The Newark Black Film Festival (NBFF), the longest running festival of its kind in the United States, kicks off its 42nd season tonight at the Newark Museum with What Happened, Miss Simone?, a documentary that examines the life of classically trained pianist Nina Simone, an American icon, singer and civil rights activist known as the “High Priestess of Soul.” Youth Cinema, the accompanying summer-long series of free children’s features and short films, debuts on July 6 at the Museum.
Since its introduction by the Museum in 1974, NBFF has provided a forum for emerging writers, directors, producers, performers and patrons of black cinema. Screenings are free, but seating is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. They will take place at the Museum unless otherwise noted.
NEWARK BLACK FILM FESTIVAL SCHEDULE
All screenings begin at 7 pm at the Museum, unless otherwise noted.
June 29
Opening Reception – What Happened, Miss Simone?
A documentary that examines the life of classically trained pianist Nina Simone, an American icon, singer and civil rights activist known as the “High Priestess of Soul.”
Reception: 5:30 pm
RSVP to 973.596.6550 or rsvp@newarkmuseum.org for reception only
Speakers: The Hon. Mayor Ras J. Baraka, Mayor, City of Newark; and Leopoldo Fleming, Simone’s percussionist
Hosts: Gloria Hopkins Buck and Richard Wesley
July 6
Family Night in the Garden – The Watsons Go To Birmingham
On a road trip from Flint, Michigan to Birmingham, Alabama, the Watson’s find their experiences along the way give them a newfound courage to stand up for what is right.
Speaker: Deborah Smith-Gregory, President, Newark NAACP
Host: Malik Whitaker, Director, City Without Walls
July 13
A Ballerina’s Tale
A feature documentary on African-American ballerina Misty Copeland examines her rise and potentially career-ending injury, alongside themes of race and body image in the elite ballet world.
Speaker: Nelson George, filmmaker
Host: Kenneth Gifford, Newark International Film Festival
July 20
Celebrating Newark’s 350th anniversary – The Hon. Donald M. Payne, Sr.
Follow the life and legacy of a Newark son and the first Black Congressman from New Jersey, the Honorable Donald M. Payne.
Speakers: The Hon. William D. Payne and the Hon. Donald M. Payne Jr.
Lee Hagan: Connecting Generations
Explore the life, philosophy and motivation of Dr. Frank Hagan at NJCU and as a Newark resident.
Speaker: Antoinette K. Ellis-Williams, filmmaker
We Came & Stayed
Hear stories of families who migrated to the city of Newark from 1910-1970.
Speaker: Julie Winokur, filmmaker
Hosts: Mary Sue Sweeney Price and Junius Williams
July 27
Ayanda
After tragedy strikes in this Johannesburg community, a young woman struggles to save her father’s car repair shop along with her memory of him with love, humor, risk and reward, tragedy, love and triumph.
Speaker: Sara Blecher, writer/director
Host: Donna Walker-Kuhne, Vice President of Community Engagement, NJPAC
August 3
Paul Robeson Awards
4:30 pm: Reception and award ceremony at the Newark Museum
7:30 pm: Screening at CityPlex 12, Newark
Speakers: Robert H. Doherty, President, Bank of America-NJ; and Richard Wesley, screenwriter
NEWARK BLACK FILM FESTIVAL YOUTH CINEMA SCHEDULE
Youth Cinema will be held on Mondays at The Newark Public Library at 10:30 am and at the Newark Museum on Wednesdays at 1 pm unless otherwise noted.
Wednesday, July 6, Newark Museum
Ages 4-12
I Lost My Tooth in Africa
Young girl loses her tooth while visiting her father’s family in Africa.
Cliques, Phonies & Other Baloney
Animated film offers helpful suggestion on how children can dare to be different.
Tar Beach
Lying on her Harlem roof-top, young Cassie’s dreams take you flying above the city.
Monday, July 11, The Newark Public Library
Wednesday, July 13, Newark Museum
Ages 4-12
Dancing in the Light: The Janet Collins Story: Inspiring story of the first African-American prima ballerina.
Galimoto: Follow a young African boy using his wits to search for scraps of wire to make his own Galimoto (motorcar).
The Hunterman and the Crocodile: Learn important lessons about living in harmony with nature.
Monday, July 18, The Newark Public Library
Wednesday, July 20, Newark Museum
Rated G
The Golden Blaze: Two young boy’s schoolyard rivalry spirals out of control when their fathers develop superpowers.
Monday, July 25, The Newark Public Library
&
Wednesday, July 27, Newark Museum
Ages 4-12
Uncle Jed’s Barbershop: Despite setbacks during the Great Depression of the 1930s, Uncle Jed saves enough money to buy his own barbershop.
Global Wonders Around the World: Discover vibrant and varied cultures from around the neighborhood and the world.
An Apple for Harriet Tubman: Learn about the life of Harriet Tubman’s escape to Freedom, including the significance of apples.
Monday, August 1, The Newark Public Library
&
Wednesday, August 3, Newark Museum
Rated G
The Anansi Spider Collection: Four popular folktales about the master trickster.
Robinita Hood: Join Robinita and the “Merry Chicas” in Sherwood Forest as they foil the dastardly plans of the evil “Sheriff de Jamon.”
Monday, August 8, The Newark Public Library
&
Wednesday, August 10, Newark Museum
Rated G
Polly: Young orphan Polly brings happiness and a sense of community to a 1950s Alabama town.
