Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Mall To Host Pan African Film And Arts Festival As Part Of Black History Month Celebrations

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 4, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- The Pan African Film Festival, the largest and most prestigious international Black film festival in the country, is returning for its 21^st year to Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza. The high-profile cultural event, which also features a 10-day long art festival, is expected to draw more than 35,000 people from across the globe to the heart of the Crenshaw District.

The event has a long history at Baldwin Hills Crenshaw, dating back to 1996 when the Magic Johnson Theaters first welcomed the Pan African Film Festival as part of its Celebration of African American Heritage event. The annual celebration has grown significantly over the past 15 years to include the screening of 160 films from across the world, a fine art show, a SpokenWordFest, comedy and fashion shows.

This year, the film festival will run from Thursday, February 7 through Monday, February 18 at the 15-screen Rave multiplex. Festivities include a red carpet opening night gala with the actors, events for children and seniors, as well as musical performances, poetry and performance art, workshops and panels. In addition, thousands of Los Angeles students and their teachers will attend a free program featuring films focused on important youth issues including teen pregnancy, AIDS prevention, literacy, cultural and racial respect, teen self-esteem and gang prevention.

Across the promenade within the mall, upwards of 100 established and emerging fine artists will showcase fine art, sculpture, and photography, unique crafts, home furnishings, jewelry, and designer fashions and accessories that highlight the artistry and beauty of the African aesthetic. The public is welcome to visit the booths throughout the mall Thursday, February 7^th through Monday, February, 18^th from 10am-9pm on weekdays; 10am-8pm on Saturdays; and 11am-6pm on Sundays.

"Along with our $35 million physical transformation over the past several years, the Baldwin Hills Crenshaw mall has also evolved into a true community and cultural center," said Sharron King, General Manager of Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza. "From our Summer Concert Series to Hispanic Heritage celebrations to the Pan African Film and Arts Festival, we are proud to support events and programming that reflects the history and interests of our local residents. We enthusiastically welcome back the film and art festival and we look forward to an eventful Black History Month at BHC."

For more information on the film and art festivals, and for ticketing details, visit: http://www.baldwinhillscrenshawplaza.com/.

About Baldwin Hills Crenshaw

Baldwin Hills Crenshaw is an 870,000 square foot retail destination located at the intersection of Crenshaw Blvd. and Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. in Los Angeles, California.  Anchored by Macys, Sears and Walmart, with over 100 specialty stores and dining options, Baldwin Hills Crenshaw has long been recognized as the hub of the surrounding communities. From a signature concert series known as BHCP Live!, 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's a central gathering place for the local community.  With Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza so entrenched in local lifestyle, we are committed to making this neighborhood an even better place to live, work, shop and just BE! We have teamed up with some great partners to support a variety of worthwhile events and continue to support efforts and programming that reflect the history and interests of our 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