Reflections Through the River: A Visual Album

Reflections Through the River is a 15-minute visual album directed and conceived by Allison Lewis. Using songs by Margaret Bonds and words by Langston Hughes, the film depicts how racist and harmful images in the media allow the state and the public to dehumanize Black women and the consequences of that dehumanization. The story follows both the mundane, everyday, racist experiences of Black girls and the joyful, overwhelming and fantastical experiences of Black girlhood. With stunning cinematography, captivating illustrations, powerful music, and inspiring dance, Reflections Through the River aims to move audience members, educate, and enact change. The climax serves as a vehicle for invocation and remembrance, recalling the names of cisgender and transgender Black women murdered by police brutality. The final scene shows us the giants and the everyday heroines who are the “reflections through the river”. The film will be streamed live on YouTube on March 13, 2021 at 7pm CST. This date marks the one-year anniversary of Breonna Taylor’s murder and this event will be a space for remembrance, consolation, understanding, and community. A talkback immediately following the premiere will allow audience members to engage in discussion with the creators. This is a free event and registration is requiredsuggested. Donations to #SayHerName (https://www.aapf.org/donate) are encouraged. Reflections Through the River is a Lewis Girls Production and produced by Landlocked Opera.