On Sunday, February 10, the DGA held a Filmmakers Brunch for the directors whose work was featured in the 2002 Pan African Film Festival (PAFF). This was the first year the DGA has sponsored the festival, and the filmmakers brunch provided the perfect environment for attendees to share experiences and opinions.
Independent producer and DGA director member Loretha Jones (Carmen: A Hip Hop Hopera, Price of Glory) kicked off the program with a congratulatory welcome, saying she was overwhelmed by the wide range of perspectives in the festival which presented 75 films from the United States, Africa, the Caribbean, Latin America, Europe, the South Pacific and Canada.
Jones also congratulated the DGA on its commitment to diversity. "The Guild has been very active in representing directors of color, and in trying to make sure that [minorities] have an access point and a way to tell our stories with the protections that the Guild affords."
Jones stressed the significance of the Guild's low-budget contracts, especially for up-and-coming filmmakers such as those at the brunch. "I've used the low-budget contracts where people have worked for just a few hundred dollars in order to try and help people fulfill their dreams."
Ayuko Babu, Executive Director of the Pan African Film Festival, said that while film is the single most powerful art form of the century, the storytelling process is an ancient one — one that's vital to the human condition.
"As filmmakers," he said, "you are storytellers, and you are also cultural leaders. That's very important to understand [as] you sit here with the DGA which is a cultural leader in this country."
DGA Independent Directors Committee member Michael Uno (A Private Affair, The Road to Galveston, The Wash) spoke about the Guild's commitment to independent filmmakers from the perspective of one who has worked within and outside the studio system."
IDC member Charles Burnett (Killer of Sheep, Finding Buck McHenry, Olivia's Story), who was in attendance but behind the camera shooting a documentary about PAFF, spoke about the festival's impact on the community. "You know, there's always this cry that black Americans aren't interested in quality films or character development, or stories ... but if you see the attendance at these screenings, you'd be surprised — hey are hungry for really good subject matter. The festival has really helped the community define its identity."
DGA director member Euzhan Palcy (The Killing Yard, Ruby Bridges, Sugar Cane Alley) wrapped up the inspirational morning with a heartfelt story about the trials and tribulations of making her first studio feature, A Dry White Season.
Palcy reiterated the sentiment of support for the DGA's collaboration with PAFF. "I'm so happy that the Guild is supporting the Pan African Film Festival. It's only in festivals like this that we can meet. We can see the black community [through] their work. I see people — all colors — coming with their children. They are fighting to get in. They want to see the movies! That's so wonderful."
