SPECIAL SCREENING
NINA YANG BONGIOVI MIND THE GAP AWARD Nina Yang Bongiovi‘s stellar reputation as a visionary producer is well-founded. With a consistent commitment to projects by innovative, visionary filmmakers and to works that give voice to those who have been underrepresented in mainstream media, her work also suggests a commitment to the true practice of inclusivity. It’s evident in all she does, both in films she and producing partner Forest Whitaker have championed through their company, Significant Productions, and in the multicultural film fund she launched in 2020, the AUM Group. Yang Bongiovi is known as a discoverer of talent and opener of doors, as she did for then-newcomer Ryan Coogler by producing his striking debut, Fruitvale Station, which led Coogler to the iconic Marvel film Black Panther. Her other films include Chloé Zhao’s Songs My Brothers Taught Me and Boots Riley’s Sorry to Bother You. She is that producer who puts her estimable talents behind what she believes in, supporting works that help change the world. The Mind the Gap team is honored to celebrate her great work! —Zoë Elton Our Special Screening program features the presentation of the Mind the Gap Award as Independent Producer of the Year to Nina Yang Bongiovi, a screening of Passing, and post-screening conversation with director Rebecca Hall and actor Ruth Negga, conducted by Faridah Gbadamosi.
PASSING
MIND THE GAP / US / US CINEMA Photo: Monica Orozco
US 2021, 98 min Director Rebecca Hall
SPONSORED BY
DOLBY LABORATORIES
Tessa Thompson and Ruth Negga deliver their most powerful performances to date in Rebecca Hall’s exquisitely nuanced drama centered on one form of Black resistance to the Jim Crow one-drop rule (“passing as white”), and the complexities of identity, privilege and sacrifice that follow. Fine supporting performances from André Holland and Alexander Skarsgård round out the all star cast. In Person: REBECCA HALL, RUTH NEGGA, NINA YANG BONGIOVI
Reception sponsored by
Thursday, October 14, 6:30, Rafael $20 CFI Member / $25 General Film + Reception $40 / $45 17
