Announcement: PictureEast Film Festival Hosted by The New Black Film Collective
The New Black Film Collective’s (TNBFC) PictureEast Film Festival is set to take place from January 20 to February 1. The festival will feature notable films such as Akinola Davies Jr.’s My Father’s Shadow and Wasteman, starring David Jonsson, among its diverse lineup.
Event Overview and Offerings
Located in East London, PictureEast is a no-cost film festival showcasing over 20 feature films. This includes a variety of short films and engaging panel discussions. The festival is part of Film London’s Spotlight program, aimed at illuminating cinematic talent.
During the festival, attendees can look forward to insights from several speakers including Joelle Mae David of BlueBird Pictures, documentary filmmakers Cécile Embleton and Jessi Gutch, and filmmakers Tyra Chuck, Jaha Browne, Timi Akindele-Ajani, and King Simpson.
Akinola Davies Jr., the director of My Father’s Shadow, will participate in a panel at the PictureEast: Creative Connections event, which precedes the film’s UK theatrical release on February 6. The film is distributed in the UK by Mubi.
The festival will kick off with the film Wasteman, featuring David Jonsson as Taylor, a man whose attempt at a new beginning is threatened by the arrival of his former cellmate Dee, portrayed by Blyth. The pair’s relationship is tested by a brutal incident, pushing Taylor to a critical decision between aiding Dee and securing his own parole prospects.
The closing event will be marked by the screening of Palestine Comedy Club, a documentary that follows Palestinian comedians using humor to cope with conflict. This film highlights their use of comedy as a means of asserting their dignity and existence despite challenging conditions.
Foundational Goals and Vision
Priscilla Igwe, Founder and CEO of The New Black Film Collective, explained that PictureEast was established to reinvigorate local cinema culture and support creative talents within the community.
Igwe emphasized the festival’s role in uniting the community through an array of powerful, uplifting, and provocative stories. She highlighted the participation of local talents like David Jonsson and Joy Gharoro-Akpojotor, alongside international filmmakers, reflecting East London’s creative vibrancy and global perspective. The event also focuses on providing a platform for marginalized creatives through its short film showcases, panel discussions, and networking opportunities.
Festival highlights:
- Opening Film: WASTEMAN preview and panel
- PictureEast: Creative Connections: Young Programmers Shorts + Networking
- Screenings followed by discussions, including films like MARLEE MATLIN – NOT ALONE ANYMORE, HOW TO BUILD A LIBRARY, and THE BAD GUYS 2, among others.
- Special Q&A sessions with directors such as Laura Pavone and Jessi Gutch.
- Interactive activities and showcases, including FINDING OPTEL and NIGHT OF THE ZOOPOCALYPSE.
- Community and creativity celebration with the PictureEast Film Festival x One Room local creatives showcase, panel, networking and DJ night.
- The festival concludes with a preview of PALESTINE COMEDY CLUB and a live comedy performance.
This festival promises to be a culturally rich and engaging experience, promoting community, creativity, and cinema in East London.
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