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Does Dre have any picks for the festival?

I was going to post this tomorrow, however a comment on the competitive slate post made me reconsider, hoping that we’d be able to drum up some more audience members for both of these films. These will make up the majority of my film going experience this year, as I was unable to see the one I really wanted to, 10 MPH. Since I can’t see that one (yet), I’ll post my hopes for my picks for tomorrow now. Read on and find out…

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There are two films showing Sunday that I really want to see and hope that you’ll trust me and at least give them a chance as well. The first film was mentioned last night during the opening ceremonies, Heaven’s Fall. I would say that I am a big Timothy Hutton fan, but the historian in me is also interested in seeing how one of the most important cases in African American history in the South is portrayed by the film industry. Not to mention the fact that the film was actually shot in Alabama. The conversation that film is able to encourage is still desperately needed in region on many levels. This film sounds like it may be the type of piece that forces some of us to answer the bell. The film closes the festival as a non-competitive film beginning at 5 p.m. at the Alabama Theatre.

IMDB?Official Site

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Somebodies is competing in this year’s festival (it’s on the competitive list post) and I’d already planned on seeing it. Supporting Black filmmakers and encouraging them to continue to hone their craft is as important as it ever has been. I also had the privilege of driving Hadjii, the film’s writer, director and star; to Fox 6 for his first attempt at a television interview for the festival (it’s a long story, not necessarily bad, but long). Hopefully we may be able to see if this film can be brought back later on and exposed to a larger audience. The creator really wants to encourage all audiences to come out and see the film. I think it’s important to provide examples of positive role models for Black youth, and I’m pretty sure that while you may not want to bring young children to see the movie, perhaps you’d like to have them talk to the filmmaker and show just what is achievable when you put your mind to it. I believe he’s talking tomorrow afternoon before his film shows at a Sidetalk at Harbert Center (check the Sidewalk site to confirm, or just come down here and find out). The film starts at 2:30 p.m. at the Carver Theatre.

Enjoy.

Cheers.

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