CableVision programmes to focus on Black History Month

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 8: February features some special programming dedicated to Black History Month, which has been celebrated annually in the US, Canada and Great Britain since 1976.

Here are some highlights you might want to see:

The Africa Channel is continuing its special programming throughout the month and will present a different story each day about a prominent African American who has traced their African heritage through DNA testing, as part of the network’s Know Your Heritage campaign.

In addition, they are running a number of specials, including:

• Conversations With Felicia: Guest Gina Paige – February 15 at 9pm:

In this one-hour interview special, noted host and author, Dr Felicia Mabuza-Suttle, has an in-depth conversation with African Ancestry President, Gina Paige.

Next, the network will premiere three short films produced by young filmmakers from around the continent as part of the Africa First programme:

• Short Film Presentation: Saint Louis Blues – Saturday, February 18 at 10pm:

This will be the world television premiere of Saint Louis Blues, written and directed by Dyana Gaye of Senegal. The film was an Official Selection at the 2010 Sundance, Rotterdam, and Toronto International Film Festivals.

• Short Film Presentations: The Abyss Boys and ‘The Tunnel’ - February 25 at 9pm on The Africa Channel:

You can tune in for exclusive presentations of two other films that have received international critical acclaim: The Abyss Boys, written and directed by Jan-Hendrik Beetge of South Africa and The Tunnel, written and directed by Zimbabwean Jenna Bass, and an Official Selection of the 2010 Sundance and Berlin International Film Festivals.

• Filmmakers: Stolen – February 25 at 8pm:

In this original, one-hour documentary, director Dan Fallshaw goes behind the scenes of his film Stolen. Arriving in North Africa intending to make one film, he ends up making something entirely different, after uncovering a secret truth that takes him on an unimaginable voyage.

The story follows a Saharawi refugee separated from her mother as a toddler, and reunited through a U.N. family reunion programme. At the reunion, a secret is revealed and the film spirals into another world.

• A Night of Tribute: The Pan-African Film Festival Awards – Monday, February 27 at 9pm:

GMC or Gospel Music Channel, is commemorating Black History Month with number of specials and premieres, including:

The 27th Annual Stellar Awards Show premieres on Saturday, February 11 at 8pm with encore performances at 10pm and midnight:

Tune in for this celebration of outstanding achievements in gospel music with some of the greatest artists in the business. Hosted by Dorinda Clark Cole and Marvin Sapp, the show promises amazing performances from Kirk Franklin; Earnest Pugh; Fred Hammond; Ricky Dillard & New G; Richard Smallwood & Vision; and more.

• A Soldier’s Story premieres on Saturday, February 25th at 8pm, with an encore performance at 10pm:

This Academy Award nominated film is based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning off-Broadway production of a black army officer sent to investigate the murder of a black sergeant in Louisiana near the end of World War II. The cast includes Academy Award-nominees Howard E. Rollins, Jr.; Adolph Caesar; Denzel Washington; David Allan Grier; and Robert Townsend.

The film is directed by Norman Jewison.

• 10,000 Black Men Named George premieres Tuesday, February 28 at 10pm:

This award-winning drama recounts the historic formation of the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters union by journalist and political activist Asa Phillip Randolph and porter Ashley Totten.

This act ended up having a significant impact on US labour and race relations. Starring Andre Braugher, Charles S. Dutton and Mario Van Peebles.