Chicago - hip-hop film festival & action conference

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Thank God For Hip-Hop Film Festival & Action Conference

A hip-hop freedom event

Jan. 11-15, 2006

Kennedy-King College,

6800 S. Wentworth Ave., Chicago

Chiloc.com

chiloc@chiloc.com



Hosted by Chicago Local Organizing Committee for

2006 National Hip-Hop Political Convention & Kennedy-King College



Sponsored by Screen Magazine, Virgin Megastore Chicago, Illanoyze® Fashion Inc., Not For Tourists & Chicago Hip-Hop Initiative NFP, Mr. Peabody Records



Wed, Jan. 11



Inaugural Events



3:30-6 p.m., Lecture Hall 2W89, Intro and then Screening of D.W. Griffith’s racist but pioneering epic film Birth of a Nation (ideally to DJ Spooky’s score, if not, the Kino version with original score played by American Biograph orchestra), followed with team lecture led by Sheila V. Baldwin, Ph.D., professor of English and African-American studies, at Columbia College-Chicago, on events that sparked the evolution of alternative film genres, such as black-oriented race films in Oscar Michaeux’s case, and in hip-hop’s case, the emergence films capturing the culture’s essence after a long reign of blaxploitation, Mafioso-esque (Godfather saga and Carlito’s Way), and martial arts cinema .Then discussion of Soul Train as a Chicago rooted alternative to American Bandstand’s Eurocentric presentation of black music by Stephanie Shonekan, Ph.D., professor of humanities and cultural studies, ad ethnomusicologist at Columbia College-Chicago.



3:30-6 p.m., Dunham Theater, Intro and then Screening of Wildstyle (New Line Cinema), followed by discussion led by expert TBA on how film helped popularize hip-hop visual art and other quintessential b-kid culture.



3:30-6 p.m., Robeson Theater, Intro and then Screening of Krush Groove (Crystalite/Warner Bros.), followed by discussion led by some expert TBA on how film helped popularize b-boying, b-girling, and other quintessential b-kid culture.



6:30-8:30 p.m., Lecture Hall 2W89, “… Than A Forest: Shady Images In Hip-Hop,� slide show presentation by Lord Cashus D of Universal Zulu Nation on subliminal images in hip-hop, followed by brainstorming Q&A with audience toward agenda on exorcising and reforming those images. Also Cashus’ deconstruction of rough cut for ribald Nasty music video (Legend) either in whole or as clip. [Legend people have been informed and are cool with this], then screening of Sosa Q’uran’s music video “Broke� (Music Affiliated), then screening of documentary short narrated by Chuck D Bling: Consequences and Repercussions (WGH Films), and ultimately screening of scene from fine cut of Chickenhead Bound™ (DuSablean Enteprises).



8:35-9:30 p.m., Robeson Theater, Greater Chicagoland Hip-Hop Filmmakers Caucus. Chaired by Thank God For Hip-Hop co-chair Mark F. Armstrong, filmmakers from Northeastern Illinois, Northwest Indiana, and Southeast Wisconsin will draft a platform for independent filmmaking in Wisillana region, including more options for public funding of project. Platform emerging from caucus will be presented and reported at Jan. 15 Power Ballers’ Parlay. See Thank God For Hip-Hop Rules of Procedure.



Thur., Jan. 12



Fresh Day



3-4:15 p.m., Dunham Theater, “Polifllicking� (i.e. politicking through film): Kickoff starting with Intro on purpose and goals of Thank God For Hip-Hop Film Festival & Action Conference, Chicago Local Organizing Committee, and 2006 National Hip-Hop Political Convention; then Panel discussion of power of film/video to effect progressive change in hip-hop, other cultural youth movements, and movements in general featuring professional filmmaker and film production educator David Spearman of Danavideo and Kennedy-King’s television production department; full-time hip-hop filmmaker honorary festival chair Konee Rok of Konee Rok Productions; professional filmmaker and honorary festival chair Deri Tyton of Legenderi Films; student filmmakers Derrek Jones and Lennell Davis of IFP/Chicago’s ITC program through radio/television program of Chicago Vocational Career Academy; student filmmaker Corta Trotter of radio & television production division of the English department for Chicago State University's school of arts and sciences; Video Machete youth rep TBA; professional filmmaker, educator, and honorary festival chair Coquie Hughes; professional filmmaker and honorary chair Kristina Bell of Reel Soul Inc.; and professional filmmaker and honorary festival chair Mark Harris of 1555 Filmworks, and moderated by Keidra Chaney, web contributor for NotForTourists.com and arts and reviews editor for Third Coast Press.



4:15-5:15 p.m., Dunham Theater, Screenings of Freedom or Everybody Die ((Hyze) Determination (Love Above All), Scream At Me (CVCA/IFP/ITC) A Letter Home (Chicago State University).



5:15-7 p.m., Dunham Theater, “Written, Directed & Produced By Us,� actors/directors/screenwriters workshop on using text and performance art, along with enterprising micro-budget resources, to promote progressive social change in hip-hop, featuring student filmmakers Derrek Jones and Lennell Davis of Chicago Vocational Career Academy and IFP/Chicago’s ITC program, professional filmmakers/actors Elliott Porter and Elridge Valentine of N2Filmn’, and Devin Wesley of Urban Picrures, and student filmmaker Derek Dow of radio & television production division of the English department for Chicago State University's school of arts and sciences, Kristina Bell of Reel Soul Inc., spoken word duo AquaMoon of Spoken Existence. Panel will also brainstorm on agenda for Greater Chicagoland’s hip-hop filmmaking community to cooperate on creating socially activist and progressive cinema, semi-moderated by Zmark F. Armstrong of DuSablean Enerprises Inc..



7:15-8:45 p.m., Robeson Theater, Screening of When Thugs Cry (Hawkfilmz/Maverick Entertainment), with in-person appearances from stars Suzette Lloyd, Jah-Rista, Soundmaster T, and BLT, and tentative appearances by Swamp Family and co-executive producer Helen Wooten.



8:45-9 p.m., Robeson Theater, Closing remarks from Kennedy-King President, non-film Chicago LOC reps, film festival reps, Kennedy-King student government reps, Kennedy-King College television department reps, and reiteration of recruitment pitch.



Fri., Jan. 13



Money, Power & Respect



3-3:15 p.m., Dunham Theater, Keynote Intro to Day’s Screenings



3:13-4:45 p.m., Dunham Theater, Screening of One Week (Film Life), followed by panel discussion of sexual health issues by film producer Lora Branch of Chicago Department of Public Health (who’s also one of the very first female hip-hop DJs of Greater Chicagoland, spinning under nom de turntables of Rapture). Discussion would lead to rudimentary agenda on health issues for hip-hop community to address.



3:13-4:45 p.m. Robeson Theater, Simultaneous Screening of DL Chronicles (2 Cent), followed by discussion on the DL phenomenon led by Gerry Litefoot, outreach coordinator and peer team educator for Task Force Prevention Community Services and principal of LGBT oriented hip-hop party promotions company Litefoot Entertainment. Discussion would seek solutions for transforming DL phenomenon from issue of ignorance and denial to an informed health issue for the hip-hop community.



4:45-6 p.m., International Hall, “Too Many Degrees of Separation,� panel discussion of ways to break down cultural barriers in hip-hop, including Lunatic the Messiah, P.R.ism, Artek, representatives of Arab-American and Sikh communities, along with a counselor or social worker who works with LBGT youth, perhaps a youth representative of Greater Chicagoland’s LBGT community, and perhaps someone representing young people with biracial and multiracial backgrounds, moderated by Amina Norman-Hawkins of Chicago Hip-Hop Initiative NFP. In open forum Q&A with audience, panel would come up with a human rights agenda and rudiments of an human rights amendment to the Constitution based on provision in 1970 Illinois constitution condemning disparaging representations and treatment of people based in their diverse ethic, cultural, and sexual backgrounds.



6-7:45 p.m., International Hall, Screening of White Boys Can’t Rap (Independent Day), introduced by Mark F. Armstrong.



7:45 p.m.-9 p.m., International Hall, Q&A with White Boys Can’t Rap director, writer & producer Lexx Luger, semi-moderated by Michael J. Rayford of Rayford Sports & Entertainment.



Sat., Jan 14



B-Kid Filibuster



Noon-1:45 p.m., International Hall, screenings of music videos for Mental Giants’ “Cheeba Creepers� and “Akbar’s Groove� (Jazz Child), Grandmaster Caz’s “MC Delight� (Jazz Child), Poka Face Sharks’ “Rock Hop� (Mad Man Entertainment), and Earatik Statik’s “Evil Is Timeless� (Gravel Records), Primeridian’s music video “Battle Cry,� el. al., followed by keynote address from some high-profile public servant exhorting hip-hopheads to demonstrate, using the Five Elements of Hip-Hop, why the hip-hop beaux arts deserve more public funding and also exhorting local hip-hopheads to support Chicago LOC and 2006 National Hip-Hop Political Convention, including Bernard McCann Sr., administrative aide with the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago, chair of Independent Democrats Freedom Party, and chair of Thornton Township Freedom Party.



Noon-6 p.m., Classroom 4 (IPG13, PG17, R, Industry), Juice (Konee Rok), other EPKS & PSAs, My Phamily BBQ (23 Hues/Maverick Entertainment), Hostile Takedown (Urban Pictures/Maverick Entertainment), 50 Cent/Refuse 2 Die: The Unauthorized Biography (STS).



Noon-7 p.m., Dunham Theater (PG17 & R), The Teach (Nferno), Comatose (Simbolic/N’Site), Caged (N2FilmN’), Player in Training (N2FilmN’), Trust (Maverick Entertainment), Why Men Cheat (1555 Filmworks), Barbershop Jokes (1555 Filmworks), Fear of a Black Hat (Oakwood Films/Sam Goldwyn), Toot’s & Blows (Legenderi), When the Smoke Clears (Invasion Pictures), Trust None (World Won/Konee Rok/CWAL Mob Films), Cerebral Inferno (Stolen Merchandise).



Noon-7 p.m. Lecture Hall 2W89, (Strictly B-Kid, P & PG13), Civil War Part 2 (Konee Rok), City v. City 3 (Konee Rok), City v. City 4 (Konee Rok), Rhyme Spitters (Cherry Bomb USA), From a Hip-Hop Prospective (Rayford Sports & Entertainment).



Noon-7 P.m., Classroom 4 (P & PG13, Public Affairs & Arthouse), The Basement (Creative Control Filmwork), Inside Out (Chicago State University), Wholistic Wellness for the Hip-Hop Generation (Heal Thyself Know Thyself), Kevin’s Room 1 (Black Cat), Kevin’s Room 2 (Black Cat).



1-3 p.m., caucus, or breakout sessions for groups, representing MC'ing and Spoken Word Poetry, DJ'ing and Turntabling, Hip-Hop Visual Art including Conceptualized Graffiti, Dance including Breaking and Pop-Locking, and Deep Knowledge of One's Self and Surrounding World. Each breakup group, after a presentation and demonstration in their given areas, would come up with a solution for using concentration to building community and advance hip-hop politically. See Thank God For Hip-Hop rules of procedure.



Classroom 1, MC’ing & Poetry—Team Leaders Earatik Statik, Zulu, Lomai, Ang 13, Amina, Meisha Herron, and AquaMoon.



International Hall, Dance Caucus—Team Leaders Jonathon Mayuge and Mayuge Bros.



Exhibit Hall, Visual Arts Caucus—Team Leaders Benita Taylor.



Classroom 2 Knowledge Caucus—Team Leaders Prashant Vallury & Czar Absolute of Animate Objects and Simeon of Primeridian.



Classroom 3, DJ’ing & Turntabling Caucus—Team Leaders DJ Itch, Chi-ill, Mechanically Incline, DJ Mabb of Animate Objects, and TItan.



3:15-4:15 p.m., International Hall, dinner Greater Chicagoland Hip-Hop General Assembly, where each breakout group presents their case to the elected and appointed officials who challenged them earlier, time to reinforce recruitment pitch. Hip-Hop General Assembly, in caucus, will elect delegation representing hip-hop beaux arts and belles lettres and vote on issues said delegation will take to Jan. 15 Power Ballers’ Parlay and New England-style Greater Chicagoland Hip-Hop Town Meeting. Most provisions for township caucuses under Ch. 60, the Illinois Township Law of 1874 of the Illinois Compiled Statutes and under Ch. 10, the Illinois Election Code of the Illinois Compiled Statutes, would apply. See Thank God For Hip-Hop rules of procedure.



4:15-6:45 p.m., International Hall, DJ and turntabling battles, MC’ing and spoken word poetry battles, breaking and pop locking battles, and juried hip-hop visual art exhibition.



7-9:30 p.m., International Hall, Greater Chicagoland Hip-Hop General Assembly extravaganza featuring top winners of MC’ing and spoken word poetry, breaking and pop locking, and DJ and turntabling battles, along with featured performers including those from ’96 Talent Fest compilation (Beathole), Titan, Ang 13, Mental Giants (featuring both Akbar & DJ P-Lee Fresh), Primeridian, Lunatic the Messiah, Abstract Mindstate, AquaMoon, Fire Squad (Ty Money & ID), Cochese, Mayuge Bros. Featuring Jonathon Mayuge, ending with closing remarks reinforcing recruitment pitch.



Sun., Jan. 15



Hip-Hop Body Politic Day



2-2:10 p.m., Dunham Theater, Screening of Konee Rok’s documentary short “Jesus Walks with Rhymefest� (Konee Rok Productions).



2:10-3 p.m., Dunham Theater, “Gettin’ Hip-Hop’s Soul Right,� ecumenical panel discussion with clerics and laity on what measures the world’s religions can pursue on interdenominational cooperation toward advancing hip-hop politically, including Enoch Muhammad of the Nation of Islam, Pastor Phil Harris of Tha House, traditional African religion priest Baba Oyekunle Oyegbemi, Greater Chicagoland hip-hop pioneer Dr. Groove of the Christian Poets Society, Orthodox Muslim representative, and Bahai representative, moderated by the Rev. Dr. James White (Ghetto Priest) of the Milwaukee Board of Supervisors,. Panel will for hip-hop come up with rudiments of a written ecumenical accord similar to those drafted and issued by the Parliaments of World’s Religions during 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition and 1993 centennial of that Chicago World’s Fair.



3:15-6:15 p.m., International Hall, Screening of The Spook Who Sat by the Door (United Artists), followed by Q&A with author, screenwriter, producer, and honorary festival chair Sam Greenlee, including discussion, using references to movie, of effective nonviolent approaches to resistance that hip-hop could employ against systematic oppression. Q&A will be moderated by RedEye staff writer Kyra Kyles. Open forum Q&A for this screening would be used in drafting a pre-convention agenda on hip-hop exercising its constitutional right of petitioning government and government representatives on redress of grievances.



3:15-6:15 p.m., Robeson Theater, Simultaneous Screening of 1o,000 Black Men Named George (Paramount), followed by discussion, led by Lynn Hughes, executive director of A. Philip Randolph Pullman Porter Museum, of A. Philip Randolph’s organizing from the labor union Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters to the Civil Rights Movement including the 1963 March on Washington. Speaker and audience, through open forum Q&A, would brainstorm, using references to movie, on approaches to movie, on approaches to grassroots organizing. Open forum Q&A for this screening would also be used in drafting a pre-convention agenda on hip-hop exercising its constitutional right of petitioning government and government representatives on redress of grievances.



3:15-615 p.m., Dunham Hall, Simultaneous screening of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.-related documentary, lecture by representatives from CORE, SNCC, Black Panther Party, &c., &c., who were active in movement. Panel will particularly brainstorm on fresh, modern methods of organizing to achieve justice and equality.



6:15-6:30 p.m., International Hall, turntabling set by DJ Madrid of Virgin Megastore Chicago.



6:30-7:30 p.m., International Hall, Power Ballers’ Parlay, Q&A with elected officials, appointed officials, other public officials, student government leaders, and other politicians, including Lora Branch of Chicago Department of Public Health, Oak Park Village Trustee Martha Brock, Metropolitan Water Reclamation Commissioner James Harris, the Rev. Dr. James White (Ghetto Priest) of the Milwaukee Board of Supervisors, Dave Fako (or Steve Leopoldo) of Lemont-based political consulting and polling firm Fako & Associates Inc., focusing on intricate themes of Education, Human Rights, Health & Wellness, Criminal Justice, and Economic Justice, Media Justice; Public officials and Fako (or Leopoldo) will explain current public affairs in their areas of local, county, state, and federal government expertise and answer audience questions about bills, enacted laws, and suggestions for new legislation. See Thank God For Hip-Hop rules of procedure.



7:30-8:30 p.m., International Hall, New England-style Greater Chicagoland Hip-Hop Town Meeting, where reports on platforms and agendas from Greater Chicago Hip-Hop Filmmakers’ Caucus, Hip-Hop Elements Caucuses, and Chicago LOC will be reported and entered in the record. The assembly will then be advised by the Chicago LOC chair on strategies for carrying out those agenda and platforms. Then the assembly will vote on agenda, platforms, and strategies as basis for beginning to shape the Chicago LOC’s community strategic plan of action leading up to, during, and after the 2006 National Hip-Hop Political Convention. A combination of provisions for Iowa presidential election caucuses; provisions for township caucuses under Ch. 10, the Illinois Election Code of the Illinois Compiled States and Ch. 60, Township Law of 1874; and provisions for annual town meeting under Ch. 60, Illinois Township Law of 1874, of the Illinois Compiled Statutes; and parliamentary procedure expected of a political organization’s national convention, e.g., Democratic National Convention, will apply (also see State of Illinois Township Caucus Guide 2005, published by Illinois State Board of Elections). See Thank God For Hip-Hop rules of procedure.



8:30-9:30 p.m., Closing concert featuring Qualo, DA Smart, DJ Madrid, Animate Objects, Meisha Herron, Red Storm, acknowledgments closing remarks, last opportunity to make recruitment pitch for Chicago LOC and convention.



Everyday



Film Expo table featuring promotional and for-sale items from film schools, acting and theater schools, college and university film studies programs, film production companies, film postproduction facilities, film score and soundtrack producers/composers, casting directors and casting agencies, film industry and hip-hop media, Illinois State Treasurer’s Office‘s Lights, Camera, Illinois! program, Illinois Film Office, Chicago Film Office, Michigan Film Office, Iowa Film Office, Kentucky Film Office, Tennessee Film Office, other annual film festivals like the Chicago Hip-Hop Film Fellowship and Black Harvest International Film & Video Festival, and more frequent film festivals like Free & Cheap Theater, Indie Film Incubator, and the Midwest International Film Festival.



Separate Empowerment Expo table promoting Chicago LOC, 2006 National Hip-Hop Political Convention, Chicago Hip-Hop Initiative NFP, and Chicago Hip-Hop Heritage Month, Illinois Secretary of State’s Office, Illinois State Treasurer’s Office’s non-film programs, Chicago Board of Election Commissioners, Cook County Clerk’s Office (Election Division), and Illinois State Board of Elections, political and policymaking consulting firms, think tanks.

*The Chicago Local Organizing Committee (ChiLOC) for the National Hip Hop Political Convention aims to use Hip-Hop as a tool to organize, educate, energize and engage youth and young adults in the community empowerment process through a combination of grassroots activism, economic self-determination, civic education, voter participation and cultural inspiration.

Our goal is to create an environment where individuals and organizations work together to address community issues and concerns, thereby increasing collective accountability and responsibility for the conditions in our communities