Ancestral Futures
This program brings together films that explore themes of return, ancestry, cultural memory, and resistance. Spanning diverse cinematic forms—from short narrative to documentary and music video—these works center stories from or about Washington, D.C., and celebrate the exceptional talent of filmmakers rooted in or connected to the greater D.C. area.
The screening will be followed by a conversation with directors Michelle Parkerson and Pierre Bennu with BlackStar’s Sydney Rodriguez.
This event is co-sponsored by the Duke Ellington School of the Arts and Ellington’s Cinematic Arts and Media Production (CAMP) in collaboration with Georgetown’s Culture and Politics Program (CULP), American Studies Program, the department of Black Studies Program, and Bol Worker Cooperative Bookstore.
Where
Duke Ellington School of the Arts
3500 R St NW
Washington, DC 20007
When
Saturday, April 5
12:30-3 PM ET
What
Short film block
Film Program
- Auspicious Return (2024)
Directed by Mahsati Fidel Moorhead
Auspicious Return is a film that follows our main character Sayeed and his yearning for answers about himself and his family’s past. Sayeed is a 13-year-old boy on his annual vacation on Martha’s Vineyard with his family. He has recently taken up the teenage habit of perpetually wearing earphones and wandering off to nearby bodies of water.
Duration: 5 min.
Be Good by Gregory Porter (2012)
Directed by Pierre Bennu
“Be Good” is the first video from Jazz singer Gregory Porter’s critically acclaimed album of the same name. Shot entirely on location in Baltimore, Maryland, director Pierre Bennu visually compliments Porter’s intense lyrics and smooth, soulful vocals with vibrant colors and whimsical storytelling, and sets it all against Charm City’s unique backdrop.
Duration: 7 min.
Selahy "My Weapon" (2022)
Directed by Alaa Zabara
A young, deaf Arab girl, born in the ravages of a war zone, whose only weapons are her hearing aids and an old video camera.
Duration: 14 min. - In Hot Time (2020)
Directed by Leah Solomon & Jesus Hilario-Reyes
In Hot Time, is the convergence of black diasporic traditions, ritual, pasts, and reimagining utilizing the symbolic space of the whirlwind. An audio-visual coupling of electronic, industrial, and atmospheric sounds from across the diaspora, fusing elements of, dance, performance, text, and archival footage.
Duration: 15 min.
A Lover's Call (2012)
Directed by Najma Nurridin
Aasim, a young single Muslim man living in Washington DC has an instant connection with a beautiful poet named Kala. After spending more time with her, Aasim realizes she isn't Muslim. He is torn by his new discovery of attraction towards Kala and the principles of his own faith.
Duration: 25 min.
Fierceness Served! The ENIKAlley Coffeehouse (2021)
Directed by Michelle Parkerson
An unsung renaissance evolved in a Washington, D.C., coffeehouse created by Black LGBTQ artists and activists. That mid-1980s venue was a safe haven and creative incubator during the onslaught of AIDS and crack — later inspiring Black, queer creatives internationally.
Duration: 34 min.