Free Screening on June 2nd with Spirits of Rebellion: Black Filmmakers from UCLA 

(Black PR Wire) NEW YORK -- The film industry is a strategic industry all over the world. Films convey strong messages at many different levels as explained by August Wilson’s statement “all art is political.” Therefore, the film industry is very much under control of some sort of official system of classification and code. 

The notion of mainstream films is very much rooted in that notion of what is good “for everybody,” official and generally supported by a specific value system.

There was a time in the US film industry when a white woman and a black man were not supposed to kiss on screen, a documentary could not be about a non-white protagonist, and a documentary featuring re-enactments was deemed unfaithful to the genre.

The diversity of norms and regulations that make a film a mainstream product are many in the world.  When it comes to making films that address issues related to religion, sexual orientation, controversial political views and more, independent filmmakers face many obstacles.

Independent filmmakers do not always seek financial rewards for their work, It’s not always about the money. Often time, independent filmmakers’ primary goal is to convey messages and impact change.

The films in the ADIFF’s series “Black Indies” are independent films due to the simple fact that they did not enjoy the support of the official structures in place to support filmmakers.

Technological advances have contributed to the development of a rich production of independent films with different levels of expertise.

The “Black Indies” series is a modest attempt to showcase independent black films from different countries and angles that, despite being quite interesting, enjoyed a limited commercial career due to a system that is still determined by the structures in place.

The series features films like Almodou by Amadou Thior from Senegal, about an abusive Imam; New York’s Dirty Laundry by Patrice Johnson that depicts the drama of the immigrant after the September 11 events; Spirits of Rebellion by Zeinabu Irene Davis about the work of a group of filmmakers of color decided to change the narrative of the representation of people of color in films; Desirée by Felix De Rooy based on a true story on how religious belief can drive a person crazy, and other films that go against many of the taboos and limitations found in specific societies.

So these are the filmmakers who see films as art, not as a commodity. Therefore, the notion of commercial is not at the center of their work. These auteurs have enriched cinema in many ways even though some of those auteurs have been/are neglected.

Join us June 2 to 4, 2017 and enjoy a weekend of thought provoking films and discussions!  

WHAT ADIFF 2017 BLACK INDIES FILM SERIES

WHEN JUNE 2 to 4, 2017

WHERE Teachers College, Columbia Univ. 525 West 120th St. New York, NY 10027

Please Note: Gvmt Picture ID required to enter the building.

TRANSPORT Train 1 to 116th St. FREE Street Parking on Saturday and Sunday

TICKET PRICES FREE SCREENING on Friday, June 2 @ 8PM

Passes: Weekend Pass: $55 Sat Day Pass: $30 Sun Day Pass: $25

Fan Pass: $50 Fan Pass gives access to any 6 shows during the film series and can be shared with friends and family.

Regular screenings: General price: $13 Students and seniors $11

BLACK INDIES FILM SERIES

Friday, June 2 Room: 408 Zankel

8pm – Spirits of Rebellion: Black Filmmakers from UCLA – Free screening

Saturday, June 3 Room: 263 Macy

1pm – Desiree 3pm -  Doctor Bello 5:30pm – Almodou 7:30pm – Good Funk – Q&A

Sunday, June 4 Room: 263 Macy

2:pm – The Naked Poet 4:pm – Fevers 6:pm – NY Dirty Laundry – Q&A

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