Griot Soul Films
"evolutionary stories told by
the folks who live them"
...your  community-based storytelling organization
FILM/MEDIA
INTERNSHIPS
~~~~~
SHORT TERM GIGS
~~~~~
VOLUNTEER
OPPORTUNITIES
LOW-COST
SCREENPLAY
COVERAGE
~~~~~
WELL-PRICED
SCREENWRITING
WE WILL MAKE YOUR
IDEA INTO A SCRIPT!
LITTLE GRIOTS
~~~~~
FREE MEDIA
DEVELOPMENT IN
COLLABORATION
WITH LOCAL BAY
AREA SCHOOLS
GRIOT SOUL FILMS BLACK FILM LIBRARY

So much of the African Griot storytelling tradition, which Griot Soul Films is
committed to advancing, is about preserving both narrative and historical
accounts of our lives and experiences. For this reason, we created and
continue to expand a Black film library in Oakland where folks can check
out films
free of charge - 3 days at a time.

The service relies heavily on people understanding the essence of this
resource and being diligent about quickly returning the films so that other
community members can benefit as well.

We are always looking for donations of films that illuminate the
experiences of Black people throughout the African Diaspora. We are
especially interested in films that promote collectivity, healing, and that
explore hidden histories.

If you would like to
donate to our library please contact us at
library@griotsoulfilms.org
LOW COST COMMUNITY FILM
PRODUCTION WORKSHOPS
(new dates coming in June)

Beginning Screenwriting - Have a film idea but
don't know diddly about writing scripts? Started
writing but realized you didn't know the proper
format? Considering a change of career and
wondering if screenwriting is for you? Over two
nights, Beginning Screenwriting will teach you the
bare bones of moving from idea to story, developing
viable characters, story arc, and script formatting.

Required Text: Screenplay, Syd Field
Course Cost: $55
Maximum Class Size: 15

Getting Over Writers Block - Becoming stuck
in a writers rut is easy, pulling yourself out can be a
huge challenge. The Getting Over Writers Block
workshop provides writers a safe space to
brainstorm ideas, hear what other writers are working
on, and practice valuable exercises that one can use
when lacking one or more of the three cornerstones
of a writers life. Sign up now and find out what they
are.

Required Text: Finding Water
Course Cost: $40
Maximum Class Size: 10

The Art of Character Development -
Wonder why some films have great actors and
directors but still leave the audience feeling bored,
disbelieving, and/or dissatisfied? One easy to identify
problem is poor character development. In The Art of
Character Development you will learn tools to avoid
the pitfalls of set ups that go nowhere, unreasonable
changes in a character's life, and characters who fail
to clearly show growth.

Required Text: Making a Good Script Great
Course Cost: $45
Maximum Class Size: 15

Beginning Directing - Poor performances can
be the result of several things, but in the end the
director is responsible. In Beginning Directing you'll
learn the very basic elements of simple solid directing
so that you're ready, willing, and anxious to take full
responsibility for the work you produce. Learn basic
acting methods, simple steps for working with
inexperienced talent, and easy ways to say what you
mean to get what you want. Take this course and find
out the number one rule for aspiring directors.

Required Text: Directing Actors
Course Cost: $95
Maximum Class Size: 20
BLACK FAMILY FILM NIGHTS
FREE FILM SCREENINGS AND MODERATED DISCUSSION SERIES

Griot Soul Films selects from the most passionately told stories in Black Cinema history and
hosts free screenings of them. The screenings are followed by a moderated discussion exploring
the quality of the film itself and the meaning the film has for the Black community and the
community at large.

Discussions are moderated by skilled community members who have explored the quality and
meaning of the film. Moderators guide the discussion and support community members in raising
and exploring key issues.

Appetizers/Snacks are provided FREE.

If you would like to DONATE A FILM to our GRIOT SOUL FILMS' BLACK FILM LIBRARY please
contact us at
library@griotsoulfilms.org
WORKSHOP REGISTRATION
* Required Field
Your name:
*
Email:
*
Workshop
Title:
Skill Level:
Aspiring:
Questions, comments, or feedback:
*
Griot Soul Films'
Black Film Library
FREE Film Check Out for Oakland Residents!!!
A CENTURY OF
BLACK CINEMA
takes the viewer through
the history and legacy of
African American film.
AMANDLA! explores the
journey to today for the
descendants of the African
enslavement, its ongoing
impacts, and potential
solutions. ONLY on VHS.
SCANDALIZE MY NAME...
STORIES FROM THE
BLACKLIST
Learn about the wonderful artists
and their journey from superstar
status to obscurity during times of
repression and fear. Paul
Robeson and Hazel Scott are
pictured above.
CLAUDINE is an emotional but
cooky trip looking at one
woman's attempt to maintain her
household as a single mother,
while building a relationship with
someone new. It's worth it just to
see these two powerhouse
actors, James Earl Jones and
Dihanne Carrol together.
CHISHOLM '72:
UNBOUGHT AND
UNBOSSED
explores the
incredible legacy of the
United State's first African
American and first Female
candidate for President.
Shirley Chisholm, in her own
reflections, discusses the
challenges and triumphs as
she accomplished what no
one imagined possible.

YOUR FILM HERE!

GRIOT SOUL FILMS
LOVES TO SUPPORT
LOCAL INDEPENDENT
ARTISTS.
MEMORIALIZE YOUR
BLACK FILM BY
OFFERING IT FOR FREE
CHECK OUT!
.
BOPHA! Alfre Woodard and
Danny Glover play a couple
whose lives are caught up in the
apartheid. Glover plays a cop,
whose involvement in the
oppression of the people
plagues him.
CORNBREAD, EARL & ME
Lawrence Fishburn makes his
film debut in this exploring life in
the neighborhood following loss.
He's  a young teen in this role.
NOTHING BUT A MAN
stars Ivan Dixon (later of
Hogan's Heroes) as a railroad
worker who settles down to
marry a preacher's daughter
(jazz singer Abbey Lincoln), only
to find that the system is rigged
against him. A study in
relationships, resolving father
issues, class, and racism -- this
film is a classic!
ON THE SET OF SHE WASN'T LAST NIGHT
WE'RE SO PROUD OF LOCAL OAKLAND FILM
DIRECTOR BAAYAN BAKARI FOR HIS BEAUTIFUL
FILM EQUINOX. HERE'S AN INTERVIEW HE DID.
BAAYAN BAKARI INTERVIEW