Newark Black Film Festival in Asbury Park
Posted by Webmaster on 06/28/08

Newark Black Film Festival

In Asbury Park
Opening night this Friday, June 27th @ 7pm!
ASBURY PARK HIGH SCHOOL AUDITORIUM
1003 Sunset Ave. Asbury Park

NBFF, produced since 1974 by The Newark Museum, and underwritten for the past eight years by Bank of America, returns to Asbury Park this year beginning with the showing of The Promised Land episode of the highly-acclaimed civil rights movement documentary series Eyes on the Prize on Friday, June 27th at 7PM at the Asbury Park High School Auditorium, 1003 Sunset Ave.

Of local interest is The Ditchdigger's Daughters, which tells the story of Donald Thornton, a Long Branch native, and his six daughters who would beat the odds of growing up black and female in the 1950's and 60's. This film is a testament to a father's love, and the persistence as well as strength of his daughters who overcame poverty and racism to become accomplished professionals. Showing on July 25th at 7PM, this is a special night which includes a reception and book signing by one of Thornton's daughters, Dr. Yvonne Thornton, author of the book on which the movie is based.

Terri Thomas Monmouth County Arts Council's Community Arts Director said "Last years festival was an exceptionally enriching experience not only because of the quality of the films screened but because of the knowledge & expertise of the speakers and local panelists at the Q& A sessions with the audience after the films screenings. A community dialogue of extraordinary depth, brought a personal touch and current relevance to the evenings.  The diverse audience crossed cultural, ethnic and age boundaries and they created a cultural exchange and dialogue that traversed race, age and gender; last year I think we witnessed film not only as entertainment but as a catalyst for acquiring knowledge, community dialogue and enrichment.  I'm very proud that the Monnmouth County Arts Council can once again bring the Newark Black Film Festival to Asbury Park".

Ann M. Limberg, State President of Bank of America - New Jersey commented on the Festival and their continued support of the arts in New Jersey, "Through our unique, multi-tiered program of support for the arts and culture in neighborhoods across the country, Bank of America is contributing to a climate where innovation flourishes, economies grow, and people and communities thrive.  Our sponsorship of the Newark Black Film Festival presents an ideal opportunity to achieve that mission, we highly value our partnership with the Monmouth County Arts Council, The Newark Museum, the New Jersey State Museum, and our newest partner, the Rutgers-Camden Center for the Arts, in bringing this major cinematic and cultural event to the state, and in particular, the greater Newark, Trenton, Asbury Park and Camden communities."    

Monmouth County Arts Council's programs are made possible through funding from the Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders, through the County Historical Commission, and the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, a partner agency of the National Endowment of the Arts.