We cry to express the gamut of emotions: happiness, sadness, pain, anxiety, shock, frustration, etc. We cry to relieve ourselves of stress, toxins, and negativity to keep us calm. We cry to express our passion, to reveal our love, and to demonstrate our power. Through each of these expressions, as human beings, we all share a common thread of vulnerability. I hope to explore this vulnerability and challenge common ideas of crying as embarrassing, showing weakness or inferiority, or as being “too emotional.”

It Takes Courage to Cry.

My goal is to film all types of people, of all ages, backgrounds, and identities, participating in the act of crying. Whether it be as part of a daily ritual, mourning a death, religious practice, or even enjoying sexual pleasure, I want to document the intimacy of crying and make it public. This, I believe, is important and healing for myself, the participants and the audience. If you are interested in participating in the project, please e-mail me at: kortney@blackstarmedia.org