Film Programs
Book a film program featuring SpeakOut's award-winning filmmakers - in person or virtually. Explore a variety of cultural and social issues through powerful and thought-provoking films, accompanied by in-depth discussions with the filmmakers themselves. A unique and enriching experience!
More Than a Word
More Than a Word offers a fascinating look inside the growing movement to change the name of the Washington R*dskins football team. Directed by brothers John and Kenn Little, who are members of the Standing Rock Sioux tribe, the film traces how the word “r*dskin” evolved from being a term of racist derision and slander to being embraced as the name of one of the NFL’s most beloved franchises. It also draws on the voices of Native American activists and scholars to place this controversy within the wider context of Native American history and racial stereotyping more generally. More Than a Word (run time 70 minutes) is an ideal program for clarifying what’s truly at stake in contemporary debates about cultural appropriation and Native American-themed mascots. One or both of the filmmakers are available for post-screening discussions.
Created by John Little
Native Scholar, Historian, and Filmmaker
Native Scholar, Historian, and Filmmaker
Mooz-lum
The coming-of-age tale about a Muslim boy going to college around the time of the September 11 attacks has received much critical acclaim, with nominations from the NAACP Image Awards and the Black Reel Awards. It won Best Narrative Feature at the 14th Annual Urban World Film Festival in New York. The film also gained international momentum, opening in over 25 countries. Given the current political climate, the film is once again in high demand as it speaks to the fear, hatred, and hostility towards Islam and Muslims, providing a powerful and complex story of what it means to be Muslim in America. Starring Evan Ross, Nia Long, and Danny Glover
Created by Qasim Basir
Award-winning Film Director and Writer
Award-winning Film Director and Writer
Kate Bornstein is a Queer and Pleasant Danger
The first feature documentary about the visionary trans author and performer Kate Bornstein. Director Sam Feder captures the many facets of this queer gender outlaw. In this award-winning film we go on a journey with Kate, who for decades has been exploding binaries and deconstructing gender.
Created by Kate Bornstein
Trans Icon, Author, and Performance Artist
Trans Icon, Author, and Performance Artist
Follow Me Home
Follow Me Home is a defiant, humorous, poetic tale exploring race and identity. Weaving together traditions of Native, African and Latino cultures, the film tells the story of four artists and their journey across the American landscape. Tudee (Jesse Borrego), Abel (Benjamin Bratt), Kaz (Calvin Levels) and Freddy (Steve Reevis) are joined by Evey (Alfre Woodard) an enigmatic African American woman on a journey of her own. The film earned Bratt the Best Director award at the 1996 American Indian Film Festival and the Best Feature Film Audience Award at the 1996 San Francisco International Film Festival. It was also an Official Selection in the 1996 Sundance Film Festival.
Created by Peter Bratt
Award-winning Director, Screenwriter, and Producer
Award-winning Director, Screenwriter, and Producer
Who Killed Vincent Chin
"Who Killed Vincent Chin?" is a powerful and thought-provoking documentary that delves into the tragic story of Vincent Chin, a Chinese-American man who was brutally murdered in a racially-motivated attack in 1982. Through interviews, archival footage, and investigative journalism, the film examines the circumstances leading up to Vincent Chin's death, the trial that followed, and the broader issues of racism, hate crimes, and justice in America. With a poignant exploration of identity, discrimination, and the Asian-American experience, the documentary raises essential questions about the pursuit of equality and the ongoing fight against racial injustice. "Who Killed Vincent Chin?" serves as both a poignant memorial to a life lost and a call to confront the systemic prejudices that continue to affect marginalized communities.
Created by Renee Tajima-Peña
Academy-Award Nominated Documentary Filmmaker and Scholar
Academy-Award Nominated Documentary Filmmaker and Scholar
Dolores
Dolores Huerta is among the most important, yet least known, activists in U.S. history. An equal partner in co-founding the first farm workers unions with Cesar Chavez, her enormous contributions have gone largely unrecognized. Dolores tirelessly led the fight for racial and labor justice alongside Chavez, becoming one of the most defiant feminists of the twentieth century—and she continues the fight to this day, at 92. With intimate and unprecedented access to this intensely private mother to eleven, the documentary film reveals the raw, personal stakes involved in committing one’s life to social change. Winner of the Audience Award, Best Documentary Feature at the San Francisco Film Festival and the Montclair Film Festival; Best Feature Film at the Houston Latino Film Festival; and Best Documentary Feature at the Seattle International Film Festival, to name some of the awards it's already garnered.
Created by Peter Bratt
Award-winning Director, Screenwriter, and Producer
Award-winning Director, Screenwriter, and Producer
No! The Rape Documentary
"No! The Rape Documentary" is a powerful and unflinching exploration of sexual assault, consent, and the urgent need to challenge prevailing attitudes and beliefs. Through personal stories, expert interviews, and candid conversations, the documentary sheds light on the pervasive culture of rape and victim-blaming. By amplifying the voices of survivors and advocates, the film courageously confronts the myths and misconceptions surrounding sexual violence while providing a platform for healing and empowerment. With a raw and honest approach, "No! The Rape Documentary" prompts viewers to critically examine societal norms, dismantle harmful narratives, and join the collective effort to create a safer and more just world for all genders.
Created by Aishah Shahidah Simmons
Antirape Activist, Black Feminist Lesbian Cultural Worker, and Writer
Antirape Activist, Black Feminist Lesbian Cultural Worker, and Writer
No Mas Bebes
"No Más Bebés" is a compelling and eye-opening documentary that exposes a dark chapter in the history of reproductive rights and social justice. The film delves into the struggles faced by a group of Latina women in the 1960s and 1970s who were unknowingly sterilized while giving birth at a Los Angeles county hospital. Through personal testimonies, legal battles, and historical context, the documentary sheds light on the systemic racism, sexism, and medical malpractice that led to this egregious violation of women's rights. As the women come together to seek justice for themselves and future generations, "No Más Bebés" serves as a powerful exploration of the intersection of race, gender, and reproductive freedom. The film invites viewers to reflect on the importance of informed consent, human rights, and the ongoing fight for dignity and equality in healthcare.
Created by Renee Tajima-Peña
Academy-Award Nominated Documentary Filmmaker and Scholar
Academy-Award Nominated Documentary Filmmaker and Scholar
My America Or Honk if You Love Buddha
"My America Or Honk if You Love Buddha" is a thought-provoking and heartfelt documentary that takes audiences on a journey through the diverse landscape of American spirituality. Through a series of captivating interviews and immersive storytelling, the film explores the lives and beliefs of individuals who are navigating the intersections of culture, faith, and identity. From Buddhists to Baptists, Hindus to Hare Krishnas, the documentary delves into the personal stories and experiences of people who are carving out their own unique paths in a multicultural society. With a blend of humor, empathy, and deep insight, "My America Or Honk if You Love Buddha" challenges preconceived notions about religion, challenges stereotypes, and celebrates the rich tapestry of beliefs that make up the American spiritual landscape. As viewers are taken on a captivating road trip across faith traditions, the film prompts reflection on the meaning of tolerance, coexistence, and the search for a shared understanding of what it means to be American.
Created by Renee Tajima-Peña
Academy-Award Nominated Documentary Filmmaker and Scholar
Academy-Award Nominated Documentary Filmmaker and Scholar
Calavera Highway
"Calavera Highway" is a poignant and captivating documentary that follows the journey of two brothers as they embark on a road trip from California to the Day of the Dead celebrations in Mexico. As they traverse the landscape of memory and identity, the film beautifully captures the intersection of two cultures, the Mexican-American experience, and the power of familial bonds. Through encounters with relatives, strangers, and their own past, the brothers explore themes of heritage, loss, and the ever-changing definition of home. With a blend of humor, introspection, and cultural discovery, "Calavera Highway" paints a vivid picture of the complexities of belonging, inviting viewers to reflect on the threads that connect us to our roots and the transformative nature of reconnecting with one's heritage.
Created by Renee Tajima-Peña
Academy-Award Nominated Documentary Filmmaker and Scholar
Academy-Award Nominated Documentary Filmmaker and Scholar
La Mission
"La Mission" is a gripping and emotionally charged drama that delves into the life of Che Rivera, a reformed ex-convict and devoted father living in San Francisco's Mission District. As he grapples with his own past mistakes and a strong sense of traditional masculinity, Che's world is turned upside down when he discovers that his beloved teenage son is gay. The film powerfully portrays Che's journey of acceptance, as he confronts his own biases and learns to embrace his son's identity. Set against the backdrop of the vibrant Mission District community, "La Mission" weaves a narrative of family, redemption, and personal growth. With its exploration of cultural expectations, social change, and the power of unconditional love, the film invites viewers to reflect on the complexities of identity, generational divides, and the transformative nature of empathy.
Created by Peter Bratt
Award-winning Director, Screenwriter, and Producer
Award-winning Director, Screenwriter, and Producer
Cracking the Codes
"Cracking the Codes" is an enlightening and thought-provoking documentary that dives deep into the complex realm of systemic racism in contemporary society. Through candid conversations, personal stories, and insightful analysis, the film examines the ways in which racial disparities are woven into various aspects of everyday life, from education and employment to media representation and criminal justice. By unpacking the subtle and overt ways that privilege and bias operate, "Cracking the Codes" offers viewers a chance to explore their own roles in perpetuating or challenging these systems. With a focus on fostering understanding, dialogue, and collective action, the documentary serves as a vital tool for building awareness, dismantling stereotypes, and forging a more equitable future for all.
Created by Shakti Butler
Visionary Filmaker and Racial Equity Educator
Visionary Filmaker and Racial Equity Educator
Mirrors of Privilege
"Mirrors of Privilege" is a thought-provoking documentary that delves into the often unseen dynamics of privilege and its impact on individuals and society. Through candid interviews, personal anecdotes, and expert insights, the film shines a light on the ways in which privilege shapes perceptions, behaviors, and opportunities. It explores how various forms of privilege, such as racial, gender, and socioeconomic privilege, intersect and influence power dynamics. By encouraging introspection and dialogue, "Mirrors of Privilege" challenges viewers to confront their own biases and consider their role in creating a more just and inclusive world. With its emphasis on fostering empathy, understanding, and meaningful change, the documentary offers a valuable tool for engaging in conversations about privilege, equity, and social transformation.
Created by Shakti Butler
Visionary Filmaker and Racial Equity Educator
Visionary Filmaker and Racial Equity Educator