By Cynthia Gibson
Contributing Writer
LOS ANGELES — The 34th annual Pan African Film and Arts Festival will open Feb. 17 with cinematic intensity as RZA’s action thriller “One Spoon of Chocolate” takes center stage at the Directors Guild of America.
The latest work from the Grammy-winning rapper, producer, actor, and filmmaker launches seven days of screenings dedicated to stories from across the African diaspora. Known for pushing creative boundaries, RZA delivers a gripping drama that blends social commentary with high-stakes tension.
“One Spoon of Chocolate” stars Shameik Moore as Unique, a military veteran who returns home only to be falsely accused of assault and imprisoned. After his release, Unique relocates to a small town in search of peace and a fresh start. Instead, he encounters hostility, corruption and racial animus — ultimately confronting a racist sheriff and a group of violent townsmen in a story that explores justice, power and retribution.
Written and directed by RZA, the film signals a bold tonal shift from the festival’s recent opening night selections, including “Magazine Dreams,” “A Hip-Hop Story” and “Chevalier.” Festival officials say the choice reflects the festival’s commitment to elevating urgent and unapologetic storytelling.
“Opening PAFF with ‘One Spoon of Chocolate’ underscores our commitment to bold, globally resonant Black storytelling and to filmmakers who push the form forward,” said festival Executive Director Oduduwa Olatunji. “RZA’s film is kinetic, urgent and unapologetically cinematic — an electrifying way to launch our 2026 festival.”
The project marks RZA’s third feature as director, following “Love Beats Rhymes” and “Cut Throat City.” In addition to his directing work, he executive produced three seasons of Hulu’s “Wu-Tang: An American Saga” and composed the scores for Jim Jarmusch’s “Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai and Quentin Tarantino’s “Kill Bill volumes 1 and 2.”
RZA has said he wants his films to challenge audiences.
“I think a film should do three things. It should entertain. It should provoke the audience emotionally. And it should inspire,” RZA said. “Those three elements coming together — that’s what I was striving to do.”
Following opening night, screenings will continue through Feb. 22 at the Culver Theater in Culver City. This year’s lineup features more than 150 films from 40 countries, including 27 world premieres, 22 U.S. premieres, 41 West Coast premieres, and 18 Los Angeles premieres.
Beyond film, festival offers a wide range of cultural programming. The Children’s Festival and Youth Festival on Feb. 14 at Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza will provide free, family-friendly activities designed to inspire creativity and cultural pride through age-appropriate films and interactive experiences.
That same day, PAFF’s Spoken Word Fest will feature seven-time HBO “Def Poetry Jam” winner and Tony Award–winning poet Tamika “Georgia Me” Harper. She will be joined by special guest poets, including Judge the Teacher and Celia “Da Poet” Douglas, with audience participation encouraged through interactive competitions and music battles.
Education also remains central to the festival’s mission. PAFF Institute, the festival’s free educational platform, will host 11 panel discussions covering topics such as Black women in film, completing a feature film in 8–12 weeks, the role of agents and attorneys, creativity and artificial intelligence, music production, and documentary filmmaking as a tool for political power and social justice.
J’Tasha St. Cyr, head of production and special operations for the festival since 2018, said she especially values the institute’s reach.
“I like that PAFF reaches all ages — from those already in the industry to those who aspire to join it,” St. Cyr said. “We are able to educate them and give them a platform to learn from industry professionals.”
Though deeply involved behind the scenes, St. Cyr does not preview the films in advance.
“I get to watch them for the first time with everyone else and share that excitement,” she said. “I don’t have to worry about giving spoiler alerts because it’s my first time seeing them as well.”
An Academy Awards–qualifying festival in the short film categories, the Pan African Film Festival continues to serve as a global platform for emerging and established Black filmmakers. The festival’s visual arts showcase featuring artists, designers and artisans, will conclude Feb. 16 at Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza.
Cynthia Gibson is a freelance reporter for Wave Newspapers. She can be reached at ckgcommunications@gmail.com.
