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The Black August Film Festival (BAFF) returns to Pasadena on Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 17 and 18, at the Flintridge Center, featuring a lineup of films addressing social issues from around the world.
The festival, organized by the Pasadena African American Film Foundation (PAAFF), aims to commemorate Black freedom struggles and highlight resistance against racial oppression, welcoming films about social issues globally.
The BAFF is rooted in prison-based activism of Black August, which, was initiated by the Black Guerilla Family in San Quentin State Prison in 1979 to honor fallen activists. It commemorates the deaths of Jonathan P. Jackson (Aug. 7, 1970) and George Jackson (Aug. 21, 1971) at San Quentin, taking place during the entire month of August.
PAAFF organiers said this year’s festival plans to screen 50 films, with submissions already received from 13 countries, building on last year’s success of 50 films from 22 nations and over 300 attendees.
Among the featured films is “Pistols & Apple Pie,” which follows a troubled teenager navigating harsh urban realities and grappling with tough choices amid desperation.
“Emotional Burden” explores family dynamics in the wake of a toxic relative’s death, while “12AM” delves into the challenges faced by young African-Americans with mental health disorders.
The lineup also includes “Truth Saves the World,” a sitcom chronicling a mixed Black teenage girl’s journey to overcome adolescent struggles and fight injustices.
“Red Flags” portrays a young woman’s psychological struggle in a relationship, while “The Hood Trophy Bino Story” follows a hip-hop artist overcoming generational curses.
Documentaries feature prominently, with “A Clean Slate” following Shanyeill McCloud’s work helping formerly incarcerated individuals expunge their records and restart their lives.
“The Strike” documents California inmates who endured decades of solitary confinement and launched the largest hunger strike in U.S. history.
“Half Brother” offers an intimate exploration of fatherhood and reconciliation, as director William Jenkins confronts the impacts of his half-brother’s incarceration on family dynamics.
The festival also showcases “The Untold Isis Brantley Story,” chronicling Brantley’s 20-year legal battle against Texas over hair braiding laws, culminating in federal court victory.
“Freedom Hair” tells the true story of Melony Armstrong, a mother who challenges Mississippi state regulations to start a natural hair braiding business.
“Interception: Jayne Kennedy • American Sportscaster” highlights the first Black woman to break barriers in American sportscasting.
“Put the Guns Down: A World Epidemic” and “They’re Marching On Us” address issues of gun violence and police brutality respectively.
International offerings include “Brave Girls,” an Indian film about young women in Haryana uniting against a powerful politician in the wake of heinous crimes.
The BAFF not only serves as a platform for diverse filmmakers but also continues the tradition of commemorating Black resistance throughout August.
The event will also feature added vendors and other activities during the festival weekend.
To get tickets, visit https://filmfreeway.com/BlackAugustFilmFestival/tickets.
For more information, visit https://paaffoundation.org/2024-baff-line-up.
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