FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact
Audrey Arthur
404-270-5892 (office)
aarthur3@spelman.edu
ATLANTA (April 22, 2013) – Each year, novice and veteran student filmmakers enrolled in Spelman College Digital Moving Image Salon’s film studies course draw from their personal interests and academic pursuits to produce documentaries that detail the varied and layered experiences of women of the African Diaspora. Three student collaborations from the course, which delve into health and wellness, the Syrian Revolution and homelessness, will premiere at the Ninth Annual Spelman College Digital Moving Image Salon Student Documentary Film Showcase Thursday, April 25, 2013, at Midtown Cinema.
“DMIS producers create films that focus on the lived experiences of women. Many of these experiences, and the related points of view, seldom find their way into mainstream media conversations,” said Ayoka Chenzira, Ph.D., filmmaker and founding director of the Digital Moving Image Salon. “The common thread in this year’s documentary films is what I would call ‘the tenacious spirit.’ Whether it’s women taking control of their lives through exercise and more nutritional diets, or learning to value themselves against overwhelming odds, or inventing creative ways to protest against war, the women featured in the films show us how they have used their vision, commitment, will power, and a plan, to make a difference.”
In addition to the April 25 screenings, the DMIS Celebration of Excellence Award will be presented to Shilla Benning, an award-winning costume designer and stylist who has designed for television, films, theatrical productions, and concerts as well as celebrities including Terrence Howard, Erykah Badu, Andre 3000 and Tarij Henson. Benning’s work can be seen in Tyler Perry’s “House of Payne,” “Single Ladies,” and “Footloose.” She is one of a small number of African-American women costume designers who have consistently worked in the film and television industries for more than 25 years.
The documentary screenings and award presentation will take place at 7 p.m. at Midtown Cinema (931 Monroe Drive, Atlanta).
The event is free and open to the public. For more information call 404-270-5625 or visit DMIS Student Documentary Film Showcase.
Documentary Descriptions
“Rima’s Red Raincoat” is the story of Rima Dali, a lawyer who sparked a nonviolent movement in the Syrian Revolution through performance art in public spaces. Producers: Banah Ghadbian and Janiene Thiong
“Darling’s Silver Lining” is a portrait of a talented female artist who struggles with homelessness while also trying to come to terms with her past. Producers: Angelique DeVonish and Kaneisha Montague
“Running for My Life” profiles three African-American women who take control of their physical, emotional and mental health by learning to run and changing their diets. Producers: Jasmyn Lawson, Nina Lee, Edwina Campbell
About the Digital Moving Image Salon
The Digital Moving Image Salon (DMIS) began at Spelman College in the fall of 2004. Founded by internationally award-winning filmmaker and interactive digital media artist, Ayoka Chenzira, it is a mechanism through which the College encourages and supports the growing number of students interested in creating stories for digital media platforms. In 2012, DMIS was named Best Fine Arts Program by The Center for HBCU Media Advocacy. For more information, visit DMIS.
About Spelman College
Founded in 1881, Spelman College is a highly selective, liberal arts college widely recognized as the global leader in the education of women of African descent. Located in Atlanta, Ga., the college’s picturesque campus is home to 2,100 students. Outstanding alumnae include Children's Defense Fund Founder Marian Wright Edelman; Sam’s Club CEO Rosalind Brewer, Broadway producer Alia Jones, Former Acting Surgeon General and Spelman’s first alumna President Audrey Forbes Manley, Harvard College Dean Evelynn Hammonds, Author Pearl Cleage and Actress LaTanya Richardson Jackson. For more information, visit www.spelman.edu.