I Own Me: The Spirit of Resistance & Rebirth
Reel Sisters presents I Own Me: The Spirit of Resistance & Rebirth, a collection of short films honoring women leaders and the spirit of resistance, rebirth and healing. Untold stories about important historical and community leaders are celebrated in our showcase. From Reimagining Queen Nanny of the Maroons to Angola’s Queen Nzinga in Before 1619: She Took Justice, each film addresses the power to rise above oppression and injustice to rebirth a new future for generations to come. Moderator: Rev. Malika Lee Whitney.
The program will be held on May 22, 2025, 6:30 pm at Riverside Church, 91 Claremont Ave. (121 St).
Tickets: $7 (plus Universe fees).
film showcase
Reimagining Queen Nanny of the Maroons
32 min., documentary
Producers: Leo R. Douglas
Directors: Leo R. Douglas and Udemba Mclean
Writers: Leo R. Douglas and Marcia Douglas
Drawing on African spiritualism in which nature itself is sacred, and West African cultures where women are traditional leaders and the female-form is commonly ecologically deified, the “Reimagining Nanny” Project retelling of the story of Queen Nanny, national heroine of Jamaica, as a shaman of the forests, healer, priestess and protector of the springs and watersheds, and commander of energies of the earth, creatures, mountains and valleys of the Blue and John Crow Mountains of Jamaica.
Nana & The Black Monarchy
7 min., documentary
Producer/Director: Yaania Bell
What even is Black Girl Magic? Well, it’s the miraculous alchemy Black women and girls synthesize from the adversity, abuse and subjugation they endure throughout their existence. Yaania Bell’s radically profound short documentary on the slutty social worker, @Nanagal_ and her sex positive, anti-patriarchal demonstrations, introduces audiences to a colorful reality of BIPOC sexual assault and domestic violence survivors.
Nana’s statement:
“My name is Nana and I was born and raised in the Bronx, NYC. My parents are from Ghana, West Africa. I went upstate for college and got a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work. I’ve always been passionate about Black girlhood and womanhood, especially after seeing misogyny in my own home. After graduating Brockport, I started my first big girl job as a Family Support Specialist aiding children with behavioral issues and trauma.
I started my annual slutwalk in New York City in 2021. my friends and i gathered to protest against the patriarchy and rape culture. The support since then has quadrupled. Now I also host an annual slut seminar where we come together in a rented space and discuss rape culture over food & music. all my events include free safe sex products and menstrual items. I aim to make this a national non-profit.”
Rock Island Prison 1864
narrative, 6:49 min.
Producer/Director: Joy Shannon
Guarding Confederate POWS in a Civil War prison, a runaway slave now Union soldier, desperately fights for power, or faces returning to slavery. Inspired by a true story.
Before 1619: She Took Justice
29:58 min., documentary
Producer: Gloria Browne-Marshall, The Law and Policy Group, Inc.
Director: Bobby John Field
Journey to Angola and discover the feats of an extraordinary African warrior Queen who fought European invaders in the 1660s and her powerful connection today.
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