I’ve Known Rivers Film Festival 2024

FA-MLI Announces the 13th Annual "I've Known Rivers" Film Festival Celebrating Music’s Power to Heal and Transform Lives

FA-MLI, Inc. proudly presents the 13th Annual “I’ve Known Rivers” Film Festival, themed “Music Saved My Life: Architects of Da Renaissance.” This year’s festival celebrates the transformative power of music and honors the extraordinary contributions of disabled musicians to American culture.

Join us on Sunday, December 29, 2024, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Barbara Morrison Performing Arts Center in Los Angeles’s historic Leimert Park Arts Village.

Inspired by FA-MLI Founder Torrence Brannon-Reese’s transformative experiences with disabled musicians in New Orleans and his ongoing work with disabled veterans, this year’s festival bridges the cultural connection between New Orleans and Los Angeles. Building on the success of FA-MLI’s Soul of America tour, the event highlights music’s ability to heal, unite, and inspire.

“Our experiences in New Orleans affirmed what we’ve always known – music transcends barriers and heals communities,” says Brannon-Reese. “This festival is more than a showcase; it’s a celebration of resilience, artistry, and the universal language of music.”

The evening will feature:

Live musical performances
A short film showcase
Spoken word
Fashion showcase
Dance, and more!

The festival builds on FA-MLI’s year-round commitment to inclusive arts programming, including their successful “Legendary Nights” series, which regularly features and employs disabled musicians and artists. This integration of film, music, and community action reflects FA-MLI’s mission to preserve cultural heritage while creating opportunities for artists of all abilities.

“Music Saved My Life” will be hosted at the Barbara Morrison Performing Arts Center, a fully accessible venue chosen to ensure all community members can participate comfortably in this celebration of arts and culture.

Event Details:

Date: Sunday, December 29, 2024
Time: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: Barbara Morrison Performing Arts Center, 4305 Degnan Blvd., Los Angeles
Tickets: Free Event / Donations Accepted. (You must grab a ticket for entry)
Accessibility: Full venue accessibility with accommodations available

Proceeds from the festival support FA-MLI’s community programs, including:

See a Man Be a Man mentoring program
Princess 2 Queen Life Mastery program
Arts education initiatives
Programs supporting disabled artists and veterans

About FA-MLI, Inc.

Founded in 1992, FA-MLI, Inc. (Foundation for Arts, Mentoring, Leadership and Innovation) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering youth and preserving cultural heritage through arts education, mentorship, and community outreach. The organization maintains a strong commitment to disability inclusion and accessibility across all its programs and events.

For tickets or more information, visit www.famlisoul.org or contact: