Calvin University's official student newspaper since 1907

Calvin University Chimes

Since 1907
Calvin University's official student newspaper since 1907

Calvin University Chimes

Calvin University's official student newspaper since 1907

Calvin University Chimes

Film festival features feminist talent, topics

Photo+by+Kendra+Larson
Photo by Kendra Larson

The third annual Feminist Film Festival took place this Sunday at Wealthy Theatre in Eastown, Grand Rapids. The event hosted multiple platforms for discussion, panels and film concerning the current narratives of feminism and how feminism can be made palpable to the public through different art mediums.

The films touched on issues relevant to women’s and LGBTQ+ experiences regarding empowerment, the body, sexual assault, rape, self harm and other topics.

One film, “Wisdom Teeth,” was a documentary that blurred the lines between mythology and reality, with stories of sexual assault survivors paralleled with the myth of Hades and Persephone. A survivor in the film described the difficulties of understanding and coming to terms with the trauma she experienced:

“It’s scary not being able to grapple with your own reality. All you know was that it was bad and you wanted out,” she said.

The festival hosted discussions as well. Breanna Alexander, an activist for gender and racial equality, led a discussion on Beyoncé’s new album “Lemonade.” Alexander explained how Beyoncé’s production of “Lemonade,” along with her previous work, brings about two different positioning of the black woman in society.

“Pre-’Lemonade’ introduces you to the carefree black girl,” Alexander said. “This is important because in ‘Lemonade’ you’re talking about the black girl who isn’t allowed to be carefree, the black girl who walks around with burdens.”

Alexander said Beyoncé’s earlier work invited themes of sexuality and empowerment that all kinds of women could relate to, whereas with “Lemonade” it was specifically a statement of the struggle of the black woman’s experience in America.

“’Lemonade’ was a political act; it highlighted real time things that are happening,” Alexander said, showing a shot of Beyoncé on top of a police car (in New Orleans) sinking in water, “drowning on top of authority.” Shots like this not only deal with the racial oppression from a white society and state, but also the toxic structure of the patriarchy, particularly its detriment against black women.  

Another feature of the feminist film festival involved a panel of local female musicians.

Kendra Larsen, a Calvin student who attended the panel, said that the women spoke of their experiences in music through the genre they worked in. Hip hop, punk, garage rock and pop artists from around Grand Rapids were all part of this discussion.

“They talked about the double standard of being a female musician and what’s expected of them,” Larsen said.

Larsen said the artists commented on their desire for their art to be seen for what it is, and not merely in part or after being seen as a woman, especially because some of them are in the LGBTQ community and do not identify as female.

Another artist, Larsen said, started Girls Rock GR for younger girls. The camp was designed to provide girls the opportunity to play and showcase their music for the community.

Emma Carpenter, a student who also attended the festival, reflected on her understanding of feminism in light of the event.

“It wasn’t until college that my definition of feminism changed. Before, rather than this equality, I saw it as females considering themselves dominant. And maybe I was passive and accepting of what I was used to, but I’m coming to realize that feminism is more of affirming the female experience rather than elevating it above maleness.”

She continued to say how female experiences are often overlooked because reality has often been tailored to the male experience.  

The Grand Rapids Feminist Film Festival sought to champion those overlooked experiences.

In total, the festival showcased 40 films. The festival was sponsored by the DAAC, Planned Parenthood, Women’s Lifestyle, Women NOW and Girls Rock GR!, among other sponsors.

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