Summer Within (2025) film screening and Q&A with Director Summer Minerva

Join us for a screening of the 2025 film Summer Within, followed by a short virtual interview with the director, Summer Minerva. Meet Summer Minerva from NY city, an inspiring gender fluid artist and film maker! Join us for a screening of the film ending with a short virtual interview with Summer herself and a chance to give feedback and ask questions. Film summary: Fitting into her conservative Italian American community has always been a challenge for Summer, an eccentric, gender fluid artist. On a quest to learn more about her ancestral roots, she goes to her grandmother, Nonna, who emigrated from Italy 50 years ago to learn more about their family’s past. Due to Nonna’s worsening dementia, Summer is unable to get the answers she yearns for and decides to voyage to Naples. Upon arrival, Summer’s journey immediately hits home when she discovers an ancient tradition of 3rd gender people in this region of Italy, the femminielli, who open her up to a whole new way of belonging. This incredible film won many awards and has been screened internationally on 4 continents. This event is made possible with support from the COA’s Interdisciplinary Programs (IDP) and International Institute for Critical Studies in Improvisation (IICSI). All are welcome!