annual Langston Hughes Film Festival in Seattle kicks off on Saturday, April 30 at the Quincy Jones Theater with the premiere of 'Kinyarwanda,' a film based on true events from the Rwandan genocide and directed by Alrick Brown.
The festival's history dates back to 2004, but has already seen rapid growth. Originally a weekend series, this year's festival ends on May 8, and features over 9 days of films and activities. Nights are themed and tailored to particular interest, including a Ladies Night (May 7), which will feature the Seattle premiere of 'Nice & Rough' by filmmaker Sheila Hardy. The film documents the untold story of black women in rock and their contributions to the genre, and includes footage of Nona Hendryx, Joyce Kennedy, Betty Davis and others.
A non-film highlight will likely be the Black Filmmaker Brunch & Panel Discussion, happening on the morning of May 7. The discussion will bring together Brown - whose 'Kinyarwanda' received rave reviews at Sundance - with film festival organizer Alyce Emory, and filmmaker Aya DuVernay, whose quiet, independent drama, 'I Will Follow' has been making a splash in theaters across the United States. The panelists plan tol discuss, "the business of 'show' business," according to the festival's press release.
Check out trailers from some of the films being featured at the Langston Hughes Film Festival, including what is sure to be another festival highlight, 'Everyday Sunshine: The Story of Fishbone,' a documentary about the legendary punk rock/funk band Fishbone.
"Kinyarwanda" Trailer
"Nice And Rough" Trailer
"Everyday Sunshine: The Story of Fishbone Trailer"
"Everyday Sunshine: The Story of Fishbone" - documentary trailer from Tilapia Film on Vimeo.