AfroFutures explores the role of cinema as a mode of storytelling for Black women, focused on the role of visual art in crafting disparate stories of Pan-African and African American women. Often marginalized and disenfranchised in visual and cinematic culture, this four-film series centers the stories and creative contributions of Black women as critical both to cultural and artistic global development. This film series is presented in partnership with the Neal-Marshall Black Culture Center, the Center for Documentary Research and Practice, The Media School, and the Black Film Center & Archive. It is supported by the Black Philanthropy Circle and the Women's Philanthropy Leadership Council.
February 4, 7pm: Mami Wata | When the harmony in a village is threatened by outside elements, two sisters must fight to save their people and restore the glory of a mermaid goddess to the land. Featuring a post-screening conversation with Prof. Maria E. Hamilton Abegunde (IU African American and African Diaspora Studies) on the integration of Yoruba folklore into visual culture.
February 11, 7pm: All Dirt Roads Taste of Salt | A lyrical, decades-spanning exploration across a woman's life from award-winning poet, photographer, and filmmaker Raven Jackson.
February 18, 7pm: Milisuthando | An invitation into a poetic, memory-driven exploration of love, intimacy, race, and belonging from a woman who grew up during apartheid but didn't know it was happening until it was over. Director Milisuthando Bongela will host a student workshop on filmmaking, memory, storytelling, and archives on February 20th.
February 25, 7pm: Earth Mama | A pregnant single mother embraces her Bay Area community as she fights to reclaim her family in this singular debut feature from filmmaker Savanah Leaf.