Pan African Film Festival 2020 – Furtherance
High school freshman Jalen Young, placed on the autism spectrum, must call upon his inner superhero to confront habitual bullying by other students.
Interview with Writer/Director Chavez Caley
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
Thank You! As a film student at Florida State University, I wrote a short film about racial profiling and followed that with a film about colorism. I wanted to tackle another topic I believed would start a conversation. Through development, I read an NPR article about how children placed on the autism spectrum are bullied and classified as school shooters by their peers, because of how different they are. The idea for this film sparked from there when I realized that autism is treated and handled differently in the African American community, so I wanted to use this film as a way to express that.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
This film is important for families, teenagers, and children to watch because it highlights how a simple act of kindness can change the world. Autism has a wide spectrum and this short film shows that we all belong here, no matter who you are.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
Friendship, family, and finding the confidence to stand up to bullies is what Jalen has to deal with in this film. Sometimes it's hard for your family and friends to understand you, but finding confidence in being different can bring you a different level of joy.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?
Throughout development, I had to do a lot of research on the topic of autism. Personally, I didn't know anyone that was on the autism spectrum before writing this story. I've visited different autism centers and spoke with professionals to strengthen my knowledge. Watching videos and digging deeper, I've learned about how children with autism are bullied on a higher level due to others not fully understanding them. I love writing about topics that people don't really want to talk about. This helped fuel me to write this film.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
The main feedback that I've received is that people love the message that the film has. Writing about a topic that you don't have a personal attachment too is hard. Hearing feedback from people that are on the spectrum, and knowing that they feel like I authentically told this story is an achievement within itself.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
It has been extremely positive and humbling. The feedback has pushed me to continue on the path that I am on. I want to continue to write movies about the underdog or topics that get brushed under the rug.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
Honestly, I would just love people to view the film to bring more awareness to autism within the black community.
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
I just want the right people to view my film whomever that may be, and share this story if it impacts them in the right way.
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
I just want this film to create a conversion about important topics. Sometimes we get so involved in our own lives that we don't think about others. So as far as an impact, I want this film to be used as a way of self-evaluation for its viewers.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
Just talking about autism in general I believe will create a conversation.
Would you like to add anything else?
My name is Chavez Caley. I am a middle child of three boys. My family comes from the Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands. I found my passion for storytelling while attending Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University where I served as a drum major in the Incomparable Marching 100.
From there I received my Masters degree from Florida State University where I was taught everything about the film industry. I've worked on over 35 student films as a producer, writer, director, editor, cinematographer, and every below the line position.
My goal as a filmmaker is to tell stories that help uplift and change the way that African Americans are viewed in today's society no matter the genre. I want to be able to tell stories that bring people together.
What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?
Currently, I am writing what I hope to be my debut feature film with the help of one of my old professors and some trusted people giving me notes. I've recently relocated to Atlanta where I plan on building my resume and getting even more experience as a filmmaker.
Interview: February 2020
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
Furtherance
High school freshman Jalen Young, placed on the autism spectrum, must call upon his inner superhero to confront habitual bullying by other students.
Length: 13:30
Director: Chavez Caley
Producer: Eric Hoyer
Writer: Chavez Caley
About the writer, director and producer:
Music and entertainment have always been one and the same for CHAVEZ CALEY. Attending an HBCU in undergrad and performing with the Incomparable Marching 100 as a drum major has pushed Chavez to pursue entertainment in the form of storytelling. As a writer/ director being able to change how African Americans are viewed through this visual medium of filmmaking in any genre has helped Chavez find his purpose.
ERIC HOYER, who is currently completing his MFA in Film Production at Florida State University, may not be interesting to look at, but you’ll certainly be interested after listening to him. He does not want you leaving the theater thinking, “Wow, that was so amazing” but rather, “Yeah, ok I guess.” He takes compliments like he takes his pills, and he doesn’t believe in medicine.
Key cast: Chancellor Smith (Jalen), Shellita Boxie (Mrs. Young), Bryan Houston (Mr. Young), Nicholas Martin (Andre) Marvens Blain (Fredo)
Facebook: Chavez Caley
Instagram: @chaboii2x
Hashtags used: #Autism Awareness, #Anti Bullying, #Superhero,
Where can I watch it next and in the coming month? BAICFF - Bay Area International Children's Film Festival - February 22, 2020; Pensacon Short Film Festival - February 28, 2020