Big Sky Documentary Film Festival 2019 – Beneath the Ink
Shining a light on the resurgence of white supremacy, one Ohio tattoo artist Billy Joe White is challenging his community by saying “bring me your mistakes”. Beneath the Ink is a timely look at hate and racism in one Appalachian community that reveals heartfelt stories of change and redemption.
Interview with Writer/Director/Editor Cy Dodson
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
This film was shot in my hometown of Zanesville, Ohio. It was a great place to grow up but when it comes to racism, I knew the person I did, or did not, want to become as an adult. Reading about Billy Joe White and his challenge to community to "bring in their mistakes", prompted me to reach out to Billy.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
We are all continuously bombarded by rhetoric and unyielding political battle lines, this film is here to show that we all can use our abilities to be part of the solution, not the problem.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
My three films have been about artists: a writer, a musician, and a tattooist. I hope to make films that inspire others and show that we all have gifts, no matter what the limitations we are currently enduring.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?
Timing was in my favor for this film. I shot this film over the course of three days. I was back in my hometown for only a short window of time. It was my goal to be precise and gather only what I needed to tell this story. Over the course of the next couple months it had already Premiered at Cleveland and screened at various other festivals. I started noticing a few things that were bothering me. I was able to return home to gather a few pickup shots while tightening the story a bit more. I think it's a better film for it.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
I would say the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. I always have audience members coming up after screenings, seemingly inspired and ready to have a conversation on their takeaways. I find that they describe the film in such a manner that I never could as the filmmaker. I have actually recorded a few conversations because it all goes by so fast.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
A well-known entity in the documentary acquisition had sent a very negative take on my film. It came from an African-American woman who looked at my film as being a strong statement of "white-privilege" and did nothing to "cure racism" in my community. I am always interested in the take on this film by the African- American community, as the majority of people that I interact with at theaters are white. I appreciate their feedback but we all have to start somewhere and that's what this film is really about.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
I have had fairly successful run at festivals, have won 15 awards, screened at great theaters around the country. I sold it to GQ and it has almost 1/2 million views on youtube currently. I've meet a ton of great filmmakers and had a lot of fun. I am always open to new collaborations in the film industry, I'm always open to discuss new projects. But I don't really know what more I could ask for.
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
I am open to sharing this film to more festivals or educational settings that would like share the film with their audiences.
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
What I had noticed right away from an early draft screening is that it sparked conversation. This was something that really didn't exist for my first two films. It is always interesting to hear how the film has effected the audience. I always look forward to that part of it.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
I think this is a take away from the feedback about this film goes back to the privileged white view. Are these people really wanting to change the images on their bodies or are they in this tattoo shop because Billy is offering coverups for free. I think we can all have our own take-away from that.
Would you like to add anything else?
Thanks for including Beneath the Ink on your platform.
What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?
I am looking at a few doc ideas possibly another story in my hometown. I enjoy telling stories in the place I grew up.
Interview: February 2019
We Are Moving Stories embraces new voices in drama, documentary, animation, TV, web series, music video, women's films, LGBTQIA+, POC, First Nations, scifi, supernatural, horror, world cinema. 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
Beneath the Ink
Shining a light on the resurgence of white supremacy, one Ohio tattoo artist Billy Joe White is challenging his community by saying “bring me your mistakes”. Beneath the Ink is a timely look at hate and racism in one Appalachian community that reveals heartfelt stories of change and redemption.
Length: 12:10
Director: Cy Dodson
Producer: Torin Scott, Melody Gilbert
Writer: Cy Dodson
About the writer, director and producer:
CY DODSON has been in the storytelling business for over two decades and Beneath the Ink is his third film in five years. He currently resides in Minnesota as Owner/Operator of his production company Triumph Pictures, LLC where he specializes in documentary-style marketing and branding content.
Key cast: Billy Joe White, John Lemaster
Looking for: film festival directors, journalists
Facebook: Beneath the Ink
Website: wwwbeneaththeinkfilm.com
Other: Vimeo
Made in association with: Triumph Pictures, LLC
Funders: Self Funded
Where can I watch it next and in the coming month? Big Sky Documentary Film Festival/Missoula, MT Sunday Feb 17th, 11am; Fargo Film Festival/Fargo, ND Saturday, March 23rd 6pm; American Documentary Film Festival Saturday March 30th, 5pm