Synopsis
As one of the earliest fiction feature films directed by an African-American woman, “Losing Ground” chronicles the story of Sara Rogers (played by Seret Scott), a Black philosophy professor facing an existential crossroads as she reevaluates her marriage to painter Victor (portrayed by Bill Gunn). Set during a summer in upstate New York, the couple experiences a profound emotional awakening. Combining drama with lighthearted elements, Collins crafts a captivating story that explores complex issues of love, art, race, and gender on a journey of personal discovery. (C.I.)
Trailer
Director
Kathleen Collins
Kathleen Collins (1942–1988) was a director, screenwriter, teacher, and prolific writer of short stories and plays. Her work explores the intersection of class, gender, and Black and Latino-American racial identities, challenging narrative conventions by delving into the complexity of Black female experiences in cinema. Her debut feature film, "The Cruz Brothers and Miss Malloy" (1980), along with the masterpiece "Losing Ground" (screened in this year’s edition), were the only ones completed before Collins’ untimely death at the age of 46. These works solidified her unique artistic vision, which continues to inspire filmmakers to this day.
Thursday 16:00 
