*(ATLANTA) – Following its homage to the iconic Eddie Murphy film, COMING TO AMERICA, to mark its 30thanniversary, the African American Film Critics Association (AAFCA) continues its inaugural Summer Screening Series with 25th anniversary screenings of POETIC JUSTICE in Los Angeles July 14 at the Mark Taper Forum hosted by the “Curvy Film Critic” Carla Renata, and Atlanta July 21 at the Auburn Avenue Research Library hosted by former Rolling Out editor Yvette Caslin.
The Los Angeles screening will feature a Q&A with director John Singleton and is presented in partnership with Sony Pictures Home Entertainment and Sony Pictures Entertainment’s Diversity & Inclusion department.
According to AAFCA co-founder/president Gil Robertson, “the series has become a multigenerational experience that’s attracting a diverse audience of young and old, which adds another dimension to the screening. A majority of our younger audience have never seen these films on the big screen and the experience of watching a movie that way is different.”
Just before the AAFCA Summer Screening Series launched, AAFCA Programs Director Nicholas Maye said, “the fact that these films are still impactful 30, 25 and 20 years later speaks to the long-lasting power of Black film and its images and themes.”
“John Singleton is a talented director whose work not only entertains but raises awareness of the multifaceted African American experience. Sony Pictures has a long history with John and we are honored to celebrate the 25th anniversary of his critically-acclaimed film, ‘Poetic Justice,’” said Paul Martin, Chief Diversity Officer at Sony Pictures Entertainment.
An urban romance written and directed by John Singleton, POETIC JUSTICE, starring Janet Jackson and the late rapper/actor Tupac Shakur, along with Regina King and comedian Joe Torry, was a film ahead of its time with its theme of mental health in urban neighborhoods plagued by senseless violence and the enormous limitations created by poverty. Justice, (Janet Jackson’s character), is a poet and hairstylist who lives in depression after her boyfriend, a cameo performance by rapper/actor Q-Tip, is murdered. She is mostly a recluse. Meeting Lucky (Shakur), a young postal worker with great musical potential who is also dealing with his young daughter’s drug addicted mother, changes that. On a road trip outside Los Angeles with Justice’s best friend Iesha (King) and Lucky’s friend Chicago (Torry), Justice and Lucky grow closer. Poems from Maya Angelou attributed to Justice are recited throughout the film.
In August, AAFCA concludes its inaugural 2018 Summer Screening Series with a 20th anniversary screening of the Mississippi-set drama DOWN IN THE DELTA, the only major feature film directed by the phenomenal Maya Angelou. The film also showcases one of the last performances by the great Esther Rolle. Wesley Snipes and Alfre Woodard also star.
ABOUT AAFCA SUMMER SCREENING SERIES
Since the beginning of film, Black filmmakers have pushed the boundaries of the craft in both big and small ways. With that in mind, the African American Film Critics Association (AAFCA) launched the Summer Screening Series to focus on films celebrating the diversity of Black culture and life, as well as the incredible power of imagination as well as the evolution of Black filmmakers overall. Consequently, our summer showcase of Black film focuses on anniversary titles that are of critical importance to film audiences. For more information about AAFCA, visit: www.aafca.com
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