Pan African Film & Arts Festival (PAFF) includes premieres of 'LOVE JACKED' and 'THE FORGIVEN'

"The Forgiven" starring Forest Whitaker and Eric Bana closes The Pan African Film Festival, which runs from February 8 to February 19. 

The 26th Annual Pan African Film & Arts Festival (PAFF) kicks off today and runs through Monday, February 19. The festival has remained dedicated to showcasing a broad spectrum of Black creative works; particularly, those that reinforce positive images and help to advance cultures, races and lifestyles. PAFF also serves as a vehicle to initiate dialogue on the important issues of our time and aides in the promotion of cultural understanding between peoples of African descent.

"Our marquee film slate now stands anchored with the perfect beginning, middle and end," PAFF Director of Programming, Asantewa Olatunji said in a statement. "Love Jacked" remains as our opening night, while "The Forgiven" gets added to close out our festival experience. Nestled in-between is our centerpiece, which, this year, is a private screening event of 2018's most anticipated film! Definitely not one to miss!"

"Love Jacked":  

A warm family comedy centered around Maya, a headstrong 28-year-old with artistic ambitions and her father Ed, who wants a dutiful daughter to run the family business. Ed is shocked when Maya, asserting her independence, decides to travel to Africa for

inspiration and returns with a fiancé. Stars Amber Stevens-West, Shamier Anderson, Lyriq Bent, Keith David, Mike Epps, Marla Gibbs, Angela Gibbs, Demetrius Grosse and Nicole Lyn. Cast members will be present.

"The Forgiven": 

Academy Award-winner Forest Whitaker and Eric Bana star in this drama based on real events. When Archbishop Desmond Tutu (Whitaker) is appointed to head a nationwide investigation, he’s summoned to a maximum-security prison by a notorious murderer seeking clemency (Bana). Inside the brutal prison walls, Tutu is drawn into a dangerous, life-changing battle with the cunning criminal. Roland Joffé directs.

All films will feature a star-studded red carpet, a full screening, an informative Q&A with filmmakers and talent, and a happening after-party. The 26th Annual Pan African Film & Arts Festival will take place Thursday, February 8 through Monday, February 19 at the Cinemark Rave 15 Theatres/Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza (3650 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd) in Los Angeles, California.

For ticket information check out www.PAFF.org.