The Reel Sisters of the Diaspora Film Festival & Lecture Series, the first Academy Qualifying film festival dedicated to women filmmakers, presents its 27th annual season from October 4 to October 31, 2024, with this year's theme 'A State of Grace' showcasing films exploring love, loss, and faith across Brooklyn and Harlem venues. Founded in 1997, Reel Sisters has established itself as a pivotal platform for women of color in the film industry, with its significance lying in its commitment to amplifying underrepresented voices and stories. As one of only 26 Oscar-qualifying film festivals in the nation, Reel Sisters plays a vital role in shaping the landscape of contemporary cinema by providing a crucial space for emerging and established filmmakers alike.
The festival's impact on the industry is substantial, having awarded over $70,000 in fellowships and cash awards since its inception while helping launch and advance numerous careers for women of color filmmakers. This year's festival opened with an awards ceremony on October 4 honoring Huriyyah Muhammad, director of 'Chocolate With Sprinkles' and co-founder of the Black TV & Film Collective, with the Trailblazer award for her contributions to cinema. The opening also featured world premieres from Reel Sisters Micro Budget Fellows, highlighting the festival's commitment to nurturing new talent through programs like its Micro Budget Fellowship program.
Among the notable premieres is 'He Looked Like A Postcard,' directed by Qasim Basir, which will have its Brooklyn premiere on October 19 at the Kumble Theater, exploring themes of self-love and imagination in creating one's reality. Another highlight is the world premiere of 'An Unusual Suspect,' directed by Booker T. Mattison, a legal thriller that delves into issues of wrongful conviction and conspiracy. The documentary selections include 'How to Sue the Khan,' produced by Ben Crump, which recounts the groundbreaking 1982 civil case against the Ku Klux Klan, and 'Chocolate Milk,' directed by Elizabeth Bayne, examining racial inequities in birth and breastfeeding in the US through the stories of three Black mothers in South Los Angeles.
Reel Sisters continues to support emerging filmmakers through its fellowship program, with this year's fellows including Candace Patrick and Vivienne Shaw premiering their short films at the festival. The festival's influence extends beyond screenings to include networking opportunities, panels, workshops, and special events like a script reading co-hosted with BRIC Media on October 29, demonstrating Reel Sisters' commitment to fostering talent at various stages of development. Festival Founder Carolyn A. Butts, a recipient of the 2024 The Just Brooklyn Prize, emphasized the festival's mission to showcase films reflecting the full spectrum of shared humanity.
With affordable ticket prices and comprehensive All Access Passes, Reel Sisters makes important films and discussions accessible to wide audiences while contributing to greater diversity and representation in cinema. The festival's commitment to showcasing diverse stories and supporting emerging talent continues to make it a crucial event in the film festival calendar, shaping the future of cinema and providing a platform for voices that have long been underrepresented in the industry. This sustained dedication to amplifying marginalized perspectives positions Reel Sisters as not just another film festival but as an essential institution working to transform the cinematic landscape through inclusive storytelling and professional development opportunities for women filmmakers of color.
