Here’s a press release from the fest that lays it all out for you:

The Pan African Film Festival (PAFF) will celebrate its 20^thanniversary in grand style with a string of highly-anticipated films. The festival will kick off festivities with a star-studded Opening Night Galaon Thursday, February 9, 2012.

First up: The Los Angeles premiere of “Think Like a Man,” based on the New York Times best-selling book by radio host/comic Steve Harvey. The ensemble cast includes Michael Ealy, Jerry Ferrara, Meagan Good, Regina Hall, Kevin Hart, Taraji P. Henson, Terrence J, Jenifer Lewis, Romany Malco, Gary Owen, Gabrielle Union and Chris Brown.

Movie Synopsis: The comedy follows four interconnected and diverse men whose love lives are shaken up after the ladies they are pursuing buy Harvey’s book and start taking his advice to heart. When the band of brothers realize that they have been betrayed by one of their own, they conspire, using the book’s insider information to turn the tables and teach the women a lesson of their own. The movie is directed by Tim Story and written by Keith Merryman and David A. Newman. It’s produced by Will Packer in conjunction with Rainforest Films and distributed through Sony Pictures. The film is scheduled for theatrical release March  9, 2012.

You can watch the trailer here.

 PAFF, America’s largest and most prestigious international Black film festival, will take place February 9-20, 2012 at the new Rave Cinemas Baldwin Hills 15 (formerly the AMC Magic Johnson Crenshaw 15)  at the Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza. The theatre is situated on Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard between Marlton Avenue and Crenshaw Boulevard)

It has selected a total of 170 films, representing 30 countries, 106 feature length films (narrative and documentaries) and 64 short films. The festival will hand out prizes for Best Documentary Feature, Best Documentary Short, Best Narrative Short,Best Narrative Feature, and Best First Feature Film, as well as audience favorite awards  at the close of the festival. For more information, including how to purchase tickets, please visit www.paff.org or call (310) 337-4737.

“I say this every year, and this year is no different: I am very excited about the film selections in celebration of our 20^th anniversary” says Asantewa Olatunji, the director of programming at PAFF. “We have an exciting lineup, and a few surprises, too. She continues, “Over the years, the filmmakers from around the world have become more sophisticated in telling their stories. It’s going to be really tough for our judges to pick winners in the film competition.”

Again this year, PAFF will take its movie goers on a cinematic journey with screenings from around the world – that is, such countries as Angola, Bermuda, Canada, Guadeloupe, Jamaica, Kenya, Mexico, Nigeria, South Africa,  Tanzania, and of course, the United States. PAFF hopes these films with global appeal will open the minds of its audiences, and transport them to lands far away and back home again … without ever packing a suitcase.

Here are a few of the festival highlights:

MAIN ATTRACTIONS Opening Night World Premiere

• “Think Like a Man” | February 9, 2012– directed by Tim Story and  written by Keith Merryman and David A. Newman, the film is based on the best-selling book by Steve Harvey. The film is a romantic comedy about four friends who conspire to turn the tables on their women when they discover that the ladies have been using Steve Harvey’s relationship advice against them. The ensemble cast includes Michael Ealy, Jerry Ferrara, Meagan Good, Regina Hall, Kevin Hart, Taraji P. Henson, Terrence J, Jenifer Lewis, Romany Malco, Gary Owen, Gabrielle Union and Chris Brown.

Saturday Night Special, Part 1

• Slavery By Another Name | Saturday February 11, 2012 – directed by Sam Pollard and developed by National Productions for PBS, the documentary is based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning book by Wall Street Journal journalist Donald Blackmon. The documentary challenges one of our country’s most cherished assumptions: the belief that slavery ended with Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation of 1863. The documentary recounts how in the years following the Civil War, insidious new forms of forced labor emerged in the American South, keeping hundreds of thousands of African Americans in bondage, trapping them in a brutal system that would persist until the onset of World War II.

Centerpiece Presentation

• “The Under Shepherd” | February 16, 2012 — directed by Russ Parr. Best friends LC and Roland are two young, ambitious ministers, climbing the ranks at the First Baptist Church. Coming up under the leadership of Dr. Ezekial Canon, the church’s elderly pastor, Roland and LC have dreams of becoming the predecessors of the aging pastor. But, the feeble Dr. Canon stubbornly refuses to step-down, forcing the two young ministers to make pivotal decisions that ultimately fray the fabric of their deeply-woven friendship.  “The Under Shepherd” co-stars Isaiah Washington and Lamman Rucker, and features an all-star cast, including Oscar-winner Louis Gossett Jr., Elise Neal, Clifton Powell, Malinda Williams, Vanessa Bell Calloway, Keith David and Robinne Lee.

Saturday Night Special, Part 2

• “We the Party” | February 18, 2012 — directed by Mario Van Peebles. Set in Los Angeles, a cutting edge, hip-hop infused dramedy about the first generation of high schoolers to come of age during the Obama years. The film features some of the latest teenage bands and dance crews. This coming-of-age comedy stars Michael Jai White, Salli Richardson Whitfield, Tiny Lister, Orlando Brown and rappers Snoop Dogg, YG, the New Boyz and Pink Dollaz.

Closing Night World Premiere

• “Woman Thou Art Loosed: On the 7^th Day” | February 19, 2012  — directed by Neema Barnette. Kari and David Ames have seemingly built the perfect life until Kari’s dark past is unveiled following the kidnapping of their 6-year old daughter. As the couple desperately searches for their child, Kari realizes she’s not the only one who has secrets. Forced to confront the truth, life spirals out of control for both of them in this independent psychological thriller. Pastor T.D. Jakes follows up his award-winning film of the same name with a sequel, co-starring Blair Underwood, Sharon Leal, Pam Grier and of course, T.D. Jakes.

Note: With the exception of the Opening Night Gala and world premiere, all PAFF screenings and panels will take place at the new Rave Cinemas Baldwin Hills 15 (formerly the AMC Magic Johnson Crenshaw 15) at the Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza. The theatre is situated on Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard between Marlton Avenue and Crenshaw Boulevard)

About the Pan African Film Festival The Pan African Film and Arts Festival (PAFF), America’s largest and most prestigious Black film and arts festival, is gearing up for its 20th year of screening more than 150 films made by and/or about people of African descent from the United States, Africa, the Caribbean, South America, the South Pacific, Europe and Canada. PAFF holds the distinction of being the largest Black History Month event in the country.

PAFF was founded in 1992  by award-winning actor Danny Glover (“The Color Purple,” “Lethal Weapon” movie franchise), Emmy Award-winning actress Ja’Net DuBois (best known for her role as  the busybody neighbor Willona  in the tv series, “Good Times”) and executive director, Ayuko Babu, an  international legal, cultural and political consultant who specializes in African Affairs.  PAFF is a non-profit corporation dedicated to the promotion of ethnic and racial respect and tolerance through the exhibit of films, art and creative expression.

The goal of PAFF is to present and showcase the broad spectrum of Black creative works, particularly those that reinforce positive images, help to destroy negative stereotypes and depict an expanded vision of the Black experience. PAFF believes film and art can lead to better understanding and foster communication between peoples of diverse cultures, races, and lifestyles, while at the same time, serve as a vehicle to initiate dialogue on the important issues of our times.

For more information, please visit www.paff.org or call (310) 337-4737.

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; City of Los Angeles; Los Angeles County Arts Commission; as well as Los Angeles Council members Bernard C. Parks (District 8), Jan Perry (District 9), and Herb J. Wesson Jr. (District 10); Sony Pictures Entertainment; The Brotherhood Crusade; The Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs, The Africa Channel; South African Airways; The Directors Guild of America; and The Water Replenishment District of Southern California.

Special support provided by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

For ticket info, events and showtimes go here.

Madonna gets a ride at Super Bowl halftime.

You go girl! Yes we love us some Material Girl and we don’t care who knows it. After her much discussed Superbowl halftime performance (tee hee), Momma Mo’ is hittin’ the road for a loooong time. Although us Angelenos we got a minute before she’ll land here. Her tour doesn’t make to LA LA land until October 10, 2012. That’s okay, though. Gives up plenty of time to prep.

Here’s the dates and cities she’s hitting starting in May:

May 29                  Tel Aviv, Israel                                  Ramat Gam Stadium                          On sale Feb. 10

June 3                   Abu Dhabi                                         Yas Arena                                          On sale Feb. 27

June 7                   Istanbul, Turkey                                Turk Telecom Arena                           On sale soon

June 11                 Zagreb, Croatia                                 Maksimir Stadium                              On sale Feb. 17

June 14                 Milan, Italy                                        Stadio San Siro                                  On sale Feb. 13

June 16                 Florence, Italy                                   Stadio Franchi                                    On sale Feb. 13

June 20                 Barcelona, Spain                                Palau Sant Jordi                                 On sale Feb. 16

June 24                 Coimbra, Portugal                              Estadio Cidade de Coimbra                 On sale Feb. 11

June 28                 Berlin                                                O2 Arena                                           On sale Feb. 13

July 2                    Copenhagen, Denmark                       Parken Stadium                                  On sale Feb. 13

July 4                    Gothenburg, Sweden                          Ullevi Stadium                                    On sale Feb. 17

July 7                    Amsterdam                                       Ziggo Dome                                        On sale Feb. 11

July 12                  Brussels                                            Stade Roi-Baudouin                             On sale Feb. 17

July 14                  Paris                                                 Stade De France                                 On sale Feb. 14

July 17                  London                                              Hyde Park                                          On sale Feb. 10                 

July 21                  Edinburgh                                          Murrayfield Stadium                           On sale Feb. 10

July 24                  Dublin                                               Aviva Stadium                                    On sale Feb. 17

July 29                  Vienna                                              Ernst-Happel-Stadion                          On sale Feb. 24

Aug. 1                   Warsaw                                            National Stadium                                On sale Feb. 17

Aug. 7                   Moscow                                            Olimpiski Arena                                  On sale soon

Aug. 8                   St. Petersburg, Russia                       SKK Arena                                          On sale soon

Aug. 12                 Helsinki, Finland                               Olympic Stadium                                 On sale Feb. 14

Aug. 15                 Oslo                                                 Telenor Arena                                     On sale Feb. 20

Aug. 18                 Zurich, Switzerland                           Stadion Letzigrund                              On sale Feb. 24

Aug. 21                 Nice, France                                     Stade Charles-Erhmann                       On sale Feb. 14

Aug. 28                 Philadelphia                                      Wells Fargo Center                             On Sale Feb. 13

Aug. 30                 Montreal                                           Bell Centre                                         On sale Feb. 18

Sept. 1                  Quebec City                                      Plains of Abraham Site                        On sale Feb. 17

Sept. 4                  Boston                                             TD Garden                                          On sale Feb. 13

Sept. 6                  New York                                          Yankee Stadium                                 On sale Feb. 13

Sept. 10                Ottawa                                             Scotiabank Place                                 On sale Feb. 13

Sept. 12                Toronto                                            Air Canada Centre                              On sale Feb. 13

Sept. 15                Atlantic City, N.J.                             Boardwalk Hall                                    On sale Feb. 27

Sep. 19                 Chicago                                            United Center                                     On sale Feb. 13

Sep. 23                 Washington, D.C.                             Verizon Center                                    On sale Feb. 13

Sept. 29                Vancouver, Canada                           Rogers Arena                                      On sale Feb. 13

Oct. 2                   Seattle                                             Key Arena                                           On sale Feb. 13

Oct. 6                   San Jose                                          HP Pavilion                                          On sale Feb. 13

Oct. 10                 Los Angeles                                      Staples Center                                     On sale Feb. 13

Oct. 13                 Las Vegas                                         MGM Grand                                         On sale Feb. 27

Oct. 16                 Phoenix                                            US Airways Center                               On sale Feb. 27

Oct. 20                 Dallas                                               American Airlines Center                     On sale Feb. 27

Oct. 24                 Houston                                           Toyota Center                                     On sale Feb. 27

Oct. 27                 New Orleans                                     New Orleans Arena                              On sale March 5

Oct. 30                 Kansas City, Mo.                               Sprint Center                                      On sale March 5

Nov. 1                  St. Louis                                          Scottrade Center                                 On sale Mar. 5

Nov. 3                  St. Paul                                            Xcel Energy Center                              On sale Feb. 27

Nov. 10                Cleveland                                         Quicken Loans Arena                           On sale March 5

Nov. 15                Charlotte, N.C.                                 Time Warner Cable Arena                    On sale March 5

Nov. 17                Atlanta                                             Philips Arena                                       On sale March 5

TBC                     Miami                                              To Be Confirmed                                  On sale soon

LA Times: Madonna launches 2012 world tour

So we read it. Sigh…

Let’s put it this way. We’re kinda’ leaning toward what one commenter had to say about the post. Before we share that however we should make clear something. We’re not big fans of NAACP’s Ben Jealous. That’s right. We said it.

We’re not big fans of Jealous because he tends to get REAL defensive when he’s faced with criticism on NAACP’s behalf for not being nearly as supportive as the organization could be NATIONWIDE when it comes to LGBT rights. And we don’t like that.

The way we see it, if President Obama can maintain his composure 24/7 while arrows are being flung at him from all directions, other black leadership should fall in line and do the same. Ben Jealous is tempermental and ungracious. And doesn’t like fact-based criticism at all. He’s thin-skinned.

Nothing made this more apparent than Mr. Jealous’s behavior at the LGBT town hall meeting held at the 2011 NAACP National Convention in Los Angeles. When asked about how can the LGBT community take the NAACP seriously, when its current board members are out saying that gay rights are not civil rights, Jealous got really heated. You can read about it and watch a video with him in action here.

So when the Root features statements from Jealous in a post implying that the media is responsible for the notion that blacks are exceedingly homophobic, you have to wonder. Is he really the best person out there to make commentary on this issue?  We think not.

But we digress. Getting back to what one reader had to say about the post:

I can see why Jealous and the NAACP wants to associate themselves with the LGBT movement.  More and more the black community is finding itself on the wrong side of the gender equality debate and that is going to seriously hamper future initiatives by groups like the NAACP.  So this is just an attempt at PR and a little damage control, and the The Root is trying their best to help with the propaganda campaign.  Nobody else is fooled though.  All one needs to do is read the articles and comments sections about homosexuality here on The Root to get a VERY clear cut idea where its readers stand on gender equality.

And there it is. While we don’t think that the black community holds the title of most homophobic ethnic group in this nation——-fact is, this is a homophobic nation period. All one has to do is look at the all white Republican presidential candidates to figure that out——nonetheless homophobia is a big issue in the black community. Let’s just call a spade a spade. And denying that it is to save face doesn’t make it go away.

Unfortunately one of the most pervasive characteristics of black culture is that we’re LOUD.  Which means even a minority of people with the black community can make it seem that the entire black community feels a certain way about any issue in society.

You can have six rich white and powerful white men hating on gays with a vengeance—–no problem. But all it takes is one big mouth homophobic rapper or church leader and bam! He instantly represents the mindset of black America. That’s how it works in terms of the media if the media is to also share responsibility in any misrepresentation of blacks and their views on homosexuality.

That doesn’t mean homophobia isn’t rampid in the black community. But it does mean we get a lot of shit heaped on us because the media tends to be a attracted to the most controversial mouthpieces from the black community.

In any case, read this post from The Root and tell us what you think. Is it true? Is homophobia in the black community hyped up? Or is it a very real issue impacting black same gender loving people as well as the rest of gay America?

Before you read do keep this one point in mind: In 2008 while blacks voted over 57% in California against gay marriage via Prop 8, 43% voted in favor of gay marriage. That’s a lot of black folks who supported gays right to marry. And nobody, and we mean nobody, has yet to give that 43% of black folks a drop of love. Okay. Now read:

Is the Black-LGBT Divide Exaggerated?

From Marriage Equality USA (Press Release):

SAME-SEX COUPLES, FRIENDS, FAMILY AND CLERGY TO GATHER AT 9:45 AM, TUESDAY, FEB. 7 AT NINTH CIRCUIT COURTHOUSE TO RECEIVE PROP. 8 RULING

WHEN: Tuesday, February 7, 2012, 9:45 am

WHERE: James R. Browning U.S. Courthouse 95 7th Street (at Mission) San Francisco, CA San Francisco, CA — Same-sex couples, friends, family and clergy will gather at the steps of the Ninth Circuit Federal Courthouse at 9:45 AM tomorrow to receive the Ninth Circuit’s ruling on Proposition 8.

The Court will release the ruling at 10:00 AM. Those gathered will then walk to the steps of San Francisco City Hall, where clergy will bless the unions of couples unable to marry because of Prop 8.

At 5:00 PM, a community rally will be held at Market and 17th (across from Castro & Market) in San Francisco. Similar events will be held in communities across California, including Fresno, Los Angeles, Sacramento, San Diego, and Santa Barbara.

“We are very hopeful that the Ninth Circuit will rule in favor of fairness and equality, once and for all putting an end to Prop. 8’s exclusion of loving, committed couples from marriage,” said John Lewis, Marriage Equality USA’s Legal Director.

“We are a loving couple who have committed our lives to each other for the past nine years, and we will be at the courthouse in the morning to receive the decision,” said Thom Watson, who shares his life and a home in Daly City with his partner Jeff Tabaco. “We are a family and we want to be married. We are on pins and needles waiting to see if the Ninth Circuit will enable us to fulfill the American dream of marrying the one you love,” added Tabaco.

“Love is a blessing, and we will celebrate tomorrow’s ruling by blessing same-sex couples at San Francisco City Hall to recognize that love and commitment make a marriage,” said Rev. Roland Stringfellow, Director of Ministerial Outreach for the Center for Lesbian and Gay Studies.

A diverse coalition of community organizations came together to create events statewide :

Contra Costa County

What: Community gathering at the Rainbow Community Center Where: Rainbow Community Center 3024 Willow Pass Road, Suite 200, Concord, CA 94519

When: 6:00–7:00 PM Tuesday, February 7 Contact: Leslie Stewart (925) 765-6064 Fresno

Fresno

Community Rally 

Where: Corner of N. Blackstone Avenue and E. Shaw Avenue, Fresno, CA 93726

When: 5:00-7:00 PM Tuesday, February 7 Materials: Bring pro-equality, No on 8 signs. Contact: Jaymi Morgan (559) 704-7683 Los Angeles

West Hollywood

West Hollywood Community Rally, then a march down Santa Monica Blvd.

 West Hollywood Park on N. Robertson Blvd. (next to the Abbey Bar),West Hollywood, CA 90069

Sacramento
What: Informal gathering at The Cornerstone inside Headhunters in midtown Sacramento to await the posting of the decision to the 9th Circuit’s website.
Where: The Cornerstone inside Headhunters, 1930 K Street, Sacramento, CA 95816
When: 9:30 AM Tuesday, February 7
Materials: Wear Marriage Equality USA, Equality Action NOW, No on 8 t-shirts and be prepared to talk with media.  Bring $$ for coffee, etc.
Contact: Ken Pierce (916) 718-3464

San Diego
What: Street Protest/Celebration, then proceed to Community Center Rally
Where: Meet at 6th Avenue and University Avenue, San Diego, CA 92103
Then proceed to the LGBT Community Center, 3909 Centre Street, San Diego, CA 92103
When: Time TBD; Tuesday, February 7
Materials: Bring signs to celebrate or protest the outcome of the case.
Contact: Fernando Lopez (619) 861-7939 W

hen: Time TBD; Tuesday, February 7 Materials: Bring signs to celebrate or protest the outcome of the case. Contact: Fernando Lopez (619) 861-7939

San Francisco (Morning)

What: Gather on the steps of the Ninth Circuit Federal Courthouse, San Francisco to receive the ruling (anticipated at 10:00 AM). Afterwards, we will proceed to San Francisco City Hall, where clergy will be available to bless couples who are not able to marry because of Prop. 8.

Where: Ninth Circuit Federal Courthouse, 95 7th Street at Mission, San Francisco, CA 94103 When: 9:30 AM Tuesday, February 7 Materials: Signs will be provided – you’re welcome to also bring your own. Contact: Billy Bradford (415) 716-6315 Evening

What: Community Rally with music and speakers. We will either celebrate or protest the decision, and either way, re-dedicate our resolve to achieve full equality nationwide.

Where: Market Street & 17th Street (across from Castro & Market), San Francisco, CA 94114 When: 5:00 PM Tuesday, February 7 Materials: Wear your pro-equality, pro-marriage equality, or No on 8 t-shirts. Contacts: Rev. Kelly Rivera Hart (415) 260-5704 and Billy Bradford (415) 716-6315 Santa Clara County

Mountain View

What: Community rally gathering to celebrate or protest the decision, and to rededicate our resolve to achieve full equality nationwide.

Where: Mountain View City Hall, 500 Castro St, Mountain View, CA 94041 When: 6:00–7:00 PM Tuesday, February 7 Materials: Bring your pro-equality posters, banners, etc., wear pro-equality t-shirts Contact: Lisa Liu 408-741-4824

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Marriage Equality USA: Press Advisory – COMMUNITY TO GATHER TO RECEIVE PROP. 8 RULING