Department of Theatre and Dance presents 'Forbidden: Undocumented and Queer in Rural America'

BUFFALO, N.Y. — The University at Buffalo Department of Theatre and Dance presents a free film screening of, "Forbidden: Undocumented and Queer in Rural America," a feature length documentary about an inspiring young man whose story is exceptional, although not unique.

"Forbidden: Undocumented and Queer in Rural America" reflects the life of Moises Serrano. As a baby, his parents risked everything to flee Mexico in search of the American dream. Forbidden to live and love as an undocumented gay man in the country he calls home, Serrano saw only one option — to fight for justice.

The screening will take place at the Center for the Arts Screening Room in Amherst, New York on Wednesday, Feb. 5 at 7 p.m. and will be followed by a Q-and-A with the director and subject of the film, Moises Serrano.

Forbidden was produced by Sisters Unite Productions and Pony Pictures. The small team of local and national filmmakers were inspired to produce the film after a chance encounter with Serrano. The award-winning documentary is directed by filmmaker and guest dance artist Tiffany Rhynard, who will be in residence with UB Theatre and Dance from Feb. 2-7, 2020.

Rhynard is an artist, dancer, and filmmaker compelled to make work that examines the complexity of human behavior and addresses social issues. Having created numerous works for stage and screen, Rhynard’s choreography, dance films, and documentaries have been presented nationwide and internationally.

Her recent dance documentary short, "Black Stains," about black male identity in the United States, is currently screening at film festivals. The film was created in collaboration with Trent D. Williams, Jr.

As a performer, Rhynard has danced for choreographers including Gerri Houlihan, Laura Dean Dancers and Musicians, and Chavasse Dance and Performance Group. She taught at colleges and universities throughout the country and currently is an assistant professor in the School of Dance at Florida State University.

Moises Serrano served as a producer and one of the cinematographers for the film. He is an openly queer and undocumented activist and storyteller. His mission is to de-criminalize and humanize the issue of migration while advocating for immediate relief to migrant communities. Serrano quickly became one of the most requested speakers in the state of North Carolina. Described as a "consummate orator," his advocacy has led him to lead a TedX talk in Greensboro and to be named a notable Latino of the triad.

"Forbidden" is currently available on Amazon Prime, Kanopy, and Pragda, and has aired on LogoTV with sponsorship from the American Civil Liberties Union. The film earned the first ever Social Justice Film Award from the Southern Poverty Law Center and the Freedom Award from Outfest Film Festival.

Date and Time:
Wednesday, Feb. 5 at 7 p.m.

Location:
UB Center for the Arts
Screening Room
University at Buffalo
North Campus
Directions: ubcfa.org/directions-maps2019

Tickets:
Free
Advance reservations required by email: rachelol@buffalo.edu

General Information:
716-645-6897

Media Inquiries:
Jackie Hausler
716-645-6775
hauslerj@buffalo.edu

Group Sales:
Mike Formato
716-645-0611
formato@buffalo.edu

theatredance.buffalo.edu