The Multicultural San Francisco Black Film Festival Celebrates Homecoming of Award-Winning Bay Area Filmmaker James Farr with Premiere of "Soul Bowl: 1984 NCS Championship"
(SAN FRANCISCO, CA) Bay Area native James Farr, a two-time San Francisco Black Film Festival (SFBFF) winner and the 2022 Jeff Adachi Social Justice Award recipient, is back in the Bay Area from LA with his latest project, "Soul Bowl: 1984 NCS Championship."
The documentary screens at the SFBFF on Saturday, June 15th, 2024, at 2 pm at the AAACC (762 Fulton Street, San Francisco, CA).
“Soul Bowl shows one of the strong aspects of the legacy of the San Francisco Black Film Festival,” said Cree Ray, Executive Director of the San Francisco Black Film Festival.
“It’s great to be welcomed home to tell such a rich story that showcases the Bay Area’s unique flavor,” said Filmmaker Farr. “The opportunities via the San Francisco Black Film Festival have been tremendous, even extending my 2022 film, ‘Zinzun: A Revolutionary Activist’ to the Durban International Film Festival in South Africa.”
Relive the Epic High School Rivalry
"Soul Bowl" dives into the legendary 1984 championship game between the Kennedy Eagles and El Cerrito, a clash that forever changed the North Coast Section (NCS).
Using grainy VHS footage and powerful interviews, the film transports viewers back to that electrifying night, capturing the raw emotions and fierce competition that unfolded on the field.
More Than Just a Game
"Soul Bowl" is a testament to the enduring power of community spirit. It explores the intense rivalry between the two schools, the pressure faced by the young athletes, and the unwavering support from the surrounding community.
Four decades ago, a town braced itself on the eastern shore of San Francisco Bay. Childhood bonds forged on playgrounds and family ties woven over generations were about to be tested. High school rivalries, etched in years of laughter and competition, were ready to explode under the Friday night lights.
"Kennedy v El Cerrito: The 1984 Game That Changed the NCS" isn't just a documentary; it's a portal back to 1984. It's a time capsule overflowing with grainy VHS memories, capturing the raw, electrifying tension of the legendary "Soul Bowl."
Prepare to relive the epic championship clash between Kennedy and El Cerrito through flickering play-by-play footage. Every snap and tackle feels like a punch to the gut. The roar of the crowd at the Oakland-Alameda Coliseum washes over you as the narrative unfolds, transporting you to the heart of that night.
This wasn't just any game; it was a head-on collision of teen titans, a clash that would forever be remembered as the "Soul Bowl." Vivid accounts from players, coaches, and sportswriters paint a picture of the rivalry—a tradition that transcended competition. It was a battle for bragging rights, a fight for the very soul of the community.
We hear tales of the underdog spirit burning bright within the Kennedy Eagles, a team hungry for victory. The media frenzy surrounding the game is laid bare, showcasing the weight of history and community pride resting heavily on the shoulders of these young athletes.
The film takes us on a nostalgic journey, reminiscing about the camaraderie and shared experiences that define high school football. The narrative beautifully ties a bow on this time capsule by the end. We're reminded that Friday night lights illuminate more than just the field; they illuminate the enduring power of a community united.
MK Productions produced it. KCRT and James Farr, this documentary is more than just a game; it's a testament to the enduring power of community spirit.
Will Kennedy upset the odds? Will El Cerrito retain their dominance? Buckle up and prepare to find out – the answer lies within the flickering VHS frames of "Kennedy v El Cerrito: The Game That Changed the NCS," a night forever remembered as the "Soul Bowl."
SFBFF Celebrates 26 Years
The "Soul Bowl" screening is part of the San Francisco Black Film Festival's 26th anniversary celebration, themed "Healing the World One Film At A Time." The festival runs from June 13th to 16th and features diverse thought-provoking films, panels, and parties.
“Since its inception celebrating Juneteenth and Father’s Day during Black Music Month, SFBFF has opened doors for and affirmed many emerging filmmakers in the Bay Area while their work stands side by side with such greats as Danny Glover, Spike Lee, Robert Townsend, Mario Van Peebles, Dwayne Wiggins, and late greats such as Ray Liotta, Michael Clarke Duncan, James Farr, and so many others.”
The "Soul Bowl" screening is part of the San Francisco Black Film Festival's 26th-anniversary celebration, themed "Healing The World One Film At A Time." The festival runs from June 13th to 16th and features diverse thought-provoking films, panels, and parties.
Don't Miss Out: Celebrate Richmond at the SFBFF
Mark your calendars, film lovers! "Soul Bowl" is a must-see at the San Francisco Black Film Festival.
For more information about the SFBFF, visit www.sfbff.org
Don't miss this chance to see James Farr's latest work and celebrate 26 years of Black cinema at the San Francisco Black Film Festival!
SFBFF- SATURDAY - AFTERNOON BLOCK - THEATRE
For more information and tickets
CREDITS
Produced by MK Productions. KCRT and James Farr
Co-Director James Farr, Brian Bland Sr., Jeff Patterson & D’Andre Wells
Written By James Farr, Jeff Patterson & D’Andre Wells
Archival Footage Courtesy of Linda Pedescleaux
Meet the Filmmaker
Richmond native James Farr, San Francisco Black Film Festival's two-time winner (Thorns on the Rose 21' & Zinzun: A Revolutionary Activist 22'), and 2022 Jeff Adachi's Social Justice Award recipient. James hosts and is a producer of the award-winning Conversation Live, contributing to the LA Progressive and LA morning drive radio talk show KBLA 1580’s First Things First Hosted by Dominique DiPrima.
Farr is a husband, father, and social entrepreneur.
Social Media
@JamesFarrLIVE
