“Blooming with Cinema”

A fusion of two reading responses for Social Foundations

Reading Response “A” -  Bloom Spaces

I MUST open with this quote:

“All the world is a bloom space now. A promissory note. An allure and a threat that shows up in ordinary sensibilities of not knowing what compels, not being able to sit still, being exhausted, being left behind or being ahead of the curve, being in history, being in a predicament, being ready for something—anything—to happen, or orienting yourself to the sole goal of making sure that nothing (more) will happen (Kathleen Stewart, 2010, p.340).”

This quote vibrated at the cellular level! I am in a bloom space with my artist identity! I am in a bloom space with my divine assignment - “to create and hold spaces of self-restoration and healing for Black womxn.” I am blooming!! I truly can’t sit still which is ironic because my whole mission is to invite my fellow Sista Queens to sit and be present with self, others, and nature. This call to action is also echoed in Kathleen’s words because I have come to understand that a lot of Black womxn are feeling exhausted. That metaphorical cape associated with being the Strong Black Womxn is strangling the life from us.

Unlike the authors words of “being ready for something - anything - to happen,” I am making something(s) happen and those things are directed by the Divine. Check out Reading Response B.

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Reading Response “B” - Thinking with Cinema

After reading Carol A. Taylor’s article, “Mobile Sections and Flowing Matter in Participant-Generated Video: Exploring a Deleuzian Approach to Visual Sociology,” I immediately thought about how powerful visual storytelling is the the creator AND the audience. It is one thing to be able to communicate with words, but the combination of words and visuals  double the impact.

Approximately three years ago, I became more serious about filmmaking. (I’m not at the hardcore level, yet. Just more serious than I had been.) I have always enjoyed public speaking, but I never thought about taking this talent and creating films with it. When I watch these shorts, I return to Kathleen Stewart’s words, “​Anything can feel like something you’re in, fully or partially, comfortably or aspirationally, for good or not for long. I want Black womxn across the nation to “FEEL” like they are in these sacred spaces of joy and healing. I want them to “FEEL” like they are not alone. I want them to “FEEL” the strength of our Queendom.

I guess I was actively engaging in Affect Theory before I even knew it was a “thing.” Please check out some of my past and present work:

Dear Black Women

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Special thanks to:

• Create Uplift.
• The Nia Project and Black Women Get Fit 
• My Sista Queens!

#CapeBreak

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Special thanks to:

• Shaun Collins and WIBW television 
• JoVonka Marks, Tameka McCray, Andrea Gilchrist (my featured artists)
• My Sista Queens!

LIFT

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Special thanks to:

• ​​Create Uplift 
• Danielle Martin and WIBW
• The Topeka State Capitol Building
• My Sista Queens!

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T.J. Collections 

(Current submission to the Denton Black Film Festival: short documentary category)

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Special thanks to:

• My Dad - Thomas James Simmons
• Create Uplift
• The Nia Project & Black Women Get Fit
• My Sista Queens!

Isolation, Invitation, Inclusion

(Current submission to the Denton Black Film Festival: short narrative category)

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Special thanks to:

• Elsewhere Museum
• Jordan T. Robinson
• I-Sis