Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/1186820
88 SAG-AFTRA | Fall 2019 | sagaftra.org On Location New England SAG-AFTRA SPONSORS AWARD-WINNING ROXFILM FESTIVAL T he Roxbury International Film Festival, sponsored by the SAG-AFTRA National Ethnic Employment Opportunities Committee, is the largest festival in New England celebrating people of color. This year, the festival celebrated 21 years of promoting culture, artistry and community through film, with 11 days of screenings in Roxbury, a neighborhood within Boston. "SAG-AFTRA's commitment to RoxFilm is incredibly important because the films that are screened provide actors, both seasoned and those launching their careers, a multitude of opportunities to stretch and grow that may not be available otherwise," said festival founder and director Lisa Simmons. Sixty-plus films were screened this year, along with workshops, post- film hangouts and a SAG-AFTRA panel titled The Business of Acting in Boston featuring several regional casting directors, SAG-AFTRA Director of Contracts and Member Services Jessica Maher, and members Wayne Miller and Naheem Garcia. New England members appreciated the opportunity to view festival films at a discounted rate and network with other industry professionals. RoxFilm, which ran June 19–29, was named Boston magazine's Best of Boston 2019, Best Film Festival. From left, members Gilda James, New England Local President Andrea Lyman, Naheem Garcia, Carmen Dillion and Wayne Miller at RoxFilm. ADVOCATING FOR IMPROVED FILM INCENTIVES T he 2019 Washington State Labor Council held its convention on July 25–27 in SeaTac, Washington, with the theme "Looking Back. Moving Forward." Delegates included SAG-AFTRA Seattle Local President Rik Deskin, Local Vice President Actor/Performer Laura Kenny, Local Secretary Ashley Cozine and Executive Director Shellea Allen. Keynote speakers were Washington Gov. Jay Inslee, AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka and Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson. During resolutions on day three, Deskin championed a resolution to increase the film incentive in Washington. Inslee stated, "The union movement is a social justice movement," and Trumka added, "Labor and civil rights have always been entwined." Seattle Seattle Local President Rik Deskin and Local Vice President Actor/Performers Laura Kenny show solidarity. MIAMI 50+ COMMITTEE READY FOR ITS CLOSE-UP T he Miami Local 50+ Committee meetings are powered by the commitment and energy of members to increase the exposure and employability of performers age 50 and older in all areas of SAG-AFTRA's jurisdiction. The committee meets regularly, and its work has received the support of the National Seniors Committee and the National EEO & Diversity Department. The Miami 50+ Committee will continue focusing on its mission and working on the details of its upcoming project, currently titled I'm Ready for My Close-Up. From left, members Janet Carabelli, Amy Fox, Ree Fritz, Karen Donohue, Ellen Wacher, David Corey, Carol Bailey, Karen Leonard and Laurel Levey. Miami