Salli Richardson-Whitfield to serve as Celebrity Host of 21st Annual Pan African Film Festival Posted by Wilson Morales
January 13, 2013
The Pan African Film Festival (PAFF) tapped the lovely-and-talented actress Salli Richardson-Whitfield to serve as its 2013 celebrity host for its 21st annual film festival. PAFF is set to take place at the new Rave Cinemas Baldwin Hills 15 at the Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza in Los Angeles. It will kick off festivities with a star-studded Opening Night Gala on Thursday, February 7, 2013 at the Rave Cinemas Baldwin Hills 15 theatre at the Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza. (The theatre is situated on Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard between Marlton Avenue and Crenshaw Boulevard)
A native of Chicago, Illinois, Whitfield is a veteran actress of television and film. She’s also a festival favorite who’s delighted audiences with her stirring portrayal of Maye in the critically-acclaimed film, “I Will Follow,” the directorial debut of award-winning filmmaker Ava DuVernay. Last year, she appeared in the cutting-edge, hip hop-infused teen flick, “We the Party,” directed by Mario Van Peebles. Interestingly, Whitfield got her big acting break in “Posse,” directed by Peebles, and starring opposite Billy Zane and Blair Underwood.
Appearing in more than 20 films, Whitfield has worked along side some of the industry’s leading men, including award-winning actors Denzel Washington in “Antwone Fisher,” and Will Smith in “I Am Legend,” as well as Laurence Fishburne in “Biker Boyz” and Keenan Ivory Wayans in “A Low Down Dirty Shame.” Other film credits include “Black Dynamite” and “Anacondas: The Hunt for the Blood Orchid” – just to name a few.
I Will Follow is out on DVD
She also made her directorial debut with “Grace,” a short, which made the rounds at numerous film festivals in 2011 and 2012.
On television, Whitfield recently wrapped shooting a starring role in the Lifetime pilot, “The Secret Lives of Wives.” She also stars in the film, “Pastor Brown,’ which is set to premiere on Lifetime in February, as part of its Black History Month offerings. Audiences know and love Whitfield as the character, Dr. Blake, on Syfy’s hit show, “Eureka.” In 2011, she received an NAACP Image Award nomination for “Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series” for her work on the show. Other television credits include “Criminal Minds,” “Bones,” “House” and “CSI: Miami.”
“The Pan African Film Festival applauds the fine work of Salli Richardson-Whitfield,” said Ayuko Babu, founder and executive director of PAFF. “She’s a combination of beauty and brains – that is, a seasoned actress who’s chosen smart roles to gracefully elevate, and not compromise the image of African American women in film and television. Through her craft, she is an amazing storyteller, and the film festival is excited to have her as a celebrity host.”
The Pan African Film & Arts Festival is an official event of Los Angeles Mayor Antonio R. Villaraigosa’s Celebration of African American Heritage Month. PAFF is sponsored by Macy’s; Wells Fargo Bank; CareMore; Union Bank; General Motors; Water Replenishment District of Southern California; Sony Pictures; South African Airways; the National Film and Video Foundation; One Village; Addco Party Rentals; TestFlick, the Department of Cultural Affairs, the City of Los Angeles; the Los Angeles County Arts Commission; as well as Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas (Second District) and Los Angeles City Council members Bernard C. Parks (District 8), Jan Perry (District 9), and Herb J. Wesson Jr. (District 10).
