Representation in Cinema

Hey pod! We are back from taking a much-needed break!

Tonight, we’re talking about Is God Is, which is a must-see from us. We HIGHLY recommend watching it in theaters before it leaves. Otherwise, it is available to rent or buy on Amazon Prime.

Is God Is is a southern gothic revenge thriller that follows twin sisters, Racine and Anaia, who set out on a cross-country mission to murder their abusive father as instructed by their mother. Both them and their mother were left permanently scarred as babies when he set their mother on fi...

Hello pod! In tonight’s episode, we’re discussing the kind of representation we want to see and talking about the films, filmmakers, and production companies that are changing the way that we see Arabs portrayed on the big screen. If you haven’t already tuned into our previous episodes where we break down the film Reel Bad Arabs and the destructive stereotypes we’ve seen throughout Hollywood’s history as well as define a few terms that we’ve used throughout this series, we highly recommend that you go back and listen to those episodes.

If you haven’t...

Welcome to the third week of Arab American Heritage Month! I’m your host, Amira Ferjani taking over for Jackie McGriff. We’re continuing our conversation about Arab representation using the framework of the late Dr. Jack Shaheen’s, Reel Bad Arabs: How Hollywood Vilifies a People. If you missed the first 2 parts of our series talking about Orientalism and covering the first half of Reel Bad Arabs, go back and watch and/or listen to those episodes!

If you haven’t already seen Reel Bad Arabs, we HIGHLY recommend that you watch. It’s less than an hour an...

Tonight we’re breaking down the film Reel Bad Arabs: How Hollywood Vilifies a People, a feature documentary where acclaimed author, the late Dr. Jack Shaheen, analyzes the ways in which Hollywood has depicted Arabs from the earliest days of silent film to the early 2000s looking at Hollywood’s biggest blockbusters.

If you haven’t already seen Reel Bad Arabs, we HIGHLY recommend that you watch. It’s less than an hour and you can watch it for FREE on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TPxak6lFd-I

Returning to the podcast is Amira...

Tonight starts a new series highlighting the representation and (mis)representation of Arabs in Western cinema, specifically in the US. We’re going to be breaking down the film Reel Bad Arabs, talking about the destructive stereotypes that writer and lecturer, the late Jack Shaheen, talks about both in the film and in the book of the same title, and about what authentic representation looks like. For so long our government has fed us these stereotypes repeatedly in movies manufacturing consent for global atrocities, so we’re going to dive into what to look for and how to advocate for...

Starting this Thursday, April 9, we’re going to be breaking down the film Reel Bad Arabs, talking about the destructive stereotypes that writer and lecturer, the late Jack Shaheen, talks about both in the film and in the book of the same title, and about what authentic representation looks like throughout Arab American Heritage Month.

For so long our government has fed us these stereotypes repeatedly in movies manufacturing consent for global atrocities, so we’re going to dive into what to look for and how to advocate for the kind of representation that paints them as the...

Tonight’s episode is about QUEEN Ava Duvernay, the director behind 13th, Selma, A Wrinkle in Time, and Origin as well as the founder of ARRAY, “a multi-platform arts and social impact collective dedicated to narrative change,” which is what we’re all about here on Our Voices Project. Joining us on the podcast is Dr. Katrina Overby aka DJ Spin Dr. KO, Dominique Alexandria Simmonds, and Kamesha B.

Katrina is an activist scholar who is interested broadly in media, race, sexuality, and gender. Specifically, her research interests are in:

Black Twitter, social media and culture...

Borrowing the title of the satirical classic by LEGENDARY filmmaker, Robert Townsend, to break down how we watch more original films and support independent filmmakers!

Now this episode is going to look a little different. We’re taking a short break between honoring Black directors for a second to talk about something that’s been on my mind for quite some time. Hollywood continues to play in our faces when it comes to original stories. If we really love films and we really want more original stories, that means doing a little more work on our part. (Just...

Hello pod! We are midway into Women’s History Month or as I’m calling it, BLACK Women’s History Month! We’re continuing our series giving our flowers to Black Directors!

Tonight’s episode is about Nia DaCosta, the director behind The Marvels, Hedda, the 2021 remake of the horror classic, Candyman, Little Woods, and a recent release, 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple.

Our guest tonight, from our Sinners: Black AF and Oscars Reactions episodes, is Brianna Milon, a published author, communications professional and model who blends creativity and connection in everything she does. With a backgrou...

The Oscars were last night and WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT IT! Some of the wins, the performances, and all of the moments in between!

Our guests tonight are Cocoa Rae David, Brianna Milon, and Sandra and Ike Ntube of Two Beers Cinema Club.

Cocoa Rae David, a New York-based visual artist, curator, photographer, filmmaker, and business owner of By Cocoa Rae LLC. You can visit her website here and follow her on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/bycocoarae. She also has a studio, art gallery, and event space called Da Purp which you...

Tonight’s episode is about the legendary, movie pioneer, Robert Townsend, the actor, comedian, writer, and director behind Meteor Man, The Five Heartbeats, Hollywood Shuffle, Up Up and Away, B.A.P.S., The Mighty Quinn, and Little Richard (2000).

Our guest is Aishat Oduola-Owoo, a Nigerian immigrant and lifelong lover of Black film and television. Growing up in a semi-strict household, family-friendly shows like The Parent ‘Hood—her introduction to the brilliance of Robert Townsend—became formative touchstones. Inspired by stories her father shared about Cooley High and the cultural legacy it held for African men migrating to Ameri...

Hello pod! It is Day 19 of Black History Month and we’re continuing our series giving our flowers to Black Directors! Tonight’s episode is about the documentary filmmaker, Sam Pollard, the director behind MLK/FBI, The League, Lowndes County and the Road to Black Power, Black Art: In the Absence of Light and the docuseries Atlanta’s Missing and Murdered: The Lost Children.

Our guest is Christopher Rush, a Rochester native who is deeply invested in the success of underrepresented communities in Rochester. He serves the community as a part of the Rochester Monroe Anti-Poverty Initiative (RMAPI...

Hello pod! Today is Day 10 of Black History Month and we’re continuing our series giving our flowers to Black Directors.

Tonight’s episode is about Peter Ramsey, the director behind Rise of the Guardians and Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. While awards and accolades are nice, we don’t center them as a reference to validate and instead look to filmmakers as the artists that they are, the deeper messages and takeaways that come through the characterization, direction, writing, and overall structure, the way that Black folks are portrayed onscreen, and the thought and effort with which they a...

Happy Black History Month pod! Throughout February and March, we’re going to be talking about Black Directors who deserve their flowers. With all of the talk about the amount of snubs Ryan Coogler and Nia DaCosta are getting, which is pretty on brand for Hollywood if you ask us (but we digress), we wanted to spend time talking about the filmmakers who inspire us and are creating incredible films.

Tonight, we’re talking about Jordan Peele, the director behind Get Out, Us, and Nope. While awards and accolades are nice, we don’t center them as a refe...

Y’all, the Oscar Nominations are OUT and we have a BUNCH of things that we want to cover—the nominees, the snubs, and everything else in between!

You can follow along with the list of Oscar Nominations here: https://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/2026. There’s a printable ballot here: https://www.thegoldknight.com/2026/01/oscars-2026-download-our-printable.html

Joining me to talk about all of this and more is Arnita Heathington. Follow Anita on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/theoryofbeneficence

Arnita is a passionate media professional and an up-and-coming television development executive. She ha...

It’s a NEW YEAR which means new movies and it’s January so that also means upcoming award shows. Oscar nominations are coming up next week and we’re going to be diving into that on our next episode so again make sure you’re following us to get updated on that because depending on how that goes, I’m going to have A LOT to say. If SINNERS is not up for Best Picture, we RIDE AT DAWN!

ANYWAY—

Tonight, let’s talk about the movies that are coming out this year - some of the bl...

We sat down with committee member, filmmaker, and professor, Cole Seidl, to talk about the Witness Palestine Film Festival, November 15-23, 2025. (This was recorded on November 17, 2025.) You can learn more and purchase tickets now at www.wpff.us.

We discuss the importance of showing the diversity of Palestinian films--documentary, narrative, and experimental--as well as reflecting on watching "The Voice of Hind Rajab" with an audience, upcoming films this week (Shorts at Visual Studies Workshop ("A Night We Held Between", "Morgenkreis", "The Flowers Stand Silently, Witnessing"), "All That’s Left of You", "Thank You For Banking With Us", "Wi...

On this Representation in Cinema podcast episode, we delve into the intricate relationship between horror films and social justice, featuring a discussion with Professor Kathy Simon, who has developed an online course entitled "Screams and Social Justice: Analyzing the Politics of Horror," that you can now enroll in. Central to our discourse is the assertion that horror serves not merely as entertainment but also as a profound reflection of societal anxieties and cultural narratives, particularly those relevant to Black, Brown, and Indigenous communities. Throughout the episode, we explore various thematic elements present in horror cinema, including class, gender, and...

We're talking about the ¡Presente! Latin Film Fest at the George Eastman Museum, commencing on September 17th. As we delve into this crucial initiative, we engage with Jason Barber, whose extensive background in the arts and commitment to representation in cinema make him an invaluable contributor to this conversation. The series aims to illuminate the significant impact of Latino and Latinx artists within the cinematic landscape, offering a platform to explore their narratives and contributions. Throughout our dialogue, we will also reflect on the broader implications of representation in film, particularly in light of current socio-political climates affecting marginalized c...

On this podcast episode, we're talkin about the film "One of Them Days" and discussing intricacies of Black women's representation in cinema and the profound themes of sisterhood and community care that permeate the narrative.

Our esteemed co-host, Dr. Katrina Overby, joins me, Jackie McGriff, to delve into the film's portrayal of two best friends, Dreux and Alyssa, as they navigate the precarious situation of evading eviction while embodying resilience and camaraderie. Throughout our dialogue, we engage with three remarkable guests, Erica Jae, Cocoa Rae David, and Dominique Simmonds, who illuminate the significance of their work and...

It’s Jackie McGriff, your host on today’s Representation in Cinema episode for another deep dive into the film, Sinners!

That’s right this is PART TWO of our talk on Sinners, so if you didn’t listen to the first episode, we highly recommend listening to that one on our website at ourvoicesproject.com/podcast or any where you listen to your favorite podcasts - Spotify, Apple, all of them! We’re calling it our Black as YOU KNOW WHAT or Black AF episode because it had to be US breaking this movie down - thanks aga...

A film so good we had to make TWO PARTS! This is the first episode doing a deep dive into Sinners with co-hosts, Jackie McGriff and Courtney Shouse.

Sinners is a horror/adventure film written and directed by Ryan Coogler starring Michael B Jordan playing twin brothers – Smoke and Stack – returning to their home in the Mississippi Delta in 1932 to start a Juke joint. In reuniting with family, friends, and neighbors, they gather a crew of entertainers, one of them being their younger cousin, Sammie–played by newcomer Miles Caton–who has an incredible talent that not only bri...

Today, we're discussing the Oscar-Award winning documentary film, No Other Land, with First Generation Palestinian social justice activist, writer, speaker, and educator, Muna Najib.

No Other Land is a documentary that centers Palestinian activist Basel Adra, who records the destruction of his hometown, Masafer Yatta in the Occupied West Bank, by Israeli forces aiming to turn the area into a military training zone; the film highlights the harsh reality of displacement faced by Palestinians, with Adra documenting the demolitions of homes, schools, and the filling of water wells with cement, all while forming an unlikely bond with...

Hello listeners – we are BACK in the studio after a bit of hiatus! It’s Jackie McGriff, your host on today’s podcast episode where we’re diving into the film, The Six Triple Eight!

In the studio today, we have Bryan and Tam Little. Bryan Little is a producer and founder of DREAMINCOLOR International Creator Sessions, a monthly virtual gathering that connects Black, Brown, and People of Color entertainment professionals to global opportunities through networking, showcasing, peer connection, and professional development.

Tam Little is an award-winning filmmaker, conference speaker, and passionate storyteller dedicated to upliftin...

Hello listeners! It’s Jackie McGriff, your host on today’s podcast episode where we’re diving into our film, Being Black in America with more of our storytellers. Yes, this is PART TWO! If you haven’t already listened to Part 1, please go do so. You can catch that episode and all of our other podcast episodes anywhere that you get your podcasts.

If this is your first time listening, two things – the first is HEYYYYY and the second is Being Black in America is our latest short documentary film where we show an array of different...

On today’s podcast episode, we get into one of our very own films, Being Black in America.

This is the first time we’re doing this on the podcast – the first of many episodes where we interview folks involved in our productions. Being Black in America is our latest short documentary film where we show an array of different thoughts and attitudes behind Blackness and what it means to everyone on a personal level by asking one central question, What does being Black in America mean to you? It’s a question that’s asked in so many wa...

JACKIE MCGRIFF and KRISTEN SEVERSKY, one of the most prominent voices for film, tech, and social justice in our community join the Punches and Popcorn team for an exciting talk about Monkey Man, a thrilling new film by Dev Patel!

Frybread Face and Me is a 2023 American coming-of-age drama film written and directed by Billy Luther. It follows the story of a young boy named Benny who comes from San Diego to spend the summer with his Navajo “Dine” grandmother on her reservation in Arizona. There he meets and bonds with his cousin Frybread Face, and the film explores their family’s legacy and their personalities as they try to make sense of the world around them and the people that they may become. Angelina Hilton, Maureen Connell, and Casey Magaris join us on the podcast to discuss complex family...

It's been a full year since our last podcast recording and, in this episode, we talk about all of the life changes happening and all of the projects and events that we've been working on with Our Voices Project ever since.

You can view information about all of our films at www.ourvoicesproject.com/projects. We are happy to announce that 3 of our films are available for screenings and panel discussions. Be sure to visit the pages for Identity, This is My Grandmother, and Being Black in America to fill out our screening interest forms to learn...

Announcing the Lunchador Podcast Network!Lunchador co-founders Matt Austin and Chris Lindstrom talk about the new Lunchador Podcast Network, bringing you the best in arts, culture and more from Western NY!

www.lunchador.org

Jason Barber, Cuban American educator and artist, joins the podcast to discuss the legacy of actor, activist and LEGEND Edward James Olmos and Latinx representation in discussing the films: Mi Familia, El Norte, Selena, Zoot Suit, and The Ballad of Gregorio Cortez.

Jason Barber is a Cuban American educator and artist with over a decade of experience in Rochester’s arts and non-for-profit sectors. As an active public artist in Rochester, he has served in many roles for a variety of Rochester’s art institutions– Rochester Brainery, Oxford Gallery, Memorial Art Gallery, Wall\Therapy, and the Yards Art Co...

Indian Horse is the story of Saul Indian Horse, a young Canadian First Nations boy who survives the Canadian Indian residential school system in the 1970s to become a star hockey player. The film is based on the novel of the same name by Richard Wagamese. Indian Horse stars Sladen Peltier, Forrest Goodluck, and Ajuawak Kapashesit who all portray Saul at different stages in his life. Stephen Campanelli is the director.

In our discussion, we listen to our feature guests, Ronald and Ronnie Garrow of the Akwesasne Mohawk Bear Clan, share their heart in talking about the...

We're still recovering from all that is this incredible sequel to Black Panther. Consider Our Voices Project a part of your support group.

Wakanda Forever is the sequel to Black Panther that tells the story of the Wakanda royal family picking up the pieces felt after King T’challa’s death, a tribute in honor and memory of the late Chadwick Boseman.

Queen Ramonda, Shuri, M'Baku, Okoye and the Dora Milaje fight to protect their nation from intervening world powers. As the Wakandans strive to embrace their next chapter, the heroes must band together with Naki...

A movie about Black women warriors starring Viola Davis? We're HERE FOR IT so let's talk about it! This is the first episode to feature the entire Our Voices Project team - Jackie McGriff, Deborah Alvarez, Courtney Shouse, and Annalisa Rogers!

The Woman King tells the story of the Agojie, the all-woman warrior unit that protected the West African kingdom of Dahomey during the 17th to 19th centuries. Set in 1823, The Woman King follows a general who trains the next generation of warriors to fight their enemies. The film stars Viola Davis, Thuso Mbedu, Lashana Lynch, Sheila...

We hosted our first LIVE, in-person podcast episode after the screening of the film, Sugar, at The Little Theatre on Thursday, August 18, 2022. The recording was provided by The Little Theatre staff.

Sugar is a 2008 drama about 19-year-old Miguel “Sugar” Santos (Algenis Perez Soto) who dreams of winning a slot on an American baseball team. His talents as a pitcher eventually land him a slot on a single-A team in Iowa, but culture shock, racism and other curveballs threaten to turn Sugar’s dream sour. Sugar is written and directed by Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck

In our...

We discuss the film "Moonlight."

Moonlight is a drama released back in 2016 starring Trevante Rhodes, Mahershala Ali, Ashton Sanders, and Naomi Harris. The story follows Chiron and looks at three defining chapters in his life as a young Black man growing up in Miami. His journey to manhood is guided by the kindness, support, and love of the community that helps raise him. The film is directed by Barry Jenkins and received the Academy Award for Best Picture in 2017. SO if you haven’t watched the film already, you can watch it on Showtime now and then co...

We discuss the movie, Passing, sexuality, relationships, racism, and the MULTIPLE layers that this film touches.

Passing is a period drama released in 2021 starring Tessa Thompson (Sylvie’s Love, Sorry to Bother You, Thor: Ragnorok, Thor: Love and Thunder) and Ruth Negga (Loving, AMC TV series Preacher). Set in New York City in the 1920s, a woman’s world is turned upside down when she runs into a childhood friend who is passing as white. The film is based on the novel by Nella Larsen by the same name and is directed by Rebecca Hall making her dire...

We discuss Fast Color, motherhood, family, trauma, and whether or not this film flips the "magical negro" stereotype on its head.

Fast Color is a science fiction drama released back from 2018 starring Gugu Mbatha-Raw (Belle, Concussion, Loki). The film is directed by Julia Hart. After her special abilities are discovered, Ruth is on the run and has no choice, but to go back to her childhood home where she reunites with her mother and her daughter and, in that time, begins to mend the relationships that have long been broken.

Featured Panelists: Vashti Anderson, Deborah...

We discussed what we loved about Attack the Block, the intersection of race and class, and other themes brought throughout the film.

Attack the Block is a 2011 sci-fi comedy directed by Joe Cornish. Moses (John Boyega) leads a group of South London teenagers facing off against aliens to defend their neighborhood. The film also guest stars Jodie Whittaker, Alex Esmail, Leeon Jones, and Nick Frost.

Featured Panelists: Katrina Overby and Deborah Alvarez

Moderator: Jackie McGriff

Our Voices Project provides a safe space and platform for Black people, Indigenous people, and people...

This was originally recorded via Zoom as part of our event series and now podcast series, Representation in Cinema.

We discussed what we loved about The Harder They Fall, different themes, and the real, Black historical figures depicted in the film.

The Harder They Fall is a 2021 western directed by Jeymes Samuel about Nat Love, an outlaw (Jonathan Majors) seeking vengeance for his family against Rufus Buck (Idris Elba). The film also guest stars Regina King, Zazie Beetz, Delroy Lindo, LaKeith Stanfield, and Deon Cole.

Featured Panelists: Katrina Overby, Nick Robertson, Gabrielle Brannigan...