Representing the leading Black film critics in the United States, the African-American Film Critics Association (AAFCA) produces an annual slate of community, academic and industry programming that includes collaborations with some of the leading film festivals, universities and premier film studios in the world. “Our primary goal as an organization is to create opportunities that will bring all communities together using the power of cinema,” says AAFCA President and Co-Founder Gil Robertson.
This past October, AAFCA saluted Tyler Perry Studios producer/executive Mark E. Swinton in Atlanta at their 5th annual SYNERGY program, which provides an opportunity for creative professionals in the Southeast to connect and plant the seeds of growth and collaboration.
“AAFCA is thrilled to bring SYNERGY once again to Atlanta, and we hope that by celebrating Mark, we are able to illustrate the immense opportunities that are possible for other creative professionals who live in this region,” Robertson, who lives in Atlanta part time, shared in a statement to press prior to the event. “Atlanta is a growing player in film and TV production, and we feel that with SYNERGY we’re providing a valuable opportunity that can help the Atlanta and Southeast film communities grow strong.”
In the next few months, AAFCA will host its signature event, the 8th AAFCA Awards, on Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2017 at the Taglyan Complex in Hollywood and guess who’s coming to dinner?
“It is beyond a privilege for AAFCA to receive this opportunity to honor a man who epitomizes timeless excellence,” Robertson vaunts. “Throughout his career, Sidney Poitier has embodied values that the AAFCA community admires and strives to duplicate. He set a standard of merit through his craft and commitment to humanity that has been a great blueprint for all artists. Our production team is deep at work to create a tribute that shows our deep gratitude for all that he has done to create opportunities for the black community in Hollywood and beyond. At the height of his career, Poitier single-handily represented our community with a dignity and grace on screen during a time when very few blacks even had an opportunity to work in the business in front or behind the camera. We feel that his impact is immeasurable. There is, perhaps, no artist more fitting to receive the inaugural AAFCA Icon Award than Poitier.”
Winners will be announced Monday, Dec. 12, 2016.
This team of film critics and industry insiders stays busy. They also recently announced the honorees for the annual Special Achievement Awards, which will be handed out Saturday, Jan. 7, 2017 at the California Yacht Club in Marina del Rey, California.
AAFCA 2017 SPECIAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARD RECIPIENTS
AAFCA Horizon Award: Anthony Hemingway – Visionary Director/Producer, “Underground”
AAFCA Legacy: Floyd Norman – Legendary Animator, Disney/Hanna-Barbera
AAFCA Cinema Vanguard: Lee Daniels – Oscar-Nominated Producer/Director, Record-Breaking TV Show Creator, Precious, “Empire”
AAFCA Roger Ebert: Mike Philips – Film Critic, Chicago Tribune
AAFCA Ashley Boone: Vanessa Morrison – President, Fox Animation
“All of our honorees are serious players who are helping to move the industry forward in terms of creating images that are diverse and inclusive,” says Robertson. “They are all cultural visionaries who deserve to be recognized for their roles in advancing projects that have paid off critically and financially and we look forward to celebrating their careers.”
Established in 2003, the African American Film Critics Association is the largest black film critics organization in the world, representing television, radio, print and online critics.
For more on AAFCA visit www.aafca.com.
