Sidewalk Film Festival - Blackface
Blackface/minstrel actor Henry Roberts becomes the victim of a hate crime in his small southern town due to a tragic case of mistaken identity.
Interview with Writer/Director Shanrica Evans
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Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
In the aftermath, of what seemed like a cycle of racially motivated killings, I wanted to create something about the history of racism and present-day racism. I also wanted to make something that would question if people like Alton Sterling, Philando Castile, Trayvon Martin and many others would still be alive if they could've taken off their skin.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
I think an audience member should watch this film because it's an important film about racism, race relations, police brutality, and the state of our country. Although it is a period piece, you should watch the film and question if our country is moving forward or backwards.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
As an African-American woman, I am personally connected to the film because I created it as a means to question the way people that share my skin are being treated and have been treated historically. In terms of universal themes of the film, the main character, Henry Roberts, is in an internal battle with himself and society about different race related situations that he encounters.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development and production?
The script constantly evolved over the course of production. As I watched the actors bring the characters to life, I'd change the dialogue to fit the personalities that the actors gave each character.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
The feedback so far has been varied and interesting. There are several people that think it's a powerful film that brought them to tears while others have told me the film made them uncomfortable and as a result, they weren't able to finish it.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
While some of the feedback was surprising, it didn't change the perspective behind my purpose; however, it did change the way I think art should be viewed. I was initially disheartened because people could not watch my entire film, however thanks to many amazing people I've learned that making people uncomfortable with my work is a good thing because it means it's causing them to feel things.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
By enhancing the visibility of my film I hope to reach and affect a larger audience.
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
To amplify the film's message we'd need to get the film to more viewers. We'd need the ability to talk about the film and its purpose. For that, we'd need film festival directors, distributors, and journalists to help us promote the film and allow more people to see the film.
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
I would like this film to cause people to think and question our country, racism, race relations, and police brutality.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
Are people being killed because of the color of their skin or is racism a thing of the past?
Would you like to add anything else?
Blackface is about the state of unrest that our country is in. I hope this uncomfortable, black and white film can make people reflect on a country that currently finds itself divided between black and blue. A country of people that harm and kill each other for things like sexuality, gender identity, religion, and race. I hope this film makes people think about the silence that many of us exhibit during this state of unrest.
What are you developing or working on now?
I am currently writing a screenplay called "Grief". "Grief" is an exploration death, relationships, and the grieving process. After the death of her father, Gabi attends weekly grief counseling. After every counseling sessions Gabi goes to the same diner and orders the same meal until one day she looks up from her pancakes and sees her father.
I hope to shoot the film sometime next year.
Interview: August 2016
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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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Blackface
Blackface/minstrel actor Henry Roberts becomes the victim of a hate crime in his small southern town due to a tragic case of mistaken identity.
Length: 10:35
Director: Shanrica Evans
Producer: Kathleen Bodle, Sam Eddins, Austin Rhyne
Writer: Shanrica Evans
About the writer, director and producer:
Writer/Director: Shanrica Evans is a young upcoming writer/director. With her first short film “Blackface” under her belt, Shanrica hopes to continue to write and direct socially conscious films.
Key cast: Jesse Gallegos (Henry), Alex Zuko (Wesley), Matt Leddo (Walter), Darin Sahler (Officer Ware), Christopher Escobar (Officer Booth), Eric Brown (Lawrence)
Looking for: Buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists
Funders: Made in association with University of Alabama/ In consultation with The Department of Motion Pictures
Release Date: 8/23/2016
Where can I watch it in the next month? The film can be seen on the Film Shortage website: http://filmshortage.com/dailyshortpicks/blackface/