ABOUT US

Mission:

Imagenation, a Harlem-based organization, was established in 1997 to counteract negative images and stereotypes that are propagated about people of color, through mass media; and, to
establish a chain of independent art-house cinemas. Imagenation uses independent cinema and progressive music to foster solidarity and cross-cultural exchange throughout the African
Diaspora, with special focus on the USA and South Africa.

History:

Imagenation uses independent film and progressive music to address the social concerns of Black people worldwide. Previous programs have addressed topics such as HIV/AIDS in South Africa, police brutality in the USA and Yoruba religious worship in Brazil. Imagenation hosts its events at low or no cost in communities of color. Since its inception in 1997, Imagenation has hosted events for more than 12,000 people, often drawing capacity crowds.

The stomping ground for independent giants, Imagenation officially premiered Charles Stone’s “TRUE” (the basis for the Budweiser Whassup! Commercials), Caran Hartsfield’s “KISS IT UP TO GOD” which in the same year went on to win at the 2001 Cannes International Film Festival. We also featured “MORNINGSIDE PREP” by Malcolm D. Lee, director of “THE BEST MAN”, and “SNAPPED” by actress and director Joie Lee and THE MURDER OF EMMETT TILL by Stanley Nelson and LUMUMBA by Raoul Peck, to name a few.

Imagenation features the nation’s hottest emerging artists. For example, India.Arie, kicked off our 2001 season, a week before her debut album went gold. We also featured Rawkus Records’ Talib Kweli, MCA’s The JAZZYFATNASTEES, Gee Street Records’ OLU as well as other underground giants like: muMs from HBO’s Oz, Saul Williams, Jessica Care Moore, Greg Tate, and Sarah Jones to name a few.

Our cutting-edge events have attracted well-know celebrities like: Melvin Van Peebles, Iman, David Bowie, Mekhi Phifer, Vondie Curtis Hall, Edwigde Dandicat, Phyllis Yvonne Stickney, Raoul Peck and others.

Imagenation also launched the first Revolution Awards at The Apollo Theater which honored Chuck D, Erykah Badu, Stanley Nelson, Roger Guenveur Smith , Talib Kweli, Sherry Simpson Dean and Joe Brewster.

Team:

Moikgantsi Kgama - Founder & Executive Director

Moikgantsi Kgama is the founder of Imagenation. A former audience development specialist for independent films targeting communities of color, Moikgantsi built a reputation for excellence in her field. She has been credited with the successful launch of Raoul Peck’s independent epic “LUMUMBA” that appeared on HBO and was accepted for Academy Award nomination. Moikgantsi served as publicist for the groundbreaking documentary “LIFE & DEBT,” which appeared on PBS in August 2001, and was the New York City promotions coordinator for the independent film “FOLLOW ME HOME” starring Alfre Woodard and Benjamin Bratt. Moikgantsi also served as a filmmaker coordinator for 1998 The Sundance Film Festival.

Moikgantsi’s experience has garnered many successful relationships and established Imagenation as a brand known for presenting quality programs that featured short films and performers from the African Diaspora. Her work has enabled her to develop invaluable contacts with performers, filmmakers, film distributors, and record labels like Motown Records and MCA Records; as well as numerous independent film establishments such as The Sundance Film Festival, HBO, 40 Acres and A Mule Filmworks, and The Urbanworld Film Festival to name a few

Moikgantsi currently serves at the Director of Communications and Development at Harlem Congregations for Community Improvement, a community development organization founded by Black clergy in Harlem to revitalize the once blighted Bradhurst community where Imagenation is based.

Gregory Gates, Executive Producer

Gregory Gates was invited to join Imagenation in October 2001. His expertise in management, grassroots promotions and event production make him a crucial addition to Imagenation.

Gregory has coordinated and managed production teams for “The Tony Awards”, “The Essence Awards”, “Michael Jackson’s 30th Anniversary Celebration” at Madison Square Garden, and The Urbanworld Film Festival to name a few. For 10 years, Gregory Gates’ Eucalyptus Entertainment has produced cultural events in the New York City area including “Poetic Battles” a six-month poetry series at Harlem’s World Famous Apollo Theater; “Coffee, Tea or Poetry” in collaboration with Starbuck’s Cafes; and “The Eucalyptus Entertainment Dinner Theater Series” held at The Public Theater’s Joe’s Pub in Manhattan and at the Brooklyn Moon Café in Forte Green, Brooklyn.

Gregory also established valuable relationships working at HBO’s “THE CHRIS ROCK SHOW”, Hearst Entertainment’s B Smith With Style, The Harlem Chamber of Commerce and at Harlem’s World Famous Apollo Theater to name a few.

2005 EVENTS & PROGRAMS

EVENTS & PROGRAMS

Imagenation at Lincoln Center
featuring performances by Guru of Gang Starr, Tamarkali and Jeremy James
and film independent screenings
Thursday, April 28th
By Invitation Only

The Revolution Awards at the Apollo Theater
8pm to 11pm, Friday, July 29th
Harlem's World Famous Apollo Theater
253 West 125th Street
Harlem, USA

Synopses: The Revolution Award is presented to artists who use their work to inspire social change, foster solidarity, blaze new trails or to empower communities throughout the African Diaspora.

2005 Honorees: To Be Announced

Imagenation : Live on 1-2-5
(details TBA)

2005 Imagenation Film Festival
(details TBA)

FUTURE EVENTS & PROGRAMS

Imagenation Summer Youth Employment will provide inner-city youths with the opportunity to work in an independent cinema. In this six-week summer program, young employees will develop strong work ethics as they learn how to run an art-house cinema in Harlem. (launches July 2006)

Imagenation Theater workshop will provide aspiring artists with opportunities to explore their creativity. Professional artists from diverse disciplines will be recruited to support the creation of theatrical performances for public audiences. (launches February 2006) The Filmmaker Exchange Initiative is a three-month program, where adult independent filmmakers from the US and South Africa, swap environments to teach inner-city youth the art of filmmaking. With the filmmaker’s supervision, the students will create a short film at the end of the 3-month program. (launches fall of 2006)

Imagenation: From Harlem to Hillbrow is a film festival and tour of communities in Harlem, USA and the Gauteng region of South Africa. From Harlem to Hillbrow will feature free open-air screenings, panel discussions and after parties. This innovative festival will bring African–Americans to South Africa to engage in dialogue and cultural exchange, enjoy fellowship, and coalition build. (launches February 2007)