Culture PickThe 31st annual Pan African Film and Arts Festival (PAFF) is underway and America’s largest Black film festival has a lot to celebrate. The non-profit corporation co-founded by Danny Glover and Ja’Net DuBois (Willona from “Good Times”) and political consultant Ayuko Babu, showcases entertainment dedicated to Black stories, breaking down stereotypes and highlighting equal representation. As a qualifying film festival (for live action and animation short films) for the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, PAFF is an important L.A. fest, billing itself as the largest Black History Month cultural event in the U.S. There are dozens and dozens of acclaimed shorts in the series (see full calendar here).

This weekend, the venerable Quincy Jones and Debbie Allen share a documentary they co-produced and it’s a must see. King of Kings, is an examination Edward Jones– an African-American businessman who found financial and political success in Depression-era Chicago, only to fall off the radar years later. A descendant of slaves, Jones became one of the richest men in the United States via the “Policy” numbers game (which ultimately became the modern state lottery). He amassed $25 million which he re-invested into his community, but was forced live a life on the run due to mob and the federal government.

Filmmaker Harriet Marin Jones traces the history of her grandfather via archival footage and family interviews to uncover a personal journey that reflects the struggles and triumphs of Black history and a lot more, screening Saturday, Feb. 18, 9 p.m. and Sunday, Feb. 19, 2023 at 4:45 p.m.

All PAFF screenings are held at the Cinemark 15 Theatres, 2020 Marlton Ave., Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza.

Also, check out the PAFF Artfest with over 100 artists and craftspeople showcasing painting, sculpture, jewelry, home decor and more, daily.

A PAFF Fashion Show takes place this Sat., Feb. 19 2-4 p.m. Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza
The Bridge (2nd Level Near Macy’s), 3650 W Martin Luther King Jr Blvd.

More info on all PAFF events, which run thur Feb. 20, at https://www.paff.org

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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