Salli Richardson-Whitfield Named Celebrity Host Of 21st Annual Pan African Film Festival

Salli Richardson-Whitfield

The Pan African Film Festival (PAFF) has named Salli Richardson-Whitfield its Celebrity Host for the festival's 21st Annual edition.

"The Pan African Film Festival applauds the fine work of Salli Richardson-Whitfield," said Ayuko Babu, founder and executive director of PAFF. "She’s a combination of beauty and brains – that is, a seasoned actress who’s chosen smart roles to gracefully elevate, and not compromise the image of African American women in film and television. Through her craft, she is an amazing storyteller, and the film festival is excited to have her as a celebrity host."

PAFF 2013 is set to take place at the new Rave Cinemas Baldwin Hills 15 at the Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza in Los Angeles, and will kick off festivities with a star-studded Opening Night Gala on Thursday, February 7, 2013 at the Rave Cinemas Baldwin Hills 15 theatre.

The Pan African Film & Arts Festival is an official event of Los Angeles Mayor Antonio R. Villaraigosa's Celebration of African American Heritage Month.

In addition, the Pan African Film Festival (PAFF) will receive the first ever Special Achievement Award in the Film Festival Category by African American Film Critics Association (AAFCA).

The festival will be recognized for its contribution to cinematic arts, and will be presented with the award during the AAFCA’s private awards ceremony on Friday, February 8, 2013 at the Taglyan Complex in Hollywood, Calif.

Each year, PAFF screens more than 150 films made by and/or about people of African descent from all over the world.

This year's edition runs from February 7 - 18.

For more info, visit paff.org.