Billie Reflecting

As an African American woman trying to invent and live her life by her own terms during a time of often brutal segregation and pre-feminism, Billie Holiday's existence of performance, and outside of performing, remains both iconic and a cautionary tale due to the emotional and physical price she paid. Here in the year 2009 where many still suffer through repression and genocide due to cultural/religious beliefs, ethnicity, gender or sexual orientation, her voice remains a strong testament for those who feel they can only live safely within shadows, and for those who struggle to live outside of such shadows. So the bible says, and it still is news. Billie wrote, and in this short film to Billie, a sort of ode, it is Stephen Mead's hope that Billie's words will yet have the impact to give people pause, examine their hearts, and promote positive global change.

Category:

Film & Animation

Tags:

• The Rehearsal Project