HaMafilms, the prolific film production company from Antigua and Barbuda, is set to make a significant mark on the international stage with the premiere of their latest film, “Deep Blue,” at the esteemed 32nd annual Pan African Film & Arts Festival (PAFF) in Los Angeles. This milestone is a testament to HaMafilms’ commitment to storytelling excellence and cultural representation.

The film will be showcased at PAFF with screenings scheduled on the 12th and 17th of February, offering audiences an engaging cinematic experience. Producer Mitzi Allen expressed enthusiasm about the film’s inclusion in this prestigious festival, highlighting the valuable opportunities it presents.

“We are very excited about being among the films selected for this film festival. PAFF is essentially Black Hollywood and it gives us an opportunity to not only share our work but to network with some of the major players in the film industry”. remarked Mitzi Allen.

The Pan African Film & Arts Festival (PAFF) is the largest Black film and arts festival and Black History Month activation in the United States. Established by Hollywood veteran Danny Glover (The Colour Purple, Lethal Weapon), for 31 years the festival has acted as an international beacon for the African diaspora film and arts communities to share stories of the Black experience.

Causion, Antigua and Barbuda’s Reggae Ambassador, who appears in this film says, “I am glad this film is going places, it also means Antigua and Barbuda is going places showcasing our music and talent. I am proud to be associated”.

This news comes in the wake of several screenings at film festivals in the Americas, including:

Commffest Community Film Festival in Toronto, Canada in September 2023
The Trinidad and Tobago International Film Festival in Trinidad during October 2023
The Belize International Film Festival in November 2023

On being selected for the film festival, HaMafilms Director, Howard Allen explains “Deep Blue highlights many of the issues faced by people throughout the developing countries of the world and especially within the African diaspora. I’m very proud that Deep Blue is among the official selection of films for the Pan African Film Festival 2024. This is the premiere film festival for African-American and diasporic cinema.”

About HaMafilms: Director Howard Allen and Producer Mitzi Allen are the team behind HaMafilms productions like “The Sweetest Mango”, 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 a list of films such as “The Skin” and “No Seed” as well as TV series such as “Paradise View”. Their work ranges from romances to political dramas to folklore horror.

For more information on PAFF and to explore the festival’s offerings, please visit www.paff.org