Passing

Passing follows two mixed-race women who choose to live on opposite sides of the color line in 1920s New York. Irene (Tessa Thompson) identifies as African American and is married to a black doctor (André Holland), while Claire (Ruth Negga) “passes” as white and is married to a prejudiced white man (Alexander Skarsgård). Though they were friends in high school, their differing lives and social circles as adults reveal a jarring dissonance that threatens both of their carefully constructed realities. Based on the 1929 novel of the same name, Passing is a sensitive and compelling piece that serves as Rebecca Hall’s directorial debut. This film navigates questions of race, identity, and freedom in the 20s in a way that is still deeply relevant to audiences 92 years later. Introduction by Sandhya Shukla (UVA).

This film will be presented with Open Captions and the on stage presentations will include ASL interpretation.

This film is part of the Women in Film series.

You can purchase a copy of the book by Nella Larsen through the UVA Bookstore: Passing

Black Excellence From Page to Screen Women in Film

Date

Friday, October 29

Time

5:00 PM

Location

The Paramount Theater