It's been awhile since I made time to go to a film festival screening of any kind. Not since college, and that was *clearing throat* years ago. But I'm really looking forward to a film supported by the Langston Hughes Performing Arts Center: "Middle of Nowhere."
"Middle of Nowhere" follows a woman's quest to keep her marriage and her own identity intact after she drops out of medical school to support her husband. A husband who's been sentenced to eight years in prison.
Yeah, I know: whoa.
But I'm interested because the film is not a lecture -- it's a glimpse into the life of someone who happens to look kinda like me. That focus is unusual for films in general, and indie films in particular. It's distributed by the African American Film Festival Releasing Movement (AFFRM).
The AFFRM collective was founded in part by the Langston Hughes African American Film Festival (LHAAF), a yearly event of the Langston Hughes Performing Arts Center.
Now going into its tenth year, LHAAF hosts nine days of Seattle premieres for films like "Middle of Nowhere" as well as work by local filmmakers. They've begun their call for work for the event, which re-starts in January 2013. (If you're a filmmaker who wants to apply, contact the LHAAF here.)
In the meantime, here are the details for "Middle of Nowhere":
In the words of the philosopher, the film is kind of a big deal: it's getting raves all over the place, including on Oprah's Twitter feed. And -- and! -- director Ava DuVernay won the Best Director award at the Sundance Film Festival this year.
Does this sound like a movie you're going to see? Or have you already seen it (in Los Angeles, New York, Atlanta, Philadelphia or Washington, DC)? Tell me in the comments or on Facebook.
FTC disclosure: I'm partnering with the LHPAC on a series I call "Thursdays with Langston Hughes," generally published on Thursdays. I am being paid an honorarium for my work. However, all opinions and views expressed in this series are my own.
"Middle of Nowhere" follows a woman's quest to keep her marriage and her own identity intact after she drops out of medical school to support her husband. A husband who's been sentenced to eight years in prison.
Yeah, I know: whoa.
But I'm interested because the film is not a lecture -- it's a glimpse into the life of someone who happens to look kinda like me. That focus is unusual for films in general, and indie films in particular. It's distributed by the African American Film Festival Releasing Movement (AFFRM).
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| Photo by Joe Mabel |
In the meantime, here are the details for "Middle of Nowhere":
WHEN: Friday, October 19th to Wednesday, October 24th (matinee, early evening and evening screenings)
WHERE: AMC Southcenter, 3600 Southcenter Mall, Tukwila, WA 98188
WHY: Because you want to see more from the people who brought you "Dreamgirls." Because you want to see a film that's beautiful and thoughtful. Because the kids are in school and you can finally give something your full attention.
MORE INFO: http://www.langstonblackfilmfest.org/ and http://www.seattle.gov/arts/In the words of the philosopher, the film is kind of a big deal: it's getting raves all over the place, including on Oprah's Twitter feed. And -- and! -- director Ava DuVernay won the Best Director award at the Sundance Film Festival this year.
Does this sound like a movie you're going to see? Or have you already seen it (in Los Angeles, New York, Atlanta, Philadelphia or Washington, DC)? Tell me in the comments or on Facebook.
FTC disclosure: I'm partnering with the LHPAC on a series I call "Thursdays with Langston Hughes," generally published on Thursdays. I am being paid an honorarium for my work. However, all opinions and views expressed in this series are my own.