HOTLANTA Roots: The ART of Storytelling- Short Film Screening

Welcome to HOTLANTA Roots: The ART of Storytelling- Short Film Screening! Step into two unique film experiences—one cozy, one collective before joining the moderator, filmmaker and curator for an open conversation. You’ll sip tea, snack on popcorn, and explore the Hotlanta exhibition while adding your touch to our community quilt and signage prop.

ABOUT THE FILMS

Filmmaker Summer J. Robinson presents two short films- Granny’s Daughters + Sacred Journeys: From Girlhood to Womanhood .

Granny's Daughters synopsis: a semi-autobiographical family drama about three women and their connection to Granny, the family matriarch. It explores the nuance of intergenerational relationships amongst Black women as well as the significance of care, community, and property. This film paints a family portrait that shows a network of women. Each of the women are unique in her desires and challenges, yet they are similar in their connection to Granny and their commitment to family.

Sacred Journeys: From Girlhood to Womanhood synopsis: Filmed during the Sacred Woman Storytellers Retreat on Sapelo Island, Sacred Journeys follows six young Black women - daughters, mothers, sisters, and caretakers - as they reflect on their paths from girlhood to womanhood. Through storytelling, stillness, and sisterhood, they begin the tender work of reclaiming the parts of themselves long silenced, forgotten, or hidden. synopsis: To imagine a way forward, we must first return, back to memory, back to self. Before we can define ourselves as sacred women, we must first remember and honor the girls we once were.

Info: Guests arrive, check in, and are invited to explore the Hotlanta exhibition.
Light complimentary snacks, herbal teas, and curated jazz/neo-soul playlist set the atmosphere.Patrons may also browse and purchase Bookstore Gallery products (infused teas, pastries, bath-bombs, art, etc.)

Info: Guests are rotated in small groups to view the 8-minute film in a more intimate living room space setup. While waiting their turn, patrons participate in the DIY interactive activity quilt-making. Patrons can grab small fabric squares to adhere to a life-size canvas that will be turned into a community art piece.

Info: All patrons gather together for the full 25-minute screening. Shared viewing experience emphasizes community and collective storytelling.

Info: The acknowledgment of the actors, crew, and contributors to Granny’s Daughters with a short blessing, round of applause, words from the filmmaker and symbolic gesture.

Info: A moderated conversation lead with the filmmaker, curator, and moderator. This is the space for audience Q&A and reflections on family, community, and the film’s themes.

Host or Publisher Bookstore Gallery