Attending festivals (2 points) -- Gabi Harris

 

In August, I attended the Martha’s Vineyard African-American Film Festival. I saw a collection of short films and documentary film screenings. The film and panel discussion that stood out the most to me was The Perfect Neighbor, which follows the murder of Ajike Owens, shown through police bodycam footage. Ajike Owens was killed in Florida by her neighbor, and the film highlights the dangers of “stand your ground” laws. Before watching the screening, I did not know who Ajike Owens was. I felt horrified and deeply emotional watching the film and hearing the filmmakers and Ajike’s mother speak about her killing because I, as a comparative women’s studies major and social justice advocate, did not know about Ajike. When I thought about Black women being killed through gun violence, I thought about state-sanctioned violence and not laws that make it legal for people to kill people on their property without even a threat of violence. In that moment, I recognized that I needed to learn more about gun laws and how they impact Black women. The film premieres on Netflix this month, and I look forward to seeing the full story. 

Reflecting on my experience, film is a powerful way to advocate for historically marginalized communities. Art can bridge the divides between people who have difficulty hearing each other through traditional conversation. Additionally, I am very grateful to have attended the film festival and been introduced to Black filmmakers and actors that I did not know beforehand. 

Gabi Harris