The second annual AfroSouth Film Festival returns to Charleston Nov. 2 through Nov. 5 with the launch of a young filmmakers’ competition and an award named for legendary South Carolina actress and singer Eartha Kitt.
The festival began last year to celebrate the richness of African-American and Southern cultures, foster important conversations on social issues and provide opportunities for emerging talent, said Ricky Taylor, the festival’s executive director and founder.
The festival kicks off this year at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 2 with a screening and panel discussion of South Carolina Educational Television’s documentary Downing of a Flag at the Keith Summey North Charleston Library.
This documentary delves into the pivotal events that led to the removal of the Confederate flag from the Statehouse, a significant moment in South Carolina’s history that reflects the ongoing struggle for racial justice and equality, Taylor said.
A free outdoor screening of Hidden Figures starts at 5:30 p.m. Nov. 3 at Marion Square. Starring Taraji P. Henson, Hidden Figures is a compelling and inspirational story that celebrates the achievements of African-American women in the early days of America’s space program.
Winners in the young filmmakers’ competition, sponsored by the S.C. Film Office, will be announced beginning at 1 p.m. Nov. 4 at the Charleston Gaillard Center. The new competition provides a platform for emerging talent to showcase their creativity and storytelling abilities to reinforce AfroSouth’s commitment to nurturing and promoting young voices in the industry, said Taylor, a Darlington County native.
A new award named for Kitt
Born in St. Matthews, Kitt is remembered for her acting and seductive purring vocal style. She portrayed Catwoman in the Batman television series. Her popularity in the United States fell temporarily following anti-Vietnam War comments she made in 1968 during a White House luncheon.
The festival’s Kitt Award will be presented to an individual who has demonstrated excellence in the dramatic arts to celebrate their contributions to the entertainment industry, Taylor said.
The festival has also attracted established industry professionals. Director Julie Dash, who has Charleston ties, and Columbia native writer and producer Tracy Oliver will lead a masterclass for young filmmakers. Dash directed Daughters of the Dust, Queen Sugar and the Rosa Parks Story. Oliver wrote and produced Barbershop and Girls Trip. Comic illustrator Sandford Greene, born in Greeleyville, will lead a kids animation masterclass. His credits include Black Panther, Bitter Root and Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse.
The classes will be held Nov. 4 at 360 Concord St. For festival details, visit afrosouth.com.
“This year’s festival has grown due to the immense involvement of our community partners, from the Links Inc., Charleston County Library system, the Gaillard Center’s outreach programs and the Cooper River Center for Advanced Studies,” Taylor said. “This is a great opportunity for young filmmakers and people interested in the industry to network and connect.”
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