The 16th Annual Pan African Film Festival Panels February 9th - 16th 2008 in Los Angeles, California

For Media Credentials/ PR Information on the events below, please contact Neeta Wooten at Ideal PR

AMC Magic Johnson Theater 15 is located in the Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza at 4020 Marlton Avenue Los Angeles, California

Event/Media Contact for All events listed below are: Sherri James and Neeta Wooten . For General Media/PR request about the festival, all requests should be directed to PUBLICITY@PAFF.ORG

ALL Media must be pre-approved and credentialed for all panel events and book signings. General Attendees can purchase tickets at the door for entry.

SATURDAY, February 9, 2008
11am – 1:30pm MUSICALLY SPEAKING: How to Hire a Composer for Your Film -
LOCATION: AMC MAGIC JOHNSON CRENSHAW 15 -
PRICE: $20.00

SUMMARY: "After you've created your masterpiece, you now need a composer whose score can elevate your film up a notch. Noted film composer, hit record producer (Michael Jackson) and KPFK's "For the Record" talk show host Samm Brown, III, ("Generations," "Isidingo") moderates a panel of black film composers including: award-winning composer Stephen James Taylor ("Namibia: The Struggle for Liberation," "10,000 Black Men Named George"); Kurt Farquhar ("King of Queens," "Girlfriends"); and Todd Cochran ("Woman Thou Art Loosed," "Hurricane"); to help you understand how to hire and communicate with a composer in order to get the best music for your film.
PANELISTS CONFIRMED: Kurt Farquhar, Steven James Taylor, Todd Cochran
MODERATOR: Samm Brown, III
Event/ Media Contact: Sherri James & Neeta Wooten

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2008
3pm – 5:30pm MUSIC SUPERVISION…INDIE STYLE! -
LOCATION: AMC MAGIC JOHNSON CRENSHAW 15 -
PRICE: $20.00
SUMMARY: "Understanding music supervision is the key to placing music in TV, film, video games and more. This panel discussion is designed to bridge the gap between independent recording artists and independent flmmakers and music supervisors."
PANELISTS: Kandi Cole, Garth Trinidad, Jason Bentley (invited), Vikter Duplaix, Grammy-nominated artist, Monica Bell, Music Exec, Angie Stone, Artist (invited), Craig Bowers, Manager
MODERATOR: Jasmyne Cannick
Event/ Media Contact: Sherri James & Neeta Wooten


SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2008
4pm – 6pm A CONVERSATION WITH CHARLES BURNETT, Sponsored by the DGA -
LOCATION: AMC MAGIC JOHNSON CRENSHAW 15 -
PRICE: $5.00

SUMMARY: "Join us for a discussion with one of our preeminent pioneering filmmakers. Considered one of America's greatest filmmakers, Charles Burnett was first noticed in 1981 with Killer of Sheep, which won a prize at Berlin. Burnett's award-winning work has been recognized by the National Society of Film Critics, the American Film Institute, the Sundance Film Festival and FIND (formerly IFP/West)."
MODERATOR: Eriq La Salle
Event/ Media Contact: Sherri James & Neeta Wooten


MONDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2008
11am – 1:30pm HOW TO JUMPSTART YOUR SCREENWRITING CAREER -
LOCATION: AMC MAGIC JOHNSON CRENSHAW 15 -
PRICE $20.00

SUMMARY: Have you developed a writing regimen? Do you have the formula for the three-act story? Do you know how to unleash your story as you lock into page counts, plot points, mid-points, end-points, turning-points, etc? If you don't know where to begin, "How to Jumpstart Your Screenwriting Career" workshop is the place you should be. Screening is an art, not just a craft, and the "business" is just that, "a business" and we can assist you in navigating your way through it.
PANELISTS: Ayanna Floyd, Sylvia Franklin, Tracy Grant, Eric Haywood, Teri Brown-Jackson, Shauna Robinson Leffall, Lamar R. Sally, Donna Michelle Anderson, Aaron Thomas
MODERATOR: Jennifer Williams, OBS President
Event/ Media Contact: Sherri James & Neeta Wooten


MONDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2008
3pm – 5:30pm AFRICAN AMERICANS & ANIMATION: Is the future still bright? -
LOCATION: AMC MAGIC JOHNSON CRENSHAW 15 -
PRICE $20.00

SUMMARY: What opportunities are there for storytellers who want to create animated African American-themed content? Where is the industry going? And, what opportunities should new content creators be prepared to take advantage of? This panel will explore business models in the animation field that work and identify strategies that new content creators should be considering.
PANELISTS: Bruce Smith,Disney, Jerry Brice, Animator, Joe Horne, Cartoon Network, Lynne Southerland, Imagi Animation, Bruce Johnson, Porchlight Entertainment, (invited), Fonz, Animator (invited), Marlon West, Disney, Brandon Schultz, Imajimation
MODERATOR: Eric Elder, Producer/Academic Director
Event/ Media Contact: Sherri James & Neeta Wooten


WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2008 - THIS IS A NEW DATE & TIME
3pm - 5:30pm THE RISE OF THE BLACK STUDIO -
LOCATION: AMC MAGIC JOHNSON CRENSHAW 15 -
PRICE: $20.00

SUMMARY: "2007 saw the creation of African American companies that have the ability to distribute their films to their audience – a new studio for the new millennium. How do these new players influence the films that make it into the marketplace? Is this the dawn of a new day or business as usual?"
PANELISTS: Jeff Clanagan, Tracey Edmonds, William Packer, Roger Bobb
MODERATOR: Reggie Hudlin
Event/ Media Contact: Sherri James & Neeta Wooten


TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2008
3pm – 5:30pm TAKING ON THE WORLD: Foreign Distribution for Our Films -
LOCATION: AMC MAGIC JOHNSON CRENSHAW 15 -
PRICE: $20.00

SUMMARY: "Hollywood has long held that our films don't play overseas. Join us for a conversation with foreign film experts who will tear down the myth and show you just how to get your film into the overseas market and reap the benefits of foreign distribution."
PANELISTS: Elaine McGee, Karlin-Green Media, Marty Poole, York Entertainment, Lise Romanoff, Vision Films, Valerie Watts-Meraz, Showtime (invited), Joy Riba, South African Broadcasting, Jim Dudleson, Tauras Entertainment (invited), Mark Lester or Adam Singer, AWP (invited)
MODERATOR: Page Ostrow, Ostrow & Company
Event/ Media Contact: Sherri James & Neeta Wooten


THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2008
11am – 1:00pm SHAKING THE MONEY TREE: Get the Money You Need Now -
LOCATION: AMC MAGIC JOHNSON CRENSHAW 15 -
PRICE: $20.00

SUMMARY: "How in the world do you find the money you need for your film? This panel will address the art of finding and retaining investors for your film. Managing these important money relationships is crucial to your success. Come learn from the stories of filmmakers who've successfully navigated the fundraising waters."
PANELISTS: Brian Hooks, Brian Hooks Entertainment, Nia Hill, The Momentum Experience, D'Angela Steed, The Momentum Experience, Hutson Miller, Three Tier Ent (invited), Adel Nur, Three Tier Ent, (invited)
MODERATOR: TBD
Event/ Media Contact: Sherri James & Neeta Wooten


THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2008
1:30pm – 3:30pm ROMANCING THE FINANCING -
LOCATION: AMC MAGIC JOHNSON CRENSHAW 15 -
PRICE: $20.00

SUMMARY: "The owners of a dynamic new company, FilmBankers International, will walk audience members through their disciplined approach to independent film finance transactions for investors, filmmakers, and financial institutions."
PANELISTS: Brenda Doby-Flewellyn, Harold Lewis
Event/ Media Contact: Sherri James & Neeta Wooten


THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2008 4pm - 6pm
THE NEW CIVIL RIGHTS FRONTIER: DISTRIBUTING ON THE INTERNET -
LOCATION: AMC MAGIC JOHNSON CRENSHAW 15
PRICE: $20.00

SUMMARY: We now live in a multi-platform world. Opportunities abound to create program content and reach your audience. Leslie Fields-Cruz of the National Black Programming Consortium (NBPC) will discuss the launch of NBPC's new media project, blackpublicmedia.org, a distribution portal for documentaries, shorts and current affairs programs that focus on the African American and African Diaspora Experience. Join Ms. Fields-Cruz and others us for a discussion on how to get your socially conscious film in front of your audience.
MODERATOR: Leslie Fields-Cruz, NBPC
PANELISTS: Leslie Rule, KQED, Krystal Freeman - New Orleans, Labor of Love.
Event/ Media Contact: Sherri James & Neeta Wooten


FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2008
11:30am – 1:30pm NEIGHBORHOODS@WORK -
LOCATION: AMC MAGIC JOHNSON CRENSHAW 15
PRICE: FREE

SUMMARY: "Representatives from the Los Angeles Urban League discuss their new initiative "Neighborhoods@Work," and how their efforts are improving the lives of youth and families in our communities."
PANELISTS: Blair H. Taylor, Carlene Davis, D'Ann Morris, Charles Boyd, Kuliema Blueford, Renee Smith-Maddox
MODERATOR: Anthony Maddox
Event/ Media Contact: Sherri James & Neeta Wooten


FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2008
3:00pm – 5:30pm FESTIVAL STRATEGIES: Getting Into and Getting the Most Out of Film Festivals - LOCATION: AMC MAGIC JOHNSON CRENSHAW 15 -
PRICE: $10.00

SUMMARY: "Have you ever wondered why your film wasn't selected for an important film festival? Does it seem as though the same people get into the same festivals again and again? What's their secret? Join festival directors for an informative discussion on how to prepare the most attractive package for your film when submitting to festivals. Find out what a festival can do for you and what to expect and not expect from a film festival. Representatives from some of North America's best-known Black film festivals will share the do's and don'ts of the submission process and how to position your film for best exposure. Reasons for placing your film in a Black film festival will also be discussed."
PANELISTS: Asantewa Olatunji (Pan African Film Festival), Tanya Kersey (Hollywood Black Film Festival), Reinaldo Spech (African Diaspora Film Festival), Reggie Scott (American Black Film Festival), Charles Belk (Silver Lake Film Festival), Mia Farrell, (VP International Publicity, Paramount Pictures)
MODERATOR: Sharifa Johka (African Voices)
Event/ Media Contact: Sherri James & Neeta Wooten


FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2008
7:30pm – 9:00pm ESSENCE OF THE MARTIAL ARTS -
LOCATION: BALDWIN HILLS CRENSHAW PLAZA COMMUNITY ROOM -
PRICE: FREE

SUMMARY: "This workshop explores the influence of African martial arts, stunts and fight choreography in the movies today and in the future."
PANELISTS: Dr. Ahmses Maat, Master Amen Sebek and noted author Nijel Binns ("Nuba Wrestling: The Original Martial Arts")
MODERATOR: Tony Washington (Bonita Entertainment Films)
Event/ Media Contact: Sherri James & Neeta Wooten


SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2008
11am – 1:30pm THE INTERSECTION BETWEEN NEW AND OLD MEDIA: How to Tell and Monetize Your Story - LOCATION: AMC MAGIC JOHNSON CRENSHAW 15 -
PRICE: $20.00

SUMMARY: Learn from industry experts who will share their knowledge of how to use technology to tell your story and most importantly make a return on investment. As a result of a rapidly changing media marketplace, there are innovative ways to producer, distribute and market your content. Mozaic Media + Communications and UrbanMediaHub.com have partnered to present this panel discussion that will explore novel production and post production resources and provide paths for navigating on-line distribution. Attendees will be informed and empowered after viewing demos of the latest equipment and hearing strategies of how to market their project and reach their target audience.
PANELISTS: Tangier Clark (Editor), Geetanjali Dhillon, Esq. (Executive Producer "Jaman.com"), Jadolphus Fraser (writer/director), Felicia Morris (The Poetess, Poetess Media), Bashir Salahuddin (writer/director/actor), Kristian Valles (CEO, Visionary Media Group), Marceil Wright, Producer, One Nation Filmworks
MODERATOR: Ramona Wright, Principal, Mozaic Media + Communications
Event/ Media Contact: Sherri James & Neeta Wooten


SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2008 -
LOCATION: BHCP COMMUNITY ROOM -
PRICE: FREE

11am - 1:30pm REAL ESTATE PANEL
PANELISTS: Linda Bronson-Abbot
Event/ Media Contact: Sherri James & Neeta Wooten

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2008
1:30pm - 2:45pm BOOK SIGNING
LOCATION: COMMUNITY ROOM - PRICE: FREE
Please join panelists for a book signing in the Community Room of the Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza with Paris the Book "Soul on the Seine" about Blacks in Paris."
PANELISTS: Neema Barnett, Malinda Williams ("Soul Food," "The Wood," "Idlewild")
MODERATOR: Jacquie Taliaferro
Event/ Media Contact: Sherri James & Neeta Wooten


SATURDAY FEBRUARY 16, 2008
3pm – 5:30pm WOMEN IN MEDIA -
LOCATION: AMC MAGIC JOHNSON CRENSHAW 15
PRICE: $20.00

SUMMARY: "In 2008, women are finally taking their rightful place in the entertainment industry as showrunners ("Grey's Anatomy"), producers ("America's Next Top Model"), CEOs (Our Stories Films) and more. Join a panel of distinguished women who have made their mark on Hollywood and continue to set trends for a future generation of women actresses, storytellers, and tastemakers. This panel includes a reception for the Sojourner Truth Award. At 1:30pm, please join panelists for a book signing in the Community Room of the Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza with Paris the Book "Soul on the Seine" about Blacks in Paris."
PANELISTS: Neema Barnett, Malinda Williams ("Soul Food," "The Wood," "Idlewild")
MODERATOR: Jacquie Taliaferro
Event/ Media Contact: Sherri James & Neeta Wooten