The Black Hollywood Education and Resource Center hosts the inaugural BHERC Faith-Based & Inspirational Film Festival on Saturday, Oct. 12, from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., at the Los Angeles Center Studios, 450 Bixel St., in Los Angeles.
“There is an important audience out there waiting to support faith-based and inspirational films. BHERC wants to connect that audience with those films and filmmakers,” said Sandra Evers-Manly, BHERC president and founder.
“This has been an extraordinary year of remarkable films of faith and inspiration. Now more than ever, these films and their messages are needed. They deserve attention, support and dedicated time spent exploring the content of the film as an audience.
The lineup includes:
- “Emanuel” (screens at 11 a.m.) – On June 17th, 2015, a white supremacist walked into a Bible study and murdered nine African Americans. This is the story of the victims and survivors of that night.
- “Let Go and Let God” (screens at 1:30 p.m.) – Starring Clifton Powell, “Let Go and Let God follows two people from different worlds whose lives are rocked after experiencing sudden deaths in their family. They question God as a result but find the faith they’re looking for on an unexpected path.
- “Amazing Grace” (screens at 4:30 p.m.) – A documentary presenting Aretha Franklin with the Gospel Music Workshop of America choir at New Bethel Baptist Church in Los Angeles in January 1972.
- “Breakthrough” (screens at 7 p.m.) – When her 14-year-old son drowns in a lake, a faithful mother prays for him to come back from the brink of death and be healed.
In addition, the festival will feature the Los Angeles premiere of the inspirational short, “Sule and The Case of The Tiny Sparks,” prior to each feature.
Several local pastors will participate in a moderated discussion at the conclusion of each film. The ministers include Pastor James K. McKnight, Church of Christian Fellowship; Pastor Lemuel “Mack” Mossett III, Calvary Baptist of Santa Monica; Minister Michelle Williams Green, Mt. Herman Baptist Church; Pastor K.W. Tulloss, Weller Street Baptist Church; Pastor Sandie Richards, United Methodist Church of San Fernando; Pastor Joyce Reece Kitchen, Emmanuel/Turner AME and Pastor William D. Smart, Christ Liberation Ministries.
The faith community partners include LA Focus Newspaper, AME Ministerial Alliance, Los Angeles Council of Religious Leaders, Antioch Church of Long Beach, Christian Fellowship Los Angeles, Southern Christian Leadership Conference of Southern California and Baptist Ministers Conference of Southern California.
This inaugural event is open to the public. Ticket donations are $15 per film or $45 for an all-day pass. Parking is included with admission. A reception will follow the final screening, and complimentary and for-purchase refreshments will be offered throughout the day.
To obtain tickets, visit bherc.org or call (310) 284-3170.
