Established 2013, our organization’s name, “Shoga,” is inspired by the Swahili word for “queer, non-normative.” Through the following core arts/cultural programs, Shoga increases the representation and visibility of Black LGBTQ+ people in the film industry; uplifts, affirms, and centers Black LGBTQ+ individuals/perspectives in film; and builds alliances between Blacks/Jews based on mutual commitment to racial equity.

– Black LGBTQ+ Film Production: Shoga produces quality films that explore issues of the Black Queer community; celebrate achievements, contributions, and nuanced, diverse identities of Black LGBTQ+ individuals within broader topics of Black history and contemporary culture; and raise awareness about Black-Jewish intergroup relations and allyship. Films produced include documentaries, short films, and music videos. To increase visibility of Black LGBTQ+ individuals in film, every film produced intentionally features a cast that is 100% Black LGBTQ+ for every minute of screen time. Additionally, all films are produced by Black LGBTQ+ filmmakers.

– Community Engagement: To elevate Black LGBTQ+ filmmakers and actors, Shoga partners with local arts/culture organizations to screen our films at festivals and other community events that reach diverse audiences throughout California. Following each screening, we engage audiences in critical discussions around social equity through talk-back sessions with Black LGBTQ+ and Jewish filmmakers. Film festivals where we regularly screen our films and host talk-back sessions include San Francisco Black Film Festival, Oakland International Film Festival, NorCal Film Festival, Outfest, Pan African Film & Arts Festival, Frameline Film Festival, QFilms Long Beach LGBTQ Film Festival, and San Francisco Jewish Film Festival.

– Shoga Speaks/Shoga Treats: Podcast that gives Black LGBTQ+ artists a platform to share historical stories around the Harlem Renaissance and other issues that speak to Black LGBTQ+ history. In 2023 and 2024, we will host this podcast bimonthly.