Greater Cleveland Urban Film Festival opens today, runs through September 18

Nate’s Northcoast Notes

Annual Chalk Festival also set for this weekend

By Nate Paige

2020 Greater Cleveland Urban Film Festival (September 10-18)

Dreamhood examines life in the international village neighborhood of Cleveland.
Directed by Cigdem Slankard, it's one of dozens of feature films, documentaries and
shorts in this year's virtual GCUFF event.

The Ninth Annual Greater Cleveland Urban Film Festival (GCUFF) is going virtual this year, kicking off Thursday, September 10 and running through Friday, September 18.  The opening night film is “The Best of Enemies,” a period piece starring Taraji P. Henson and Sam Rockwell depicting the real-life story of civil rights activist Ann Atwater.  This year’s festival will showcase more than 80 films online. “We’re delighted that we can continue to share films from all over the world,” said GCUFF Executive Director Donna Dabbs.  “There’s also several free community events featuring films and projects from our youth and students!”

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, most of this year’s film lineup will be screened online, but on Friday, September 11 and Saturday, September 12, GCUFF goes retro with double-feature screenings of old- and new-school classics, including “Five on the Black Hand Side,” and the “Shaft” reboot  at Mayfield Road Drive-In Theater, 12100 State Rte. 322, Chardon.  See the Program Guide and purchase passes at www.gcuff.org.

Cleveland Restoration Society Community Luncheon Connection (September 11)

On Friday, September 11 the Cleveland Restoration Society will host a virtual version of its annual Community Luncheon Connection. This year’s keynote speaker is John G. Morikis, Chairman and CEO of Sherwin-Williams. In 2019, Forbes Magazine named Morikis as one of the nation’s most innovative leaders. Networking begins at 11:30 am; program at noon.  Single tickets are $75. To register, click here.  For more information, contact Stephanie Phelps at sphelps@clevelandrestoration.org.

Cleveland Museum of Art Virtual Chalk Festival (September 12, 13)

As Nature always finds a way, creativity will also manage to shine through, despite the circumstances.  The annual CMA Chalk Festival, September 12 and 13, is adapting to the new way of doing things by going virtual. This year’s theme is Community, and participants are encouraged to share their chalk drawings on Facebook and Instagram using the hashtag #CMAChalkFestival.  For details, and possibly inspiration from the Museum’s expansive collection, click here.

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