The Hollywood spotlight was on the town of Pacoima last weekend, at the 26th annual Pan African Film Festival. The iconic event, which was held February 8–19, hosted two screenings of PacoimaStories: Land of Dreams. Both screenings had sold out seats as Los Angeles welcomed learning the history of its most historic town, Pacoima and netted the film a Best Feature Documentary Award.
The Hollywood spotlight was on the town of Pacoima last weekend, at the 26th annual Pan African Film Festival. The iconic event, which was held February 8–19, hosted two screenings of PacoimaStories: Land of Dreams. Both screenings had sold out seats as Los Angeles welcomed learning the history of its most historic town, Pacoima and netted the film a nomination for Best Feature Documentary.
The festival began with a red carpet gala where Director Crystal Jackson and Producer Lon Grandison were interviewed and introduced the film. The Pacoima filmmakers met with Hollywood celebrities that included Danny Glover, Louis Gossett, Jr. and Glynn Turman (below), just to name a few.
The screenings drew lines of Angelinos and industry people, who enjoyed the film and with standing room only. Audiences engaged the filmmakers during the Q & A sessions, asking questions about the making the film and a host of positive remarks about the importance of telling our history.
“I’m so proud of all the people who came out to support this film,” stated Crystal Jackson. “But even more important, I’m proud of this town. Words can’t describe how much I love Pacoima.”
Numerous prominent Pacoimians attended the screening including Sal Rodriguez from the music group WAR and Reverend Arthur Broadous of the historic Calvary Baptist Church.
“This film brought back so many great childhood memories,” said Rodriguez. “It was a great film.”
"It was an incredible honor to win best documentary by the Pan African Film Festival," stated Lon Grandison, executive producer of the film. "This is one of the most prestigious film festivals in the nation. It's always great to be recognized for your labors of love."