November 7, 2024
Making a movie with four women from @laylasgotyou in Syracuse, New York, was one of the best filmmaking experiences of my life. I could not be more grateful to journalist Kymani Hughes for writing this insightful, beautifully researched @dailyorange article on our THIS SIDE OF SALINA @eversonmuseum installation showcased by @lightworkorg@urban_video_project . The film features the words and performances of @jarheadixon , Angela Stroman, Jviona Baker @jvtoflyy01 and Vernahia Davis @realtorveee . You can see it on a 60′ by 30′ wall of the museum’s I.M. Pei building thru Dec. 21.
“Through personal stories and powerful imagery, Sachs’ work highlights the complex challenges women face in the post-Roe era, while emphasizing the importance of community support and care.”
“The film is a key component of the larger Communities of Care: Documenting Reproductive Justice in a Post-Roe Country initiative launched by The Abortion Clinic Film Collective, feminist filmmakers ( Kelly Gallagher @kellyspurpleriot , Raymond Rea @affected_by_light , Đoan Hoàng @ohsaigon Kristy Guevara-Flanagan @vaquerafilms@lynnesachs1 ) who address the health and rights of women, particularly those in marginalized communities.”
Production manager Minnie McMillan highlighted the severe challenges faced by Black women in healthcare, especially the high maternal mortality rates for Black women.
Her PhD research uncovers systemic inequities, from unconscious biases to environmental factors that elevate health risks during pregnancy.
“Healthcare providers may not always listen to Black women or take their symptoms seriously, leading to delayed or incorrect diagnoses,” McMillan said.
“If this film encourages viewers to listen to the women around them in really attentive and tender ways, I feel happy,” Sachs said. “The issues around reproductive justice are not simply legal ones; they have to do with respect both in the public arena and at home.”
Gratitude to fellow camera people @m.k.sims_ and @roschtve and editor @gasvatek . Curated by Anneka Herre and supported by Tiffany Lloyd. Thanks to @blk_citizensbrigade and @theclassicbop for providing such awesome locations.
October 18, 2024
I am soaring. Since March, I’ve been collaborating with four absolutely brilliant and creative women from the women’s empowerment group @laylasgotyou — J’Viona Baker, Ja’Rhea Dixon @jarheadixon, Angela Stroman and Vernahia Davis @realtorveee — to make the public art installation THIS SIDE OF SALINA for the 30′ x 60′ wall at the @eversonmuseum in Syracuse. It’s up now for the world to see!
Last night we shared our film with the community. You can experience it here, see all the great outfits and smiles.
This all happened because of the unwavering support of Anneka Herre @urban_video_project at @lightworkorg and Tiffany Lloyd at @laylasgotyou . Thrilled to have editor extraordinaire @gasvatek there with us too.
Everson Museum of Art
401 Harrison Street, Syracuse
October 10 – December 21, 2024 – Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays – dusk to 11 pm.
Here is what THIS SIDE OF SALINA is all about…..”Four Black women from Syracuse, New York, reflect on sexuality, youthful regret, emotional vulnerability, raising a daughter, and working in reproductive health services. In a series of their own choreographed vignettes, each woman thoughtfully engages with the neighborhoods she’s known all of her life.”
Some history too, because I am making this as part of a video art legacy kept alive by artists like @crystalzcampbell@hatoreina@zonaingravida@suneil_sanzgiri@ephraimasili@lawrenceabuhamdan@kellylynnsears@deltaromoeosierra .
“Urban Video Project (UVP), is an outdoor architectural projection on an I.M. Pei building dedicated to the public presentation of film, video and moving image arts. UVP is one of few projects in the United States dedicated to ongoing public projections adding to Central New York’s legacy as one of the birthplaces of video art using cutting-edge technology.”