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Stories exploring the complexity of black women's lives are rarely told; black feminists are seldom heard or seen; and black lesbians are practically invisible. We seldom see how the intersections of race, class, gender, age and sexuality manifest in one woman's life. How did Angela Bowen keep her passions alive, even in the face of poverty and bigotry?
The Passionate Pursuits of Angela Bowen is a feature length documentary that shares Bowen's candid and compelling life stories. The film portrays all of Bowen's "lives" and families, her role models, the dance and university students she mentored, and the LGBT activists and scholars she influenced.
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WHO AM I?
My name is Jennifer Abod. I am an award winning broadcaster, documentary producer and director.I established Profile Productions in the 1980s and produced several radio documentaries including A Radio Profile of Audre Lorde (WGBH FM).
My Award winning video documentaries include The Edge of Each Other's Battles: The Vision of Audre Lorde (59 min, 2000-2002) and Look Us in the Eye: The Old Women's Project, (OWP, 26 min, 2007). Look Us in the Eye is the first documentary about the relationship between ageism and sexism. San Diego State University recently purchased OWP for their Women's Studies Department. My films are in more than 100 University Libraries nationally and internationally and have screened at LGBT Centers and film festivals.
Time is of the Essence.
Dr. Bowen retired several years ago because of several serious health complications including a diagnosis of Alzheimer's. I need your generous and immediate contributions to complete The Passionate Pursuits of Angela Bowen. It's an inspiring story for our communities right now and for future generations.
Angela Bowen has pursued three life passions applying the lessons and values she absorbed during her youth and used them to inspire others to pursue their dreams with tenacity and courage -- but not for themselves alone.
After a decade of work on this film, and countless interviews, Angela would like to see the finished film and enjoy whatever events result. I do not want to disappoint her. You will not be disappointed! The Passionate Pursuits of Angela Bowen addresses universal themes of family, love, loss, as well as the particular themes of class, gender, race and sexuality.
WHAT WE NEED and WHAT YOU GET
The purpose of this fundraising campaign is to raise $30,000 to cover the cost of: post-production editing, sound and color mastering, music graphic motion, photo licensing.
Breakdowns of expenses are:
• $10,000 --editing
• $5,000 --sound and color mastering,
• $6,000 --music
• $2,000 --graphic design and graphic motion,
• $3,000 photo and rare footage licensing,
• $3,000 publicity and distribution
It is critical that you help me raise the full amount in order to complete the film!
Perks:
• Film Sponsorship: $1,000 or more: RECEIVE: Copy of the DVD rough cut of Passionate Pursuit as it is. This one DVD is without exception hailed by all; a signed copy of “Out of the Blue: Aleta’s Stories by Angela Bowen. In addition we will post your organization or project website on the Passionate Pursuits support web page, and a rolling film credit.
• Friendship Sponsorship: $500-900: FIRST COME FIRST SERVE. RECEIVE: Bowen Peters Memorabilia:
10 available: Bowen/Peters 1980 collectors Calendar, Signed by Angela Bowen
2 available: Bowen Peters 10th Anniversary program Signed by Angela Bowen
Readers Circle Sponsorship: $100-499 RECEIVE: We will post your organization or project website on the Passionate Pursuits support web page, and you will receive a rolling film credit.
NEW PAPERBACK BOOK OF SHORT STORIES BY Angela Bowen:
“Out of the Blue: Aleta’s Stories” signed copy
The Impact
The Passionate Pursuits of Angela Bowen is a celebration of Bowen's life and her legacy. The Passionate Pursuits of Angela Bowen has brought and will bring diverse audiences together and will continue to inspire and enrich any community where it is shown.
Because of Bowen's wide influence across the decades and the usual divides of generations, ethnicities, and sexualities, the goal is to create community events that will reach across barriers of separation.
Over the past decade I have received two small grants: One from The Dance Film Association and the other from Long Beach Lesbian and Gay Pride, Inc. Funding has from community folks like you have brought the film this far. Your immediate and generous donations are necessary to complete the film.
What people are saying about the film:
THE ADVOCATE named The Passionate Pursuits as one of four worthwhile film project to financially support !!!
http://www.advocate.com/arts-entertainment/internet/2013/08/06/four-lgbt-projects-you-could-give-money-month
The film made the first "cut" of the Roy W. Dean Fund Grant.
FILM REVIEWS SO FAR
“We watched a rough cut of The Passionate Pursuits of Angela Bowen and were filled with many emotions. We laughed and cried and most of all was inspired by Angela's moving journey. Angela Bowen is a woman who belongs in the history books. It's a true testament of how the "will" of one person can make a difference.”
Renee Sotile & Mary Jo Godges Directors: Christa McAuliffe: Reach for the Stars
“Just watched the movie. O M Goddess, it is just plain fabulous. I've seen a lot of good movies this year and this one is my favorite.”
Susan Wiseheart Old Lesbians Organizing for Change
“I enjoyed the film a lot. I agree that Angela's story is fantastic and needs to be told. Estelle Disch, PhD U Mass Boston
Amazing! I cannot wait to see more and I am just so amazed at the drive, passion, love and compassion Angela has instilled in others by her own motivation of living a full life. I am truly blessed to have been a part of this wonderful film.
Realtor, Jacqueline Case
Very well put together. Great story of women's, feminist history and of a wonderful caring woman. It shows that she is truly a jewel.
Toni Livingston,Real Estate
I really enjoyed this. I am looking forward to its completion. It tells an important story that needs to be told.
Dave KeliherAV tech, LA Zoo
Excellent! Without Angela, these gifted dancers (young children) would never have been able to become amazing and productive artists. I loved the film. Thank you Angela. (As a Latina, I always welcome other artists of various ethnic backgrounds.)
Caroline Casillas, Dental Assistant
The mix of the personal with the strong historical significance of Angela's life is very engrossing.
Laurie Schur, Producer/director
Greedy for Life; The Beauty of Aging
Other Ways You Can Help
Purchase "Out of the Blue:Aleta's Stories" (Paperback and E-book) Amazon or from www.jenniferabod.com contact jabod@jenniferabod.com
"Partner with Us! You can help by hosting a screening of our film-in-progress and/or a reading of Angela's short stories at your home or community center. We will send you a DVD rough cut of the film and a copy of Angela's book of short stories. We will also "attend" by appearing through Skype."
For example on September 12th "Art is Life Itself!" (AILI) a performance series held every Thursday night in Roxbury, Massachusetts by The Roxbury Media Institute, will be screening the rough-cut of Passionate Pursuits and will feature a local spoken word artist. Without leaving Long Beach, California, Angela and I will be connected for the event through SKYPE.
By hosting a screening and/or reading, you will help bring Angela's story to the attention of people who may otherwise never hear about it. By doing so, you will add to Angela's impact by providing an opportunity for people to understand how she worked across diverse communities to promote social justice. At it's best, film can inspire and empower. Help us maximize the impact of this documentary by working in partnership with us. You can start by contacting me at jabod@jenniferabod.com.
