ACTIonVISM in action with SABIFF 2025 presentation of “BY YOUR SIDE”

EVENT DETAILS

Highschool sweethearts, Mike and Debbie joined the MOVE Organization in 1974 with relatively light demonstrations against the city of Philadelphia in the interest of confronting some societal ills.

Their beliefs and activism put them in the cross hairs of the Philadelphia police and officials. By Your Side tells their story and how they maintained their relationship through the hardship of the Rizzo era, the 40 years they both spent in prison separated from each other, their children, families, and freedom. Mike and Debbie want to tell the story of their young lives, their hopes, dreams and fears, the story of their determination and commitment to never giving up.

FILMMAKER BIO:

Mike & Debbie are political activists, former political prisoners, as well as indie directors and producers. This resilient couple went from childhood sweethearts caring for animals, to picket signs, beatings, arrest, 40 years separated by a prison sentence, to Debbie giving birth to their baby in a jail cell. That baby, Mike Jr., grew up and came back to free his parents from that prison. They tell their harrowing story in their first film that was developed through Scribe Video Center in their hometown. This is one of many stories to come that speak to social justice and actiism through the medium of film.

SABIFF 'Sunday Glory' Movie Matinees at the Carver Library

Join us for our monthly matinees, featuring original Black independent films that celebrate our shared humanity. These films, by, for, -and/or- about the African Diaspora, include narratives, documentaries, animations, student films, and music videos. Each screening is followed by a communal discussion that is streamed or live, with the filmmaker(s), or occassional panel talks.

This #SABIFF2025 'Sunday Glory' matinee is in partnership with the Carver Library in San Antonio, Texas. This a free event, open to the public. Donations are accepted & appreciated.

The SA Public Library Carver Branch is ADA compliant with wheelchair accessibility.

Filmmakers, Mike and Debbie