Event Info
The Reel Sisters of the Diaspora Film Festival and BRIC Media Education will present an exciting staged reading of scripts by filmmakers from our Summer Screenwriting Lab on Wednesday, November 1st, 2023, 6-8PM. Join us for an intimate conversation with the writers on their work-in-progress. Light refreshments will be served.
About Vivienne Shaw —- “Higher Power”
Bio:
Vivienne Shaw is a screenwriter and director based in Brooklyn, New York who enjoys writing in every genre about women in conflict. She is a recent graduate of the Columbia University Film MFA program where she received the Alfred P. Sloan Screenplay Award for her psychological thriller feature script Killing Jar. She is also a 2023 Reel Sisters Microbudget Fellow for her comedic short film 30 Hour Famine, currently in post-production. In addition to Vivienne’s own projects she has worked in development at multiple production companies, including ViacomCBS, Cinetic Media and Gamechanger Films, and has also served as a script reader for the former Sundance Asian-American Fellowship. Outside of film Vivienne also works in video art and projection design for theater, pursuing her continued interest in interactive storytelling. She received her BA from Wellesley College in computer science and cinema and media studies.
IG: @vshawty510
Synopsis:
Jenny is a fervently religious teenage girl with a desperate desire to make friends in her socially exclusive church youth group. When Pastor Tim Lee arrives as a potential youth pastor candidate, the girls in the group are enthralled by his charismatic demeanor, but Jenny is convinced by her crush Paul to vote against confirming him as the new youth pastor.
Meanwhile, Jenny’s cousin Mina, who is staying with Jenny’s family for the summer, parties with her friends at a rave. Mina bemoans being the group’s unofficial caretaker, and tries unsuccessfully to find “Angel Feathers”, an unforgettable mystery man she previously had sex with. Afterwards a begrudging Mina picks up Jenny from church, and the two fight incessantly – their contrasting personalities masking a shared search for community and spirituality.
About Morgan Alicia Smith – “Feasters”
Morgan Alicia Smith is a New York based filmmaker who was drawn to production at an early age. After directing her first play at age 17, Morgan earned her undergraduate degree in Geology. Post-graduation, she found a path back to stories by writing and producing for Milwaukee PBS, and broadcast news in Wisconsin and Texas. Later, she landed a gig creating motion graphics, producing, and directing the jumbotron show for a minor league hockey team in Austin. Still, Morgan made time for a creative personal life by writing plays for local festivals. She even wrote and performed a one-woman show that took her to the finals of a play competition. But when Covid hit and she was laid off from her job, she took another chance at school, and enrolled in Columbia University’s Film Producing MFA program, where she has received awards and recognition for her commitment to the craft. Morgan produces, writes, and advocates for comedic and musical stories about and for women who are underrepresented in mainstream media
Synopsis
A midwestern teen’s life is upended when her family moves to Texas and she finds out she’s part of an ancient line of monsters who Feast on fear, for the good of humankind. But when the girl starts Feasting out of vengeance against her new bullies, she has to choose between following the benevolent path of her foremothers, or giving into her taste for revenge in this hero-based supernatural-horror dramedy.
About Magali Judith — “Sanctuary York City”
Magali Judith is a New York-based writer, journalist, and video producer, with extensive experience creating content for digital, social, international press agencies, and broadcast television. Born and raised in Paris, France, with Caribbean origins, she focuses her stories on questions of mixing and finding belonging. She moved to New York in 2018 to help launch the American division of a French media outlet. Now a freelancer, she has both written for text-based newspapers, and magazines and produced a wide range of web projects and videos on political and social issues.
IG handle: @magalijdt
Synopsis
This dramedy series follows Amélie, a French mixed-race journalist, who moves to New York City to launch the American division of a French media outlet. She navigates cultural challenges in the workplace but soon realizes her salary is insufficient for NYC living. Meanwhile, her apartment situation worsens as she fights eviction. But with clever tactics and the help of her new friends, she manages to overcome her misadventures and enjoy New York life, until an untimely event casts doubt on her future in the USA.
About Jermaine Eadie — “Sancocho”
“I’m here to put people on a map, that never seen a map. That’s where you find the most soulful stories. Those the stories I need to tell”
These are the words of J. Ketter Eadie, Writer/Director/Producer. This self styled contemporary Griot, born and bred in New York City by way of Liberia, West Africa is cementing his cinematic identity after his first critically acclaimed short film “The Cost of Milk”. Self taught and rebellious, Eadie cites his influences as Dziga Vertov, Gordon Parks and Hype Williams. J. Ketter Eadie currently is completing his 3 season Melocomedy Sancocho
Synopsis
“Indulge in the flavorful journey of two charismatic Dominican 20 somethings on the cusp of something like “adulthood” in the heart of New York City, as they whip up a tale of friendship, faith, community, and womanhood, all simmering to perfection in the rich broth of their lives in Washington Heights. Through the aromatic escapades of making their cherished sancocho soup, they stir up laughter, tears, and unforgettable moments. Join us for a delectable Melocomedy that serves up a slice of culture, a pinch of tradition, and a whole lot of heart. Get ready to savor the flavors of life, love, and the pursuit of identity in this captivating series.”
BRIC House is Brooklyn’s cultural living room: a 40,000 square foot multi-disciplinary arts and media complex where emerging and established artists can create work that deepens their practice and engages the diverse communities of the borough.
COVID-19 policy: Attendees of any BRIC House programming do not have to show proof of vaccination or a negative test to enter the building. Masks are encouraged but not required in all BRIC operated spaces. To learn more, visit:
BRIC IS COMMITTED TO WELCOMING PEOPLE OF ALL ABILITIES
The main floor of BRIC House has an accessible entrance on Rockwell Place, in addition to an accessible, all-gender bathroom. The BRIC Media Center, located on the 2nd floor, is accessible via elevator. The Gallery level is accessible via a wheelchair lift. Portable FM assistive listening devices are available for programs on the Stoop and in the Ballroom upon request. To make a specific access request, or to let us know other ways we can provide you with a welcoming experience, please contact Benno Orlinsky at [email protected] or (718) 683-5637.
