On October 8th and 9th, the Gary International Black Film Festival will be honoring the filmmaker Deon Taylor.
Taylor is known for directing multiple popular films such as “Meet the Blacks,” “Black and Blue,” “Fatale,” etc. The Gary International Black Film Festival will recognize Taylor for all he has accomplished and the impact his journey will have for Black and Brown filmmakers in Gary, Indiana. Taylor describes this moment as both eye-opening and “coming full circle” due to him being born and raised in the city of Gary. Speaking in such a capacity to filmmakers in the community will provide them with a positive perspective and encouragement. This festival will allow emerging filmmakers the opportunity to show their creations and connect with established filmmakers such as Taylor.
Karen Toering, the founder of Gary International Black Film Festival, spoke on the importance of opening the doors of the creative industry for aspiring filmmakers. She explains the need for this industry to be “cultivated” and “developed.” The festival will honor Taylor on October 2nd by hosting a Deon-A-Thon, providing the opportunity to binge-watch 3 of Taylor’s films from 2021.
On October 8th, the Mayor of Gary, Indiana, Jerome Prince, will proclaim the day as “Deon Taylor Day.”
