On Tuesday, February 10th, Wagner College hosted the New Negress Film Society, who exhibited six of their short films: "Boneshaker" by Frances Bodomo, "Pain Revisited" by Dyani Douze and Nontsikelelo Mutiti, "An Ecstatic Experience" and "Cakes da Killa: No Homo" by Ja'tovia Gary, "savage" by Kumi James, and "Seventh Grade" by Stefani Saintonge. The Society is a collective of black women filmmakers whose priority is to create community and spaces for support, exhibition, and consciousness-raising. The event was sponsored by the English Department, the Art, Art History, and Film Department, the office of the Provost, and the Center for Intercultural Advancement.
New Negress Film Society Short Film Program at Wagner College
That evening, the Manzulli Board Room in Foundation Hall was packed with faculty, staff, and students who were eager to discuss the program of short films with three of the Society's members: Dyani Douze, Ja'tovia Gary, and Stefanie Saintonge. After the screenings, lively conversation continued for over an hour late into the evening.
from left to right: Steven Thomas, Ja'tovia Gary, Stefani Saintonge, and Dyani Douze
Earlier that day, the three women had joined Dr. Steven Thomas's class on world cinema to share their ideas and experiences with his students. Dr. Thomas has written more extensively about the New Negress Film Society on his Film and Media Blog, which includes hyperlinks to some of their films that you can watch on-line.