(Nashville, TN) The International Black Film Festival of Nashville, (IBFFN), welcomes a pioneer in the independent film industry, renowned television executive, actor and producer Robert Townsend. Townsend's documentary “Why We Laugh: Black Comedians on Black Comedy”, a 2009 Sundance Film festival favorite, provides a sweeping account of the cultural influence and evolution of black comedy in America from comedic greats such as Bill Cosby, Chris Rock, Whoopi Goldberg, Richard Pryor, Dave Chappelle, Eddie Murphy and much, much more. The film will make its “southern” debut at the Opening Night film on September 30, 2009 at the Regal Cinema Opry Mills 20 & IMAX. With more than 30 years of varied experience in the entertainment industry, Townsend, will be present for the screening followed by a talk back with the audience. Townsend , a multi-talented visionary and trail blazer, is best known for his groundbreaking projects in film and television such as “Hollywood Shuffle” ,“The Five Heartbeats”, “Partners in Crime”, “The Parenthood”, “Little Richard”, “Holiday Heart”, “Livin' for Love: The Natalie Cole Story”, "Carmen: A Hip Hopera" for MTV Films starring Beyonce Knowles and the popular television series “Soul Food.” Immediately following the Opening Night Film, IBFFN presents their Official Opening Night Gala with groundbreaking cable and satellite television network TV One. A new episode of “Life After” in HD will be premiered at the Opening Gala with a celebrity appearance from Omarosa from Apprentice. “Life After” gives you the stories of the likes of Christopher “Kid” Reid, Bell Biv DeVoe, Eva Marcille, Al Reynolds, Jamiee Foxworth, Taimak, Daryl “Chill” Mitchell and Omarosa, from their own mouths and they're not holding anything back. Filled with jaw-dropping confessions and shocking twists, “Life After” investigates what happened to them after a major turning point in their careers. For a complete list of screenings, workshops, and networking opportunities please click the post's title.