Plainfield Artist Alonzo Adams Among Honorees at the 2024 Queen City Film Festival

PLAINFIELD, NJ — The Queen City Film Festival announced the names of three people who will be honored during this year’s annual event and a local icon has made the exclusive list this time. Alonzo Adams, known more for his work on canvas rather than film, has been selected as the 2024 Vanguard Award Recipient and will be honored in a ceremony later this month.

The festival, which attracts filmmakers and movie lovers to the area for a weekend of films, panels, workshops and networking events, has only previously given this honor to two other individuals —a cclaimed Plainfield resident, film director Byron Hurt and film producer and entrepreneur Emelyn Stuart.

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The Vanguard Award is generally been reserved for film and television production professionals from Plainfield or the surrounding area who have achieved excellence in the field. However, Adams, a figurative painter, has used his painting skills to impact the world of film and television.

His paintings were most notably found on the walls in the house of the hit television program The Cosby Show in the 1980s and 90s, setting a standard for contemporary American Black Art which trended globally. From there, Adams transcended the trappings of his art being a set prop to actually being in the homes and collections of dozens of celebrities. Notable collectors of Alonzo Adams include Dr. Maya Agelou, Jasmine Guy, Wesley Snipes, comedian Tracy Morgan and a slew of NBA stars, including Chris Paul, Ray Allen, Bam Adebayo, Alonzo Mourning and Patrick Ewing.

Today, Alonzo Adams is one of the most sought after contemporary African American artists. Adam’s work was recently immortalized during a mural reveal in downtown Plainfield, and has recently been commissioned by his alma mater, Rutgers University, to create a mural of legendary activist, actor, singer, and athlete Paul Robeson, also a Rutgers alumnus.

Janet A. Dickerson will also be honored at the Opening Night Gala. Dickerson, a former Union County resident who lives in Somerset County, serves as President of the Black Public Relations Society of New York and founder and principal of Human Impact Solutions, a public relations firm that represents film companies like Ava Duvernay’s Array Films.

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Rounding off the honoree list is News 12 NJ’s Emmy Award-nominated anchor and news reporter, Amanda Lee. Lee’s tireless coverage of New Jersey and her commitment to give back secured her spot on the prestigious list of honorees.

The 7th Annual Queen City Film Festival Opening Night Gala is scheduled for Friday October 18, 2024 at the Plainfield Public Library. Registration for attendees begins at 5 pm with a red carpet walk, a cocktail reception powered by Den Of Thieves Whiskey, a short film block and an after party with a DJ, food, and vendors.

The festival will continue on Day 2 at Cinemark Theater Watchung XD and then conclude at the newly renovated Plainfield High School Stage on Day 3.

For tickets and All Access Passes to the festival or more information on schedules, events, film guides, lodging or more visit - https://www.qcffnj.com/passesandtickets .

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