WHAT: A screening of de Jesus’ new video documentary, Garifuna Nation

WHEN: Tuesday, March 20, 2012, 7 p.m.

WHERE: Scribe Video Center, 4212 Chestnut Street, 3rd floor, Philadelphia, PA

Presented in partnership with Taller Puertorriqueño

Scribe Video Center’s Producers’ Forum Series presents Garifuna Nation: The feature-length video documentary, Garifuna Nation, directed by Carlos de Jesus, presents a cultural encounter between two distinct Afro-Caribbean experiences: Afro-Puerto Rican and Garinagu (also called Garifuna). Through these two parallel perspectives, the video looks into how the slave experience has historically played itself out in different ways and how circumstances determine who we are today. Having escaped the ravages of slavery in the Americas, a group of West Africans joined with Carib Indians to form the Garifuna culture that has survived for over 212 years — on self-reliance, sacred spirit-possession practices and dance moves. Now, the Garinagu people must face the challenge of interfacing western lifestyles and modern technology with the long-held values regarding their community. (USA/Belize/Honduras 2012, 82 min)

Carlos de Jesus is an award-winning producer-director of documentaries and drama in film and videowhose film and video work has been exhibited in New York City at the Whitney Museum, Museum of Modern Art, International Center of Photography, and the Bronx Museum of the Arts, and in California and Washington, D.C. De Jesus directed and co-produced The Performed Word, a National Endowment for the Humanities docudrama on the African-American preacher; New Voice (PBS), WGBH, Boston; Watch Your Mouth!, a PBS/NBC series for WNET/Thirteen, New York. He direted Sonrisas (PBS), KLRN, Austin and executive produced and directed Imágenes, for NJN, Trenton. He is a key participant in the First World Order Project, a long-term telecommunications project that will focus on traditional as well as contemporary expressions of African cultural practice throughout the Americas, the Caribbean, Europe, India, and the Pacific Islands. De Jesus is currently an Associate Professor of Film and Television at New York University.

Watch the Mayor’s Speech here.

Philadelphia, September 15, 2011 – Mayor Michael A. Nutter signed an executive order reestablishing the Mayor’s Commission on African-American Males. It was first formed under then Mayor W. Wilson Goode, Sr. in 1991. The Commission will address the issues related to unemployment, incarceration, lack of education and health within the African-American male community.

Dietrice Bolden as Rhonda

Umi Shakti as Renee

Adrienne Moore as Angel Unaware

Kelechi Ezie as Jessica

Jevon Mcferrin as Dennis (He is the son of Jazz vocalist *Bobby Mcferrin, * “Don’t
Worry Be Happy”)

Rumando Kelley as Tyson

Creative Team:

Daniel Beaty — Book, Lyrics and Director

Music by — Daniel Beaty, Jamal Joseph and Charles Mack

Scenic/ Projection Art work by — Bryan Collier

Costume Designer — Catherine (Cat) Fisher

Lighting Designer- Andrew Merkel

Choreography – Dell Howlett

Production Stage Manger/ Assistant Director — John Scutchins

Producers:

The Riverside Theatre/ Jewel Kinch — Thomas / Executive and Artistic Director

New Heritage Theatre Group/ Voza Rivers / Executive Producer / Jamal Joseph /
Executive Artistic Director

Walk Tall Girl Productions/ Marcia Pendleton/ Executive Director

"Tearing Down the Walls Video"

Commensality is fellowship at a common table. It is a fundamental principle for the art and science of building the community economy. To rebuild local economies that are healthy, resilient, and prosperous, we should start with commensality.