Boston2Philly
"TOO OLD TO BE YOUNG, TOO YOUNG TO BE OLD"
Interview with Writer/Director: RALPH A. CELESTIN
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Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
A few months ago, I made a resolution to chase my dreams and leave behind anything preventing me form reaching my goals. This simple decision opened the floodgates. I suddenly became aware of how much I truly didn’t enjoy my current job, how much I was sick and tired of my current apartment, how much I really felt stagnant and just fed up of going to the same bars or nightclubs in Boston every weekend.
Fast forward a few weeks, I soon found myself with a one way ticket to Philadelphia with a new job offer, a new apartment waiting for me and a new city I’ve yet to explore.
Philadelphia has a horrible reputation outside of those who live in it, a sad but very true statement. Due to certain films, musicians, books, etc., that depicts Philly as a drug war ridden, mindless crime having and overall ugly/gritty place.
I came to realize that Philadelphia is an amazing city, and that when you start to unravel/tear away all the stupid stereotypes and culture raping themes that these unoriginal films, musicians, etc., use to pollute the minds of our youth and tarnish the image of this great city, you find unbelievable architecture, a vibrant music scene and real history the whole world is attached to.
The story of why I made my film really grows from this initial idea, to depict the Philly people don’t know about but is right there in front of them if they just wipe the crap from their eyes!
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
You will never be as easily captivated and inspired by anyone's story as you will be by Boston2Philly's. It is not only what is written but the way it is written that will leave you mesmerized. Boston2Philly is spellbinding, expressive and full of life. The story is organic; with roots connected deeply to Philadelphia and states throughout the country.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
Boston2Philly is the coming of age story that I believe every age and demographic needs to see; it has a very diverse cast and a story to talk about for days to come. Boston2Philly manages to touch on the more complex social issues in a unique and tasteful way that other independent films haven’t, such as depression at a young age, insight and reflection from the perspective of the urban youth, spiritual growth and the turmoil that comes with the transition from youth to adulthood, Feminist ideals and the act of self-mutilation known as “cutting.”
Though Boston2Philly at its most basic element is a Love Story between our two protagonists Rome and Philly (Ralph C.,Mia M.), the film makes sure to shed light on the issues that most young adults in someway or the other have been exposed to by having a character represent a different topic.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development and production?
The script and film did not evolve at all over the course of development and this is a fact I'm very proud of as the Producer. I feel the hardest part of making this film to start was getting everyone together and ready to play their parts, both in front of and behind the camera when it came to following the script and film itself.
It's a big film, and it's a lot of work and it can be overwhelming at times and many people didn't believe a multi layered screenplay such as Boston2Philly equipped with a car accident scene, a shooting, a house robbery and over 30 locations with over 300 extras was feasible!
But we didn't change a thing and it was all worth it at the end of the day because we stuck with the game plan and we didn't allow anything to change in the script or original plans for the film.
The struggles are worth powering through because you know you're working on something great. It's an experience that will go a long way, and it gives me strength to tackle the days' challenges. Some film scripts evolve or dwindle ...not ours. - We remained as we started.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
Thus far we've just recently begun the process of sending screener links to a few critics and media bloggers. The response has been unbelievably warm and positive! Some even going as far as to recommend festivals of which we should submit the film to.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
Still too early to tell. But no surprises yet ...
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
I am hopeful that our film will continue to grow in popularity and a major key to succeeding in this goal is by reaching out and utilizing reputable platforms that showcase great pieces of work. I believe wearemovingstories.com is one of those platforms.
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
Distribution is now our major focus as we move towards independently touring the film. Anything or anyone that can help organize this is welcomed.
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
There are a lot of themes and plot points this film really touches on and not just at a generic point but an authentic one. This film is for the young and the old, rich and the poor, White/Black/Asian you name it! I honestly can't wait for people to come out and see the film and I will say that they were proud to be apart of this great experience or watch a great indie film far removed from the typical Hollywood lore.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
What are your thoughts on affluenza and the perspective mentioned in the film regarding reverse affluenza by characters Ant and G?
In the trailer, as well as in a major scene in the film, Rome is visibly wearing a "Black Lives Matter" shirt. Would it be more appropriate to have a "All Lives Matter" shirt? Why or why not?
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We Are Moving Stories embraces new voices in drama, documentary, animation, TV, web series and music video. If you have just made a film - we'd love to hear from you. Or if you know a filmmaker - can you recommend us? More info: Carmela
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Boston2Philly
Release date: SUMMER 2016 (PREMIERE DATE JULY '16)
Where can I watch it? Boston2Philly will be releasing the information regarding locations for the first 10 showings of the film Exclusively on the films website (Boston2Philly.com). Cities such as Boston, Philadelphia and Manhattan will hold Premieres within the months of July and August.
Length: 1hr 45 mins
Director: RALPH A. CELESTIN
Producer: RALPH A. CELESTIN
Writer: RALPH A. CELESTIN
About the writer, director and producer: Ralph Celestin is a film-maker based out of the East Coast. The internationally distributed Sci-Fi District C11 and highly anticipated Drama Boston2Philly, are just some of the many projects to be created under the supervision and creativity of Ralph Celestin.
The Writer: Ralph Celestin has a very unique perspective on life and on film which he displays effortlessly throughout the many projects he has written. Ralph's primary goal as a screenwriter is to create work that not only makes a statement but is viewed in its entirety as a work of art in the film community.
Key cast: MIA MENDEZ, AR-AB, JOHN JAMISON, SHAYNE WITHERSPOON , TAI BIRCH, NATALIA JABLOKOV, JABEZ GRIGGS, ED ARISTONE
Looking for (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists): SALES AGENTS & DISTRIBUTORS/BUYERS
Made in association with: CAMP 9 FILMS