WEST CHESTER, PA — JUNE 11, 2024 — Rustin Day of Film at Chester County History Center

The West Chester International Film Festival is proud to partner with the Chester County History Center to present the “Rustin Day of Film” on Friday, June 14^th at 6 pm.

This is the first edition of this event, which is a celebration of short films that elevate African American and LGBTQIA+ stories and filmmakers. The films are selections from past West Chester Film Festivals, including Chester Award Winners, Academy Award Nominees, and films from local and international filmmakers.

June is a special month to celebrate the powerful story of Bayard Rustin, the West Chester native and openly gay Black Civil Rights leader who dedicated his life to a quest for human rights, and who serves as the inspiration for this Day of Film.

The lineup of films includes:

-       Counter Histories: Rock Hill, a 2019 documentary by Fr3deR1ck Taylor which tells the story of a landmark moment of the Civil Rights Movement when nine men sat down at a segregated lunch counter in non-violent protest.

-       Adjustment, a 2023 drama by Mehrdad Hassani. This short film from Iran follows nine-year-old Shahrokh, a child exploring their identity while being pushed away by family and friends, yet following through on their journey to find new relationships with their classmates.

-       I M POSSIBLE, a 2015 animated film by Prasad Kamalakar Narse. After a disastrous accident, a basketball star faces new challenges on the court and discovers their strength still lies within.

-       Sisak, a 2017 drama from Faraz Arif Ansari. Billed as India’s first silent queer love story, this film needs no words to see the emotional journey and dreams of two young men who meet on a train.

-       Feeling Through, the 2023 Chester Award Winner for Best Drama, by filmmaker Doug Roland. The first film to ever feature a DeafBlind actor in a lead role, this film shows a late-night connection between a teen and a stranger who find unexpected connections.

-       Warsha, a 2022 short film by Dania Bdeir. This Sundance prizewinner watches Mohammad follow his dreams to new heights, from queer alienation to exhilarating liberation.

-       Astronaut, a short comedy by local filmmaker Brian McCole. Time is quickly running out as an astronaut encounters deadly conditions with no help of rescue. How will she escape this entirely unexpected situation?

“This selection of films shows not only a diverse selection of films which celebrate the Black and LGBTQIA+ experience, but also the strength of those who have previously and continue to work for a more just future, an essential part of the legacy of West Chester native Bayard Rustin,” said Anne Skillman, Volunteers President of the Chester County History Center and longtime member of the West Chester Film Festival.

The Rustin Day of Film will include a 90-minute block of short films, as well as popcorn and light refreshments. Tickets are $10 each and available on the Chester County History Website at https://mycchc.org/calendar-events/rustin-day-of-film/.

For additional information about the West Chester International Short Film Festival visit www.westchesterfilmfestival.com or email info@westchesterfilmfestival.com. Find us on social media @WCFilmFestival.

About the West Chester Film Festival:

The West Chester International Short Film Festival celebrates the spirit of independent filmmaking and diverse voices from around the world with an annual three-day festival in Downtown West Chester, PA. Films from dozens of countries, all thirty minutes or less, are shown in two-hour film blocks. It is an exciting flurry of short film blocks, workshops led by industry professionals, networking events, fantastic parties, and more. As a nonprofit, 100% volunteer organization, the WCFF is dedicated to showcasing and supporting the West Chester community with this event. More information can be found at WestChesterFilmFestival.com or on social media @WCFilmFestival.

About the Chester County History Center:

The Chester County History Center is a leading institution dedicated to preserving, interpreting, and sharing the rich history and heritage of Chester County, Pennsylvania. Through engaging exhibitions, educational programs, and community outreach efforts, the History Center aims to inspire curiosity, foster learning, and foster an appreciation for the past. CCHC is committed to being a diverse, equitable, and inclusive organization that encourages participation and celebrates the value of a diverse staff and board representative of our community. We are committed to offering participation opportunities for all community members, especially those from under-resourced and historically marginalized communities, and to serving, supporting, and being accessible to the diverse community of Chester County and beyond. Our commitment includes, but is not limited to, community members of all ages, abilities, economic circumstances, ethnicity, gender, race, religion, and sexual orientation. Find more information at [www.mycchc.org]MyCCHC.org.

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