Representation in Cinema

SWANA vs. "Middle East" & Orientalism

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Tonight starts a new series highlighting the representation and (mis)representation of Arabs in Western cinema, specifically in the US. We’re going to be breaking down the film Reel Bad Arabs, talking about the destructive stereotypes that writer and lecturer, the late Jack Shaheen, talks about both in the film and in the book of the same title, and about what authentic representation looks like. For so long our government has fed us these stereotypes repeatedly in movies manufacturing consent for global atrocities, so we’re going to dive into what to look for and how to advocate for the kind of representation that paints them as the multifaceted, complex human beings that they are.

You can watch Reel Bad Arabs for free here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TPxak6lFd-I

We’re joined by Amira Ferjani, who’s going to be devoting this episode to defining the SWANA region, identifying anti-SWANA and anti-Arab discrimination, and differentiating between those terms and others we want to keep in mind throughout this series.

Amira Ferjani is a Tunisian American and Marketing and Communications Specialist with a keen eye for detail and a passion for creative problem-solving. She brings a unique perspective to conversations about representation, using her platform to educate others on anti-SWANA discrimination and the often-erased diversity of the South West Asia and North Africa region. She draws on her lived experience and cultural heritage to challenge the erasure and misrepresentation of SWANA peoples in media, policy, and everyday language. Amira centers clarity, accountability, and the belief that education is the first step towards solidarity and, ultimately, liberation for all.

Amira can be found on most social media platforms @amiraoutloud, but she is primarily on threads @amiraoutloud2026. Her Substack also has several blogs detailing anti-SWANA racism and breaking down why she uses the term SWANA.

As promised, here are resources to check out:

Books:

Orientalism by Edward Said

Reel Bad Arabs by Jack Shaheen

Articles:

MENA vs. SWANA and where Arab fits in

Standing ovations but no distribution: Films about Palestinians meet a divided Hollywood by Rebecca Keegan | Oct. 23, 2025 | Source | Archive

Missing & Maligned: The Reality of Muslims in Popular Global Movies by the USC Annenberg Inclusion Initiative | June 2021 | PDF

Hollywood’s problem with Arab representation (or a lack thereof) by Mina Tobya | Michigan Daily | Mar. 28, 2024 | Source | Archive

Khalas!: Institutionalized SWANA Erasure, Resilience, and Resistance In Higher Education by Journal of Leadership, Equity, and Research | Vol. 8 No. 1 | April 2022 | Source

Erased or Extremists: The Stereotypical View of Muslims in Popular Episodic Series by USC Annenberg Inclusion Initiative | September 2022 | PDF

The novel ‘Dune’ had deep Islamic influences. The movie erases them by Haris A. Durrani | The Washington Post | Oct. 28, 2021 | Source | Archive

Sonic Orientalism in the Dune Film Scores: Challenging Harmful Depictions of SWANA Culture by Amy Maatouk | Rising Voices in Ethnomusicology Vol. 21 No. 1 | PDF

Hollywood's Bad Arabs by Jack G. Shaheen | The Cairo Review of Global Affairs | Source | Archive

Dune: An accomplished escape into the realm of cinematic Arab appropriation by Hanna Flint | The New Arab | Oct. 1, 2021 | Source | Archive

Dune 2 and Hollywood's commodification of Muslimness by Nadeine Asbali | The New Arab | Feb. 27, 2024 | Source | Archive

‘Dune 2’ is set thousands of years in the future — so why does it feel like a parable about Gaza? By Mira Fox | Forward | Mar. 4, 2024 | Source | Archive

Hind Rajab director refuses Berlin film festival award over Gaza war by The New Arab Staff | The New Arab | Feb. 18, 2026 | Source | Archive

Wherever you’re listening from, hit that subscribe button and if you liked tonight’s episode, please give us a 5-star rating, share this episode and leave a comment to let us know what you liked the most! Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok & Threads.

Visit ourvoicesproject.com and sign up for our newsletter for more information about what we do. In our next episodes, we’re going to break down the misrepresentation of Arabs in Hollywood, Hollywood’s ties to US government, navigating the film industry as an Arab actor, and what authentic representation actually looks like. Until then, we highly recommend that you go watch Reel Bad Arabs now available for FREE (this education is FREE, y’all!) on YouTube.

Chapters:

00:00 - Intro

12:05 - Understanding Identity in the SWANA Region

18:01 - Orientalism

24:28 - The Importance of Representation in Education and Media

33:42 – Intro to the rest of our Arab American Heritage Month Podcast Series

Mentioned in this episode:

Our Voices Project - Land Acknowledgement

Joe Bean Roasters

Visit joebeanroasters.com to get fresh roasted specialty coffee either by the bag or with a Perpetual Joy subscription!

PREVIEW: Arab (Mis)Representation in Hollywood

Tue, 07 Apr 2026 22:55:00 -0400

Starting this Thursday, April 9, we’re going to be breaking down the film Reel Bad Arabs, talking about the destructive stereotypes that writer and lecturer, the late Jack Shaheen, talks about both in the film and in the book of the same title, and about what authentic representation looks like throughout Arab American Heritage Month.

For so long our government has fed us these stereotypes repeatedly in movies manufacturing consent for global atrocities, so we’re going to dive into what to look for and how to advocate for the kind of representation that paints them as the multifaceted, complex human beings that they are.

Subscribe to our podcast, Representation in Cinema, leave a comment about this topic, and share with family, friends, colleagues, peers, students, and grassroots organizations committed to liberation for marginalized communities!

Mentioned in this episode:

Joe Bean Roasters

Visit joebeanroasters.com to get fresh roasted specialty coffee either by the bag or with a Perpetual Joy subscription!

Ava DuVernay: Queen of Confronting Pain & Opening Doors

Fri, 03 Apr 2026 15:45:00 -0400

Tonight’s episode is about QUEEN Ava Duvernay, the director behind 13th, Selma, A Wrinkle in Time, and Origin as well as the founder of ARRAY, “a multi-platform arts and social impact collective dedicated to narrative change,” which is what we’re all about here on Our Voices Project. Joining us on the podcast is Dr. Katrina Overby aka DJ Spin Dr. KO, Dominique Alexandria Simmonds, and Kamesha B.

Katrina is an activist scholar who is interested broadly in media, race, sexuality, and gender. Specifically, her research interests are in:

Black Twitter, social media and culture, African American cinema, race and identity in television and popular culture, sports media, and the scholarship of teaching and learning (SoTL). Follow Katrina on Instagram and subscribe to her YouTube Channel.

To learn more about paths to repair the harm done by media, visit Media 2070: https://mediareparations.org/.

Dominique Alexandria Simmonds is a creative, mother, and founder of Caribago Designs, where Afro-Caribbean heritage, Melanated arts, and visual storytelling converge. Passionate about celebrating culture through design, photography, and textile art, she brings vibrant energy, heritage, and joy to every encounter. Visit her website at https://www.caribagocreative.com/ or give her a phone call at (585) 622-4562 to work with her! You can also follow her on Facebook and Instagram.

Kamesha B is a multifaceted creative based in NYC and Rochester, NY, weaving her talents as a writer, producer, director, and media consultant into a tapestry of storytelling. She has worked with CBS News, The Food Network, Six Point Pictures, Seed Vision est89, and Amazon Prime Video.

Kamesha’s career aspiration is clear: to create uncompromising stories that challenge conventional paradigms and bring authentic visions to the screen. Her academic journey includes a B.A. in English from Buffalo State University, followed by a deep dive into Storytelling at Johns Hopkins University, where she earned a dual M.A. in Business and Film Media Studies. Visit her website at seedvisionest89.org.

Wherever you’re listening from and hit that subscribe button. If you liked tonight’s episode, please give us a 5-star rating, share this episode and leave a comment to let us know what you loved about tonight’s episode. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Threads.

Visit ourvoicesproject.com and sign up for our newsletter for more information about what we do. We’ll be back with more episodes every Thursday with old and newly released movies that center Black, Brown, and Indigenous folks, general movie news, and interviews with film festival programmers/curators, film critics, and filmmakers!

This has been Jackie McGriff, your host for this episode of Representation in Cinema. As always, thank you again for listening!

Chapters:

00:01 - Introduction to Representation Cinema

00:56 - Introducing Ava DuVernay: A Journey Through Storytelling

22:26 - The Role of Media in Criminalization

42:25 - The Impact of Media on the Civil Rights Movement

47:08 - The Impact of Media on Historical Narratives

01:02:07 - Exploring Themes of Identity and Transformation in Film

01:18:20 - Exploring Diversity in Film Adaptations

01:25:52 - Exploring Grief and Historical Narratives

Mentioned in this episode:

Lunchador Podcast Network

Lunchador Podcast Network is a network of podcasts originating in Rochester, NY. Our goal is bringing creative people together to be a positive force in the arts community. The shows that make up Lunchador are owned by the creators and cover a wide range of topics and backgrounds. http://lunchador.org/

Behind the Studio Door

Behind the Studio Door, hosted by Molly Darling and Christian Rivera, takes listeners on a captivating exploration of artists and their creative processes. Through deep and meaningful conversations, they uncover the stories and experiences that shape the outward expression of their work. https://behind-the-studio-door.captivate.fm/

Joe Bean Roasters

Visit joebeanroasters.com to get fresh roasted specialty coffee either by the bag or with a Perpetual Joy subscription!

Our Voices Project - Land Acknowledgement

Abolish the Hollywood Shuffle (Or How to Support Indie Filmmakers)

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 22:00:00 -0400

Borrowing the title of the satirical classic by LEGENDARY filmmaker, Robert Townsend, to break down how we watch more original films and support independent filmmakers!

Now this episode is going to look a little different. We’re taking a short break between honoring Black directors for a second to talk about something that’s been on my mind for quite some time. Hollywood continues to play in our faces when it comes to original stories. If we really love films and we really want more original stories, that means doing a little more work on our part. (Just a little!) And I’m going to take you through that right now.

Please let me know in the comments if you want more videos like this! If so, you have to let me know!

As per usual, you can find us on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Tiktok, and Threads. You can also visit ourvoicesproject.com for more information about what we do. Support the indie filmmaker you’re listening to right now by signing up for our newsletter on our website to be the first to get notifications about new podcast episodes, upcoming community screenings and panel discussions, and new film projects!

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Mentioned in this episode:

Joe Bean Roasters

Joe Bean Coffee - Coffee that lifts everyone. https://shop.joebeanroasters.com

Our Voices Project - Land Acknowledgement

Nia DaCosta: The Queen of Complex Characters

Thu, 19 Mar 2026 20:25:00 -0400

Hello pod! We are midway into Women’s History Month or as I’m calling it, BLACK Women’s History Month! We’re continuing our series giving our flowers to Black Directors!

Tonight’s episode is about Nia DaCosta, the director behind The Marvels, Hedda, the 2021 remake of the horror classic, Candyman, Little Woods, and a recent release, 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple.

Our guest tonight, from our Sinners: Black AF and Oscars Reactions episodes, is Brianna Milon, a published author, communications professional and model who blends creativity and connection in everything she does. With a background in media, public relations, and storytelling, she’s passionate about using her voice and presence to inspire and uplift others.

You can follow her on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/suunnybri

Visit ourvoicesproject.com and sign up for our newsletter for more information about what we do. We’ll be handing flowers to another Black woman director who we should be talking about. Of course, you won’t know until the show premieres so make sure you subscribe!

Chapters:

00:00 - Intro

01:38 - Exploring Nia DaCosta's Impact on Storytelling

06:24 - Exploring Complex Characters in Adaptations

17:41 - The Complexity of Hedda's Character

26:13 - Exploring the Marvels: A Deep Dive into Female Representation

35:28 - Representation and Complexity in Marvel Films

35:34 - Exploring Representation in Marvel's Ms. Marvel and Captain Marvel

41:44 - Analyzing the Social Commentary in Candyman

49:56 - Exploring the Themes of Identity and Race in Film

54:16 - Discussion on Character Complexity in Cinema

Mentioned in this episode:

Joe Bean Roasters

Joe Bean Coffee - Coffee that lifts everyone. https://shop.joebeanroasters.com

Our Voices Project - Land Acknowledgement

Nights and Weekends

Check out Nights and Weekends on Lunchador! https://feeds.captivate.fm/nightsandweekends/

BONUS EPISODE: Oscars Reactions

Tue, 17 Mar 2026 01:10:00 -0400

The Oscars were last night and WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT IT! Some of the wins, the performances, and all of the moments in between!

Our guests tonight are Cocoa Rae David, Brianna Milon, and Sandra and Ike Ntube of Two Beers Cinema Club.

Cocoa Rae David, a New York-based visual artist, curator, photographer, filmmaker, and business owner of By Cocoa Rae LLC. You can visit her website here and follow her on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/bycocoarae. She also has a studio, art gallery, and event space called Da Purp which you can follow here: https://www.instagram.com/da_purp.

Brianna Milon is a published author, communications professional and model. You can follow her on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/suunnybri.

Sandra and Ike Ntube make up the Two Beer Cinema Club, a passion project where they celebrate, review, and recommend movies and beer. They love to explore and chat about lesser seen films- from independent to international, to forgotten gems and new releases. You can follow them on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/twobeercinemaclub.

As promised in our episode, we’ve provided videos to critiques and perspectives by Black Women about One Battle After Another:

@Jouelzy’s “One Battle After Another, A White Man’s Wet Dream”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=614S7VuCzb8

Shannan E. Johnson’s “Fetishization, Race & Responsibility in Storytelling | ONE BATTLE AFTER ANOTHER (Film Analysis)”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VFvXpim_Ozo

Cannonball with Wesley Morris featuring Daphne A Brooks – “We Need to Talk About How ‘One Battle After Another’ Depicts Black Women: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=buPYKnIk8RU

Wherever you’re listening from, hit that subscribe button, and if you enjoyed today’s episode, please give us a 5-star rating, share this episode and leave a comment to let us know what you thought of the episode. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Tiktok, & Threads.

Visit ourvoicesproject.com and sign up for our newsletter for more information about what we do. Be on the lookout for not one but 2 more episodes this week honoring Black Women Directors. Throughout this month, we’re handing our flowers to filmmakers that we should be talking about—some you may have heard of and some you may not have heard of. Either way, you won’t know until the show premieres so make sure you subscribe!

Chapters:

00:08 - Intro

02:29 – Initial Oscars Reactions

08:57 – Unequitable Speech Times & The Underlying Disrespect for Non-White Film Workers

11:16 – Giving Our Flowers to Delroy Lindo

13:48 – ALL of the shade to Sean Penn

14:30 – Sinners LIVE Performance

20:58 – More Shade for Timothee Chalamet

23:05 – Variety, THE NORTH REMEMBERS

24:42 – Oscar Wins

30:12 - The Influence of Ryan Coogler

35:34 – Avatar Winning Best Visual Effects

42:09 – Political Speeches

47:55 – Final Thoughts

Mentioned in this episode:

Connections with Evan Dawson

Connections with Evan Dawson - Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts!

Connections

Our Voices Project - Land Acknowledgement

Joe Bean Roasters

Joe Bean Coffee - Coffee that lifts everyone. https://shop.joebeanroasters.com

Robert Townsend: Storytelling Legend & Black Cinema Pioneer

Thu, 12 Mar 2026 02:15:00 -0400

Tonight’s episode is about the legendary, movie pioneer, Robert Townsend, the actor, comedian, writer, and director behind Meteor Man, The Five Heartbeats, Hollywood Shuffle, Up Up and Away, B.A.P.S., The Mighty Quinn, and Little Richard (2000).

Our guest is Aishat Oduola-Owoo, a Nigerian immigrant and lifelong lover of Black film and television. Growing up in a semi-strict household, family-friendly shows like The Parent ‘Hood—her introduction to the brilliance of Robert Townsend—became formative touchstones. Inspired by stories her father shared about Cooley High and the cultural legacy it held for African men migrating to America, Aishat developed a deep curiosity for Black cinematic history. Through thoughtful conversation and cultural reflection, she explores Black storytelling, legacy, and joy—one frame at a time.

You can follow Aishat on https://www.instagram.com/sheknewnothing and also follow her podcast account (https://www.instagram.com/_skndeep) as well as listen in on Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/skndeep/id1329428296

Wherever you’re listening from, hit that subscribe button, give us a 5-star rating, share this episode and leave a comment to let us know what you thought of tonight’s episode. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok & Threads.

Visit ourvoicesproject.com and sign up for our newsletter (https://ourvoicesproject.us14.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=0975cb4063cade8f361060fda&id=81139d3995) for more information about what we do. We’ll be back with more episodes every Thursday with old and newly released movies that center Black, Brown, and Indigenous folks, general movie news, and interviews with film festival programmers/curators, film critics, and filmmakers!

Next week continues our series on Black filmmakers –their stories and contributions to cinema. We’re handing flowers to filmmakers that we should be talking about—some you may have heard of and some you may not have heard of. Either way, you won’t know until the show premieres so make sure you subscribe!

Chapters:

00:00 - Intro

03:07 – Legend, Pioneer, Icon.

05:59 – Hollywood Shuffle & The Struggles Of Being a Black Working Actor

36:43 - Meteor Man: The Reluctant Hero, Being An Example, and The Love Of Community

01:04:28 – The Five Heartbeats: A Masterclass in Drama and Displaying Brotherhood

01:33:18 – B.A.P.S.: Sisterhood and the Power Behind Being Truly Seen

01:53:45 – Our Words for Robert Townsend

01:56:28 – Where You Can Follow & Support Aishat

01:58:01 - Outro

Mentioned in this episode:

Our Voices Project - Land Acknowledgement

It’s A Lot

Check out It’s A Lot on Lunchador! https://feeds.captivate.fm/itsalot/

Dialed In: A Coffee Podcast

Get Dialed In to the world of coffee with Aaron and Wade! Tastings, coffee news and opinion and more! https://dialedincoffee.captivate.fm

Sam Pollard: Documenting Black American Life

Thu, 19 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Hello pod! It is Day 19 of Black History Month and we’re continuing our series giving our flowers to Black Directors! Tonight’s episode is about the documentary filmmaker, Sam Pollard, the director behind MLK/FBI, The League, Lowndes County and the Road to Black Power, Black Art: In the Absence of Light and the docuseries Atlanta’s Missing and Murdered: The Lost Children.

Our guest is Christopher Rush, a Rochester native who is deeply invested in the success of underrepresented communities in Rochester. He serves the community as a part of the Rochester Monroe Anti-Poverty Initiative (RMAPI) supporting organizations and individuals committed to creating conditions for upward mobility in Rochester and Monroe County. Chris is a documentary filmmaker and also the host of the CRUSH HOUR on WAYO 104.3 FM connecting with leaders working to make Rochester a better place.

Subscribe and listen to Christopher’s Show, Crush Hour on WAYO 104.3 FM, here: https://wayofm.org/shows/crush-hour. You can follow him on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/_rushunlimited and follow his show on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/_crushhour

If you’re watching on YouTube, make sure you hit that subscribe button. Wherever you’re listening from, hit that subscribe button, give us a 5-star rating, share this episode and leave a comment to let us know what you thought of tonight’s episode. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, & Threads.

Chapters:

00:00 – Intro

02:16 – Giving Sam Pollard His Flowers

06:18 – MLK/FBI (2020)

27:39 – The League (2023)

46:10 – Lowndes County and the Road to Black Power (2022)

59:59 – Black Art: In the Absence of Light (2021)

Mentioned in this episode:

Our Voices Project - Land Acknowledgement

Behind the Glass

Behind the Glass, hosted by Richard B Colón and Quajay Donnell, is a monthly talk with the current month’s BTG Roster. Artists are interviewed about their submissions and we dive deep into their process, inspiration and thought process centralized around their artwork in the Behind the Glass Gallery located in the heart of Downtown Rochester NY. https://behind-the-glass-gallery.captivate.fm/

Peter Ramsey: From Sketch to Screen

Thu, 12 Feb 2026 23:15:00 -0400

Hello pod! Today is Day 10 of Black History Month and we’re continuing our series giving our flowers to Black Directors.

Tonight’s episode is about Peter Ramsey, the director behind Rise of the Guardians and Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. While awards and accolades are nice, we don’t center them as a reference to validate and instead look to filmmakers as the artists that they are, the deeper messages and takeaways that come through the characterization, direction, writing, and overall structure, the way that Black folks are portrayed onscreen, and the thought and effort with which they approach storytelling. This, for us, is what makes a filmmaker stand out, and it’s why we wanted to talk about Peter Ramsey – the storyboard artist-director.

Visit ourvoicesproject.com and sign up for our newsletter for more information about what we do. We’ll be back with more episodes every Thursday with old and newly released movies that center Black, Brown, and Indigenous folks, general movie news, and interviews with film festival programmers/curators, film critics, and filmmakers!

Mentioned in this episode:

Dialed In: A Coffee Podcast

Get Dialed In to the world of coffee with Aaron and Wade! Tastings, coffee news and opinion and more! https://dialedincoffee.captivate.fm

Our Voices Project - Land Acknowledgement

Joe Bean Roasters

Joe Bean Coffee - Coffee that lifts everyone. https://shop.joebeanroasters.com

Connections with Evan Dawson

Connections with Evan Dawson - Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts!

Connections

Jordan Peele: Black Horror & Fighting Monsters

Thu, 05 Feb 2026 20:30:00 -0400

Happy Black History Month pod! Throughout February and March, we’re going to be talking about Black Directors who deserve their flowers. With all of the talk about the amount of snubs Ryan Coogler and Nia DaCosta are getting, which is pretty on brand for Hollywood if you ask us (but we digress), we wanted to spend time talking about the filmmakers who inspire us and are creating incredible films.

Tonight, we’re talking about Jordan Peele, the director behind Get Out, Us, and Nope. While awards and accolades are nice, we don’t center them as a reference to validate and instead look to filmmakers as the artists that they are, the deeper messages and takeaways that come through the characterization, direction, writing, and overall structure, the way that Black folks are portrayed onscreen, and the thought and effort with which they approach storytelling. This, for us, is what makes a filmmaker stand out, and it’s why we wanted to talk about Jordan Peele – the storyteller.

Returning back to the podcast is Taurus Savant. Taurus is a queer Black artist, singer/songwriter, composer, published author, and community advocate that moves in steely resolve in the names of authenticity, perseverance, and audacity.

You can follow Taurus on Instagram at www.instagram.com/taurussavant and listen to his songs and support his work on Bandcamp at https://taurussavant.bandcamp.com.

Chapters:

00:00 - Intro

01:46 – Giving Jordan Peele His Flowers

11:06 - The Horror in Everyday Life

17:41 - The Concept of the Sunken Place

21:39 - Discussion of Themes in 'Get Out'

31:25 - The Tension of Anticipation: Cop Cars and Audience Reactions

36:58 - Transition to 'Us': Initial Reactions

45:43 - Exploring the Duality of Characters

55:50 - The Influence of Music in Horror Film

01:01:21 - Dynamic Duo: Exploring Sibling Relationships in Nope

01:03:38 - The Opening Scene in ‘Nope’

01:11:44 - The Spectacle and Its Consequences

01:17:31 - Exploring the Impact of Jordan Peele's Films

Mentioned in this episode:

Joe Bean Roasters

Joe Bean Coffee - Coffee that lifts everyone. https://shop.joebeanroasters.com

Our Voices Project - Land Acknowledgement

Nights and Weekends

Check out Nights and Weekends on Lunchador! https://feeds.captivate.fm/nightsandweekends/

Oscar Nominations & Predictions

Thu, 29 Jan 2026 15:52:00 -0400

Y’all, the Oscar Nominations are OUT and we have a BUNCH of things that we want to cover—the nominees, the snubs, and everything else in between!

You can follow along with the list of Oscar Nominations here: https://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/2026. There’s a printable ballot here: https://www.thegoldknight.com/2026/01/oscars-2026-download-our-printable.html

Joining me to talk about all of this and more is Arnita Heathington. Follow Anita on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/theoryofbeneficence

Arnita is a passionate media professional and an up-and-coming television development executive. She has gained valuable experience working in content-focused and production settings across the U.S. and the U.K. Currently, she is excitedly completing her MSc in Media and Communications at the London School of Economics, where she explores audiences, identity, and how entertainment media shape culture.

Arnita is also the creator of Theory of Beneficence, a media analysis platform where she explores film and television through storytelling, character, and audience impact, with a special focus on how Black women are positioned within narratives. Her work encourages meaningful conversations about why certain stories connect with us, how development choices influence perceptions, and what it truly means to feel seen on screen.

With her background in newsroom operations, project management, and media production, Arnita is passionate about exploring how audience insights, creative development, and original programming come together. She’s excited about building a career focused on how stories are crafted, how audiences engage with them, and the powerful role of thoughtful storytelling in shaping culture.

Mentioned in this episode:

Joe Bean Roasters

Joe Bean Coffee - Coffee that lifts everyone. https://shop.joebeanroasters.com

2026 Movie Preview

Thu, 22 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0400

It’s a NEW YEAR which means new movies and it’s January so that also means upcoming award shows. Oscar nominations are coming up next week and we’re going to be diving into that on our next episode so again make sure you’re following us to get updated on that because depending on how that goes, I’m going to have A LOT to say. If SINNERS is not up for Best Picture, we RIDE AT DAWN!

ANYWAY—

Tonight, let’s talk about the movies that are coming out this year - some of the blockbuster films, some more independent films coming out, and then how to watch the TRULY indie films (the ones without agents, without a studio backing—how to see films by filmmakers like us).

Tiffany Nicholas is an avid movie watcher, a casual art maker, and the number one fan of the 2002 Dreamworks movie, Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron. She has a lot of opinions about a lot of things (especially movies) and despite knowing that these opinions are not objective facts, she will argue about them as if they are.

You can follow Tiffany on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/waffleyoriginal and check out her Etsy store at https://www.etsy.com/shop/WaffleyOriginal.

Christopher Rush is a Rochester native who is deeply invested in the success of underrepresented communities in Rochester. He serves the community as a part of the Rochester Monroe Anti-Poverty Initiative (RMAPI) supporting organizations and individuals committed to creating conditions for upward mobility in Rochester and Monroe County. Chris is also the host of the CRUSH HOUR on WAYO 104.3 FM connecting with leaders working to make Rochester a better place.

You can follow Christopher at https://www.instagram.com/_crushhour.

Listen to the CRUSH HOUR at https://wayofm.org/shows/crush-hour.

Learn more about the Rochester Monroe Anti-Poverty Initiative (RMAPI) and how to get involved here: https://rmapiny.org/

Want to support independent filmmakers? Start with your local film festivals! If you live in Rochester, go support the following film festivals by following their social media pages and signing up for their mailing lists:

■ Anomaly Film Festival: https://www.anomalyfilmfest.com/

■ One Take Film Festival: https://thelittle.org/one-take/

■ Witness Palestine Film Festival: https://www.wpff.us/

■ ImageOUT Film Festival: https://imageout.org/

■ Rochester International Film Festival: https://rochesterfilmfest.org/

■ Rochester Teen Film Festival: https://www.wxxi.org/projects/rochester-teen-film-festival/

Mentioned in this episode:

Joe Bean Roasters

Joe Bean Coffee - Coffee that lifts everyone. https://shop.joebeanroasters.com

Our Voices Project - Land Acknowledgement

Screams & Social Justice: Analyzing the Politics of Horror

Thu, 30 Oct 2025 07:00:00 -0400

On this Representation in Cinema podcast episode, we delve into the intricate relationship between horror films and social justice, featuring a discussion with Professor Kathy Simon, who has developed an online course entitled "Screams and Social Justice: Analyzing the Politics of Horror," that you can now enroll in. Central to our discourse is the assertion that horror serves not merely as entertainment but also as a profound reflection of societal anxieties and cultural narratives, particularly those relevant to Black, Brown, and Indigenous communities. Throughout the episode, we explore various thematic elements present in horror cinema, including class, gender, and the role of technology, while emphasizing the necessity for more nuanced and complex portrayals of characters within the genre. Furthermore, we highlight the significance of community engagement and ongoing dialogue regarding these critical issues as participants share their insights and reflections on the films discussed. Ultimately, this episode aims to illuminate the power of horror as a vehicle for social commentary, encouraging listeners to engage deeply with the narratives that shape our understanding of contemporary societal challenges.

Takeaways:

The podcast episode emphasizes the importance of representation in cinema, particularly focusing on black, brown, and indigenous peoples' narratives.
The discussion highlights the new online course titled 'Screams and Social Justice', which analyzes the intersection of horror films and social issues.
Listeners are encouraged to participate in upcoming screenings that engage with themes of black culture, community building, and black women's protection.
The hosts explore how horror films can serve as a commentary on societal fears and anxieties, reflecting broader cultural messages.
The episode discusses the significance of complex character portrayals in horror films, advocating for deeper representations of black characters.
Kathy Simon's course aims to equip students with tools to critically analyze horror films and create their own scripts reflecting contemporary social issues.

Links referenced in this episode:

Course information and link: https://kathy-simon-s-school.teachable.com/p/screams-social-justice-analyzing-the-politics-of-horror
Our Voices Project website: ourvoicesproject.com
Want to be on the podcast? Send us an email at inforvoicesproject.com
Join us at one of our screenings of Being Black in America and register for FREE here: bit.ly/bbia

For any questions about the course, you can contact Kathy at thehorrorprof@gmail.com.

Mentioned in this episode:

Behind the Glass

Podcast and gallery focusing on underrepresented artists utilize the space to amplify their work. Curated by @Richardbcolon @qua.jay. Check out the podcast or join them in person first Fridays at 240 E Main St, Rochester, NY! https://behind-the-glass-gallery.captivate.fm

Our Voices Project - Land Acknowledgement

¡Presente! Latin Film Fest

Thu, 30 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0400

We're talking about the ¡Presente! Latin Film Fest at the George Eastman Museum, commencing on September 17th. As we delve into this crucial initiative, we engage with Jason Barber, whose extensive background in the arts and commitment to representation in cinema make him an invaluable contributor to this conversation. The series aims to illuminate the significant impact of Latino and Latinx artists within the cinematic landscape, offering a platform to explore their narratives and contributions. Throughout our dialogue, we will also reflect on the broader implications of representation in film, particularly in light of current socio-political climates affecting marginalized communities. Through this series, we aspire to foster a deeper understanding of the richness and diversity inherent in Latin cinema, while simultaneously advocating for authentic representation and storytelling.

Links referenced in this episode:

Latin Film Fest: eastman.org/latinfilmseries
IBERO Rochester: https://www.ibero.org/
Poder 97.1 FM: https://www.ibero.org/poder/
International Plaza: https://www.cityofrochester.gov/departments/department-recreation-and-human-services-drhs/international-plaza

Mentioned in this episode:

Our Voices Project - Land Acknowledgement

Food About Town

Food About Town hosted by Chris Lindstrom, focusing on restaurants, food and drink of all kinds, and whatever topics I want to cover! https://foodabouttown.captivate.fm/

Lunchador Podcast Network

One Of Them Days

Thu, 30 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0400

On this podcast episode, we're talkin about the film "One of Them Days" and discussing intricacies of Black women's representation in cinema and the profound themes of sisterhood and community care that permeate the narrative.

Our esteemed co-host, Dr. Katrina Overby, joins me, Jackie McGriff, to delve into the film's portrayal of two best friends, Dreux and Alyssa, as they navigate the precarious situation of evading eviction while embodying resilience and camaraderie. Throughout our dialogue, we engage with three remarkable guests, Erica Jae, Cocoa Rae David, and Dominique Simmonds, who illuminate the significance of their work and its intersection with the film's themes. As we analyze the film's narrative structure and character dynamics, we aim to highlight the vital conversations surrounding representation in popular media. Listeners can anticipate an insightful exploration of how "One of Them Days" encapsulates the essence of Black culture, friendship, and the enduring strength found within community ties.

Links referenced in this episode:

Caribago Creative (Photography + Videography): https://www.caribagocreative.com/
Island Wraps Restaurant: https://www.islandwraps2go.com/
Black Women Is Art, Curated by Erica Jae, coming in 2026: https://www.instagram.com/thebwiaproject/
Katrina is a DJ! DJ KO spinning on Thursday nights at 7-10pm at Sidebar: https://www.instagram.com/sidebarroc
By Cocoa Rae - Photographer + Event Space: https://www.cocoa-rae.com
Blk Haus Boutique: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61571782587822&sk=about
Our Voices Project Website: ourvoicesproject.com
Would you like to be a guest on our podcast? Email us at inforvoicesproject.com.

Mentioned in this episode:

Our Voices Project - Land Acknowledgement

Behind the Glass

Sinners: The Black AF Episode

Tue, 20 May 2025 14:30:00 -0400

It’s Jackie McGriff, your host on today’s Representation in Cinema episode for another deep dive into the film, Sinners!

That’s right this is PART TWO of our talk on Sinners, so if you didn’t listen to the first episode, we highly recommend listening to that one on our website at ourvoicesproject.com/podcast or any where you listen to your favorite podcasts - Spotify, Apple, all of them! We’re calling it our Black as YOU KNOW WHAT or Black AF episode because it had to be US breaking this movie down - thanks again to Ryan Coogler, the team at Proximity Media, and cast and crew for this one. This film is truly a gift!

SO, if you haven’t watched the film already, you can watch it in theaters now—please go see it in IMAX NOW! We encourage you to watch it and then come back to listen to our podcast. From here on out though, we’ll be discussing the film in depth so SPOILERS AHEAD and as always, you have been warned.

HUGE THANK YOU to our guests joining us in the studio and virtually, Cocoa Rae David, CaTyra Polland, Brianna Milon, Hernease Davis, Heather Thompson, Iasia Lorick, and DJ T.A.G.O.E.

CaTyra Polland is a published author, editor, copywriter, poet, speaker, Founder/CEO of Love For Words and the creator of National Black Authors Day. She's an essayist for Christopher Coles who's being honored along with CaTyra on May 19 at 6:30pm at the George Eastman Museum. It's free to attend and every guest gets a copy of the book. You can register for the book launch and panel discussion at https://www.eastman.org/event/free-all-talks-special-events/moment-revolution-reckoning-reparation-volume-3.

She's also co-hosting a virtual Masterclass with Write, Edit, Publish for those who are looking to publish a book on June 7 at 1pm ET/10am PT. You can register here: https://winnpublications.com/write-edit-publish-a-self-publishing-masterclass. Purchase your ticket before the price goes up on June 3!

You can follow CaTyra at @catyrapolland on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn as well as her business page Love For Words on Facebook and LinkedIn.

DJ. T.A.G.O.E. is a Raleigh-based DJ, who seeks to bring community together through music and dance, blended with collective education rooted in history and liberation-based politics. Follow him on Instagram and Tiktok at @djtagoe.

Brianna Milon is a published author, communications professional, and model who blends creativity and connection in everything she does. With a background in media, public relations, and storytelling, she’s passionate about using her voice and presence to inspire and uplift others. You can follow Bri on Instagram at @suunnybri.

Cocoa Rae David is a New York-based visual artist, curator, photographer, award-winning filmmaker, and business owner of By Cocoa Rae LLC and Da Purp. You can also find her on all social media platforms at @bycocoarae. She’s currently raising money to make her studio and art space for accessible for creatives and artists. You can donate monetarily or in-kind with studio needs like camera and lighting equipment and/or yoga mats by visiting https://checkout.square.site/merchant/MLTR86SCCSSKM/checkout/U2TDPNZWTRWMOQ4XBQM4IMSK OR contacting Cocoa at info@cocoa-rae.com.

Hernease Davis is a photo-based artist and curator born and raised in South Los Angeles with roots in Southern Louisiana. Her practice is spurred by her curiosity about process, one’s psychological nature and the meaningful connections made possible through art when individual complexities are acknowledged and welcomed. You can find her on Instagram at @hernease and follow her at https://www.herneasedavis.com. Follow the work that she and other artists do at Visual Studies Workshop at @visualstudiesworkshop on all social media platforms and https://www.vsw.org.

Heather Thompson is a psychology student and mother. She’s in the process of making a mockumentary– we will keep you updated on the progress of that project!

Iasia Lorick is a filmmaker.

If you’d like to be a guest on our podcast, you can email us at info@ourvoicesproject.com. Please note that while we welcome all, we prioritize hearing from Black, Brown, and Indigenous folks especially since this podcast is about highlighting the films telling authentic and multifaceted stories of Black, Brown, and Native peoples.

Mentioned in this episode:

Behind the Glass

Behind the Studio Door

Our Voices Project - Land Acknowledgement

Sinners: Part 1

Wed, 14 May 2025 22:30:00 -0400

A film so good we had to make TWO PARTS! This is the first episode doing a deep dive into Sinners with co-hosts, Jackie McGriff and Courtney Shouse.

Sinners is a horror/adventure film written and directed by Ryan Coogler starring Michael B Jordan playing twin brothers – Smoke and Stack – returning to their home in the Mississippi Delta in 1932 to start a Juke joint. In reuniting with family, friends, and neighbors, they gather a crew of entertainers, one of them being their younger cousin, Sammie–played by newcomer Miles Caton–who has an incredible talent that not only brings people together, but also attracts an evil force that dares to rip all of that apart. The film also stars Wunmi Mosaku, Omar Miller, Delroy Lindo, and Hailee Steinfeld.

SO, if you haven’t watched the film already, you can watch it in theaters now—please go see it in IMAX when it comes back on May 15! We encourage you to watch it and then come back to listen to our podcast. From here on out though, we’ll be discussing the film in depth so SPOILERS AHEAD and as always, you have been warned.

HUGE THANK YOU to our guests, CaTyra Polland, Muna Najib, and DJ T.A.G.O.E.

She's also co-hosting a virtual Masterclass with Write, Edit, Publish for those who are looking to publish a book on June 7 at 1pm ET/10am PT. You can register here: https://winnpublications.com/write-edit-publish-a-self-publishing-masterclass/. Purchase your ticket before the price goes up on June 3! You can follow CaTyra at @catyrapolland on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn as well as her business page Love For Words on Facebook and LinkedIn.

Muna Najib is a Palestinian activist, writer, speaker, and educator. She wants everyone to go see The Encampments film and any film related to authentic narratives about Palestinians and the Palestinian movement film if it's playing at a theater near you! If you're local to Rochester, follow The Little Theatre and The Witness Palestine Film Festival - these two organizations have been making sure that Palestinians are heard and seen onscreen!

Be sure to follow @speakup_4palestine on Instagram!

Book Referenced: Africanisms in American Culture by Joseph E. Holloway

Mentioned in this episode:

Punches & Popcorn

The masters of Couch Potato style Mike Huntone, Jason Bills, and Dr. Dominic D’Amore take a deep dive into the best and worst of martial arts films. https://punches-and-popcorn.captivate.fm/

Our Voices Project - Land Acknowledgement

No Other Land

Sat, 26 Apr 2025 15:14:00 -0400

Today, we're discussing the Oscar-Award winning documentary film, No Other Land, with First Generation Palestinian social justice activist, writer, speaker, and educator, Muna Najib.

No Other Land is a documentary that centers Palestinian activist Basel Adra, who records the destruction of his hometown, Masafer Yatta in the Occupied West Bank, by Israeli forces aiming to turn the area into a military training zone; the film highlights the harsh reality of displacement faced by Palestinians, with Adra documenting the demolitions of homes, schools, and the filling of water wells with cement, all while forming an unlikely bond with Israeli journalist Yuval Abraham who helps him document his struggle against the occupation.

The film is co-directed by Palestinians and Israelis, Basel Adra, Yuval Abraham, Hamdan Ballal, and Rachel Szor. No Other Land was awarded Best Documentary Feature at the Oscars back in February this year and still doesn’t have a US distributor. In more recent news, on top of the genocide that continues to unfold in Palestine perpetuated by the Israeli government—and by extension the United States as well as other Western powers—Hamdan Ballal was attacked by Israeli citizens and is now currently recovering. “Israel” has continued to bombard Gaza and arm its citizens terrorizing Palestinians living in the West Bank—including Masafer Yatta—on top of committing many additional war crimes against the Palestinians.

Please note that the events in the film happen before October 2023. It’s all part of a larger campaign to occupy and ethnically cleanse Indigenous Palestinians from their lands.

SO, if you haven’t watched the film already, it's now available to stream at https://supportmasaferyatta.com until May 9 as part of a fundraiser. We encourage you to donate, watch it and then come back to listen to our podcast. From here on out though, we’ll be discussing the film in depth so SPOILERS AHEAD and as always, you have been warned.

Muna Najib is a first-generation Palestinian social justice activist, writer, speaker and educator. She has been advocating and teaching about Palestine and other marginalized communities for well over a decade. She is a graduate of University at Buffalo with a degree in English, Third world literature and African American studies. She believes in fighting for full land back for all indigenous peoples which includes Palestine’s full liberation and sovereignty from the river to the sea.

Clip Referenced: https://youtu.be/3gzo7PiFiaM?si=JdoEpz-1O8UjPFDc&t=36

Links referenced in this episode:

Our Voices Project: https://ourvoicesproject.com/
Dogwoof Releasing: https://releasing.dogwoof.com/no-other-land
Palestine Film Institute: palestinefilminstitute.org
Witness Palestine Film Festival: https://wpff.us/
Reel Bad Arabs (Documentary): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TPxak6lFd-I
Kanopy - Palestinian Films: https://www.kanopy.com/en/category/14590

Mentioned in this episode:

Our Voices Project - Land Acknowledgement

Mind of Magnus

Check out Mind of Magnus at magnusapollo.com, and leave him factoids at 585-310-2473! https://mind-of-magnus.captivate.fm

The Six Triple Eight

Wed, 09 Apr 2025 23:46:00 -0400

Hello listeners – we are BACK in the studio after a bit of hiatus! It’s Jackie McGriff, your host on today’s podcast episode where we’re diving into the film, The Six Triple Eight!

In the studio today, we have Bryan and Tam Little. Bryan Little is a producer and founder of DREAMINCOLOR International Creator Sessions, a monthly virtual gathering that connects Black, Brown, and People of Color entertainment professionals to global opportunities through networking, showcasing, peer connection, and professional development.

Tam Little is an award-winning filmmaker, conference speaker, and passionate storyteller dedicated to uplifting the voices of women and people of color in film. She is the director and producer of MOVE, a powerful documentary centered on the tragic mass shooting at a Boys and Girls Club in Rochester, NY. The film explores not only the heartbreaking loss of innocent young men, but also the resilience of a community that chose to respond with action, healing, and hope.

Bryan and Tam are the founders and hosts of DREAM IN COLOR INTERNATIONAL, a global platform that amplifies the stories and celebrates the voices of Black storytellers and changemakers of color, creating a supportive community to learn, grow, and be inspired. Be sure to catch their next virtual meetup on Thursday, April 10 at 7pm EST with Avril Speaks, Netflix Showrunner of Files of the Unexplained. RSVP here.

You can listen to previous episodes on Spotify or wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts. You can also learn more about our films on our website at https://www.ourvoicesproject.com. If you’d like to be a guest on our podcast, you can email us at info@ourvoicesproject.com. Please note that while we welcome all, we prioritize hearing from Black, Brown, and Indigenous folks especially since this podcast is about highlighting the films telling authentic and multifaceted stories of Black, Brown, and Native peoples.

Mentioned in this episode:

Refined Taste with Dario & Chris

Weekly Live show where comedians Dario Joseph and Chris Thompson talk and laugh with representatives of Rochester, New York’s food and drink scene.

Refined Taste - Cripsy Comedy at Crisp!

Check out Dario and Chris from Refined Taste and other guest comics at CRIPS 3/7! https://www.eventbrite.com/e/crispy-comedy-stand-up-at-crisp-rochester-tickets-814152982487

Our Voices Project - Land Acknowledgement

Being Black in America: Part 2

Mon, 02 Dec 2024 12:07:00 -0400

Hello listeners! It’s Jackie McGriff, your host on today’s podcast episode where we’re diving into our film, Being Black in America with more of our storytellers. Yes, this is PART TWO! If you haven’t already listened to Part 1, please go do so. You can catch that episode and all of our other podcast episodes anywhere that you get your podcasts.

If this is your first time listening, two things – the first is HEYYYYY and the second is Being Black in America is our latest short documentary film where we show an array of different thoughts and attitudes behind Blackness and what it means to everyone on a personal level by asking one central question, What does being Black in America mean to you? It’s a question that’s asked in so many ways on screen indirectly and never seen as a conversation amongst ourselves but directly at the camera to a general audience. This film, however, turns that on its head and makes the audience a bystander, not a participant.

Today's episode features the second half of our storytellers featured in the film: Tiffany Porter, Kim Smith, Tiffany Porter, Dr. Katrina Overby, and Gabrielle Brannigan. We get into a whole lot about Black identity, intersectionality, and how Black folks, especially Black women and queer folks are portrayed in the media, and our history like you haven't heard it before and the importance of teaching that history RIGHT.

As it's referenced in the podcast, be sure to check out Dr. Katrina Overby's thesis, Doin’ It for the Culture: Defining Blackness, Culture, and Identity on Black Twitter: https://www.proquest.com/docview/2305527251?pq-origsite=gscholar&fromopenview=true&sourcetype=Dissertations%20&%20Theses

You can also read her latest in the intersectional feminist journal, "Gatherings", The Familiar Feels Like Family: A Black Feminists' Approach to Placemaking and Gathering for Black Women in the Academy: https://fisherpub.sjf.edu/gatherings/vol1/iss1/5/.

Want to host a screening and talkback of Being Black in America? Visit https://www.ourvoicesproject.com/hostbbia and fill out our screening interest form. We’d LOVE to bring our film to you to create brave and safe spaces for unfiltered discussions about Blackness, host panels with Black community leaders, activists, students, and entrepreneurs committed to racial equity and pushing for real change with action items.

Being Black in America

Mon, 15 Jul 2024 14:08:00 -0400

On today’s podcast episode, we get into one of our very own films, Being Black in America.

This is the first time we’re doing this on the podcast – the first of many episodes where we interview folks involved in our productions. Being Black in America is our latest short documentary film where we show an array of different thoughts and attitudes behind Blackness and what it means to everyone on a personal level by asking one central question, What does being Black in America mean to you? It’s a question that’s asked in so many ways on screen indirectly and never seen as a conversation amongst ourselves but directly at the camera to a general audience. This film, however, turns that on its head and makes the audience a bystander, not a participant.

Our guests today are Ann Marie St. Rose, Evelyn Holmes, and Taurus Savant! Listen to them talk about their experiences filming and dive deeper into thoughts shared in the film and expanding a little bit further into what they didn't get to talk about on screen.

You can read more information about this film and how to host a screening on our website at ourvoicesproject.com/black-in-america. We’d love to bring our film to you along with our storytellers to get to know them as well as dive deeper into topics discussed in the film and beyond.

Monkey Man w/Kristen Seversky and Punches & Popcorn

Wed, 10 Jul 2024 09:17:00 -0400

JACKIE MCGRIFF and KRISTEN SEVERSKY, one of the most prominent voices for film, tech, and social justice in our community join the Punches and Popcorn team for an exciting talk about Monkey Man, a thrilling new film by Dev Patel!

Frybread Face and Me

Sat, 02 Mar 2024 23:40:00 -0400

Frybread Face and Me is a 2023 American coming-of-age drama film written and directed by Billy Luther. It follows the story of a young boy named Benny who comes from San Diego to spend the summer with his Navajo “Dine” grandmother on her reservation in Arizona. There he meets and bonds with his cousin Frybread Face, and the film explores their family’s legacy and their personalities as they try to make sense of the world around them and the people that they may become. Angelina Hilton, Maureen Connell, and Casey Magaris join us on the podcast to discuss complex family relationships, gender, and culture to name a few themes.

Angelina Hilton is an enrolled member of the Sac and Fox Nation of Missouri in Kansas and Nebraska, a devoted wife and mother, an emerging artist, and the visionary behind Native Made. At its core, Native Made exists to increase Indigenous visibility. Her initiative offers marketing and other services for Indigenous entrepreneurs. Angelina is on the Indigenous Advisory Sub Committee for Indigenous People’s Day Committee and a volunteer with the Indigenous Health Coalition with Common Ground. She values family involvement and balances work with passions like photography and writing. Angelina's journey embodies cultural ties, family commitment, and advocacy. As a wife, mother, artist, and activist, she inspires inclusivity and positive change. Discover more at nativemadehq.com and connect at nativemadehq@gmail.com.

Maureen Connell is Indigenous Mexican and Spanish and is part of the LGBTQIA+ community. She was born in Mexico City, Mexico and moved to Rochester, New York when she was 7 years old. Maureen earned a Master's Degree in clinical Psychology while living in Seattle, Washington where she practiced mental health therapy. She also practiced in Barrow, Alaska, and Lake Havasu, Arizona before returning to Rochester, NY in 2016 where she worked as a dual diagnosis therapist at Evelyn Brandon with a focus on women and trauma. However, after years of working for clinics that did not address Indigenous/ Native American healthcare in a holistic way, in 2017, Maureen stepped away from clinical work with a personal desire to help raise awareness of this inequity. In 2021, along with Casey Magaris, Maureen started the first Indigenous/ Native American Employee Resource Group at Excellus Blue Cross Blue Shield. She is also a member of the steering committee of the Indigenous Health Coalition through Common Ground Health Initiative.

Casey Magaris has worked in the healthcare and insurance fields for over 20 years. Along with Maureen Connell, Casey created the Indigenous Employee Resource group with Excellus Blue Cross Blue Shield. She is a member of the steering committee of the Indigenous Health Coalition through Common Ground Health Initiative, and a staunch advocate for health equity among the Haudenosaunee. Casey is an enrolled member of the Akwesasne Mohawk tribe and a proud descendent of residential school survivors. In her free time, Casey enjoys time with family, beadworking and crafting.

The Representation in Cinema podcast is hosted by Our Voices Project. We are a production company committed to embracing identity, celebrating resiliency, and promoting visibility through uplifting the voices and sharing the lived experiences of Black, Brown, and Indigenous Peoples through our films, Representation in Cinema podcast episodes, and live panel discussions.

You can learn more about Our Voices Project at www.ourvoicesproject.com. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Follow Representation in Cinema and listen to all of our podcast episodes anywhere you listen to your favorite podcasts! Subscribe to mailing list to be the first to hear about new projects, upcoming events, and new podcast episodes!

We Took A Year Off. Here's What We've Been Up To!

Tue, 30 Jan 2024 20:00:00 -0400

It's been a full year since our last podcast recording and, in this episode, we talk about all of the life changes happening and all of the projects and events that we've been working on with Our Voices Project ever since.

You can view information about all of our films at www.ourvoicesproject.com/projects. We are happy to announce that 3 of our films are available for screenings and panel discussions. Be sure to visit the pages for Identity, This is My Grandmother, and Being Black in America to fill out our screening interest forms to learn how you can host a screening at your local library, college/university, theater, community center, place of worship, Boardroom, or virtual space. Once you fill out a form, we will reach out to you with information about investment and availability.

We'd love to share our films with you!

Additionally, as expressed in this episode, we always stand on the side of marginalized and oppressed folks, so it's Free Palestine until it's backwards. For resources on updates coming out of Gaza and the West bank and on the history of the occupation of Palestine, you can visit our page here: Palestine.

Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Tiktok, and YouTube. You can also sign up for our newsletter to get information about upcoming projects, screenings, and new podcast episodes!

Announcing the Lunchador Podcast Network!

Mon, 29 Jan 2024 06:00:00 -0400

Announcing the Lunchador Podcast Network!Lunchador co-founders Matt Austin and Chris Lindstrom talk about the new Lunchador Podcast Network, bringing you the best in arts, culture and more from Western NY!

www.lunchador.org

Latinx Representation and The Legacy of Edward James Olmos

Sat, 01 Apr 2023 20:33:00 -0400

Jason Barber, Cuban American educator and artist, joins the podcast to discuss the legacy of actor, activist and LEGEND Edward James Olmos and Latinx representation in discussing the films: Mi Familia, El Norte, Selena, Zoot Suit, and The Ballad of Gregorio Cortez.

Jason Barber is a Cuban American educator and artist with over a decade of experience in Rochester’s arts and non-for-profit sectors. As an active public artist in Rochester, he has served in many roles for a variety of Rochester’s art institutions– Rochester Brainery, Oxford Gallery, Memorial Art Gallery, Wall\Therapy, and the Yards Art Collective. He currently sits on the development and outreach boards for Roc Art United, Latinx Art Council, and Catholic Charities of Rochester, and teaches art at the Academy of Health and Science. Mr. Barber’s presentation will explore the impacts that Latino/Latinx artists are having in Rochester through their murals and public art works. He is also a massive film lover with an encyclopedia’s worth of knowledge in cinema.

Host: Jackie McGriff

Co-Host: Deborah Alvarez

You can learn more about Our Voices Project at www.ourvoicesproject.com. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.Follow Representation in Cinema and listen to all of our podcast episodes anywhere you listen to your favorite podcasts! Subscribe to mailing list to be the first to hear about new projects, upcoming events, and new podcast episodes!

This episode of Representation in Cinema was recorded at the Food About Town studio.

Song: "You are so money"

Written by: Matthew Wigton

Performed by: Falls

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Indian Horse

Fri, 23 Dec 2022 04:02:26 -0400

Indian Horse is the story of Saul Indian Horse, a young Canadian First Nations boy who survives the Canadian Indian residential school system in the 1970s to become a star hockey player. The film is based on the novel of the same name by Richard Wagamese. Indian Horse stars Sladen Peltier, Forrest Goodluck, and Ajuawak Kapashesit who all portray Saul at different stages in his life. Stephen Campanelli is the director.

In our discussion, we listen to our feature guests, Ronald and Ronnie Garrow of the Akwesasne Mohawk Bear Clan, share their heart in talking about the film, reliving the trauma told to them by relatives and ancestors who were forced from their homes and put into residential schools in Canada, discussing the significance of humor and educating the public about Indigenous history.

Ronald Garrow is the Founder and Executive Director of The Indigenous Peoples Center in Rochester, NY, a nonprofit organization supporting and promoting awareness of the Indigenous people’s culture, primarily the Haudenosaunee Culture (known as Iroquois).

While creating and running The Indigenous Peoples center Ron serves on the Board of Directors for Kanatsiohareke, a Mohawk Community in Fonda, NY and works full time for NY State Department of Motor Vehicles. Ron grew up on the Akwesasne Indian Reservation of Upstate New York and currently lives in Rochester, NY near his Children and Grandchildren.

Ron has worked with many individuals and local entities through speaking engagements, interviews, and public events to bring positive change and celebrate the indigenous cultures that are present in the region. Ron enjoys spending time with his children and grandchildren and is a Mohawk language speaker.

Ronnie Garrow is a 2021 graduate of Irondequoit High School. Ronnie played football and earned all-county accolades and was the team’s co-most valuable player. He was recognized as an All Star for Lacrosse as well. Last year Ronnie was a featured panelist on “BIPOC Voices Be Heard!” – a virtual safe space for students of color to share their experiences with racism in their daily lives at school and in the community as hosted by the group, E.R.A.S.E- Eliminating Racism and Seeking Equity. Currently, Ronnie attends SUNY Morrisville and is majoring in applied psychology.

Host: Courtney Shouse

Co-Host: Jackie McGriff

The Representation in Cinema podcast is hosted by Our Voices Project. Our goal is to dismantle destructive stereotypes of minority groups perpetuated in the media by producing films centered on the multifaceted experiences of Black, Brown, and Indigenous people. Our Voices Project is also a committed community partner, providing opportunities to affirm racial and cultural identities, empowering students as agents of social change, and contributing to an individual’s learning through cultivation of critical thinking. You can learn more about Our Voices Project at www.ourvoicesproject.com. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Follow Representation in Cinema and listen to all of our podcast episodes anywhere you listen to your favorite podcasts! Subscribe to mailing list to be the first to hear about new projects, upcoming events, and new podcast episodes!

This episode of Representation in Cinema was recorded at the Food About Town studio.

Song: "You are so money"

Written by: Matthew Wigton

Performed by: Falls

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever

Tue, 06 Dec 2022 20:26:57 -0400

We're still recovering from all that is this incredible sequel to Black Panther. Consider Our Voices Project a part of your support group.

Wakanda Forever is the sequel to Black Panther that tells the story of the Wakanda royal family picking up the pieces felt after King T’challa’s death, a tribute in honor and memory of the late Chadwick Boseman.

Queen Ramonda, Shuri, M'Baku, Okoye and the Dora Milaje fight to protect their nation from intervening world powers. As the Wakandans strive to embrace their next chapter, the heroes must band together with Nakia and Everett Ross to forge a new path for their beloved kingdom. The film stars Letitia Wright, Dominique Thorne, Angela Basset, Danai Gurira, Lupita Nyong’o, Winston Duke and Tenoch Huerta. Wakanda Forever is directed by Ryan Coogler. .

In our discussion, we talk about what we loved about the film, the juxtaposition of grieving loved ones and celebrating life, a little bit about the history of colonization, and, as always, the importance of accurate representation in movies.

Special thanks to Chris Lindstrom of the Food About Town and In Good Spirits podcasts for letting use his studio to record this episode - thank you Chris!

Song: "You are so money"

Written by: Matthew Wigton

Performed by: Falls

The Woman King

Wed, 28 Sep 2022 02:24:35 -0400

A movie about Black women warriors starring Viola Davis? We're HERE FOR IT so let's talk about it! This is the first episode to feature the entire Our Voices Project team - Jackie McGriff, Deborah Alvarez, Courtney Shouse, and Annalisa Rogers!

The Woman King tells the story of the Agojie, the all-woman warrior unit that protected the West African kingdom of Dahomey during the 17th to 19th centuries. Set in 1823, The Woman King follows a general who trains the next generation of warriors to fight their enemies. The film stars Viola Davis, Thuso Mbedu, Lashana Lynch, Sheila Atim, and John Boyega and is directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood.

In our discussion, we talk about what we loved about the film, the real history of the Agojie and the Kingdom of Dahomey and reflecting on the importance of accurate representation in movies.

Special thanks to Chris Lindstrom of the Food About Town and In Good Spirits podcasts for letting use his studio to record this episode - thank you Chris!

Song: "You are so money"

Written by: Matthew Wigton

Performed by: Falls

Sugar

Tue, 23 Aug 2022 19:48:40 -0400

We hosted our first LIVE, in-person podcast episode after the screening of the film, Sugar, at The Little Theatre on Thursday, August 18, 2022. The recording was provided by The Little Theatre staff.

Sugar is a 2008 drama about 19-year-old Miguel “Sugar” Santos (Algenis Perez Soto) who dreams of winning a slot on an American baseball team. His talents as a pitcher eventually land him a slot on a single-A team in Iowa, but culture shock, racism and other curveballs threaten to turn Sugar’s dream sour. Sugar is written and directed by Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck

In our discussion, we brought up topics of culture shock, racism, the importance of community and family, and Miguel’s journey into discovering his own identity separate from baseball.

Featured Panelists: Rosa Vargas-Cronin, Giovanni Santana, Denise Ester

Moderator: Deborah Alvarez

Our Voices Project is a production company that shares the experiences of Black, Brown, and Indigenous people through visual storytelling. Our goal is to dismantle destructive stereotypes of minority groups perpetuated in the media by producing films centered on the multifaceted experiences of Black, Brown, and Indigenous people and to help educators design and implement a student-centered learning environment that affirms racial and cultural identities, empowers students as agents of social change, and contributes to an individual’s engagement, learning, growth, and achievement through cultivation of critical thinking. You can learn more about Our Voices Project at www.ourvoicesproject.com. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Song: "You are so money"

Written by: Matthew Wigton

Performed by: Falls

Moonlight

Sat, 30 Jul 2022 03:39:00 -0400

We discuss the film "Moonlight."

Moonlight is a drama released back in 2016 starring Trevante Rhodes, Mahershala Ali, Ashton Sanders, and Naomi Harris. The story follows Chiron and looks at three defining chapters in his life as a young Black man growing up in Miami. His journey to manhood is guided by the kindness, support, and love of the community that helps raise him. The film is directed by Barry Jenkins and received the Academy Award for Best Picture in 2017. SO if you haven’t watched the film already, you can watch it on Showtime now and then come back to listen and/or watch our podcast.

Featured Panelists: Ricardo J. Millhouse, Taurus Savant

Moderator: Annalisa Rogers

Our Voices Project is dedicated to dismantling destructive stereotypes of minority groups perpetuated in the media by producing films centered on the multifaceted experiences of Black, Brown, and Indigenous people by providing educational resources across marginalized groups brought on by the stories we share. Our Voices Project is also a committed community partner, providing opportunities to affirm racial and cultural identities, empowering students as agents of social change, and contributing to an individual’s learning through cultivation of critical thinking. You can learn more about Our Voices Project at www.ourvoicesproject.com. Like and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Subscribe to our channel to view our work and to receive notifications for new films and panel discussions!

Song: "You Are So Money"

Written by: Matthew Wigton

Performed by: Falls

Passing

Fri, 24 Jun 2022 02:42:34 -0400

We discuss the movie, Passing, sexuality, relationships, racism, and the MULTIPLE layers that this film touches.

Passing is a period drama released in 2021 starring Tessa Thompson (Sylvie’s Love, Sorry to Bother You, Thor: Ragnorok, Thor: Love and Thunder) and Ruth Negga (Loving, AMC TV series Preacher). Set in New York City in the 1920s, a woman’s world is turned upside down when she runs into a childhood friend who is passing as white. The film is based on the novel by Nella Larsen by the same name and is directed by Rebecca Hall making her directorial debut.

Featured Panelists: Miriam Zinter, Mia Alafaireet, Deborah Alvarez

Moderator: Jackie McGriff

Subscribe to our channel to view our work and to receive notifications for new films and panel discussions!

Song: "You Are So Money"

Written by: Matthew Wigton

Performed by: Falls

Fast Color

Mon, 20 Jun 2022 13:50:45 -0400

We discuss Fast Color, motherhood, family, trauma, and whether or not this film flips the "magical negro" stereotype on its head.

Fast Color is a science fiction drama released back from 2018 starring Gugu Mbatha-Raw (Belle, Concussion, Loki). The film is directed by Julia Hart. After her special abilities are discovered, Ruth is on the run and has no choice, but to go back to her childhood home where she reunites with her mother and her daughter and, in that time, begins to mend the relationships that have long been broken.

Featured Panelists: Vashti Anderson, Deborah Alvarez

Moderator: Jackie McGriff

Our Voices Project is dedicated to dismantling destructive stereotypes of minority groups perpetuated in the media by producing films centered on the multifaceted experiences of Black people, Indigenous people, and people of color and by providing educational resources across marginalized groups brought on by the stories we share. Our Voices Project is also a committed community partner, providing opportunities to affirm racial and cultural identities, empowering students as agents of social change, and contributing to an individual’s learning through cultivation of critical thinking. You can learn more about Our Voices Project at www.ourvoicesproject.com. Like and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Subscribe to our channel to view our work and to receive notifications for new films and panel discussions!

Song: "You are so money"

Written by: Matthew Wigton

Performed by: Falls

Attack the Block

Tue, 24 May 2022 15:21:08 -0400

We discussed what we loved about Attack the Block, the intersection of race and class, and other themes brought throughout the film.

Attack the Block is a 2011 sci-fi comedy directed by Joe Cornish. Moses (John Boyega) leads a group of South London teenagers facing off against aliens to defend their neighborhood. The film also guest stars Jodie Whittaker, Alex Esmail, Leeon Jones, and Nick Frost.

Featured Panelists: Katrina Overby and Deborah Alvarez

Moderator: Jackie McGriff

Our Voices Project provides a safe space and platform for Black people, Indigenous people, and people of color to share experiences that have shaped them into the people they are today through visual storytelling. Our goal is to dismantle destructive stereotypes of BIPOC perpetuated in the media by providing educational resources across marginalized groups brought on by the stories we share.

Our Voices Project is also a committed community partner, providing opportunities in line with the NYS Culturally Responsive-Sustaining Education Framework to help educators design and implement a student-centered learning environment that affirms racial and cultural identities, empowers students as agents of social change, and contributes to an individual’s engagement, learning, growth, and achievement through cultivation of critical thinking. You can learn more about Our Voices Project at www.ourvoicesproject.com. Like and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Subscribe to our channel to view our work and to receive notifications for new films and panel discussions!

Song: "You are so money"

Written by: Matthew Wigton

Performed by: Falls

The Harder They Fall

Tue, 24 May 2022 13:58:00 -0400

This was originally recorded via Zoom as part of our event series and now podcast series, Representation in Cinema.

We discussed what we loved about The Harder They Fall, different themes, and the real, Black historical figures depicted in the film.

The Harder They Fall is a 2021 western directed by Jeymes Samuel about Nat Love, an outlaw (Jonathan Majors) seeking vengeance for his family against Rufus Buck (Idris Elba). The film also guest stars Regina King, Zazie Beetz, Delroy Lindo, LaKeith Stanfield, and Deon Cole.

Featured Panelists: Katrina Overby, Nick Robertson, Gabrielle Brannigan, Justin Connor, Deborah Alvarez, and The Harder They Fall Director, Jeymes Samuel (The Bullitts).

Moderator: Jackie McGriff

Zoom Tech: Courtney Shouse

Subscribe to our channel to view our work and to receive notifications for new films and panel discussions!

Song: "You are so money"

Written by: Matthew Wigton

Performed by: Falls