Testimonies

I have known Ms. Roccaforte and her photography, writing, and poetry for over two decades.  I can attest to her character, and to the quality of her photographic and scholarly work. Her portrait of me was published on a book jacket of the  "Black Madonna's, Feminism, religion & politics in Italy". Her Portraits of me have appeared in several Italian, Italian American, Africa, African American women's cultural and spiritual newspapers and magazines around the world. Her image "Dark Mother and Three Roses"  is part of my private art collection and this image was used as cover art for our Women's Religion and Spirituality Program at California Institute Of Integral Studies. 
Francesca has also lectured and  exhibited her work on Italian Women with me at Italian Conferences in S.F, Berkeley, Ohio, and New York. She has also helped me in my own research and books. She has a wide-ranging mind, that is well rounded and highly developed artistic talents. She has the cultural and academic talents that enhance the scholarly learning environments and multicultural communities she chooses to teach and work in.

Lucia Chiavola Birnbaum, Ph.D
Professor, Philosophy and Religion, Program in Feminist Spirituality
California Institute of Integral Studies,  SF
Author of Liberazione della donna, FEMINISM IN ITALY
dark mother, african origins and godmothers
Editor: She is Everywhere Vol. 1
April, 2003
www.darkmother.net

Fran Roccaforte worked creatively, dilligently, and in collaboration with many other artists on the Inaugural Independent Festival of Digital Arts held at Belladonna in Berkeley in 2004. Her work as a jury team leader, independent director, documentary photographer/videographer, digital photography lecturer, exhibitor and community liason was essential to the success of this festival. She was acknowledged with two merit and service awards for her outstanding contribution to our multimedia community and her work is still shown on websites, film trailers, and in the Vista Community College
Archives in Berkeley. She has been a great pleasure to work with and her many contributions are greatly appreciated.

Peter Freund, Ph.D.
Chair, Multimedia Arts Program
Berkeley City College
Director, Independent Festival of Digital Arts
Professor, Independent Film Director/Editor

 
I have been a supporter and admirer of Francesca's work for several years. Her work is touching and moving and particularly her photos of women and landscapes.
 
Tristan Thunderbolt, actor/film maker

Fran Roccaforte did the photo for the back of my first poetry book "Underwater Hospital". She made the photo shoot an enjoyable experience for me, and I'm sure she would for you, too. You'll end up with works of art. I was very pleased by the images she
created."

Jan Steckel,M.D.,writer, poet
www.jansteckel.com

Fran Roccaforte did the beautiful photo of me at Church....This picture of me has been used for postcards, bookmarks,newsletters, our website, and its now etched in a crystal sculpture I received as a gift from my congregation!  Fran s work has travelled with our
ministry throughout the country and in Ghana,Africa...I am so very happy with the way she captured the essence of prayer and gratitude.Thank you!

Rev. Dr. Elouise Oliver
Senior Minister
East Bay Church of Religious Science, Oakland
www.ebcrs.org