Episodes
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Hey pod! We are back from taking a much-needed break!
Tonight, we’re talking about Is God Is, which is a must-see from us. We HIGHLY recommend watching it in theaters before it leaves. Otherwise, it is available to rent or buy on Amazon Prime.
Is God Is is a southern gothic revenge thriller that follows twin sisters, Racine and Anaia, who set out on a cross-country mission to murder their abusive father as instructed by their mother. Both them and their mother were left permanently scarred as babies when he set their mother on fire. The film is written and directed by Aleshea Harris who also wrote the play that the film is based on and it stars Kara Young, Mallori Johnson, Vivica A. Fox, Sterling K. Brown, and Janelle Monae.
Joining us on the podcast tonight are two women who are NO strangers to the podcast.
Cocoa Rae David, a New York-based visual artist, curator, photographer, filmmaker, and business owner of By Cocoa Rae LLC, who creates captivating portraits and art of unique and diverse people and captures their true essence. You can visit her website here and follow her on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/bycocoarae. She also has a studio, art gallery, and event space called Da Purp which you can follow here: https://www.instagram.com/da_purp.
Brianna Milon, a published author, communications professional and model who blends creativity and connection in everything she does. You can follow her on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/suunnybri.
Wherever you’re listening from, hit that subscribe button, give us a 5-star rating, share this episode and leave a comment to let us know what you thought of tonight’s episode. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Tiktok, & Threads.
Visit ourvoicesproject.com and sign up for our newsletter for more information about what we do. We’ll be back with more episodes every Thursday with old and newly released movies that center Black, Brown, and Indigenous folks, general movie news, and interviews with film festival programmers/curators, film critics, and filmmakers!
This has been Jackie McGriff, your host for this episode of Representation in Cinema. As always, thank you again for listening!
Representation in Cinema is produced by Chris Lindstrom and brought to you by the Lunchador Podcast Network.
Mentioned in this episode:
Our Voices Project - Land Acknowledgement
Joe Bean Roasters
Visit joebeanroasters.com to get fresh roasted specialty coffee either by the bag or with a Perpetual Joy subscription!
Common Thread
Check out Common Thread on Lunchador! https://feeds.captivate.fm/common-threads-hardcore/
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Hello pod! In tonight’s episode, we’re discussing the kind of representation we want to see and talking about the films, filmmakers, and production companies that are changing the way that we see Arabs portrayed on the big screen. If you haven’t already tuned into our previous episodes where we break down the film Reel Bad Arabs and the destructive stereotypes we’ve seen throughout Hollywood’s history as well as define a few terms that we’ve used throughout this series, we highly recommend that you go back and listen to those episodes.
If you haven’t already seen Reel Bad Arabs, we HIGHLY recommend that you watch. It’s less than an hour and you can watch it for FREE on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TPxak6lFd-I
Here are suggested TV shows, movies, and streaming services from our guests:
Avatar: The Last Airbender (Animated series, Netflix)The Encampments (Watermelon+)A Sad and Beautiful World (Watermelon+)All That’s Left Of You (In Theatres & Watermelon+)Amreeka (Available to rent on Amazon Prime, Google, and Apple)Palestine 36 (In Theatres & Watermelon+)Salt of the Sea (Available to rent on Amazon Prime, Google, and Apple)Slingshot Hip Hop (Available to rent on Amazon Prime, Google, and Apple)Caramel (2007, Available to rent on Amazon Prime, Google, and Apple)I Am From Palestine (YouTube)Follow these filmmakers and artists:
Jackie Reem SalloumCherein DabisSuheir HammadAnnemarie JacirNadine LabakiOur guests (and how you can support them) are listed below:
Amira Ferjani is a Tunisian American and Marketing and Communications Specialist uses her platform to educate others on anti-SWANA discrimination and the often-erased diversity of the South West Asia and North Africa region. She draws on her lived experience and cultural heritage to challenge the erasure and misrepresentation of SWANA peoples in media, policy, and everyday language. Subscribe to her Substack, Amira Out Loud here: http://amiraoutloud.substack.com. She’s also on most social media platforms as @amiraoutloud.
Muna Najib is a first-generation Palestinian social justice activist, writer, speaker and educator. She believes in fighting for full land back for all indigenous peoples which includes Palestine’s full liberation and sovereignty from the river to the sea. Reach out to her at [email protected]. You can also follow her on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/mnnajib7.
Munir Atalla is the Head of Production & Acquisitions at Watermelon Pictures. Visit their website at https://www.watermelonpictures.com to learn more about the distribution and production company whose mission is to shift culture on a large scale by bringing Palestinian cinema, and other untold stories, to broad audiences in a way that entertains, inspires, and activates audiences. Subscribe to Watermelon Plus for $7.99/mo or $79.99/year at https://www.watermelonplus.com!
Ryan Shrime is of Lebanese and Palestinian descent and is an actor, voiceover artist, writer, and producer in Los Angeles. Since having been a producer for the Arab-American Comedy Festival in New York and the co-founder and producer of the Middle Eastern Comedy Festival in Los Angeles, Ryan has been using his platform to help combat stereotypes and misrepresentation of Arabs in Hollywood and the media at large. To support him, you can hire him as an actor (especially if you have any pirate roles in a period piece!), get him into the writer’s room, and rewatch episodes of Sam and Cat so that he can collect royalties. He’s on all social media platforms as @ryanshrime. We need to support our actors!
Saafa Tahboub is a Palestinian American in her third year at the University of Rochester studying Brain & Cognitive Science with a minor in Spanish.
Sarah Aljitawi is a Palestinian American and a senior majoring in public health and nursing.
Follow Students for Justice in Palestine on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/sjp.ur and donate to their group and efforts to helping the people of Palestine here: https://linktr.ee/UR.SJP
As promised here are some other resources:
Books – Orientalism by Edward Said; Reel Bad Arabs by Dr. Jack Shaheen
Articles - https://docs.google.com/document/d/1priV6Ew23wYz1Vm0tefsERqVCz-a4UCP77UdWWrAqbY/edit?usp=drive_link
Wherever you’re listening from, hit that subscribe button and if you liked tonight’s episode, please give us a 5-star rating, share this episode and leave a comment to let us know what you liked the most! Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok & Threads.
Visit https://www.ourvoicesproject.com and sign up for our newsletter for more information about what we do. Again, if you haven’t listened to our previous episodes in this series, we highly recommend that you do so. Not only that, do yourselves a favor and go watch Reel Bad Arabs available for FREE on YouTube as well as the films and TV shows that our guests recommended tonight.
We’ll be taking 3 weeks off and we’ll be back on May 21st to dive back into films that center Black, Brown, and Indigenous voices and stories.
This has been Jackie McGriff, your host for tonight’s episode of Representation in Cinema. As always, thank you again for listening!
00:00 Intro
06:00 Diverse Voices in Arab Cinema
08:58 Understanding Authentic Representation
12:07 The Role of Storytelling in Representation
14:57 Cultural Narratives and Media Influence
21:05 Challenges in Representation
24:00 The Need for Diverse Narratives
33:16 Resistance and the Role of Encampments
39:07 Media Representation and Its Impact
48:50 Shifting Narratives in Film and Media
54:05 Emerging Projects and Representation
58:01 Solidarity Across Movements
01:00:51 The Future of Arab Representation in Media
01:18:30 Empowering Female Voices in Film
01:21:41 Encouragement for Emerging Filmmakers & Actors
01:33:58 How to Support Our Guests
Mentioned in this episode:
Our Voices Project - Land Acknowledgement
Joe Bean Roasters
Visit joebeanroasters.com to get fresh roasted specialty coffee either by the bag or with a Perpetual Joy subscription!
Dialed In: A Coffee Podcast
Get Dialed In to the world of coffee with Aaron and Wade! Tastings, coffee news and opinion and more! https://dialedincoffee.captivate.fm
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Missing episodes?
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Welcome to the third week of Arab American Heritage Month! I’m your host, Amira Ferjani taking over for Jackie McGriff. We’re continuing our conversation about Arab representation using the framework of the late Dr. Jack Shaheen’s, Reel Bad Arabs: How Hollywood Vilifies a People. If you missed the first 2 parts of our series talking about Orientalism and covering the first half of Reel Bad Arabs, go back and watch and/or listen to those episodes!
If you haven’t already seen Reel Bad Arabs, we HIGHLY recommend that you watch. It’s less than an hour and you can watch it for FREE on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TPxak6lFd-I
Muna Najib is a first-generation Palestinian social justice activist, writer, speaker and educator. She has been advocating and teaching about Palestine and other marginalized communities for well over a decade. She is a graduate of University at Buffalo with a degree in English, Third world literature and African American studies. She believes in fighting for full land back for all indigenous peoples which includes Palestine’s full liberation and sovereignty from the river to the sea.
Reach out to her at [email protected]. You can also follow her on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/mnnajib7.
Returning to the podcast is Laith Ali, a computer science major, Class of 2026. He’s a Palestinian American whose family is from Jenin and Abu Qash.
Follow Students for Justice in Palestine on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/sjp.urand donate to their group and efforts to helping the people of Palestine here: https://linktr.ee/UR.SJP
Lastly, but certainly not least, is Ryan Shrime. Ryan Shrime is of Lebanese and Palestinian descent and is an actor, voiceover artist, writer, and producer in Los Angeles. Since having been a producer for the Arab-American Comedy Festival in New York and the co-founder and producer of the Middle Eastern Comedy Festival in Los Angeles, Ryan has been using his platform to help combat stereotypes and misrepresentation of Arabs in Hollywood and the media at large.
Ryan can be found on most socials at @ryanshrime. To support him, you can hire him as an actor, get him into the writer’s room, and rewatch episodes of Sam and Kat so that he can collect royalties. We need to support our actors!
Amira Ferjani is a Tunisian American and Marketing and Communications Specialist uses her platform to educate others on anti-SWANA discrimination and the often-erased diversity of the South West Asia and North Africa region. She draws on her lived experience and cultural heritage to challenge the erasure and misrepresentation of SWANA peoples in media, policy, and everyday language. Amira centers clarity, accountability, and the belief that education is the first step towards solidarity and, ultimately, liberation for all.
Subscribe to her Substack, Amira Out Loud here: http://amiraoutloud.substack.com. She’s also on most social media platforms as @amiraoutloud.
As promised here are some other resources:
Books – Orientalism by Edward Said; Reel Bad Arabs by Dr. Jack Shaheen
Articles - https://docs.google.com/document/d/1priV6Ew23wYz1Vm0tefsERqVCz-a4UCP77UdWWrAqbY/edit?usp=drive_link
Wherever you’re listening from, hit that subscribe button and if you liked tonight’s episode, please give us a 5-star rating, share this episode and leave a comment to let us know what you liked the most! Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok & Threads.
Visit ourvoicesproject.com and sign up for our newsletter for more information about what we do. In our next episode, we’re going to talk about decolonizing your consumption and what authentic Arab representation really looks like.
Chapters:
00:00 - Intro
08:22 - Exploring Stereotypes in Media
15:53 - The Impact of Hollywood on Perceptions of Arabs
20:24 - Advocacy and Representation in Hollywood
21:37 - The Need for Authentic Representation
24:46 - Colorism and Stereotypes in Media
25:32 - Modern Depictions and Cultural Erasure
28:26 - The Impact of Hollywood on Arab Identity
29:59 - Personal Experiences in Acting
38:27 - Recent Portrayals and Cultural Misrepresentation
44:33 - Shifts in Representation and Future Outlook
48:35 - The Role of Social Media in Documenting Genocide
49:29 - Shifts in Hollywood's Narrative
51:56 - The Impact of Boycotting Films
54:47 - Creating Alternative Narratives
01:01:25 - The Power of Representation in Storytelling
01:09:41 - Boycotting Roles: A New Approach for Actors
Mentioned in this episode:
Getting Real with Bossy: For Women Who Own Business
Check out Getting Real with Bossy: For Women Who Own Business on Lunchador!https://feeds.captivate.fm/gettingrealwithbossy/
Joe Bean Roasters
Visit joebeanroasters.com to get fresh roasted specialty coffee either by the bag or with a Perpetual Joy subscription!
Our Voices Project - Land Acknowledgement
Mind of Magnus
Artist Magnus Champlin Interviews guests sharing the stories and life adventures with the goal of expanding minds.
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Tonight we’re breaking down the film Reel Bad Arabs: How Hollywood Vilifies a People, a feature documentary where acclaimed author, the late Dr. Jack Shaheen, analyzes the ways in which Hollywood has depicted Arabs from the earliest days of silent film to the early 2000s looking at Hollywood’s biggest blockbusters.
If you haven’t already seen Reel Bad Arabs, we HIGHLY recommend that you watch. It’s less than an hour and you can watch it for FREE on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TPxak6lFd-I
Returning to the podcast is Amira Ferjani, a Tunisian American and Marketing and Communications Specialist uses her platform to educate others on anti-SWANA discrimination and the often-erased diversity of the South West Asia and North Africa region. She draws on her lived experience and cultural heritage to challenge the erasure and misrepresentation of SWANA peoples in media, policy, and everyday language. Amira centers clarity, accountability, and the belief that education is the first step towards solidarity and, ultimately, liberation for all.
Subscribe to her Substack, Amira Out Loud here: http://amiraoutloud.substack.com. She’s also on most social media platforms as @amiraoutloud.
Also returning to our podcast is Muna Najib. Muna is a first-generation Palestinian social justice activist, writer, speaker and educator. She has been advocating and teaching about Palestine and other marginalized communities for well over a decade. She is a graduate of University at Buffalo with a degree in English, Third world literature and African American studies. She believes in fighting for full land back for all indigenous peoples which includes Palestine’s full liberation and sovereignty from the river to the sea.
Reach out to her at [email protected]. You can also follow her on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/mnnajib7.
Joining us for the first time here in the studio are 2 college students – I’ll start with Lina Abdou. Lina is from Morocco and a senior studying International Relations who’s also a photographer who dabbles a lot with identity as a topic.
Next is Laith Ali, a computer science major, Class of 2026. He’s a Palestinian American whose family is from Jenin and Abu Qash.
Follow Students for Justice in Palestine on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/sjp.urand donate to their group and efforts to helping the people of Palestine here: https://linktr.ee/UR.SJP
Lastly, but certainly not least, is Munir Atalla. Munir is the Head of Production & Acquisitions at Watermelon Pictures. Visit their website to learn more about the distribution and production company whose mission is to shift culture on a large scale by bringing Palestinian cinema, and other untold stories, to broad audiences in a way that entertains, inspires, and activates audiences.
Subscribe to their streaming platform, Watermelon Plus, where you can watch over 60 films elevating bold voices from marginalized and underrepresented filmmakers.
As promised here are some other resources:
Books – Orientalism by Edward Said; Reel Bad Arabs by Dr. Jack Shaheen
Articles - https://docs.google.com/document/d/1priV6Ew23wYz1Vm0tefsERqVCz-a4UCP77UdWWrAqbY/edit?usp=drive_link
Wherever you’re listening from, hit that subscribe button and if you liked tonight’s episode, please give us a 5-star rating, share this episode and leave a comment to let us know what you liked the most! Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok & Threads.
Visit ourvoicesproject.com and sign up for our newsletter for more information about what we do.
Chapters:
00:00 - Intro
06:37 - The Influence of Animation on Cultural Identity
09:52 - Arab American Heritage Month: A Time for Reflection and Hope
19:27 - Exploring the Impact of Stereotypes in Film
28:03 - Exploring Media Representation of Arabs
37:55 - Reclaiming Narratives: The Impact of Stereotypes in Film
41:40 - Representation and Misrepresentation in Media
46:21 - The Rise of Alternative Storytelling
58:03 - Continuing the Conversation on Real Bad Arabs
Mentioned in this episode:
Joe Bean Roasters
Visit joebeanroasters.com to get fresh roasted specialty coffee either by the bag or with a Perpetual Joy subscription!
Our Voices Project - Land Acknowledgement
Common Thread
Check out Common Thread on Lunchador! https://feeds.captivate.fm/common-threads-hardcore/
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Tonight starts a new series highlighting the representation and (mis)representation of Arabs in Western cinema, specifically in the US. We’re going to be breaking down the film Reel Bad Arabs, talking about the destructive stereotypes that writer and lecturer, the late Jack Shaheen, talks about both in the film and in the book of the same title, and about what authentic representation looks like. For so long our government has fed us these stereotypes repeatedly in movies manufacturing consent for global atrocities, so we’re going to dive into what to look for and how to advocate for the kind of representation that paints them as the multifaceted, complex human beings that they are.
You can watch Reel Bad Arabs for free here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TPxak6lFd-I
We’re joined by Amira Ferjani, who’s going to be devoting this episode to defining the SWANA region, identifying anti-SWANA and anti-Arab discrimination, and differentiating between those terms and others we want to keep in mind throughout this series.
Amira Ferjani is a Tunisian American and Marketing and Communications Specialist with a keen eye for detail and a passion for creative problem-solving. She brings a unique perspective to conversations about representation, using her platform to educate others on anti-SWANA discrimination and the often-erased diversity of the South West Asia and North Africa region. She draws on her lived experience and cultural heritage to challenge the erasure and misrepresentation of SWANA peoples in media, policy, and everyday language. Amira centers clarity, accountability, and the belief that education is the first step towards solidarity and, ultimately, liberation for all.
Amira can be found on most social media platforms @amiraoutloud, but she is primarily on threads @amiraoutloud2026. Her Substack also has several blogs detailing anti-SWANA racism and breaking down why she uses the term SWANA.
As promised, here are resources to check out:
Books:
Orientalism by Edward Said
Reel Bad Arabs by Jack Shaheen
Articles:
MENA vs. SWANA and where Arab fits in
Standing ovations but no distribution: Films about Palestinians meet a divided Hollywood by Rebecca Keegan | Oct. 23, 2025 | Source | Archive
Missing & Maligned: The Reality of Muslims in Popular Global Movies by the USC Annenberg Inclusion Initiative | June 2021 | PDF
Hollywood’s problem with Arab representation (or a lack thereof) by Mina Tobya | Michigan Daily | Mar. 28, 2024 | Source | Archive
Khalas!: Institutionalized SWANA Erasure, Resilience, and Resistance In Higher Education by Journal of Leadership, Equity, and Research | Vol. 8 No. 1 | April 2022 | Source
Erased or Extremists: The Stereotypical View of Muslims in Popular Episodic Series by USC Annenberg Inclusion Initiative | September 2022 | PDF
The novel ‘Dune’ had deep Islamic influences. The movie erases them by Haris A. Durrani | The Washington Post | Oct. 28, 2021 | Source | Archive
Sonic Orientalism in the Dune Film Scores: Challenging Harmful Depictions of SWANA Culture by Amy Maatouk | Rising Voices in Ethnomusicology Vol. 21 No. 1 | PDF
Hollywood's Bad Arabs by Jack G. Shaheen | The Cairo Review of Global Affairs | Source | Archive
Dune: An accomplished escape into the realm of cinematic Arab appropriation by Hanna Flint | The New Arab | Oct. 1, 2021 | Source | Archive
Dune 2 and Hollywood's commodification of Muslimness by Nadeine Asbali | The New Arab | Feb. 27, 2024 | Source | Archive
‘Dune 2’ is set thousands of years in the future — so why does it feel like a parable about Gaza? By Mira Fox | Forward | Mar. 4, 2024 | Source | Archive
Hind Rajab director refuses Berlin film festival award over Gaza war by The New Arab Staff | The New Arab | Feb. 18, 2026 | Source | Archive
Wherever you’re listening from, hit that subscribe button and if you liked tonight’s episode, please give us a 5-star rating, share this episode and leave a comment to let us know what you liked the most! Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok & Threads.
Visit ourvoicesproject.com and sign up for our newsletter for more information about what we do. In our next episodes, we’re going to break down the misrepresentation of Arabs in Hollywood, Hollywood’s ties to US government, navigating the film industry as an Arab actor, and what authentic representation actually looks like. Until then, we highly recommend that you go watch Reel Bad Arabs now available for FREE (this education is FREE, y’all!) on YouTube.
Chapters:
00:00 - Intro
12:05 - Understanding Identity in the SWANA Region
18:01 - Orientalism
24:28 - The Importance of Representation in Education and Media
33:42 – Intro to the rest of our Arab American Heritage Month Podcast Series
Mentioned in this episode:
Our Voices Project - Land Acknowledgement
Joe Bean Roasters
Visit joebeanroasters.com to get fresh roasted specialty coffee either by the bag or with a Perpetual Joy subscription!
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Starting this Thursday, April 9, we’re going to be breaking down the film Reel Bad Arabs, talking about the destructive stereotypes that writer and lecturer, the late Jack Shaheen, talks about both in the film and in the book of the same title, and about what authentic representation looks like throughout Arab American Heritage Month.
For so long our government has fed us these stereotypes repeatedly in movies manufacturing consent for global atrocities, so we’re going to dive into what to look for and how to advocate for the kind of representation that paints them as the multifaceted, complex human beings that they are.
Subscribe to our podcast, Representation in Cinema, leave a comment about this topic, and share with family, friends, colleagues, peers, students, and grassroots organizations committed to liberation for marginalized communities!
Mentioned in this episode:
Joe Bean Roasters
Visit joebeanroasters.com to get fresh roasted specialty coffee either by the bag or with a Perpetual Joy subscription!
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Tonight’s episode is about QUEEN Ava Duvernay, the director behind 13th, Selma, A Wrinkle in Time, and Origin as well as the founder of ARRAY, “a multi-platform arts and social impact collective dedicated to narrative change,” which is what we’re all about here on Our Voices Project. Joining us on the podcast is Dr. Katrina Overby aka DJ Spin Dr. KO, Dominique Alexandria Simmonds, and Kamesha B.
Katrina is an activist scholar who is interested broadly in media, race, sexuality, and gender. Specifically, her research interests are in:
Black Twitter, social media and culture, African American cinema, race and identity in television and popular culture, sports media, and the scholarship of teaching and learning (SoTL). Follow Katrina on Instagram and subscribe to her YouTube Channel.
To learn more about paths to repair the harm done by media, visit Media 2070: https://mediareparations.org/.
Dominique Alexandria Simmonds is a creative, mother, and founder of Caribago Designs, where Afro-Caribbean heritage, Melanated arts, and visual storytelling converge. Passionate about celebrating culture through design, photography, and textile art, she brings vibrant energy, heritage, and joy to every encounter. Visit her website at https://www.caribagocreative.com/ or give her a phone call at (585) 622-4562 to work with her! You can also follow her on Facebook and Instagram.
Kamesha B is a multifaceted creative based in NYC and Rochester, NY, weaving her talents as a writer, producer, director, and media consultant into a tapestry of storytelling. She has worked with CBS News, The Food Network, Six Point Pictures, Seed Vision est89, and Amazon Prime Video.
Kamesha’s career aspiration is clear: to create uncompromising stories that challenge conventional paradigms and bring authentic visions to the screen. Her academic journey includes a B.A. in English from Buffalo State University, followed by a deep dive into Storytelling at Johns Hopkins University, where she earned a dual M.A. in Business and Film Media Studies. Visit her website at seedvisionest89.org.
Wherever you’re listening from and hit that subscribe button. If you liked tonight’s episode, please give us a 5-star rating, share this episode and leave a comment to let us know what you loved about tonight’s episode. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Threads.
Visit ourvoicesproject.com and sign up for our newsletter for more information about what we do. We’ll be back with more episodes every Thursday with old and newly released movies that center Black, Brown, and Indigenous folks, general movie news, and interviews with film festival programmers/curators, film critics, and filmmakers!
This has been Jackie McGriff, your host for this episode of Representation in Cinema. As always, thank you again for listening!
Chapters:
00:01 - Introduction to Representation Cinema
00:56 - Introducing Ava DuVernay: A Journey Through Storytelling
22:26 - The Role of Media in Criminalization
42:25 - The Impact of Media on the Civil Rights Movement
47:08 - The Impact of Media on Historical Narratives
01:02:07 - Exploring Themes of Identity and Transformation in Film
01:18:20 - Exploring Diversity in Film Adaptations
01:25:52 - Exploring Grief and Historical Narratives
Mentioned in this episode:
Lunchador Podcast Network
Lunchador Podcast Network is a network of podcasts originating in Rochester, NY. Our goal is bringing creative people together to be a positive force in the arts community. The shows that make up Lunchador are owned by the creators and cover a wide range of topics and backgrounds.http://lunchador.org/
Behind the Studio Door
Behind the Studio Door, hosted by Molly Darling and Christian Rivera, takes listeners on a captivating exploration of artists and their creative processes. Through deep and meaningful conversations, they uncover the stories and experiences that shape the outward expression of their work.https://behind-the-studio-door.captivate.fm/
Joe Bean Roasters
Visit joebeanroasters.com to get fresh roasted specialty coffee either by the bag or with a Perpetual Joy subscription!
Our Voices Project - Land Acknowledgement
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Borrowing the title of the satirical classic by LEGENDARY filmmaker, Robert Townsend, to break down how we watch more original films and support independent filmmakers!
Now this episode is going to look a little different. We’re taking a short break between honoring Black directors for a second to talk about something that’s been on my mind for quite some time. Hollywood continues to play in our faces when it comes to original stories. If we really love films and we really want more original stories, that means doing a little more work on our part. (Just a little!) And I’m going to take you through that right now.
Please let me know in the comments if you want more videos like this! If so, you have to let me know!
As per usual, you can find us on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Tiktok, and Threads. You can also visit ourvoicesproject.com for more information about what we do. Support the indie filmmaker you’re listening to right now by signing up for our newsletter on our website to be the first to get notifications about new podcast episodes, upcoming community screenings and panel discussions, and new film projects!
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Mentioned in this episode:
Joe Bean Roasters
Joe Bean Coffee - Coffee that lifts everyone.https://shop.joebeanroasters.com
Our Voices Project - Land Acknowledgement
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Hello pod! We are midway into Women’s History Month or as I’m calling it, BLACK Women’s History Month! We’re continuing our series giving our flowers to Black Directors!
Tonight’s episode is about Nia DaCosta, the director behind The Marvels, Hedda, the 2021 remake of the horror classic, Candyman, Little Woods, and a recent release, 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple.
Our guest tonight, from our Sinners: Black AF and Oscars Reactions episodes, is Brianna Milon, a published author, communications professional and model who blends creativity and connection in everything she does. With a background in media, public relations, and storytelling, she’s passionate about using her voice and presence to inspire and uplift others.
You can follow her on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/suunnybri
Wherever you’re listening from, hit that subscribe button and if you liked tonight’s episode, please give us a 5-star rating, share this episode and leave a comment to let us know what you liked the most! Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, & Threads.
Visit ourvoicesproject.com and sign up for our newsletter for more information about what we do. We’ll be handing flowers to another Black woman director who we should be talking about. Of course, you won’t know until the show premieres so make sure you subscribe!
Chapters:
00:00 - Intro
01:38 - Exploring Nia DaCosta's Impact on Storytelling
06:24 - Exploring Complex Characters in Adaptations
17:41 - The Complexity of Hedda's Character
26:13 - Exploring the Marvels: A Deep Dive into Female Representation
35:28 - Representation and Complexity in Marvel Films
35:34 - Exploring Representation in Marvel's Ms. Marvel and Captain Marvel
41:44 - Analyzing the Social Commentary in Candyman
49:56 - Exploring the Themes of Identity and Race in Film
54:16 - Discussion on Character Complexity in Cinema
Mentioned in this episode:
Joe Bean Roasters
Joe Bean Coffee - Coffee that lifts everyone.https://shop.joebeanroasters.com
Our Voices Project - Land Acknowledgement
Nights and Weekends
Check out Nights and Weekends on Lunchador! https://feeds.captivate.fm/nightsandweekends/
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The Oscars were last night and WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT IT! Some of the wins, the performances, and all of the moments in between!
Our guests tonight are Cocoa Rae David, Brianna Milon, and Sandra and Ike Ntube of Two Beers Cinema Club.
Cocoa Rae David, a New York-based visual artist, curator, photographer, filmmaker, and business owner of By Cocoa Rae LLC. You can visit her website here and follow her on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/bycocoarae. She also has a studio, art gallery, and event space called Da Purp which you can follow here: https://www.instagram.com/da_purp.
Brianna Milon is a published author, communications professional and model. You can follow her on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/suunnybri.
Sandra and Ike Ntube make up the Two Beer Cinema Club, a passion project where they celebrate, review, and recommend movies and beer. They love to explore and chat about lesser seen films- from independent to international, to forgotten gems and new releases. You can follow them on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/twobeercinemaclub.
As promised in our episode, we’ve provided videos to critiques and perspectives by Black Women about One Battle After Another:
@Jouelzy’s “One Battle After Another, A White Man’s Wet Dream”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=614S7VuCzb8
Shannan E. Johnson’s “Fetishization, Race & Responsibility in Storytelling | ONE BATTLE AFTER ANOTHER (Film Analysis)”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VFvXpim_Ozo
Cannonball with Wesley Morris featuring Daphne A Brooks – “We Need to Talk About How ‘One Battle After Another’ Depicts Black Women: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=buPYKnIk8RU
Wherever you’re listening from, hit that subscribe button, and if you enjoyed today’s episode, please give us a 5-star rating, share this episode and leave a comment to let us know what you thought of the episode. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Tiktok, & Threads.
Visit ourvoicesproject.com and sign up for our newsletter for more information about what we do. Be on the lookout for not one but 2 more episodes this week honoring Black Women Directors. Throughout this month, we’re handing our flowers to filmmakers that we should be talking about—some you may have heard of and some you may not have heard of. Either way, you won’t know until the show premieres so make sure you subscribe!
Chapters:
00:08 - Intro
02:29 – Initial Oscars Reactions
08:57 – Unequitable Speech Times & The Underlying Disrespect for Non-White Film Workers
11:16 – Giving Our Flowers to Delroy Lindo
13:48 – ALL of the shade to Sean Penn
14:30 – Sinners LIVE Performance
20:58 – More Shade for Timothee Chalamet
23:05 – Variety, THE NORTH REMEMBERS
24:42 – Oscar Wins
30:12 - The Influence of Ryan Coogler
35:34 – Avatar Winning Best Visual Effects
42:09 – Political Speeches
47:55 – Final Thoughts
Mentioned in this episode:
Connections with Evan Dawson
Connections with Evan Dawson - Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts!
Connections
Our Voices Project - Land Acknowledgement
Joe Bean Roasters
Joe Bean Coffee - Coffee that lifts everyone.https://shop.joebeanroasters.com
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Tonight’s episode is about the legendary, movie pioneer, Robert Townsend, the actor, comedian, writer, and director behind Meteor Man, The Five Heartbeats, Hollywood Shuffle, Up Up and Away, B.A.P.S., The Mighty Quinn, and Little Richard (2000).
Our guest is Aishat Oduola-Owoo, a Nigerian immigrant and lifelong lover of Black film and television. Growing up in a semi-strict household, family-friendly shows like The Parent ‘Hood—her introduction to the brilliance of Robert Townsend—became formative touchstones. Inspired by stories her father shared about Cooley High and the cultural legacy it held for African men migrating to America, Aishat developed a deep curiosity for Black cinematic history. Through thoughtful conversation and cultural reflection, she explores Black storytelling, legacy, and joy—one frame at a time.
You can follow Aishat on https://www.instagram.com/sheknewnothing and also follow her podcast account (https://www.instagram.com/_skndeep) as well as listen in on Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/skndeep/id1329428296
Wherever you’re listening from, hit that subscribe button, give us a 5-star rating, share this episode and leave a comment to let us know what you thought of tonight’s episode. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok & Threads.
Visit ourvoicesproject.com and sign up for our newsletter (https://ourvoicesproject.us14.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=0975cb4063cade8f361060fda&id=81139d3995) for more information about what we do. We’ll be back with more episodes every Thursday with old and newly released movies that center Black, Brown, and Indigenous folks, general movie news, and interviews with film festival programmers/curators, film critics, and filmmakers!
Next week continues our series on Black filmmakers –their stories and contributions to cinema. We’re handing flowers to filmmakers that we should be talking about—some you may have heard of and some you may not have heard of. Either way, you won’t know until the show premieres so make sure you subscribe!
Chapters:
00:00 - Intro
03:07 – Legend, Pioneer, Icon.
05:59 – Hollywood Shuffle & The Struggles Of Being a Black Working Actor
36:43 - Meteor Man: The Reluctant Hero, Being An Example, and The Love Of Community
01:04:28 – The Five Heartbeats: A Masterclass in Drama and Displaying Brotherhood
01:33:18 – B.A.P.S.: Sisterhood and the Power Behind Being Truly Seen
01:53:45 – Our Words for Robert Townsend
01:56:28 – Where You Can Follow & Support Aishat
01:58:01 - Outro
Mentioned in this episode:
Our Voices Project - Land Acknowledgement
It’s A Lot
Check out It’s A Lot on Lunchador! https://feeds.captivate.fm/itsalot/
Dialed In: A Coffee Podcast
Get Dialed In to the world of coffee with Aaron and Wade! Tastings, coffee news and opinion and more! https://dialedincoffee.captivate.fm
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Hello pod! It is Day 19 of Black History Month and we’re continuing our series giving our flowers to Black Directors! Tonight’s episode is about the documentary filmmaker, Sam Pollard, the director behind MLK/FBI, The League, Lowndes County and the Road to Black Power, Black Art: In the Absence of Light and the docuseries Atlanta’s Missing and Murdered: The Lost Children.
Our guest is Christopher Rush, a Rochester native who is deeply invested in the success of underrepresented communities in Rochester. He serves the community as a part of the Rochester Monroe Anti-Poverty Initiative (RMAPI) supporting organizations and individuals committed to creating conditions for upward mobility in Rochester and Monroe County. Chris is a documentary filmmaker and also the host of the CRUSH HOUR on WAYO 104.3 FM connecting with leaders working to make Rochester a better place.
Subscribe and listen to Christopher’s Show, Crush Hour on WAYO 104.3 FM, here: https://wayofm.org/shows/crush-hour. You can follow him on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/_rushunlimited and follow his show on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/_crushhour
If you’re watching on YouTube, make sure you hit that subscribe button. Wherever you’re listening from, hit that subscribe button, give us a 5-star rating, share this episode and leave a comment to let us know what you thought of tonight’s episode. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, & Threads.
Visit ourvoicesproject.com and sign up for our newsletter for more information about what we do. We’ll be back with more episodes every Thursday with old and newly released movies that center Black, Brown, and Indigenous folks, general movie news, and interviews with film festival programmers/curators, film critics, and filmmakers!
Next week continues our series on Black filmmakers –their stories and contributions to cinema. We’re handing flowers to filmmakers that we should be talking about—some you may have heard of and some you may not have heard of. Either way, you won’t know until the show premieres so make sure you subscribe!
Chapters:
00:00 – Intro
02:16 – Giving Sam Pollard His Flowers
06:18 – MLK/FBI (2020)
27:39 – The League (2023)
46:10 – Lowndes County and the Road to Black Power (2022)
59:59 – Black Art: In the Absence of Light (2021)
Mentioned in this episode:
Our Voices Project - Land Acknowledgement
Behind the Glass
Behind the Glass, hosted by Richard B Colón and Quajay Donnell, is a monthly talk with the current month’s BTG Roster. Artists are interviewed about their submissions and we dive deep into their process, inspiration and thought process centralized around their artwork in the Behind the Glass Gallery located in the heart of Downtown Rochester NY.https://behind-the-glass-gallery.captivate.fm/
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Hello pod! Today is Day 10 of Black History Month and we’re continuing our series giving our flowers to Black Directors.
Tonight’s episode is about Peter Ramsey, the director behind Rise of the Guardians and Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. While awards and accolades are nice, we don’t center them as a reference to validate and instead look to filmmakers as the artists that they are, the deeper messages and takeaways that come through the characterization, direction, writing, and overall structure, the way that Black folks are portrayed onscreen, and the thought and effort with which they approach storytelling. This, for us, is what makes a filmmaker stand out, and it’s why we wanted to talk about Peter Ramsey – the storyboard artist-director.
Wherever you’re listening from, hit that subscribe button, give us a 5-star rating, share this episode and leave a comment to let us know what you thought of tonight’s episode. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, & Threads.
Visit ourvoicesproject.com and sign up for our newsletter for more information about what we do. We’ll be back with more episodes every Thursday with old and newly released movies that center Black, Brown, and Indigenous folks, general movie news, and interviews with film festival programmers/curators, film critics, and filmmakers!
Next week continues our series on Black filmmakers –their stories and contributions to cinema. We’re handing flowers to filmmakers that we should be talking about—some you may have heard of and some you may not have heard of. Either way, you won’t know until the show premieres so make sure you subscribe!
Mentioned in this episode:
Dialed In: A Coffee Podcast
Get Dialed In to the world of coffee with Aaron and Wade! Tastings, coffee news and opinion and more! https://dialedincoffee.captivate.fm
Our Voices Project - Land Acknowledgement
Joe Bean Roasters
Joe Bean Coffee - Coffee that lifts everyone.https://shop.joebeanroasters.com
Connections with Evan Dawson
Connections with Evan Dawson - Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts!
Connections
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Happy Black History Month pod! Throughout February and March, we’re going to be talking about Black Directors who deserve their flowers. With all of the talk about the amount of snubs Ryan Coogler and Nia DaCosta are getting, which is pretty on brand for Hollywood if you ask us (but we digress), we wanted to spend time talking about the filmmakers who inspire us and are creating incredible films.
Tonight, we’re talking about Jordan Peele, the director behind Get Out, Us, and Nope. While awards and accolades are nice, we don’t center them as a reference to validate and instead look to filmmakers as the artists that they are, the deeper messages and takeaways that come through the characterization, direction, writing, and overall structure, the way that Black folks are portrayed onscreen, and the thought and effort with which they approach storytelling. This, for us, is what makes a filmmaker stand out, and it’s why we wanted to talk about Jordan Peele – the storyteller.
Returning back to the podcast is Taurus Savant. Taurus is a queer Black artist, singer/songwriter, composer, published author, and community advocate that moves in steely resolve in the names of authenticity, perseverance, and audacity.
You can follow Taurus on Instagram at www.instagram.com/taurussavant and listen to his songs and support his work on Bandcamp at https://taurussavant.bandcamp.com.
Wherever you’re listening from, hit that subscribe button, give us a 5-star rating, share this episode and leave a comment to let us know what you thought of tonight’s episode. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, & Threads.
Visit ourvoicesproject.com and sign up for our newsletter for more information about what we do. We’ll be back with more episodes every Thursday with old and newly released movies that center Black, Brown, and Indigenous folks, general movie news, and interviews with film festival programmers/curators, film critics, and filmmakers!
Next week continues our series on Black filmmakers –their stories and contributions to cinema. We’re handing flowers to filmmakers that we should be talking about—some you may have heard of and some you may not have heard of. Either way, you won’t know until the show premieres so make sure you subscribe!
Chapters:
00:00 - Intro
01:46 – Giving Jordan Peele His Flowers
11:06 - The Horror in Everyday Life
17:41 - The Concept of the Sunken Place
21:39 - Discussion of Themes in 'Get Out'
31:25 - The Tension of Anticipation: Cop Cars and Audience Reactions
36:58 - Transition to 'Us': Initial Reactions
45:43 - Exploring the Duality of Characters
55:50 - The Influence of Music in Horror Film
01:01:21 - Dynamic Duo: Exploring Sibling Relationships in Nope
01:03:38 - The Opening Scene in ‘Nope’
01:11:44 - The Spectacle and Its Consequences
01:17:31 - Exploring the Impact of Jordan Peele's Films
Mentioned in this episode:
Joe Bean Roasters
Joe Bean Coffee - Coffee that lifts everyone.https://shop.joebeanroasters.com
Our Voices Project - Land Acknowledgement
Nights and Weekends
Check out Nights and Weekends on Lunchador! https://feeds.captivate.fm/nightsandweekends/
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Y’all, the Oscar Nominations are OUT and we have a BUNCH of things that we want to cover—the nominees, the snubs, and everything else in between!
You can follow along with the list of Oscar Nominations here: https://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/2026. There’s a printable ballot here: https://www.thegoldknight.com/2026/01/oscars-2026-download-our-printable.html
Joining me to talk about all of this and more is Arnita Heathington. Follow Anita on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/theoryofbeneficence
Arnita is a passionate media professional and an up-and-coming television development executive. She has gained valuable experience working in content-focused and production settings across the U.S. and the U.K. Currently, she is excitedly completing her MSc in Media and Communications at the London School of Economics, where she explores audiences, identity, and how entertainment media shape culture.
Arnita is also the creator of Theory of Beneficence, a media analysis platform where she explores film and television through storytelling, character, and audience impact, with a special focus on how Black women are positioned within narratives. Her work encourages meaningful conversations about why certain stories connect with us, how development choices influence perceptions, and what it truly means to feel seen on screen.
With her background in newsroom operations, project management, and media production, Arnita is passionate about exploring how audience insights, creative development, and original programming come together. She’s excited about building a career focused on how stories are crafted, how audiences engage with them, and the powerful role of thoughtful storytelling in shaping culture.
Mentioned in this episode:
Joe Bean Roasters
Joe Bean Coffee - Coffee that lifts everyone.https://shop.joebeanroasters.com
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It’s a NEW YEAR which means new movies and it’s January so that also means upcoming award shows. Oscar nominations are coming up next week and we’re going to be diving into that on our next episode so again make sure you’re following us to get updated on that because depending on how that goes, I’m going to have A LOT to say. If SINNERS is not up for Best Picture, we RIDE AT DAWN!
ANYWAY—
Tonight, let’s talk about the movies that are coming out this year - some of the blockbuster films, some more independent films coming out, and then how to watch the TRULY indie films (the ones without agents, without a studio backing—how to see films by filmmakers like us).
Tiffany Nicholas is an avid movie watcher, a casual art maker, and the number one fan of the 2002 Dreamworks movie, Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron. She has a lot of opinions about a lot of things (especially movies) and despite knowing that these opinions are not objective facts, she will argue about them as if they are.
You can follow Tiffany on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/waffleyoriginal and check out her Etsy store at https://www.etsy.com/shop/WaffleyOriginal.
Christopher Rush is a Rochester native who is deeply invested in the success of underrepresented communities in Rochester. He serves the community as a part of the Rochester Monroe Anti-Poverty Initiative (RMAPI) supporting organizations and individuals committed to creating conditions for upward mobility in Rochester and Monroe County. Chris is also the host of the CRUSH HOUR on WAYO 104.3 FM connecting with leaders working to make Rochester a better place.
You can follow Christopher at https://www.instagram.com/_crushhour.
Listen to the CRUSH HOUR at https://wayofm.org/shows/crush-hour.
Learn more about the Rochester Monroe Anti-Poverty Initiative (RMAPI) and how to get involved here: https://rmapiny.org/
Want to support independent filmmakers? Start with your local film festivals! If you live in Rochester, go support the following film festivals by following their social media pages and signing up for their mailing lists:
■ Anomaly Film Festival: https://www.anomalyfilmfest.com/
■ One Take Film Festival: https://thelittle.org/one-take/
■ Witness Palestine Film Festival: https://www.wpff.us/
■ ImageOUT Film Festival: https://imageout.org/
■ Rochester International Film Festival: https://rochesterfilmfest.org/
■ Rochester Teen Film Festival: https://www.wxxi.org/projects/rochester-teen-film-festival/
Mentioned in this episode:
Joe Bean Roasters
Joe Bean Coffee - Coffee that lifts everyone.https://shop.joebeanroasters.com
Our Voices Project - Land Acknowledgement
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On this Representation in Cinema podcast episode, we delve into the intricate relationship between horror films and social justice, featuring a discussion with Professor Kathy Simon, who has developed an online course entitled "Screams and Social Justice: Analyzing the Politics of Horror," that you can now enroll in. Central to our discourse is the assertion that horror serves not merely as entertainment but also as a profound reflection of societal anxieties and cultural narratives, particularly those relevant to Black, Brown, and Indigenous communities. Throughout the episode, we explore various thematic elements present in horror cinema, including class, gender, and the role of technology, while emphasizing the necessity for more nuanced and complex portrayals of characters within the genre. Furthermore, we highlight the significance of community engagement and ongoing dialogue regarding these critical issues as participants share their insights and reflections on the films discussed. Ultimately, this episode aims to illuminate the power of horror as a vehicle for social commentary, encouraging listeners to engage deeply with the narratives that shape our understanding of contemporary societal challenges.
Takeaways:
The podcast episode emphasizes the importance of representation in cinema, particularly focusing on black, brown, and indigenous peoples' narratives. The discussion highlights the new online course titled 'Screams and Social Justice', which analyzes the intersection of horror films and social issues. Listeners are encouraged to participate in upcoming screenings that engage with themes of black culture, community building, and black women's protection. The hosts explore how horror films can serve as a commentary on societal fears and anxieties, reflecting broader cultural messages. The episode discusses the significance of complex character portrayals in horror films, advocating for deeper representations of black characters. Kathy Simon's course aims to equip students with tools to critically analyze horror films and create their own scripts reflecting contemporary social issues.Links referenced in this episode:
Course information and link: https://kathy-simon-s-school.teachable.com/p/screams-social-justice-analyzing-the-politics-of-horrorOur Voices Project website: ourvoicesproject.comWant to be on the podcast? Send us an email at inforvoicesproject.comJoin us at one of our screenings of Being Black in America and register for FREE here: bit.ly/bbiaFor any questions about the course, you can contact Kathy at [email protected].
Mentioned in this episode:
Behind the Glass
Podcast and gallery focusing on underrepresented artists utilize the space to amplify their work. Curated by @Richardbcolon @qua.jay. Check out the podcast or join them in person first Fridays at 240 E Main St, Rochester, NY!https://behind-the-glass-gallery.captivate.fm
Our Voices Project - Land Acknowledgement
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On this podcast episode, we're talkin about the film "One of Them Days" and discussing intricacies of Black women's representation in cinema and the profound themes of sisterhood and community care that permeate the narrative.
Our esteemed co-host, Dr. Katrina Overby, joins me, Jackie McGriff, to delve into the film's portrayal of two best friends, Dreux and Alyssa, as they navigate the precarious situation of evading eviction while embodying resilience and camaraderie. Throughout our dialogue, we engage with three remarkable guests, Erica Jae, Cocoa Rae David, and Dominique Simmonds, who illuminate the significance of their work and its intersection with the film's themes. As we analyze the film's narrative structure and character dynamics, we aim to highlight the vital conversations surrounding representation in popular media. Listeners can anticipate an insightful exploration of how "One of Them Days" encapsulates the essence of Black culture, friendship, and the enduring strength found within community ties.
Links referenced in this episode:
Caribago Creative (Photography + Videography): https://www.caribagocreative.com/Island Wraps Restaurant: https://www.islandwraps2go.com/Black Women Is Art, Curated by Erica Jae, coming in 2026: https://www.instagram.com/thebwiaproject/Katrina is a DJ! DJ KO spinning on Thursday nights at 7-10pm at Sidebar: https://www.instagram.com/sidebarrocBy Cocoa Rae - Photographer + Event Space: https://www.cocoa-rae.comBlk Haus Boutique: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61571782587822&sk=aboutOur Voices Project Website: ourvoicesproject.comWould you like to be a guest on our podcast? Email us at inforvoicesproject.com.Mentioned in this episode:
Our Voices Project - Land Acknowledgement
Behind the Glass
Behind the Glass, hosted by Richard B Colón and Quajay Donnell, is a monthly talk with the current month’s BTG Roster. Artists are interviewed about their submissions and we dive deep into their process, inspiration and thought process centralized around their artwork in the Behind the Glass Gallery located in the heart of Downtown Rochester NY.https://behind-the-glass-gallery.captivate.fm/
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We're talking about the ¡Presente! Latin Film Fest at the George Eastman Museum, commencing on September 17th. As we delve into this crucial initiative, we engage with Jason Barber, whose extensive background in the arts and commitment to representation in cinema make him an invaluable contributor to this conversation. The series aims to illuminate the significant impact of Latino and Latinx artists within the cinematic landscape, offering a platform to explore their narratives and contributions. Throughout our dialogue, we will also reflect on the broader implications of representation in film, particularly in light of current socio-political climates affecting marginalized communities. Through this series, we aspire to foster a deeper understanding of the richness and diversity inherent in Latin cinema, while simultaneously advocating for authentic representation and storytelling.
Links referenced in this episode:
Latin Film Fest: eastman.org/latinfilmseriesIBERO Rochester: https://www.ibero.org/Poder 97.1 FM: https://www.ibero.org/poder/International Plaza: https://www.cityofrochester.gov/departments/department-recreation-and-human-services-drhs/international-plazaMentioned in this episode:
Our Voices Project - Land Acknowledgement
Food About Town
Food About Town hosted by Chris Lindstrom, focusing on restaurants, food and drink of all kinds, and whatever topics I want to cover!https://foodabouttown.captivate.fm/
Lunchador Podcast Network
Lunchador Podcast Network is a network of podcasts originating in Rochester, NY. Our goal is bringing creative people together to be a positive force in the arts community. The shows that make up Lunchador are owned by the creators and cover a wide range of topics and backgrounds.http://lunchador.org/
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It’s Jackie McGriff, your host on today’s Representation in Cinema episode for another deep dive into the film, Sinners!
That’s right this is PART TWO of our talk on Sinners, so if you didn’t listen to the first episode, we highly recommend listening to that one on our website at ourvoicesproject.com/podcast or any where you listen to your favorite podcasts - Spotify, Apple, all of them! We’re calling it our Black as YOU KNOW WHAT or Black AF episode because it had to be US breaking this movie down - thanks again to Ryan Coogler, the team at Proximity Media, and cast and crew for this one. This film is truly a gift!
SO, if you haven’t watched the film already, you can watch it in theaters now—please go see it in IMAX NOW! We encourage you to watch it and then come back to listen to our podcast. From here on out though, we’ll be discussing the film in depth so SPOILERS AHEAD and as always, you have been warned.
HUGE THANK YOU to our guests joining us in the studio and virtually, Cocoa Rae David, CaTyra Polland, Brianna Milon, Hernease Davis, Heather Thompson, Iasia Lorick, and DJ T.A.G.O.E.
CaTyra Polland is a published author, editor, copywriter, poet, speaker, Founder/CEO of Love For Words and the creator of National Black Authors Day. She's an essayist for Christopher Coles who's being honored along with CaTyra on May 19 at 6:30pm at the George Eastman Museum. It's free to attend and every guest gets a copy of the book. You can register for the book launch and panel discussion at https://www.eastman.org/event/free-all-talks-special-events/moment-revolution-reckoning-reparation-volume-3.
She's also co-hosting a virtual Masterclass with Write, Edit, Publish for those who are looking to publish a book on June 7 at 1pm ET/10am PT. You can register here: https://winnpublications.com/write-edit-publish-a-self-publishing-masterclass. Purchase your ticket before the price goes up on June 3!
You can follow CaTyra at @catyrapolland on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn as well as her business page Love For Words on Facebook and LinkedIn.
DJ. T.A.G.O.E. is a Raleigh-based DJ, who seeks to bring community together through music and dance, blended with collective education rooted in history and liberation-based politics. Follow him on Instagram and Tiktok at @djtagoe.
Brianna Milon is a published author, communications professional, and model who blends creativity and connection in everything she does. With a background in media, public relations, and storytelling, she’s passionate about using her voice and presence to inspire and uplift others. You can follow Bri on Instagram at @suunnybri.
Cocoa Rae David is a New York-based visual artist, curator, photographer, award-winning filmmaker, and business owner of By Cocoa Rae LLC and Da Purp. You can also find her on all social media platforms at @bycocoarae. She’s currently raising money to make her studio and art space for accessible for creatives and artists. You can donate monetarily or in-kind with studio needs like camera and lighting equipment and/or yoga mats by visiting https://checkout.square.site/merchant/MLTR86SCCSSKM/checkout/U2TDPNZWTRWMOQ4XBQM4IMSK OR contacting Cocoa at [email protected].
Hernease Davis is a photo-based artist and curator born and raised in South Los Angeles with roots in Southern Louisiana. Her practice is spurred by her curiosity about process, one’s psychological nature and the meaningful connections made possible through art when individual complexities are acknowledged and welcomed. You can find her on Instagram at @hernease and follow her at https://www.herneasedavis.com. Follow the work that she and other artists do at Visual Studies Workshop at @visualstudiesworkshop on all social media platforms and https://www.vsw.org.
Heather Thompson is a psychology student and mother. She’s in the process of making a mockumentary– we will keep you updated on the progress of that project!
Iasia Lorick is a filmmaker.
If you’d like to be a guest on our podcast, you can email us at [email protected]. Please note that while we welcome all, we prioritize hearing from Black, Brown, and Indigenous folks especially since this podcast is about highlighting the films telling authentic and multifaceted stories of Black, Brown, and Native peoples.
Mentioned in this episode:
Behind the Glass
Podcast and gallery focusing on underrepresented artists utilize the space to amplify their work. Curated by @Richardbcolon @qua.jay. Check out the podcast or join them in person first Fridays at 240 E Main St, Rochester, NY!https://behind-the-glass-gallery.captivate.fm
Behind the Studio Door
Behind the Studio Door, hosted by Molly Darling and Christian Rivera, takes listeners on a captivating exploration of artists and their creative processes. Through deep and meaningful conversations, they uncover the stories and experiences that shape the outward expression of their work.https://behind-the-studio-door.captivate.fm/
Our Voices Project - Land Acknowledgement
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