The Reel Sisters of the Diaspora Film Festival & Lecture Series, the first Academy Qualifying film festival dedicated to women filmmakers, is set to present its 27th annual season from October 4 to October 31, 2024. This year’s festival, themed ‘A State of Grace,’ will showcase a diverse array of films exploring love, loss, and faith across multiple venues in Brooklyn and Harlem.
Founded in 1997, Reel Sisters has established itself as a pivotal platform for women of color in the film industry. The festival’s significance lies in its commitment to amplifying underrepresented voices and stories, providing a crucial space for emerging and established filmmakers alike. As one of only 26 Oscar-qualifying film festivals in the nation, Reel Sisters plays a vital role in shaping the landscape of contemporary cinema.
This year’s festival kicked off with an awards ceremony on October 4, followed by an evening of short films on October 10. The event honored Huriyyah Muhammad, director of ‘Chocolate With Sprinkles’ and co-founder of the Black TV & Film Collective, with the Trailblazer award for her contributions to cinema. The opening also featured world premieres from Reel Sisters Micro Budget Fellows, highlighting the festival’s commitment to nurturing new talent.
Among the notable premieres is ‘He Looked Like A Postcard,’ directed by Qasim Basir, which will have its Brooklyn premiere on October 19 at the Kumble Theater. This narrative film, starring jessica Care moore and Tobias Truvillion, explores themes of self-love and imagination in creating one’s reality. Another highlight is the world premiere of ‘An Unusual Suspect,’ directed by Booker T. Mattison, a legal thriller that delves into issues of wrongful conviction and conspiracy.
The festival’s documentary selections include ‘How to Sue the Khan,’ produced by Ben Crump, which recounts the groundbreaking 1982 civil case against the Ku Klux Klan. ‘Chocolate Milk,’ directed by Elizabeth Bayne, examines racial inequities in birth and breastfeeding in the US, following the stories of three Black mothers in South Los Angeles.
Reel Sisters continues to support emerging filmmakers through its Micro Budget Fellowship program. This year’s fellows, including Candace Patrick and Vivienne Shaw, will premiere their short films at the festival, showcasing fresh perspectives and innovative storytelling.
The festival’s impact extends beyond screenings, offering networking opportunities, panels, workshops, and special events. A script reading co-hosted with BRIC Media on October 29 further demonstrates Reel Sisters’ commitment to fostering talent at various stages of development.
Festival Founder Carolyn A. Butts, a recipient of the 2024 The Just Brooklyn Prize, emphasized the festival’s mission: ‘We are proud to showcase a spectacular line-up of films that reflect the full spectrum of our shared humanity, including our ability to use humor and wit to overcome life’s challenging moments.’
Reel Sisters’ influence on the film industry is significant, having awarded over $70,000 in fellowships and cash awards since its inception. The festival’s support of women of color filmmakers has helped launch and advance numerous careers, contributing to greater diversity and representation in cinema.
With its affordable ticket prices and comprehensive All Access Passes, Reel Sisters aims to make these important films and discussions accessible to a wide audience. The festival’s commitment to showcasing diverse stories and supporting emerging talent continues to make it a crucial event in the film festival calendar, shaping the future of cinema and providing a platform for voices that have long been underrepresented in the industry.
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