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The San Francisco Black Film Festival Family
is resolved to strongly commit to the efforts of young Winston to keep his father and grandmother’s dream alive to serve the worldwide community by promoting the positive narratives of the African Diaspora.
SAN FRANCISCO- Kali Onaje Winston, San Francisco Black Film Festival Co-Director died in the Atlanta, Georgia Metro Area on January 12, 2023. The son of late festival director Kali Onaje O’Ray and grandson of festival founder, the late Ave Montague, was 28 years old.
Obsequies for Winston were held in Atlanta on Saturday, January 21, 2023. His obituary posted on dignitymemorial.com gives the following information provided by his family:
Kali Onaje Winston, age 28, of Decatur, Georgia passed away on Thursday, January 12, 2023. He was born in Atlanta, GA the son of Kaprise Winston and the late Kali Onaje Ray. Kali attended Mt. Zion Christian Academy in Jonesboro, GA and was a class of 2012 graduate of Jonesboro High.
Kali had a knack for being the reliable calm in any storm. He’s the original cool kid, a clever economist, and a true hero. He leaves behind his mother Kaprise Winston, sister; Cree, brothers Kenny, Kingston, Jairri , Ahmad, paternal grandfather; William Antonio Winston and a host of aunts, uncles, friends and family. We will miss him dearly. He was also preceded in death by his maternal grandmother Melody Winston, paternal grandparents; Ave Montague, Walter Ray, and Patricia Ray.
San Francisco Black Film Festival Co-Director, Cree Ray, said of her younger brother’s passing, “It is difficult to know that he is gone so soon, after our father and grandmother’s deaths. Kali helped me keep our family dream alive as technical director of the San Francisco Black Film Festival and my confidant following the untimely news of our Dad’s death.”
Cree added, “He was taken away too soon, but the pain I’m experiencing has given me the resolve to strengthen the festival as we celebrate the 25th Anniversary, June 15-18, 2023.”
The San Francisco BayView Newspaper carried an article about the transition of leadership:
In the San Francisco Black film Festival, XIII, The Legacy Continues, June 17-20, ‘Healing the World One Film at a Time’:
https://sfbayview.com/2021/06/in-the-san-francisco-black-film-festival-xxiii-the-legacy-continues-june-17-20-healing-the-world-one-film-at-a-time/
“The article included a description of Winston, who is affectionately referenced as “Kali Jr.” that showed his great promise:
Attending Georgia State, also in Atlanta, Kali Jr. focused on videography, photography and visual arts, which are his passions. Kali Jr.’s heart for film was noted in 2012 by actor, producer and humanitarian Robert Townsend, who while screening his film “In the Hive” that opened the 2012 San Francisco Black Film Festival, saw his work with his father Kali Sr. and commended the Ray family for their intergenerational work. The Ray family’s commitment to an open and positive narrative about the African Diaspora by multicultural filmmakers continues the prophetic observation of Townsend.”
Kali’s and Cree’s first festival production included the support of Mayor London Breed and highlighted the artistic work of sculptor Dana King as San Francisco celebrated the opening of business for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic had altered business and life as usual: https://youtu.be/CQs7cPVxPRI.
In the spirit of continuing in its mission to celebrate African American cinema and the African Cultural Diaspora and to showcase a diverse collection of films – from emerging and established filmmakers to reinforce positive images and dispel negative stereotypes, the San Francisco Black Film Festival will join with organizers screening the film “STAND” at the Bayview Opera House on February 28, 2023. Kali’s contribution to the film industry will be acknowledged.
“STAND” is directed by Joslyn Rose Lyons. The executive producers are Sarah Allen, Mike Tollin and Mason Gordon of MSM. The film is produced by Colleen Dominguez and Tom Friend. It features in-depth interviews with basketball and entertainment stars including Stephen Curry, Steve Kerr, Shaquille O’Neal, Jalen Rose, Mahershala Ali, Ice Cube and more. “STAND” examines the remarkable life of social activist and basketball prodigy Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf.
In related news, the film premieres Friday, February 3 at 9 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME and will be available across the network’s on-demand and streaming platforms at premiere.
For more information about the San Francisco Black Film Festival visit www.sfbff.org.
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