Aaron Johnson’s powerful short film "Dark and Tender" follows ten Black men on a transformative retreat with the Chronically UnderTouched (CUT) Project at the Whidbey Institute in April of this year. The men seek to reclaim platonic intimacy and tenderness through close encounters with nature and depictions of gentle Black masculinity, restoring the vital aspect of touch by replacing violence and rough play with care, connection, and intimacy. 

This event will include an opening talk by Aaron Johnson, a screening of the short film, Q&A with the director, and a song circle led by Aaron.