Assembly

"Assembly" follows artist Rashaad Newsome as he transforms a former military facility into a visionary utopia. Featuring dancers, musicians, poets, and a non-binary AI named Being, the exhibition explores Black and queer identity, systemic injustice, and resilience. Performers confront marginalization through art, creating community and challenging oppression. With performances honoring Black trans women, the Black queer community’s response to the AIDS crisis, and vogue fem as a global art form, Assembly highlights collective creativity’s power to unite. Through immersive visuals and decolonization workshops, the film reveals how art fosters solidarity, strength, and liberation.

Programming descriptions are generated by participants and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of SXSW.

photo of Rashaad Newsome
photo of Johnny Symons

Credits

Directors:

Rashaad Newsome, Johnny Symons

Executive Producer:

Carrie Lozano

Producer:

Rashaad Newsome, Johnny Symons

Screenwriter:

Rashaad Newsome, Johnny Symons

Cinematographer:

Keenan Newman, Johnny Symons

Editor:

Ash Verwiel

Sound Designer:

Isaac Olsen, Jacob Bloomfield-Misrach

Music:

M Jamison

Principal Cast:

Rashaad Newsome, Being the Digital Griot, Dazié Rustin Grego-Sykes, Kyron EL, Nekia Zulu, Puma Camillé, Koppi Mizrahi, Dana Vitkovski, Zenabu Abubakari, Florence Newsome

Additional Credits:

Co-Editor: J. Christian Jensen, Director of Photography & Visual Effects: Rashaad Newsome, Associate Producers: Ray de Mesa, Annie Pancak Vogt, Additional Music: Robert Aiki Aubrey Lowe, Cristobal Tapia de Veer, Visual Effects: Rashaad Newsome Studio, Post-Production Sound: IMRSV Sound, Color Grading : Company3, Archival Research: Macrofilm

Contact

Distributor:

N/A
johnnysymons@gmail.com

Public Film Contact:

Johnny Symons
Persistent Visions
johnnysymons@gmail.com
510.205.6606

Publicity Contact:

Nicole Kerr
nicole@jcpr-c.com
706-577-3287

Sales Agent:

N/A
N/A

Primary Access
Platinum Badge
Film & TV Badge
Secondary Access
Music Badge
Interactive Badge
Film & TV Festival Wristband
About
Year:
2025
Premiere Status:
Genre:
Screening Section:
Screening Category:
Country:
Runtime:
98 mins