Visions of the Black Experience 2021 features the locally-produced crime thriller MONOPOLY MONEY, as well as the romantic drama MAYA AND HER LOVER, and the documentary HORROR NOIR: A HISTORY OF BLACK HORROR, an untold story of Black Americans in Hollywood horror movies.
The series is also proud to screen ONE PINT AT A TIME, the story of Black brewers, brand owners and influencers across the country who are reshaping the craft beer industry, and MENDING WALLS, an uplifting documentary about 30 artists from different cultural backgrounds who collaborate on murals that become symbols of hope for the future.
The historical features shown this year include INVISIBLE HISTORY, a new film on the little-known history of plantations and slavery in North Florida, 100 YEARS FROM MISSISSIPPI and AN OUTRAGE about the history of lynching in the South, as well as SNCC, the story of student-activism amid the struggle for civil rights. Another great standout is FINDING FELLOWSHIP, the remarkable story of three racially segregated churches coming together in the wake of Martin Luther King’s assassination.
Music-themed films consist of the documentary CITY OF A MILLION DREAMS about New Orleans jazz funerals, WOODSTOCK OF HOUSE, the story of the rise of Chicago house music, RIVER CITY DRUMBEAT, a powerful story of the Black youth drum corps, as well as number of great shorts.
In 2021, the film series also highlights Black experiences around the world, with documentaries from South Africa (JOURNEY OF THE GOGOS), and Brazil (ANASTACIAS).
The program is rounded out by classic films WATERMELON MAN, a tribute to the late Melvin Van Peebles, and the seminal sci-fi comedy BROTHER FROM ANOTHER PLANET.
While the festival will feature weekend live screenings at Sainer Pavilion on New College of Florida campus, most of the films will be available online for the duration of the festival on our website.
NOTE: Live screenings will follow established COVID-safety protocols in line with New College of Florida and CDC recommendations.
The panel discussions will focus on healthcare in the Black community in light of the pandemic, historical legacies, and shine a special spotlight on young filmmakers, with the introduction of the first Visions of the Black Experience Emerging Filmmaker Scholarship. Live Q&A’s with filmmakers and educational opportunities will offer a deeper exploration of the themes of the festival.
Funding for Visions of the Black Experience has been provided by the lead sponsor The Community Foundation of Sarasota County, with additional financial support from the Boxser Diversity Initiative and the New College of Florida Foundation.
