FILM REVIEW
“Charles Lloyd: Arrows into Infinity (2012)”
Documentary, U.S., 118 minutes
A loving and nearly deific look at the genius of jazz saxophonist Charles Lloyd, whose music crossed over from jazz and bebop’s seminal figures to the countercultural rock of the 1960s.
He could be found playing in New York’s iconic jazz clubs one month, and the next his combo would be playing sets between Jimi Hendrix and the Grateful Dead at Fillmore East. Lloyd, one of those musicians who can extemporize on a saxophone as easily as most people speak their native tongue, dropped out of public performances and moved to Big Sur, Calif., as the wave of his fame grew. He disappeared, built a house and pursued a spiritual path for more than a decade. He began reappearing in the 1980s and issuing albums.
The documentary, co-directed by Lloyd’s wife Dorothy Darr, contains intimate access to the musician, plentiful film from his career, early interviews with Lloyd as well as contemporary music and interviews.
— Christopher Quinn
EVENT PREVIEW
The festival will run July 18-20 at the Fulton Southwest Arts Center, with screenings each day from noon to midnight. Opening night feature film "Toussaint Louverture" premieres at 7:30 p.m. July 18 as a two-part series, tickets are $2o. All other tickets are $10 per screening. Or if you fancy a bargain, the PAFF Pass is available for $45 per person for six films, excluding the opening night feature.
The Southwest Arts Center is located at 915 New Hope Road S.W., Atlanta. Visit http://nbaf.org/festival-2013/pan-african-film-festival/ for a full schedule of films and to purchase tickets.
Spend a weekend immersed in global culture at the Pan African Film Festival July 18-20, a round-the-world artistic foray with the added benefit of air conditioning and a comfy seat.
The Pan African Film Festival (PAFF) returns to Atlanta as part of this year’s National Black Arts Festival, bringing with it 18 original, critically acclaimed films from locales exotic and domestic crafted to entertain — and to give you a deeper understanding of cultural diversity.
The PAFF showcases black artists from nearly every continent, celebrating diverse artistic and creative expression. Established in 1992, PAFF is one of America’s largest and most prestigious international black film festivals. The film festival begins at noon each day and includes a daily feature.
The National Black Arts Festival is celebrating its 25th year as an Atlanta institution, curating dance, film, literature, music, performance art, theater and visual art. The PAFF has collaborated with the arts festival for more than a decade in partnership with Fulton County Arts and Culture.
PAFF 2013 featured films
"Toussaint Louverture" (2012/Martinique/France/French with English subtitles/narrative)
7:30 p.m. July 18
Two-part epic film of the life of Haitian revolutionary Toussaint Louverture. Stars Jimmy Jean-Louis, Aïssa Maïga and Sonia Rolland. PAFF 2012 Best Feature. 180 minutes plus 15-minute intermission.
"Stones in the Sun" (2013/Haiti/U.S./English/narrative )
6:05 p.m. July 19
In the midst of increasing political violence, a young couple, two sisters, and a father and son are driven from Haiti to New York, where they must confront the truths of their interlocked pasts. PAFF 2013 Best Feature Narrative; AMAA 2013 Prize for Best Diaspora Feature. 95 minutes.
"Mama Africa" (2011/South Africa/Germany/German with English subtitles/documentary )
10:05 p.m. July 19
This film traces the life and music of South African legend Miriam Makeba, Mama Africa, through more than 50 years of performing. ZIFF 2012 Best Documentary. 90 minutes.
"Elza" (2011/Guadeloupe/France/French with English subtitles/narrative)
Noon July 20
A young Parisian woman returns to her native island of Guadeloupe looking for the father she has never known. This is the first narrative film by a female Guadeloupean, director Mariette Monpierre. PAFF 2012 Festival Programmers’ Award — Narrative. 80 minutes.
"Charles Lloyd: Arrows Into Infinity" (2012/U.S./English/documentary)
9:50 p.m. July 20
The spiritual quest of influential 1960s jazz musician Charles Lloyd, who left the spotlight for a life of quiet reflection. PAFF 2013 Audience Award — Documentary. 118 minutes.
About the Author
