A VOTE IS A VERB, An Art for Democracy Event

“To understand the world, you must first understand a place like Mississippi.”

~William Faulkner

In concert with the urgency of the upcoming presidential election and all that is at stake, we'll gather to discuss powerful activism through the visual and film arts, and watch two important documentaries that embrace the complexities of America and policy making. Filmmaker Kelly Duane De La Vega, and Artists Lena Wolff and Hope Meng will join moderator Devon Bella to discuss the influence of powerful and meaningful storytelling through film, advocacy and art.

Our Outdoor Film events are curated to foster a deeper understanding of the issues, what's at stake within policy making, and how your voice matters.

Ticket sales for this event provide an honorarium to our filmmakers, artists, and the organizations dedicated to making sure we save democracy with our vote.

Featured Films:

IN THE BONES

A searing look at the culture that overturned Roe v. Wade, IN THE BONES is a cinematic journey through Mississippi that provides a poetic — and sometimes painful — portrait of American culture through the ordinary lives of women and children.

A film by Kelly Duane De La Vega & Jessica Anthony, Co-Directed by Zandashé Brown, Documentary, 96min., 2022.

IN THE BONES is a lyrical documentary that explores the personal and political by interweaving the lives of 12 characters living in Mississippi during a legislative session in which equal pay for equal work and abortion rights are being decided. Although set in three distinct regions of Mississippi, In the Bones is a much broader exploration of our culture, an unsettling portrayal of America that lingers, shining a light on the weight women live under in this country and also the resilience expressed in everyday acts of survival.

PEACE IN THE VALLEY

Eureka Springs, Arkansas is home to both the largest outdoor Passion Play in the U.S. and an important vote on LGBT rights. Peace in the Valley follows the town’s inhabitants as they prepare for the historic vote.

A short film by Michael Palmieri & Donal Mosher, documentary, 15min., 2016

PEACE IN THE VALLEY is a short documentary made in 2016, whose messages remain as meaningful and poignant today. It amplifies the power of advocacy, raising our voices and influencing change with our vote. Palmieri and Mosher went on to make a full length version in 2019 called The Gospel of Eureka, which, after the vote of 2016, explores love, faith, and civil rights in the south as evangelical Christians and drag queens step into the spotlight to explore the meaning of belief.

Schedule of Events:

5:30pm Gather

6:00pm Panel Discussion

7pm Film Screenings

Lena Wolff, Artist & Activist for Democracy

Hope Meng, Visual Artist & Multidiciplinary Designer

Moderated by Devon Bella

We can expect cooler temperatures out here by the ocean.

This is a rustic, outdoor experience. We situate ourselves amongst the garden beds.

Bundle UP! Dress for the weather at Ocean Beach! Bring a Blanket!

We hope you'll join us!

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Far Out West Community Garden, 1399 43rd Avenue, San Francisco, United States