Dedicated to the promotion of cultural and racial tolerance and understanding through the exhibition of film, art and creative expression, this year’s PAFF screened over 170 films, with 72 shorts, 64 documentaries, and 62 features during its twelve day run. One of the features screened was DGA President Michael Apted’s Amazing Grace, based on the true story of William Wilberforce, a leader of the British abolition movement who struggled to pass a law to end the slave trade in the late 18th century.
As part of the our sponsorship, on Thursday, February 15, 2007 the Guild presented “A Conversation with Kasi Lemmons.” Lemmons is the director of the feature films Eve's Bayou, The Caveman's Valentine, and the upcoming Talk to Me. The event was moderated by DGA director Theodore Witcher (Love Jones). While the insightful discussion focused on craft, Lemmons also touched on both the difficulties faced by and opportunities available to African American directors.
On Friday, February 17, 2007, PAFF filmmakers were invited to a breakfast in the atrium of DGA headquarters where Directors Millicent Shelton (My Name is Earl), and Ricardo Méndez Matta—whose feature Thieves and Liars (Ladrones y Mentirosos) also screened at the festival—spoke to them about the advantages of DGA membership.
