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Sistas Are Doin It For Themselves

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Hollywood, CA — The Black Hollywood Education and Resource Center (BHERC) is presenting its 16th Annual “Sistas Are Doin’ It For Themselves” Showcase the last Saturday in March. What a fitting way to wrap-up Women’s History Month.

The March 28 showcase is a series of short films celebrating the talents of up and coming African American female filmmakers daring to add their voices and images to the medium of film.

Not only will you be able to enjoy the films but immediately following the screenings, there will be a panel discussion with the filmmakers moderated by the award winning Filmmaker, Ava DuVernay (“This is the Life”).

There are 7 films which run from 4 minutes to 33 minutes, rich stories depicting life from the Black woman’s point of view.

Kiara Jones is writer/director of the 4 minute film “Basura” described as a film about relationships. A routine morning leads to revelations; a woman discovers that the trash isn’t the only thing being discarded in her home.

Also from Kiara Jones is “After.” This 8 minute film explores the life of a young woman so focused on her career, she fails to recognize what’s really important. Fortunately for her someone special has her back.

Lydia Martinelli is co-writer/director of “Layla” a 33 minute film about a father-daughter relationship that finds itself embroiled in the dangerous world of drug-smuggling. When Layla’s loyalty to her demanding father is questioned, things heat up. The script was co-written by Malcolm Johnson.

Yana Bille is writer/director of the 8 minute film “Waters.” This touching dramatic film speaks to obsession and the need to confront personal violation for healing.

“Palm Trees Down 3rd St.” is a 17 minute film written and directed by Maria Judice. Two half-sisters meet for the first time in San Francisco, one searching for a father she never met. The sisters are from different sides of the track, so to speak, and the audience gets to see another side of San Francisco that’s not on postcards. The search for identity and kinship leads to more than expected.

“I Want You” is a 13 minute film written and directed by Nefertite Nguvu. It’s the story of two New Yorkers who fall in love, all set to soulful music and told through poetry. But is there love for real? Only time apart can determine if their love is meant to last.

“Spent” is a collaborative effort between Angela Perkins, co-writer; Phyllis Toben Bancroft, co-writer and producer; and directed by Boris Schaarschmidt. “Spent” is the story of Cheryl Johnson an up and coming real estate agent, and a serious shopaholic.

As a matter of fact she’s shopped herself into a deep financial pit, and needs to sell a house to see the light of day…she thinks.

Each film is a unique American experience told through the voice of a Black woman. These young women are boldly going after their dreams, and we have an opportunity to support them.

The BHERC was formed in 1996 as a non-profit organization designed to advocate, educate, research, develop and preserve the history, as well as the future of Blacks in film and television. And the 16th Annual Sistas Are Doin’ it for Themselves” is an example of that commitment.

The showcase takes place Saturday, March 28, 6 p.m. at Raleigh Studios, 5300 Melrose Ave, Hollywood, CA. Tickets are just $10. To RSVP, call (310) 284-3170. For more information contact the Black Hollywood Education & Resource Center at www.bherc.org

– Gail Choice can be reached at gailchoice@strictlyhollywood.com.

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