Investigative journalist Ida B. Wells paved the way for the truthtellers of today to affect real change through exploration and deep inquiry.
Chromatic Black is continuing that work through their inaugural Ida B. Wells: Disrupting the Master Narrative Fund. They recently announced 10 Black filmmakers and documentarians selected to receive cash awards for their stellar work.
“We are happy to announce ten Chromatic Black filmmakers selected for partnership and investment through this catalytic mechanism to support authentic, prolific voices reflective of the nuance, depth, and complexity of our humanity,” said Abeni Bloodworth, CEO, and Angela Harmon, President, of Chromatic Black.
Named after investigative journalist and anti-lynching activist, Ida B. Wells, the fund is rooted in the understanding that building an equitable society is a creative act. Giddings notes, “justice begins with the imaginary power of Black creatives to deconstruct stereotypes, build cultural power and envision a future through powerful storytelling.”
“This fund is an evolution of our growth and power as creatives to invest in stories that subvert the master narrative, ” said Malcolm Spellman, screenwriter, and producer of “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier.”
A distinguished panel of film industry veterans and social justice activists including the Honorary Chair, Paula J. Giddings, whose book, “Ida: A Sword Among Lions,” won the 2008 Los Angeles Times Prize for Biography, announces the following ten award finalists:
The finalists are: Lamard W Cher-Aime, “Captain Zero: The Animated Series,” speaks to the importance of mental health awareness in Black communities; Elishia Constantine and Kristina Pupo, “Black Sage,” is a story of a superhero who saves the world only to come home to save her marriage; Chuck Gomez,” Opus Pointis #1: A Symphony for Social Justice,” details the struggles of eight African American classical musicians; Mylrell Miner, “Hang,” invites audiences to engage critically into the dynamics of gentrified communities; Javier Molina and Gabriel Furman, untitled project; Jana Smith, “Baptême,” is a satirical “mockumentary” inspired by the Real Housewives reality show that explores what it means to survive sexual harm; Christine Swanson, “Sunflower: The Fannie Lou Hamer Story,” looks at modern-day voter suppression through the powerful words of the 60’s Civil Rights heroine; Lynelle White, “Hatchback,” looks at a blue collar African-American family struggling to make it; Renée Wilson, “HoneyPot,” is about Ella and her confidante, V., her chatty vagina; Riley S. Wilson, “The Cookie Crunch Club,” follows a trio of black children who, in light of a defunct police department, start their own secret detective agency.”
Each finalist will receive a $10,000 investment for the creation of a short film to be produced by December 2021.
The jurists, who selected finalists from over 400 submissions, include: critically acclaimed filmmaker Julie Dash, director of the groundbreaking “Daughters of the Dust”, Gloria Steinem, renowned political activist; and Jeffrey Kusama-Hinte, Academy and Emmy Award-nominated, Golden Globe-winning producer – The full list of 2021 jurors can be viewed here.
