Run & Shoot Filmworks Screens 47 Films at Martha's Vineyard African American Film Festival

August on the Vineyard kicks off with a boom with the 12th Annual Martha's Run &Shoot Filmworks Vineyard African American Film Festival, August 5 - 9th presented by Lincoln Motor Company. MVAAFF will present preeminent independent films, previews, emerging filmmakers, and cultural trendsetters; all within the picturesque setting of this wonderful island.

For over a decade, the #SummersFinestFilmFestival has hosted an impressive variety of African American independent films and created an effective platform for filmmakers. From it's humble beginnings in 2002 it has grown into the "must attend" event for notable filmmakers such as Jeffrey Wright, Del Roy Lindo, Reuben Cannon, Kenny Leon, Ben Vereen, and Reginald Hudlin.

Founded by dynamic husband and wife team, Floyd A. B.Rance III and Stephanie Tavares Rance of Run&Shoot Filmworks; The MVAAF is the beautiful culmination of their Passion for filmmaking and developing incredible events.

"Floyd and I are extremely excited about our festival - Our mission is and will always be to bring light to independent filmmakers of color. This year we have another stellar line up that we are extremely proud of." - Stephanie Rance, co-founder

2014 promises to be another banner year for MVAAFF screening 47 films and wonderful features and events including: "MVAAFF Kick Off" dance performance, Mr. Tol. E Rance by Artistic Director/Choreographer Camille A. Brown and company, a sneak preview of "A Ballerina's Tale" followed by a discussion with Director Nelson George, screenings of "Blackbird" staring and produced by Isaiah Washington and "Little Ballers" directed by Crystal McCrary and produced by NBA All- Star Amare Stoudemire.

Lincoln Motors company proudly supports MVAAFF as this years presenting sponsor. Lincoln, a brand synonymous with understated luxury and quality, joins us as a champion for independent film and the arts.

"We are thrilled to join forces with the MVAAFF on an event that has so much history and influence within the African American film community," said Shawn Thompson, Lincoln manager, multicultural marketing. "Our involvement in this program only builds upon Lincoln's leadership in recent initiatives involving the arts, design and thought leadership, which includes our involvement in other film festivals like the Tribeca Film Festival earlier this spring."

Saatchi & Saatchi New York returns as a sponsor for its seventh consecutive year with the "Nothing is Impossible" Producers Award to exceptional film produced by a team of emerging artists. EVP of Broadcast Production Sheldon Levy moderates The Color of Conversation: The Wonderful World of Webisodes.

HBO, a MVAAFF sponsor for 11 years, will preview an original series "The Knick " by producer Steven Soderbergh (Ocean's Eleven, Contagion). The Knick takes a look at early 20th century medicine centering on the personal and professional lives of the staff of the Knickerbocker Hospital. The Knick stars Clive Owen and co-stars Andre Holland (Miracle at St. Anna).

"We are so excited to be a continuing sponsor of the MVAAFF, and especially pleased to be screening our new Cinemax series The Knick," said Dennis Williams, vice president, Corporate Social Responsibility. "With every aspect of production - from talent to writers, producers to directors - HBO strives to set itself apart with programs that illustrate diversity. The dynamics of this series speak not only to the challenges of advancing medicine in 1900, but just as pivotally, the challenges facing people of color at the time."

Director Nelson George previews "A Ballerina's Tale"; the Misty Copeland Documentary. Described as the "less frantic and more realistic version of Black Swan", the film is narrated by prima ballerina Copeland herself. A Ballerina's Tale is an intimate look at her career; beginning at the Boys and Girls Club and her journey to the American Ballet Theater in NYC.

ABC sponsors a preview of the new sitcom series "Black-ish".Created by Kenya Barris (The Game, Are We There Yet) and Executive Producer Laurence Fishburne and Anthony Anderson comes the next comedy hit bringing some diversity to the ABC comedy line-up.

Additional sponsors include: NPR, Hennessy, Uptown Magazine and Kemit Kinks.

About Lincoln Motor Company
The Lincoln Motor Company is the luxury automotive brand of Ford Motor Company, committed to creating compelling vehicles with an exceptional ownership experience to match. The Lincoln Motor Company is in the process of introducing four all-new vehicles through 2016. For more information about The Lincoln Motor Company, please visit media.lincoln.com or http://www.lincoln.com. Follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/lincoln.

About Run&Shoot Films
The mission of the festival's production company is to provide a positive environment where filmmakers can share their thoughts, visions and aspirations. In addition, the company has produced commercials for clients such as Foot Action, Spalding, Reebok, Nike and NBC Sports. http://mvaaff.com

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