Langston Hughes African American Film Festival Gets Started Today

The 8th annual Langston Hughes African American Film Festival gets under way here in Seattle's Central District. It's one of the only African American film festivals of its kind in the Pacific Northwest and this year, they're scheduled to show roughly 40 high quality independent films. Among this year's crop of feature-length films, shorts, and documentaries from all across the world, Karen Toering who organizes the LHAAFF says they're are 22 Seattle premiers, seven world premiers, and a record number of filmmakers that will be attendance throughout the nine day event which closes on May 8th.

Here's a word from the LHAAFF website about everything:

This festival screens provocative films from independent Black filmmakers and films about the African American experience. The festival features panel discussions, readings, matinee screenings for middle/high school youth and audience ‘talk-backs’ with filmmakers, industry professionals and community leaders.

The opening and closing nights of the festival are set to take place inside of the Quincy Jones Theater at Garfield High School (400 23rd Avenue, Seattle) from the and the rest of the films will be shown at Central Cinema (1411 21st Avenue, Seattle). That's something which is important to note for Cortona customers as the entire film festival is in walking distance of the cafe.

On opening night, the big highlight is the Seattle premier of KINYARAWANDA with guest filmmaker Alrick Brown in attendance. Here is a trailer of the powerful film about the Rawandan genocide:

Other highlights include the popular film I Will Follow returning to Seattle for the second time and local movie 23rd and Union by Seattle filmmaker Rafael Flores being shown as well. Check out the full festival line-up and support it if you can.