What's Happening at the 2007 AHHF

The 2007 Atlanta HipHop Film Festival (AHFF) is full of exciting events this year ranging from panel discussions/workshops by industry professionals, a house party, networking mixer and screenings that include the upper echelon of independent films.

"We are extremely pleased to introduce our latest addition, the AHFF Youth Corner. We thought it was important to offer this free activity to those youngsters who want to learn more about HipHop's true culture. It's an opportunity for them to see beyond the music," says Shameka Gumbs, AHFF founder.

AHFF Youth Corner Activities Include:

What's Poppin' - B'boys and B'girls teach the fundamentals of break dancing

Tag Time - Professional artists lead an arts activity inspired by graffiti

Scratch This! - World-renowned DJ's teach the skills needed to become a whiz on turntables

Check the Rhyme - Emcee's and spoken word artists give a lesson in writing rhymes

Some Panel/Workshop Topics Include:

Theater vs. Film Acting Workshop: Learn the skills necessary to take advantage of acting opportunities whether they are on screen or on stage. This workshop will instruct attendees on techniques such as blocking, voice/pitch and editing versus your one time shot.

Financial Empowerment for Entertainment Entrepreneurs: Financing is vital to the success of any creative project, business, or non-profit organization. A panel of financial advisors will teach how to capitalize on branding and utilize alternative financing, investment opportunities and more to secure funding.

How to Release Your Film on DVD: This workshop is designed for independent filmmakers to learn best practices for releasing their film straight to video. Learn cost effective methods for marketing, packaging, distribution and more.

Special HipHop Theater Performance:

Another Lesson Learned - Directed by Charles Saunders

This play infuses HipHop, music and dancing to present a relatable message of sexual responsibility and consequences to today's youth. Long gone are the days of out-dated slide shows as this presentation captures the attention of its young audience in their language, with their music - in their world. It chronicles the experience of Marcus Reed and his family as they deal with the consequences of his actions the best way they know how - with laughter, love and a spirit of resilience.

VIP Networking Mixer: Hosted by Atlanta's own, Jimmy Jones from ATL2Nite, this event is reserved for registrants only.

Red Carpet and Star-Studded Awards Ceremony: This event will close the weekend's festivities with hosts Malik Yoba and Yo Yo and a special celebrity performance. The 2007 honorees are : Reginald Hudlin - Ultimate Filmmaker, Master P - Humanitarian, Nick Cannon - Triple Threat, Cindy Campbell - Jack the Rapper, House Party I - HipHop Throwback, Idlewild - HipHop Futuristic and Danny Hoch - HipHop theater.

Early Bird Registration Rates Valid Through June 29:

All Access Pass Regular Early Bird - $100.00

All Access Pass Student Early Bird - $75.00 (must submit copy of student ID)

Individual Events Starting at $15.00/ea.

Register online at TicketAnnex.com or call 800-388-4TIX

About AHFF: This three-day festival, beginning August 24^th and closing on the 26^th, will consist of panel discussions, workshops, a networking mixer, HipHop theater performance, house party, film screenings; showcasing filmmakers from around the globe, a star-studded awards ceremony and the latest addition, AHFF Youth Corner. The festival will focus on HipHop genre films and HipHop artists that have made a successful transition into the world of acting.

AHFF's Mission: To allow aspiring entertainers, an avenue to reach the masses with their product and skills, providing exposure and networking opportunities for all those within the film industry. In addition, we will celebrate and embrace the collaboration of HipHop meeting film by awarding upcoming and established filmmakers, as well as known HipHop artists for their outstanding accomplishments. Lastly, our festival foundation will support art indiscriminately and provide education in the form of seminars to empower entrepreneurs with the adequate skills to prosper in their given industry. For more information, visit www.AtlHipHopFilmFest.com or call (877) ATL-HHFF. For sponsorship opportunities, please contact LaKisha Smith at (770) 896-7718 and Chantell Welch at (404) 583-3578 or email sponsorship@AtlHipHopfilmfest.com.