Written by AP Entertainment Writer Jonathan Landrum Jr.
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Black actors, directors, and tastemakers like Michelle Obama, Mara Brock Akil, and Issa Rae are influencing society on their own terms, and their presence will give Martha’s Vineyard a shimmering light no matter the time of day.
Some of the most important voices in the business come together in Oak Bluffs, Massachusetts, for the Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival, which has been a cultural reunion, a summer sanctuary, and a safe haven for more than 20 years. The 23rd annual nine-day celebration is back this week, and it begins on Friday with a packed schedule that includes appearances by Hall of Fame basketball player Dwyane Wade and singer-actor Jennifer Hudson, as well as screenings of Spike Lee’s Highest 2 Lowest and in-depth interviews with people like the Rev. Al Sharpton.
The festival has attracted the elite of Black Hollywood throughout the years, including Ava DuVernay, Kerry Washington, Tyler Perry, and Regina King. In 2022, the Obamas made an unexpected appearance.
Tracee Ellis Ross, who will present her new series Solo Traveling with Tracee Ellis Ross on the Roku Channel, said, “It’s a moment when so many of us converge and gather in a location that has historically received us incredibly well.” The three-episode series follows Ross as she travels alone across Morocco, Mexico, and Spain to unplug, indulge, and re-establish connections.
Solo travel is a way of life, according to Ross. She said it was appropriate to share her piece at MVAAFF, pointing out that the episode of Akil’s Forever set in the Vineyard perfectly depicts the essence of the charming island.
“It seemed like the ideal place to sort of share,” she added. From the moment the show debuted, the timing was ideal.
The festival, which takes place on the grounds of the Martha’s Vineyard Performing Arts Center and the Vineyard Lounge, has developed from a small-scale event into a premier hub for Black creatives seeking support, connection, and inspiration.
Akil honored festival founders Stephanie and Floyd Rance, giving them credit for creating a creative pipeline that allows Black-based storytelling to be seen and heard.
They are aware of its worth. Akil, who will show an episode of The Vineyard from the Netflix series Forever during the festival, stated that they are aware of the need. We assert the worth of our story, regardless of what the Hollywood system or institution deems valuable. We have the opportunity to honor them, finish them, share them with others, and tell them. It enables the story to be finished so that we can proceed to the countless other stories that require telling.
According to Floyd Rance, MVAAFF is an essential component of the entertainment industry, providing a forum where Black voices and narratives receive the recognition they merit.
Floyd and Stephanie said they did not anticipate their festival becoming such a major attraction, but it’s always wonderful to have some sort of convergence for people who share similar interests in the arts and entertainment to come together, unite, exchange ideas, and renew friendships and camaraderie.
It’s always a fantastic time for like-minded people to come together, regardless of the political situation and current events in the entertainment industry.
In addition to the films and panels, Stephanie Rance stated that the festival’s theme this year is joy, emphasizing celebration above hardship. She is particularly thrilled for guests to engage in a variety of discussions, ranging from obscure Black historical events to a panel with Morehouse and Spelman on Ralph Lauren’s Oak Bluffs collection.
A conversation on Black dandyism honoring fashion icon Andr Leon Talley will take place at the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture.
“The entire Vineyard community and the people who travel from all over the world to attend the festival really support the filmmakers,” she said. Everyone adores the studio, the talent that enters, and the streaming content. However, at our core, we are a film festival for filmmakers.
The festival this year offers a compelling lineup that combines conversation, celebrity power, and original thinking.
Exclusive snippets from Spike Lee’s next movie, Highest 2 Lowest, which stars Denzel Washington, will be revealed.A discussion on Black storytelling, led by Courtney B. Vance, will explore how content production can maintain cultural authenticity.
While Dwyane Wade will take part in a men’s luncheon with industry professionals to address leadership, legacy, and capital in today’s changing media landscape, Jennifer Hudson will chat candidly about her Emmy-nominated daytime talk program.
Joy Reid is facilitating a fireside discussion about purpose and power. Issa Rae is back with a sneak peek at the second installment of her documentary, Seen & Heard, which continues to examine Black creatives’ visibility. A Different World will receive a tribute in honor of Debbie Allen, highlighting the show’s enduring power even after several decades.
The screenings will feature a variety of Black narratives, such as Ryan Coogler’s highly regarded Sinners, Tyler Perry’s Old Mary Mare, HBO Max’s The Gilded Age, and Starz’ Magic City: American Fantasy.
Michelle Obama and her brother Craig Robinson will interview Teyana Taylor as part of a live podcast taping.
The festival has evolved into a cultural hub for returning filmmakers like Andre Gaines to exhibit their work. He will present The Dutchman, a daring reinterpretation of Amiri Baraka’s smoldering 1964 play, at MVAAFF for the third time this year.
In addition to working with MVAAFF founders Stephanie and Floyd Rance on a documentary about the late ESPN anchor Stuart Scott, Gaines stated, “It’s great to show our stories in front of our people and get this visceral and genuine reaction when it comes to things that we’re familiar with.”
According to Gaines, the festival validates the importance of Black storytelling in a way that is sometimes disregarded by mainstream venues.
According to him, some people believe that our award shows, festivals, and media are inferior to what the general public or our white peers would think they are. That is what makes this celebration so lovely. We converse and celebrate the filmmakers who have gone before us as well as those who are working right now. We have this wonderful chance to unite in that way.
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