2014 Gary International Black Film Festival Schedule Now Online
THE FOURTH ANNUAL GARY INTERNATIONAL BLACK FILM FESTIVAL SET TO LAUNCH
LOCAL, NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL FILMS OCTOBER 17-19 AT INDIANA UNIVERSITY NW
CLICK HERE FOR SCHEDULE AND TICKETS
Gary, IN – Independent films from emerging and established filmmakers will make their Gary debut October 17, 18 and 19, 2014 at Indiana University Northwest Bergland Auditorium, Savannah Hall. The Fourth Annual Gary International Black Film Festival (GIBFF) offers a powerful lineup of drama, documentary and short films, opening with THEY DIE BY DAWN, a star-studded film based on the true life African American Cowboys of the old west.
The festival offers a packed 3-day cinema event featuring acclaimed films that are handcrafted by independent filmmakers from the US and abroad. The festival is excited to announce the World Premiere of MY NAME IS GARY. This documentary is a loving and well balanced tribute to the people of Gary, IN produced and directed by French filmmakers Frederic Cousseau and Blandine Huk. The film features reflections and interviews with current and former Gary residents on the rise, decline and hope for the future of this once-proud steel town. Interviews with former Gary Mayor Richard Gordon Hatcher, and others provide unique history of the city where black people rose to power.
Opening Night will feature a red carpet reception with music, food and beverage prior to the Opening Night film, THEY DIE BY DAWN. Directed by Jeymes Samuel (aka The Bullits), THEY DIE BY DAWN features an all-star cast including Giancarlo Esposito, Michael K Williams, Nate Parker, Jesse Williams, Rosario Dawson, Isaiah Washington, Erykah Badu, Bokeem Woodbine and Harry Lennix, the film sets out to tell the story of a showdown between the real life characters in the Wild Black West.
The festival is proud to announce our Saturday Night Spotlight film, the Midwest Premiere of Christmas Wedding Baby directed by Kiara Jones along with the stunning drama, Stay Cold: Stay Hungry, directed by award winning cinematographer Eric Branco. As part of our annual celebration that shines a light on our hometown, Gary Wirt alumni Antwon Tanner will be on hand to discuss and share his work in the provocative drama, CRU. A youth film showcase with films by young people and for young people will open the Saturday menu of films.
The Urban League of Northwest Indiana Young Professionals celebrate film festival weekend with actor, producer and director, Rockmond Dunbar as special guest to “At the table with Rockmond Dunbar” – a mix and mingle event Saturday, October 18 at the IUN Northwest Moraine Student Center , Savannah Center.
Partnering with Indiana University Northwest, the IUN Office of Diversity, Equity, and Multicultural Affairs, the Urban League of Northwest Indiana, and The Urban League of Northwest Indiana Young Professionals, the festival also offers Community Partnership opportunities for organizations and community groups. Interested groups can contact us to find out how you can use the festival as a fundraiser for your organization.
With no film theaters in the Gary city limits, residents must travel to adjacent cities and towns to see first-run major Hollywood motion pictures, and for independent film lovers, the choices are even slimmer. The Gary International Black Film Festival seeks to bring fresh independent film and filmmakers directly to Gary audiences to help build the city’s “cultural collateral.” The Gary International Black Film Festival is a community led, hometown event that seeks to facilitate genuine dialogue and build community across the aisles and across neighborhoods in Gary.
The festival is run by a small core of community, cultural and civic-minded volunteers who work year round to research, raise funds and produce this annual cultural event. Support for the festival is provided through box office revenues, grant awards, sponsorships and individual donations. Contributions to the festival are received through the project’s fiscal sponsor, Fractured Atlas a designated 501(c)3 charitable organization.