GCUFF 9 2020 Goes Virtual: Now Through September 18th 2020!
FEATURED PHOTO: DONNA DABBS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR GCUFF
Greater Cleveland Urban Film Festival, Posted September 14th 2020
The 9th Annual Greater Cleveland Urban Film Festival (GCUFF) set for September 10-18, 2020 will be virtual this year. When GCUFF 9 goes online, we are anticipatingreaching, potentially, a much larger crowd than it would in its traditional in-personvenues.
According to Donna Dabbs, the Executive Director of GCUFF, “When the COVID-19 pandemic ensured that a public gathering would not be possible,we decided to focus on the positive aspect of this unforeseen change by offering the same quality film festival, but virtually!”
GCUFF is also excited to share its theme, Black Films Matter. Since 2011, GCUFF has aimed to support independent voices in the film industry by providing a platform to showcase quality content by and about people of color.
So, why are black indie films and filmmakers important? Historically, most black films produced each year have not come from Hollywood. GCUFF and other Black Film Festivals have continued to provide a cinematic space for independent films that is culturally diverse and relevant to our stories.
Our Black Films Matter theme sheds light on the fact that our stories have always mattered, and should be acknowledged, celebrated, and shared. Their rich content is reflected in a collection of over 70+ feature films, shorts, animations, and documentaries that will be streamed virtually and in a drive-in setting for over 9 days.
There will also be virtual discussions with filmmakers and other special guests who address the importance of films of color and how they contribute to sharing ideas about our culture presently and from our past. In fact, during GCUFF 9, we plan to share some classic cinematic works from the 70’s and 80’s.
In this era of social consciousness, GCUFF is pleased to see others in the film industry also acknowledging that Black Films “do matter”. Streaming giants such as Netflix with over 182 billion subscribers has launched the Black Lives Matter Category, ‘Black Storytelling Matters’ that is curating dozens of films and television series created by black storytellers under the label to continue highlighting media about the Black experience.
As for GCUFF 9, “Now anyone, anywhere can experience our film festival and enjoy the many “reel life” films we have to offer,” said Dabbs. GCUFF thanks its sponsors including AARP, Dollar Bank, Tito Vodka, Jack Daniels, Ohio Regional Sewer District, and RPM International. Film passes and ticket information arenow available by going to gcuff.org.
More info and ticket information available here.
