****PRESS RELEASE****
Contact: Sheila Alexander-Reid 202-413-4788 Email: Sheila Reid
LANDMARK LESBIAN OF COLOR FILM SERIES LAUNCHED IN DC
The Women in the Life Association Expands to New Media with Film Series
..increasing lesbian visibility and providing an outlet for artistic
expression in our communities.
- Jade Foster, Co-Chair of the Film Festival
April 30, 2008, Washington, DC
-- Today the Women in the Life Association announced the launch of its first annual Film Series Thursday, June 12-15, during Capital Pride Week. By all accounts, this high-profile event is unprecedented in the Washington area. It will be DC's very first film series strictly by, for, and about lesbians of color. According to Jade Foster, festival Co-Chair and Women in the Life Association Board Member, “The lesbian of color community will never be able to grow or reach the heights of heterosexual counterparts if we do not combat the media that tries to erase us. In order to know our stories, our histories, ourselves, we must be seen and our voices must be heard. This film series, is the just the beginning of making sure lesbians in the district have access to women from all over the world. These stories reinforce the fact that they are not alone or different because they are lesbians, nor are they wrong.”
The highlight of the festival will include a glamorous, red carpet premiere of tiona m's "black./womyn.:conversations with lesbians of African descent," on Friday, June 13, 2008 in the DCJCC's Goldman Theater. It is a feature documentary that interviews over thirty lesbians of african descent. The controversial film includes discussions with local icons such as Sheila Alexander-Reid and Michelle Parkerson as well as national figures like Cheryl Clarke and Staceyann Chin. The women interviewed speak on themes including homophobia, gay marriage, sex, gender identity, and coming out. Interviewees, and the DC's local film/ arts community are expected to be in attendance. Over 500 film enthusiasts are expected to attend this red carpet affair. The premiere will be followed by an exclusive afterparty at Avenue Nightclub (capacity 3,000). The party is a fundraiser for both the Women in the Life Association and the film's director in her efforts of getting the film wider distribution.
The Women in the Life Film Series will offer DC communities access to innovative films, provide a forum for discussion and increase lesbian visibility to hundreds of women.Thursday's youth screening of "black./womyn.:conversations..." at UDC is specifically designed for local LGBTQ youth organizations. Groups like SMYAL and Metro Teen AIDS have been invited to attend the free screening. Director tiona m will participate in a Q and A after the film providing youth with the opportunity to address and verbalize their wants, thoughts and opinions on the film as well as being young, gifted and black. Saturday's screening at UDC are remarkable works that continue to push the boundaries of how lesbians of color are perceived. It is important for lesbian of color communities to see themselves in film in order to increase the visibility of lesbians of color, facilitate discussion, and ultimately leave a lasting impact.
The Women in the Life Association is a social justice organization advancing the rights of lesbians of color through cultural affirmation, education, and advocacy.
