BLACK FOLKS MAKE MOVIES, Inc.

BLACK FOLKS MAKE MOVIES, Inc. is a non-profit organization committed to the celebration and examination of Black film history through images portrayed in film and television. Through education, the promotion of current independent filmmakers of color and the promotion and preservation of contributions by Black and other artists of color, BFMMI places in perspective the one dimensional and negative stereotypical images of Blacks, which have historically predominated cinema.

OUR PHILOSOPHY

BFMMI believes film and television are two of the most powerful tools for creating positive and negative images. We believe BFMMI assists in creating and understanding the environment within which all people can achieve and diverse cultures may be appreciated.

Standing on the shoulders of the ancestors up through each successive generation rests the ongoing responsibility of providing the public with multi-dimensional Black images with more accurate portrayals of the rich complexity within the lives of Black Americans.

GOALS

BFMMI's main goal is to assist this process through education, celebration & discussion incorporating the following additional goals including:

1. Educating the Black Community and the general public about significant contributions of Black artists to the history of film and television.

2. Challenging the negative stereotypical images of Blacks in mass media.

3. Developing pride in Black film history through the examination of positive role models for the Black Community.

4. Expanding the public’s understanding of the Black experience and a greater acceptance of its contributors to a multicultural society.

5. Nurturing, encouraging and supporting the works of independent film and video artists as they struggle to express their own vision of the Black experience.

6. Research and documentation of the historical contributions both past and present, of Black artists to film and television.

PROGRAMS

BFMMI has created several programs in support of these goals:

RAW STOCK CELEBRATING CINEMA, is a theme-based, non-competetive, invitation only, film festival focusing on filmmakers of color locally, nationally & globally. Beginning in Cincinnati April 2009 out of Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal, RAW STOCK promises to be as innovative & interesting as it was during its initial existence in Oakland, CA.;

BLACK LIGHT: The 1st 100 YEARS of BLACK AMERICAN CINEMA, a traveling film festival in 3 parts promoting the history and myriad of contributions African Americans have made to the film industry;

BLACK LIGHT BEACON AWARD, a tribute given to those who have made significant contributions to the world of Black American film, film history and/or the preservation of same.

RACE MOVIES: A PRESENTATION. Screening/lecture/ presentation featuring award winning documentary, MIDNIGHT RAMBLE: Oscar Micheaux and the Story of Race Movies. Following the screening the film's producer and BFMMI Founder and Executive Director, Pamela Thomas, fields a discussion and Q&A on legendary "race movie" maker Oscar Micheaux, the Early Age of Black Cinema and how it still impacts us today.

Additional programming is planned including a tribute to Herb Jeffries, America's original Black singing cowboy who got the idea while in Cincinnati performing with Duke Ellington! In addition, a celebration of Tyler Perry, arguably the 21st Century Oscar Micheaux, and more.

In summary, we support, encourage and promote the talent and skills of the early pioneers of Black American cinema as well as succeeding generations of Black filmmakers of color. BLACK FOLKS MAKE MOVIES, INC. is committed to the examination of Black film history through images portrayed in film and television via education, the promotion of past & current independent filmmakers of color and the preservation of contributions by Black and other artists of color. Through this prism of Black movie history we examine the emergence and impact of Black Americans, the creative reaction to widespread racism during the first half of the 20th century, and the vitality of Black entertainment and culture across the country inclusive of this period and beyond. By revealing the powerful relationship between popular art and ethnic attitudes, BFMM, Inc. helps chronicle the creation and expansion of alternative Black representation in the mass media.