The Passionate Pursuits of Angela Bowen facts for kids

Quick facts for kids The Passionate Pursuits of Angela Bowen
Directed by	Jennifer Abod Mary Duprey
Written by	Jennifer Abod
Release date(s)	2016 (2016)
Running time	73 minutes
Country	United States

The Passionate Pursuits of Angela Bowen is a 2016 documentary film. It tells the amazing life story of Angela Bowen. Angela grew up in Boston during a time called the Jim Crow era. She became a famous classical ballerina and a respected dance teacher. Angela was also a strong activist for Black women's rights and equality for all people. She was a writer and a professor at Cal State Long Beach.

Discovering Angela Bowen's Life

This film explores the life of Angela Bowen (1936–2018). She was a Black woman who fought for fairness and equality. Angela was also a talented classical ballerina and a well-known dance teacher. Later, she became a professor at a California State University. Her passion for helping others was strong in every part of her life. She cared deeply about the arts. She also championed rights for all people, especially Black women.

Angela's Journey in the Film

The Passionate Pursuits shows Angela's life from her childhood in Boston. She grew up during the Jim Crow era, a time of unfair rules for Black people. The film follows her journey through many decades. She became a legendary figure as a teacher, writer, and activist. The movie includes old videos, photos, and interviews. You will hear from people who knew her well. These include her dance teacher, dance partner, family, and other activists. The film helps us understand how her background shaped her choices and helped her succeed.

How the Film Was Made

The film's director is Jennifer Abod. She is a radio host, musician, and journalist. Jennifer first met Angela Bowen in 1979. They became life partners and later married in 2013. Jennifer started making The Passionate Pursuits in 2000. Angela was starting to experience Alzheimer's disease then. Jennifer wanted to capture Angela's amazing life story. She wanted to share how Angela's passion helped her overcome challenges like sexism and racism.

In 2014, Jennifer Abod started a special project online. It was a crowdfunding campaign to raise money for the film. People could donate and help fund the movie.

What People Thought About the Film

The Passionate Pursuits of Angela Bowen received many good reviews. It also won several awards.

Beverly Guy-Sheftall, a professor at Spelman College, praised the film. She said it was a powerful look at an important person in Black feminist history. She noted that Angela Bowen's life showed key parts of 20th-century African American history and women's history. Another reviewer, Dee Jay Cox, wrote that the film would inspire viewers. He said it would encourage them to follow their dreams with courage.

Awards and Recognition

The film won many awards for its powerful story.

Film Festivals

The film was also shown at many film festivals around the world:

• London Feminist Film Festival
• Arts & Ideas Festival
• New Haven International Film Festival
• The Roxbury International Film Festival
• Outside the Frame: Radical Queer Film Festival
• Mix Film Festival, Milan
• North Carolina Gay/Lesbian Film Festival
• GayLesbioco E Queer Culture
• Green Salon Short Film Festival