(Screenshot from YouTube)
ORLANDO| Enzian Theater has partnered with Travel + Leisure Co. to present Central Florida’s third annual Reel Representation: Diversity in Film showcase.
The event, which takes place June 5-6, will give attendees the opportunity to watch and discuss four films featuring experiences and perspectives that have an important place in independent cinema as well as the community.
“Travel + Leisure Co. understands that a culture of rich inclusion and diversity enhances our ability to serve our customers. We strive to cultivate an inclusive environment where our associates, customers, suppliers, and communities feel appreciated, respected, and valued,” said Michael Brown, president and CEO of Travel + Leisure Co., in a press release.
Each of the four films highlights a theme that represents diversity in film. The collection features both narratives and documentaries that prove to be “entertaining, educational, and hopefully, inspiring,” the press release states.
“We are thrilled with this year’s Reel Representation lineup, the majority of which would have actually played the Florida Film Festival in April had we been able to include more features,” said Enzian Programming Director Matthew Curtis. “Getting a second chance to present these terrific films highlighting women, Black American, LGBTQ+, and Asian American themes and communities to Central Florida movie-lovers is a wonderful opportunity.”
This year’s Reel Representation’s films are “Anatomy of Wings,” highlighting the Black community; “The Paper Tigers,” which focuses on the Asian American experience; “Sisters with Transistors,” a film representing women; and “Cocoon,” a film with an LGBTQ-themed narrative.
“Cocoon” is a 2020 German film directed by Leonie Krippendorff. It follows Nora, a shy 14-year-old Berlin girl played by Lena Urzendowsky, who will “never forget this way too hot summer. Surrounded by people with disrupted biographies, from different cultures and backgrounds, she makes her way into adulthood. Nora gets her first period, falls in love with another girl, learns to stand up for herself and gets her heartbroken for the first time. When summer ends, things will never be the same again for Nora.”
Certified Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes with 100%, “Cocoon” is the winner of four awards at Santa Domingo OutFest and was nominated for the Crystal Bear and Teddy awards at the Berlin Film Festival.
“Anatomy of Wings” plays June 5 at 11 a.m., “The Paper Tigers” plays June 5 at 2 p.m., “Sisters with Transistors” plays June 6 at 11 a.m. and “Cocoon” plays June 5 at 2 p.m. Individual tickets are available for each film and may be purchased on Enzian.org or at Enzian’s box office.
