The HCFF

classic Film

Series

Through a curated series of screenings and moderated discussions,
HCFF Classic Film Series celebrates iconic black cinema, filmmakers and artists.

HCFF

SOUTHWEST

META

HCFF • SOUTHWEST • META •

HCFF CLASSIC FILM SERIES PRESENTS

MAHOGANY

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH SOUTHWEST & META

Harlem Cultural Festival Foundation celebrated 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, an exclusive Talk Back was 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 explored 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.

HCFF CLASSIC FILM SERIES PRESENTS

CLAUDINE

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE APOLLO STAGES AT THE VICTORIA, SOUTHWEST & META

Harlem Cultural Festival Foundation partnered with the Apollo to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the classic film Claudine.  Hosted at The Apollo Stages at The Victoria on Friday, January 17th, a talkback moderated by journalist Wilson Morales followed the screening and featured cast members Lawrence Hiton-Jacobs and Yvette Curtis.

Starring the legendary Diahann Carroll & James Earl Jones, this iconic film and soul-stirring soundtrack by Curtis Mayfield and Gladys Knight & The Pips, celebrated Black love, resilience, and community.

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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