My American Black Film Festival Experience: Opening Night

From the sandy shores and balmy breezes of Acapulco and Miami, the American Black Film Festival is currently basking in the bright sunshine of Los Angeles this week. For a decade the 4 day film festival has brought together the family of black filmmaking to one location. So "cousins" travel from near and far not only to see great indy movies but also to learn from those that created them.

So what's my role in the this great event? I'm working with several of the sponsors making sure their festival experience goes well. In other words, I'm busy as all get out! Running, smiling, explaining, more smiling, more running, and more explaining. But instead of just writing about my festival experiences and events, I'm going to show you through pictures and sound.

Here's red carpet arrivals of the opening night film This Christmas, Sony's upcoming family drama. The screening took place at the Writer's Guild theater in Beverly Hills, Thursday Oct.25th.

Kodak is a festival sponsor, so I used their new HD Digital Camera, not a professional video camera to get this footage. Looks pretty good doesn't? Traffic on red carpet was obviously a little hectic, but I loved the energy and the anticipation surrounding the event.

And here are some pics:

Kimberly Elise

Lamman Rucker

First Lady LisaRaye and husband, Michael Misick, Chief Minister of Turks & Caicos islands

Columbus Short being interviewed by BET J hostess

And here he is again! Is he always that cute?

Sharon Leal

Unfortunately, I didn't get to see the film. Duty required I arrive early at the after party. Here are a few pics of celebrity arrivals at the event held at the new Hollywood hot spot, Boulevard 3.

Duane Martin

Toccara and Big Lez