Langston Hughes African American Film Festival Returns to Seattle, 4/14-22

After two-years of using temporary venues and piecing together multiple locations for the festival's film screenings, the Langston Hughes African American Film Festival (LHAAFF) comes home to its Performing Arts Center.

 

The now 97-year-old building closed in January of 2010 for 27 months of seismic and electrical upgrades funded by the 2000 Parks and Green Spaces Levy. And for this, the Ninth Annual Langston Hughes African American Film Festival, all screenings, panel discussions and events will be held together, under one roof. This is the very first opportunity the community will have to experience the building renovations – which are numerous and significant.

 

The updated 320 seat auditorium is now furnished with newly upholstered seats, 13 renovated bathrooms and a restored Grand Hall lobby area. There is new lighting, HVAC and plumbing throughout the building and the addition of an artist's residence has been built inside the facility to support the LHPAC arts residency program. Digital and electrical upgrades inside the auditorium's control booth allow for state of the art theatrical presentations, and the digital infrastructure now exists to allow for a music recording studio in the near future.

 

This nine day festival from April 14 – April 22, 2012 features a lineup of dozens of films that include Seattle premieres, local directors, a LGBT focus, Weekday Happy Hour Films, Ladies Night, Teen Fest, talkbacks and panel discussions. A list of films, visiting filmmakers and panels will be posted on the websitewww.langstonblackfilmfest.org in the coming weeks. There will be new and seasoned filmmakers in attendance, some with recent awards and accolades in tow.

 

Each year this festivAl Sparks memorable and provocative discussions from across the aisle and across neighborhoods.

 

This annual African American Film Festival is expected to draw more than 2,500 people passionate about creating and appreciating films by and about Black people in the world. The festival spotlights dozens of feature-length and short films by independent filmmakers, and the rare opportunity to chat face-to-face with filmmakers, industry professionals and Seattle leadership. Tickets are $5 for youth younger than 16 and seniors, and $8 for adults. The All-Access Langston Pass is $50. All film details, including show times, locations and ticketing information are available at www.langstonblackfilmfest.org or by calling 206-326-1088.