Directed by Andres “Jay” Molina and Alexis Neophytides • 2023 • United States
FIRE THROUGH DRY GRASS tracks the devastation experienced by residents of a New York City nursing home during the coronavirus pandemic. Centered on Jay and the Reality Poets, largely a group of gun-violence survivors, the film captures their harrowing experiences as COVID-19 spreads through their facility and public officials deny the suffering behind its walls. Using GoPros clamped to their wheelchairs, this group of disabled Black and brown artists documents the truth, refusing to be abused, confined, or erased.
Up Next in BlackStar Film Festival Presents
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The Changing Same
Directed by Cauleen Smith • 2001 • United States
In this experimental hybrid between science fiction and noir, Cauleen Smith explores Black alienation and outsiderhood via the story of two aliens stationed on Earth searching for kinship and a sense of purpose.
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An Ecstatic Experience
Directed by Ja’Tovia Gary • 2015 • United States
Employing intricately hand-altered archival footage of Black women speaking on the push for liberation and freedom, director Ja’Tovia Gary crafts a meditative invocation of transcendence as a means of restoration.
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To Be Free
Directed by Adepero Oduye • 2017 • United States
Starring Adepero OduyeIn this soul-stirring short featuring stunning cinematography from Bradford Young, PARIAH actor Adepero Oduye takes the stage as the great Nina Simone for an intimate, defiant performance.
