10-Day Pan African Film Festival Begins Feb. 7

The Pan African Film Festival - the largest and most prestigious international Black film festival in the country - is returning for its 21st year to Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza starting this Thurs. Feb. 7, through Mon. Feb. 18.

The high‐profile cultural event, which also features a 10‐day long art festival, is expected to draw more than 35,000 people, and this year the film festival will take place at the 15‐screen Rave multiplex.

Festivities include a red carpet opening night gala with the actors, events for children and seniors, as well as musical performances, poetry and performance art, workshops and panels. In addition, thousands of Los Angeles students and their teachers will attend a free program featuring films focused on important youth issues including teen pregnancy, AIDS prevention, literacy, cultural and racial respect, teen self‐esteem and gang prevention.

Across the promenade within the mall, upwards of 100 established and emerging fine artists will showcase fine art, sculpture, and photography, unique crafts, home furnishings, jewelry, and designer fashions and accessories.

 “Along with our $35 million physical transformation over the past several years, the Baldwin Hills Crenshaw mall has also evolved into a true community and cultural center,” said Sharron King, general manager of Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza. “From our Summer Concert Series to Hispanic Heritage celebrations to the Pan African Film and Arts Festival, we are proud to support events and programming that reflects the history and interests of our local residents. We enthusiastically welcome back the film and art festival and we look forward to an eventful Black History Month at BHC.”

For more information on the film and art festivals, and for ticketing details, visit: www.baldwinhillscrenshawplaza.com

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