African Film Fest

African beats keep the pace at the 7th annual Santa Barbara
African Heritage Film Series, which presents 29 different films,
documentaries, and shorts, and an art exhibit, throughout the month
of February. The series incorporates discussions with filmmakers,
live performances, and workshops all dedicated to the celebration
of African heritage.

Featuring African manuscripts, private collections, and an
African Inventors exhibit, the art display will hang until February
26 at the Cabrillo Pavilion Arts Center. The insightful story Love
Trap will kick off the film series at UCSB’s MultiCultural Center
on February 17. The series highlights films for children and teens
on Kidz Day, February 22, and general screenings run through
February 25, at Santa Barbara City College’s Fé Bland Forum.

Closing the festival is the comedy Au Pair Chocolat, a story
about a Harlem girl hired as an au pair for a wealthy Martha’s
Vineyard family. Following the film, African drummers and dancers
will take center stage at a soul food buffet reception and tribute
to Linda Fardan, a festival coordinator and musician. See sbahfs.org or call 899-1160.