the University of Buffalo CAS Office for Diversity, Equity, and Belonging invite you to attend a screening of:
DARK CITY BENEATH THE BEAT
(followed by a virtual Q&A with TT the Artist)
Part of the ANCESTRAL ECHOES celebration of Dance throughout the African Diaspora
to celebrate Black History Month
4:00-5:15pm—Screening
5:15-5:45pm–Discussion

Rhythmic and raw, DARK CITY BENEATH THE BEAT (dir. TT the Artist, 2020, 65 min.) is a Baltimore club musical experience highlighting local Baltimore club artists, DJs, dancers and producers pioneering the sound while rising above social and economic turmoil. Inspired by an original Baltimore club music soundtrack, Dark City Beneath the Beat showcases Baltimore club music as a positive subculture in a city overshadowed by trauma, drugs and violence.

Following the film is a virtual conversation with the film’s director, TT the Artist. As she states, “Dark City Beneath the Beat is a unique journey through Baltimore. Some of the themes woven into the film include identifying social injustices that inner city youth face, street violence, marginalized groups such as the LGBTQ community and Baltimore’s underground creative hubs. I want to use this film as a window to those hidden figures who have defied the odds of growing up in Baltimore where there is the impact of trauma, high crime and drugs. In my practice, I work very closely with dancers and producers from all over the world. I am invested in using my resources and platform. As a leading figure in the local music scene, I will be bringing more awareness to the need for professional spaces that can house more non-traditional art making practices such as Baltimore club dance and music.” (courtesy of Film Freeway)