The HCFF
classic Film
Series
HCFF
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SOUTHWEST
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META
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HCFF • SOUTHWEST • META •
HCFF CLASSIC FILM SERIES PRESENTS
MAHOGANY
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH SOUTHWEST & META
Harlem Cultural Festival Foundation invites you to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the timeless classic, Mahogany, starring the legendary Diana Ross.
More than just a love story, Mahogany is a story of self-discovery, ambition, and self-love. Ross captivates as Tracy Chambers, a young woman from Chicago who rises from humble beginnings to the heights of the international fashion world, while confronting the sacrifices, choices, and truths that define her journey.
After the screening, join us for an exclusive Talk Back hosted by Patrick L. Riley, Journalist & Author of That’s What Friends Are For: On The Women Who Inspired Me, along with special guests: Ty Hunter, Celebrity Stylist and Author of Makeover from Within: Lessons in Hardship, Acceptance, and Self-Discovery; and Rhonda Ross, Emmy & Grammy-nominated artist, transformational keynote speaker, and creator of the Tune Your Inner Voice Self-Empowerment System.
Together, they will explore the film’s themes of self-discovery and self-love through the lens of their own acclaimed work offering fresh insights into Mahogany’s enduring cultural, fashion, and emotional legacy.
Date: Friday, October 17, 2025
Location: Apollo Stages at The Victoria, 233 W. 125th Street (NEW LOCATION)
Tickets: $30 (limited seating!)
Time: Doors open 6:30 PM | Screening begins 7:30 PM
Proceeds from ticket sales will benefit the Harlem Cultural Festival Foundation’s community initiatives.
cooley high
A classic coming-of-age
comedy drama
PRESENTED BY SOUTHWEST, AMC THEATRE & RENAISSANCE NY HARLEM HOTEL
HCFF Classic Film Series hosted a 50th Anniversary film screening of Cooley High on Saturday, May 17th. Hosted by Actress, Comedian and Talk Show Host Sherri Shepherd and sponsored by Southwest Airlines and Renaissance NY Harlem Hotel, the event was attended by over 200 people at AMC Magic Johnson Theatres including Actor and star of the film Lawrence Hilton-Jacobs much to the delight of guests who showed appreciation for all that he has achieved throughout his tv, film and stage career. Other notable guests included Actor (and Claudine co-star) Yvette Curtis, TV, Radio Host & Author Bevy Smith, Comedian & Actress Luenell Campbell, Actor Khalil Kain, Harlem icon and fashion designer Dapper Dan with his grandson Tau, Amsterdam News journalist Jason Ponterotto, Supermodel Coco Mitchell, HCDC President Curtis Archer and his wife Voice Actor Karen Murray, Music Director Rakiem Walker, The Rakiem Walker Project, Assemblymember Al Taylor and his wife, and journalist Lil Nickelson.
Following the film, Sherri Shepherd moderated a Talk Back with Lawrence who shared his experiences making the film and the impact it continues to make for our community.
Proceeds from ticket sales for the benefit screening support the Harlem Cultural Festival Foundation community initiatives.
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