susiesicons

[susiesicons]

Sequel concept and sample scene to “Fast Color.”

The women in Bo, Ruth and Lila’s family have uncontrollable powers to take apart and put back together any item of their choosing. The ending scene of the movie “Fast Color” is a shot of Ruth reading a note from her mother, Bo, who decided to surrender herself to studies by the authorities and scientists who have been trying to find their family for years. Bo’s sacrifice allows Ruth and her daughter Lila to escape and continue to life their powerful lives in secret. This note will lead them to the others of their kind, and hopefully a safe haven for the mother and daughter to live in peace and safety.

My Concept: A Sequel to Fast Color

It only takes a few weeks for Ruth and Lila to find the rest of their kind, since their familial instincts — and help from The Colors — aids in their search. When they arrive in Rome as the note from Bo had said the rest of their kind were located in the ending scene of Fast Color, they do not find who they are looking for. Instead, after searching for a while, Ruth is introduced to Roman locals who have heard of an urban legend about witches living in the Swiss Alps. This had to be their kind, Ruth thought.

And they were off. When Ruth and her daughter Lila arrive to their kind, it is not what they expect. Their so-called “family” are not family at all, and are not exactly excited to see them. The rest of their kind have hidden from the public in their own space in the Swiss Alps. With their collective power, the group does become more strong with Ruth and Lila’s arrival, and they are now able to more manageable survive the subzero temperatures that the mountains face them with in the winter. Even so, their presence is not enjoyed until the ends of the movie.

The Alps community, known to themselves as the “Other Women”, is more man-hating than Ruth and Lila are used to. The men in Ruth and Lila’s lives have done terrible things, besides than Ruth’s father, who helped to protect them as long as he could. Ruth and Lila, however, don’t feel that they were ever able to retaliate because of their underground and low-profile status. Now, hidden in the Alps together as one of the strongest group of women to ever exist, they are even stronger together. Ruth and Lila find it difficult to conform to these ideals, and this is another point of tension between them and the Other Women. Since Ruth’s father was so helpful in aiding in Bo’s hiding for so many years, Ruth and Lila have a soft spot in their hearts and minds for the men in their family and beyond. Time goes on, and the two have different outcomes with their “new” family.

Lila struggles as she matures into a young woman, as her judgements of others have not before been so harsh, as her mother and grandmother taught her. As an outsider her whole life because of her powers, she refuses to subject anyone else to the way she felt at that time.

Ruth, however, feels that its more important to fit into the group. As her only family has been taken into government custody, she feels alone and equipped to raise her child without the guidance of her ancestors. There have only reunited to take apart the sky, right?

Cast of Characters:

Ruth, previously created by Julia Hart Jordan Horowitz, mother of Lila and main character.

Lila, previously created by Julia Hart Jordan Horowitz, daughter of Ruth.

Karina, the matriarch of the Alps community.

Simona Lott, Karina’s romantic partner and second in line of the group, though this is not said, it is widely assumed and known.

Mel, same age as Ruth, accepting of the newcomers, this causes friction between her and her mother.

Casslyn, Mel’s mother, not accepting of the newcomers. 

Sample Scene: Takes place about 25 Minutes into the movie.

Setting: After days of traveling through Rome and meeting friends of the Other Women in their small neighborhood in the city, Ruth and Lila finally locate the others of their kind in Switzerland. It is cold, but not yet unbearable. The snow flurries begin to fall as they make their way up the treacherous mountain ranges, their lungs and brain grasping onto every molecule of oxygen they can find as they climb to a higher altitude. Lila sees some movement on the plateau ahead, but chalks its up to being a mistake in vision due to the altitude sickness she was experiencing earlier. But alas, a young girl peeks her head out from behind a large rock and squeals, being careful of the strangers but having a hard time hiding her curiosity. 

Lila: (whispering) Mama I think someone is up there. Did you hear that?

Ruth: Yes Lila. Stay back. We don’t know what we’re walking into yet. 

Lila: Okay but she looked my age, and very nice. And it was a girl! Maybe she’s my twin sister or something!

Ruth: After this month I definitely get why you’d think that but I find it hard to believe I’d have a child I didn’t know about, who somehow got herself to the Swiss Alps. But babes she may be your cousin so keep you eyes peeled for anyone else…

The girl reappears, dragging with her an older woman who looks to be about ten years older than Ruth. The woman is reluctant to follow the girl, but she gives a slight wave to the newcomers.

Casslyn: (she says carefully) Ciao. Chi sei?

Ruth: Ciao. Parla inglese? (This is one of the fer Italian phrases Ruth learned on their hurried trip through Rome.)

Casslyn: Yes I speak English. Who are you?

Ruth: My name is Ruth, this is Lila, my daughter. My mother Bo sent us to Rome, and we’re looking for someone named Simona Lott. Do you know someone by that name?

Casslyn: It depends on what you want with her. Mel stand behind me dear.

At this point, Ruth is frustrated, tired, and annoyed that the welcome from her new family is not warm or trusting. 

Ruth: We are your kind. Do you see The Colors too?

Casslyn: Oh. I see. And you’re American? I’ve definitely heard of you before. My name is Casslyn and this is my daughter Mel. We don’t get many visitors here and if we do they are not here for the right reasons. How can we trust you?

Ruth: (saying quietly to Lila) Do you want to show her, love?

Lila: Yes. 

Lila looks towards the rock that Mel was hiding near earlier. With her power, she lifts the boulder and takes it apart — piece by piece, swirling each shart around and around, higher and higher into the sky. The pieces swirls and glitter in the sun, against the snow covered mountainsides that surround them. Just as easily as she took them apart, the pieces are put back together again and layed carefully in the same spot she took the boulder from.

Casslyn: How old are you dear?

Lila: looking to her mother who nods. I’m eleven.

Casslyn: Well Lila, it is nice to meet you. Have you always been careful in who you show your powers to?

Ruth: interjecting, That is business between us, thank you. But yes we have been hidden for years. We know that our powers are dangerous to show the world, trust me. That’s why we are here, to find a more permanent solution to this situation.

Casslyn: Okay. Follow me and I’ll bring you to Simona.

The four women walked into where Casslyn gestured, to a grand cave full of different rooms and passageways. It was magic, and the decor was clearly inspired by The Colors. The golden glow from the lights hanging from every undersurface was almost as magic as loft bed on the surfaces above them. It was almost as if this mountain was made for them.

Karina: My name is Karina. Welcome. Have you never seen 

Ruth and Lila were speechless and a woman with waist length hair and an ankle length white and grey fur coat comes up behind Karina, touching her waist softly as she approaches. A few black, white an brown furry dogs follow her and sit down beside her, very interested in the newcomers.

Simona Lott: Hello. I’m Simona. I heard you were looking for me?

End scene.

[susiesicons]

Review of Silver Sparrow

Author of Silver Sparrow, Tayari Jones. 

This novel overall was a wonderful read. I could not put it down and was always excited to pick it back up again the next day. I felt quite connected to many of the characters and I loved having a sneak peek into the lives of young Black women in the 1980’s, as I feel like this experience would never been available for me to experience or really hear much about unless I know someone who grew up during that time in Atlanta. That is really the true beauty of novels, that they can transport you to a completely new place in the past or future that you would never be able to experience otherwise. 

Dana was the character I connected most with, as she began the narration of the books and also ended it. I don’t know if my favoritism of her came because I heard her story first or not, but I was grateful that I did because her story was more captivating for me and I cared about her and her mother as they were the hidden underdogs in the piece. I was extremely intrigued by Raleigh as well, and I felt that we got quite a short explanation of him. I would love an entire novel about Raleigh’s life specifically, because he was truly one of my favorite characters in the novel. His loyalty and persistence in keeping James sane showed how loving he was, especially for both Dana and Chaurisse. There really were two fathers for the two daughters, and I don’t think that James could have continued on as he did without Raleigh’s help. 

This book reminded me a lot of The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett, which recounts the experiences of two sisters who are mixed race — one of who is white presenting and gains a lot of privilege from that experience, while the other sister has a darker complexion and lives a very different life. I think this could be a wonderful addition to the list of coming of age novels that we already have, as it is a bit newer and one of the best books I have ever read. The perspectives switch back and forth between the mothers and daughters of the two sisters, which is quite similar to Silver Sparrow’s layout.

[susiesicons]

Warrior Girls

The mere fact that both of the people making speeches were so young makes their time on stage monumental. I think 11-year-old Naomi Wadler is so incredibly smart and it is beautiful that she was able to speak at this event. So many 11-year-olds are this intelligent but they are not given the credit they deserve. Her mention of Toni Morrison and the disproportionate deaths and violence towards Black women was extremely effective and wonderful. She is holding her elders accountable to make change. It is disappointing that she even has to prove herself, but she outdid herself with this short speech. Emma’s 6mins and 20sec of silence was incredibly effective, as pausing for those that they had lost was a beautiful way of honoring them as they fought for change at the march. Everyone in the audience seemed confused but allowing that time for silence in the middle in the middle of her speech was helpful and moving for all those involved.

The act of these young women standing in front of a microphone in from of thousands of people is quite powerful. It’s an act of defiance and valor for these girls to speak their mind, to take that platform by the reigns and do what they want with it. Emma’s use of her time onstage was dedicated to her friends and schoolmates who were murdered, which is quite powerful and moving in itself. It seem’s obvious that a march for the lives of those who were killed would recognize them, yet Emmas empathy was breakthrough in this moment. Naomi’s speech was curt and powerful, as she spoke her truths clearly. The act of an 11-year-old girl getting on that stage and taking the mic to talk about Black women is an act of warriorism in itself.

Priya's Shakhti graphic novel was a wonderful way to educate and also entertain every audience who comes across it. For children, I feel that this novel will be a wonderful inspiration for them to follow their dreams and believe that help will come when it is necessary, especially when you deserve it. I think this book also makes young Indian women aware of the struggles and dangers they may face as they become older and more independent, so in that way it’s also preparing them for the real world. 

I also believe that this graphic novel expanded beautifully on the belief systems that the readers may believe in, so there is a personal and quite intimate connection between the reader and the content of the piece. In reference to, "The problem of gender violence is not a legal problem, but a cultural problem", I think that the inclusion of religion as a great equalizer for all of those in India effected by sexual violence against women (so, everyone) and directly addresses how this violence is in fact a cultural problem. The ending of the story leaves the reader and characters with hope, as Priya, with help. Brought change to her village and therefore her culture.

"Culture changes faster than genes." This statement is very hopeful and allows space for change within cultures without needing to go through an entire new generation of people before change can be made. I love that this is something that Priya’s story brings to light, because it is quite inspiring for young people to see this and really understand that they can make a difference by speaking to the people they already know and love.

[susiesicons]

Super Natural Girls

1. What are your thoughts on the evolution of depictions of Supernatural Powers in young women? 

I love seeing young women presented in media with powers. It can be very inspiring for young girls when they see these powerful women who may even look like them, defeat villains or win a fight. As a young child and still today as a young woman, I become extremely excited when I find out about any new supernatural piece of media that stars a woman, because it is much more interesting for me to absorb that kind of media because it feels relatable and even possible for me to be like them. I also just love watching women do anything, so it was very exciting for the newest Wonder Woman movie to come out a few years ago and Wandavision coming out on Disney Plus last year. It is crucial to show that all genders — man, woman, and non binary alike — can be supernatural and powerful. It can also be damaging to depict someone who has supernatural powers as an outcast, especially of they are part of a marginalized group, but as long as the information is presented with care and ethical reasoning, I think it more empowering than anything.

  2. How is magical power related to adolescence?

The ability to have a magical power taps into the creative mind and imagination, which is much more active during adolescence. I think that young girls tap into their own powers as they watch other young women do that same within the media they consume, and they can allow that imagination to grow from the inspiration they get from the media they absorb, and this is very special. I think there is a magic in children’s minds because of the innocence they still carry with them. This is a magical power in its own I think. I also believe we are all able to tap into our childhood innocence, and the more we are able to do that, the healthier the world would be.

 3. What impact does the depiction of magic and the sense of agency it represents have on real girls and young women?

There is an inner light and magic in every young girl and woman, and female superhero characters have the ability to show that power tangibly. This has a huge impact on the minds of young girls and women alike, as they see people who look like them and maybe even act like them harness their inner light for good or evil. For women, tapping into that inner power can be difficult sometimes, especially when we feel like the whole world is watching our every move and judging us to fit into a certain box. These superheroes prove our own insecurities and worries wrong, and open up young girls and women in general to an entirely new trove of possibilities.

 4. Are you aware of additional girl icons with magical powers? Please share in your post with images.

YES! 

Wanda from Wandavision (Controlling powers over anything )

 Bella Swan (Vampire) and her daughter, Renésme Cullen (immortal half vampire child who can show you her life with a touch.)

 Alice Cullen (A vampire who can see the future)

 Captain Marvel, part of the Marvel world.

Black Widow, part of the Marvel world.

Luna Lovegood, witch

5. Do you see a correlation between the career opportunities of these young women performers and their evolution as feminists?

There is absolutely a correlation between the career opportunities of these young women performers and their evolution as feminists. I think there is a sort of pressure for some iconic young actresses who play iconic female characters to carry their character’s beliefs into their real lives if social change can be made in that realm. If they are on the general public’s screens, they have been granted a platform that they can do anything with. Especially with a character like Hermione Granger, she is a major icon and fan favorite of many young Harry Potter fans, who stands her ground in the books and movies as one of the only female leads. With such a large platform and impressionable audience, Emma Watson’s opportunities and choice to speak about feminism and #TimesUp is a crucial one that she grew into over the 10 year production of the Harry Potter series films.

[susiesicons]

Catalina and Alessandra, as Danny Zuko and a dead bride. First Avenue.

[susiesicons]

These photos were taken at my apartment on 6th Avenue, which happens to be on the parade route. Who knew? It was truly a life changing experience.

Top: Me, in my happiest form. Dressed as Jenniffer.

Bottom right: Lexi watching the floats go by. MoneyHeist.

Bottom left: Ruth going to the roof to watch the parade. Dressed as MoneyHeist.

[susiesicons]

The Tooth Fairy, FiDi.

[susiesicons]

Emma and Alessandra at Mud, celebrating Halloween morning. 9th Street.

[susiesicons]

Characters in the 2021 Halloween Parade. 6th Avenue.

[susiesicons]

I Am Greta

After watching the film “I Am Greta”, I was only left feeling inspired to fight harder for this planet and against climate change. It felt as though this documentary walked the viewer through Greta’s life so effectively and personally, something I feel like we don’t see in many reality series or even other documentaries I have seen recently. The willingness of the Thunberg family to consent to this filming and interviewing so consistently over a series of years was wonderful. I am grateful for the creators of this work as it will hopefully inspire children to stand for what they believe in always. 

One of the most interesting parts of this documentary is how Greta talks about her mental health so freely and beautifully. She is able to frame it within her personality and her every day life, in such a healthy and wonderful way, which was captured on camera while she danced, cried, and sat alone on her bed in frustration. Even as such a young child Greta was able to talk about her relationship with anxiety and depression about the climate and generally in her life which was so inspiring to me. She said she needed to do something, just to continue to live. I think we all feel this way yet so many of us on the planet are more concerned about the daily duties and struggles that we all have. As a child and as someone with Asbergers, Greta has fixated herself on this certain subject and has fought like hell for it.  “Sometimes I feel like it would be good if everyone had a bit more Asbergers. At least when it comes to climate.” Greta says at the end of the documentary.

Her connection to animals was also so beautiful and continuously shown while she hugged her horse and played with her dogs. Greta explained how she was made fun of at school so she had to connect with her family and animals to make up for that, and it was a true gift to her. She is so gentle with her animals but will wreck politicians in front of a mic.

When speaking to public officials, Greta takes no shit. She feels that everyone is being fake and making empty promises, which they are. The documentary really listens to Great and lets her lead the way, with her voice overs and pointed statements in and outside of meetings. The role playing by public officials that Greta describes is something that I never felt like I put a name to properly in my own life and experiences, and Greta does it very well. I think that many young people have felt this way, and since Greta has had a seat at the table and seen it happen in real time, it is very validating.

It was difficult to watch Greta read through her own hate comments by public officials — a majority of whom were white, male, and much older than her. Seeing this was so sad and truly embarrassing for the people making these comments, as Greta is just speaker her truth as a child and got so much hate especially from the president at the time. Her parents have worries about her endlessly, as Greta received more and more death threats and became more popular. Greta’s biggest worry seems to be burnout, which hopefully the support and love from her friends, family, and fans can prevent.

[susiesicons]

Visiting The Last Stand: Leaning and Learning With The Trees

On a Saturday morning with my best friend, I visited The Last Stand in Prospect Park after eating bagels and talking about our different pessimistic and optimistic views on life and the world we live in. This was a perfect conversation as a precursor to going to see the exhibit, because we were then able to view the gorgeousness of nature that Kamala Sankaram was able to bring into Prospect Park for all onlookers to see for free. We heard, saw, and felt the world in its natural and current state, which is ever changing as long as the humans who inhabit the planet continue to live on as they are.

[susiesicons]

Being at The Last Stand reminded me a bit of the time we spend at Ghost Forest, and I think this may be a for a number of reasons. First, is that many of the sounds at the Last Stand were coming from animals that may be extinct if humans continue to live they way they are now under capitalism.

The second was they way that this exhibit stimulated the back of my body. As I leaned against the dead trees at Ghost Forest, I really felt the desperation and meaning that Maya Lin was portraying in her work. At The Last Stand, there were electronic backpacks that my friend Haley and I put in, which sent small vibrations and other stimulations throughout our back bodies. It was a strange, almost uncomfortable experience after a bit, and I felt that I could feel the effects of the climate changing within my own body. I have never experienced anything like this before and it taught me the desperation that our earth is in, and also showed my how connected to my body I am. It was a tragically beautiful moment.

There were also areas where onlookers could stand and lean back against wooden boards and look up at the trees. Doing that was quite relaxing and comforting, and showed me that pleasurable part of this experience.

[susiesicons]

[susiesicons]

The statues of these three monumental figures were emotional and breathtaking for me. I will welling up with tears seeing their beautiful faces shine golden so much higher up and more stoic than the onlookers. Angelic. The creation of these faces in particular was clearly a long and beautiful process that took a full year to complete, I just wish a Black artist had the honor to unveil this work.

To hear Terrance Floyd say that this statue was the most lifelike depiction of his brother was incredibly moving to hear. I could not believe that we saw him there and it was truly an honor to be in Terrance’s presence. 

Breonna in gold was the most moving part of this piece for me. There was so much power and grace and strength she emitted from her statue.

[susiesicons]

[susiesicons]

I truly believe that women and girls would run the world if they were all educated. If women were not second class citizens in all areas of the world, clearly more in some places than others, they would be unstoppable and not containable, either. The power women and girls hold is unmatched by none other than non binary folks and femme identifying people. It is this that makes me reason with the fact that women have been discriminated against forever because they are too powerful and seen as a threat to men. If more girls were educated instead of 160 million not being, the world would be full of these bright, eager, empathetic, caring young women mostly of color who would share their life experiences with us all and wow us with their innovation. I dream this day comes during Earth’s life.

“This was the war I was going to fight.” page 217. After Malala saw an illiterate girl selling oranges on the street, it moved her to see that she could not read or write and she vowed to herself that she would change this in her lifetime. It is interesting and quite brilliant of Malala to put this fight for education into the context of war and fighting, since this is always something she had dispised. I love the quote because of its brilliance, and how her hatred and fear of wars in her hometown was a large part of growing up for Malala, and she saw every day in front of her now effective they are to getting things done. She wants her dream to be a reality, and that is why she will fight like mad to give girls access to the education they deserve.

(2/3)

[susiesicons]

This book if full of powerful messages that I will take with me after reading it for a second time, but the most important is to never stop fighting for what you believe in. As a child Malala was fighting so hard for her rights and the rights of people around her that she was shot in the head. She is living proof of a miracle, and the love for her work is the reason she continues on speaking out on these topics. This is always relevant, as we all grow and procreate and die.