NYWIFT WFPF Screenings: ‘Yudie’ and ‘Spirit to Spirit: Nikki Giovanni’

Two films preserved by NYWIFT’s Women’s Film Preservation Fund are screening at DCTV’s Firehouse Cinema on June 24^th at 7:30 PM.

YUDIE and SPIRIT TO SPIRIT: NIKKI GIOVANNI

Two classic short documentaries directed by NYWIFT Member Mirra Bank

Celebrating the 30^th Anniversary of the Women’s Film Preservation Fund of NYWIFT

Date: Tuesday, June 24, 2025
Time: 7:30 PM
Location: DCTV’s Firehouse Cinema, 87 Lafayette St, NYC

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Yudie

Yudie, a sprightly Jewish woman who was born on the Lower East Side, takes us into her confidence as she walks to work from Bleecker Street, runs errands on Orchard Street, and observes the human condition as it is lived on her beloved streets of New York. Yudie’s life began during the early 20th century wave of European immigration to the U.S. She came of age amidst the fervor of the Labor Movement and entered womanhood as a New Deal progressive who embraced the ideals that never fail her, Yudie delivers pearls of wisdom to the audience, her key advice for a long life and well-being? “Eat a piece of fruit!”

Yudie premiered at the New York York Film Festival in 1974 as part of a shorts program called “Roots,” and went on to show at the Toronto International Film Festival; Edinburgh Film Festival; Grenoble Film Festival; Melbourne Film Festival. The notoriety from the film spawned a new career for Yudie at this stage of her life that was rather fruitful. She received her own SAG card and became a working actor.

Preservation was made possible by a grant from the Women’s Film Preservation Fund with support from the Leon Levy Foundation and the Academy Film Archive.

SPIRIT TO SPIRIT: NIKKI GIOVANNI

Dir. Mirra Bank • 1987 • 29 min

Once crowned “The Princess of Black Poetry,” the prolific and political Nikki Giovanni has become one of America’s most popular poets. This lyrical and visually provocative film details the poet’s coming-of-age against the background of her times: the Civil Rights struggle, Vietnam, and the Women’s Movement. In this dynamic portrait, selected readings by Giovanni reveal the values and personal history which have deeply influenced her poetry. Spirit to Spirit unveils the sly wit and sharp insights of Giovanni’s multi-layered work, making it a delightful introduction to this talented poet and incisive social commentator. As she surveys the world around her, no subject is protected from her critical and mischievous poetic eye. Her criticism can be humorous, gentle, or angry as she demands that her world become a better place.

Skillfully weaving performance footage with evocative photo montage, archival footage and colorful animation, the film is a journey re-creating the history of the poet and the country. Spirit to Spirit offers a compelling interpretation of serious concerns ranging from racism to romance. A charismatic, complex, and talented artist, Giovanni shines as she reads her work.

Restoration by The Academy Film Archive and the Women’s Film Preservation Fund, with support from the Leon Levy Foundation.