Monday, July 13, 2020, Wanda's Picks Special Broadcast

This is a black arts and culture site. We will be exploring the African Diaspora via the writing, performance, both musical and theatrical (film and stage), as well as the visual arts of Africans in the Diaspora and those influenced by these aesthetic forms of expression. I am interested in the political and social ramifications of art on society, specifically movements supported by these artists and their forebearers. It is my claim that the artists are the true revolutionaries, their work honest and filled with raw unedited passion. They are our true heroes. Ashay!

Guests today are: 10-Time Emmy-Winning Filmmaker Marlon Johnson and Award-Winning San Francisco Filmmaker Anne Flatté and Albert Shumake protégé and new director, River City Drum Corps. The film, River City Drumbeat, captures the story of Edward “Nardie” White’s thirty year run as leader of the dynamic Louisville, Kentucky River City Drum Corps and chronicles his passing of the baton to former student Albert Shumake. The film shows the love Mr. White has for his drum corps members and their families, his belief in African values and Black children. Seldom are success stories shown to a large national audience only the tragedies. This story is one that will make audiences move with delight and hope-- Roses do grow in the most difficult environments if they get enough sunlight and water and love.

The film OPENS AUGUST 7-21, 2020 for a Two Week Virtual Engagement at Roxie Virtual Cinema:bit.ly/rcdatroxie

We close with an interview with Tamar Manasseh, African American resident in Chicago's south side and founder, MASK (Mothers/Men Against Senseless Killing). The mother of two adults is also a rabbinical student and the subject of "They Ain't Ready for Me," directed by Brad Rothschild, USA, 2020.

The film is a part of Cinegogue Summer Days, SF Jewish Film Festival's 40th Anniversary program, Sat., July 18, 12 p.m. in an online screening followed by a Q&A with Ilana Kaufman, director of the Jews of Color Field Building Initiative. For tickets: https://jfi.org/summer-days/day-3

For tickets and information on the SFJFF which opens Thursday, July 16, visit jfi.org/summerdays

Opening Night: At The Drive-In
TRUTH TO POWER: BARBARA LEE SPEAKS FOR ME
Director Abby Ginzberg, USA, 2020
Thursday, July 16, 8:30pm • West Wind Drive-In Theater, Concord
Sneak Preview
https://jfi.org/summer-days/day-1

Throughout the year we search the universe for films that reflect the Jewish value of Tikkun Olam - repairing the world through one’s actions. This year we only had to look in our backyard. Barbara Lee, the US Representative for California’s 13 District, has spent her life fighting inequality and racism, uplifting the stories of those falling through the cracks and speaking truth to power. Lee was the lone vote against giving President George W. Bush unlimited military authority in the wake of the 9/11 attacks and as a result she received death threats after being denounced by many in the press. Yet thousands of members of Lee’s district welcomed her home with support and love, coining the phrase, “Barbara Lee Speaks for Me.” The current protests and reactions to George Floyd’s death has only elevated her visibility in Congress and the country as she has called for a Truth, Racial Healing and Transformation Commission to confront the legacy of slavery and racism in the U.S. and propose ways forward. Beautifully directed by Peabody Award-Winning local filmmaker Abby Ginzberg (Soft Vengeance: Alby Sachs and the New South Africa, SFJFF 2014) this powerful and timely documentary features interviews from Senator Cory Booker, Rep. John Lewis, Rep. Ayanna Pressley, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, CNN commentator Van Jones, actor Danny Glover and author Alice Walker who share insights about what makes Barbara Lee unique as a public servant and as a truth-telling African American woman.