Our story

Started by film alumni and students from Howard University, Parallel Film Collective is a nonprofit organization focused on 'Local Equals Global' film culture with the idea that stories of everyday people are worth being told. Borrowing from Indian 'Parallel Cinema', our name represents our commitment to promoting, producing and distributing independent films that marry artistic endeavors with messages of social justice and social change. As part of this effort in 2012, we became a Founding Partner of the independent distribution venture AFFRM (African-American Film Festival Releasing Movement) now ARRAY Releasing centered on films by women and people of color, led by award-winning SELMA director Ava DuVernay. In addition to our work as local distributor of ARRAY films, we have partnered with various local and global filmmakers and film companies in bringing outstanding independent films to local audiences. We are also in pre-production for the documentary DJ's, DANCE & DEITES. This documentary focuses on the infusion of traditional West African and South Asian religious sounds into Underground House Music as a means of reshaping the secular venue of a nightclub or dance party into a sacred space of self-expression for communities often marginalized in the larger society based on racial, religious, cultural and/or sexual identities. 

Our Local and Global Partners

"Our aim is to connect diverse people and communities through film and creative media."

- Montré Aza Missouri, Founder

Mission

Parallel Film Collective is an organization dedicated to promoting global images that transcend limiting racial, cultural and gender identities found in mainstream media. We partner with individuals and organizations equally committed to furthering innovative and diverse voices, in our effort to produce, distribute and exhibit independent film and media that elevate new transcultural identities.

What We Do

We present dynamic films and arts programming to local audiences including the recent  ABOVE THE LINE at Landmark Atlantic Plumbing Cinema featuring Exclusive Premieres and Discussion with Filmmaker Arthur Jafa. Working with outstanding global filmmakers and local arts and film venues, Parallel Film Collective has quickly gained a reputation for presenting innovative film and creative media programs. This quality in programming is because we are filmmakers and arts practitioners who seek to create an inclusive space for collaboration among diverse artists and communities. With this goal, our first Parallel production DJ's, DANCE & DEITIES explores the intersection of music, dance, spiritualities and diverse communities.