Celebrating Women Filmmakers of Color

Last night after work I went to the closing ceremony of the African American Women In Cinema Film Festival. I wish I could have seen some of the films this year, but my work schedule didn't allow it.

AAWIC's founder, Terra Reneé, had a vision of showcasing women filmmakers of color, and has done an amazing job of it despite lots of setbacks. This year, Wal-Mart got on board as a sponsor with their Voices of Color Film Series. There were also lots of other high profile sponsors which really made a difference in the whole look and feel of the event. The changes were glaringly apparent from even last year.

Being honored this year were a few well-known actresses including Nia Long, Daphne Maxwell Reid, S. Epatha Merkerson, and Elise Neal. It was cool to see how appreciative and moved they were to be acknowledged in this way. The fact is, no matter how "known" they are, or how long they've been at it, women of color in the entertainment industry continue to struggle for decent roles and never quite get their just due. Good, bad, or otherwise, it's just great to have a venue where these deserving women can be recognized and applauded.

Although AAWIC still has a lot of growing to do, it's been amazing to see the development of this organization over the last five years since I originally became involved. I started out as a volunteer for two years, dropped out of sight for two, then hooked up with them again last year. This is their ninth year doing this and was their biggest ever. Although I wasn't able to really be involved much this year, I'm glad to be back on board with them and really look forward to celebrating their 10th anniversary with them next year.

Serendipity at S.O.B.'s

It's amazing how things work sometimes. I didn't want to go by myself to see Floetry, but it was the best thing that could have happened.

As the Universe would have it, I couldn't get a single soul to go with me last night. I thought I had a couple of takers, but they fell through, so I went alone. I was a little anxious about selling the ticket, but it turned out fine. There was a guy waiting outside to do the exact same thing, so at least I had company. After a short wait, two women came up to the door. It appeared as if they were being turned away, so I asked if they needed tickets. They said yes, and both I and the guy, who also had a single ticket, sold them ours on the spot. I was just relieved to be rid of that ticket. It was like a weight had been lifted off me. Now I could enjoy the show. My only beef was that the show was standing only. Not my idea of a good time.

Now for Part Two. After finding a good place to stand, I looked down and saw a woman I know named Roz, whom I'd met last year through another friend at another show. She happened to be one of the promoters that evening, so not only did I see Floetry, I ended up in the VIP section—sitting (although I did end up standing most of the time dancing anyway), drinking free Alizé (which was not the best thing I could have done after just being sick). I also got "backstage" to meet them afterwards, which probably never would have happened if my original plans went through.

Small world that it is, I also ran into Verinia, a woman I met last year through the African American Women In Cinema Organization, who just "happened" to be working with Roz that night, so I went from going alone to having a few people to hang with. Pretty cool.

So Far, A Good Day

Today's my first day back at work after a nasty bout of what I originally thought was food poisoning, but instead was more than likely some kind of stomach virus. I'm sure the days old sushi I ate didn't help, but considering that my mom got the same thing the next day and she didn't eat what I ate, that would pretty much kill the food poisoning theory. Thankfully, hers wasn't half as bad as mine, and she recovered a lot quicker.

It's been good seeing everyone again after a week. I actually got a few hugs from people, which is always nice. You don't realize how much you're missed until you're gone. So far, I feel pretty good. I got some much needed rest, even though I didn't feel well for most of the time. I'm definitely going to take it easy with the food until I'm sure everything's cool.

One thing I'm really looking forward to is checking out the R&B duo, Floetry, tonight at S.O.B.'s. I've been wanting to see them for the last two years, but either the timing was bad, or I was broke (or both), so this time I was bound and determined not to miss them again. Unfortunately, my co-worker/friend, Stefanie, cancelled on me at the last minute, so now I've got an extra ticket to get rid of. She offered to still pay for it, but I'd much rather get someone else to go. If that doesn't work I could still try and sell it at the club—this way everyone wins (although I'd rather not go alone).