About Cafe tabac
Café Tabac: A Revolutionary Salon for Women
Café Tabac is a documentary feature film that takes us back to the early 90s in New York City's East Village. It tells the story of an unforgettable weekly salon for women that became a platform for new voices, visibility, and power. Against the backdrop of a highly charged moment in history, at the height of AIDS activism and Third Wave Feminism, Café Tabac emerged as a revolutionary space where women could come together to share their stories and experiences.
The film captures the essence of those sultry Sunday nights when Café Tabac was transformed into a vibrant hub of creativity and community. The salon was founded by two women, Lisa Edelstein and Johanna Schoen, who were inspired by their own experiences as artists and activists. They wanted to create a space where women could connect with each other on a deeper level than what was available in mainstream society.
At Café Tabac, women from all walks of life came together to discuss art, politics, sexuality, spirituality - anything that mattered to them. The salon attracted an eclectic mix of people - writers, musicians, poets, activists - who shared their work with each other in an atmosphere of openness and acceptance.
The film explores how Café Tabac became part of the so-called "lesbian chic" movement that was catapulted into the spotlights and headlines of mainstream media at that time. It shows how this movement challenged traditional notions about gender roles and sexuality while also highlighting issues such as HIV/AIDS awareness.
Through interviews with former attendees such as Sarah Schulman (writer), Eileen Myles (poet), Ana Simo (playwright), Cheryl Dunye (filmmaker) among others; we get an intimate look at what made Café Tabac so special. We learn about its impact on these individuals' lives both personally and professionally.
Café Tabac is not just a film about a salon; it's a celebration of the power of community and the importance of creating spaces where marginalized voices can be heard. It's a reminder that even in the darkest moments of history, there are always people who are willing to stand up and fight for what they believe in.
In conclusion, Café Tabac is an inspiring story that deserves to be told. It's a testament to the resilience and creativity of women who refused to be silenced or marginalized. This documentary feature film is not only entertaining but also educational as it sheds light on an important moment in history that has often been overlooked. We highly recommend this film to anyone interested in art, activism, feminism, or LGBTQ+ issues.