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Act One:
Screenplay writer Trenton Judson discusses “Bad B*tch,” a new film challenging female stereotypes
Act Two:
Atlanta writer Deanna Repose Oaks analyzes the world around her through poetry
Act Three:
Vampire Diaries actor Kat Graham stars in new Lifetime thriller “If I Run”
Act Four:
Star Bar hosts a benefit concert this Saturday to support Atlanta musicians in need
Act Five:
A look into those impacted by the National Endowment for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Humanities cuts
Screenplay writer Trenton Judson discusses ‘Bad B*tch,’ a new film challenging female stereotypes
“Bad B*tch” stars director and screen writer Trenton Judson. (Ken Kirk Photography)
🔻Jump to this act’s audio clip timestamp to hear this segment. (1:32)
We live in a time where women’s rights, visibility and autonomy are under assault and being eroded daily. Writer Trenton Judson has decided to write a film that challenges and flies in the face of these attacks. His new film “Bad B*tch” is an independent vigilante film with a strong female lead that looks to challenge stereotypes, perceptions and even your definition of the second B. “City Lights Collective” co-host Jon Goode spoke with Judson about this action-packed movie.
The synopsis of the film is about a small-town businesswoman who takes on a ruthless local gang, seeking justice and retribution for her community. When describing the premise, Judson said, “It’s a vigilante film that isn’t your typical vigilante film. Meaning that yes, there is everything that you expect in a vigilante film. But again, there’s going to be a little bit more to elevate that experience. Hopefully intellectually, hopefully and emotionally, hopefully in a way that gets you to view your world just a little bit different.”
The film is out now on both Tubi and Amazon Prime.
Atlanta writer Deanna Repose Oaks analyzes the world around her through poetry
Deanna Repose Oaks is the author of several poetry collections. (Deanna Repose Oaks)
🔻Jump to this act’s audio clip timestamp to hear this segment. (11:50)
“In Their Own Words” is our segment where creatives tell us who they are, what they do, what they love, and a few things you might not see coming. Today’s segment spotlights Atlanta poet Deanna Repose Oaks. She is the author of several books of poetry, including one coming out in September titled “The Order of Chaos.”
Vampire Diaries actor Kat Graham stars in new Lifetime thriller ‘If I Run’
Atlanta-based actor Kat Graham stars as the main character, Casey Cox. (Lifetime)
🔻Jump to this act’s audio clip timestamp to hear this segment. (15:33)
LA star power thrives in Atlanta, as actor Kat Graham can attest. An Atlanta transplant since 2017, Kat starred in TV’s megahit series “The Vampire Diaries” throughout its eight seasons. She’s also a dancer, author, musician and recording artist with four studio albums. Now, the multi-talented performer stars in and executive produces the new Lifetime original movie “If I Run.” It’s based on a novel by Terri Blackstock about a suspenseful murder mystery with Graham’s character falsely accused, on the run and surviving on faith. WABE arts reporter Summer Evans spoke with Graham about this new film.
Star Bar hosts a benefit concert this Saturday to support Atlanta musicians in need
“UpBeat Benefit” is hosted at Star Bar in Little Five Points from 6pm to 2am. (Courtesy of Upbeat)
🔻Jump to this act’s audio clip timestamp to hear this segment. (32:53)
This Saturday, Aug. 16, the Star Bar in Little Five Points is hosting a benefit for Upbeat, an Atlanta nonprofit that helps musicians in need. There will be performances by The Casket Creatures, Tigerbeat All-Stars, The Spinns, Neon Warlords, Axis of Empires, The Wheel Knockers and Downer Brothers. Plus, drag performers Bloomin’ Bologna and Alt3r will be a part of the evening’s act, alongside burlesque performer Vicious Jane. Doors open at 6 p.m., and the show goes until 2 a.m.
A look into those impacted by the National Endowment for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Humanities cuts
Horizon Theatre Company was impacted by the NEA cuts back in May. (Michael Boatright)
🔻Jump to this act’s audio clip timestamp to hear this segment. (35:10)
There’s been a lot of chatter lately about proposed budget cuts to the National Endowment for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Humanities, but what is the actual impact of these cuts on working artists, arts institutions, and the communities they serve? Who are the human beings whose livelihoods are at risk? “City Lights Collective” member Kelundra Smith recently spoke with Heather Infantry, CEO of The Giving Gap, to find out.
In Atlanta, more than 89,000 people are employed by the creative industries. Earlier this summer, Congress proposed reducing the budget for the NEA and NEH. Black art organizations are among the hardest hit, as most don’t receive federal funding. ”I think the funding ecosystem has definitely created an environment where the art is not always relevant and responsive. That’s what happens. You get bad art when you don’t adequately support and fund it. And I think that’s one of the main fallouts that folks don’t necessarily consider that we’re not allowing artists to be what they were intended to be, which is change makers,” said Infantry.
She continued, “ The funding model is absolutely broken. Just even the process and approach in which we have to deal with federal funding, where we get reimbursed on the backend, is insufficient for us to meet the demands of what we are trying to do and execute on a vision.”
We hope you enjoyed today’s episode of The City Lights Collective.
Experience more of Atlanta’s vibrant arts, culture, and creative community with us each day. Our local contributors bring you short stories, rich voices, and fresh perspectives — from music and theater to spoken word, visual arts, food, film, and festivals. You’ll learn about new artists, events, and ideas from Atlanta’s cultural scene every Monday through Thursday.
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