Trans Double Feature– showing of "Two Spirits" and "HERO MARS": Sistah Sinema- Richmond and TDOR RVA

Saturday, November 19th 2016, from 11am-1pm, at the Richmond Triange Players (1300 Altamont Avenue, Richmond VA), the Transgender Day of Remembrance Events Committee (TDOR RVA) and Sistah Sinema-Richmond are holding a screening of two films, "Two Spirits" and "HERO MARS," followed by a Q&A with HERO MARS director Skyler Cooper. Both films focus on the resilience of transgender and gender non-conforming people. From the event description:

"Two Spirits interweaves the tragic story of a mother’s loss of her son with a revealing look at a time when the world wasn’t simply divided into male and female and many Native American cultures held places of honor for people of integrated genders. Fred Martinez was a male-bodied person with a feminine nature, a special gift according to his ancient Navajo culture. But the place where two discriminations meet is a dangerous place to live, and Fred became one of the youngest hate-crime victims in modern history when he was brutally murdered at sixteen. Between tradition and controversy, sex and spirit, and freedom and fear, lives the truth—the bravest choice you can make is to be yourself."

"HERO MARS is the story of a woman who's gambled everything in pursuit of her dream to perform at a top-tier theatre company. When she finally receives an invitation to audition for the World Stage Shakespeare Company, she's financially bankrupt and emotionally alone. Uncertain of her ability and struggling with her unconventional appearance, she seeks out a highly esteemed audition coach but suffers a humiliating setback. Through the bond of friendship, Hero regains confidence in her unique artistic expression by tackling a legendary role."

Free, open to the public. RSVP through the link.

Showing of "Difficult Love": Sistah Sinema- Richmond

Sunday, October 23rd 2016, from 1-4pm, at Capital Ale House (623 East Main Street, Richmond VA), Sistah Sinema- Richmond will be screening "Difficult Love," a documentary on the the lives of Black lesbians in modern South Africa. From the event description:

“Difficult Love presents a lively personal take on the challenges facing Black lesbians in South Africa today. It features the life, photographs, work, friends and associates of "visual activist" and renowned photographer, Zanele Muholi (who also narrates the film). How real are the freedoms of this new democracy for this diverse minority? This documentary offers a moving answer - and a compelling plea for understanding and tolerance.”

$10 ticket cost. To RSVP and see where to buy tickets before the showing, see the link.

Showing of "Out in the Night," with Director Blair Doroshwalther and Renata Hill: Sistah Sinema- Richmond

Wednesday, October 19th 2016, from 7-10pm, at the Bijou Film Center (304 East Broad Street, Richmond VA), Sistah Sinema-Richmond and the Afrikana Independent Film Festival are holding a showing of Out in the Night (2014). Following the film Blair Doroshwalther, director, and Renata Hill, one of the New Jersey 4, will take questions.

The film is a documentary on the case of the New Jersey 4. In 2006, seven black lesbians walking in the Greenwich Village were sexually harassedand then attacked by a man, Dwayne Buckle. A fight broke out, and they defended themselves; Buckle received minor injuries. The media sensationalized the case as one of violent lesbians prowling for men to brutalize at random, and three of the women plead guilty to the charge of attempted assault. The remaining four- Renata Hill, Patreese Johnson, Venice Brown, and Terrain Dandrige- were charged with second degree gang assault, convicted, and sentenced to several years in prison. Hill's conviction was overturned, Dandridge successfully appealed, and Brown and Johnson's cases are pending appeal.

Free to students, $10 ticket price for all others. See the link for more information.