ROCK ISLAND, ILLINOIS (May 20, 2024) — We are thrilled to announce the return of the Pulling Focus African American Film Festival of the Quad Cities for its second year. Join us from June 6-9, 2024, as we celebrate the rich and diverse narratives of the Black Diaspora through the art of film. The festival will kick off with an opening ceremony and filmmaker meet-and-greet on June 6 at The Last Picture House in Davenport. This boutique theater promises an intimate and unique viewing experience.
This year, we received an impressive 112 submissions and accepted seventy films, showcasing a diverse range of genres, including cutting-edge sci-fi narratives, documentaries, and horror films. We are excited to introduce a new category, The Reel Impact, alongside our traditional "Out-of-Competition" Showcase, emphasizing films with a strong social message.
Our festival has attracted filmmakers from around the globe, including submissions from the United States, China, the United Kingdom, Indonesia, Spain, Saudi Arabia, Rwanda, Kenya, Japan, Jamaica, Italy, Iran, India, the country of Georgia, Ethiopia, Canada, Brazil, Belgium, Australia, and Angola. We are proud to highlight the work of filmmakers from Davenport and Rock Island, and we are honored to host nine filmmakers traveling from cities such as New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, St Louis, and even London to attend the festival.
As our festival grows, so does the spotlight on our community and all the wonderful things we offer. Join us for a weekend of powerful cinema and community engagement featuring heavy hors d'oeuvres and a cash bar to enhance your festival experience.
We look forward to welcoming you to the 2024 Pulling Focus African American Film Festival and hope you will join us in celebrating the narratives of the Black Diaspora.
About Pulling Focus
Founded by Gaye Shannon Burnett and her independent filmmaker son Jonathan Burnett, Pulling Focus is committed to empowering Black filmmakers and showcasing stories made by and about people of African descent. Through cinema, we bridge gaps between communities, fostering an appreciation for Black culture and creating awareness of the Black experience.
Special Guest: Felicia D Henderson at the Figge Art Museum
Join us for an exclusive artist talk with Felicia D Henderson, the creator of Showtime's Emmy-nominated series Soul Food and many other acclaimed works.
Take advantage of this unique opportunity to engage with impactful stories and celebrate the art of filmmaking!
Festival Schedule:
Day 1: Thursday, June 6
- TMBC Lincoln Center
- Screening Block #1: 1-3PM
- Azubuike Hospitality Room for Festival Staff: 1-3:30PM
- The Last Picture House
- Opening Reception: 6-7:30PM
- VIP Screening Block #2: 7:30-10PM
Day 2: Friday, June 7
- TMBC Lincoln Center
- Screening Block #3: 1-3:30PM
- Putnam Museum
- Screening Block #4: 6-9PM
Day 3: Saturday, June 8
- Figge Art Museum
- Screening Block #5 (Out-of-Competition Showcase): 11:10AM-1:20PM
- Panel Discussion: 1:30-3:10PM
- Screening Block #6: 3:30-5:30PM
- VIP/Filmmaker's Mixer/Reception (with heavy hors d'oeuvres and cash bar): 5:30-6:15PM
- Featured Speaker/Interview/Artist Talk with Felicia D. Henderson: 6:30-8PM
Day 4: Sunday, June 9
- Venue TBA
- Reel Impact Discussion: 12:30-2:30PM
- The Last Picture House
- Closing and Awards Ceremony: 3-5PM
Please visit our website for more details and to view the full festival lineup. pullingfocusfilmfestival.com/.
