Reel
Sisters 2008 will present “Hue Women & Cinema Blues: Exploring
the Impact of Colorism in America.” The festival will address the
effects of film in type casting women of color based on complexion and
hue tones. Reel Sisters will explore trace the historical intra-racial
conflicts and colorism that has prevented some talented actresses from
gaining access to coveted Hollywood roles.
Long
before director Spike Lee exposed intra-racial issues in the face-off
between the Jigaboos and Wannabes in School Daze, colorism films like
the 1949 Pinky and Imitation of Life put a spotlight on the challenges
faced by light-skinned and dark-skinned woman. Reel Sisters will bring
together film scholars, casting directors and actresses to discuss how
colorism have shaped the fabric of our lives as well as the
difficulties faced by Black actresses in the film industry. From music
videos to television shows, the influence of colorism is prevalent in
the images of Black women broadcast to the world. Casting directors are
on the front line in getting directors and producers to diversify the
roles available to women of color — yet, less than 5 percent of
Hollywood’s film and television casting directors are African-American.
The
Reel Sisters of the Diaspora Film Festival is supported, in part by:
Council Member Inez E. Dickens, 9th C.D., Speaker Christine Quinn and
the New York City Council, The New York State Council on the Arts, New
York City Dept. of Cultural Affairs, Brooklyn Arts Council.
For
information or to vounteer call: 347-534-3304 or 212-865-2982
REEL SISTERS is co-sponsored by African Voices Magazine
http://www.africanvoices.com
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