The seventh edition of the annual festival of black independent films runs from Friday, July 29, through Thursday, August 7, at the DuSable Museum of African American History, 740 E. 56th Pl., 947-0600, and at the Film Center, Art Institute, Columbus Drive at Jackson, 443-3737. Tickets are $5, $3 for Blacklight, Film Center, and DuSable Museum members. For more information, call 922-7771.
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ALL NIGHT LONG Basil Dearden’s neglected 1961 British film tells the story of Othello in jazz terms. Richard Attenborough plays a wealthy jazz buff who throws an all-night party at a warehouse in London’s East End to celebrate the wedding anniversary of jazz player Aurelius Rex (Paul Harris) and his wife, a white singer. Among the musical highlights is a rare duet by Charles Mingus and Dave Brubeck; among the other musicians are John Dankworth and Tubby Hayes. (DuSable Museum, Thursday, August 4, 9:00)
CONSEQUENCES The first feature to come from Zimbabwe, Olley Maruma’s short 1987 film follows the story of Rita, a student with a bright future who becomes pregnant. (DuSable Museum, Tuesday, August 2, 9:00)
TESTAMENT British black director John Akomfrah, a native of Ghana, mixes fiction and documentary in this feature about a black newswoman returning to Ghana after a 22-year absence (having left after being arrested for supporting a deposed Ghana ruler) to cover the filming of Werner Herzog’s movie Cobra Verde. The score combines electronic and indigenous African music. Director Akomfrah will be present to discuss the film after the screening; a Chicago premiere. (Film Center, Friday, July 29, 8:00, and Sunday, July 4:00, 443-3737)
