More commercial films were produced by black filmmakers in 1991 than throughout the `80s, but men received most of the attention, according to organizers of this week`s 11th International Women`s Film and Video Festival. To counter the perception that women have made few contributions, independent work by African-American women directors will be highlighted in
”Mosaic in Black,” one of nine program topics offered at the festival, which is sponsored by Women in the Director`s Chair Thursday through March 8. The Chicago-based group is a women`s media arts organization founded in 1980 to create more visibility for women filmmakers and video makers.
”In `Mosiac` you will find work dealing with relationships between men and women, women and women, documentaries concerning racism and portraits of women`s lives who have contributed to American culture,” said filmmaker Zeinabu irene Davis.
Five programs make up ”Mosaic in Black,” including two panels of black women filmmakers. The first panel will address the current state of the industry and independent filmmaking for black women. The second panel, called ”In the Life: New Works by Black Lesbian Film and Video Makers,” includes a screening of five short works and discussion.
”Funding and distribution are always problems,” said Gloria Gibson-Hudson, moderator of the first panel and assistant director of the Black Film Center/Archive, a research facility in Bloomington, Ind. ”It`s a double- edged sword because even if you get the funding, there`s no guarantee you`ll find a distributor.
The festival includes 50 diverse African-American, Asian-American, native American, European, U.S. and Canadian films and videos.
Screenings will take place at the Chicago Filmmakers, 1229 W. Belmont Ave. and The Film Center of the Art Institute, Columbus Drive and Jackson Boulevard. A $20 pass admits Women in the Director`s Chair members to five shows. The pass is $25 for non-members.
Tickets also can be bought individually at the door. For screenings at Chicago Filmmakers, the cost is $5 per program for Director`s Chair members and $6 per program for non-members. For screenings shown at The Film Center, School of the Art Institute, the cost is $3 for Art Institute members and $5 for non-members. Call 312-281-4988.
