Thousands Gather for Pan African Film Festival

The Pan African Film and Arts Festival ended Monday, after a 12-day run at the Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza.

The annual event was named the "largest black film festival in the United States" last year by The Los Angeles Times. Monday's PAFF Awards Brunch drew filmmakers and artists from around the world.

“Whether you’re telling your story from Haiti, from LA, from Brazil, I’m interested,” said Ayuko Babu, founder and executive director of the Pan African Film Festival. “We’re here to showcase the folks who tell our story.”

There were over 30 films nominated for this year’s awards. Some of the categories included Best Feature Narrative, Best Narrative Short, Best Documentary and Best Director-First Feature.

Audience members ranged from seasoned film professionals and actors to aspiring filmmakers and artists.

“That’s what I feel this festival really does for people; it inspires people and gets people connected and creates community,” Sarah Culberson said.

Jahmil X. T. Qubeka, a director and three-time PAFF nominee, took home two awards this year for Best Feature Narrative and the BAFTA LA Prize for his film Of Good Report.

“I feel like I’m part of a family essentially, so to be here is an amazing thing,” Qubeka said. “Beyond that, to be in competition and also to be the opening night film is an absolute honor for me.”

After the brunch, audience members gathered again for a screening of his film followed by a Q&A session at Rave Cinemas.

“This festival is a creative home for me,” Qubeka said. “To grow as a filmmaker, I hope to engage the festival more.”