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reel sisters of the diaspora film festival celebrates women of color in film this weekend!

October 20, 2017
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The Reel Sisters of the Diaspora Film Festival is celebrating it’s 20th anniversary on October 21st and October 22nd in Harlem. The festival highlights the talents and struggles of women of color in the film industry, showcasing their experiences through documentary, narrative, experimental and animation films dedicated to community activism, empowerment and spirituality.

Taking place at the Alamo Draft House and AMC Magic Johnson Theatre, films screened at the festival will include the Gabourey Sidibe-directed The Tale of Four, inspired by Nina Simone’s “Four Women”; HUSH, a short drama set in London about a Nigerian family whose daughter stops speaking; Harlem Love, about a 1920s couple whose love is tested; and Prudence, a film about a World War II nurse who is struggling with dementia and the loss of her female companion.

“Having my directorial debut, The Tale Of Four, screened at Reel Sisters, during its 20th year is a huge blessing,” Gabourey Sidibe told AFROPUNK. “What an amazing honor it is to have my work shown among black women artists who come together to share ideas and celebrate the creative wonder that is film! My film is a love letter to the mystery, beauty and strength of black women and I’m so excited by the attention and love it’s receiving from Reel Sisters! I appreciate it with my whole heart.”

Gabourey Sidibe

“We have more than 30 films that reflect our lives, concerns and talents told through the lens of visionary women who are addressing everything from colorism and sex discrimination to portraying real life families on screen,” said Reel Sisters Founder Carolyn A. Butts. “When women lead, the world wins. This is our answer to Trump. The images we see in film, television and media are important now more than ever given the world we live in.”

Find out more about the festival and how you can attend here!

Carolyn A. Butts

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