Local filmmaker to debut films on 2020 Black Lives Matter protest at The Little Theatre

Rashaad Parker is a filmmaker and photographer whose work focuses on the intersectionality between art and social justice activism.
Rashaad Parker is a filmmaker and photographer whose work focuses on the intersectionality between art and social justice activism.

The Little Theater’s One Take Documentary Series is a monthly film series that presents a range of movies followed by panel discussions and filmmaker Q&As. This month, it will feature Rashaad Parker's works in An Evening with Rashaad Parker.

Parker, a Rochester native and "Artivist (an artist and an activist)," is a filmmaker and photographer whose work focuses on the intersectionality between art and social justice activism. His artwork uses Afro-futuristic mixed media incorporating metals, found objects, videography, 16mm film, sound, sculpture, photo collages, digital images, and textiles.

An Evening with Rashaad Parker will feature four short films highlighting the 2020 Black Lives Matter protest in Rochester, which will debut on the big screen this week.

"I do not think that people should expect that all walks of life from every community will be represented here but that I strive to be as inclusive as possible with the folks who are willing to share their stories or opinions with me, a perfect stranger in most cases," Parker said.

Parker expressed his excitement about sharing his work with the community on the big screen. "The Rochester community is built upon some really great bonds, and developing relationships is paramount."

About the films:

BLACK LIVES MATTER, A Sanctuary for Daniel Prude (18:35)

Captures the Black Lives Matter Movement protests in Rochester, NY, from May 2020 to January 2021.

ROC CITY SPEAKS Episode 1 (17:18)

June 13, 2020: In the wake of the killing of George Floyd in May of 2020 by Minnesota police officers, Parker interviews citizens during a Black Lives Matter protest rally that started on location at the Martin Luther King Jr Memorial Park in downtown Rochester.

ROC CITY SPEAKS Episode 2 (21:09)

Interviews during a Black Lives Matter protest rally at City Hall in Rochester on Wednesday, September 16, 2020.

ROC CITY SPEAKS Episode 3 (24:56)

In this episode of ROC CITY SPEAKS the news from the street comes from some international students and those originating from the United States who are currently enrolled at the University of Rochester.

First Screening:

The Little Theater

Thursday, May 23 at 7 PM

*Will include a Q&A with Rashaad Parker.

Second Screening:

The Little Theater

Saturday, May 25 at 3 PM

Tickets are available online at thelittle.org and at the box office ($11 general admission for May 23; $9 for May 25)

Justice Marbury is the 19th Ward Reporter. She loves her energetic puppy, Hiro. Contact her on Instagram @justice_marbury and by email at jmarbury@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Rashaad Parker to debut films on 2020 Black Lives Matter protest

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