Nearly 70 films, shorts and documentaries will be screened at the 22nd African American Film festival, which takes place from August 2 to August 10 at the Martha’s Vineyard Performing Arts Center.
In addition to movies, there will be panels and conversations with actors and creatores involved with the films, including Sheryl Lee Ralph, Uzo Aduba, Cynthia Erivo, Renee Elise Goldsberry, Don Cheadle and more.
The festival opens with the prison drama Sing Sing, starring Colman Domingo who will take part in a discussion about the film after the showing.
Films making their world premiere include The Supremes at Earl’s All-You-Can-Eat and Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist.
Festival co-founder Stephanie Rance said she is grateful for the tremendous reception of the festival has received over the years. It began in 2002 as a three-day weekend and is now a nine-day affair.
“The Island support has been fantastic,” Ms. Rance said. “I feel like in the beginning it was sort of like, okay, what are they doing? As we continue to stay and not just leave them, the Island definitely has appreciated us and shown us great support, and we’re happy to contribute financially to Martha’s Vineyard in the summer months.”
There were over 800 submissions to cull through. The lineup decisions mainly fall on Ms. Rance’s husband, Floyd Rance, who co-runs the festival with his wife. The diversity of topics and styles is important to the couple.
“We’ve got films from all over the world, all across the country, a lot of films from England, France, Africa...it’s just pretty worldwide and [amazing] how we’re just putting a bigger spotlight on this beautiful island,” Ms. Rance said.
Filmmaker and seasonal Vineyard resident Dawn Porter, who was just awarded the Icon Award from Circuit Arts for her lifetime achievement in film, will have her documentary, Luther Vandross: Never Too Much, shown at the festival followed by a conversation with her.
“[The screening of Dawn’s event] is already sold out, so it’s crazy,” Ms. Rance said. “Dawn is a great documentarian and a great human. I’m so happy that she is letting us show her film to this audience, because I think it’s really, really important that she does.”
Opening with Sing Sing kicks off the festival on a high note, according to Ms. Rance.
“I’m excited about Colman Domingo,” she said. “I love him. I can’t wait to meet him. And the movie Sing Sing is absolutely fantastic.”
The festival’s main goal has always been showcasing “the best of the best of multicultural content,” Ms. Rance said.
“We’re so proud that even though we show African American and African content, the festival has morphed into this multicultural thing,” she said.
For more information about the lineup and tickets, visit mvaaff.com.
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