A Successful 2019 Cinema Systers Film Festival Comes To An End

 

 

The popularity of the Cinema Systers Film Festival, in Paducah, KY, continues to grow.  CSFF just ended another successful event and the feedback has been extremely positive.  

 

 

CSFF showcases films that are produced solely by lesbian filmmakers.  It is the only one of its kind in the USA. 

 

This year the founder, Resin Rebel, added another venue which allowed the attendees to see a greater variety of films.  The movie goers could choose to view films at The Maiden Alley Cinema, which is the main location, or watch a different selection of films at the Black Box Theater.

 

 

When Lisa Vogel, the mastermind of MichFest, planted the seed for everyone to go forth and grow their own acorn, Resin ran with the idea.  She made her dream of holding a film festival, solely featuring lesbian produced films, a reality.

 

Resin's acorn has taken root and continues to mature.  In fact,  the year 2020 will be the 5th anniversary of the CSFF.  She couldn't have done it without her partner Bianca Ardigo, the sponsors, and numerous others who donate a lot of time and energy to keep the festival running smoothly.

 

Resin was aware that lesbian filmmakers rarely receive the recognition they deserve.  They are meticulous, hard-working womyn who strive to get their message out to the world.  

 

However, if filmmakers have a small budget, their films may not qualify to be shown at prominent media sites. For example, the  Internet Movie Database Pro (IMDbPro) a major resource for movie information online, has strict requirements that must be met in order for a film to be accepted by them.  It is our understanding that a filmmaker may not register her film unless she has established a minimum budget of $5,000.00 for it.

 

 

Film festivals, such as Cinema Systers, are making strides towards improving the visibility of lesbian produced films and lesbian filmmakers around the world.  Without these filmmakers much of lesbian history would be lost and their stories may not be told. 

 

 

Attending the Cinema Systers Film Festival is much more than watching lesbian produced movies.  While those incredibly, well-made films are the main attraction, sharing quality time with systers fulfills a need.  It's like sipping that first cup of steaming hot coffee in the morning and savoring each drop.

 

Conversations, like the womyn who attend, are diversified.  Thought provoking ideas are shared and dissected.  Bonding with strong, talented, brilliant womyn sooths the soul.  Hugs invigorate and re-energize!  There is nothing that compares to spending quality time in a womyn's community, rich in culture and inclusion.

 

 

This year, as in the past, there were many activities in which to take part.  Some of the fun events included a filmmaking workshop by B. Danielle Watkins, a meet and greet soiree, The Spoken Word by e Nina Jay, the Women of Color event held at the Hotel Metropolitan, a silent auction, and dancing with music provided by DJ Mandy Vixen.  Womyn could  also show off their talents by singing Karaoke. 

 

 

Paducah offers plenty of great restaurants in which to dine.  One of the scheduled events allowed attendees to enjoy a  Sunday brunch while listening to the singing duo called Fighting Futures. Some womyn took advantage of this time to camp with their systers.  Meals were sometimes prepared by a roaring campfire and eaten while gazing up at the moon and stars.

 

 

Sometimes, the womyn sat in silence, mesmorized by the colorful flames while enjoying the wonderful feeling of being surrounded by vibrant people whom they loved. 

 

Others gathered to listen to music, shoot pool, dance and discuss past experiences and future plans. 

 

 

The film festival gave womyn much deserved  syster time. They bonded, laughed, and sometimes shed a few tears.  It was a very emotional weekend that not only reminded the systers how much they had overcome, but brought into focus that some progress is steadily being reversed. 

 

Issues were discussed, but no solutions were found. While the struggle is real, the systers lifted each other up and enjoyed every minute away. 

 

The organizers ended the fun-filled weekend with a traditional Memorial Day cookout.  It was a team effort and they were rewarded with a sunny day and delicious food.

 

The Cinema Systers Film Festival is more than lesbian produced films.  

It's home!