David F. Walker is an award-winning comic book writer, author, filmmaker, journalist, and educator. His work in comic books includes Shaft (Dynamite Entertainment), winner of the 2015 Glyph Award for Story of the Year. Recognized as a leading scholar expert of African-American cinema who has been interviewed by such news outlets as The Los Angeles Times, New York Daily News, and BBC, Walker produced one of the definitive documentaries on the topic of Blaxploitation films, Macked, Hammered, Slaughtered, and Shafted. His publication BadAzz MoFo became internationally known as the indispensable resource guide to black films of the 70s, and he is co-author of the book Reflections on Blaxploitation: Actors and Directors Speak.
The Portland Black Film Festival aims to offer diverse perspectives and stories in an art form all too often dominated by white filmmakers. This year’s festival features films which showcase the cinematic achievements of African American stars and filmmakers and examine the black experience in America.
The Cascade Festival of African Films is the longest running annual, non-profit, non-commercial, largely volunteer-run African Film Festival in the United States.The festival is free and open to the public on a first-come, first-served basis. Because seating is limited, come early to get a seat. February 3rd thru March 4th
The mission ofthis festival is:
- Developing knowledge, understanding and appreciation of the richness, complexity and diversity of African peoples and their cultures;
- Building community and encouraging open, honest dialogue by bringing people together to view African films, meet African filmmakers, participate in after-film discussions and debate issues of personal and global significance;
- Encouraging inclusiveness and accessibility by offering the festival free of charge;
- Creating an audience for African film in Portland, Oregon, and its environs;
- Serving as a resource of information about African cinema;
- Working with Portland Community College to build a library of African cinema for use by students, faculty, staff and the public;
- Sharing our passion for and knowledge of Africa and African cultures through film.
- KBOO