For Our People Film Fest
Event Information
About this event
For Our People Film Fest, sponsored by Final Draft and SIMA Studios, aims to showcase films by talented Black filmmakers that tell the multifaceted stories of five Black themes: Black Womxn, Black Youth, Black LGBTQIA+, Black Mental Health, and Black Love.
The films will be available online through the SIMA RAMA platform from September 12th-20th. Audiences will be able to vote for their favorite films throughout the week.
During the festival weekend on September 12–13th, each themed block will be used as an opportunity to raise money for corresponding Black non-profits doing work in their respective Black Community: Unique Woman’s Coalition, the first Black and Trans-led non-profit in Los Angeles; Gyrl Wonder, a professional pipeline 501c3 initiative giving rise to ambitious young women of color between the ages of 17–22; Black and Pink, a non-profit dedicated to abolishing the criminal punishment system and liberating LGBTQIA+ people and people living with HIV/AIDS; and Sad Girls Club, an online platform and in real life community created to bring girls together who are battling mental illnesses.
The fourteen films selected involve notable Black talent; The One You Never Forget featuring Tasha Smith (EMPIRE) and Malik Whitfield (THE TEMPTATIONS) produced by Katori Hall, Rinse Cycle featuring Tisha Campbell (MY WIFE AND KIDS). Selected filmmakers have been Film Independent fellows, have screened at Diversity in Cannes and ABFF, and have been featured in The New York Times, Vogue UK, and The Washington Post among other publications.
The film fest’s creator Anngelica-Marie Eshesimua states, “Our goal for this festival is to uplift the talented Black filmmakers who have poured their creative spirit into stories about our community. We want to translate engagement with these stories into action by allowing audiences to engage directly with our non-profits through live panels and events. The festival is free to submit and to enjoy, as to remove any barriers to entry. All donations go directly to the non-profits making impactful change within the communities we cherish.”
Website: forourpeoplefest.com
Live Event Schedule
Black Mental Health - Sad Girls Club
----Instagram Q&A w/ Sad Girl Club Founder Elyse Fox on Sept 12th, 12-12:30 PM EST
Black LGBTQIA Community - Black and Pink
----Instagram Q&A w/ Black and Pink National Director Dominique Morgan on Sept 12th, 2-3 PM EST
Black Youth - Gyrl Wonder
----Instagram Q&A w/ Gyrl Wonder Founder Tola L on Sept 13th, 12-12:30 pm EST
----Instagram Q&A w/ Actress Brianni Walker on Sept13th, 1-1:30 pm EST.
Black Womxn - Unique Woman’s Coalition
----Panel w/ Unique Woman's Coalition's Chela Demuir, Vanessa Wari, and Nina Barkers on Sept 13th, 4-5pm EST
Black Love Community Afterparty
---- Instagram set by Kute n Kozi on Sept 13th 10pm EST
Non Profit Websites:
gyrlwonder.org
theuwc.org
blackandpink.org
sadgirlsclub.org
Social:
Instagram: @downbeatentertainment | Hashtag: #ForOurPeopleFest
Facebook: @youdowndb