My Prompt

 The Kwanzaa Film Festival was started by Ina Norris. It holds Film Festivals and other cultural activities throughout the year; Black history month, and Juneteenth. The festivities are about sharing experiences thru panels, art exhibits, etc. 

I have been working on a research project for a Wikipedia article about life in New York City before television. I was amazed to discover how local entertainment was. There were hundreds of small theaters and venues. In the process of reading and researching I discovered what has been lost. Most of the culture that we Americans consume is outside of our local communities and activities that are not initiated by people in the communities. It is as though we don't know what we have lost. 

I studied filmmaking when I was in college, before Spike Lee. Independent films were not seen or very rare if they did exist. There were very few Independent films screened. In fact people back then dreamed of what we see today. This why I support Independent filmmakers. The beauty of the Kwanzaa Film Festival is that filmmakers, youth, and elders are making films. People are using what they got. The creativity is huge and varied. These festivals feel like community.  

Ina Norris is bring Independent films to the local African American and African Diaspora communities in New York. It is a yeoman or I will say a yeowoman's effort. For the Black community it is imperative that they see films made by people in their communities and other voices than mainstream film industry.  

I think Ina was pioneered the Black community in appreciating Independent filmmaking. 

Please support Ina Norris and the Kwanzaa Film Festival activities. We are so in need of local storytelling. She is in need of support to sustain these efforts. Support local.