The San Antonio Black International Film Festival (SABIFF) was founded by native indie filmmaker Ada M. Babino, and a group of community filmmakers and community movie enthusiasts who began meeting at the Carver Library in the fall of 2018, with the purpose to create a Black independent film festival in the Alamo City. Birthed from mutual interests, the San Antonio Black International Film Festival was born under the umbrella of Forward Progress Arts and Entertainment Center, Inc., a 501(c)3 arts and entertainment organization founded by DeAnna Brown that “encourages creative dreamers to become authentic artists.” The Carver Library, a staple on the Eastside officially and successfully launched SABIFF on February 23, 2019, with the start of what will be an annual endeavor.

The mission of SABIFF is to expose audiences in San Antonio and beyond to the myriad of narratives and diverse images of Diaspora peoples. The goal is to present a variety of video/filmmakers and film professionals of color to audiences through their film products, genres, panel discussions, lectures, and trainings.

SABIFF 2019 will feature indie film showcases, an international film competition, filmmaking workshops, and enlightening panel discussions, combined with events that allow the public to network and unwind at an inagural film festival that proudly affirms that Black Films Matter. SABIFF partners include respected community institutions and businesses such as: the Carver Community Cultural Center, The Carver Library, DreamVoice the founders of Dream Week SA, The Institute of Texan Cultures, La Villita Arneson River Theater, Idle Time Cinema, Frank Dunn Insurance, and First Unitarian Universalist Church of San Antonio’s Black Lives Matter Work Group, a key fundraising supporter for the festival. “Giving audiences in my hometown the opportunity to experience a wealth of stories, and perspectives by Black filmmakers and professionals from across the globe is invigorating,” says Babino, Festival Founder and Director.

The festival also forged positive alliances with national organizations and film practitioners who have a global love and commitment to the development, promotion and expansion of Black indie film. Participating in SABIFF 2019 are: New York based Black Public Media, now celebrating their 40 year anniversary; AfroLandTV with founder Michael Maponga, internationally renowned Ethiopian filmmaker Haile Gerima, and Shirikiana Gerima, Husband and wife tech media team Maxie and Schatar Collier founders of Super Livestreams a new network of TV channels, Social Cinema curation by filmmaker, Ralph Scott, and Chicago based filmmaker/ visual thinker Floyd Webb, the founder of Black Star Film Festival, and co-editor of the revitalized Black Film Magazine.

Casting our Texas net, we’re proud to present Dr. Gerald Horne, Author/University of Houston Moores Professorship of History and African American Studies faculty, XXX Angela Bennett of Bennett Connection Talent Agency in Austin, Mikaela Gibson (Fear the Walking Dead), and Houston based actor John Henry (American Horror Story, Focus). Charles Murray, veteran Hollywood writer (Marvel’s Luke Cage, Criminal Minds, Sons of Anarchy, Roots) and independent film director will make an appearance at the Carver’s Red Carpet opening night gala and speak after his film screening.

SABIFF 2019 festival line up includes four days of partnerships, venues and events:

October 10 – The Carver Community Center 226 N. Hackberry, SA, TX 78202 [$] [6:00 pm – 10:30 pm] CCCC Hosts SABIFF 2019’s Opening Night Film and SA Premiere of the movie #TRUTH with special guest veteran writer/producer/director, Charles Murray.

The Red Carpet Gala is sponsored by DreamVoice, the presenters of DreamWeek and supporter of organizations that exist to better the human condition through the promotion of media assets and resource contributions.

October 11 – (1). Carver Library 3350 E. Commerce Street, SA, TX [12 pm – 3 pm] [NC]
(1). Black Public Media (BPM), formally founded as The National Black Programming Consortium celebrates 40 Years as an organization whose mission is committed to fully realized expression of democracy by supporting, developing, producing and distributing innovative media about the Black experience and investing in content makers. BPM is pleased to present AfroPop to SA audiences. Now in its 10th season, AfroPop short films depict informative and entertaining stories from across the globe that are beautifully and poignantly told. This free event features Food trucks and vendors on site.

October 11 – (2). Institute of Texan Cultures (ITC) 801 E. Cesar E. Chavez Blvd, SA, TX [$] [9:30 am – 5:30 pm] [A Full Day Pass includes Theater In The Round, Panels/Forums, and Museum Exhibits, purchased on SABIFF.com website or Universe.com ticketing platform]
ITC – Three levels of activities will take place at ITC.

*First Level – [Forums and Panels are included in Full Day Pass price[$] “Overcoming isms’, Bad Hair and Other Social Constructs,” short films presented in ITC’s Theater In The Round followed by a Host lead discussions, and audience interactive Talk Back. As an added treat, Black World Cinema with curator & visual thinker, Floyd Webb presents an AfroFuturism showcase featuring Black science fiction flicks. Also on display in the museum is a Black Quilting Exhibit by the African American Quilt Circle of San Antonio, and a Black Fashion Week exhibit, and other ITC museum offerings.

*Basement Level – [Forums and Panels are included in Full Day Pass price] [$] African American Cinematic History, Steeped with Hidden Figures [11:30 am – 12:45 pm] A panel hosted by UTSA College of Education and Human Development’s Department of COEHD and African American Studies. Moderated by Karla Broadus, Senior Lecturer and Director. Panelists include: UTSA Professors/Lecturers, Mario Salas, Dr. Charles Gentry and Dr. Vanessa Kenon.

Think Acting Abroad: A Forum for Underrepresented Actors to Consider Alternatives When the US is not Enuf – [1:30 pm – 2:45 pm]
Hosted by: Mikala Gibson is an award-winning stage and screen actress, published writer and master teaching artist. Featuring Michael Maponga, Actor/Founder of AfroLandTV. Angela Bennett, Talent Agent, Industry Consultant and founder of Bennett Connection Talent Agency in Austin, Texas.

Culture – A Return on Investment in Cinema – [3:15 pm – 4:30 pm]
A panel led by internationally renowned Author/Professor, Dr. Gerald Horne (University of Houston), Author of over 30 books, including: Class Struggle in Hollywood 1930 -1950, and Paul Robeson: the Artist as Revolutionary. Horne and panelist bring context to the business of Hollywood as it relates to culture and Black professionals in the industry; diversity & inclusion – How it Impacts ‘US’ in Movies, What artists’ roles and responsibilities should be; Where do we stand, and where do we go from here in the sphere of movie making?
Features actor: John Henry (Focus, American Horror Story), Filmmakers Haile Gerima and Shirikiana Gerima (Sankofa, Door of No Return, Foot Prints, and Teza)

ITC 2nd Floor Level – Workshops +[Workshops Individually priced] [$]

FILM GAME PLAN [10:00 am – 1:00 pm] [$]
A hands-on workshop for aspiring film directors taught by SA based Producer/Director Michael Jackson owner of Idle Time Cinema, a full service production company founded in 200 that specializes in short films, music videos, commercials and television variety shows. Jackson provides instruction on necessary filmmaking techniques for low budget video/ filmmaking from budgeting tips, to blocking actors, framing shots, lighting and sound recording). Jackson is the director of Solomon’s Dilemma, Cost Effective on Amazon, and the upcoming feature Sabbath Ceremony of the Besat. 3 hours. Lunch provided.

The Art of Cinematic Storytelling Master Class [11:30 am – 2:00 pm] [$]

Taught by Haile Gerima, internationally renowned filmmaker, the original UCLA Black Rebellion filmmaker, and former tenured film professor at Howard University. Gerima gives an integrative and holistic approach to the narrative art form of the visual storyteller. With over fifty years of filmmaking, advocacy and education, Gerima takes participants through the creative processes that are critical in arming the Film Storyteller with the cinematic narrative language.

He utilizes all of these creative processes are a means of discovering one’s own unique Cinematic Narrative Logic, voice and ‘art’ of cinematic storytelling. 2.5 hours. Lunch provided.

SABIFF MIXER at the Cherrity Bar – 302 Montana St. [5:30 pm – 11:00 pm] [NC] Wind-down after a full day of films, panels and workshop exchanges! Film festival participants and the public are welcomed to chill out and enjoy happy hour, network, mingle, purchase vendor treats, and enjoy food and festivities. There will be a soulful a mix of music and spoken word, hosted by SA’s own Andrea ‘Vocab’ Sanderson. This is a family friendly event. Vendors will be on site.

October 12 – (2). Carver Library [10:00 am – 4:00 pm] [NC] (1). Take II with the Black Public Media 40 Year Anniversary continues with more screenings of AfroPop the ultimate cultural exchange. Now in it’s 10th season, this series depicts informative and entertaining stories across the globe. Food Trucks will be outside on site.

*films & times to be posted on websites – coming soon.

October 12 – (1). Buena Vista Theater (UTSA Downtown Campus) [9:00 am – 6:30 pm] [$] Selected films were submitted, and prejudged. Those with winning scores were invited as best to show in SABIFF 2019. Four-month Open Call film submissions primarily included narrative shorts from the U.S., however filmmakers submitted indie films from: Iran, Haiti, Germany, Canada, India, Belgium, and Turkey.

A total of thirty-three out of the fifty-five were selected for competition to screen at the University’s state of the art theater and adjoining screening room, Aula Canaira.

Programmed films are broken down into thematic blocks. Schedules and tickets can be obtained on the http://www.sabiff.com or universe.com website. Tickets can also be purchased day of the event at the UTSA Buena Vista theater’s box office for $10 per block of films which will be programmed and screened simultaneously on two screens. There will be a 15 minute admission between films to clear theater and user patrons for the next block showcased.

For more information about the San Antonio Black Int’l Film Festival (SABIFF) Forward Progress Arts & Entertainment Center, Inc. please visit www.sabiff.com | sabiffteam@gmail.com | fwdprogress2@gmail.com |

ABOUT FORWARD PROGRESS ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

FPAE is a 501c3 organization founded in 2013 by actress/educator DeAnna Brown as a vehicle to allow young people the opportunity ot gain exposure to an industry that has historically shun people of color. Forward Progress aims to be a conduit to cultivate the God given gifts and talents of young dreamers who are drawn to the world of arts and entertainment with the desire to grow and develop their craft. Authentic collaboration is encouraged, to teach the behind-the- scenes crafts, and produce professional movies, music, stage plays, videos, television shows and/or web series and our newly founded venture, the SAN ANTONIO BLACK INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL (SABIFF) .

INTERVIEWS

For interviews with any SABIFF team members, the Founder/Director Ada Babino, co-director Patsy Whitfield, Forward Progress Director, DeAnna Brown, or local filmmakers contact sabiffteam@gmail.com or call Dianne Green at (210)801-2611. Website: https://www.sabiff.com