Atlanta’s ‘Mix Fest’ showcases black LGBT filmmakers, artists

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(Maurice Jamal)

Maurice Jamal, writer, director and actor in “The Ski Trip” and “Dirty Laundry”  is chairperson of the fest and states on the Mix Fest website that now is the time to promote LGBT artists of color.

Like our name implies, it’s time to “mix” it up, to remix the current common thought…to adjust our settings…to balance out the picture and put ourselves in living hi definition for the world to see.

And queer isn’t just about gay or lesbian. The queer umbrella encompasses all cultures, ethnicities, ages and backgrounds. Its about being part of the next..,the newest…the hub of modern culture. It’s about every kid, or kid inside who had an idea that was different, Unique or odd. It’s about those who were simply fabulous ahead of their time. And now the time has come.

LGBT is amazing. It just is. It’s not always easy, but nothing great ever is. But the reality is that the LGBT are the trend settlers across the entertainment industry and artistic landscape. Yet often our voices and perspectives aren’t fully appreciated. Sometimes because of prejudice. And sometimes because of our own belief that we can’t be who we are, and do what we do.

But this is a new day and it’s time to “mix it up.”

To our fellow artists, this is your platform. To all of our LGBT family, this is your place to discover, to enjoy, to be moved. To our friends and family, this is your place to support, to encourage, to grow.

Click here for ticket information.

The fest begins today, April 12, with a world premiere screening at Morehouse College of “The DL Chronicles … Returns — Episode Thomas” at 8 p.m. The world premiere screening and other Mix Fest events coincide with Morehouse College’s Pride Week. Here’s an “Episode Thomas” clip:

On Saturday from noon to 2, also at Morehouse, in collaboration with Morehouse’s Safe Space program, there will be the Mix Forum that will present a history of black queer images in film and television. Panelists include Maurice Jamal, Quincy LeNear and Deondray Gossett of the “DL Chronicles,” Jussie Smollett and Teresa Dowell-West of “Genesis.”

The Black AIDS Institute will sponsor the spotlight film and world premiere of “The Way to Kevin” on Saturday at 2:30 p.m. at Morehouse. This documentary explores the life of a young preacher turned porn star who goes by the name of Venom.

Watch a trailer for “The Way to Kevin” below:

After the screening, Kevin “Venom” Mines will participate in a Q&A.

The women are also featured during Mix Fest with the Sister Cinema Spotlight, also on Saturday, presented by She Speaks! host Lakara Foster. Participants will watch a screening of “Stud Life,” a feature film about the love lives of black butch lesbians.

Youth are highlighted during the fest with members of the Evolution Project and Lost-n-Found Youth Jussie Smollet and Chase Williams screening their films.

A cocktail mixer hosted by the Black AIDS Institute is set for Saturday at 10th & Piedmont beginning at 6 p.m. to be followed at 9 p.m. with the “Mix Fest Rhymes & Rhythms” — an evening of live performances, spoken word and open mic.

On Sunday, the Plaza Theatre is open to all at 2 p.m. with entertainment by Miss Sophia.

The weekend closes with a screening of a stage play at The Green Room called “Bunni & Clyde: A Trans-Rom-Com.”

View the entire schedule with times and locations by clicking here.