Series/Themes: Virtual Screening

Genre: Documentaries

Film Year: 2020

Locations: Mexico

Film Length: 72 min.

Languages: Spanish

Subtitles: Yes

Director: Medhin Tewolde Serrano

At the age of seven, Filmmaker Medhin Tewolde Serrano recounts her first experience of being called Black by a stranger on the streets of Mexico, noting it as the first time becoming conscious of her racial identity and the prejudice that came along with it. Curious if her encounters were unique to herself, Serano began to seek out the experiences of other Black Women as well, highlighting the stories of five afro-descendant women from Mexico’s southern region. They are stories that expose racism, resistance through the processes of self-acceptance, strategies for transcending stereotypes, and, ultimately, the celebration of their identity. Discussion with Negra director Medhin Tewolde Serrano, Tote Grandfather director Marίa Sojob, and Jamaica y Tamarindo director Ebony Bailey, moderated by Sonia Alconini (UVA). Discussion recorded and presented in Spanish.

Negra is part of the Transborder Blackness & Indigeneity (Indigenidad y Negritud Transfronteriza) series supported by UVA Arts Council