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Dave Chappelle's Unreleased Film 'Dave Chappelle Live in Real Life' to Screen at MVAAFF

  • DESA Communications
  • Aug 6
  • 2 min read

Special Screening Benefits Duke Ellington School of the Arts Theatre Department Endowment and Cinematic Arts Program

OAKS BLUFF, MA, DC, UNITED STATES, July 28, 2025 /EINPresswire.com/


The Martha's Vineyard African American Film Festival (MVAAFF) announced today that it will present a special screening of Dave Chappelle's unreleased independent documentary "Dave Chappelle Live in Real Life" on Friday, August 8, at 2:30 PM at the Performing Arts Center (PAC), Martha's Vineyard.

This exclusive screening, part of MVAAFF's 23rd annual festival, serves as a fundraising event to benefit Chappelle's alma mater, Duke Ellington School of the Arts in Washington, D.C.



Donors have early access to screening tickets and more! Visit www.mvaaff.com to support the Duke Ellington School of the Arts and to secure your seat. A limited number of individual tickets go on sale on August 6th on the MVAAFF website.



The documentary captures Chappelle's innovative pandemic-era comedy series that began in summer 2020 in Yellow Springs, Ohio. Fueled by the murder of George Floyd, shut-in by the closures of businesses due to the pandemic, and unable to perform around the country, the independent film, "Dave Chappelle Live In Real Life" follows Chappelle as he provides the community he calls home with two things desperately needed in difficult times—economic and comic relief. What began as an experimental socially distanced live comedy show in a neighbor's cornfield grew into an unforgettable summer with his neighbors, friends, and fellow comedians. Ultimately, Chappelle’s cornfield concerts would serve as a model of courage not just for his community but for the entire live entertainment industry.



Proceeds from the screening will support the establishment of the Theatre Department endowment named in honor of the late Donal Leace, founding faculty member and former chair of the Drama Department at Duke Ellington School of the Arts. Additional funds will support equipment upgrades and enhanced programming for the school's Cinematic Arts & Media Production (CAMP) Department, formerly the Literary Arts Department.



Actor, author, and educator Dr. Lamman Rucker, another noted Ellington alumnus, will be in attendance. Both graduates have maintained strong connections to their alma mater and regularly support the school's fundraising efforts, with Chappelle famously stating that 'The Ellington School saved my life.'



Can't Join Us On the Island?


As Duke Ellington School of the Arts celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, we invite you to help secure the next 50 years of artistic excellence. Every contribution writes another chapter in the Duke Ellington legacy. Email development@ellingtonarts.org for more information.


The annual festival schedule features additional screenings, panels, and surprises, all happening at Martha's Vineyard Performing Arts Center (MVPAC) and the Vineyard Lounge (VL), 100 Edgartown Road, Oak Bluffs, MA 02557.


For the full schedule and more information, visit www.mvaaff.com.



 
 
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