This event marks the close of a triumphant first year for Open Signal Labs, a new incubator for Black filmmakers

(Black PR Wire) PORTLAND, OR.– On Friday, June 14, Open Signal hosts the grand finale for the pilot year of Open Signal Labs and its fellowship program for Black filmmakers. The event brings film and music together in a two-part celebration of Black excellence.

A 7pm screening at the Hollywood Theatre peels back the curtain on Open Signal Labs, a new incubator for filmmakers of color that manages the fellowship and is the first program of its kind in the state of Oregon.

The screening will showcase new works created by the six Open Signal Labs fellows: Kamryn Fall, Elijah Hasan, Tamera Lyn, Sika Stanton, Noah Thomas and Dustin Tolman; as well as Labs staff Ifanyi Bell and RaShaunda Brooks. The films include new documentary and narrative works that cover topics including law enforcement, African identity, music, fashion and gentrification.

A pre-show DJ set will begin the evening at 6:30pm with VNPRT. The screening will be followed by a Q&A with the filmmakers. Kamal Sinclair, Senior Consultant of the Future of Culture Initiative at the Sundance Institute, will also present.

A ticketed after-party at the Doug Fir Lounge starts at 9pm, featuring performances by local musicians Fountaine and Brown Calculus, with DJ Kream of Oakland, California.

Open Signal has received nearly $500,000 in grants and sponsorships in support of Labs and the fellowship program from the Mt. Hood Cable Regulatory Commission and the City of Portland, Meyer Memorial Trust, Oregon Community Foundation, The Collins Foundation, Oregon Cultural Trust, Travel Portland, Advanced Broadcast Solutions and the Portland Film Office.

Labs aims to address the stark lack of Black voices in film and television. The incubator officially launched in July 2018 to provide six selected fellows with training, mentorship, a stipend and access to professional equipment. The program was conceived of, and is led, by Ifanyi Bell, a Northeast Portland native and Emmy-nominated filmmaker.

The program connected fellows to prominent Black storytellers and industry professionals including Ime Etuk, first assistant director of the Netflix series Everything Sucks and the upcoming feature film The Water Man, directed by David Oyelowo.

Secure tickets to the screening at
opensignalpdx.org/labsscreening2019

Tickets to the after-party are available at
opensignalpdx.org/labsafterparty2019

A $75 VIP ticket can be purchased through the Hollywood Theatre and includes premium seating at the Hollywood screening, a ticket to the after-party, a drink ticket, a raffle ticket and a swag bag.

All proceeds from this event benefit the 2020 Black Filmmaker Fellowship.

Learn more about Open Signal Labs at bit.ly/opensignallabs

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