The People’s Film Festival (TPFF) presented by The People’s Media Music & Arts Foundation wrapped up a successful 14^th season, May 31, 2025 at the Maysles Cinema in Harlem, NY, with “Mental Health as it Relates to Violence” in the spotlight.  The 3-day festival presented a diverse range of films, panel discussions and workshops centering around mental health—bringing together film enthusiasts, music industry professionals, techs, creatives and the Harlem community.  This year TPFF featured over 50 films from 6 countries—24 of which were made in New York, 6 of which were directed by Harlem directors and 18 World Premieres. 

The festival opened with “SEVEN- INDEPENDENT FILMMAKERS ”, bringing their own unique voice and perspective to the cinematic landscape, including a special screening of “This is Voza”, directed by Jamal Joseph and Mike De Caro.  Voza Rivers was awarded the SPIRIT OF THE PEOPLE for championing innovative programs and providing platforms for underrepresented voices, playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of the arts. This award was presented by Harlem District Leader, William Allen.  SHANNY HERRERA who gave a powerful speech Opening Night, received the COMMUNITY ACTIVIST AWARD for her public service, activism and commitment to all people.   Michael J. Coppola, was this year’s top winner taking home “Best Film” for his film “THAT CREEP FROM THE BAR LAST NIGHT”— a gritty New York drama follows the downfall of an alcoholic, drug addicted band manager, who antagonizes and pushes away those closest to him.  Parneille Walker won Best Short for “LOVE IS BLIND”, a romantic comedy that shows the challenges of dating and the mishaps when a blind date goes wrong.  “ARCHITECT OF CHANGE”, directed by Keith Young, won Best Documentary, which explores the journey from grassroots activism to the passage of Asheville’s historic reparations resolution—the first of its kind in the South—and the subsequent efforts in Tulsa, Oklahoma, to secure an official apology for the 1921 Greenwood Massacre.   “ON OUR BLOCK directed by Astrid Useche, Chloe Barlow won BEST DOCUMENTARY SHORT, which tells the story of the seemingly doomed futures of “Wesley” who went to prison for attempted murder when he was still a minor, and “Jason” who dropped out of college after his sister was killed, who lives took a turn when they joined a community intervention program led by Jarrell Daniels, a former Bloods member.  New York filmmaker Catherine Gund, won Best Director for PAINT ME A ROAD OUT OF HERE, a film about artist Faith Ringgold who’s monumental painting for the women incarcerated at Rikers Island jail was whitewashed the journey to free the painting with the ultimate goal of freeing the women. The film garnered rave reviews from TPFF attendees, including one attendee who left in tears, stating she remembered the painting in Rose at Rikers.  KAKRA NUNOO BROWN - was awarded Best Actress for her role as "NAOMI" in BEHIND THE JOY directed by Jamal Smart. This film dealt with postpartum depression and the results of it.  REGGIE WATKINS JOHN was awarded Best Actor for his riveting role as “AMIR RASHAD” in “PERDIDO (FEATURETTE)”, directed by Muhamad Bilal, about a man who suffered from mental health issues as a result repressed memories from his past began to resurface. Director Sandra R. Nixon, took home Best Cinematography and Opening Night Audience Award for her film “HARLEM FOOTSTEPS”,  about a walking tour of Harlem becomes an unexpected adventure when a group of tourists ditch their clueless tour guide to follow the footsteps of a street-wise Harlem elder.  Filmmaker Iván Darío Alba traveled from Bogotá, Columbia to the US, won BEST INTERNATIONAL for his film MURALMENTE which showcase the artistic talents of female graffiti artists in Colombia.  “T.O.N.Y - TOP OF NEW YORK” directed by Michael Steven-Paul (MIKEY J) won Audience Award—playing to a packed audience at Maysles Cinema, and directors Jon Osaki and Josh Chuck received the Radical History Makers Award for their compelling documentary MAKING WAVES: THE RISE OF ASIAN AMERICA which documents the stories of Asian American activism and efforts to lift up Ethnic Studies as a strategy to address present and future waves of anti-Asian hate. (see complete list of winners below).

MENTAL HEALTH IN THE SPOTLIGHT

In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, this year’s theme brought mental health issues as it relates to violence into the spotlight.  The goal was to bring awareness to this problem through film, music, tech and art,  showcasing narratives that emerge from varying mental health related struggles.  Attendees were invited to engage in discussions surrounding these issues and the realities of violence it often breeds.  Metro Plus Heath, was on hand to inform attendees & creatives about health insurance options and the affordability of securing health care.

TPFF also welcomed back Harlem Creative Lab & Reel Digital Media who brought back their free, two-day master filmmaking class at the Aloft Harlem Hotel which included screenwriting and on-set production.  Will Roberts of Augmented Pictures presented VIRTUALY UNCHARTED which was a hands-on workshop that showed how AI could be used to enhance storytelling.  Music Producer Steve Keitt of SKR RECORDS presented a workshop on how money flows in the music industry which included, royalties, streams and monetization. Dashaun Pretlow presented a master class on Mobile Journalism—knowing your rights when shooting with your cell phones, and Tiffany Stoker presented TPFF’s the first Cannabis workshop on how to break into the cannabis industry via employment or ownership.

Special Thanks to our Sponsors and Supporters, Metro Plus Health, Bo’s Bagels, who sponsored the Mental Block Talkback Series, Uncle Nearest Brand, Mooshood, Natives of Harlem, Harlem Biscuits, Chele’s, Street Corner Resources, VEP Productions, Lu Sierra - ALUP Productions, Designed By Nature Apparel, And You Don’t Stop Podcast, our Judges, TBS Security, Volunteers & Volunteer Staff.