“13th” Documentary Showing

Communities First, Inc.’s 3rd Annual African American Film Series at Flint Institute of Arts Screening Documentary, “13th”

Flint, MI – Communities First, Inc.’s 3rd Annual African American Film Series will show the documentary “13th” on Thursday, December 14 at 5:30pm. In this thought-provoking documentary, scholars, activists and politicians analyze the criminalization of African Americans and the U.S. prison boom. The film is rated TV-MA. According to the film, the United States has 5% of the world’s population but 25% of the world’s prisoners. Insight on the criminal justice system will be given by panelists Percy Glover, Denise Smith-Allen, Tiffany Hughes, The Honorable David Guinn and The Honorable Nathaniel C. Perry, III.

“This season’s first film had about 200 people in attendance and we are anticipating another good sized crowd this week. People are excited about it and look forward to spending a fun night out with family and friends.” said Glenn Wilson, President/CEO.

Continuing through February, the series is sponsored in part by Nartel Family Foundation, Genesee Health Systems, Consumers Energy, and NBC25. The schedule for the remaining films is:

Thursday, January 11 – I Am Not Your Negro
(iamnotyournegrofilm.com)
Reception and live entertainment begins at 5:30pm
Writer James Baldwin tells the story of race in modern America with his unfinished novel, “Remember This House”. Rated PG-13.

Thursday, February 8 – STEP
(foxsearchlight.com/stepmovie/)
Reception and live entertainment begins at 5:30pm
STEP documents the senior year of a girls’ high-school step dance team against the background of inner-city Baltimore. Rated PG.

“The themes and issues being brought to the screen through film have been able to address things going on in the world and the Flint community. It’s great to see the film but to have a discussion afterwards really brings home the topics.” said Ed Bradley, associate curator of film at the Flint Institute of Arts.

Doors open at 5:30pm and the films begin at 7:00pm. Seating is limited to the first 300 guests and there is a suggested donation of $2 per person. Immediately following the screening, there will be a brief discussion about the themes in the films. For more information visit communitiesfirstinc.org.

Communities First, Inc.

Communities First, Inc. is a Flint based nonprofit Community Development Corporation which was founded in 2010. The priorities of CFI are affordable housing, economic development, green programs, and quality of life programs. CFI is committed to building sustainable, equitable communities in distressed areas. The organization is the developer of Oak Street Senior Apartments and Swayze Court Apartments located in downtown Flint and has amongst its programs Culture Shock and Green Life. More information about Communities First, Inc. can be found at communitiesfirstinc.org.