Free Juneteenth Festival Brings Movies, Poetry, and Afro-Caribbean Rhythms to Fort Lauderdale
There are parades, music, poetry, films and a slew of other things that Fort Lauderdale has lined up for the Juneteenth celebration. Wednesday will be the beginning of Juneteenth holiday for the city with the emphasis on the agony and achievement of the African Americans by means of art for three days.
More so, in the movie titled ‘Kemba’ German Niles Fitch played the role of James Walden as he says, “I thought of several different ways I might die and thereby have some say in how it is done.”
Cooper Thornton, playing a loan officer, delivers the line, “Oh, you need $7,000 for school?” only to follow with, “It must be some kind of misunderstanding, but unfortunately, you don’t meet the requirements.”
Uzo Aduba, as Virginia Walden, expresses a mother’s hope for her son: “My son is very enthusiastic and looks forward to school every day,” and later, “He needs change today—yesterday would have been better, but today is when we need it, not tomorrow.”
While Juneteenth isn’t celebrated this frequently all throughout America, the Savor Cinema of Fort Lauderdale knows how to make the most out of it.
Festival director Hal Axler explained that “No One’s Really Ready” is not just one film showing—it is a mini-festival of three films, the main theme of which is African black women’s ability to triumph over major life obstacles and achieve personal transformation.” Kemba, the film that was presented at the previous festival, was warmly received by the audience, Axler said. Acknowledging the reach it has made, we agreed on it being the right pick for this year, thus it will be on again for another round.
In school play “Kemba,” Bobby played by Joey Auzenne demands, “The president needs to release her now.” Free Kemba!” Nesta Cooper, who portrayed Kemba, commented afterward, “It’s amazing how words we hear in our lifetime become life’s soundtrack. I angrily replied to her, ‘I’m not ready to have my story to end here.’
Another standout film is “Freedom Hair,” which tells the vibrant story of Melony Armstrong, a woman who fought local laws to establish her natural hair-braiding business. She’ll be attending the festival on June 19 for the screening of her film.
Melony Armstrong says, “It reflects who Black people are and what we stand for, especially Black women.” In the film, her character Simona Brown asks, “Is hair something personal to you, or just like a toenail—unimportant and external?”
But the festival isn’t limited to movies. It will also showcase live performances from musicians, poets, and more. As Axler puts it, “This three-day celebration includes music, poetry, and even great food.”
Author Darius V. Daughtry will showcase his impactful piece, The Sounds of Freedom, which includes the line, “These feelings of freedom should belong to everyone, under God’s bright sun. But don’t forget, freedom comes at a cost.”
Adding to the experience, Feminafrika’s rhythmic drumming will mesmerize the audience as they celebrate the vibrancy of Afro-Caribbean and African cultures. “With Juneteenth approaching, we aim to raise awareness of these rich traditions,” says Michael Davis.
The Juneteenth Mini Film Festival will run from Tuesday through Thursday, and best of all—it’s completely free!