In July I got an email from ArrayNow informing me that I was receiving a pass to Urbanworld Film Festival 2016! The pass was a thank you for valuing and supporting their work. Array was originally AFFRM (African-American Film Festival Releasing Movement), which was founded by one of my SHEroes Ava DuVernay. I became an ArrayRebel a few years ago because foremost I LOVE black film. Secondly, I understand the importance of supporting indie films by people of color and women filmmakers.

I was already off from work during the time of film festival, because I had originally planned to travel to Washington DC for the inaugural of the National Museum of African American History and Culture with my hubby. I’m a black history nerd too! My husband convinced me to bypass the trip to DC and head to NYC for the film festival. He also made it very clear that he still planned to attend museum opening without me!

Urbanworld Film Festival was amazing! I was in film heaven. I got an opportunity to see some great independent films and engage in post-screening dialogues. I also meet some amazing people from fellow film enthusiasts to filmmakers! It was like a big family reunion centered around the love of film. Thanks ArrayNow, I will forever cherish the experience!

Tonya Cross – Visionary of The Vine Events

Director Leila Djansi and actor Jay Ellis of Like Cotton Twines

Director Mira Nair and actor David Oyelowo of Queen of Katwe

Dialogue with Class Divide Cast

Dialogue for young filmmakers showcase 2016. My favorite film was Silent Night!