San Diego Black Film Festival Celebrates 10th Anniversary

Ten years prior to a decade of dedication in promoting African American and African Diaspora cinema, the San Diego Black Film Festival premiered with humble beginnings. While many doubted its staying power in 2002, the annual event has grown into one of the largest Black Film Festivals in the nation.

The festival's 10th anniversary marks an important landmark in our community and one that continues to expand year by year. This time around, the San Diego Black Film Festival will take place from Jan. 26-29th at the Reading Cinemas Gaslamp 15, located on 5th and G Street.

Showcasing a range of films spanning genres of comedy, drama, documentary, animation, GLBT, horror, shorts, feature films and music videos, the festival will continue to draw upwards of 15,000 people into the Gaslamp Quarter. And beyond the films showing through the four days, the event welcomes the community with opening and closing day parties, a gala, awards show, and meet-and-greets with the filmmakers.

The opening day begins on Thursday, Jan. 26th with a reception at 6:30pm and films premiering at 8pm. On Friday, Jan. 27th, the day will start with a Club Noir mixer at 1pm, followed by the red carpet entrance at 6pm. At 10pm, guests can get funky at the annual 1970s-inspired Shaft Superfly Party. Film showings on Friday will play at 3pm, 8pm, and 10pm. On Saturday, Jan. 28th, the creative minds will be honored at the Filmmakers Breakfast at 8am, the 2012 Panel Discussions from noon to 4pm, the Awards Dinner and Gala at 7pm, and Anniversary Party at 9pm. Films will play throughout the day from 11am until the Gala. The festival will wrap up on Sunday Jan. 29th with a closing brunch at 9am and films playing at 11am.

The San Diego Black Film Festival features the best in independent black films, many of which go on to make moves in Hollywood. The festival will premiere a large percentage of the films that lead to success throughout the year at other film festivals, nationally and internationally.

The official film selection for 2012 will be announced on the San Diego Black Film Festival website on Jan. 2nd. Tickets: Individual screening tickets are $10 each, available once the official selection is announced on Jan. 2nd. The opening reception & film package is $25; a screening pass granting access to all films during the festival is $50; the festival pass granting access to all films, panel discussions and opening reception is $100. The party pass that gives access to all parties including the Shaft Superfly Party, Anniversary Party, and Opening Reception is $40. All tickets and packages can be purchased at sdbff.com.

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