Lesbian Filmmakers Attend Party in Paducah


It's coming!  The Party in Paducah!  On Memorial Day Weekend 2019, the Cinema Systers Film Festival (CSFF) will present their 4th annual lesbian film festival. CSFF is the only lesbian film festival in the United States! Canada has the honor of having the longest running lesbian film festival in North America.  CSFF takes pride in securing their place in history by having such a prestigious, groundbreaking event.  The organizers, filmmakers, and audiences are well aware of just how valuable these lesbian-only film festivals are to the world.

The lesbian community embraces love and happiness yet faces discrimination every day.  These lesbian film festivals provide a safe space for womyn to come together, enjoy camaraderie, and watch make-believe and real-life experiences on the big screen. Lesbian films, as well as films for the whole LGBT community, came to fruition out of necessity.  Lesbian filmmakers longed to share their work with an audience who had a specific appetite, a like-minded group of womyn looking for movies in which to challenge their minds and bring joy to their hearts without misrepresentation.

It is possible that lesbian films may help others open their eyes and face the fact that lesbians continue to be discriminated and bullied.  In so doing, lesbians should gain more allies in the straight world. It is our belief that there can't be too many outlets in which our voices must be heard.  TV, theaters, online, and in print.  We are everywhere and year after year our voices are getting louder and stronger!

Lesbian film festivals are making an impact!  It is our hope that not only will they continue to grow, but that these films will spark a conversation and bring about change.  Discrimination is a nasty world which does nothing but harm.  One of the long-term benefits of CSFF will be the end of discrimination.  All walks of life will then be able to share the beauty our world has to offer.  Perhaps future generations will be forced to look up the word "discriminate" in order to learn its meaning, rather than experiencing it first hand. 

The lesbian filmmakers whose movies are shown at CSFF, are gracious enough to answer questions and mingle with their audiences. They welcome this platform in which to display their work and look forward to the interaction and feedback of the moviegoers.   All in all, it's a win-win for everyone.

The Q&A sessions can become emotional as the filmmakers reveal the intensity and devastation they witnessed while getting involved in the people's lives who are portrayed in their films.  Some of whom fear for the safety of their families, while others suffer poverty, and violence. 

Although there are many sources to feed the hunger of a lesbian audience, the turnout for attendees of the Cinema Systers Film Festival has increased every year. The systers not only come for the films, but also for the social aspect of the event.  In addition to viewing the films, CSFF's events include the spoken word, lesbian bands, dancing, dinners, womyn's art, filmmaking workshops, writing workshops, and more.

Lesbian film festivals are a necessity!  Womyn leave feeling thoughtful, enriched, and determined.  Lesbian filmmakers are rejuvenated and motivated to create more works of art.  It is their hope that their films touch lives and make a difference.  Perhaps, if enough of these films are made, equality may come along sooner than expected and without a fight.  

The Cinema Systers Film Festival is truly a Party in Paducah!  It inspires lesbian filmmakers to continue making critically acclaimed movies and short films while giving womyn throughout the world something special to look forward to every year.  Spread the word!  It's important that all lesbians have the opportunity to experience such a delightful event.

The Cinema Systers Film Festival will be held Memorial Day Weekend, May 24th thru May 26th, 2019.  For more information, click this link.  You may buy tickets here.