Over the last few months we have been focused on restructuring our media initiative to reflect the various opportunities the organization has gained from new partnerships. As a result, we are able to offer our filmmakers the additional benefits of archiving and expanded distribution. We remain committed to programming quality Hip-Hop films around the world at numerous events, including film festivals, educational events and conferences. This year we have already programmed over 12 events, Pan African Film Festival LA, Pan African Film Festival Denver, The National Hip-Hop Political Convention, The B-Girl B Summit, Black Filmmakers Magazine Film Festival in London, amongst many others, all which have been filled with great success.

In addition to all the new developments, we have made a strategic decision to move the film festival from November to March in order to represent our new position in the community. As an organization we are stronger and better equipped to provide platforms for filmmakers to redefine the images associated with Hip-Hop culture. We believe it is time for our filmmakers and enthusiasts to bloom in a variety of ways, and take advantage of a new era for Hip-Hop cinema.

Therefore, we’ve selected a new set of dates for the film festival and will spend this time producing our biggest festival yet! The 5th Annual H2O International Film Festival will now take place on March 1-11, 2007 at the ImaginAsian Theater in New York City. Consequently, the Freshest Youth Film Festival has also been postponed to take place on February 25, 2007.

For the next couple of weeks we will be sure to keep everyone informed. We will be announcing the films that will screen in our 5th year celebration, starting December 1, 2006. We will do all that is in our power to ensure this postponement runs as smoothly as possible.

Thanks for your support always.

Stacey L’Air Lee, Director of Media
Hip-Hop Association
stacey@hiphopassociation.org