Spotlight Sundays: Film screening of Misty Copeland’s Flower with Dance Performance and Panel Talk

Join us for a live dance performance, film screening and discussion about the power of arts in solving housing insecurity. This multi-disciplinary program begins with a solo performance by Babatunji Johnson, the dancer/actor featured in the film Flower, followed by a screening of the film, produced by and starring world-renowned ballerina and trailblazer Misty Copeland.

Flower is a powerful story told through dance and movement, with a mission to bring critical attention to the housing crisis in the San Francisco Bay Area.

The event concludes with an inspiring conversation between Flower Director Laura Finerman, Babtunji Johnson and local filmmaker and journalist Caron Creighton, who is currently directing a documentary about Oakland’s largest homeless encampment. The discussion will delve into issues of housing insecurity, art as a vehicle for change, and housing advocacy programs that center dignity and human rights. The conversation will be moderated by Natalie Orenstein. Natalie covers housing and homelessness for Oaklandside.

Join us for no-host Sunday brunch in OMCA’s Town Fare after the program.

More on the film

The film project marks the first independently produced endeavor by Copeland and writer-producer Leyla Fayyaz. “Flower represents the evolution of all my work as a performer, storyteller and activist,” Copeland said in a statement announcing the project. “As someone whose family experienced the instability of not always having a safe place to call home as a child, the issues of homelessness and not having access to basic life needs have always been important to me. I want to tell stories of the human condition through music and dance in a way that can inspire people wherever they are.” 

Flower was directed by Lauren Finerman and features original choreography by Alonzo King.

Accessibility

Oakland Museum of California (OMCA) is committed to providing programs that are accessible, welcoming, and inclusive of our community. Wheelchairs, sensory inclusive devices, and additional amenities are available for checkout on a first come, first served basis at the Ticketing Desk. To request other accommodations, like American Sign Language (ASL), Cantonese, Spanish or another language interpreter, please email [email protected] at least three weeks before the event. Learn more about our accessibility options.