2008 SBAHFS Film Line Up and Descriptions

---

"I'm Through With White Girls!"

The Blockbuster Audience Award Winner Talks About Her Controversial Film

That is probably the moment when Filmmaker, Producer and Lead Actress, Lia Johnson realized her journey and struggle had come full circle… “ I wanted to address this thing we have in America where people are supposed to conform to what they look like outside and this sort of homogeneous description of people. We need to let people be who they are, which is many layers. … winning the audience award was more of a validation because it was voted on by the people and not a political machine.”

---

23rd Psalm

Set amongst the urban decay and unfettered angst of Los Angeles, Police Detective John Smith battles alcoholism and cynicism. Going about his daily routine, initially John remains complacent over a seemingly ordinary prostitute murder. But when John’s intuition awakens, he experiences revealing visions about the victim and her murder. John must conquer his vices and overcome his skepticism to embrace intuition, question the unusual suspects, and allow his visions to illuminate the truth. A smartly written, modern day, metaphysical tale with a “surprise” ending, THE 23RD PSALM ushers in a new generation of urban transcendental cinema. THE 23RD PSALM is an evolved exegesis of the human psyche and the nature of man.

In 23rd Psalm, it's easy to feel yourself as one of the main characters. All are wondering, “ WHO DUN IT?

Visually rich with a soundtrack that immediately establishes a character of it's own. 23rd Psalm has left people surprised, impressed and moved by the story line of this film. A must see if you're looking for a film with a great gospel soundtrack, if you've ever been to church, or want to go - take the time to see this movie!

---

War Dance

In War/Dance, a profoundly moving cinematic work of art, an indomitable beacon of light shines within a world of darkness. For the last 20 years, northern Uganda has been at war with a rebel force, the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA). In this war zone, children are not only the victims of the rebels--they are the rebels. The LRA employs a horrifically effective process to fill its ranks--abducting children.

War/Dance follows the historic journey of three of these children--Dominic, Rose, and Nancy--and their school in the Patongo refugee camp, the first school from the northern war zone to make it to the finals of Uganda's national music and dance competition. The cinematography is breathtakingly beautiful, as well.

---

Honeydripper

The rhythms of the citizens of Harmony, Alabama are used to immerse the audience into the world of the Jim Crow south. It’s a fable about the birth of rock n’ roll. It’s 1950 and it’s a make or break weekend for Tyrone Purvis (Danny Glover), the proprietor of the Honeydripper Lounge. Deep in debt, Tyrone is desperate to bring back the crowds that used to come to his place. Great music, with outstanding characters and good photography, Honeydripper has been an audience favorite. Charles S. Dutton, supporting actor, enlightens the film with this unique acting abilities and canny characterizations. Great performances by all actors.

---

Step to Hell

Step to Hell is a true to life story of one Black Family’s fighting back against the oppressive South and fleeing North. Their story is all of our stories.

The Academy of Art University Epidemic Film Festival/Best Picture and Best Screen play

Question/Answer with Director following screening

All About Us

Husband and wife filmmakers Christine Swanson (writer-director) and Michael Swanson (producer) follow up their celebrated 2002 Santa Barbara African Heritage Film Series "Film of the Year Award" winner, All About You, with their new romantic drama, All About Us.  When two filmmakers hit a brick wall in Hollywood, they set off to Mississippi to personally ask Morgan Freeman to star in their next film. With stellar performances by Boris Kodjoe, the legendary Rudy Dee and special appearance by Academy Award winner Morgan Freeman; All About Us provides an insightful commentary on the familial rifts that ambition often creates.

All About the Swansons - All About Us Interview

---

Sensational Shorts

Senegal

A brief overview of a trip in December, 2006 by a local filmmaker, which explores the culture of Senegal. Lively, entertaining and insightful

Right Man for the Job

The only thing tougher than becoming a CIA agent is becoming a CIA assassin. Not only is the physical training extremely difficult, but the mind games and psychological exercises can push recruits to the breaking point. All that pushing and prodding is necessary to ensure the right man for the job makes the cut. “The

Right Man for the Job” takes a satirical look at what happens when the pushing and the prodding backfires!

This film has always been an audience favorite and is back again for the third time!

Question/Answer with Director may follow screening

M.P.

Female action hero fights violence against women

“For many women here, rape is normal. Sex is not about choice. And now I can't ignore this reality.”

M.P. explores the issue of violence against women in West Africa through a fictional narrative. M.P. tells the story of Comfort, a rape survivor, who transforms herself into Madam Pink or M.P., a martial arts-wielding vigilante super-hero. M.P. confronts perpetrators of abuse and corruption within the legal system.

Filmed on location in Ghana.

* BEST SHORT, INTERNATIONAL M.P (GHANA/CANADA)

Remember

Victim of early onset of Alzheimers disease becomes a burden and a source of frustration for her loving husband. A heart warming and engaging film