The Glen Theatre in Gary is presenting the 7th Annual Bill Johnson Black Film Festival at 6:30 p.m. Friday and 7 p.m. Saturday.
The festival is named after, and will be hosted by, Gary native and movie actor William L. Johnson.
He stars in “Nothing Like Thanksgiving,” an emotional story about dealing with cancer that is one of many works which will be screened at the Glen Theatre, which is owned and operated by the African American Achievers Youth Corps Inc.
Film producers, directors and actors are making appearances at the culturally rich fest.
“We purposely hold it in February during Black History Month, and so it becomes a source of pride showing the accomplishments of black artists in the field of film,” said Vernon Smith, festival director and African American Achievers board chairman.
Scheduled to attend the cinematic festivities is Gary native Ken Lewis, producer and director of “The Final Interrogation,” which will be shown Feb. 17.
Also expected to attend is actor Charles Greer IV, whose credits include “Dreams My Master” (2016) and “Pushing Skills,” a film short that also gets a Saturday screening.
The Feb. 16 feature movie will be “Nothing Like Thanksgiving.” Also scheduled for Friday screenings are several movie shorts, including “Silent Cries: The Prelude,” “The Talk,” “Domestic Disturbance,” “Bill 2/29” and “Rolling in the Deep.”
Saturday’s feature movie will be “And There Were 4.” The film shorts scheduled for showings include “A Beautiful Love,” “Pushing Skills” and “The Final Interrogation.”
Saquan Jones, director of “And There Were 4,” is scheduled to be among the artists attending the festival.
Gary’s film festival has been visited several times by Ben Clement, executive director of the Gary Office of Film & Television.
“Gary native William L. Johnson, in partnership with Vernon Smith and a few local organizations, does a great job of bringing a slice of Hollywood home in the form of independent films, discussions and celebrity appearances,” Clement, a Gary resident, said. “The festival is especially vital to Gary residents, who are provided insight into the moviemaking process by a host of film directors, producers and actors.
“Johnson, who has starred in many films, including ‘Blue Hill Avenue,’ adds a personal touch by introducing special guests, working the room between screenings and bear-hugging family and friends who remember him from high school.”
A 1988 graduate of Emerson School for Visual and Performing Arts, Johnson feels that his namesake festival — with the help of Smith — affords Northwest Indiana residents a chance to view serious works that they normally would not have the chance to go out and see.
Johnson believes his festival is influential in prompting some to get involved creatively in films.
“It’s definitely an inspirational thing,” said the actor, whose film credits include “Doing Hard Time” (2004), “Motives” (2004) and “Motives 2” (2007).
Those attending the Gary festival may see the work of burgeoning stars.
“They will get to see some talent that is undiscovered, and many of them on their way to greatness,” said Smith, a Democrat who is Indiana state representative for the 14th House District.
Smith said any profits generated from the two-day cinematic showcase will go toward the African American Achievers Youth Corps mentoring program.
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A combo ticket for both nights is available for $30. Tickets to the festival are available at Beautiful Things in the Village shopping center in Gary, or by calling 219-949-5565.
A separate youth film festival also is scheduled during the daytime Friday at multiple schools in Gary.
Bob Kostanczuk is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
7th Annual Bill Johnson Black Film Festival
Where: Glen Theatre, 20 W. Ridge Road, Gary
When: 6:30 p.m. Feb. 16; 7 p.m. Feb. 17
Tickets: $20-$25 Feb. 16; $15-$20 Feb. 17
Information: 219-887-2046; glentheater.wixsite.com/billjohnsonfilm