Two-Day Film Fest at Olive-Harvey College Shines a Light on Social Justice

Olive-Harvey College will host a two-day Social Justice Short Film Festival this week as part of the college’s larger Black History Month celebration.

The first of its kind festival, hosted by Chicago-based actor Frederick Paul Williams at Olive-Harvey College’s Bruce Cherry Theater, will feature short films ranging from two to 27 minutes in length that highlight themes of social justice. It kicks off Thursday, February 9 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with film screenings followed by a reception and panel. The festival continues on Friday, February 10 with film screenings from noon to 2:00 p.m.

The event was organized by Dr. Jeffery Dillard, professor and department chair of Olive-Harvey College’s Business and Professional Services Department.

“The films were chosen to invoke emotion and engage our communities,” said Dr. Dillard. “The power of film is that it can share the social justice challenges of today as well as shine a light on the past. These films spark thought, action, and conversation.”

Featured films explore diverse topics like the criminalization of poverty, finding opportunity while living in underinvested neighborhoods, Black maternal health risks, botched police investigations, and even the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

For more information, visit https://events.ccc.edu/event/olive-harvey-black-history-month-short-film-festival/.