While Mixed race characters and stories are becoming a bit more popular on big and small screens, we’re a long way from authentic representation.
Good news: The FREE TO BE FEST 2024 will celebrate Mixed heritage in film for Mixed-race folks and allies of the Multiracial community on Sunday, June 9, 2024, from 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. Pacific time.
Even better news: You can enjoy the talents of exciting filmmakers in person at the Rooftop Cinema in Downtown Los Angeles, or virtually from the comfort of your own device, via a livestream from 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. Pacific time.
The FREE TO BE FEST 2024 features exclusive film screenings and a never-before-seen TV series pilot, and a Q&A with the filmmakers. Those attending in person will have all sorts of ways to interact with and connect to the Mixed-race community.
Dr. Jenn Noble, Founder and CEO of Free To Be Collective and the FREE TO BE FILM FEST 2024
The FREE TO BE FEST 2024 is the brainchild of Dr. Jenn, founder and CEO of Free To Be Collective. We’ve featured Dr. Jenn’s wonderful coaching services for parents of Mixed-race children, and her online coaching community for parents to support each other in learning how to raise confident and resilient Mixed-race kids.
“Free To Be Collectives’ mission is to help marginalized folks and nontraditional families liberate themselves from societal rules and expectations,” Dr. Jenn says. “We want you to honor authentic expression of self, embrace a unique identity, and find freedom to boldly exist in the world.”
Q: What inspired you to create this film festival?
A: Some years ago, there was an event that was a full weekend focused on the Mixed-race experience. I miss that energizing feeling I got attending each year and seeing the same folks come out. It was like a Mixed-race family reunion! I decided I didn’t have to miss that feeling anymore if I created my own event!
Q: Who do you see as the audience for this event?
A: This event is meant for Mixed-race folks and their allies!
Q: What do you hope to achieve with FREE TO BE FEST 2024?
A: It’s very simple: I want to create a space where Mixed-race people can be in community with each other and celebrate their full selves! The empowerment that comes from just being around other Mixed-race people is electric! This is the link to the in person tickets
And we have a livestream for those who can’t make it out to Los Angeles! I want folks in Iowa, Ireland, Alabama, and Australia to be able to take art! This is the link to the livesltream tickets
Gabriela - "It's the summer after high-school graduation in North Carolina and Gabriela, a young undocumented Guatemalan woman, pursues her dream of swimming with an illustrious Country Club swim team. However, she is soon confronted with her over-protective mother's fears, limitations on her legal and socio-economic status, and her own self-judgment." This film touches on the desire to belong. Produced by Maris Lidaka of Blended Future Project.
Tsehai - "In mid-2000s SoCal, as her auntie’s wedding approaches, a Biracial teenager tries to keep the peace between her clashing Ethiopian mother and White American father." Created by Sarah Shuman & David Ramos
Alt Black - a pilot tv series on one man's experience being Mixed. Comedy touching on microaggressions in relationships and the film/tv industry. Created by Conroe Brooks.
BUT WAIT! THERE’S MORE!
In-person tickets include a comfortable deck chair, personal headphones for the outdoor viewing experience, city views, and lots of Instagrammable moments PLUS a snack ticket for classic movie-watching events!
I’ve got my ticket—be sure to get yours today!
Both the in-person tickets and livestream tickets include great individual and group options, including a “Parent Bundle” with 1 free ticket to the event, a discounted 60-minute, 1:1 coaching session with Dr. Jenn, and 1-month free access to the Free To Be Collective (a savings of $125!).