All posts by mele2b@yahoo.com

Hi I'm Melvin Best, founder and director of the Harlem Film Institute. I am an educator, avid film lover and all around nice guy.
Religious

Anasia’s World

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                 “Anasia’s World”

In this holiday season, we are honored,  with a  message to Generation Z, from our contributor,  and fellow Gen Z’er,  Anasia Mapp. Her favorite Biblical quotes will provide an inspirational message to a generation

I have a message for all Generation Z’s reading this story. All over the blacklist or social media, a message to uplift a generation.                                                                                                                                                  -Anasia Mapp

 

 

Health Awareness: Most Gen Z’s of today face many obstacles, when it comes to finance, they face job layoffs, and are frankly skeptical about identifying the source of their income that they need to pay for their, mental health, car insurance, health insurance, lifestyle and medical treatment.

Social media: IG and Snapchat, can lead to unhealthy relationships, self-image, or pessimism, due to the lost of friendly human interaction. Even though we’re living a different world, where we would discover the exchange set to expressions on how we feel. You take pictures to post your vulnerabilities, the camera is used to increase our followers, who accepted or unaccepted to the level of support products and ideas.

Political Polarization: Gen Z’ers from ages (19-21) and Millennials,  from ages (25-30), although they voted primarily for vice president Kamala Harris, support for president elect, Donald Trump had an increase in. Support from this group. To be fully aware of the media that is blacklisted from presidential nomination for LGBTQ, Racism, Feminism, and Women’s rights. The University of California Los Angeles, Dept. of Psychology study found out what is more debatable to learn more about politics from all over the world to empower diversity for their only influential desire.

Wealthy Generation: Both Baby Boomers and Gen Ze’rs will account for over $12 Trillion dollars to the economy. Gen Ze’rs spending power is likely to grow, due to the emerging social media industries and this will likely increase salaries and lifestyle in the future.

Work Ethic: Baby boomers tend to be more dedicated to their jobs, putting in the longest hours to have an effort to make loyalty of job securities and then prioritizing Gen Z’ers to have a purpose-driven potentiality.

Film Festival

The 25th Annual Harlem Film Institute Film Festival

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The 25th annual Harlem Film Institute                                     Film Festival

Seneca Village “The forgotten community”.

We kick off the 25th Festival with a film that premiered at our 2nd annual Festival, in August of 2000. Seneca Village  “The forgotten Community”, was produced by independent filmmaker, David L. Baughan. When this film was screened, that was the first time i heard about this community of African Americans who lived in what is now known as Central Park. 24 years ago the festival introduced this, as well as a host of  topic that remains unreported on.

http://www.centralparknyc,org

 

Slavery Reconciliation Statue

In 2007, the  Slavery and reconciliation Statue was dedicated in Richmond Virginia. This Statue to symbolize Slavery’s reconciliation, connecting Africa, Europe and The  United States. This film follows a day of events with speeches by politicians and the unveiling of the statue.

http://www.virginia.gov

African Burial Ground Memorial

2003, an African Burial Ground Memorial was dedicated to the desecration of African American burial sights in lower Manhattan. The monument is to honor the African American burial sights in lower Manhattan that were bulldozed to make way for the building of the municipal courts in lower Manhattan.

http://www.nps.gov

 

 

Denzel Washington

We will be inducting Denzel Washington into the Harlem Film Institute hall of fame. In honor of his illustrious career in film and television, he  joins a list black creator who trail- blazed  their way to the top of their industry.

http://www.biography.com>actor>denzel.com

 

 

1.Seneca Village “The forgotten community”.

2. Slavery Reconciliation Statue

3.African Burial Ground Memorial.https://harlemfilminstitute.com/2023/08/04/the-24th-annual-…te-film-festival/ ‎

HFI Hall of Fame Inductees

1999- Oscar Micheaux (1885-1951)

2000- Melvin Van  Peebles (1932-2021)

2001-Gordon Parks (1912-2006)

2002 -Noble Johnson (1881-1978 )

2003-Spencer Williams (1893-1969)

2004-Ivan Dixon (1931-2009)

2005-Sidney Poitier (1927-2022)

2006-Clarence Muse (1889-1979)

2006-Charles Burnett

2007-Ossie Davis (1917-2005)

2007-William Greaves (1926-2014)

2008-Michael Schultz

2009-Maya Angelou (1928-2014)

2010-Spike Lee

2011-Julie Dash

2012-Robert Townsend

2013-Reggie Hudlin

2014-Steve McQueen

2015-F Gary Gray

2016-Barry Jenkins

2017-Albert Hughes

2018-Warrington Hudlin

2019-John Singleton (1968-2019)

2020-Ava DuVernay

2021-Chadwick Boseman (1977-2020)

2022-Kathleen Collins (1942-1986)

2023-Ryan K. Coogler

2024-Denzel Washington

Film Festival

2024 Harlem Film Institute Film Festival

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2024 Harlem Film Institute Film Festival

Join us for the 25th annual film festival, where we will induct Denzell Washington into our Hall of  fame, on August 23rd. In addition to honoring Washington, we will be screening a number of films, including  Seneca Village “the forgotten community”, a film that premiered at our 2nd festival, in August of2000.

Film Festival

The 24th Annual Harlem Film Institute Film Festival

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The 24th Annual

Film Festival

In honor of Hip Hop’s 50th birthday, we celebrate hip hop with our 24th Film Festival. My first introduction to Hip Hop came  in the Summer of 1979,  with a record by the Fat back band featuring a rapper by the name of King Tim III, that my older brother had bought. Although Hip Hop started in 1973, the sounds from this record started a love affair with Hip Hop, which continues to this day.

1.Hip Hop 50th

2.Hip Hop Culture Center in Harlem 2008 Rapathon

3.Hype 2phones

4.Jay Z in Richmond

5.Hip Hop Culture Center in Harlem 2nd Rapathon

6.Roots, Rhymes, & Rage: The Hip Hop story

7.Roots, Rhymes, & Rage: The Hip Hop story part 2

8.The Roots Rock the Jamestown 400th

9.Blue Rosez
HFI Hall of Fame Inductees

1999- Oscar Micheaux (1885-1951)

2000- Melvin Van  Peebles (1932-2021)

2001-Gordon Parks (1912-2006)

2002 -Noble Johnson (1881-1978 )

2003-Spencer Williams (1893-1969)

2004-Ivan Dixon (1931-2009)

2005-Sidney Poitier (1927-2022)

2006-Clarence Muse (1889-1979)

2006-Charles Burnett

2007-Ossie Davis (1917-2005)

2007-William Greaves (1926-2014)

2008-Michael Schultz

2009-Maya Angelou (1928-2014)

2010-Spike Lee

2011-Julie Dash

2012-Robert Townsend

2013-Reggie Hudlin

2014-Steve McQueen

2015-F Gary Gray

2016-Barry Jenkins

2017-Albert Hughes

2018-Warrington Hudlin

2019-John Singleton (1968-2019)

2020-Ava DuVernay

2021-Chadwick Boseman (1977-2020)

2022-Kathleen Collins (1942-1986)

2023-Ryan K. Coogler

AI

A I HFI Revolution

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AIHFI

Revolution

I jumped on the bandwagon and decided to let AI write a blog for me. With the help of Chat GBT, I wrote an essay on Race relations, getting older and African American cinema. I feed the AI three questions,  1. Explain race relations, in the United States, in 2023? 2. Explain getting older? 3. Explain African American cinema. Chat GBT’s responses were combined seamlessly in our first AI generated Blog.

Race Relations

As an artificial intelligence language model, I do not have access to real-time information and events, nor do I have personal opinions or beliefs. However, I can provide a general overview of race relations in the United States based on historical trends and current issues.
Race relations in the United States in 2023 may be shaped by a range of factors, including political and social movements, demographic changes, and ongoing discussions and debates surrounding issues of racial justice and equality. The legacy of systemic racism and inequality continues to impact various aspects of American life, from disparities in education, healthcare, and housing to disproportionate rates of poverty, unemployment, and incarceration among communities of color.
Recent years have seen increased activism and protests, particularly in response to incidents of police brutality and the unjust treatment of Black Americans. This has led to calls for police reform, criminal justice reform, and broader efforts to address systemic racism and inequality. At the same time, there are also ongoing debates and discussions surrounding issues of identity, privilege, and representation, as well as tensions between different racial and ethnic groups.
Despite these challenges, there are also many positive developments and efforts to promote diversity, inclusion, and equity across different sectors of American society, from the workplace to the media and entertainment industries. Overall, race relations in the United States in 2023 may be characterized by a mix of progress and ongoing challenges, as Americans continue to grapple with the legacy of racism and inequality while working towards a more just and equitable society. Ongoing conversations about race, privilege, and power dynamics are necessary for meaningful progress to be made in this area.

 

Getting Older

Getting older is a natural process of the human body that involves various physical and psychological changes over time. As people age, their bodies undergo many changes, including decreased metabolism, decreased bone density, reduced muscle mass and flexibility, and a decrease in organ function. These changes can lead to an increased risk of various health problems such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and arthritis.
Along with physical changes, people also experience psychological changes as they get older. These changes can include decreased memory and cognitive function, increased wisdom and experience, and changes in emotional stability and resilience. While the aging process is natural, it can also be influenced by various factors such as genetics, lifestyle choices, and environmental factors. For example, regular exercise and a healthy diet can help to slow down the aging process and promote overall health and well-being.
Overall, getting older is a natural part of life that involves various physical and psychological changes. By maintaining a healthy lifestyle and seeking appropriate medical care, individuals can continue to lead fulfilling and active lives as they age.

African American Cinema

African American cinema refers to films made by and for African Americans, often exploring the experiences and perspectives of Black people in America. African American cinema has a rich history, dating back to the early 20th century when silent films featuring Black actors were produced. However, it wasn’t until the 1960s and 1970s that African American cinema began to gain wider recognition and acclaim.
During this time, the Civil Rights Movement and Black Power Movement brought about a renewed interest in Black culture and identity, leading to the emergence of the “Blaxploitation” film genre. These films often featured Black actors in lead roles and explored themes such as racism, police brutality, and urban poverty.
In the decades that followed, African American cinema continued to evolve and expand. Filmmakers such as Spike Lee, John Singleton, and Ava DuVernay have gained critical acclaim and mainstream success, while also telling stories that are often overlooked by Hollywood. African American cinema has also diversified, with films exploring a wide range of genres and themes, from romantic comedies to historical dramas.
One of the most important contributions of African American cinema has been its role in giving voice to Black experiences and perspectives, which have historically been marginalized or ignored by mainstream media. Through their films, African American filmmakers have provided a platform for Black artists, actors, and writers to tell their own stories and challenge stereotypes and misconceptions about Black people.
https://harlemfilminstitute.com/?p=4907&preview=true
ChatGPT Mar 14 Version. Free Research Preview. Our goal is to make AI systems more natural and safe to interact with. Your feedback will help us improve.
Film Festival

The 23rd Annual Harlem Film Institute Film Festival

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The 23rd Annual

Film Festival

c/o kathleencollins.org

I did not know what a big deal she was, until after her untimely demise. I entered the City University of New York as an architectural major but shortly after,  my mother’s Thyroid condition and attending a lecture by Kathleen Collins, consequently,  I was now a film major.
Kathleen Collins was the first African American woman to produce a feature length film. Although  a prolific playwright, Collins “Losing Ground”, was trailblazing the way for female filmmakers. Written and directed by Collins, the semiautobiographical drama, won First prize  at the Figueroa International Film Festival in Portugal. In 2020, the film was selected for preservation in the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as being “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant”.Screen Shot 2017-02-13 at 4.51.26 PM
I entered the City University as an architectural major and soon lost focus after my mom was diagnosed with Graves disease. All it took was one lecture from Kathleen and I was hooked into her cinematic world. It would all end too soon, as Kathleen would die from Breast cancer in my junior year, My mother would die of the same malady twenty years later. I never thought Kathleen was ill, always smiling and eating a healthy mix of nuts and raisins. I looked forward to our afternoon screenings of our class projects. She seemed to love my work and her hearty laughter was all the approval I needed. When she died, I took some solace in the fact that I brought some joy to her in her final days.
Although I did not have the privilege of her guidance during my senior project, I cherish the time I spent with her devouring her cinematic knowledge and giving me a love of the cinematic Arts. It is my honor to induct Kathleen Collins into the Harlem Film Institute, hall of fame.


 

  1. “Amelia”
The first film, “Amelia”, was Kathleen’s favorite.  “Amelia” was the result of a class project,  on editing in the camera. The film was shot on 8mm film and the key word was edit in the camera, no cutting after shooting. Shot in chronological order, from beginning to end.
2. Daly
“Daly” was my attempt at making a vampire piece. Daly Germain and Adrian Cord were two actors that I could always count on so I have to give a big shout out  to both of them for the love.
3. Animation
This Animation piece was produced with the help pf my 5 year old nephew, Brandon. This film was also an homage to  my high school Animation teacher, Ms. Nickford.
4. “Alva”.
Always wanted to be a fashion photographer. My friend Alva was the perfect person to practice on. A big shout out to Alva Sam, who became a wonderful Nurse.
5. Art
Art was my first love so I had to make a film about it. 
6. Love Triangle
This film of a love Triangle gone wrong, was made with some of my favorite actors.

7. Human Nature
“Human Nature” was made after I finished high school. with- the help of my brothers and sisters. This film helped to plant the cinematic seed in me.


HFI Hall of Fame Inductees

1999- Oscar Micheaux (1885-1951)

2000- Melvin Van  Peebles

2001-Gordon Parks (1912-2006)

2002 -Noble Johnson (1881-1978 )

2003-Spencer Williams (1893-1969)

2004-Ivan Dixon (1931-2009)

2005-Sidney Poitier

2006-Clarence Muse (1889-1979)

2006-Charles Burnett

2007-Kathleen Collins (1942-1988)

2007-William Greaves (1926-2014)

2008-Michael Schultz

2009-Maya Angelou (1928-2014)

2010-Spike Lee

2011-Julie Dash

2012-Robert Townsend

2013-Reggie Hudlin

2014-Steve McQueen

2015-F Gary Gray

2016-Barry Jenkins

2017-Albert Hughes

2018-Warrington Hudlin

2019-John Singleton (1968-2019)

2020-Ava DuVernay

2021-Chadwick Boseman (1977-2020)

2022-Kathleen Collins (1942-1986)