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Greater Cleveland Urban Film Festival

So Many Reasons to Love GCUFF

Lexi Hotchkiss, All Images by Larry Highbaugh, Jr. August 27, 2024

When the Greater Cleveland Urban Film Festival (GCUFF) got started twelve years ago, its primary vision was to showcase the work of emerging filmmakers and established artists who both contribute to and celebrate urban culture.

But if you ask Donna Dabbs, executive director of the GCUFF, the idea behind the event is pretty simple: "The festival is a nice, easy way to inform, educate and entertain people. Communicating through the medium of film is an amazing way to inspire and uplift people. And that's what we want to do."

She and her team (comprised 100 percent of volunteers) do this by showcasing minority films, which reinforce positive images and dispel negative stereotypes.

And, it's been a smashing success. Every year, thousands have turned up in increasing numbers to join GCUFF and their mission. This year, they're hoping to bring more festivalgoers than ever Sept. 19 - 27 at Atlas Cinemas Shaker Square 6.

"I think it's important to know that GCUFF is for everybody. The festival is targeted to share more African American and minority stories, but it's not just for us. We can all benefit," Dabbs said.

We've checked it out. And, so should you. Here's some of the many reasons to love GCUFF:

71 Films Over 9 Days

"Of the films, about 50 percent are features and 50 percent are shorts," Dabbs said. "We have documentaries, educational films and plenty of drama." There are even animated films offered in the program.

According to Dabbs, some of the most popular films will be those created by, for and in Cleveland. This includes student films like "My Brother's Keeper," a film about a wealthy Black physician who must put his freedom at risk and "Cottage Grove," a short film about a young man and his stroke-afflicted father to professional documentaries like "More Than A Snippet," which created a voice for the voiceless which also includes a panel discussion afterward, all the way to interactive VR/XR exhibits.

In addition to the ticketed screenings, GCUFF will offer a virtual festival, which has taken off over the last few years.

Important Dialogue

Film festivals like GCUFF present great opportunities for serious dialogue and important conversations.

Throughout GCUFF's schedule, festivalgoers can attend panel discussions covering important issues impacting Cleveland's urban community with key community leaders, as well as educational workshops and discussions with attending filmmakers.

"The Opening Night program & reception is always exciting," said Dabbs. This year's Opening Night features a compelling documentary short that delves into the inspiring journey of Rid-All Urban Farm in Cleveland. Discover how three childhood friends transformed their vision into a beacon of community regeneration through sustainable farming. Attendees can enjoy light refreshments and complimentary cocktails while celebrating African American cinema and culture.

Other discussions include "Building the Foundation for a Successful Filmmaking Career," which features the Greater Cleveland Film Commission and discusses how they bring movie jobs and money to The Land and how you can be successful in the industry, amongst many others.

Next Gen Filmmakers

"Part of our mission is to inspire young people to consider this industry as a career," Dabbs said. "In this industry, there are so many opportunities both behind the camera and in front of the camera. The festival offers a perfect way to help young people look forward and to consider something new."

Inspiring the next generation is appropriate, given this year's theme, "Culture Unlocked," which invites filmmakers of all ages to explore the vast possibilities of cultural storytelling, inspiring them to create films that resonate with authenticity, creativity and a deeper understanding of the human experience.

For even more information on GCUFF, its films, the event schedule and how to purchase passes, click here.

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