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Reel Black: Womanhood in Independent Cinema

Navigate away from Hollywood stereotypes and recognize how Black independent cinema of the past 30 years is affording Black women multi-dimensional characterizations. Taught by Valerie Complex.

March 30, 2021

Classes

Black actresses and Hollywood have a sordid history. Black women's legacy in mainstream film roles is dominated by stereotypical roles, including the sassy Black friend, the maid, the mammy, etc. These portrayals leave the viewer with a limited characterization range that has left many Black actresses pigeonholed into. To see Black womanhood in a multi-dimensional way, one must navigate away from the mainstream to independent cinema. This subsect of cinema offers varied circumstances and scenarios where Black women can take up as much space as they want. There is a wide range of portrayals that prove Blackness is not a monolith. In this class, we will examine these portrayals and look at some indie film titles that provide the best characterizations of Black womanhood and why looking to independent cinema is essential.

Zoom meeting details will be emailed to ticket purchasers shortly before the scheduled event.

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Tickets

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CLASS SPECIFICS

Tuesday, March 30, 2021
6:30 PM - 8:30 PM PT
Presented via Zoom Webinar
$25 Sustainer | $15 Regular | $10 Reduced / SIFF Member
Registration fees offered at a sliding scale; proceeds support both the instructor and SIFF Education programming.

CLASS WORKLOAD

All are welcome! Registrants are not required to view any of the announced films in advance of the class. There will be multiple films and extended clips presented during the classtime. If registrants desire to view any of the below films expected to be included in the presentation, the titles and link to variety of streaming options is below.

ABOUT REEL BLACK

The Reel Black class series focuses on Black auteur filmmakers and Black influences within cinematic culture. Through deepening the cultural discourse with the past and present, we all prioritize and normalize Black stories and storytellers on our screens. Reel Black is curated with Isabella Price.

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR

Valerie Complex is a military veteran, freelance entertainment writer, and a soon to be an author. As a lover of Japanese animation, comics, and all things film, she is passionate about diversity across all entertainment mediums. Find her work on Variety, The Elle Magazine, Harper's Bazaar, Collider, and many more. Her complete writing portfolio is on her website.