In this Microfilm Series from Edge Studios, writer and director Saphia Suarez proposes three tenets for people of color in the nonprofit sector. In the first microfilm installment, an overstepping funder is tried in a reparations and restoration trial. In the second, a group of friends discusses how people of color are raising the standard. In the final microfilm, a young production assistant is met with the unlikeliest of workplace environments: a space committed to a culture of generosity.
Bailiff
Hear ye, hear ye. All rise for the Honorable Reparations Officer Jones.
Judge Jones
I hereby call this court to order. Let us begin with you, Plaintiff. Do you wish to have a reliable narrator present to recount the facts of the case on your behalf?
Kayla
I would, Your Honor.
Reliable Narrator
Your Honor, on the morning of September 1, 2021, the Plaintiff, Miss Kayla Hill, received a disturbing call from the Defendant, Mr. Evan Sartori.
Judge Jones
Please continue, Narrator.
Reliable Narrator
This call referred to a grant presented to the plaintiff by the defendant for work to be completed at the plaintiff’s discretion.
Judge Jones
For what sort of work?
Reliable Narrator
An art program to be created in East Ridge, Your Honor.
Judge Jones
I see. Carry on.
Reliable Narrator
After signing off on the initial grant agreement, the defendants called the plaintiff to talk about ideology, began to assert his own supposed expertise, citing various confusing sources, urging the plaintiff to change her strategy to match his.
Judge Jones
I see. What is your request, Miss Hill?
Kayla
I request that Mr. Sartori be charged with Swinging Philanthropy Dick, Your Honor.
Judge Jones
So granted.
Evan
What? Your Honor.
Judge Jones
Mr. Sartori. Unfortunately, we see this all too often. At this point, it’s textbook, which makes this an easy case. And you, Mr. Sartori, have become a regular in my courtroom.
Evan
But, but Your Honor…
Bailiff
The Honorable Reparations Officer Jones hereby concludes the hearing portion of this reparations trial. We now move on to restoration.
Judge Jones
We must now find a suitable restoration for the harm introduced in this case. Miss Hill, what is your request?
Kayla
Your Honor, I request no contact and a doubling of the grant amount.
Judge Jones
Define no contact, plaintiff?
Kayla
No communication, either personal or professional, freedom to complete my project with the increased funds in accordance with my own strategy.
Judge Jones
Granted.
Evan
What? Sir!
Judge Jones
Case closed, Sartori. And please, let this be the last time I see you in my courtroom.
