The Scottish Rite “Roots”

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For Immediate Release:Contact: David N. Roach 510-776-4178

Subject: The Oakland Film Society announces theme, line up of films, panels, parties, pitches and more for The 15th Oakland International Film Festival - April 4-8th, 20172017, marks the year for The 15th Oakland International Film Festival (OIFF15).

2017, also marks 50 years since Dr. Martin Luther King Jr wrote his last book, “Where Do We Go From Here: Chaos or Community? He left the U.S. for a couple of months and stayed in Ocho Rios, Jamaica to write it. At a time when many are asking, “ where do we go from here?” I feel it is relevant in 2017 forward. He wrote,“So we must see that peace represents a sweeter music, a cosmic melody that is far superior to the discords of war. Somehow we must transform the dynamics of the world power struggle from the nuclear arms race, which no one can win, to a creative contest to harness man’s genius for the purpose of making peace and prosperity a reality for all the nations of the world.” In short, we must shift the arms race into a peace race...we must rapidly begin the shift from a “thing” oriented society to a “person” oriented society...a nation that continues year after year to spend more money on military defenses than on programs of social uplift is approaching spiritual death.”

2017, also marks 40 years since Alex Haley’s “Roots” aired nationally on our T.V. screens and amplified a voice of the voiceless in pursuit of freedom and equality in America. In celebration of 40 years, we have joined City Coun-cil Women Lynette McElhaney and Bild Corp in welcoming to Oakland a few celebrities from the Roots cast 40 years ago and the Roots recent remake which aired last year in celebration of The 15th Oakland International Film Festival. We are eagerly awaiting to welcome: Actor- Louis Gossett Jr., Executive Producer- Mark Wolper, Lawrence Hilton - Jacobs, Mario Van-Peebles, Mandela Van Peebles for a fireside chat at The Scottish Rite Temple on Saturday, April the 8th. Also Joanna L. Mountain, of 23andme will be joining the Fireside chat.

April 4th, The 15th Oakland International Film Festival kicks off! On April the 4th, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr was assassinated at the Lorraine Hansberry Hotel in Memphis, Tennessee. 49 years ago. The “creative contest” he describes above is a guiding principle of presenting The 15th Oakland International Film Festival. Our “creative contest” is revolved around filmmakers. Revolved around the stories they tell. Revolved around the society their stories impact. Join us!

Kind regards,David N. RoachCo-Founder/ DirectorThe Oakland Film Society Presents The 15th Oakland International Film Festival -April 4-8th, 2017

Day 1 april 4th The Oakland asian cultural

dreams…GUANGZHOU DREAM FACTORY weaves stories of Africans chasing alluring, yet elusive, ‘Made in China’ dreams into a compelling examination of 21st century global capitalism. Fol-lowing a filmmaker’s journey from Ghana to China and back to Af-rica, GUANGZHOU DREAM FACTORY provides a rare glimpse of African aspirations in an age of endless outsourcing.

She Started It follows five young women on their jour-ney towards start-up success.

At Street LevelAt Street Level is a documentary film that shows how a small en-vironmental justice NGO in West Oakland, California – the West Oakland Environmental Indicators Project .

Steven Rousso-SchindlerDirectorSteven Rousso-SchindlerWriter

This silent film will take place in the present Oakland, CA. This film depicts life of Corey who is an African American teen at the age of 16 – 19 well educated and well mannered.

The Bayg

Nora PoggiDirectorInsiyah SaeedDirectorJennifer Steinman, EditorDirector

Christiane Badgley DirectorChristiane Badgley Writer

Jay Cox Director:Jay CoxWriter

Cultivating Community A short documentary about the role urban farming has played in the boosting of West Oakland communal spirit.

The Seated Siren

A teenage girl struggles when she realizes society views her differently than she views herself because of her disability.

Sylvia Colt-Lacayo DirectorSarah Gonzalez

Danny tells his story about how he found family and a home doing Kung Fu.

Walden SmithDirectorSarah Gonzalez

Humanity at one, then oppressed and divided, rejects, unity and Rebellion

FlashDirectorFlashWriter

Rebellion

Sifu

6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Screening of “She Started It” followed by Q & A

Day 1 april 4th holy names university

8:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m. Screening six short films “Made in Oakland”

5:30 p.m. -7:30 p.m. Screening of Guangzhou Dream Factory followed by Q & A.

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AmerikaTwo poor, white parents living in modern-day South Central LA struggle to raise their 8-year-old son while trying to overcome the father’s criminal past.

Ryan Ward Director Ryan Ward Writer

Walk With MeWalk With Me tells the story of a unique church run by and for prison-ers, exprisoners and people of faith who want to be in solidarity with them.

Margaret EatonWriter and Director

ForgivenessThe President of the United States apologizes for the country’s role in the slave trade because of an essay written by an African American boy.

Satie Gossett -DirectorSatie Gossett – Writer

Visions of WarriorsIn “Visions of Warriors,” four veterans from the Vietnam War era to the Iraq War participate in the groundbreaking Veteran Photo Recovery Project at the VA Menlo Park and use innovative photography therapy to treat their mental illness.

Ming LaiDirectorMing LaiWriter

Yemanjá: Wisdom from the African Heart of Brazil, narrated by Alice WalkerA film about a little known history of Africa in the Americas. A story of the Afro-Brazilian spiritual tradition of Candomblé, with a distinctly ecological worldview.

Donna Carole RobertsDirectorDonna Carole RobertsWriter

Masters of Rhythm with addendumPeru – and specifically, the Afro-Peruvian community – has produced some of the greatest masters of rhythm and percussion that the world has known, as well as many fascinating percussion instruments.

Eve A. MaDirectorEve A. MaWriter

Day 2 april 5th holy names university1:30 p.m.- 4:30 p.m.

6:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.- 9:30 p.m.

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Surf WastedAcross the world, over 400,000 surfboards are created each year. A majority of these surfboards are made with highly toxic, non-reus-able materials that end up in landfills and natural waterways.

Clifford KaponoDirectorClifford KaponoWriter

I Am AyotzinapaIn the city of San Francisco three Latin American artists collab-orate on an art exhibition to raise awareness of the 43 missing students case in Ayotzinapa, Mexico.

Daniel Chávez OntiverosDirectorKadri KoopDirector

Born FighterThe portrait of Johnnie Gray’s boxing gym, a temporary haven for kids and young people who are at-risk of the dangers and tempta-tions of the streets.

Daniel Chávez OntiverosDirector

Silentium Dei=Silentium Dei is a single and continuous long take film about rit-ual, chauvinism and human brutality. Inspired by true events, the film sets forth after a country wedding where a group of men take part in a strange celebration.

Attila RostasWriter and Director

Now’s a Bad TimeSometimes being sentimental means watching life go by… Not everyone is sentimental. A dark comedy about two guys doing nothing wrong. They are only trying to pry a grieving mother for her deceased sons personal info to sell for a small (but reason-able) profit.

Michael OberstWriter and Director

If walls could speak, what would they say about their neighbors? A day in the life of Mr. Istvan and Ms. Magdi, neighbors for many years, isnarrated by the building of Budapest where both live. The walls surrounding them reveal their small passions, stories, and routines.

Miguel Lopez BerazaWriter and Director

Day 3 april 6th holy names university9:30 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.

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¿SEÑOR O SEÑORITO?In a world dominated by women, Bernardo will have to get through a singular interview to access to the secretary’s position that he wishes

Christina Piernas Victoria Ruiz Writer and Directors

AceAfter school, an unlikely pair of teens do an awkward social dance in a house with no parents.

Morgan K NicholsWriter and Director

AmerikaTwo poor, white parents living in modern-day South Cen-tral LA struggle to raise their 8-year-old son while trying to overcome the father’s criminal past.

Ryan WardWriter and Director

The Way of My lifeThere was a man who had been chasing his dream for over 10 years with out a day off. But he recently discovered that he has no talent. The abyss of despair starts to consume him.

Keiya AndoWriter and Director

SifuDanny tells his story about how he found family and a home doing Kung Fu.

Walden SmithDirector

Day 3 april 6th holy names university

1stSaturdays.com A program of The Familyhood Connection Inc

Volunteer at a school near you! Sign up!WE BELIEVE EVERY SCHOOL SHALL HAVE a Student Government Association, Parent Teacher As-socaition, Alumni AssocIation. We seek to call them in collaboration - #Familyhood.

WE BELIEVE EVERY SCHOOL SHALL HAVE a gar-den, a farmers market and a grocery store.

#1stSaturdays is the “do now” strategy to advance a community towards #Familyhood.

11:00 a.m. - 12:15 a.m.

Based on the Afterword of the book, Life of William Grimes the Runaway Slave, written by Regina Ma-son. The Afterword, “My Long Road Back to William Grimes” reveals Regina’s long path to authenticate her ancestor’s story.

Sean DurantDirectorOliver EvangelistaWriter

One Hundred BlocksJaleel finally has enough cash saved up to leave Oak-land and avoid the violent fate of his father, along with so many of his peers. When a friend promises to triple those savings, Jaleel goes against his better judgment and says yes.

Diaunte Thompson Director Arthur Walls Writer

In this place there are very few cars, it is not advis-able to travel alone if those ditches talk…

Fernando Gonzalez Writer and Director

The Guy Came on HorsebackWhen the rural man got aware of the truth that his disabled son has fallen in love with their neighbor’s daughter, He decides to work around it…

Hossein Rabiei DastjerdiWriter & Director

Ya No Te Quiero ( I don’t love you anymore) The time ends with everything, except with the promises.

Francisco Hervada Martin Writer anf Director

Gina’ Journey - In Search of William Grimes

Day 3 april 6th The Grand Lake theater5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

7:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

Day 3 april 6th The Grand Lake theater

Downunder

SPECIAL FEATURE FILM PRESENTATION

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Is knowing how to hustle the only step to manhood?Kennedy, a recent college graduate, returns home to Oakland, CA to be manager for local rap artist Marcus.

Robbin RaeWrier and Director

Bad KIds

film about a gang of teenagers in the 1950’s. The leader of the gang, Danny, has a deadly secret. Mikey and the rest of the group need to decide if they are going to follow Danny, or

Austin Thomas WoodWriter and Director

A Photographic Memory An experimental look at the history of Saudi Ara-bia through the eyes of a photographer.

Tareq Yosef AldakheelallahWriter and Director

When three people are introduced to The Better Earth Pro-gram, they learn that one of them must make the ultimate sacrifice.

Michael GavinoWriter and Director

Room ServiceTwo life-long friends spend the night together for the first time.

Joseph MatarreseDirectorBryce McLeayWriter

Stop

STOP is a short film that will depict the reality of the deaths of young black men that come at the hands of other young black men. As the deplorable death rate continues to rise in our OWN communities, I wonder WHERE IS THE OUTRAGE?

Day 3 april 6th The Grand Lake theater10:00 p.m - 12:00 a.m.

Alvin A Attles, lllDirectorHenry J KimDirectorAlvin A Attles, lllWriter

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The Uncertainty Has Settled

After eight years of travelling through poverty and conflict zones, documentary maker Marijn Poels decides to take a sab-batical. In the Austrian Mountains. It brings him unexpectedly to the roots of agriculture and its perspective in modern times

Marijn PoelsWriter and Director

At Street LevelAt Street Level is a documentary film that shows how a small en-vironmental justice NGO in West Oakland, California – the West Oakland Environmental Indicators Project – uses science to help convince policymakers that environmental changes are needed to increase local air quality that causes asthma.

Steven Rousso-SchindlerWriter and Director

A short documentary about the role urban farming has played in the boosting of West Oakland communal spirit.

Jasmine Ehrhardt Zoe SalnaveDirector

The Long Ride

The Long Ride is a timely feature-length documen-tary about the historic 2003 Immigrant Workers Freedom Ride

Valerie Lapin GanleyWriter and Director

Horror and anguish seizes a child and his family when something unknown want enter in their home…

Guillermo Tirado DirectorDaniel TiradoDirector

Cultivating Community

Day 4 april 7th City hallFilmmakers Meet at Oakland’s City Hall Chamber at 10:00 a.m. - Introductions/announcements

11:00 - 1:00 p.m. Screenings followed by Q and A in Hearing room 2

1:00 - 3:00 Screenings followed by Q & A in Hearing room 2

Day 4 april 7th City hall

Ellos

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Forgiveness

The President of the United States apologizes for the coun-try’s role in the slave trade because of an essay written by an African American boy.

Satie Gossett -DirectorSatie Gossett – Writer

Bring Your “A” Grade

Mario van Peenbles Writer and Director Karen WilliamsProducer

A respected pastor and inner city community leader is pressed to come clean by a spiritual traveler, about a crime he’s committed and hidden for decades

Starring Cast: Shaun Baker, Richard Gant, Deborah Lacey, Naiyah D. Scaife Running Time: 23min

Damion L. Smith – Writer | Director |

BRING YOUR “A” GAME—a groundbreaking documenta-ry film that, in Van Peebles’ words, “sheds light on the resil-ience and influence of Black males.” Using a cinematic style influenced by popular culture and employing innovative technologies, the film details strategies that have improved the lives of Black men and boys.

Day 4 april 7th City hall3:15 p.m. - 5:15 p.m. Screening of three short films, followed by Speical guest discussionof ROOTS. Welcome Louis Gossett Jr and Mario Van Peebles to Oakland!

Welcome to OIFF15 Louis Gossett Jr

Welcome to OIFF15! Mario Van Peebles

Special Roots conversation after screenings!

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MoneyTwo wealthy businessmen are about to get away with $5 million in ill-gotten money until their plans are revealed by an uninvited house guest.

Martin Rosele DirectorJosepWriter

Oakland in BlueIs knowing how to hustle the only step to manhood?Kennedy, a recent college graduate, returns home to Oakland, CA to be manager for local rap artist Marcus.

Robbin RaeWriter and Director

Day ReleaseIn his first weekend parole after 5 years in prison, Mark Rodriguez witnesses the armed robbery of a security truck.

Geoffrey CowperDirectorGeoffrey Cowper & Jesus LLoveras Writer

The story of a wildly successful author’s downward spiral and the people caught in its storm.

Michael ScordakisWriter and Director

Day 4 april 7th City hall5:15 p.m. -7:00 p.m.

7:15 p.m. -9:00 p.m.The short film “Snowflakes will screen followed by “Day Release”

“Oakland in Blue” will screen , followed by the feature film “money”

Actor, Producer, Lawrence Hilton Jacobs

Executive Producer Mark Wolper

Welcome to Oakland, CA!

Snowflakes

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Day 5 april 8th Jack london square

Join us to hear from filmmakers themselves at Oakland’s Jack London Square.At both locations, Lungomare and 499 W. Embarcadero, we will host filmmaker panels. Both locations are in walking distance to one another.

Special Roots Celebration!

The Fireside ChatActor, ActivistDanny Glover

ActorMandela Van Peebles

https://oaklandroots40th.info/

23andmeJoanna Mountain

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Day 5 april 8th Oakland scottish rite

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Special Screening &

After-Party

Special Guest Actor - Glenn PlummerRichard Gant

Featuring The Rick & Russ Show Cj Flash

Special Juneteenth Pre-celebration

The McGees are typical nuclear family: a son who can’t keep a job to save his life. A daughter who is a freshman in college and has just found out she’s pregnant. A wife who has been taken for granted too long and is dissatisfied with everything that is going on in her life; and the dad who is oblivious to it all. But like clockwork, this Sunday just like every Sunday for the past ten years, the family is gathered around the dinner table for BBQ and to watch the lotto numbers being drawn for Jackpot Sunday.

This Sunday is set out to be the biggest payout in US history: $1 Bil-lion. As the numbers are about to be drawn the telecast is interrupt-ed by an emergency broadcast announcing that martial law has been enacted nationwide. A mysterious computer virus has taken over the phones, the TV, and the Internet, replacing every signal with a ticking countdown that started at 90 minutes.

Day 4 april 7th Geoffrey’s Inner Circle