Roosevelt

Fannie Lou Hamer was an African American civil rights activist in the 1960’s. She publicly and passionately broadcast the sufferings of Blacks in the racist South especially with regards to voting. This heroine’s inspiring story was depicted in a staged reading written by Regina Taylor and then in the film, FANNIE. Actress Aunjanue Ellis brings this trailblazer to life with a riveting and heart wrenching solo performance.

Christine Swanson directed this critically acclaimed short along with producers Stephanie Frederic and Abeni Bloodworth. Bloodworth, CEO of ChromaticBlack.org, launched the Ida B. Wells Fund. It provides funding for selected short films that disrupt the master narrative. Two different genres heralded by women of color using the lens to celebrate stories not commonly told.

Panelists: 

Stephanie Frederic, journalist and executive producer

Christine Swanson, film & television director

Abeni Bloodworth, executive producer and CEO ChromaticBlack.org

Aunjanue Ellis, award-winning actress

Regina Taylor, award-winning actress and playwright

Moderator:  Angela Ray

Film Short:  XXVisible (12 min.; Drama)

Hamilton

Filmmaker: Bobby Yan

It's 2020, COVID-19 has shut down the entire world. In the midst, a successful, young Asian American struggles to navigate life during the lock down. A series of events forces the man to confront issues of self-identity and racial politics, culminating into an aggressive Anti-Asian attack against his family.

Film Short:  Neighbor  (6 min.; Light Drama)

Hamilton

Filmmaker: William Andre Buchanan

He looks iffy. He dresses street. He's not our kind of people...right? Or is he?

Film Short:  FANNIE (10 min.; Drama)

Hamilton

Filmmaker: Abeni Bloodworth

Sharecropper turned social justice advocate, Fannie Lou Hamer publicly highlights the scare tactics used in Mississippi to prevent Black Americans from voting.  Hammer forces this country to examine itself with one question, “Is this America?