19 May 2011

Thinkers and Trouble Makers: Panel Discussion of Queer Women of Color Activists (California)

Post date: 19 May 2011
Date: 11 June 2011

The 7th annual Queer Women of Color Film Festival world premieres 38 new short films by Bay Area artists this June 10-12, 2011 at the Brava Theater in San Francisco.


The Festival Focus, “Igniting the Intersections”, features a capstone Panel Discussion “Thinkers and Troublemakers: Queer Women of Color Activists” on Saturday, June 11 at 1:00pm. This roundtable of veteran queer women of color activists and artists includes Jewelle Gomez, Ericka Huggins, Olga Talamante, Pratibha Parmar and Helen Zia. Standing at the intersections of gender, sexuality, nationality, race/ethnicity and culture, these deep thinkers, take-charge doers, and long-time troublemakers will illustrate the paths that have led to our current political and economic crossroads, and illuminate our way forward to social justice.

Jewelle Gomez, a Native American and Black award-winning writer/playwright, is celebrating the 20th anniversary of her highly celebrated novel, The Gilda Stories and working on her much-anticipated world premiere of her new play Waiting For Giovanni.

Dr. Ericka Huggins, a former political prisoner and currently a Professor of Women’s Studies, led the Black Panther Party for 11 years, the longest tenure held by any woman in the party’s history. Her work has made tangible strides in the fight against racism, economic injustice and the prison industrial complex.

Pratibha Parmar, a Kenyan-born British South Asian filmmaker, creates evocative and sexy films about social justice. She has over 20 years of experience as a filmmaker and is celebrated for her documentary Warrior Marks with Alice Walker, and her most recent film, Nina’s Heavenly Delights, is an award-winning stunner.

Olga Talamante, the Executive Director of the Chicana/Latina Foundation, was awarded “the most influential Latina in the Bay Area.” Held as a political prisoner in 1970s Argentina until powerful networks of people joined efforts to liberate her, she has dedicated her life to fighting for social justice.

Helen Zia, a second generation Chinese American and award-winning journalist, has inspired young activists and writers to work for social change. Her articles, and scholarly and creative writing, have brought the voices and political movements of Asian American communities to global visibility.

Change begins with those who have the courage to take risks and who are boldly and unapologetically determined to transform systems of oppression. They are leaders who use the poetics and politics of their bodies and lives to obliterate injustice. They are the activists and artists who empower new generations to embrace the truth of our diasporic history and indigenous beauty. QWOCMAP is honored to welcome these courageous feminist, queer, women of color activists and artists. This free event is open to the public and guaranteed to educate, inspire and even tickle us with humor to galvanize social change.

WHEN: SATURDAY, JUNE 11

WHERE: Brava Theater, 2789 24th Street at York, San Francisco

PRICE: All Screenings and Receptions are FREE

Contact Information:

For inquiries: communications@qwocmap.org

Website: http://www.QWOCMAP.org/festival.html
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