Pan African Film Festival

Schedule of Events:

12:30 PM: AFRICAN GLORY w/ A Selection of Shorts

Anthropologist and historian Jean-Yves Loude shares the results of his in-depth investigation into Mandinka Emperor Abu Bakr II, who set off from the Senegalese coast at the head of a fleet of two thousand boats in 1311 according to a written account recorded in an official 14th-century encyclopedia. In parallel, the voice of Cheick Tidiane Seck is our guide on a journey to the heart of the Mali Empire: where the great Battle of Kirina took place, leading to the advent of an empire that would keep growing until Emperor Abu Bakr II set off on his exploration. Austin premiere.

12:30 PM: Inner Demons

Mya’s world takes a harrowing twist when anti-depression pills unwittingly unleash a nightmarish entity that embodies her inner turmoil, entangling her in a life or death battle against her own psyche. A chilling exploration of the human mind’s darkest corners. (11 minutes)

Screening before the feature film AFRICAN GLORY.

12:30 PM: Definitely Not A Monster

Months after his death, but still dealing with the fallout of rape allegations against her famous-actor husband, a widow arranges a televised interview with a famed journalist to set the record straight. But things don’t go according to plan. Texas premiere. (19 minutes)

Screening before the feature film AFRICAN GLORY.

12:30 PM: The Origin

Tep, one of the only legitimate heirs of an ancient extraterrestrial power, is forced to join forces with a wise sage and his tribal brother to fight off alien mercenaries sent to eliminate them. Texas premiere. (28 minutes)

Screening before the feature film AFRICAN GLORY.

4:00 PM: One Person, One Vote? W/ Neighborhood Alert

An absolute must-see for anyone who can vote for president in the United States, this eye-opening exposé of the origins and contentious history of the Electoral College gives context to current events recalling the often forgotten role of slavery in its creation and how throughout American history, it has dramatically impacted American politics and society particularly with respect to voter suppression and the devaluation of the minority vote. Commentary by scholars Jelani Cobb, Carol Anderson, Kelly McCreary, Boise Holmes, Tyee Tilghman, Veralyn Jones, Peter Jerrod Macon and featuring stunning animation by Pierre Bennu. Texas premiere.

Preceded by the narrative short film NEIGHBORHOOD ALERT.

Followed by a post-screening Q&A with director Maximina Juson.

4:00 PM: Neighborhood Alert

A Black mother who takes a job as a live-in nurse for an elderly woman in an affluent white neighborhood is forced to take extraordinary action to ensure the safety of her teenage son. Texas premiere. (31 minutes)

Screening before the feature film ONE PERSON, ONE VOTE?

7:30 PM: Exhibiting Forgiveness

Tarrell Rodin (André Holland) is an admired American painter who lives with his wife, singer-songwriter Aisha (Andra Day), and young son, Jermaine. His artwork excavates beauty from the anguish of his past, keeping the deep wounds at bay. His path to success is derailed by an unexpected visit from his estranged father, La’Ron (John Earl Jelks), a recovering addict desperate to reconcile the past. La’Ron visits at the invitation of Tarrell’s mother, Joyce  (Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor), a pious woman with a profound and joyful spirituality. She hopes that Tarrell can open his heart to forgiveness, giving them all another chance, however imperfect, at being a family. Tarrell and La’Ron struggle and learn that forgetting might be a greater challenge than forgiving in this raw and deeply moving film.

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