PB Film

More than 25 educational sessions and workshops

BOCA RATON, Fla.—(June 29, 2015)—Don’t miss out! The second annual Boca Black Film Festival returns with more educational sessions, more speakers and more networking opportunities than before for independent filmmakers and film enthusiasts to gain first-hand insight and knowledge into the film & television industry. The Boca Black Film Festival is a three-day event held exclusively at the Embassy Suites Boca Raton. This year’s film festival highlights the working talents of Florida’s best kept secret—working film professionals. And, each year, the film festival culminates with the Daisy Awards luncheon ceremony to honors the achievements of emerging, independent filmmakers while also celebrating one Floridian of color who has worked tirelessly to make an impact in film & television—and remained local.

On Day One, Thursday, July 16, attendees will be treated to more than one dozen educational sessions in the “Craftsman’s Series.” From an actor’s workshop, the filmmaker’s toolbox, to an overview of black culture in cinema’s history, attendees will have an up close opportunity to hear working professionals cover the basics of the craft. Next, on Friday, July 17, film dialogues, panel discussion and additional educational seminars will provide insight and direction through “The Industry Initiative,” an introductory overview of collaborative roles, organizations and film commissions that work to support the local industry. All of these working professionals will share something news and useful to aid in attendee’s success and longevity.

Scheduled speakers will include: Dr. Tachi Egwu, documentary filmmaker and educator; filmmaker and educator Frank Eberling; web series creator McKinson Souverain, the ABFF 2014 Webisode Challenge winner; Trenae Floyd, director of Miami’s Product Placement Expo; and other special guests, such as Lyndale Pettus, last year’s Daisy Award winner.

That’s just a start. On Friday evening, there will be a special screening of Alcee Walker’s Pain of Love. Walker recently won the Best African American student filmmaker award (east region) for the coveted Directors Guild of America Student Films. The six-part hour-long series examines the lives of a multi-racial family in West Palm Beach. Behind the street-wise, often-humorous characters are hidden hardships and shrugged-off pain. This American story, where hustling matters more than schooling, challenges movie-goers to think about family, life, money, struggle and violence from a difference perspective. Walker will be available for audience questions following the screening.

As the festival comes together again, Lizabeth Martin, the founder and director of Boca Black Film, can see her dreams become reality. She wanted the festival to be the premier film festival for film arts & education. She also wanted the festival to reach high school and college students and emerging local talent, and not just those in principal roles. “There’s a vast array of employment options in the film industry,” Martin said. “It takes a team to bring ideas to fruition such as the film & video editor, the camera operator, production crew, sound crew, and that’s just the start. Then, there are also the special effects, voice-over work, the publicity team and the costume designers.” For many artistic types, the flexibility and creativity in film & television offer endless job opportunities. “And, what’s so cool, is that these talent opportunities often goes unrecognized and unnoticed as a viable career choice,” she shared and then explained that according to Film in Florida and PayScale.com, many of these jobs start about $25 and up.

The film submission deadlines have expired. But, there’s still a lot to do for emerging artists and film enthusiasts. They can both find a sample schedule posted online at www.BocaBlackFilm.org. The full festival costs $200 per person. And students can attend the 3-day event for $100—including one luncheon keynote address and one awards ceremony. Lyndale Pettus is the Friday luncheon speaker.