Paducah’s Maiden Alley Cinema is hosting an all-lesbian film festival this weekend which is advertised as the only festival of its kind in the country.
Laura Petrie is the founder and director of the Cinema Systers Film Festival. Petrie, a Paducah resident and native of Carlisle County, says she was inspired last year at the final Michigan Womyn’s Music Festival, which ended after 40 years. She says that festival’s feminist and lesbian leaders told attendees to found their own events in their communities.
“Go out and sprout our acorns and make women’s culture and art available in the areas where we live, so I decided I wanted to contribute a film festival for lesbian filmmakers," Petrie said.
The first Cinema Systers lineup features more than two dozen movies from around the world, including submissions from Australia and Tunisia. In addition to the movies, live music and panel discussions are scheduled at The 1857 Hotel, including a performance from Beverly McClellan, a runner-up from NBC's The Voice.
“I would hope that we have such a good turnout and people are so excited about it that we’ll want to do it again next year," Petrie said. "That is my hope and my dream.”
Weekend passes are $65 with day passes for movies-only priced at $12 for each block of films. The Kentucky Women’s Foundation helped fund the festival. For more information click here.
