Newark residents will get a chance to take part in the city's first film festival for women next month at the "Breakthroughs in Courage" event hosted by Women In Media-Newark.
The films will be presented by two local filmmakers on Saturday, March 13 at the Paul Robeson Student Center on the Rutgers University-Newark campus from 12 to 6 p.m. The festival is free to the public and will feature the semi-autobiographical film "The End of Winter," the award-winning "The Ultimate Betrayal: A Survivor's Journey" and "Pray the Devil Back to Hell."
"The End of Winter," created by Newark native Nefertite Nguvu, recounts the emotional journey of two sisters struggling through their grief after the untimely death of their father.
"The Ultimate Betrayal: A Survivor's Journey" will also be screened, and is an autobiographical film by former police captain Donna Roman Hernandez. The film discusses her family's 40 year history of physical and emotional abuse from her father.
Meanwhile, "Pray the Devil Back to Hell" chronicles the women's movement in Liberia which urged men to end the civil war.
A question and answer session with the filmmakers will follow the first two films, and a panel discussion with female refugees from war torn African nations will follow "Pray the Devil Back to Hell."
At 5 p.m., a reception will be held to recognize renowned women in the community and community service awards will be given to Speaker of the House Sheila Oliver, Jazz Artist Gloria Coleman, Social Activist Amina Baraka and Newark Public Schools Chief Financial Officer Valerie Wilson.
The winning video from the student video contest will also be screened, and prizes will be given to student winners. Judges for the student video contest include Vice President of Arts Education at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center Sandra Bowie, Aljira founder Victor Davson, founder of the NJ MovieMakers Network Hisani DuBose, Executive Director of Symphony Hall Philip S. Thomas and Director of Visual and Performing Arts of Newark Public Schools Shawn Thorpe.
Women In Media-Newark is a group of female filmmakers, educators, marketers, photographers and social activists who are passionate about film and new media. Founded to advocate for women in the film, video and new media industries, high school youth interested in careers in film and new media are encouraged to enter the organization's video essay contest. More information can be found on the web at: www.WIM-N.com.
Subscribe to this comment's feed
