On Friday, August 23, from 6 to 8:30 p.m., the Parrish Art Museum presents the 5th Annual Black Film Festival, Part I in collaboration with the Bridgehampton Child Care & Recreational Center. The festival will screen Eternal Polk’s 2023 film “Gaining Ground: The Fight for Black Land,” a new, stirring, documentary from executive producer Al Roker that examines the cause and effects of the issues and experiences of people impacted by land loss.
The Black Film Festival presents award-winning short and feature films and documentaries that highlight the work of Black filmmakers as well as stories that describe and elevate Black lives and experiences, touching on current sociopolitical topics, art, music, performance, mental and physical health, among others. Films are selected by a committee representing the Parrish Art Museum, Bridgehampton Child Care & Recreational Center, the Witness Project of Long Island, the Suffolk County Department of Health Services, Office of Minority Health as well as a small group of dedicated individuals.
By 1910, Black Americans had amassed 60 million acres of farmland. By 2023, that number had dropped to 3.9 million acres. Violence, eminent domain and government discrimination all had an impact. But it is a little-known issue, Heirs’ Property, which has had a devastating effect on Black land ownership. “Gaining Ground: The Fight for Black Land” from Emmy-nominated director Eternal Polk examines the causes, effects and what is being done to fight the exploitation of this law and how landowners are reclaiming their agricultural legacy and creating paths to generational wealth.
The Black Film Festival on Friday, August 23, begins with a museum tour of the Parrish’s exhibitions led by chief curator Corinne Erni at 5 p.m. The film screening starts at 6 p.m. and a post-film reception and discussion will follow from 7:45 to 9 p.m. Tickets are $20 adults ($13 Parrish members and Friends of BHCCRC, $18 Seniors, $15 member’s guest) Free for students and children. Save the date for the Black Film Festival, Part II, which will be held on Friday, November 8. The Parrish Art Museum is at 279 Montauk Highway in Water Mill.
Staff Writer on Aug 21, 2024