Date/Time
Date(s) - 03/24/2018
12:00 am - 4:00 pm
Categories No Categories
Imagine history… animated! Spend a fun afternoon with The Fresh Prince of Bel Airactress-turned-advocate Karyn Parsons, as she shares short, animated films that highlight the courageous stories of African-American trailblazers. Parsons, best known for her role as Hilary Banks on the 90’s hit show, hosts the Gantt Center’s first children’s film festival as part of our monthly Family First series!
The featured films bring to life the legacies of Virginia slave Henry “Box” Brown who mailed himself to freedom in Philadelphia; America’s first prima ballerina Janet Collins; and traffic light inventor Garrett Morgan. Each feature is narrated by acclaimed actors including Queen Latifah, Chris Rock and Alfre Woodard.
Parsons will share insights and answer questions after each film. In addition to paid admission for the films, the day also includes free, on-site activities for children of all ages. Admission to the festival is free for children five years and under and Gantt Center members. Please note, seating is limited. Advanced registration and payment are required for the films.
ABOUT THE FILMS
Sweet Blackberry’s The Journey of Henry Box Brown takes a magical look at the historic, true tale of Henry “Box” Brown, an enslaved man who mailed himself in a wooden box from a plantation in Richmond, Virginia to freedom in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1848. Narrated by Emmy-winning and Oscar-nominated actress Alfre Woodard, this animated story uses entertaining verse to share Henry’s story.
Sweet Blackberry’s Garrett’s Gift tells the inspiring story of African-American inventor Garrett Morgan. As a young boy, Garrett doesn’t know what he’s good at and always seems to be getting into trouble. Upon moving to the big city, Garrett witnesses a series of collisions. His creative thinking and imagination lead him to invent the traffic signal. Illustrated by Coretta Scott King award-winner R. Gregory Christie, and narrated by Queen Latifah, Garrett’s Gift will encourage young and old alike to expand their imagination and creative mind.
Sweet Blackberry’s Dancing in the Light tells the inspiring story of the first African-American prima ballerina, Janet Collins. Janet loved to dance, and she especially loved ballet! Narrated by actor and comedian Chris Rock, Dancing in the Light teaches us that we can be anything we set our minds to, even after being told that we are not the current model for success. Dancing in the Light is illustrated by Coretta Scott King award-winner R. Gregory Christie, animated by Pixel Pirate Studio, and features original music by Chris Joyner.
