By Madelaine Church | Special to The OBSERVER

The third annual Oak Park Black Film Festival played on the big screen at the historic Guild Theater in Oak Park last week.

The six-day festival, running from Oct. 8-13, featured a diverse lineup of films from aspiring Black filmmakers, actors, and creatives. More than 20 films premiered, showcasing documentaries, short films, and independent films.

Black filmmakers are often misrepresented in the film industry. British film magazine Screen Daily conducted a survey from 2018-2021, which revealed only 1% of films at major festivals were directed by Black filmmakers.

The Oak Park Black Film Festival provided a platform for their work in a theater setting. Each film, through its tributes, conveyed stories and perspectives on African American culture, inviting audiences to witness and celebrate Black success in cinema.

Freddy Howard, one of 10 founders of the Oakland International Black Film Festival, said she was on hand Sunday because film festivals are an important outlet to expose the Black community to other communities. “I think you can show that films can be made by Black people. This is my third time coming here and it’s gotten better,” Howard said.

The festival benefited St. HOPE Academy and St. HOPE Public Schools.

“We want people to connect and grow through the films,” said Cassandra Jennings, St. HOPE president and CEO. “This is an asset we want to keep sharing locally and a community at large.”

Tickets sold out fast. Single-day passes were $15, walk-up tickets $20 and VIP access cost $100. Tickets for next year’s festival already are available.

Six films by Sacramento-based filmmakers played on opening day. The OBSERVER spoke with event organizers Dru Burks and Adrianne Hall. This year marked their first time dedicating a full day to local filmmakers’ works.

“It was a success adding local day because we got to see directors, producers, and actors who live in Sacramento that we would have never gotten to know,” Burks said.

Sacramento resident Aaron Leong’s short film “Authentic: Real Talk About the Cave,” premiered Tuesday. Leong and producer Tommy Ross made their film a joint collaborative project with Hawk Institute. Five young aspiring filmmakers were given the opportunity to join in shooting their two-day production. The students shadowed workers in lighting, sound, and directing. Leong felt amazement at seeing them gain professional experience since Sacramento’s film scene is intimate but opportunities are limited.

“I’m huge on education and getting the film community of Sacramento on a professional filmmaking level,” Leong said. “What a better way to get started with high school students who are interested.”

First-time attendee Sharie Blanton, visiting from San Antonio, took advantage of being in Sacramento for work to attend. Blanton immersed herself in the art and culture of Oak Park. Her favorite film was “Black Table” – Blanton is a University of North Carolina graduate and connected with the Black students’ experience in a white-dominated facility.

“It’s been absolutely fabulous. The quality of films has been great,” Blanton said. “I’ve been telling my friends far and wide about some of the films. I think it’s great what you guys have here.”

The week closed showcasing two short films and two documentaries. “Luther: Never Too Much” is a captivating documentary that chronicles the extraordinary life of Luther Vandross. It debuted for the festival before its release to theaters Friday, Nov. 1, and will be available to stream on CNN, Max, and OWN (Oprah Winfrey Network).

Welsey Armstrong, director and executive producer of “Vigilante,” tells the story of superheroes overlooking four friends with powers to protect their neglected neighborhood. Sitting in the front row, Armstrong watched his childhood dream unfold, portraying Black superheroes and broadcasting to an audience.

“The Oak Park Black Film Festival has a great sense of community and they supported me as a filmmaker,” Armstrong said.

The festival wrapped up Sunday showcasing two shorts, “It’s Basic” and “Freedom Hair,” which premiered after One Church’s Sunday service.

“It’s Basic” gave a compelling perspective on universal basic income pilot programs, documenting the spearheading of the movement to combat poverty and inequality.

“Freedom Hair” is a feature film based on the story of Melony Armstrong, a determined strong female lead who turns her natural hair-braiding talent into a business to gain financial independence. 

Former Sacramento mayor and NBA star Kevin Johnson appeared as panel moderator with radio hosts and TV anchors including Brandi Cummings, Melanie Townsend, Jay King, Desiree Sheppard, and Lana Wilson-Combs.

Audience participation was highly encouraged during the panel discussions and attendee Marinda Johnson Sessoms eagerly joined the panel on stage. Fascinated with film, this was Sessoms’ second time at the festival. A television producer for 20 years, she has found that events such as the festival open the eyes of audiences to what Hollywood is missing.

“There are stories that have just as much impact, so many people can see themselves on screen and flourish themselves in [these films],” Sessoms said.

Evening receptions took place at Oak Park venues including Fixins Soul Kitchen, Butterscotch Den, and Oak Park Brewery.

Johnson presented the 2024 festival awards:

Best Short Film: “The Erasure”

Best Feature Film: “Albany Road”

Best Documentary: “Billy Preston: That’s the Way God Planned It”

Viewers Choice Award: “Belief”

Attendees and filmmakers expressed excitement for next year’s festival. Before the screening of “Freedom Hair,” Johnson announced its return Oct. 6-12, 2025. He also had an exciting update from the Guild Theater.

“Since there is an appetite for all of us to show and magnify Black filmmakers, we’re going to try to show a film every month,” Johnson said.