To kick off the Siskel Film Center’s Annual Black Harvest Film Festival, On August 8th, the festival is hosting their annual Black Harvest Feast. To welcome the celebration of black film, NBC’s LeeAnn Trotter will serve as the Master of Ceremonies for the evening. Guests will receive an exclusive sneak peek of the festival through 5 short films. And for a rare opportunity, many of the filmmakers will be in attendance ready to answer attendees burning questions.

Since this is indeed a celebration of the achievements of blacks and films, the festival will present  The Deloris Jordan Award for Excellence in Community Leadership to Jackie Taylor who is the founder and executive director of Chicago’s Black Ensemble Theater.

Following the presentation, guests will be treated to a reception at the Joffrey Tower at the Joffrey Ballet of Chicago.

The festival begins its run August 8th-September 3rd.

Tickets for the opening night reception as well as all of the films are available at SiskelFilmCenter.org