Black Cinema Series to Feature "Exhibiting Forgiveness" on Feb. 21

ROCHESTER, N.Y. — The Black Cinema Series will showcase the semi-autobiographical film Exhibiting Forgiveness at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 21, at the Little Theatre (Theatre 1), located at 240 East Ave. in Rochester’s East End District.

Written and directed by artist and filmmaker Titus Kaphar, the film stars Andre Holland, Andra Day, Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, and John Earl Jelks. It tells the story of a Black artist on the rise whose career is disrupted by an unexpected visit from his estranged father, a recovering addict seeking reconciliation. Together, they struggle with the complexities of their past, realizing that forgetting may be even harder than forgiving.

Following the screening, a panel discussion will be held, moderated by Erica Bryant, associate director of writing at the Vera Institute of Justice. Panelists include Rochester-based visual artist Unique Fair, with additional speakers to be announced.

Tickets are available online in advance, at the box office during open hours, and at the door on the day of the event. Admission is $12, with a discounted rate of $8 for students (with ID), seniors (62 and older), and military members. Group rates are available through the theater’s business office.

Doors open at 7 p.m., with the screening beginning at 7:30 p.m.

The Black Cinema Series, a collaboration between the Rochester Association of Black Journalists and the Little Theatre, has been highlighting Black stories on film since its founding on Feb. 10, 2017. The series is supported in part by Excellus.

For more information on Exhibiting Forgiveness, including a trailer, visit thelittle.org/exhibiting-forgiveness. Additional details about the Black Cinema Series and past screenings can be found at thelittle.org/bcs.

Event Summary:

• Date: Friday, Feb. 21, 2025

• Time: Doors open at 7 p.m.; screening starts at 7:30 p.m.

• Location: Little Theatre, 240 East Ave., Rochester, N.Y.

• Synopsis: A rising Black artist’s life is upended when his estranged, recovering addict father returns seeking forgiveness.

More Info can be found at  thelittle.org/bcs