WEST CHESTER, PA – The West Chester International Film Festival is teaming up with the Chester County History Center to present the inaugural “Rustin Day of Film” on Friday, June 14th at 6 PM. This special event celebrates the powerful stories of African American and LGBTQIA+ communities through an inspiring lineup of short films.
The festival honors Bayard Rustin, a West Chester native and openly gay Black Civil Rights leader, whose lifelong quest for human rights serves as the inspiration for this event. The films selected for the Rustin Day of Film include past Chester Award Winners, Academy Award Nominees, and works from both local and international filmmakers.
Among the films featured are:
- Counter Histories: Rock Hill by Fr3deR1ck Taylor, a 2019 documentary that recounts a pivotal moment in the Civil Rights Movement.
- Adjustment by Mehrdad Hassani, a 2023 drama that follows nine-year-old Shahrokh as they navigate their identity.
- I M POSSIBLE by Prasad Kamalakar Narse, a 2015 animated film about a basketball star overcoming new challenges.
- Sisak by Faraz Arif Ansari, India’s first silent queer love story from 2017.
- Feeling Through, the 2023 Chester Award Winner for Best Drama by Doug Roland, featuring a DeafBlind actor in a lead role.
- Warsha by Dania Bdeir, a 2022 short film awarded at Sundance, depicting Mohammad’s journey from alienation to liberation.
- Astronaut by local filmmaker Brian McCole, a short comedy about an astronaut in a dire predicament.
Anne Skillman, Volunteers President of the Chester County History Center, praised the film selection for showcasing the strength and diversity of voices that have fought for justice, reflecting Bayard Rustin’s legacy.
The event includes a 90-minute block of short films, along with popcorn and light refreshments. Tickets are $10 each and can be purchased on the Chester County History Center’s website.
Join the Rustin Day of Film to celebrate diversity and the enduring quest for human rights through the art of cinema.
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