The DMIS 8th Annual Student Documentary Showcase
Four documentaries that chronicle the experiences of women of color as war veterans, reproductive rights activists, domestic workers, and job seekers in the midst of an economic recession were the subjects of the Eighth Annual Spelman College Digital Moving Image Salon Student Documentary Film Showcase in 2012.
In addition to the screenings, DMIS awards were presented to Atlanta’s griot photographer Sue Ross and film director Jessie Maple Patton in recognition of their pioneering contributions to African-American independent cinema.
Documentary Descriptions
African-American women have served in every U.S. war effort and yet they have never been the face of the hero. “Invisible Heroes: African American Women in the Military” features African-American women veterans who continue to struggle with the casualties of war upon returning home. Featured in the documentary is Shoshana Johnson, the first African-American female prisoner of war.
Producers: Carina-Michelle Francis and Jamiere Smith.
“Policing Our Bodies” takes a riveting look at the Radiance Foundation’s 2010 anti-abortion advertisement campaign in Atlanta. Started in an effort to stop abortion, the ads ended up attacking African-American women and their right to choose. The film highlights how women banded together to fight for their reproductive rights.
Producers Joyya Baines and Thandiwe Gibson-Hunter
“America’s Surrogate Mothers”explores the lives of African-American women domestic workers who work independently in homes and in commercial settings. Their lives are juxtaposed with the portrayal of domestic workers in the media.
Producers: Hope Harris, Talecia Tucker
After excelling academically – graduating with honors – African-American women of the millennial generation try to understand why they are unemployed or underemployed in this documentary titled, “Labor Market Warriors.”
The film highlights the inequities African-American women face while simultaneously depicting the impact of their being unemployed or underemployed. Featured in the film is the nationally-known economist, author and former president of Bennett College, Julianne Malveaux, Ph.D.
Producers: Brittany Fennell and Amber Watson
DMIS Achievement Award
DMIS Award Winners
- Sue Ross
- Jessie Maple Patton.