Enjoy the glamour of a Hollywood movie premiere in Gainesville at the “Gainesville Black Panther Movie Premiere: The Black Carpet Experience,” with screenings of the highly anticipated "Black Panther" movie and an After Party.
Hosted by Gainesville Black Wall Street, the family-friendly event will be held on Feb. 16 and will begin at 6:30 p.m. with the Black Carpet Experience, followed by the movie screening at 7:30 p.m. at Royal Park Stadium 16 at 3702 W. Newberry Road. The After Party will take place at 10 p.m. at Jolie Events and Catering at 6 W. University Ave. in downtown Gainesville.
And, those attending are encouraged to immerse themselves in the black carpet experience by dressing in cosplay (costumes worn by the movie characters), traditional African-inspired attire, or “your finest all-black” attire.
To purchase tickets for all of the events, even the movie screening, check out www.BlackPantherMovieGNV.com. Tickets will not be sold onsite for the black carpet and movie screening events, but tickets will be sold at the door for the party.
The After Party will feature complimentary food stations and light hors d’oeuvres provided by Barnes Brothers Catering, live entertainment with Gainesville DJ Klarc Shepard, a photo booth, vendors, and special guest appearances.
Gainesville Black Wall Street, a limited liability company with a mission “to create experiences, build networks to close the wealth gap through entrepreneurship, and to connect the African-American community with businesses in the greater Gainesville area” was founded by Trey Ford and Aaron Daye of Gainesville who serve as directors of the group.
Ford said the private screening of "Black Panther" will be a one-of-a kind VIP experience with interviews on the black carpet, photo opportunities, flashing lights, and more.
“This is the first Marvel movie with a black cast mostly,” said Ford. “I can’t think of any movie that has a predominantly black cast not marketed to a black audience. This movie is marketed to everyone.”
Daye said via email that he hopes people who attend the black carpet experience take away the value of appreciating “your heritage, your culture, and the importance of family and community. “
“The momentum that has already been built up for the 'Black Panther' character and the anticipation of this movie premiere has been monumental,” wrote Daye. “ For a mainstream black superhero, that is huge!”
"Black Panther" is a superhero action film that centers on T’Challa, who, after the death of his father, returns home to the Kingdom of Wakanda, a reclusive technologically advanced African nation, to claim his rightful place as king.
But, T’Challa is challenged for the throne.
The film stars Chadwick Boseman as T'Challa/Black Panther and also Michael B. Jordan, Lupita Nyong'o, Danai Gurira, Martin Freeman, Daniel Kaluuya, Letitia Wright, Winston Duke, Angela Bassett, Forest Whitaker, and Andy Serkis.
“There is a lot of energy and anticipation throughout the U.S. for the release of this movie,” said Ford. “We want to provide Gainesville with an opportunity to experience the glamour of a Hollywood-style movie premiere.”
Daye wrote that his hope is that those attending will experience the importance of the value of appreciating their heritage, their culture, and the importance of family and community.
“This movie premiere is a family-friendly event that we hope people will bring a friend, a family member, someone from church or someone from their community they connect with and want to share in this historical event during Black History Month,” wrote Daye.
"Black Panther" events
What: The "Gainesville Black Panther Movie Premiere: The Black Carpet Experience"
When: Feb. 16; 6:30 p.m., Black Carpet Experience; 7:30 p.m., "Black Panther" movie screening; 10 p.m., After Party
Where: Screening, Royal Park Stadium 16, Newberry Road; After Party, Jolie Events and Catering, 6 W. University Ave.
Tickets: $20-$60
Information: Call 352-651-9010 or visit www.BlackPantherMovieGNV.com