SLIFF: The Art of Rebellion

(Libby Spears, 2021, USA, 79 minutes)

The Art of Rebellion follows blunt, sarcastic, but ultimately loveable Lydia Emily—an LA-based street artist, activist, and single mother of three—as she defies a crippling diagnosis that threatens to take away her livelihood. Fighting against an unforgiving healthcare system while she battles the symptoms of progressive multiple sclerosis, Lydia ties paintbrushes to her failing hands to create large-scale works of creative resistance. “I can’t sing. I can’t write,” she says. “But I can paint.” Over time, the portrait of Lydia that emerges is one of a tough, tender, indomitable force of nature, plagued by hospital bills, buoyed by medication, never silenced. The film follows Lydia through several years of her life, providing viewers with a real sense of the flow of life for the artist and her clan. The kids—one of them autistic—grow older and struggle with their own identities, and Lydia rides the rollercoaster of MS symptoms from good days to stays in the hospital. There’s even a love relationship that takes a surprising turn, landing Lydia in a small town outside of Austin. Throughout, the film features Lydia’s art, which is compelling and direct—just like her personality. As access to healthcare in America comes under significant threat, The Art of Rebellion presents the story of a woman whose life underscores just how urgently we need universal health coverage, better treatment options, prevention, and support. With the short “Living Music” (Libby Spears, U.S., 2017, 20 min.): A profile of violinist Tyler Carson, who lost his ability to sing and his chance at success in country music, setting him on a unique path to recover his voice and career.

Presented by Cinema St. Louis. Webster Film Series punch passes not accepted for SLIFF events. Special admission rates apply. See cinemastlouis.org for more details and to buy advance tickets.

Tuesday, November 9, 2021 at 7:30pm

Winifred Moore Auditorium
470 E. Lockwood Ave., St. Louis, MO 63119

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