By Dawn Tree
Eagle Guest Writer
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5iYDmJ1LxxI
A hidden epidemic is being highlighted in a new documentary, “ParTy Boi”, where crystal meth addiction within the queer community of color is ever growing. On Friday, October 20, Circle Cinema, 10 S. Lewis, Tulsa, Okla., will be screening the film at 7:00 p.m.
There will be a reception 6:00 – 6:45 p.m., as well as a Q & A session, sponsored by The Equality Center of Oklahoma, with filmmaker Michael Rice.
Within a short time of moving to New York, Rice went from not knowing what crystal meth is, to losing a close friend.
“ParTy Boi” turns a lens on young Black and Latino people living in cities who have become disproportionately affected by the drug.
“My intention is to create dialogue; these images bring exposure so it’s not hidden under the table,” Rice said. “We must have conversations at church, at home, with our coworkers in order to discover new resources and awareness.”
Rice graduated from Booker T. Washington in 1998, attended Grand Prairie A & M in Houston, directly following, and moved to New York City shortly after that, all with the quest of following his heart for drama and being an entertainer.
David Kimball, publicist for Circle Cinema says the Cinema is looking forward to the film and has been reading about the film in trade magazines for some time. He also mentioned “a friend of Michael’s called us about the film.”
“Even though it’s something people don’t want to think about it has to be addressed,” Kimball says. “Addiction comes in all shapes and sizes and this is one of those.”
“ParTy Boi” uncovers many aspects of this underworld in many major cities in the United States. Touching topics such as sex workers using dating apps like Grinder, Plenty of Fish while using street codes to solicit drugs. It also takes a look at classism, where this drug traditionally was among white gay males. “ParTy Boi” also breaks down the reasons men are getting hooked into addiction. Highlighting the coping affects discovering HIV positive statuses and wanting to fit in.
Come enjoy an early reception, film screening and Q & A with director Michael Rice following.
Rice states, “I am a filmmaker working mostly in 16mm and Super 8mm film. I choose to work in film for its texture, its historical relevance to my subject matter, and the tactile nature of its surface; one which allows me to shape images by hand. I am interested in the process of immersion; how personal and historical research further enhances one’s understanding of the past. Each film begins with an inquiry into the past. Soon, it becomes a process of deep research, as I shoot and shape images fluidly based on these inquiries. The dark room is a crucial space where connections are made as the film and research are brought together.
Experiments are done there while light is given and taken away, and by using such tools as the optical printer, films are created on a microscopic level – one frame at a time. Whatever the final form each work takes, it reflects a rigorous process of turning-over histories that are often turned faced down.”
