World Premiere of Music Comedy ‘A Hip Hop Story’ to Open America’s Largest Black Film Festival

On Jan. 29 the Pan African Film & Arts Festival or PAFF announced that the world premiere of the music comedy A Hip Hop Story will kick off its 32nd festival. Once again, PAFF will host a red carpet gala featuring an array of renowned celebrities, filmmakers and cultural luminaries setting the stage for a two-week-long celebration of Black culture, storytelling and creativity.  PAFF will present an evening filled with the glamour, and the magic of cinema with stars from Hollywood and the global film community coming together to support the festival’s mission of showcasing diverse voices and stories.

Produced by Affion Crockett (Wild ‘N Out, Black-ish) the new comedy A Hip Hop Story  stars Crockett alongside Cedric the Entertainer, Damaine Radcliff (Glory Road, Rambo: Last Blood), Jevin Smith, Damien Dante Wayans, Lil Rel Howery, Wayne Brady, Lil Mama, and Norm Nixon, Jr.  

Opening Night will take place Feb.7 at 7:30 p.m. at the Writers Guild Theater in Beverly Hills. Confirmed guests include Crockett, Cedric the Entertainer, Damaine Radcliff, Jevin Smith, Damien Dante Wayans, Lil Rel Howery, Wayne Brady, Lil Mama, Norm Nixon, Jr. alongside Hollywood’s biggest names, and prominent figures from Black Hollywood, cultural luminaries, including actor and activist Danny Glover.

Presented by Color Creative, the screening will feature an introduction by the filmmakers and special guests and be followed by a private opening night party.

An encore screening will take place at the Cinemark Baldwin Hills and XD Feb. 16.  Tickets for PAFF’s full program will be available Jan. 29.

Directed by Radcliff, and written by Crockett, the film is a social commentary on the state of hip hop culture. A yoga posing rap mogul tells the greatest story of the time he joined forces with a few of rap music’s elite performers to attempt to save hip hop from its state of 9-1-1.

A Hip Hop Story is produced by Crockett, Radcliff, Charlie Mack, and Talitha Watkins, and will be distributed by AMCi distribution (Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour and Renaissance: A Film By Beyonce).

A Hip Hop Story will kick off PAFF’s two week celebration that will take place Feb. 6 to19.  Now in its 32nd year, PAFF is returning to the Cinemark Baldwin Hills and XD and the adjacent Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza will once again feature the PAFF ArtFest with over 100 established and emerging fine artists and quality craftspeople from all over the Black Diaspora. 

This year’s film festival features over 200 films from 54 countries, in 28 languages, including 68 World and 25 North American premieres. Of the films selected for the festival, 49% are helmed by female, queer or non-binary filmmakers. 

Details: paff.org.