DAVENPORT, IOWA (June 5, 2023) — The inaugural Pulling Focus African American Film Festival of the Quad Cities will showcase 35 exceptional films over two enriching days, June 16-17, 2023. The event, hosted by the Azubuike African American Council for the Arts, aims to amplify Black voices from the Black Diaspora and celebrate the power of Black cinema.
The Festival, dedicated to presenting unique film-watching experiences through African American and Black Diasporic voices, seeks to explore and celebrate the complexity and diversity of the Black experience globally. The event fills a crucial gap in the market by highlighting often overlooked Black voices and stories.
The Pulling Focus Film Festival offers curated films, engaging panel discussions, and special events, bringing together film enthusiasts, industry professionals, academics, and members of the Black community for meaningful connections and dialogue.
Gaye Shannon Burnett expressed the importance of the Festival, stating, "By offering a space for the Black community to be seen and heard, we respond to the demand for diverse storytelling in the film industry and our community." The Festival invites everyone to celebrate the richness of cinematic artistry and the profound impact of Black voices this Juneteenth.
The Pulling Focus African American Film Festival is a free and open event for the public. For more information and reservations, visit: pullingfocusfilmfestival.com/.
About the Pulling Focus African American Film Festival of the Quad Cities:
The annual Pulling Focus African American Film Festival of the Quad Cities showcases unique film-watching experiences through African American and Black Diasporic voices. The Festival explores and celebrates the complexity and diversity of the Black experience globally. It provides a platform for filmmakers to showcase their work, connect with industry professionals, and reach a wider audience. For more information, visit pullingfocusfilmfestival.com.
Sponsors of the Festival include the Regional Development Authority, Quad City Arts, Iowas American Water Company, The Doris and Victor Day Foundation, The Marc and Gma Howze Charitable Foundation, and Quad City Community Foundation.
Partners of the Festival include the Putnam Museum, the Figge Art Museum, The TMBC Lincoln Center, The Friends of MLK Center, Steam on Wheels, the Downtown Davenport Partnership, Urban Exposure Independent Film Project, and the Pulling Focus African American Film Festival of The Quad Cities.
