Press Release

Nov. 1, 2022

Miami audience to meet Black Olympic legend, whose raised fist made a controversial statement at 1968 Olympics, at Oolite Arts’ FREE Documentary Screening at the Cosford Cinema

“With Drawn Arms,” the documentary on life of runner Tommie Smith, draws parallels to today’s Black Lives Matter movement

(Nov. 1, 2022) MIAMI – Track and field star Tommie Smith protested racial injustice in the U.S. by raising a black-gloved fist during the medal ceremony at the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City, creating a defiant gesture and iconic image that continues to shape generations of social justice activists.

On Nov. 11, Miami audiences can meet Smith at a free community event for the screening of “With Drawn Arms,” a documentary about the Olympic gold medalist and this defining moment in U.S. history. The film is directed by conceptual artist Glenn Kaino and filmmaker Afshin Shahidi. Presented by Oolite Arts and the University of Miami School of Communication, the event at the Cosford Cinema is the university and Oolite’s inaugural Social Justice Film Screening, an annual event meant to inspire South Florida filmmakers and filmgoers.

Both Smith and Kaino will answer questions during a Q & A, moderated by University of Miami Associate Professor Tywan G. Martin, after the film screening at 7 p.m. Nov. 11 at the Cosford, 5030 Brunson Dr.

Produced 50 years after the historic moment, “With Drawn Arms” examines both Smith’s personal sacrifice and the many ways his defiance reverberates as the country continues to grapple with a reckoning over continued racial injustices. The film features interviews with athletes Colin Kapernick and Megan Rapinoe, the late Congressman and civil rights activist John Lewis and was executive produced by actor Jesse Williams and singer-songwriter John Legend.

Admission is free with RSVP at https://bit.ly/3Fv4tWK.

The Cinematic Arts Program at Oolite Arts, which has championed South Florida-based artists for nearly four decades, works to strengthen Miami’s growing indie film community by being a place for filmmakers to connect, learn and exchange ideas.

“‘With Drawn Arms’ is the perfect example of how artists draw the lines that connect historical moments, and help us all see our history and society with new perspectives,” said Dennis Scholl, president and CEO of Oolite Arts. “We hope our community draws inspiration both from the documentary’s message and the skill with which it was created.”

About Oolite Arts
Oolite Arts strives to empower artists and enrich communities. Established in 1984, Oolite’s mission is to support artists and advance the knowledge and practice of contemporary visual arts. Oolite Arts creates opportunities for experimentation and innovation, and encourages the exchange of ideas across diverse cultures through residencies, exhibitions, public programs, education and outreach.
Exhibitions and programs at Oolite Arts are made possible with the support of the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs and the Cultural Affairs Council; the Miami-Dade County Mayor and Board of County Commissioners; the City of Miami Beach, Cultural Affairs Program, Cultural Arts Council; the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Arts and Culture and the Florida Council on Arts and Culture; the National Endowment for the Arts; the Jorge M. Perez Family Foundation at the Miami Foundation; the Lynn and Louis Wolfson II Family Foundation; and the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation.
For more information, visit oolitearts.org. Follow @oolitearts on social media.

Contact

Contact:
Rachel Pinzur, PinzurPR, [email protected]