The MSP Film Society, in partnership with the Capri Theater and the Minnesota Historical Society, presents We Are the Radical Monarchs, at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 5at North Community High School, Door 18, 1500 James Ave. N. North High serves as the alternate location for this film series while the Capri Theater is closed for expansion and renovation. Tickets to First Thursday Filmsare $5; purchase in advance at mspfilm.org or at the door the night of the show.
We Are the Radical Monarchs is a heartwarming look at the first three years of an Oakland-based alternative to the Girl Scouts – specifically for girls of color, ages 8-13. The girls earn badges for units on social justice, such as Black Lives Matter, Radical Beauty, Disability Justice and being an LGBTQ ally. “Watching these bright, motivated children blossom and learn how to be kind and compassionate – but also fierce! – citizens of the world is a beautiful thing,” writes Christopher Reed. Filmed over three years, the documentary also follows the dynamic co-founders, Anayvette Martinez and Marilyn Hollinquest, as they face challenges in growing the organization, both pre-and-post the 2016 election.
We Are the Radical Monarchs was the Film Society’s Cine Latino Audience Award runner-up last year, and also received the Seattle International Film Festival’s Films4Families Youth Jury Award “for its empowering story, especially for young women of color, that shows real people standing for something they believe in, growing into activists, and learning real world skills.”
Each First Thursday Films screening is followed by a passionate discussion of the movie, led this month by Robin Hickman. Hickman is the CEO and Executive Producer of SoulTouch Productions, a television and film production, youth mentorship and media consulting company, with a mission to make meaningful media and produce powerful social impact experiences. The business of SoulTouch, and Robin’s personal commitment, is to plant seeds of hope in young people and present “Visions of Possibilities.” Robin is a native of, and resides in, St. Paul. She graduated from St. Paul Central High School and received a B.A. in Communications from Howard University in Washington, DC. Her expertise and passion for youth will surely promote a dynamic discussion of the film.
The First Thursdaysseriescontinues with the acclaimed documentary Charm City on April 2, an encore selection from the Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival on May 7, and Burden, starring Forest Whitaker on June 4.
Topical and relevant in these turbulent times, First Thursday Films aims to create a space for dialogue and better understanding. Come for the movies. Stay for the conversation. Info: thecapritheater.org or mspfilm.org.
Capri programs are generously supported by Target.