Ann Arbor Black Film Festival Celebrates Outstanding Filmmakers and Exceptional Talent
Ann Arbor, MI – June 19, 2024 – The Ann Arbor Black Film Festival proudly announces the winners of this year's festival, celebrating a remarkable lineup of films that highlight diverse stories and voices within the Black community. The festival has honored films across various categories, showcasing exemplary talent and creativity.
Best in Show: "Conversations Centered Around Black Bodies: Black Womxn" directed by Chris Jon Conti (Chicago, Illinois) Chris Jon Conti’s narrative has captivated audiences and judges alike, sparking audience conversation exploration of perspectives thus earning the prestigious Best in Show award for its poignant exploration of the intersection of Blackness and Womxnhood.
Learn more: https://chrisjconti.com/conversations
Best Performance: "The Knee Touch" with Miles Triplett & Brianna Robinson (Atlanta, Georgia) Miles Triplett and Brianna Robinson deliver an unforgettable performance of sweet hilarity in the screwball style, earning the Best Performance award for their compelling portrayal of a nuanced and tickling story.
Continue to explore: https://www.svsmobb.com/home
Best Documentary: "Food What? Looking for Food Sovereignty in Barbados" directed by Cloé Fortin (Barbados) Cloé Fortin’s insightful documentary on food sovereignty in Barbados has been recognized for its impactful storytelling and thorough research, winning the Best Documentary award.
Check out page 26: https://issuu.com/barbadosfoodie/docs/barbados_foodie_issue_10
Best Editing: "F3VER" edited by Irishia Hubbard Romaine (California) Irishia Hubbard Romaine’s exceptional editing skills in "F3VER" have been recognized here for enhancing the film’s narrative flow and emotional depth, earning her the Best Editing award.
Best Music/Audio: "WE" directed by AntGreen (Detroit, Michigan) AntGreen’s stunning visuals blended masterfully use of music and audio in "WE" has been recognized for its ability to elevate the film’s atmosphere and emotional resonance, securing the Best Music/Audio award.
See the director’s IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm9469189/
Best Cinematography: "The Forgotten Occupation: Jim Crow Goes to Haiti" directed by Alain Martin (Haiti) Alain Martin’s stunning visual storytelling in "The Forgotten Occupation: Jim Crow Goes to Haiti" has earned the Best Cinematography award, highlighting his skill in capturing compelling imagery.
Meet the creators: http://theforgottenoccupation.com/?fbclid=IwAR3kSEo-iuJRqHjuipmmXmGrB-5_dZ___G0CZUcOnicSnSofxOhb_WvpLas
Audience Choice (Tie): "Mental" directed by Amari Neal-Dodgen (Naperville, Illinois) "The Forgotten Occupation: Jim Crow Goes to Haiti" directed by Alain Martin (Haiti) Both "Mental" and "The Forgotten Occupation: Jim Crow Goes to Haiti" have resonated deeply with audiences, resulting in a tie for the Audience Choice award, a testament to their powerful impact and storytelling.
Honorable Mention: "There Went the Neighborhood: The Closing of Jones School" produced by the Ann Arbor District Library and 7 Cylinders Studio (Ann Arbor, Michigan) This documentary produced by the Ann Arbor District Library and 7CS receives an Honorable Mention for its significant exploration of our local community's history and heritage.
See the film: https://aadl.org/therewenttheneighborhood
The Ann Arbor Black Film Festival extends its heartfelt congratulations to all the winners and participants. Their work not only entertains but also educates and inspires, highlighting the richness of Black culture and the importance of diverse storytelling in film.
