Wealth is the theme of the UDC Firebird Film Festival this week

The UDC Student Center transforms into a movie house this week for the third annual UDC Firebird Film Festival. The central theme is wealth – wealth of community, of education, of a culture and wealth inequality.

The screenings of three documentaries and a biopic at the UDC Student Center (4200 Connecticut Avenue) are free and open to the public. Prior to the 7 p.m. Wednesday screening of Boss, The Black Experience in Business, there’s an opening reception featuring the great-great-granddaughter of entrepreneur Madam C.J. Walker. A’Lelia Bundles is a journalist and historian who wrote a biography of the remarkable African American businesswoman and philanthropist.

Some details are below, but visit udc.edu/udcfilmfestival for a more detailed description of the films and to register.

Wealth in the Community – Boss: The Black Experience in Business
Wednesday, October 30, 6 p.m. reception, showtime is 7 p.m.
This documentary examines African Americans who, from the country’s earliest days, have embodied the qualities of innovation, risk-taking, and determination to forge a path toward a better life. The film features the stories of entrepreneurs Madam C.J. Walker, publisher John H. Johnson, Motown CEO Berry Gordy, Cathy Hughes, Vernon Jordan, and many more.

Wealth Educational Equity – Tell Them We Are Rising: The Story of Black Colleges and Universities
Thursday, October 31, doors open 3:30 p.m., showtime is 4 p.m.
This documentary tells the story of Americans who refused to be denied a higher education and — in their resistance — created a set of institutions that would influence and shape the landscape of the country for centuries to come.

Wealth Equity – Chocolate City
Friday, November 1, doors open 5 p.m., showtime is 6 p.m.
The documentary shows the personal and policy impacts of rapid gentrification and highlights the growing income gap in the District. The screening will be preceded by student-produced shorts and will be followed by a panel discussion including the film’s director.

Wealth of a Culture – Talk to Me
Saturday, November 2, doors open 3 p.m., showtime is 4 p.m.
Don Cheadle stars as Petey Greene, a local and national radio personality who contributed to the culture of the District with award-winning shows and fostered resiliency in the city through the Civil Rights era and the unrest caused by the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King.