2009 Twin Cities Black Film Festival

September 18th - 20th

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Film Synopses: 2009 Festival

Partial Film Listing and Synopsis

 

The Wiz Opening Night Film


Starring Michael Jackson , Diana Ross and Nipsey Russell

A re-imaging of The Wizard of Oz, set against an urban background with an African American cast. Dorothy is a 24-year-old kindergarten teacher from Harlem, who along with her dog Toto are lost in a snowstorm on the night of Thanksgiving and end up in the Land of Oz, which looks like a strangly surreal verison of New York City. Dorothy learns the only way she can get home is to ease on down the road to see the Wiz. Along the way she meets a scarecrow made of garbage who wants a brain; a Tin Man, who is a turn-of-the-century mechanical carnie from Coney Island who wants a heart; and a lion who was banished from the jungle and must make his living as a statue in front of the main research branch of the New York Public Library.


Barack Obama: The Man and his Journey Closing Night Film

Share the incredible, inspirational story of President Barack Obama, the 44th President of the United States. See how one man inspired us with the refrain 'Yes We Can!' In this defining moment, America has proven once again that her story is constantly evolving towards greater freedom and justice for all. Blair Underwood narrates. Included are Election Night footage and exclusive post election interview. Included are interviews with Barack Obama, Rev. Martin Luther King III, Hill Harper, Roland Martin, George Lopez, Linda Johnson Rice, and more! This inspiring documentary chronicles Barack Obama's remarkable rise to the White House, including his childhood in Indonesia and Hawaii, the start of his political career in Chicago, and his groundbreaking presidential campaign. THE MAN AND HIS JOURNEY features a special post-election interview with Obama himself.


Grapes on a Vine Thriller Feature

A thriller based on a true story of a man who plots to kill his wife to get a payout of a 500,000.00 insurance policy.


Doing What you have to Do Drama/Suspense Short

An 18 year old brother and his 12 year old sister struggle to survive in the streets. A young female drug dealer befriends them and eventually conspires to have the brother slain. The 12 year old sister sets up the female dealer in a fatal drug deal.


Unequal Feature Drama

A "player" falls for a church girl who's saving herself for marriage.


Diary of a Tired Black Man Comedy/Drama Feature

HEROES' Jimmy Jean-Louis stars in this comedy that explores love in the black community. DIARY OF A TIRED BLACK MAN centers on a man who is tired of all the difficulties he has found in dating black women, so he decides to take a chance on interracial love, which is its own kind of challenge.


Missing Short Drama

is a short silent film about a young black couple, Denise and Anthony, who questions the strength of their relationship. Denise’s life takes a turning point when she realizes that her boyfriend has disappeared. What started as a peaceful and quiet day suddenly turns into an emotional journey where Denise’s feelings are about to be seriously tested.


Larry the Actor Drama

A film which reminisces on the life of a Black Actor, positivism and where to buy the freshest oranges in Inglewood... All with an eye on the phone and his mind on the Southside of Chicago.


Do You Comedy Short

Paula Teague and Frank Bradshaw only have one thing in common; they want their children to end their current relationship. The Bradshaws, a Southern white family are surprised to meet their daughter Kesha’s boyfriend, Cameron Teague, who is black. Surprised changed to outrage when Cameron introduced Kesha to his outspoken mother, Paula. When Kesha and Cameron decide to get married, the feelings and stereotypes of their over protective parents are made clear. Their opinions force Kesha and Cameron to attempt drastic measures to maintain their love.


Harlem Mart 125: The American Dream Feature Documentary

A True story of the redevelopment of the most recognized Black neighborhood in the world, and its epic struggle to attain a piece of the American Dream.


Living is Hard Feature Drama

A Jamaican film about a young woman's struggles of being a single parent and how she made it to be Philadelphia's 1st Lady of Dancehall music.


Who Killed Doc Robbin? Feature Comedy

A mysterious explosion at Doc Robbin's lab suiggest murder. The Gang led by Curly (Whitford Kane), set out to findthe truth. Curly and friends snoop around Doc Robbin's Spooky old house filled with secret passage ways and traps to find clues. This is a fun adventure film for All Ages that will leave kids sitting on the edge of their seats!