San Francisco Black Film Festival 2008

The heroic story of America’s first shock-jock, Petey Greene overcame poverty, drug addiction and a prison sentence by “telling it like it is” on his raw uncensored radio and television programs. His explosive language and brash style shocked the world as Petey battled both the system and his own demons on the journey to becoming a leading activist during a time of civil unrest in our nation’s capital. Don Cheadle, who played Petey in the feature Talk To Me, narrates this documentary. Cameo appearance by Howard Stern in Blackface.

A 4-part television series, After 9, tells the story of a successful but closeted man with all the outward elements of black middle class South African life: entrepreneurial success, societal pressure and the expectations of culture. He finds a compromise by living straight during the day and gay after nine, but pressure from both sides of his unsteady love triangle makes living a lie difficult.

Why does HIV/AIDS have such a grip on the black population of America? The black churches are split on how to react to their HIV+ members, HIV is on the rise again in men who have sex with men; African American women are dying of AIDS; the virus is spreading among teens who still claim to be virgins. 'The AIDS Chronicles Here to Represent' goes inside the lives of African American AIDS activists, victims and experts to reveal the current state of the disease. Q&A with filmmaker

Justin Thomas is a walking mystery. An orphan trying to make a life for himself in adulthood, he yearns to create the family he never had. But when he discovers the secrets of his past, his hopes for the future and his life are put in jeopardy. Justin finds out that his body is an experiment that could change the nature of the world for good or ill. Those who want him will stop at nothing. The chase begins. When it ends, Justin will either assist mankind or help along its ultimate destruction. Which way will be a way out? Either way, his world will be forever changed in this all-too-present-day thriller.

What is more important during the engagement… the love or the ring? The age old question, Love or Money, is taken to another level in the feature film “All About the Ring.'

Dr. Mehret Mandefro, a young doctor in the South Bronx embarks on a research project to find out why black women are becoming infected with HIV at alarming rates. She takes us into the lives and relationship histories of her black, female patients to find out what social factors are putting them at risk. When she expands her research to include women across boundaries of race, class and country, she discovers a dangerous power imbalance that all heterosexual women face in the bedroom, but rarely discuss. ALL OF US is about HIV/AIDS but it is not a tragedy. It is a story of resilience, courage and activism. The screening will be followed by a discussion with Director, Emily Abt. The discussion is facilitated by Women Organized Respond to Life Threatening Disease. The "All of Us" screening is sponsored by Gil Gerald & Associates

After seeing a documentary about being an actress, Terri J. Vaughn loved the stories being told, but she felt that there was a voice missing – the voice of black actresses. Knowing that her peers and colleagues could provide a rich perspective, Vaughn sent out a call to see if any of them would be interested in telling their stories. The response was strong and ultimately 25 black actresses, including Meagan Good, Jasmine Guy, Regina King, and Sheryl Lee Ralph, came together for a frank discussion of their fears, disappointments, successes, families, and careers, providing a star-studded glimpse of the reality beneath the illusion of Hollywood.

Ages 5 and up Young Winston is burdened by the hardships of chronic asthma and isn’t able to participate in the everyday activities of his peers and classmates. Winston discovers that the magic of imagination has the power to bridge, transform and empower.

A 'people's history' of the protestors who struggled against racial injustice and clashed daily with the Philadelphia police force in an important milestone of the American civil rights movement.