*FREE FILM SCREENINGS & MODERATED
DISCUSSION SERIES FOR WRITERS & FILMMAKERS
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*LOW-COST COMMUNITY WORKSHOPS EXPLORING
VARIOUS ASPECTS OF FILM PRODUCTION
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*FREE FILM CHECK OUT FROM
GRIOT SOUL FILMS BLACK FILM LIBRARY
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*LOW-COST SCREENPLAY COVERAGE
AND ONE-ON-ONE IDEA DEVELOPMENTCONSULT
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*FREE MEDIA DEVELOPMENT IN COLLABORATION
WITH LOCAL BAY AREA SCHOOLS
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SERVICE DESCRIPTIONS BELOW
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GRIOT SOUL FILMS BLACK FILM LIBRARY
So much of the African Griot storytelling tradition, which Griot Soul Films is committed to
advancing, is about preserving both narrative and historical accounts of our lives and experiences.
For this reason, we created and continue to expand a Black film library in Oakland where folks can
check out films free of charge - 3 days at a time.
The service relies heavily on people understanding the essence of this resource and being diligent
about quickly returning the films so that other community members can benefit as well.
We are always looking for donations of films that illuminate the experiences of Black people
throughout the African Diaspora. We are especially interested in films that promote collectivity,
healing, and that explore hidden histories.
If you would like to donate to our library please contact us at library@griotsoulfilms.org
LOW COST COMMUNITY FILM PRODUCTION WORKSHOPS
Beginning Screenwriting - Have a film idea but don't know diddly about writing scripts?
Started writing but realized you didn't know the proper format? Considering a change of career and
wondering if screenwriting is for you? Over two nights, Beginning Screenwriting will teach you the
bare bones of moving from idea to story, developing viable characters, story arc, and script
formatting.
Required Text: Syd Field
Course Cost: $55
Maximum Class Size: 15
Getting Over Writers Block - Becoming stuck in a writers rut is easy, pulling yourself out
can be a huge challenge. The Getting Over Writers Block workshop provides writers a safe
space to brainstorm ideas, hear what other writers are working on, and practice valuable
exercises that one can use when lacking one or more of the three cornerstones of a writers
life. Sign up now and find out what they are.
Required Text:
Course Cost: $40
Maximum Class Size: 10
The Art of Character Development - Wonder why some films have great actors and
directors but still leave the audience feeling bored, disbelieving, and/or dissatisfied? One easy
to identify problem is poor character development. In The Art of Character Development you
will learn tools to avoid the pitfalls of set ups that go nowhere, unreasonable changes in a
character's life, and characters who fail to clearly show growth.
Required Text:
Course Cost: $45
Maximum Class Size: 15
Beginning Directing - Poor performances can be the result of several things, but in the end the
director is responsible. In Beginning Directing you'll learn the very basic elements of simple solid
directing so that you're ready, willing, and anxious to take full responsibility for the work you
produce. Learn basic acting methods, simple steps for working with inexperienced talent, and easy
ways to say what you mean to get what you want. Take this course and find out the number one
rule for aspiring directors.
Required Text:
Course Cost: $95
Maximum Class Size: 20
WORKSHOPS BEGIN IN 2008 - REGISTRATION WILL BE AVAILABLE THEN
FREE FILM SCREENINGS AND MODERATED DISCUSSION SERIES
Griot Soul Films selects from the most passionately told stories in Black Cinema history and hosts
free screenings of them. The screenings are followed by a moderated discussion exploring the
quality of the film itself and the meaning the film has for the Black community and the
community at large.
Discussions are moderated by skilled community members who have explored the quality and
meaning of the film. Moderators guide the discussion and support community members in raising
and exploring key issues.
Appetizers/Snacks are provided FREE.
If you would like to DONATE A FILM to our GRIOT SOUL FILMS' OAKLAND
BLACK FILM LIBRARY please contact us at library@griotsoulfilms.org
Griot Soul Films'
Oakland Black
Film Library
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FREE Film Check Out for
Oakland Residents!!!
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Available for Check Out...
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Documentary
A Century of Black Cinema takes the
viewer through the history and legacy of
African American film.
Amandla! explores the journey to today for
the descendants of the African enslavement,
its ongoing impacts, and potential solutions.
Available ONLY on VHS.
SCANDALIZE MY NAME...
STORIES FROM THE BLACKLIST
Learn about the wonderful artists and their
journey from superstar status to obscurity
during times of repression and fear. Paul
Robeson and Hazel Scott are pictured
above.
Narrative
Chisholm '72 Unbought and
Unbossed explores the incredible
legacy of the United State's first African
American and first Female candidate for
President. Shirley Chisholm, in her own
reflections, discusses the challenges and
triumphs as she accomplished what no
one imagined possible. Timely viewing in
2008!!!
Claudine is an emotional but cooky trip
looking at one woman's attempt to
maintain her household as a single
mother, while building a relationship with
someone new. It's worth it just to see these
two powerhouse actors, James Earl Jones
and Dihanne Carrol together.
Chisholm '72 Unbought and
Unbossed explores the incredible
legacy of the United State's first African
American and first Female candidate for
President. Shirley Chisholm, in her own
reflections, discusses the challenges and
triumphs as she accomplished what no
one imagined possible. Timely viewing in
2008!!!
The River Niger Cicely Tyson and Lous
Gossett Jr. star in this adaptation from a
Tony Award Winning play. The story
follows a man trying to support his wife
who is sick with cancer.
Bopha! Alfre Woodard and Danny Glover
play a couple whose lives are caught up in
the tragic grip of South African apartheid.
Glover plays a cop, whose involvement in
the oppression of the people plagues him.
Cornbread, Earl and Me Lawrence
Fishburn makes his film debut in this
exploring life in the neighborhood
following loss. He's a young teen in this
role.
