The African American Film Critics Association (AAFCA) is donating $25,000 to the Black Film Hall of Fame .
“Supporting the Black Film Hall of Fame with this modest gift fits perfectly with our organization’s goals to align with institutions that serve to preserve Black storytelling content,” AAFCA President Gil Robertson IV said in a statement.
Founded in 2003, the Kansas City, Missouri-based museum and multicultural cultural center aims to preserve and celebrate Black cinema. The AAFCA is the largest collective of Black film critics in the world and presents annual awards celebrations and special events that honor outstanding achievements in the entertainment industry.
“The Black Movie Hall of Fame is beyond thrilled by the generosity of Gil Robertson and AFFCA,” executive director and film critic Shawn Edwards said in a statement. “It’s a natural partnership as AAFCA and its roster of film critics represent one of the least talked about but most important aspects when acknowledging the history of Black cinema.
For decades, Black film critics championed Black movies at a time when they were largely overlooked by the mainstream press. We look forward to building a lasting relationship with AAFCA and its membership.”
Blue Fox Entertainment Group Announces New Leadership Appointments
Blue Fox Entertainment Group announced a series of leadership appointments to Michael Huntsman, Heidi Huntsman and Manolya Adams.
These positions are said to support the company’s growth across theatrical distribution, international sales, acquisitions and exhibition.
Michael Huntsman has been appointed director of Encore Cinema at The Cinemas where he will be in charge of programming, anniversary screenings and special film engagements. Heidi Huntsman has been promoted to director of acquisitions, where she will lead the company’s efforts to identify and acquire new projects and finished films for Blue Fox’s distribution slate.
Adams will serve as the manager of international sales. She will be responsible for the company’s international sales operations and relationships.
“These promotions reflect the talent within the Blue Fox family and the ongoing growth of the company,” founder of Blue Fox Entertainment Group James Huntsman said in a statement. “Michael has been part of the team since day one and instrumental in building our acquisitions business, and he is now the ideal cinephile to champion Encore Cinema series as well as the theater branding.
Heidi joined the team as an intern and has demonstrated sound judgment in a number of areas from physical production to international sales.”
Lisa Gutberlet, President of Blue Fox Entertainment, expressed her endorsement of Adams in a statement.
“Manolya’s loyalty, commitment and enthusiasm have made her an integral part of our international sales team,” Gutberlet said. “She has built strong relationships with our partners around the world, and we’re excited to see her continue to grow with Blue Fox.”
Fathom Entertainment and Saga Arts are bringing “ Donnie Darko ” back to theaters in new 4K restoration on Oct. 2-4.
Beginning on “Donnie Darko Day,” the date in 1988 when the strange events of the film begin, the cult classic returns in its widest theatrical release for its 25th anniversary.
Originally released in 2001, “Donnie Darko” stars Jake Gyllenhaal as the titular troubled teen who receives a mysterious warning of the impending end of the world. The star-studded supporting cast features Jena Malone, Drew Barrymore, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Mary McDonnell, Holmes Osborne, Noah Wyle, Patrick Swayze and Seth Rogen.
The anniversary theatrical release also includes an exclusive introduction from writer and director Richard Kelly exploring the film’s legacy. The film was a box-office flop when it first premiered, but later found cult success in home video sales and reissues.
Watch the special 25th anniversary trailer below.
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