The ninth annual Run & Shoot Filmworks’ Martha’s Vineyard African-American Film Festival (MVAAFF), a nurturing and competitive environment that allows emerging and established filmmakers to test their creativity, took place in Vineyard Haven, Mass., Aug. 9-13. The festival wrapped its ninth year with a ceremony honoring independent filmmakers and producers.
Co-founded by husband and wife team Floyd and Stephanie Rance, the five-day festival attracted more than 1,000 guests, including sponsor representatives, filmmakers, directors, writers, actors and residents.
“We congratulate the 2011 winners and applaud all of the talent and creativity showcased throughout this year’s MVAAFF. Floyd and I are extremely excited about our upcoming 10th year celebration,” said Stephanie Rance. “Time has flown by. We are extremely proud of the work we have done thus far and look forward to a bright future on Martha’s Vineyard. We will also be launching a new addition to the Run & Shoot family in February 2012. Stay tuned!”
The 2011 MVAAFF honorees were as follows.
Saatchi & Saatchi Artist-in-Residence: Bree Newsome, BFA, New York University, director of “WAKE,” a tale steeped in the southern gothic tradition.
Saatchi & Saatchi Nothing is Impossible Producers: Christine Acham and Clifford Ward, directors of “Infiltrating Hollywood: The Rise and Fall of the Spook Who Sat by the Door.”
HBO Short Film: “Slow,” directed by Darius Clark Monroe, was awarded a $1,000 cash prize.
HBO Feature Film: “Payin’ the Price,” directed by 15-year-old Jordan Coleman, won a $500 cash prize.
HBO Documentary: “Separate, But Equal,” directed by Shawn D. Wilson, won a $500 cash prize.
For further information, visit www.mvaaff.com.