Communities First, Inc. (CFI) is excited to announce the 8th Annual African American Film Series in partnership with the Flint Institute of Arts (FIA). As always, the film’s selected are designed to highlight the works of African American creatives as well as inspire, inform, empower and entertain the participants. This year marks the organization’s eighth time bringing this free, educational program to the Flint community.
The series takes place once a month beginning in November through February, with films being shown on November 10th and December 1st, 2022 and January 12th and February 9th, 2023.
All films are shown in-person at the Flint Institute of Arts (1120 E Kearsley St, Flint, MI 48503). Before the film, guests are invited to tour the FIA’s galleries and enjoy a free dinner. Dinner starts at 5:30 PM and the films begin at 6:45 PM.
Then, CFI will host an insightful panel discussion on Facebook Live on the Saturday following each film. Panelists include local leaders, industry professionals, and often members of the film’s product who discuss the themes of each film.
The schedule for the film series is as follows:
Film Screening - Citizen Ashe on November 10th, 2022
Flint Institute of Arts | Doors Open 5:30 PM, Movie 6:45 PM
“Citizen Ashe” explores the enduring legacy of tenant great and humanitarian Arthur Ashe, tracing his personal evolution for sports legend to global activities. His own words, reveal his quite determination to “use what he had to do what he could”.
Citizen Ashe Panel Discussion on November 12th, 2022
YouTube and Facebook Live | 2:00 PM
Film Screening - Aftershock on December 1st, 2022
Flint Institute of Arts | Doors Open 5:30 PM, Movie 6:45 PM
Following the preventable deaths of their loved ones due to childbirth complications, two families galvanize activists, birth-workers and physicians to reckon with one of the most pressing American crises of our time – the US maternal health crisis.
Aftershock Panel Discussion – December 3rd, 2022
YouTube and Facebook Live | 2:00 PM
A Place Called Desire – January 12th, 2023
Flint Institute of Arts | Doors Open 5:30 PM, Movie 6:45 PM
A “Place Called Desire” is a documentary feature film telling the powerful story of an often forgotten community in the upper 9th Ward of New Orleans. It has been in the making for 12 years, and offers many unforgettable history lessons and memorable stories of love and community.
A Place Called Desire Panel Discussion – January 14th, 2023
YouTube and Facebook Live | 2:00 PM
Balloon Man – February 9th, 2023
Flint Institute of Arts | Doors Open 5:30 PM, Movie 6:45 PM
After being drafted by the Buffalo Bills, tragedy forces Bill Costen out of his dream. Saying goodbye to a career on the turf, he takes to the air, becoming the first African American Hot-Air Balloon Master Pilot in the world.
Panel Discussion – February 11th, 2023
YouTube and Facebook Live | 2:00 PM
“Words cannot describe how excited we are to return to an in-person version of the African American Film Series. We look forward to bringing this wonderful event to our community and seeing those that have come to love the film series over the last seven years.” said Glenn Wilson, President/CEO.
The series is sponsored in part by the Flint Institute of Arts, the Ford Foundation Equity Fund of the Community Foundation of Greater Flint, Genesee Health System, Security Credit Union, Mott Community College, Raymond James, Consumers Energy, Valley Area Agency on Aging, ELGA Credit Union, Lurvey Construction as well as Gary and Carol Hurand, and Lynn Hurand. This activity is also supported by the Michigan Arts & Culture Council, administered by GREATER FLINT ARTS COUNCIL. Donations are encouraged but not required.