St. John’s, Antigua: HaMafilms latest film ‘Deep Blue’ had two successful screenings at the recently held 32nd annual Pan African Film & Arts Festival (PAFF) in Los Angeles.

The opening night on the 12th of February, saw support from Causion, Antigua & Barbuda’s Reggae Ambassador, and his wife Elvira Bell Bailey who flew from Miami to LA to join ‘Deep Blue’ director Howard Allen at the star-studded film festival. Allen says, “the 2024 Pan African Film Festival was a source of inspiration and encouragement for me, especially meeting some very accomplished filmmakers from every corner of the African diaspora. I am particularly pleased at the potential collaborations on the continent and in Antigua & Barbuda.”

The second screening of Deep Blue at PAFF on the 17th of February, was supported by Immigrant Magazine which resulted in a sold-out screening. The Immigrant Magazine, Inc. is a multi-media corporation that specialises in the development and distribution of media that focuses on the United States growing and ever-changing ethnic population.

According to Immigrant Magazine, “ ‘Deep Blue’ has proven itself to be more than a film; it’s a cinematic journey that empowers, educates, and inspires action, echoing the collective voice against hate and exploitation while advocating for a better, more inclusive world.”

Howard Allen also attended a Director Guild of America brunch where in attendance were renowned director Mario Van Peebles, whose film ‘Outlaw Posse’ premiered at PAFF, and Reinaldo Marcus Greene, the director of Bob Marley’s One Love. He also attended panel discussions on production design and editing as well as discussions on athletes making the transition into the entertainment business.

‘Deep Blue’ producer and the other half of Hamafilms, Mitzi Allen, explains that “film festivals are an important marketplace for filmmakers for networking and distribution. I am satisfied that we have been able to garner some interest in Deep Blue. In the weeks and months ahead, we will see what opportunities bear fruit.”

Established by Hollywood veteran Danny Glover (The Colour Purple, Lethal Weapon), the Pan African Film & Arts Festival (PAFF) is the premiere Black film and arts festival and Black History Month activation in the United States. For the last 32 years the festival has shone a light on the African diaspora film and arts communities.

HaMafilm’s presence at PAFF was made possible by the Antigua & Barbuda Tourism office – based in Toronto and private donations.

About HaMafilms: Director Howard Allen and Producer Mitzi Allen are the duo behind HaMafilms Productions. Their first film, “The Sweetest Mango”, is Antigua’s first locally produced feature-length film and the first indigenous film for the Eastern Caribbean. Over the last 30 years, HaMafilms has made five films including “The Skin” and “No Seed”. Their work includes feature-length films, documentaries and TV series that span content genres from romances to political dramas to folklore horror.