IT’S A WRAP! THE 5TH ANNUAL GIBFF CLOSES WITH A SURPRISE GUEST
What a weekend! Three days, 40 films, 11 filmmakers and 10 awards. Whew!
The audiences at the 5th Annual Gary International Black Film Festival were treated to an unexpected surprise when, after three days of dynamic shorts, narrative and experimental film, the Closing Night event featured a touching tribute to GIBFF Director of Community Engagement, Kelechukwu Brnfre. Tears of remembrance turned to tears of joy when Brnfre’s widow, Erica Brnfre presented the first Annual Kelechukwu Brnfre Vanguard Award to Gary’s own Jennia Frederique Aponte for her film, SACRED HEART, capping of a jam packed weekend that opened with Stanley Nelson’s BLACK PANTHER: VANGUARD OF THE REVOLUTION
As Aponte was accepting the award, given to Gary natives who have shown exemplary vision in the arts and cinema, out walks SACRED HEART Executive Producer, Jussie Smollet (Empire). The audience leaped to their feet! What a fitting surprise to our most powerful and engaging festival yet. Smollett, Sol and Jennia Aponte and Closing Night Film director Nefertite Nguvu led a delightful talkback following the screening of SACRED HEART.
Along with announcing the Kelechukwu Brnfre Vanguard Award, the GIBFF issued 8 additional awards based on audience vote.
The GIBFF humbly thanks our partners, Indiana University Northwest and the Urban League of NWI. We are also grateful for our 2015 sponsors.