What started out as a class project for filmmaker, Nisa Ra, has morphed into a full video exploration of lasting African American love and relationships with stories from couples ranging in ages from 20s to 90s. The documentary, The Connection: Black Love Lives, will debut in Philadelphia on Friday, February 11, 2011 at 7pm at the Community Education Center (CEC), 3500 Lancaster Avenue. A post-screening reception and panel discussion further exploring the topic will feature a family therapist, notable black psychologist and celebrity couple, Kindred the Family Soul. The event is being co-sponsored by the CEC and the Lancaster Avenue 21st Century Business Association.
“Despite the despairing national statistics and media reports on black family/marriage, there are many successful relationships and couples in my circle of friends and community. The impetus for the film was my curiosity in learning how they ‘connected’ as well their personal strategies for making love last,” says Ra also a trailblazing educator, entrepreneur and personality on the Philly culture scene.
Panelist for the post-screening discussion include:
• Dr. Faruq T.N. Iman, a psychologist, certified holistic practitioner and editor of the Association of Black Psychologists’ Eastern Region newsletter.
• Aduke` Mckenzie, MS, MA, MFT, owner of East of Eden Villa Resort in Montego Bay, Jamaica where she has hosted holistic, and couples retreats for the past 20 years.
• Fatin and Aja Dantzler also known as Kindred the Family Soul, the married couple and parents of 6 are successful singer/songwriters signed to Hidden Beach Recordings.
“I wanted to make a film that highlights and presents positive images of the black family and gives hope and inspiration for those looking for love,” adds Ra. A multi-city screening/discussion tour is being planned for spring which Ra hopes “to open a dialogue for overcoming the obstacles that prevent successful relationships in our community.”
