HOLLYWOOD SHUFFLE is a satirical comedy about the systemic hurdles Black actors face in the entertainment industry. Shot on a shoestring budget, the film follows aspiring actor Bobby Taylor (played by director Robert Townsend) as he navigates auditions and jobs that force him into demeaning, one-dimensional roles. Through a series of hilarious and biting vignettes, HOLLYWOOD SHUFFLE takes aim at the absurdity of Hollywood typecasting while showcasing Townsend’s inventive storytelling and creative spirit. In 35mm. There will be a post-screening discussion with a panel of local Black actors. They’ll share their experiences as working actors in 2025 and reflect on whether the industry has changed since the making of HOLLYWOOD SHUFFLE.

ABOUT THE BLACK AUTEUR FILM FESTIVAL:
Founded by filmmakers Alex Chew and Ryan Darbonne, the Black Auteur Film Festival (BAFF) is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving, empowering, and celebrating Black voices in cinema. The festival welcomes all audiences but focuses on empowering Black communities and amplifying underrepresented voices. BAFF also highlights the rich diversity across the diaspora, challenging monolithic narratives by showcasing films that reflect the broad spectrum of the Black experience. The festival stands as a platform for representation and dialogue, reinforcing the vital role of Black filmmakers and their continued contribution to shaping cultural landscapes.

THIS SCREENING IS A COMMUNITY EVENT
As a nonprofit, it’s part of AFS’s mission to include and empower other local organizations, and Community Events at AFS Cinema are an invitation for audiences to get to know our partners and to help us shine a spotlight on their impactful work.