July 12, 2023
Showcasing diversity
Around Town
COMMUNITY VOICES By Sharon Cotner .. Pg. 2
Features (FLIP)
Recipe, Movie & Sudoku. Pg. F-1 CLASSIFIEDS AND HOME & GARDEN. Pg. F-2 /F-3 St. Louis filmmaker Mia Bible’s short film “HONORABLE” imagines the ruin and reconciliation of the friendship between Malcolm X Shabazz and Muhammad Ali.
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The St. Louis Filmmakers Showcase presented by Cinema St. Louis gives a platform for local filmmakers with many different backgrounds and experiences By Wendy Todd Mia Bible began her creative endeavors as an actor and writer and later, after participating in the Continuity STL media production program, gained the skill of filmmaking. In 2011, she made her first short, “Love and Coffee.” She also pitched the idea for a story to her class about the ruin and reconciliation of the friendship between Malcolm X Shabazz and Muhammad Ali. The reception was positive and the outcome, “HONORABLE,” a 16-minute film that fictionalizes the scenario, can be viewed at this year’s St. Louis Filmmakers Showcase. Presented by Cinema St. Louis, the annual event is in its 23rd year and will be held at the historic Hi-Pointe Theatre, which was newly acquired by the organization this year. a Having the showcase at the Hi-Pointe offers the organization the ability to schedule more showings, and offers attendees con-
cessions and better parking options, details missing from past showcase experiences. But one thing that isn’t new about the showcase is its commitment to diversify the films and featured filmmakers. This year’s showcase of 91 films spread across 17 film programs features 22 female and nine African-American directors. Diversity in filmmaking in an area like St. Louis, which has a history of racial divide, is important to making the industry more inclusive in the region. Bible believes St. Louis
is making progress. “Although St. Louis is not as inclusive as it should be when you compare our demographics to what’s represented on set, there are also more people now than a decade ago who are willing to give an honest critique of my hometown and are dedicated to being a part of the solution,” she said. “My mentors in the film industry are all men, some of whom are straight white men who share my commitment and enthusiasm for making media production more diverse.” For those who have never attended the showcase, Chris Clark, artistic director of Cinema St. Louis, believes the films will likely surpass expectations and that there is something for everyone. “People who attend for the first time will be very impressed by the overall professionalism, quality and depth of the films,” he See ‘DIVERSITY’ page 2
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