Loyola graduate to screen documentary on campus
Posted by hswidarski on February 23, 2012
Mary Morten, Loyola University Chicago alumnae, will be at Regents Hall on Water Tower Campus Monday for a screening of her documentary “Woke up Black.” A reception will take place at 3:30 p.m. and the viewing will begin at 4 p.m. followed by a question and answer session.
Here are details from Windy City Times:
“Woke Up Black” focuses on five Black youth, along with their struggles and triumphs as they start their journey into adulthood. The film places at its center the voices of Black youth – their ideas, attitudes and opinions that are often overlooked in today’s society.
For two years, Morten and associate producers Keisha Farmer-Smith, Aparna Sharma, and Marisol Ybarra followed five youth from the Chicago area to explore their experiences when it comes to navigating the world they live in. As they move through their personal challenges this documentary also mirrors the complexities of this often ignored group that are at the center of many socio-political issues including discrimination, political participation, sex and relationships, music, and the media portrayal of Black youth.
The film has gotten positive reviews from both activists and publications. FilmCatcher.com said “The stories not only focus on the struggles these youth face but also their dreams of a world in which they can thrive, prosper, and fulfill their potential.” Jet Magazine selected the film as one of their “Editor’s Picks of the Week” in the April 4, 2011, issue. “Woke Up Black” was also an official selection of the San Diego Black Film Festival, San Francisco Black Film Festival and the Bronze Lens Film Festival of Atlanta. The film had its broadcast premier on WTTW-TV Channel 11, Chicago’s public television station, on June 26, 2011.
Read the full Windy City Times article here: Woke Up Black
