Podtalk: Sergio Mims of Black Harvest Film Fest, Recipient of Gene Siskel Legacy Award

CHICAGO – The Black Harvest Film Festival (BHFF) is an August mainstay in Chicago, ever since 1994. As the Fest currently celebrates its 25th anniversary, one of the major reasons for its longevity and success will be honored on August 18th, 2019. Film critic, writer and broadcaster Sergio Mims will receive the Gene Siskel Legacy Award for his contributions as co-founder and co-programmer of Black Harvest. The bestowing of the honor, along with a reception, with occur at the screening of “Bill Traylor: Chasing Ghosts,” beginning at 5:30pm. For more information and tickets, click here. [17]



Sergio Mims has been involved with the BHFF since the beginning, as he co-founded the festival and has been programming and consulting throughout the entire run of its existence. What began as a modest week-and-a-half showcase for the independent voice in black cinema has evolved into an annual month long major film festival. Mims has also been a voice in Chicago’s vibrant cinema scene, having appeared in print (N’DIGO and other outlets), radio (WHPK-FM) and as a lecturer at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.


Sergio Mims, Recipient of the Gene Siskel Legacy Award
Photo credit: SiskelFilmCenter.org


Celebrating its 25th anniversary, the Black Harvest Film Festival is Midwest’s largest and longest-running Black film festival, and the Gene Siskel Film Center’s most vibrant annual showcase featuring provocative films that celebrate the stories, dreams, history, and legacy of African Americans and the African diaspora. The Festival features Chicago premieres, filmmaker appearances, panel discussions, and special events. A combined total of over 50 features, documentaries, and shorts will be screened, including a number connected to Chicago, affirming the city’s role as a vital center for independent filmmaking. Black Harvest supports the Gene Siskel Film Center’s ongoing mission to present inclusive and insightful programming.

In the following Podtalk, Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com talks to Sergio Mims on the evolution of the Black Harvest Film Festival and his own background in film and film advocacy.

[19]	By PATRICK McDONALD [20] Editor and Film Writer HollywoodChicago.com pat@hollywoodchicago.com [19]