FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Los Angeles, CA — The 33rd Pan African Film & Arts Festival (PAFF) kicked off in electrifying fashion with the highly anticipated screening of Magazine Dreams, starring Jonathan Majors. The festival’s opening night in Culver City at The Culver Theater set the tone for an unforgettable celebration of Black storytelling, cinema, and artistry.
Night to Remember
Opening night was a star-studded affair as Jonathan Majors and Meagan Good made a striking appearance on the red carpet, turning heads with their undeniable presence. They were joined by a powerhouse lineup of industry icons and rising stars, including Mario Van Peebles, John Salley, Kiki Haynes, Novi Brown, Kyla Pratt, Joe Torry, and more, all coming together to celebrate the power of Black storytelling. Adding to the night’s significance, Culver City Mayor Dan O’Brien and Councilmembers Yasmine-Imani McMorrin and Freddy Puza greeted the audience before the screening, alongside LA County Supervisor Holly Mitchell and Los Angeles Councilmember Curren Price, underscoring the festival’s deep cultural and civic impact. The energy was electric as these esteemed leaders joined filmmakers, actors, and creatives to celebrate Black storytelling, setting the stage for an unforgettable festival filled with cinematic excellence and community pride.
The powerful drama, directed by Elijah Bynum, captivated audiences with its raw, unflinching portrayal of an aspiring bodybuilder grappling with ambition, isolation, and the weight of his own dreams. Majors delivered a tour-de-force performance, drawing the audience into an intense and emotional journey that resonated deeply with PAFF’s commitment to bold, thought-provoking storytelling.
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“Opening PAFF 2025 with Magazine Dreams was a statement,” said PAFF Executive Director Oduduwa Olatunji. “This film embodies the depth, complexity, and power of Black storytelling that PAFF was built to celebrate. The energy in the room was electric, and it was a perfect start to what promises to be an incredible festival.”
Looking Ahead
With its grand opening night behind it, PAFF will kickoff a dynamic lineup of feature films, documentaries, shorts, panels, and special events, highlighting voices from across the African diaspora. The festival runs through February 17, with screenings and events taking place throughout Los Angeles and Culver City.
The 2025 Pan African Film Festival runs from February 4-17 in Los Angeles, CA. For tickets, schedules, and more information, visit paff.org.
Join us as we celebrate the voices that refuse to be silenced and the art that brings us together.
The Pan African Film and Arts Festival is proud to be supported by an incredible lineup of sponsors who share our commitment to celebrating Black art, culture, and storytelling. This year’s sponsors include Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell, District 2, the Los Angeles County Department of Arts and Culture, Culver City, the City of Los Angeles, Los Angeles City Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson, District 8, Los Angeles City Councilmembers Curren D. Price Jr., District 9 and Heather Hutt, District 10. Additional support for PAFF comes from Stocker Street Creative, Gilead Sciences, SAGindie, Sony Pictures, DGA, US Bank, BeiGene, and the Black Alliance for Just Immigration (BAJI).
About Pan African Film & Arts Festival:
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The Pan African Film & Arts Festival (PAFF) is one of the longest-running and most respected cultural events dedicated to showcasing the artistic achievements of the Black and African diaspora. Since its inception, PAFF has provided a dynamic platform for filmmakers, artists, and performers to share their stories, celebrate their heritage, and inspire audiences through powerful and thought-provoking works. More at paff.org.
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