FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Los Angeles, CA — The thirty third Pan African Movie & Arts Pageant (PAFF) kicked off in electrifying vogue with the extremely anticipated screening of Journal Desires, starring Jonathan Majors. The pageant’s opening night time in Culver Metropolis at The Culver Theater set the tone for an unforgettable celebration of Black storytelling, cinema, and artistry.
Night time to Keep in mind
Opening night time was a star-studded affair as Jonathan Majors and Meagan Good made a placing look on the purple carpet, turning heads with their plain presence. They have been joined by a powerhouse lineup of business icons and rising stars, together with Mario Van Peebles, John Salley, Kiki Haynes, Novi Brown, Kyla Pratt, Joe Torry, and extra, all coming collectively to rejoice the ability of Black storytelling. Including to the night time’s significance, Culver Metropolis Mayor Dan O’Brien and Councilmembers Yasmine-Imani McMorrin and Freddy Puza greeted the viewers earlier than the screening, alongside LA County Supervisor Holly Mitchell and Los Angeles Councilmember Curren Value, underscoring the pageant’s deep cultural and civic affect. The power was electrical as these esteemed leaders joined filmmakers, actors, and creatives to rejoice Black storytelling, setting the stage for an unforgettable pageant full of cinematic excellence and neighborhood satisfaction.
The highly effective drama, directed by Elijah Bynum, captivated audiences with its uncooked, unflinching portrayal of an aspiring bodybuilder grappling with ambition, isolation, and the load of his personal goals. Majors delivered a tour-de-force efficiency, drawing the viewers into an intense and emotional journey that resonated deeply with PAFF’s dedication to daring, thought-provoking storytelling.
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“Opening PAFF 2025 with Journal Desires was an announcement,” stated PAFF Govt Director Oduduwa Olatunji. “This movie embodies the depth, complexity, and energy of Black storytelling that PAFF was constructed to rejoice. The power within the room was electrical, and it was an ideal begin to what guarantees to be an unbelievable pageant.”
Trying Forward
With its grand opening night time behind it, PAFF will kickoff a dynamic lineup of characteristic movies, documentaries, shorts, panels, and particular occasions, highlighting voices from throughout the African diaspora. The pageant runs by way of February 17, with screenings and occasions happening all through Los Angeles and Culver Metropolis.
The 2025 Pan African Movie Pageant runs from February 4-17 in Los Angeles, CA. For tickets, schedules, and extra data, go to paff.org.
Be part of us as we rejoice the voices that refuse to be silenced and the artwork that brings us collectively.
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The Pan African Movie and Arts Pageant is proud to be supported by an unbelievable lineup of sponsors who share our dedication to celebrating Black artwork, tradition, and storytelling. This yr’s sponsors embrace Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell, District 2, the Los Angeles County Division of Arts and Tradition, Culver Metropolis, the Metropolis of Los Angeles, Los Angeles Metropolis Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson, District 8, Los Angeles Metropolis Councilmembers Curren D. Value Jr., District 9 and Heather Hutt, District 10. Further assist for PAFF comes from Stocker Avenue Inventive, Gilead Sciences, SAGindie, Sony Footage, DGA, US Financial institution, BeiGene, and the Black Alliance for Simply Immigration (BAJI).
About Pan African Movie & Arts Pageant:
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The Pan African Movie & Arts Pageant (PAFF) is among the longest-running and most revered cultural occasions devoted to showcasing the inventive achievements of the Black and African diaspora. Since its inception, PAFF has supplied a dynamic platform for filmmakers, artists, and performers to share their tales, rejoice their heritage, and encourage audiences by way of highly effective and thought-provoking works. Extra at paff.org.
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Pictures and extra can be found within the PAFF Pressroom at this hyperlink.
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