2014-2105 DMIS Student Films
The Digital Moving Image Salon at Spelman College, a component of the Women’s Research and Resource Center, featured three documentaries that explore the female body as a tool for social justice at its 11th Annual DMIS Documentary Film Showcase.
About the Films
The films examine the experiences of African-American women as they use choreography to rethink historical events and take a stance against social injustices, explore the spaces of being Black, woman and Muslim, and consider pop icon Beyoncé’s brand of feminism.
“This year’s DMIS student-produced films have an underlying focus on African-American women and the body as a basis for larger stories,” said Ayoka Chenzira, Ph.D., division chair, Arts and Humanities, and founding director of DMIS. “The films consider how the body is branded in popular culture, covered as required for a religious tradition, or used as a powerful tool to comment on social issues.
“Each story is evidence of how deeply DMIS producers are thinking about the lived experiences of women and their own experiences as young women carving out new territories of thought,” Dr. Chenzira continued. “Now in its 11th year, the DMIS annual student showcase remains an important platform that supports Spelman students who want to explore the moving image through visual rhetoric and visual culture using their original ideas. Each year I am deeply moved by their efforts.”
View the Videos
'Rebel Dance'
Producers: Taylor Curry and Carlean McWright
Documentary topic: Some of the most prolific African-American women choreographers show how they create technically masterful works that become a part of a larger conversation about art and social justice.
'For Covered Girls' - Trailer Only. Full Video to be Posted
Producers: Jett Bagley and Kayla St. Clair
Documentary topic: This film explores the journeys of young women who are Black, woman and Muslim. Some were born into the faith while others converted, and yet they share similar experiences with sexism, racial discrimination, stereotyping and Islamaphobia. Their faith empowers them to own these complex identities, shine through their struggles, and live purposeful and compelling lives.
'Flawless Feminism'
Producers: Briana Dixon and BriSché Fair
Documentary topic: In the wake of Beyoncé declaring herself a feminist, Black feminists of various stages of life explore the dangers of a feminism that has no rules, as well as the dangers of a feminism that has too many.