by Joy Simone–

The BlackStar Film Festival was an awesome experience. First of all, it’s grown tremendously in three years. The level of attendees and the turnout was impressive. Most of all, however, it was such a nurturing environment for artists (filmmakers, writers, singers, etal.). I am reminded that these events, in their best moments, are a wonderful way to network and find inspiration, delve deeper and remember why you wanted to express yourself… and most importantly what you wanted to say.

Abstract analysis aside, I saw two films, Little White Lie and Stay Cold, Stay Hungry. White lie is a documentary about a woman who grew up believing she was Jewish, and was not made aware of her African American ancestry until she was a college student. It was gritty and raw, healing, and it approached the topic of race in a unique way, one that illuminated all sides of the issue, including an intense realness from the subject’s mother — through the course of the film, she admits to an affair and the reasons for her betrayal. Lacey Schwartz, the film’s writer, director, and main character, provides fodder for a wealth of race related discussions.

There was a packed house for this film, which debuted in San Francisco’s Jewish Film Festival two days later. There’s more in this New York Times review . I see in this film an opportunity to discuss skin color and “black hair issues”, class issues, race and ethnicity vs. skin color, parenting issues, and family secrets. Family secrets is a universal issue that obviously affects all cultures and races. In the African American community, secrets about heritage and upbringing are often harmful because they prevent children from learning their history as well as breaking harmful traditions that no longer serve us.

Festival Highlights

Some of my favorite moments were getting to know Marla Harris (BlackStar Film Festival Operations Manager and Volunteer Coordinator) – But I don’t have any pics with her 😦 – and meeting and discussing Black film with Reelblack.com CEO Michael Dennis (Mike D.). Dennis also heads ReelblackTV. (Reelblack TV is currently in its fifth season on PhillyCAM and Youtube.com.  It features interviews with up-and-coming filmmakers, musicians and living legends. Our goal is to capture and document the New Black Film Revolution.) 

I also met Tanya Wright of Orange is the New Black and True Blood fame. She was there to promote her new book, I Found God in My Hair – 98 spiritual principles I learned from…my hair! I couldn’t resist purchasing. The hair journey is such a profound one for many black women.

The Black Star Film Festival 2014 announced its winners Sunday night at a closing ceremony at the World Cafe Live. A complete list of winners is here.

Definitely looking forward to being involved next year. Who knows, I might enter the competition myself.

Cheers!