Annual Pan African Film And Arts Festival Draws Thousands To Baldwin Hills Crenshaw

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 6, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- The 22^nd annual Pan African Film and Arts Festival, the premier celebration of international filmmakers, craftsmen and performers of African heritage, is set to commence today at Baldwin Hills Crenshaw. The festival is expected to draw more than 35,000 people from around the world to the mall over the next several weeks.

As the centerpiece of Baldwin Hills Crenshaw's Black History Month programming, the event has a long-established history at the mall: in 1996, the Magic Johnson Theaters first hosted the Pan African Film Festival as part of its annual Celebration of African American Heritage. The festival has grown over the years to its current prominence, featuring screenings of globally acclaimed films, crafts produced by hundreds of fine artists and shows by award-winning comedians and spoken word performers.

This year's Pan African Film Festival (PAFF) runs from Thursday, February 6^th through Monday, February 17^th with a lineup that includes 179 movies from 46 countries. These entries will vie for a number of honors at the Filmmakers' Award Brunch at the close of the festival, including Best Documentary Feature, Best Documentary Short, Best Narrative Short, Best Narrative Feature and Best First Feature Film, as well as audience favorite awards.

The film festival will kick off with an opening night gala for the Los Angeles premiere of the acclaimed South African film noir, "Of Good Report," directed by Jahmil X.T. Qubeka. Other special events include the world premiere of "About Last Night" by Steve Pink on February 11^th and "Blackbird" by Patrick-Ian Polk on closing night, February 16^th. Local film enthusiasts will also enjoy this year's PAFF Special Presentations, which include lectures by Emmy award-winning actor and director Charles Dutton on February 8^th and nationally renowned artist/social commentator Ise Lyfe on February 14^th.

This year's PAFF Institute, featuring a variety of panels and workshops about issues in the African film industry, will take place alongside performances and screenings. Topics for discussion include images of slavery in film, the rebirth of black cinema and even an actor's workshop. In addition, the National Film and Video Foundation of South Africa will host "South Africa Day" on February 15^th, commemorating 20 years of democracy in that country with screenings of two films that address social issues in South Africa, as well as a luncheon and forum discussion.

Across the promenade within the mall, more than 100 established and emerging artists of African heritage will showcase fine art, sculpture, and photography, unique crafts, home furnishings, jewelry, and designer fashions and accessories. This art exhibition is open to the public Thursday, February 6^th through Monday, February 17^th from 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. on weekdays, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. on Saturdays and 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. on Sundays.

A spoken word and poetry performance by some of the world's hottest spoken word artists will take place on February 9^th, featuring award-winning rapper, singer/songwriter and actress Lil' Mama, who most recently served as a judge on the reality television series "America's Best Dance Crew." As part of "PAFF Presents LOL" the next day, February 10^th, some of the city's finest up-and-coming comedians will perform in an improv comedy show.

"Baldwin Hills Crenshaw prides itself on serving as a gathering place and cultural resource for our neighborhood and for the entire city of Los Angeles, something that's best illustrated each year during the annual Pan African Film and Arts Festival," said Sharron King, General Manager of Baldwin Hills Crenshaw. "We're proud to host this well-loved event and to celebrate the heritage and achievements of the African diaspora as part of the worldwide celebration of Black History Month."

A full event schedule as well as single-event tickets and all-festival passes are available for purchase at the Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Rave Theaters box office and online at www.baldwinhillscrenshawplaza.com.

About Baldwin Hills Crenshaw

Baldwin Hills Crenshaw is an 870,000-square-foot retail destination located at the intersection of Crenshaw Boulevard and Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard in Los Angeles, California.  Anchored by Macy's, Sears, Wal-Mart and Rave Theaters, plus more than 100 specialty stores and dining options, BHC has long been recognized as the hub of the surrounding communities. From a signature concert series known as BHCP Live!, the monthly Kid's Club and a weekly Farmers' Market, to the many public services offered at the mall, it is clear that BHC is more than just a place to shop— it is a central gathering place for the local community.  BHC is committed to making this neighborhood an even better place to live, work, shop and just BE! BHC has teamed up with several community-based partners to support a variety of events and continue to support efforts and programming that reflect the history and interests of local residents.

Baldwin Hills Crenshaw is managed and leased by Primestor Development, Inc. Primestor is a full-service commercial real estate firm specializing in the management, revitalization and development of shopping centers in urban locations. 

SOURCE Baldwin Hills Crenshaw