9th Annual Spelman College Student Documentary Film Showcase Tonight at Midtown Theaters

(Spelman College contributed to the following article)

The Syrian Revolution, health and wellness and homelessness are the focus of three student documentaries set to premiere at the 9th Annual Spelman College Digital Moving Image Salon (DMIS) Student Documentary Film Showcase on Thursday, April 25 at 7 p.m. at Midtown Arts Theater in Atlanta.

In addition to the screening, Atlanta-based costume designer and stylist, Shilla Benning will receive the DMIS Celebration of Excellence Award.

Benning's work has been seen in "Vampire Diaries," "Drop Dead Diva," and Tyler Perry's "House of Payne." The media release below provides additional details about the screening and award ceremony.

The event is free and open to the public.  You can view the showcase trailer above or at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TNyEOf-MCYY.

The documentary showcase is the culmination of a two-semester film making course for the students.

Each year, novice and veteran student filmmakers enrolled in Spelman College Digital Moving Image Salon’s film studies course draw from their personal interests and academic pursuits to produce documentaries that detail the varied and layered experiences of women of the African Diaspora.

“DMIS producers create films that focus on the lived experiences of women. Many of these experiences, and the related points of view, seldom find their way into mainstream media conversations,” said Ayoka Chenzira, Ph.D., filmmaker and founding director of the Digital Moving Image Salon. “The common thread in this year’s documentary films is what I would call ‘the tenacious spirit.’ Whether it’s women taking control of their lives through exercise and more nutritional diets, or learning to value themselves against overwhelming odds, or inventing creative ways to protest against war, the women featured in the films show us how they have used their vision, commitment, will power, and a plan, to make a difference.”

Documentary Descriptions
“Rima’s Red Raincoat” is the story of Rima Dali, a lawyer who sparked a nonviolent movement in the Syrian Revolution through performance art in public spaces. Producers: Banah Ghadbian and Janiene Thiong

“Darling’s Silver Lining” is a portrait of a talented female artist who struggles with homelessness while also trying to come to terms with her past. Producers: Angelique DeVonish and Kaneisha Montague

“Running for My Life” profiles three African-American women who take control of their physical, emotional and mental health by learning to run and changing their diets. Producers: Jasmyn Lawson, Nina Lee, Edwina Campbell