Amsterdam News Staff
A documentary about author Alice Walker and a drama about boxing are among the winners of the Newark Black Film Festival 2016 Paul Robeson Award.
The competition, established in 1985 in honor of the late activist, performer and athlete, is the longest running festival of its kind in the nation.
“The Newark Museum’s Black Film Festival has brought stories of diversity and inclusion to local residents through cinema for more than 30 years,” said Bob Doherty, New Jersey president, Bank of America, who sponsors the festival. “Because diverse perspectives help communities thrive, we applaud and support the Paul Robeson Award winners’ achievements in filmmaking and their contributions to New Jersey’s cultural vibrancy.”
This year’s winner in the long documentary category was “Alice Walker: Beauty in Truth,” a biographical portrait about the author that covers her life from birth to her historic win of the Pulitzer Prize for her novel, “The Color Purple.” The documentary “Lee Hagan: Connecting Generations” won in the short documentary category. The film explores the life and legacy of Newark resident and civil rights activist Dr. Lee Hagan.
The drama “Blue” won in the long narrative category. The film tells the story of professional boxer Gary “Blue” Meekins as he struggles to live his dreams. Winning the short form category was the film “Video,” a story about a woman’s racist remark captured on video by two teenage Black girls and her plea for them to delete the footage.
The winners will be honored at a reception and award ceremony at the museum August 3 followed by a screening at CityPlex 12 in Newark. The reception, ceremony and screenings are free to the public but pre-registration is required for the reception. To register, call 973-596-6550 or email at rsvp@newarkmuseum.org. For more information and a schedule, go to www.newarkmuseum.org.
