“Quiet Voices in a Noisy World” w/ filmmaker Alan Govenar in person at Cinema Village in NYC

Cinema Village is pleased to present Alan Govenar’s new film “Quiet Voices in a Noisy World” which screens twice daily through Friday November 14 to Thursday November 20.  “Quiet Voices in a Noisy World” is a tribute to the indomitable spirit of a group of African American volunteers in Jasper Texas who overcome adversity through hard work self-reliance and community engagement. Plagued by a long history of virulent racial violence these volunteers have spearheaded an unprecedented number of projects to reclaim the dignity of their community and to advance social justice. For more information and to register for the event please visit: www.cinemavillage.com/Now-Playing/quiet-voices-in-a-noisy-world.html

Perhaps no town has experienced the racial divide in America as much as Jasper. The lynching of James Byrd Jr. in 1998 revealed the deep division between the African American community and their white counterparts. Life for African Americans in Jasper has always been tough described as Apartheid by George Adams a descendent of the slave Billy McCrea. Jasper is a place where Blacks represent most of the population but lack representation in government.

In the film the racial trauma of Byrd’s lynching is seen in counterpoint to the efforts of his mother Stella Byrd along with other members of the Lone Star Youth Council to transform Jasper by highlighting the importance of African American history in museums roadside markers monuments parks and a memorial to Byrd in front of the County Courthouse. 

“Quiet Voices in a Noisy World” could not be more relevant in today’s world at a time when attempts to rectify the injustices of history are being undermined by the politics of erasure. The African American volunteers in Jasper Texas demonstrate a path forward against all odds.

On Friday November 14th director Alan Govenar will have a talkback following the 7:00pm screening joined by community organizer activist and social worker Onaje Benjamin.

Location

Cinema Village

22 East 12th Street

New York NY  10003

Alan Govenar

Alan Govenar is a Guggenheim Fellow and a uniquely versatile multidisciplinary artist historian and folklorist. In a multitude of ways Govenar has unearthed America’s grassroots stories in cities sprawling suburbs and out-of-the way rural towns.

Over the past 50+ years Govenar has authored more than 40 books directed 20+ documentary films created Off-Broadway musicals and had his photographs and artist books featured in numerous exhibitions and public collections including the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art Boston Museum of Fine Arts Chicago Art Institute and the Museum of Modern Art.

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