‘Women Sweet On Women’ Film Festival Focuses On Black Lesbian Filmmakers And Poet Audre Lorde

ZAMI Nobla, the National Organization of Black Lesbians on Aging, partnered with Out On Film to create the inaugural “Women Sweet on Women” film festival. Mary Anne Adams, executive director of ZAMI Nobla, joined “City Lights” host Lois Reitzes to talk about this weekend’s festivities.

“We really want to have events that not only allow us to come together in community but also events where we can see ourselves,” said Adams. She feels it is important to empower Black lesbian women over the age of 40 because of the world’s increasing focus on youth culture.

“Women tend to become insular and isolated and we wanted to create programming and space to impact social isolation,” She continued. “To mobilize women as they get older because many women in our community are estranged from families, have limited social networks, and find themselves alone and lonely in their twilight years. We wanted to reach out and say, ‘We are here. We are your community and together we can actually create an expanded space for each other.’ Particularly those who have been excluded from spaces.”

Some highlights of the festival:

• Feb. 18 at 7 p.m. – “A Litany for Survival: The Life and Work of Audre Lorde“

This film will be followed by a talkback with directors Michelle Parkerson and Ada Gay Griffin.

• Feb. 19 – “The Edge of Each Other’s Battles: The Vision of Audre Lorde“

This film will feature a talkback with director Dr. Jennifer Abod.

• Feb. 19 – “Mind/Game: The Unquiet Journey of Chamique Holdsclaw“

A talkback between Melissa Gordon and Chamique Holdsclaw will be available

• Feb. 19 – “The Passionate Pursuits of Angela Bowen“
• Feb. 19 – “Unapologetic“
• Feb. 19 – “For the Bible Tells Us So“

The inaugural “Women Sweet on Women” mini virtual film festival kicks off Feb. 18 and runs through Feb. 21. All films will be available through the weekend.