Despite being pioneers and influencers in genres that center guitar, Black women are often removed from the social narrative around guitarists and instrumentalists.
To increase access and representation, Swan Strings partnered with Pegasus Media Project to produce a short film titled, “Behind The Strings: Amplifying Black Feminism in Guitar Culture.”
Behind the Strings is an intimate, behind-the-scenes documentary created by artist, musician, and Swan Strings founder Jess Garland. As part of her Behind the Strings brand and racial and gender equity initiative, the film follows Garland’s personal and creative journey, showcasing how she uses music as a powerful tool for healing, community empowerment, and social change.
The film will highlight the diversity and intersectionality of Black women, girls, and femmes based in Texas through exploring history and opportunities for musicians to be confident in their identity and musicianship.
Behind the Strings: Amplifying black feminism in guitar culture
2025 Urban Arts Film Festival
NOTABLE SCREENINGS
2024: Aurora Biennial-Behind the Strings Art Installation created by Jess Garland at Dallas City Hall
2025: Urban Arts Film Festival at Urban Arts Center at Oak Cliff Assembly
2025: Oak Cliff Film Festival
2025: Front Festival in Austin, TX
2026: Modern Art Museum of Ft. Worth, TX
UPCOMING SCREENINGS
March 21, 2026: Behind the Strings: Music Symposium, Dallas, TX
