CLEVELAND, Ohio—The Greater Cleveland Urban Film Festival kicks off this week, and those involved say the impact of these films goes far beyond entertainment.
- The spotlight will be on more than 70 films
- The executive director hopes to inspire those attending with films telling stories of African Americans in a positive way
- It runs Sept. 12 through Sept. 20
“Now What” is just one of the films being featured at the festival.
Filmmaker Stacey Malone is writer, producer, co-director and lead actress in “Now What.”
“The words just can’t really explain how excited I am,” said Malone.
Malone says her film has been screened all across the country, but this film festival, screening in her hometown, is the most special.
“This is where my family and friends and the cast and crew that just worked the hardest these last three years, get to see the accomplishment and all the hard work,” said Malone.
Donna Dabbs is the executive director of the nine-day film festival, and she’s hoping for a packed theatre in the coming days.
When we decided to do this, it was just ready-set-go. Let’s get this done. Let’s bring the community together,” said Dabbs. “So, for me, it’s just a culmination of my passion really to connect the community and change the way they think and look at the world, and be inspired.
That inspiration includes films telling the stories of African Americans in a positive way.
“For me, when I see a full theatre and people chatting, exchanging information and getting to know one another, it’s just another way to connect the community,” said Dabbs.
It's a festival that’s more than just lights, camera and action.
