30th Anniversary & Film: Because of the War

Posted by Philadelphia Folklore Project on October 2, 2017

The Philadelphia Folklore Project is celebrating our 30th Anniversary with the release of our latest film Because of the War. The film features stories of four Philadelphia-based Liberian women who use traditional songs to address injustices in their lives. We’re thrilled to launch this new resource into the world and hope the movie will screen at universities, libraries and local community venues. At the event we’ll be raising money for the outreach campaign.

Be part of the premiere of Because of the War and help the Philadelphia Folklore Project mark our 30th Birthday at this special event including dinner, drinks and dessert!

Sunday, October 15
Film: 4:00 PM
Reception: 5:30 PM

International House
3701 Chestnut St
Philadelphia, PA 19104

About Because of the War
In Philadelphia, four Liberian women use their music to address injustice and inspire action for social change. Survivors of Liberia’s civil wars, they are accomplished, brilliant singers – mothers, refugees, immigrants, Africans – who haven’t stopped contributing positively to the world, no matter the obstacles. Because of the War documents the power of traditional songs to make meaningful connections between and among people, and to help re-build communities.

Tickets $20/$25 • Sponsorships • Advertisements

RSVP
http://folkloreproject.org/movie-premiere30th-birthday-party

There are an estimated 15 – 20,000 Liberians in the Philadelphia area, and tens of thousands of others across the U.S., most here because of devastating back-to-back civil wars from 1989 – 1996 and 1999 – 2003.

By telling the stories of Fatu Gayflor, Marie Nyenabo, Zaye Tete and Tokay Tomah, the Philadelphia Folklore Project aims to link Liberians of all generations and the broader public with some of the most renowned traditional Liberian singers, deepening understandings of the active, constructive roles the arts and artists can take in moments of crisis in the lives of families and communities.

Through movie screenings, facilitated discussions and performances, we’ll illuminate how these female vocalists are indeed heroes in our midst, recognizing the ways in which they have responded to the trauma and loss left in the wake of war and other forms of violence. Reaching out to police officers, policy-makers, educators and students, and social service providers, our effort rests upon a call to nurture the possibilities of the arts in transforming communities, connecting people who are usually distanced from one another and shining a light on what immigrant artists have already done — and might yet do — to combat injustice, given the exceptional skills and knowledge they bring with them.