About the Film
Spread across the country but connected through private Facebook groups, they call themselves “mama bears” because while their love is warm and fuzzy, they fight ferociously to make the world kinder and safer for all LGBTQ+ people. Although some may have grown up as fundamentalist, evangelical Christians, mama bears are willing to risk losing friends, family, and faith communities to keep their offspring safe — even if it challenges their belief systems and rips their worlds apart.
MAMA BEARS is an intimate, thought-provoking exploration of the journeys taken by Sara Cunningham and Kimberly Shappley, two “mama bears” — whose profound love for their LGBTQ children has turned them into fierce advocates for the entire queer community — and Tammi Terrell Morris, a young African American lesbian whose struggle for self-acceptance perfectly exemplifies why the mama bears are so vitally important.
AWAB Screenings
Earlier this year, AWAB identified ten churches in our AWAB network where a church might be able to host a screening of the documentary Mama Bears for the LGBTQ+/allies community.
Coming soon:
- West Chester, PA, hosted by Baptist Church of West Chester – September 29th
Act in Faith of Greater West Chester on Sunday, Sept. 29 at 3:30 PM. It is totally free, and refreshments will be provided. Parking: Street and garage parking in West Chester is free on Sundays. The closest public garage is the Bicentennial Parking Facility at 20 S High St, West Chester, PA 19382. Parking is also available at The Holy Trinity Church and The Baptist Church of West Chester parking lots.
RSVP on our Facebook Event Page
- Durham, NC, hosted by Watts Street Baptist Church – September 30 at 7 pm at Motorco.
The event is free but we are suggesting a $5 donation for the LGBTQ Center of Durham
RSVP at https://motorcomusic.com/event/mama-bears/
Dates still TBD:
- Seattle, WA, hosted by Seattle First Baptist Church
- Charlotte, NC, hosted by St. John’s Baptist Church
- Dallas, TX, hosted by Royal Lane Baptist Church
- Minneapolis, MN, hosted by Judson Memorial Baptist Church
- Rochester, NY, hosted by First Baptist Church of Ithaca
Previously held events:
- Fort Worth, TX, hosted by Broadway BC – June 22, 2024 at Celebration Community Church
- Tacoma, WA, hosted by Evergreen Grace Church – July 14, 2024 at Evergreen Grace.
- Louisville, KY, hosted by Crescent Hill Baptist Church – September 15 at Crescent Hill BC.
How to Host A Screening
Now that we’ve tested out the process with some congregations, we’d like to open up this opportunity for all member churches. If you are interested, here are the questions you need to consider:
Who will be the host church and what other churches can you include in the process?
They do not have to be Baptist churches but must be affirming.
Who are the local LGTBQ+ organizations that you can include in this conversation?
Contact them to help you think through the remaining questions. Research to see if there is a local chapter of Mama Bears in your area.
Where can you hold the screening?
We encourage you to NOT host it at your church. Think about independent film studios, local libraries with an auditorium, a college or high school lecture space, etc. Consider the technology options. The film can be in the format of a digital download or a blu-ray disc.
When should you host it?
If there is a local LGBTQ+ event taking place, can you time it before or after their schedule to capitalize on marketing?
Will you host a Q&A afterward?
If so, who is the moderator? Will it be with a panel or open to the audience? How will you control for providing a safe space? https://www.hrc.org/resources/establishing-an-allies-safe-zone-program Do you want to include the filmmaker (either virtually or in person for an extra cost)? The film company provides suggested questions.
Will you include snacks and/or a reception? Do you want to have sponsors and sponsor tables?
Will you collect a donation?
We recommend that you offer the event for free, but you could take up a donation to either cover your costs for the location and the screening fees or to give to a local LGBTQ+ organization.
How will you promote this event?
Remember that your primary audience are LGBTQ+ folx who are not likely to be involved in a church. While you do want your church members to attend, you want to connect with a wider audience outside of your church walls. Will you require a registration?