#BlackStoriesMatter means we have a responsibility to uplift stories of the Black community that represent all aspects of life, including love, joy, and creative expression. With the addition of the essential documentary I AM NOT YOUR NEGRO on Rafael@Home, join us in celebrating Pride month with these films that showcase the beauty and broad range of Black LGBTQ+ stories.
MVFF AND DOCLANDS PROGRAMMING MANAGER AND MVFF SHORTS PROGRAMMER STERLING HEDGPETH SELECTS
PARIS IS BURNING
Director: Jennie Livingston (US, 1990)
“The 30th anniversary of this seminal documentary remains hilarious but even more poignant as the time capsule qualities of the drag scene in New York have not eclipsed the larger issues of trans rights and LGBTQ+ identity and how their intersection with African-American culture continues to have an urgent relevance and resonance today. The spectre of AIDS and Reaganomics in the late 80s have echoes with viral fears and economic disenfranchisement today, but the film’s beauty is in its pageantry and personality. For there is elation and empathy on full display as each “queen” is explored with deep compassion and their hopes, dreams, and ambitions are laid bare and synthesized in a fabulous, ostentatious display of over-the-top artistry and heart-breaking humanity. A wonderful affirmation of Life in the face of so many struggles, be sure to pay it another visit and have yourself a Ball.” – Sterling Hedgpeth
Available to rent or purchase: iTunes
MVFF WORLD CINEMA PROGRAMMER JOÃO FEDERICI SELECTS
PARIAH
Director: Dee Rees (US, 2011)
“In her powerful feature debut, Dee Rees (Mudbound, MVFF40), depicts Alike (Adepero Oduye), a 17-year-old African American student with a gift for poetry, who struggles to hide her desires and sexuality as a lesbian. She lives two lives, one inside the home, and the other outside it. She is surrounded by an overprotective, religious mother and a caring but distant father whom she tries to trust. Without space to express herself, she decides to discover the world on her own. Semi-autobiographical, Pariah is a heartbreaking, compelling, coming-of-age film. In every scene, Oduye surprises us with a stunning performance, full of emotion and realism. After the film’s 2011 premiere at Sundance where it won Best Cinematography, it went on to win the MVFF Audience Award for Best US Feature Film, and the Independent Spirit John Cassavetes Award, among others. This vital contemporary film is a must-watch and will inspire conversation.” – João Federici
Available with subscription: DirectTV
Available to rent or purchase: Amazon, Google Play, YouTube, iTunes
MVFF SENIOR PROGRAMMER KAREN DAVIS SELECTS
RAFIKI
Director: Wanuri Kahiu (Kenya, 2018)
The very first Kenyan film to ever play at Cannes, and subsequently banned in its home country, Rafiki is a sweet and vibrant coming-of-age tale about Kena and Ziki, the daughters of two political rivals who fall in love despite dangerous familial and cultural objections. (Logline by Angelique Smith)
“From the first frames, this wonderfully empowering female-centered tale of young love just jumped off the screen and into my heart. The story and the storytelling literally leaps with vibrant exuberance and simmers with the power of hopes, dreams, and sweet sizzling desire.” – Karen Davis
Available with subscription: Hoopla, Kanopy
Available to rent or purchase: Amazon, iTunes, Vudu
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