A Choice of Weapons: Inspired by Gordon Parks

At the Bedford Playhouse

Wednesday, April 6th, 7 pm

SOCIAL JUSTICE SERIES presents: “A Choice of Weapons: Inspired by Gordon Parks”

Special Exhibition, Film, and Discussion

Legendary photographer Gordon Parks believed that photography was both an art form and a weapon for change. A deeply moving meditation on race, A Choice of Weapons: Inspired by Gordon Parks (an HBO documentary), shows how one person can have a ripple effect on the generations that follow as it explores the power of images in advancing racial, economic and social equality. Seen through the power of his lens, we see why Parks is a titan in the American photography canon. The film seamlessly blending Parks’ voice with those of the modern day photographers who carry on his legacy.

Immediately after “A Choice of Weapons,” there will be a panel discussion about Art & Activism led by the Westchester Youth Alliance and the Kunhardt Film Foundation. The film and panel discussion will be accompanied by “Youth Art & Activism: Inspired by Gordon Parks,” a Westchester Youth Alliance photography exhibition in the lobby of the Playhouse theater. Film for this screening is provided by Kunhardt Film Foundation.

“A Choice of Weapons” is named after Parks’ own autobiography, in which he detailed his upbringing in Kansas, where he found himself having to be “a different person” when in the presence of whites, a predicament he captured in his groundbreaking 1969 directorial feature debut, “The Learning Tree.” Encouraged by his mother to find a safer place to live, he toured the country, taking photos and capturing American life, while working as a waiter in the dining car of the Northern Pacific Railroad.

About Bedford Playhouse

Bedford Playhouse is a vibrant cultural center, state-of-the-art cinema, and community hub, offering outstanding films, live performances, and engaging arts and educational programming. More than just a movie theater, it is a welcoming space where visitors can relax, socialize, and experience exceptional entertainment. Located in the heart of Bedford Village, the Playhouse has been modernized and upgraded with the support of the community, ensuring an accessible and enriching experience for all. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, it thrives through memberships, grants, donations, and ticket sales. With a commitment to bringing unique programming to the region, Bedford Playhouse partners with thought leaders, creatives, and community organizations to offer events and discussions not found elsewhere. The venue features a 37-ft-wide screen with Dolby Atmos surround sound in its main theater, along with two smaller theaters for intimate viewing experiences. Guests can also enjoy drinks and small bites at the Playhouse Café and Bambi’s Bar, an inviting spot to gather before or after a film. Originally opened in 1947, the Playhouse was revitalized in 2015 through the dedication of local residents, led by John Farr, transforming it into the thriving cultural hub it is today.