Return to Sender: Women of Color in Colonial Postcards & the Politics of Representation pushes the documentary medium in unexpected ways by opening with three contemporary South Asian American women who recreate British colonial postcards from the early 20th century. Dressed in lavish traditional attire and jewelry and shot exquisitely in a darkened studio, the women emulate the awkward poses of the postcard women, only to subvert the colonial male gaze and acquire autonomy by choosing an action of their own. This symbolic ‘returning’ of the Orientalist gaze is layered with discussions about Eurocentric beauty standards, representations of South Asian women in media and culture, stereotypes, othering, identity and belonging. The film hopes to create community by facilitating conversations about erasure and the politics of representation. Learn more about this NYSCA-funded project at MaraAhmedStudio.com
The post-screening panelists include Jeremy Dennis (Fine art photographer, Lead Artist & President of Ma's House & BIPOC Art Studio), Minerva Perez (Executive Director of Organizacion Latino-Americana of Eastern Long Island), and Brenda Simmons (Executive Director and Founder of Southampton African American Museum). They will be in conversation with filmmaker Mara Ahmed and the audience.
Directors - Mara Ahmed
Panel With - Jeremy Dennis, Minerva Perez, Brenda Simmons, and Mara Ahmed
