Black Haven is a first of its kind, short film festival that seeks to celebrate Black art and representation - but it’s also more than that. Black Haven is a rallying cry. It’s an opportunity to bring media, theatre, and film communities together, to begin to break down the long standing systems that keep excellent, genius art from being supported, funded, seen, celebrated AND held at the status that it rightfully deserves to be held at.
5 short films were selected and featured at the first ever (Virtual) Black Haven Film Festival on November 20th. Black Haven celebrated Black art and representation with a showing of selected films and interviews with the artists.
MEET THE ARTISTS
Tang Russ
My name is Marcus Russell aka Tang Russ, I am 23 years of age, and grew up in West Haven,CT. I Attended Metropolitan Business Academy in New Haven where my career pathway was Graphic design and Visual Arts. Since then, i've expanded from digital to film , and have constantly improved my drive for capturing moments in time or things that I find very interesting. I would assume myself to be more of a documenter than a photographer because I am seeing through the lenses of various peoples lifestyle that I cross pathways with.
Instagram: @tangrusss
Kalani Jimenez-Mackson
Afrolombian is my alias and two parts of genetic lineage. I am a professional filmmaker / Cinematographer who loves to skateboard. I keep my ear to the streets and eye on the establishment. I have been practicing the art of filmmaking and story telling for the past 7 years and am armed to make positive change towards growth within my communities
Instagram: @afrolombian
Dione Dwyer / PT Partners
PT Partners is a resident-owned initiative for self-determination in low-income public housing, following in the tradition of Black Feminist Organizing. Dione is a resident leader. Dione is also currently an undergrad at the University of Bridgeport, pursuing her bachelor's in Occupational Therapy. She has three children, two girls, and a boy. A pivotal moment in her life was being awarded the “Excellence Without Excuse” plaque in high school - a prelude to her adult values. Dione was also recognized and awarded for parent participation during her children’s days in elementary school. Currently, she has stepped up and been recognized as a Resident Leader, while also the Pres. of the Resident Council in her community. Dione is also a Certified Nurses’ Assistant. Her strengths are caring for family, having her friends’ backs, looking out for her community, and skilled in caring for everyone. In all, the total sum of her parts, she is a mother, daughter, sister, friend, and cousin, even just a helping hand where she can, but most of all a student who is happy to learn wherever knowledge is found.
Instagram: @ptpartnersbport
Facebook: @PTBarnumapartments
Ike Abakah
Ike Abakah is a Ghanaian-American cinematographer exploring the stories & aesthetics of the Black identity in relation to everyday life experiences.
Instagram: @IkeAbakah
Ammon Downer
My name is Ammon (uh-mon) Downer. I am 19-years-old and I have lived in New Haven Connecticut my whole life. I am currently a sophomore at University of Connecticut and I am majoring in acting. I have been acting since 7th grade and even attended Cooperative Arts & Humanities High School. My involvement with art does not just stop with acting I also sing, dance, video edit and draw.
Instagram: @guyino
Contact: ammon.t.downer@gmail.com
BLACK HAVEN ORGANIZERS
Salwa Abdussabur
Black Haven Curator and Principal Organizer
Brianna Chance
Black Haven Creative
Danessa Pedroso
Black Haven Creative
Camelle Scott
CTCORE-Organize Now! Executive Director
Ashley Blount
CTCORE-Organize Now! Co-Deputy Director
Raven A. Blake
CTCORE-Organize Now! Co-Deputy Director
BLACK HAVEN SPONSORS
Black Haven Film Festival has been made possible by our partners at the City of New Haven Arts Culture Tourism Division, Elm City Lit Fest, Collective Consciousness Theatre, Long Wharf Theatre, and the Arts Council of Greater New Haven.
To donate, text BLKHVN to 41444