Local zinesters organize first feminist film fest at Wealthy Theatre

On Sunday, September 21 from 4-10 p.m. Wealthy Theatre will host Grand Rapids' first ever feminist film festival, organized by The Bandit Zine.

A reception will take place from 4-6 p.m. in the Wealthy Theatre lobby. Live music perfermed by Jes Kramer will begin at 4:30 p.m. Music by Trinket will start at 5:30 p.m. A list of of vendors include NOW-GR, The Bandit Zine, The DAAC, Planned Parenthood of West and Northern Michigan, Vault of Midnight Grand Rapids and free kombucha from BLOOMferments.

The mission of the event is to promote intercultural dialog, increase awareness about the diverse experiences of women, foster cross-cultural understanding among people of different backgrounds, celebrate the talent of underrepresented film makers and authors and connect community members to area organizations centered around gender justice. 

"Statistics show that the film and media industry is overwhelmingly ran by white, wealthy, heterosexual men," says Lydia VanHoven of The Bandit Zine. This, says VanHoven "results in the fact that most media does not often depict the lives and experiences of women and other marginalized folks in an accurate and honest manner."

"We, among many others, think it’s about time that we promote the creative genius of female artists and feminist-filmmakers and illustrate the diverse experiences of women through the medium of film," she says.

According to VanHoven, there are few places in the country that host such festivals. This event is unique in the fact that it is one of those few feminist film festivals and it is completely free and open to all ages.

"As the city that birthed ArtPrize, we know that GR is not afraid of taking that first leap and sparking an international movement," says VanHoven.