Pan African Film Festival returns to Atlanta this weekend

The historic Plaza Theater will be the site of the 2014 Pan African Film Festival Atlanta, featuring 40+ films and a bevy of African-American film industry talent. Over at Shadow and Act, Tambay A. Obenson has an in-depth writeup of the event.

In its 17th year of presenting films to the Atlanta community, PAFF is kicking off this year’s festival with actor and political activist Danny Glover in the Opening Night Atlanta Premiere of director Deon Taylor’s “Supremacy” on Thursday, August 7th at 7:25pm. Glover, who stars in the racially fueled dramatic thriller, has been generating award season buzz for his performance and will be attending the film’s premiere along with Taylor.

Additional film showings include the PBS documentary special "Freedom Summer," the critically acclaimed "Of Good Report" from South Africa, TV One’s new feature film "Grown Girl Getaway," and, in partnership with 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment, a special Closing Night Special Presentation of the 2014 British drama, "Belle" with director Amma Asante, on Sunday, August 10th at 5:40pm. Award-winning filmmaker and Spelman Professor Ayoka Chenzira will be in conversation with Asante immediately following the "Belle" screening. There will be a pre-screening reception for "Belle" at 2:30pm, featuring Dr. Gerald Horne at the National Center for Civil and Human Rights. The Closing Night is sponsored by Fox Home Entertainment.

Tickets and passes may be purchased online at PAFF.org or at the door.