If you enjoy short films, the Deltas of Charlotte Inc. may have just the ticket — literally.
The group next month will hold its 6th annual Legacy of Black Women Short Film Showcase, which screens award-winning films by African American women.
More than 400 people attended last year’s event, and organizers this year are looking to top that number, said Katrina Young, president of Deltas of Charlotte, the nonprofit arm of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. Charlotte Alumnae Chapter.
Young said the event initially was meant to coincide with the city’s Legacy Basketball Tournament. “The event went away, but we stayed with it,” she said. “It’s just been a really good event.”
Young said films selected for the event typically have “profound messages.” And to encourage dialog, she said, Q&A sessions are held with some of the filmmakers.
Films will include:
A Fat Girls Guide To Yoga – Tajamika Paxton
Synopsis: Oversized and with a knack for wise cracks, Wendy turns to yoga to lose weight. She is a disastrous combination of self-consciousness and over enthusiasm. She undergoes a series of challenges, giving viewers a comical glimpse into the skewed mind of a woman trying to find her “Om.”
Awards: Winner, NBC Short Film Comedy Competition.
Run time: 12 minutes
Lifted – Randall Dottin / Malanie Oram
Synopsis: When Deena Justice fails the biggest audition of her life, she makes a choice that lands her trapped in a subway station by a spirit named High John. High John reveals to her that they only way she can break free of the subway is to jump across the train tracks from one platform to the other. To Deena this is an impossible task, but her other choice is to remain there forever.
Awards: Nine awards in film festivals in Boston, Dallas, San Francisco and Norfolk, among others.
Run time: 29 minutes
Love Conquers Al – Kamali Minter
Synopsis: Al dreams about having one thing…Bridgette, his clutzy but cute co-worker. Before he can make his dream come true, he must convince all the personalities in his head that this is what’s best.
Awards: Finalist, Hollywood Black Film Festival
Run time: 14 minutes
Boxed – Jennifer Sharp
Synopsis: Meet Olivia. She doesn’t travel lightly. And she’s about to get a big dose of what’s getting in her way. This film is about the baggage from our past that interferes with the future.
Awards: Finalist, Reel World Film Festival
Run time: 13 minutes
Spent – Phyllis Toben
Synopsis: Cheryl Johnson, a shopaholic real estate agent in Los Angeles is caught living in a house she’s been assigned to sell.
Awards: Best Film, San Diego Black Film Festival
Run time: 15 minutes
The Doll – Dante James
Synopsis: Set in the early 1900s, this film tells the story of Tom Taylor, a black barber. Taylor’s humanity, his dignity and his responsibility to family and community are challenged when it becomes apparent that he has an opportunity to avenge an injustice that was inflicted on his father decades earlier.
Awards: Audience Award, San Francisco Black Film Festival
Run time: 19 minutes
IF YOU WANT TO GO:
When: Friday, January 9, 2009
Reception: 6:30 p.m.
Films start: 7:30 p.m.
Where: Spirit Square, 130 N. Tryon Street, Charlotte 28202
Tickets: $20 per person; available at Spirit Square box office or by calling 704-372-1000 (a portion is tax-deductible)
Attendees are asked to bring canned goods to benefit local charities.
