Jonathan Majors introduces 'Magazine Dreams' at the Opening Night Gala of the 33rd Pan African Film & Arts Festival in Culver Culver Feb. 4, 2025. (Credit: Pan African Film & Arts Festival)
Jonathan Majors and Meagan Good on the red carpet at the Opening Night Gala of the 33rd Pan African Film & Arts Festival in Culver Culver Feb. 4, 2025. (Credit: Pan African Film & Arts Festival)
Culver City Mayor Dan O'Brien speaks at the Opening Night Gala of the 33rd Pan African Film & Arts Festival in Culver City at The Culver Theater on Feb. 4. Also pictured L.A. County Sup. Holly Mitchell, L.A. Councilmember Curren Price, Culver City Vice-Ma
CULVER CITY, CA, UNITED STATES, February 5, 2025 /EINPresswire.com/ -- The 33rd Pan African Film & Arts Festival (PAFF) kicked off in electrifying fashion with the highly anticipated screening of Magazine Dreams, starring Jonathan Majors. The
festival’s opening night in Culver City at The Culver Theater set the tone for an unforgettable celebration of Black storytelling, cinema, and artistry.Night to Remember
Opening night was a star-studded affair as Jonathan Majors and Meagan Good made a striking appearance on the red carpet, turning heads with their undeniable presence. They were joined by a powerhouse lineup of industry icons and rising stars, including Mario Van Peebles, John Salley, Kiki Haynes, Novi Brown, Kyla Pratt, Joe Torry, and more, all coming together to celebrate the power of Black storytelling. Adding to the night’s significance, Culver City Mayor Dan O’Brien and Councilmembers Yasmine-Imani McMorrin and Freddy Puza greeted the audience before the screening, alongside LA County Supervisor Holly Mitchell and Los Angeles Councilmember Curren Price, underscoring the festival’s deep cultural and civic impact. The energy was electric as these esteemed leaders joined filmmakers, actors, and creatives to celebrate Black storytelling, setting the stage for an unforgettable festival filled with cinematic excellence and community pride.
The powerful drama, directed by Elijah Bynum, captivated audiences with its raw, unflinching portrayal of an aspiring bodybuilder grappling with ambition, isolation, and the weight of his own dreams. Majors delivered a tour-de-force performance, drawing the audience into an intense and emotional journey that resonated deeply with PAFF’s commitment to bold, thought-provoking storytelling.
“Opening PAFF 2025 with Magazine Dreams was a statement,” said PAFF Executive Director Oduduwa Olatunji. “This film embodies the depth, complexity, and power of Black storytelling that PAFF was built to celebrate. The energy in the room was electric, and it was a perfect start to what promises to be an incredible festival.”
Looking Ahead
With its grand opening night behind it, PAFF will kickoff a dynamic lineup of feature films, documentaries, shorts, panels, and special events, highlighting voices from across the African diaspora. The festival runs through February 17, with screenings and events taking place throughout Los Angeles and Culver City.
Tickets and the full festival lineup are available at paff.org.
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