AAWIC presents Black American Cinema Virtual Film Festival during 2024 Summer Olympics

African American Women In Cinema (AAWIC) is set to make a monumental impact this summer by presenting the Black American Cinema Virtual Film Festival, coinciding with the 2024 Summer Olympics from July 26 to August 11, 2024.

This landmark event honors the indomitable spirits of Josephine Baker, a global icon in the entertainment industry, and Alice Coachman, the first Black woman to win an Olympic gold medal.

The festival promises to be a vibrant celebration of the achievements and legacies of trailblazing African Americans.

The festival, a collaborative effort with African American Weekend, is supported by the Honorable Mayor Mohamed Gnabaly of L’Île-Saint-Denis, France. It will feature a diverse selection of films that highlight the extraordinary contributions of Black artists and activists.

Among the featured films is “Dear Josephine,” directed by Amber Monet, which delves into the life of Josephine Baker, an American-born French dancer, singer, and actress. Celebrated for her contributions to the French Resistance during World War II, Baker’s story is a testament to her remarkable life and enduring influence.

“September 11th UnSung Sheros” by Ambassador Suzan Cook honors six Black women, including the first female NYPD chaplain and five 9-1-1 operators, who played crucial roles during the 9/11 attacks. Their stories, long overlooked, are finally brought to light. “Journey to the Motherland – Through Daylight Africa” follows travelers on a transformative journey to Africa, led by visionary pan-African leader Sheikh Musa Drammeh. It captures their profound experiences as they reconnect with their roots and explore Africa’s cultural heritage.

“Zoo (Volkerschau),” directed by Monda Raquel Webb, portrays the contrasting experiences of two girls, one African and one German, attending a live show at the 1958 World’s Fair in Brussels, highlighting the learned nature of racism. “Freedom Day,” directed by Rianne Pyle, chronicles the efforts of The Freedom Day Foundation’s founders as they fight for racial and social equality through impactful marches and grassroots organizing.

“Invade” by filmmaker Eunice Levis tells the story of Dr. Ramon Luna, an Ultrasonic Engineer who uncovers a government conspiracy involving ultrasonic drilling and its potential to cause earthquakes. Luna’s race against time to stop the drilling is both thrilling and poignant. “Love Always Eartha,” produced by Dierdra McDowell, recounts the early life of Eartha Kitt, from her traumatic childhood in South Carolina to her rise as a celebrated performer, while exploring her lifelong quest for unconditional love.

“Who Told You That Your Black Is Not Beautiful” by filmmaker Karen Moore presents a short film that addresses colorism through the voices and experiences of deeply melanated and light-skinned Black women, using poetry and storytelling. “Adult Children,” directed by Juliette Fairley, follows genealogist Hattie Gilchrist as she helps a young man uncover his ancestral roots, leading to a deeper understanding of his heritage.

“Letter to Gaia,” starring Verinia Taylor, follows an elderly woman reflecting on her relationship with nature and the wisdom it imparted throughout her life. “They Belong to Us,” by filmmakers Tylon “Usavior” Washington and Deadria Farmer-Paellmann, recounts the punitive expedition of 1897 that decimated a powerful African kingdom and stole 10,000 iconic relics. The film unveils the hidden slave trade origins of the Benin bronzes and challenges a corrupt repatriation effort.

In addition to these compelling films, the virtual festival will feature an exclusive interview with Sharon Preston-Folta, daughter of the legendary Louis Armstrong.

This special segment offers a rare glimpse into the life of one of the most influential musicians in history.

Interested individuals ar enjoined to get tickets for $21.99 at AAWIC’s website, www.aawic.org.