“This Side Up” is a short film that documents the interior lives of art handlxrs and their experiences in the art world. Set in the Bay Area and contextualized by the voice of contemporary art curator Eungie Joo, this film features Adrian Clutario and Nahkoura Mahnassi as they explore the ways that their identities as LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC people intersect with their roles behind the scenes of museums and art galleries. The film also brings into view the international scale of the art world, with appearances from art handlxrs located in Los Angeles, New York, and Mexico City.

Art Handlxrs* is a creative advocacy project Co-Directed by Marcel Pardo Ariza and Ambrose Trataris whose work is rooted in their own personal histories as art handlxrs and experiences as trans people in the field. In collaboration with Breaktide Productions, an all BIPOC women led company, “This Side Up” showcases a future where inclusivity leads to vibrancy in the art world both in the galleries and behind the scenes.

https://www.arthandlxrs.com/thissideup

Associate Producer Gyzelle Garcia, 1st AC & B Cam Operator Riley Joy Gantt, Sound Recordist Jalena Keane-Lee, Graphic Designer Jorge Fernando Gonzalez, Visual Artists Ebony Patterson & Guadalupe Maravilla

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Alex J. Bledsoe is a multi-disciplinary artist, activist and strategist whose work is inspired by dismantling exploitative systems. She is currently directing two documentaries: OAKLEAD investigates Oakland’s lead poisoning crisis and racialized health disparities; and Heart Race follows one man’s attempt to obtain a heart transplant while grappling with the realities of racial inequity in Milwaukee. Alex has been a guest columnist for The Washington Post, a Yerba Buena Center for the Arts Fellow, a Maynard 200 honoree and an Aspen Institute emerging writer nominee. Alex is frequently sought after to direct and strategically advise social issue campaigns for nonprofit and commercial clients. She directed and executive produced four videos for the launch of the Nike Equality vertical and Until We All Win campaign during Black History Month. Alex is the co-founder of Breaktide Productions, a film production company owned and operated by women of color, and rooted in intersectional solidarity. Breaktide’s current films address issues of environmental racism, human rights and indigenous sovereignty. Breaktide has earned awards and recognition from Sundance, SXSW, ITVS, and Cannes Lions, and was named to the YBCA 100 list of changemakers in 2019.