O Cinema Film Series Highlights Social Justice Issues, Filmmakers from US South

Image for the upcoming movie, Battleground, directed by Cynthia Lowen. Image courtesy O Cinema.

O Cinema has partnered with The Southern Circuit Tour of Independent Filmmakers to present a series of socially relevant, timely documentaries that prioritize Southern artists and the issues of our time. The Circuit also makes it possible for audiences and filmmakers to engage in lively conversations during Q&A and panel discussions. Audience access to filmmakers and activists make this series particularly compelling.

The series began in February with Breaking the News, which traces reporter Emily Ramshaw’s tumultuous launch of The 19th (named after the 19th Amendment), the first non-profit non-partisan news agency in the US to focus on the impact of national politics on women. The post-film discussion with Chabeli Carrazana, economy reporter for The 19th, stirred audience emotions and actions.

BATTLEGROUND – March 21, 2024
Directed by Cynthia Lowen

Image for the upcoming movie, Battleground, directed by Cynthia Lowen. Image courtesy O Cinema.

Next up is Battleground, The Fight for the Future of Abortion in America, directed by award winning writer and filmmaker, Cynthia Lowen. This compelling film documents how, despite massive public support, millions of women were left without abortion care when Roe vs. Wade was overturned by the US Supreme Court in June 2022. Through the voices of members of the Christian right, Gen Z activists, and sexual and reproductive rights leaders, viewers get unprecedented access to the front lines of this fight. There will be a post screening discussion with Samantha Blakely, of Planned Parenthood, who courageously told her story about becoming pregnant after a rape, on the floor of Alabama State Senate to oppose the state’s total abortion ban.

GUMBO COALITION – April 18th, 2024
Directed by Barbara Kopple
The film traces national social justice leaders Marc Morial and Janet Murguia as they fight structural racism in the Trump era.

1946: THE MISTRANSLATION THAT SHIFTED CULTURE – May 9, 2024
Directed by Sharon “Rocky” Roggio
The film chronicles the discovery of never-before-seen archives at Yale University that reveal new information, and cast doubt on any biblical basis for LGBTQIA+ prejudice.

What: Southern Circuit Tour of Independent Filmmakers
When: February 22, 2024-May 9, 2024
Where: O Cinema South Beach 1130 Washington Avenue, Miami, FL
Cost: Adults – $10.00, Older Adults (62+ years old w/ valid ID), Students & Teachers (w/ valid ID) and O Cinema Members – FREE
INFO: All tickets are available online and at the box office. Prices for special events and select screenings may vary.
www.o-cinema.org/event/breaking-the-news

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