The 4th Annual Gary International Black Film Festival is October 17-19

rot1Indiana University Northwest will be the site of the Fourth Annual Gary International Black Film Festival (GIBFF) on October 17, 18 and 19 in the Bruce W. Bergland Auditorium, located in the Savannah Center.

The GIBFF is a three-day cinema event that offers a powerful lineup of drama, documentary and short films. Friday’s opening night will feature a red carpet reception with music, food and beverages prior to the first film. The schedule is as follows:

Friday, Oct. 17: Doors open at 5 p.m.; film at 7 p.m.
They Die by Dawn, is a star-studded true-life account of African-American cowboys in the old West. Directed by Jeymes Samuel (a.k.a. The Bullits), They Die by Dawn features Giancarlo Esposito, Michael K. Williams, Nate Parker, Jesse Williams, Rosario Dawson, Isaiah Washington, Erykah Badu, Bokeem Woodbine and Harry Lennix.

The remainder of the festival features acclaimed films handcrafted by independent filmmakers from the U.S. and abroad, including:

Saturday, Oct. 18
10 a.m. By Youth for Youth-Youth Film Showcase

Gerthy’s Roots, Echoes of Incarceration, Lady Razorbacks, and What Does It Mean to Be an African American Women Who Loves Hip Hop?

1 p.m. Short Film Showcase

Eli’s Liquor Store, The Gift, Afronauts, and Finding Neptune

3 p.m. Stay Cold Stay Hungry, directed by Eric Branco

Manny is a recovering alcoholic, struggling to keep his head above water and return to his family. When he meets Harley, a young man living on the streets of New York City, Manny sees him as an opportunity for redemption. But Harley is not who he seems.

6 p.m. Christmas Wedding Baby, Directed by Kiara Jones

Three sisters struggle to find happiness during the holiday season as the youngest and bride-to-be discovers that her first love has been hired as her wedding photographer.

Sunday, Oct. 19
2 p.m. CELEBRATE GARY! WEAR YOUR SCHOOL COLORS-SHOW YOUR GARY PRIDE

My Name is Gary, directed by Blandine Huk and Frederic Cousseau

This documentary is a provocative portrait of the people of Gary, Ind., produced and directed by French filmmakers Frederic Cousseau and Blandine Huk. The film features reflections and interviews with current and former Gary Mayor Richard Gordon Hatcher and others who provide a unique history of the city where black people rose to power.

4:30 p.m. Cru, directed by Alton Glass

Four high school best friends whose lives are dramatically changed on the night of a near fatal accident, are reunited 18 years later to discover that a set of past and present secrets will alter the course of their futures forever. Actor, writer, director and Gary Wirt alumni, Antwon Tanner, in attendance.

The Gary International Black Film Festival is co-sponsored by IU Northwest’s Office of Diversity, Equity and Multicultural Affairs, the Urban League of Northwest Indiana and The Urban League Young Professionals.

For information about parking at IU Northwest, please visit http://www.iun.edu/parking/.

Opening Night tickets are $25 each, while all other screenings are $10. A Full Festival Pass is $100 (available with online registration only). Senior citizen and youth discount is available for $7 on all tickets except on Opening Night.

Tickets are available at the Urban League of Northwest Indiana and at www.brownpapertickets.com/profile/27299

For more information about the GIBFF, visit http://www.garyblackfilmfest.org/ or call (219) 200-4243.

About Indiana University Northwest
As one of seven Indiana University campuses, IU Northwest leads the region as the premier, urban campus dedicated to serving the needs of more than 6,000 students from the state’s most diverse and industrialized region. Committed to helping its local Northwest Indiana communities thrive, IU Northwest is best-known for providing a personal, quality and affordable education close to home. IU Northwest positions its students to be leaders with more than 70 undergraduate, graduate and pre-professional degree options available from the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Health and Human Services, the School of Business and Economics, and the School of Education. The campus is also host to IU School of Medicine-Northwest, which actively involves students in research and local healthcare needs through its four-year medical doctorate program. For more information, please visit www.iun.edu.

About the Gary International Black Film Festival
The Gary International Black Film Festival (GIBFF) is a three‐day cultural event that brings independent Black film to Gary audiences providing rich, authentic opportunities to celebrate African American heritage and Diaspora culture. This event features shorts and feature‐length narrative, documentary, experimental and animated films, panel discussions, matinee screenings for middle and high school youth and in‐depth chats with filmmakers, industry professionals and local community leaders. The Gary International Black Film Festival seeks to bring fresh independent films and filmmakers directly to Gary audiences to help build the city’s “cultural collateral.” The Festival is run by a committed core of volunteers who work year round to make the festival happen.