Written by Angie Lewis, Teen Librarian, Westwood Branch Library
Join us this Saturday at 7 p.m. for our first film
The Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County and Public Allies Cincinnati , opens a new windowhave teamed up to present the Cincy LGBTQ+ At Home Film Festival. Beginning at 7 p.m. Saturday, May 9, and continuing every other Saturday, we are selecting an LGBTQ+ movie to view and discuss via Zoom.
What started as an idea for a book club at the Westwood Branch Library evolved into a film festival that anyone, anywhere, can participate in, and the intent has not changed.
Public Allies Cincinnati and the Library both believe in making sure that every voice is heard, acceptance, learning, diversity, and creating a safe space. Through this film festival, we hope to bring people together and share ideas and stories brought to life in LGBTQ+ films and documentaries.
“As we are all going through many changes and aren't able to be there for each other in a more personal manner, we created the Cincy LGBTQ+ At Home Film Festival in order to give the LGBTQ+ community and its allies an outlet or safe space to gain understanding, learn, laugh, cry, and show love and support to our community and each other," said Public Allies in a statement about the event.
"We’re focusing on the daily struggles and experiences of the LGBTQ+ community as a whole, but also the importance of what one person can go through and how that can contribute to making our community and planet a better, more diverse, loving, and accepting place. We want to offer another way to meet new people and to share ideas and experiences, learning from each other whether that be from the films we watch together, or in our own discussions about life. We would like everyone involved to know that this is for them. They can help pick the films we watch and offer any ideas on how to make this an experience they want to be a part of.”
This Week's film: Check It
Our first film is Check It, opens a new window at 7 p.m. Saturday, May 9
Itgetsbetter.org describes the film as, "A group of bullied ninth-graders in D.C. have finally had enough, and form the first LGBTQ+ gang called 'Check It' that soon attracts over 200 members. But building a feared reputation is tough. When four key members are offered a way out of the violence, they set their eyes on something that unifies them instead: fashion."
Use your Library card to log into Kanopy, opens a new window to stream the movie. You can start it at 7 p.m. to "watch-along" or watch it beforehand at your convenience. Don’t have a Library card? No problem! It's free, easy, and it only takes a minute to sign up for one. Click this link to register , opens a new windowfor your digital Library card and use it immediately.
RSVP to the Zoom meeting to discuss this movie. All discussions are being moderated to ensure the chat remains on topic and all participants are respected.
To RSVP to this event, and for more information about LGBTQ+ At Home Film Festival & Discussion, head on over to the Public Allies Cincinnati website, opens a new window where you can find movie titles, rating information, content notices, and the Zoom link.
Check out these resources to get ready for movie night and also for some great reading selections.
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