With Black History Month a few weeks away, Milwaukee Film and its Black Lens program have revealed their slate of programming for the monthlong event. Six feature screenings, two shorts programs, and four events will “celebrate Black voices, culture, and experiences” throughout the month of February. The screenings will take place at the Oriental Theatre. The events will take place at Nō Studios, Dandy, Company Brewing, and America’s Black Holocaust Museum.

You can find the full film and event lineup HERE.

“I know it sounds cliché, but this year, our fourth Black History Month celebration, is special,” says Geraud Blanks, Chief Innovation Officer for Milwaukee Film, in a press release. “In 2021 the program was virtual, so to be back in person, with all we are dealing with as a community, while challenging, feels more significant than ever.”

The feature films include: Zola, The One And Only Dick Gregory, Citizen Ashe (free screening), Who We Are: A Chronicle Of Racism In America, The Loyola Project (free screening), and Sankofa. “Black Love Through A Black Lens” and “Family Matters” are the themes of the shorts programs.

Tickets for the films are $12 for the general public, or $9 for Milwaukee Film Members. They are on sale NOW.

And here are the events, with descriptions courtesy of Milwaukee Film:

• The Creative Collective: A film showcase, panel discussion, and networking experience – Tuesday, Feb. 1 – Nō Studios: Focused on the intrinsic relationship between ingenuity and imagination, Black History Month kicks off with a panel discussion featuring local Black creatives and entrepreneurs, followed by a brief engagement activity that fosters connection for artists of all sectors of the city.

• “Black Love through a Black Lens: The Honest Truth” with Shelah Marie and Dr. Kristen Warner – Saturday, Feb. 12 – Dandy: Known for her role on the VH1 reality show Love & Hip Hop, Shelah Marie is the founder/CEO of The Curvy, Curly, Conscious movement. Joined in conversation by associate professor in the College of Communication and Information Sciences’ department of journalism, Dr. Kristen Warner, Shelah Marie reflects on her time on Love & Hip Hop, as well as portrayals of Black women in media more broadly. The two will further delve into inspiring topics of healing and wellness pertinent to all women, such as body positivity, self-love, and self-care throughout the evening.

• Black R&B Film Trivia followed by 80s/90s R&B night – Friday, Feb. 18 – Company Brewing: Test your knowledge of 80s and 90s Black film and culture in friendly competition with other “know-it-alls” for the chance to win an assortment of great prizes. After trivia, we keep the vibe, and nostalgia, going with our 80s/90s R&B dance party.

• Post “Sankofa” screening Reception – America’s Black Holocaust Museum Founder’s Day celebration – Saturday, Feb. 26: Following the screening of Sankofa, join Black Lens for a conversation and reception in the renovated and reimagined America’s Black Holocaust Museum. This is an INVITE ONLY event.

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