FREEFEST

JUNE 14th - 19th

Photo Credit: Heartbeat Opera’s BREATHING FREE/Filmmaker: Anaiis Cisco 

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About

June 2021 marks the launch of FREEFEST, a virtual to in-person series focusing on JUNETEENTH, and featuring a week of virtual programming, to uplift Black experiences through youth, community, carceral justice, LGBTQ+, and artistic voices, culminating in a Festival Celebration at Domino Park on June 19, 2021. FREEFEST is dedicated to Black people, and inspired by BREATHING FREE, a visual album by Heartbeat Opera (Anaiis Cisco, filmmaker) honoring the love, labor, silence, and intersectionality of Black communities.

 
ALL Events are FREE to attend





FREEFEST 2021 PANELS

8pm EST ALL NIGHTS

WILD

Monday, June 14

An artistic roundtable on the liberation of Black bodies through dance and theatre, featuring excerpts from WILD, Jeremy McQueen’s groundbreaking, four-part dance film highlighting the impact of juvenile incarceration on Black communities.


Moderated by: Sheldon Henry

Featured Panelists: Jeremy McQueen, Brian Henry, Chari Glogovac-Smith



BEETHOVEN, RU, & RIHANNA

Tuesday, June 15

A panel uplifting Black perspectives in opera, electro funk and beyond, and focusing on cultural empowerment and expression in the arts.


Moderated by:  Shayla Lawson

Featured Panelists:  Alicia Hall Moran, Dr. Derrell Acon, J. Hoard, Janee Greenidge



I AM

Wednesday, June 16

A panel focusing on how Black women engender agency and authenticity through cultural and community lenses. 


Moderated by:  Jennifer Newman

Featured Panelists:  Jocelyn M. Goode, Anaiis Cisco, Bryöna DeGraff, Kelly Griffin



INVASION OF THE CULTURE SNATCHERS

Thursday, June 17

An mini-festival of short films by young Black filmmakers from Reel Works, on gentrification, code-switching, urbanism, and identity, followed by interviews with the creators.


Moderated by:  Curtis Bannister

Featured Panelists:  Jaire Marshall, Khiari Jaffieer, Georgia-Rae Lyken



WE BUILD THE BLOCK

Friday, June 18

Young artists and activists envision the future of Black communities.


Moderated by:  Anaiis Cisco & Paperboy Love Prince
Featured Panelists: Jahlil Allah and Jaiden Bailey