Elements of Madness- 6 Must-See Films at the 2018 DC Black Film Festival

The DC Black Film Festival returns on Thursday, August 16, 2018, with a kick-off event at the Capitol Hill Hotel before the film screenings begin at The Miracle Theatre. Over the course of its three-day run, the DC BFF will host viewings of features and documentaries short and long,  workshops, and discussions intended to provoke thoughtful discussion.

Of the myriad of choices available, there are six films to keep an eye out for during the festival, provided in non-chronological order. Click here for full article

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Kevin Sampson

The fact that Kevin Sampson is not just a film critic, but a writer, producer, and director as well makes his understanding of cinema even better. Coming from a theoretical and hands on approach, he understands both sides of the struggle of viewing and creating great works. After receiving an MFA in Film & Electronic Media from American University in Washington, D.C in 2011, Kevin took his love for film to the next level by creating and producing Picture Lock, an entertainment website, podcast, and hour long film review TV show that runs on Arlington Independent Media’s public access station in Arlington, VA. The show covers new releases, classic films, and interviews with local filmmakers in the DMV area. He is also a member of the Washington DC Area Film Critics Association and African American Film Critics Association. He is currently looking forward to filming his first feature film in the near future. He believes that film is one of the most powerful art forms in the world, and he hopes that he can use the craft to inspire others and make a difference in it.

2018 DC Black Film Festival: Full Lineup Announced!

DCBFF 2018 Poster small.jpg

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 

DCBFF Announces Full Lineup for THE 2ND ANNUAL DC BLACK FILM FESTIVAL

August 16 – August 18, 2018

TICKETS ON SALE NOW:

Tickets are available now for the 2018 DC Black Film Festival. Get your tickets here!

ABOUT THE FESTIVAL:

The DC Black Film Festival (DCBFF) is dedicated to exhibiting quality film, web series and television content by and about people of African descent. We support emerging artists striving to add diversity to the images, tastemakers and storytellers working in the entertainment industry. The DCBFF is committed to playing an integral role in discovering, celebrating and helping films and filmmakers by bringing them to the attention of the industry, media and public.

Check out this year's full festival lineup featuring 45 independent productions!

This event will be hosted at the Miracle Theater and The Fridge in southeast Washington, DC!

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS:

Girl Power: Daughter & Me

Our Girl Power showcase will exhibit films about amazing girls competing in chess and women of color in untraditional jobs. Moms, dads or guardians can buy one ticket for themselves and get their daughter in free.

FREE filmmaker’s workshop: Intellectual Property and Protecting Your Film

This workshop is done in collaboration with Creative Control.  **NOTE: This is a free, ticketed event. Due to space limitations you must have a ticket to attend the workshop. Reserve your seat today!**

Making Black Lives Matter Through Film

Join us for our Friday night film showcase, featuring the hit “United Skates”, as we tackle how to make black lives matter through film. Panelists will be announced soon.

Fireside Chat with Sanford Greene

Sanford Greene has worked professionally in the comic illustration and related industries for over 15 years. Working for mainline publishers such as, Marvel, DC, Dark Horse and Image Comics. You can see his most recent work on the hit Marvel series “ Powerman and Iron Fist “ as well as covers for “ Black Panther ” and “ Inhumans “. Join us for an intimate conversation with Sanford about his career and work in comics.

The Rise of the Black Super Hero

Join us for our closing night film showcase, featuring sci-fi, animated and superhero films. We'll have a conversation with Sanford Greene (who has drawn for Marvel's Powerman & Iron Fist, Black Panther, Runaways and DC's Wonder Girl, Teen Titans Go, Justice League and more) about the rise of the black superhero in film and television.

Keep up with us at www.dcbff.org and on social media:

-Twitter/Instagram/Snapchat: @dcblackfilmfest

-Facebook: DC Black Film Festival

Please send all press inquiries to info@dcbff.org or visit http://dcbff.org/press-credentials/

Kevin Sampson

The fact that Kevin Sampson is not just a film critic, but a writer, producer, and director as well makes his understanding of cinema even better. Coming from a theoretical and hands on approach, he understands both sides of the struggle of viewing and creating great works. After receiving an MFA in Film & Electronic Media from American University in Washington, D.C in 2011, Kevin took his love for film to the next level by creating and producing Picture Lock, an entertainment website, podcast, and hour long film review TV show that runs on Arlington Independent Media’s public access station in Arlington, VA. The show covers new releases, classic films, and interviews with local filmmakers in the DMV area. He is also a member of the Washington DC Area Film Critics Association and African American Film Critics Association. He is currently looking forward to filming his first feature film in the near future. He believes that film is one of the most powerful art forms in the world, and he hopes that he can use the craft to inspire others and make a difference in it.

The Washington Post - Festivals celebrating black films provide cinematic safe space when it's sorely needed

Check out a perspective piece by The Washington Post's chief film critic, Ann Hornaday, discussing the cinematic safe space created by black film festivals, which highlights The DC Black Film Festival and its founder Kevin Sampson. The article is available here.

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Kevin Sampson

The fact that Kevin Sampson is not just a film critic, but a writer, producer, and director as well makes his understanding of cinema even better. Coming from a theoretical and hands on approach, he understands both sides of the struggle of viewing and creating great works. After receiving an MFA in Film & Electronic Media from American University in Washington, D.C in 2011, Kevin took his love for film to the next level by creating and producing Picture Lock, an entertainment website, podcast, and hour long film review TV show that runs on Arlington Independent Media’s public access station in Arlington, VA. The show covers new releases, classic films, and interviews with local filmmakers in the DMV area. He is also a member of the Washington DC Area Film Critics Association and African American Film Critics Association. He is currently looking forward to filming his first feature film in the near future. He believes that film is one of the most powerful art forms in the world, and he hopes that he can use the craft to inspire others and make a difference in it.

Washingtonian - Things to Do in DC This Weekend (August 17-20): A Chili Cookoff, Chuck Brown Day, and the DC Black Film Festival

The DC Black Film Festival makes the Washingtonian's list of "things to do in DC".  The Washingtonian reports:

FILM The first annual DC Black Film Festival takes place this weekend at the Miracle Theatre in Eastern Market. The festival features blocks of films that analyze the black experience, showcase the filmmakers, and highlight DC through films about or by directors from the city. Post-screening discussions include topics like “What Is Black? Analyzing The Black Experience Through Film” and Saturday’s “Making Black Lives Matter Through Film.” Tickets $15-$75. Through Saturday.

View the full article here.

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Kevin Sampson

The fact that Kevin Sampson is not just a film critic, but a writer, producer, and director as well makes his understanding of cinema even better. Coming from a theoretical and hands on approach, he understands both sides of the struggle of viewing and creating great works. After receiving an MFA in Film & Electronic Media from American University in Washington, D.C in 2011, Kevin took his love for film to the next level by creating and producing Picture Lock, an entertainment website, podcast, and hour long film review TV show that runs on Arlington Independent Media’s public access station in Arlington, VA. The show covers new releases, classic films, and interviews with local filmmakers in the DMV area. He is also a member of the Washington DC Area Film Critics Association and African American Film Critics Association. He is currently looking forward to filming his first feature film in the near future. He believes that film is one of the most powerful art forms in the world, and he hopes that he can use the craft to inspire others and make a difference in it.

The Washington Post - Hide from the heat with 'Wet Hot American Summer,' 'Predator' and the DC Black Film Festival

The DC Black Film Festival makes The Washington Post's list of weekend events to "hide from the heat".  The Washington Post reports:

DC Black Film Festival
The DC Black Film Festival, celebrating emerging and established black filmmakers from around the country, arrives at the Miracle Theatre this weekend. In addition to panel discussions and workshops, the films are presented in three blocks with the following themes: “The Future,” “The Struggle & The Triumph” and, of particular interest to locals, “The District & The Law,” focusing on films about or filmmakers from D.C., followed by films about law enforcement and justice.
Miracle Theatre, 535 Eighth St. SE; Thu.-Sat., various times, $15-$20 per event or film block (VIP passes: $75).

View the full article here.

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Kevin Sampson

The fact that Kevin Sampson is not just a film critic, but a writer, producer, and director as well makes his understanding of cinema even better. Coming from a theoretical and hands on approach, he understands both sides of the struggle of viewing and creating great works. After receiving an MFA in Film & Electronic Media from American University in Washington, D.C in 2011, Kevin took his love for film to the next level by creating and producing Picture Lock, an entertainment website, podcast, and hour long film review TV show that runs on Arlington Independent Media’s public access station in Arlington, VA. The show covers new releases, classic films, and interviews with local filmmakers in the DMV area. He is also a member of the Washington DC Area Film Critics Association and African American Film Critics Association. He is currently looking forward to filming his first feature film in the near future. He believes that film is one of the most powerful art forms in the world, and he hopes that he can use the craft to inspire others and make a difference in it.

WTOP - DC Black Film Festival launches at Miracle Theatre on Barracks Row

WTOP's Jason Fraley previews the inaugual DC Black Film Festival. Check out the full write-up and video here.

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Kevin Sampson

The fact that Kevin Sampson is not just a film critic, but a writer, producer, and director as well makes his understanding of cinema even better. Coming from a theoretical and hands on approach, he understands both sides of the struggle of viewing and creating great works. After receiving an MFA in Film & Electronic Media from American University in Washington, D.C in 2011, Kevin took his love for film to the next level by creating and producing Picture Lock, an entertainment website, podcast, and hour long film review TV show that runs on Arlington Independent Media’s public access station in Arlington, VA. The show covers new releases, classic films, and interviews with local filmmakers in the DMV area. He is also a member of the Washington DC Area Film Critics Association and African American Film Critics Association. He is currently looking forward to filming his first feature film in the near future. He believes that film is one of the most powerful art forms in the world, and he hopes that he can use the craft to inspire others and make a difference in it.

DCist - New D.C. Film Festival Aims To Show The Breadth of Black Filmmaking

http://dcist.com/2017/08/the_first_annual_dc_black_film_fest.php

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Kevin Sampson

The fact that Kevin Sampson is not just a film critic, but a writer, producer, and director as well makes his understanding of cinema even better. Coming from a theoretical and hands on approach, he understands both sides of the struggle of viewing and creating great works. After receiving an MFA in Film & Electronic Media from American University in Washington, D.C in 2011, Kevin took his love for film to the next level by creating and producing Picture Lock, an entertainment website, podcast, and hour long film review TV show that runs on Arlington Independent Media’s public access station in Arlington, VA. The show covers new releases, classic films, and interviews with local filmmakers in the DMV area. He is also a member of the Washington DC Area Film Critics Association and African American Film Critics Association. He is currently looking forward to filming his first feature film in the near future. He believes that film is one of the most powerful art forms in the world, and he hopes that he can use the craft to inspire others and make a difference in it.

Full Length, Unedited Interview of DCBFF Founder Kevin Sampson by WTOP's Jason Fraley

https://www.facebook.com/mrkevinsampson/videos/10105609285009797/

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Kevin Sampson

The fact that Kevin Sampson is not just a film critic, but a writer, producer, and director as well makes his understanding of cinema even better. Coming from a theoretical and hands on approach, he understands both sides of the struggle of viewing and creating great works. After receiving an MFA in Film & Electronic Media from American University in Washington, D.C in 2011, Kevin took his love for film to the next level by creating and producing Picture Lock, an entertainment website, podcast, and hour long film review TV show that runs on Arlington Independent Media’s public access station in Arlington, VA. The show covers new releases, classic films, and interviews with local filmmakers in the DMV area. He is also a member of the Washington DC Area Film Critics Association and African American Film Critics Association. He is currently looking forward to filming his first feature film in the near future. He believes that film is one of the most powerful art forms in the world, and he hopes that he can use the craft to inspire others and make a difference in it.

WUSA9 - Local filmmakers gearing up for DC Black Film Festival

http://www.wusa9.com/news/local/dc/local-filmmakers-gearing-up-for-dc-black-film-festival/464060117

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Kevin Sampson

The fact that Kevin Sampson is not just a film critic, but a writer, producer, and director as well makes his understanding of cinema even better. Coming from a theoretical and hands on approach, he understands both sides of the struggle of viewing and creating great works. After receiving an MFA in Film & Electronic Media from American University in Washington, D.C in 2011, Kevin took his love for film to the next level by creating and producing Picture Lock, an entertainment website, podcast, and hour long film review TV show that runs on Arlington Independent Media’s public access station in Arlington, VA. The show covers new releases, classic films, and interviews with local filmmakers in the DMV area. He is also a member of the Washington DC Area Film Critics Association and African American Film Critics Association. He is currently looking forward to filming his first feature film in the near future. He believes that film is one of the most powerful art forms in the world, and he hopes that he can use the craft to inspire others and make a difference in it.

WUSA9 - DC Black Film Festival Starts This Week

https://www.facebook.com/MikeaTurnerTV/videos/1460246710727358/

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Kevin Sampson

The fact that Kevin Sampson is not just a film critic, but a writer, producer, and director as well makes his understanding of cinema even better. Coming from a theoretical and hands on approach, he understands both sides of the struggle of viewing and creating great works. After receiving an MFA in Film & Electronic Media from American University in Washington, D.C in 2011, Kevin took his love for film to the next level by creating and producing Picture Lock, an entertainment website, podcast, and hour long film review TV show that runs on Arlington Independent Media’s public access station in Arlington, VA. The show covers new releases, classic films, and interviews with local filmmakers in the DMV area. He is also a member of the Washington DC Area Film Critics Association and African American Film Critics Association. He is currently looking forward to filming his first feature film in the near future. He believes that film is one of the most powerful art forms in the world, and he hopes that he can use the craft to inspire others and make a difference in it.

WERA 96.7FM - Picture Lock Episode 49 DC Black Film Festival Part 1

https://www.mixcloud.com/PictureLock/picture-lock-radio-ep-49-dc-black-film-festival-pt-1/

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Kevin Sampson

The fact that Kevin Sampson is not just a film critic, but a writer, producer, and director as well makes his understanding of cinema even better. Coming from a theoretical and hands on approach, he understands both sides of the struggle of viewing and creating great works. After receiving an MFA in Film & Electronic Media from American University in Washington, D.C in 2011, Kevin took his love for film to the next level by creating and producing Picture Lock, an entertainment website, podcast, and hour long film review TV show that runs on Arlington Independent Media’s public access station in Arlington, VA. The show covers new releases, classic films, and interviews with local filmmakers in the DMV area. He is also a member of the Washington DC Area Film Critics Association and African American Film Critics Association. He is currently looking forward to filming his first feature film in the near future. He believes that film is one of the most powerful art forms in the world, and he hopes that he can use the craft to inspire others and make a difference in it.

WERA 96.7FM - Karin's Calendar DC Black Film Fest Interview with Kevin Sampson

https://www.mixcloud.com/CareInn7oh3/dc-black-film-fest-interview-with-kevin-sampson/

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Kevin Sampson

The fact that Kevin Sampson is not just a film critic, but a writer, producer, and director as well makes his understanding of cinema even better. Coming from a theoretical and hands on approach, he understands both sides of the struggle of viewing and creating great works. After receiving an MFA in Film & Electronic Media from American University in Washington, D.C in 2011, Kevin took his love for film to the next level by creating and producing Picture Lock, an entertainment website, podcast, and hour long film review TV show that runs on Arlington Independent Media’s public access station in Arlington, VA. The show covers new releases, classic films, and interviews with local filmmakers in the DMV area. He is also a member of the Washington DC Area Film Critics Association and African American Film Critics Association. He is currently looking forward to filming his first feature film in the near future. He believes that film is one of the most powerful art forms in the world, and he hopes that he can use the craft to inspire others and make a difference in it.

DCBFF Announces Special Guests for the 2017 DC Black Film Festival

DCBFF Announces Special Guests for the 2017 DC Black Film Festival

Washington, DC - (August 3, 2017) - Today the DC Black Film Festival announced the special guests for its 2017 film festival, which will be hosted at the Miracle Theatre and The Fridge in Southeast Washington, DC. 

The 3-day festival kicks of with an opening night film showcase entitled "What Is Black?" that will feature films that analyze the black experience.  The line-up will be followed by a panel discussion of the same topic hosted by producer and Districtly Speaking founder, Jonelle Henry. Henry will be joined by Filmmaker Nadia Sasso (Am I the Film), The Black Reel Awards Founder Tim Gordon, and Filmmaker / Professor Lucy Gebre-Egziabher.

Filmmakers will have the opportunity to participate in a free workshop entitled "What Now? Ensuring Your Production Comes To Fruition In Post!" that will be led by Executive Director of The Black Film & TV Collective, Huriyyah Muhammad, and Publicist/Founder of Golden Life Ventures, Leslie Green.  The workshop will focus on helping filmmakers learn how to plan past production to ensure their films will see the light of day

The festival concludes with a closing night film showcase entitled "Making Black Lives Matter Through Film," which will feature films that address topics such as police brutality and mental health.  A panel discussion will follow and will be moderated by DCBFF's founder, film critic Kevin Sampson. Panelists will include Hans Charles (Cinematographer of 13TH), Filmmaker Pearl Gluck (Junior - Short Film), Actress Elle Jae Stewart (Junior - Short Film), and "The Warrior Lawyer" J. Wyndal Gordon, Esq.

"As a first year festival we are extremely grateful to have such an amazing group of special guests join us for this year's festival," said DCBFF's Founder and Director Kevin Sampson. "Each person is a conversation starter in their own right, so I'm sure the panel discussions will be a lively and educational experience for all of our festival attendees and participants."

To learn more about The DC Black Film Festival, visit www.dcbff.org.  Additional informaiton about the DCBFF's 2017 special guests is available at www.dcbff.org/special-guests.  Keep up with the festival on Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat @dcblackfilmfest and Facebook www.facebook.com/dcblackfilmfestival. For Press Registration please visit http://dcbff.org/press-credentials/

About The DC Black Film Festival
The DC Black Film Festival (DCBFF) is dedicated to exhibiting quality film, web series and television content by and about people of African descent. We support emerging artists striving to add diversity to the images, tastemakers and storytellers working in the entertainment industry. The DCBFF is committed to playing an integral role in discovering, celebrating and helping films and filmmakers by bringing them to the attention of the industry, media and public.

Press Contact:
Kevin Sampson / kevin@dcbff.org

Other inquiries:
info@dcbff.org

Kevin Sampson

The fact that Kevin Sampson is not just a film critic, but a writer, producer, and director as well makes his understanding of cinema even better. Coming from a theoretical and hands on approach, he understands both sides of the struggle of viewing and creating great works. After receiving an MFA in Film & Electronic Media from American University in Washington, D.C in 2011, Kevin took his love for film to the next level by creating and producing Picture Lock, an entertainment website, podcast, and hour long film review TV show that runs on Arlington Independent Media’s public access station in Arlington, VA. The show covers new releases, classic films, and interviews with local filmmakers in the DMV area. He is also a member of the Washington DC Area Film Critics Association and African American Film Critics Association. He is currently looking forward to filming his first feature film in the near future. He believes that film is one of the most powerful art forms in the world, and he hopes that he can use the craft to inspire others and make a difference in it.

DCBFF Announces Full Lineup for The 1st ANNUAL DC BLACK FILM FESTIVAL August 17-19, 2017

DCBFF Announces Full Lineup for The 1st ANNUAL DC BLACK FILM FESTIVAL, August 17-19, 2017

Washington, DC - (July 20, 2017) - Tickets are available now for the 2017 DC Black Film Festival. The theme for this year's festival is "Transcend Film". The event will be hosted at the Miracle Theatre and The Fridge in Southeast Washington, DC. Check out this year's full festival lineup featuring 52 independent productions at http://dcbff.org/2017-films. Tickets can be purchased at http://dcbff.org/schedule.

The 2017 festival will kick-off with a "What is Black?" opening night film line-up that features films that analyze the black experience and will be followed by a panel discussion of the same topic hosted by local producer and Districtly Speaking founder, Jonelle Henry. The festival weekend will continue with three themed film blocks, including a Saturday afternoon film block that will showcase an eclectic mix of film about, or by filmmakers from, Washington, D.C.  The festival concludes with a closing night film showcase entitled "Making Black Lives Matter Through Film," which will feature films that address topics such as police brutality and mental health.  A panel discussion will follow and will be hosted by DCBFF's founder, film critic Kevin Sampson.

DCBFF will also host a free filmmaker’s workshop entitled "What Now? Ensuring Your Production Comes To Fruition In Post!" that will be led by Executive Director of The Black Film & TV Collective, Huriyyah Muhammad, and Publicist/Founder of Golden Life Ventures, Leslie Green.  The workshop will focus on helping filmmakers learn how to plan past production to ensure their films will see the light of day.

"We are excited to bring this festival to the Washington, D.C. area to not only showcase the work of a host of talented filmmakers, but also to allow film to be the medium through which we discuss a number of issues that are of particular importance to the black community," said DCBFF's founder and Director Kevin Sampson.

To learn more about The DC Black Film Festival, visit www.dcbff.org. Keep up with the festival on Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat @dcblackfilmfest and Facebook www.facebook.com/dcblackfilmfestival. For Press Registration please visit http://dcbff.org/press-credentials/

About The DC Black Film Festival
The DC Black Film Festival (DCBFF) is dedicated to exhibiting quality film, web series and television content by and about people of African descent. We support emerging artists striving to add diversity to the images, tastemakers and storytellers working in the entertainment industry. The DCBFF is committed to playing an integral role in discovering, celebrating and helping films and filmmakers by bringing them to the attention of the industry, media and public.

Press Contact:
Kevin Sampson / kevin@dcbff.org

Other inquiries:
info@dcbff.org

Kevin Sampson

The fact that Kevin Sampson is not just a film critic, but a writer, producer, and director as well makes his understanding of cinema even better. Coming from a theoretical and hands on approach, he understands both sides of the struggle of viewing and creating great works. After receiving an MFA in Film & Electronic Media from American University in Washington, D.C in 2011, Kevin took his love for film to the next level by creating and producing Picture Lock, an entertainment website, podcast, and hour long film review TV show that runs on Arlington Independent Media’s public access station in Arlington, VA. The show covers new releases, classic films, and interviews with local filmmakers in the DMV area. He is also a member of the Washington DC Area Film Critics Association and African American Film Critics Association. He is currently looking forward to filming his first feature film in the near future. He believes that film is one of the most powerful art forms in the world, and he hopes that he can use the craft to inspire others and make a difference in it.