Friday's Short

Oscar Wilde said that life imitates art far more than art imitates life. With all the changes occurring in my neighborhood, I thought this weekend’s Harlem Film Festival could be an interesting venue to test Wilde’s theory.

I was curious if any of the 25 films selected for the three-day event reflect the changing environs of this area; what impact, if any, the new conversations on the streets of Harlem are having on the films being screened and how the artists are incorporating that dialogue into their films.

I spoke to Brad Learmonth, the director of programming for the festival, and while admitting that Harlem has changed, he noted that the issue of gentrification is highlighted specifically in only one of the films – Harlem Stories: A Community In Transition.

“Most importantly, the changes in Harlem are economic,” Learmonth said. “And while that might drive ticket prices up or increase attendance to the event, it’s important to point out that people of all colors are moving into Harlem.”

In fact, this weekend’s event showcases 23 filmmakers of all color; African American, Latino, East Indian, Asian and White, to name a few. Michelle Materre, the curator of the film festival, pointed out that while the filmmakers are from all over the country and the world, the themes of their films are universal.

“The stories encompass a wide range of issues,” she said, pointing to films on such topics as self-esteem, racism, women’s rights and social activism.

The three-day event kicks off today and runs through Sunday – here’s a program guide if you’re interested. If anyone attends, let the rest of us know your thoughts… Have a great weekend and keep an eye out for the bagel.