The Audre Lorde Film Series continues with a screening of Pariah (2011), a powerful coming-of-age story that resonates deeply with the themes of identity, self-expression, and resilience championed by Audre Lorde. Directed by Dee Rees, this critically acclaimed film follows Alike, a 17-year-old Black girl navigating her sexual identity as a lesbian within the confines of a conservative household in Brooklyn.
With stunning cinematography and a poignant script, Pariah illuminates the struggles and triumphs of living authentically in the face of societal and familial expectations. The film’s exploration of race, gender, and sexuality offers a raw yet tender portrait of self-discovery and the pursuit of belonging, making it a perfect addition to this series celebrating intersectional identities.
The screening will be followed by a discussion led by Dr. Seth E. Davis, Director of the Audre Lorde Film Club at Lemoyne-Owen College. Dr. Davis is an Assistant Professor of English and an award-winning scholar whose work focuses on "fierce literacies" of survival in Black queer communities. His expertise in intersectionality and representation in art and culture will provide invaluable insight into the film’s themes and its resonance with Audre Lorde’s vision of embracing the complexities of identity.
About the Audre Lorde Film Series:
Hosted by Dr. Seth Davis, this series honors the legacy of poet and activist Audre Lorde by showcasing films that explore the intersections of race, gender, sexuality, and resilience. Each screening fosters dialogue, education, and celebration of the multifaceted identities that shape our world.
Join us for this powerful exploration of identity in Pariah, and be part of an engaging discussion with Dr. Seth E. Davis as we celebrate the courage and beauty of living one’s truth.