Friday Feature
Film followed by discussion with directors Wren Rene & Traven Rice and the presentation of our ICON Award to Tovah Feldshuh, with a discussion on what it means to be a lifetime artist and LOVING film.
Wren Rene
Wren Rene is a filmmaker and second-generation storyteller dedicated to the spirit of true collaboration. He is particularly drawn to strong visual narratives that raise questions of identity, belonging, connection, and resistance. His work is nurtured by a relentless curiosity and desire to stoke the flames of hope and joy.Dr. Cole played an active leadership role in policy making, teaching, research, and diversification at the University. Believing that education is the “great equalizer” and the central feature in the prevailing endurance of mankind, Dr. Cole is a stern advocate for education, particularly for minority students. He devotes his time and energy to projects and causes that promote educational opportunities for our children, particularly those leading to advanced degrees. Dr. Cole is extremely proud of his efforts to increase the production of Black Ph. D.s at the University. Because of his efforts, the American Mathematical Society recognized the department as a “Mathematics Programs That Make A Difference” recipient for its record-breaking number of Black Ph.D. D.s produced. Dr. Cole is married to Marcia, a minister of the Gospel, and they have three children. He enjoys yard work, attending church services, maintaining aquariums, and photography.
Traven Rice
New York based writer-director Traven Rice believes in building community through storytelling. Her work leans into social action and champions under-represented voices. Her previous short films have screened at numerous festivals including Slamdance, Palm Springs International Shorts Fest, ITVFest and SeriesFest, and have garnered awards across the country, and internationally.
Tovah Feldshuh
Tovah Feldshuh is a six-time Emmy & Tony nominee and has been awarded three honorary Doctorates of Humane Letters. Additionally, for her theatre work, she has won four Drama Desks, four Outer Critics Circle Awards, three Dramalogues, the Obie, the Theatre World, and the Helen Hayes and Lucille Lortel Awards for Best Actress. She has recently been twice nominated as Best Actress in a Drama in Los Angeles for her work in the play Sisters-in-Law, in which she originated the role of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.