Malik Yoba, Terrell Carter, Demetria McKinney and more Celebrate South Fulton’s Inaugural Global South’s Film Festival!
Sylvester South Fulton recently hosted their inaugural “Global South Film Festival” at the South Fulton Southwest Arts Center. There were an array of films and performances that were all created from descendants of the African diaspora.
Opening night was hosted by one of the stars of Tyler Perry’s “Beauty in Black” on Netflix,Terrell Carter. He opened the evening with a slowed, jazzy rendition of the Gnarles Barkley hit song, “Crazy” with a three piece band. The audience loved it and he was greeted with a roaring round of applause. He then later introduced the Mayor of the City of South Fulton, Mayor Kobi who brought warm greetings and introduced the week’s opening film “Doubles” by Ian Harnarine. Afterwards there was a Q&A session where Harnarine shared his story of his own personal story and how it connected with the Trinidadian lead character.
When asked about the purpose of the festival, Mayor Kobi says:
“As ‘The Blackest City in America’, we felt a duty to create a space for our storytellers from across the diaspora to tell our stories”.”
-Mayor Kobi, Mayor of The City of South Fulton
Tuesday incorporated a special performance from African drummer Frank Malloy IV that opened the second film, “Kumina Queen” by Nyasha Laing that highlights the African dance that allows communion between people of African decent and their ancestors. Wednesday, mega producer Khari “Needlz” Cain screened a special documentary that highlights his daughter Makayla and her journey with autism. There were a number of autism awareness organizations in attendance as well as a autism sensory activation incorporated in order to help those who don’t have autism understand the real life experience.
Closing night highlighted the viral death of the Atlanta deacon, Deacon Johnny Hollman who was murdered by Atlanta Police in August of 2023. His family was in attendance showing support of the with hopes to continue to bring visibility to his death. Neither the officer nor the tow truck driver involved have been indicted.
On that same night, there was also an insightful conversation about real estate and black generational wealth hosted by include 3x NAACP Image Award-winner Malik Yoba where he also screened the first episode of his docu-series “The Real Estate Mix Tape Vol: 1”. Other members on the panel include financial adviser Shavon Roman (owner of Heal Plan Invest) and Michael Coleman (founder of the podcast “Think Real Estate”). Other special guests includedDemetria McKinney (Tyler Perry’s House of Payne), Kiami Daveal (“Lavender” from Matilda), Tik Tok and YouTube influencer Tony Talks, and more.
Actor, Producer, Entrepreneur, Social Justice Advocate, Malik Yoba
Actress/Singer Demetria McKinney (Tyler Perry’s House of Payne)
Actor/Singer Terrell Carter (Tyler Perry’s Beauty in Black on Netflix)
About the Global South Film Festival
The Global South Film Festival showcases diverse narratives and talented storytellers, highlighting the rich cultural heritage of the diaspora at the Southwest Arts Center in South Fulton.
About the City of South Fulton
Situated within a drive of 15 to 20 minutes to Atlanta and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport – the world’s busiest – the City of South Fulton is home to nearly 108,600 people. It represents the best of all worlds, from the bustling business districts on Roosevelt and Old National Highways to sprawling, rural scenes along the city’s picturesque southeast border. Communities such as Red Oak, Campbellton and Sandtown enjoy rich histories that have unfolded of hundreds of years.
The city is home to the South Fulton Parkway corridor, which is only minutes from Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. The parkway serves as the largest commercial corridor within the city’s limits.
The Fulton Industrial District is recognized as one of the largest industrial and business areas in the southeast United States and is adjacent to the city. Portions of Camp Creek’s industrial commercial businesses are also within the city’s borders. The city is also home to the Wolf Creek Amphitheater (an outdoor recreation concert venue) and Southwest Arts Center.
All Photo Credit: D’Cals Media
