Cannes Short Film Corner - Perception Of Violence P.O.V
P.O.V / Perception Of Violence is a short film that is based on true events. This film takes a serious look at the relationship between law enforcement and Young African American men in America. This film identifies the underlying tension and racial unrest between law enforcement and Young African Americans and, coincidentally, the factors that shape the stereotypes and perceptions of each while attempting to deal with the issue of racism and how even today it is still a prevalent part of American culture. “Ignorance and prejudice are handmaidens of propaganda. Our mission therefore is to confront ignorance with knowledge, bigotry with tolerance and isolation with the outstretched hand of generosity. Racism can, will and must be defeated.” Kofi Annan
Interview with Director/Producer David Joseph
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
I wish I had a profound answer for you. The truth is I have seen myself as a film maker for a long time. I wanted to be a film maker, but wanting and doing are two different things so I stopped making excuses and went out and applied myself.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
You should watch this film because it’s a reflection of what is actually happening in our society right now. This obviously isn’t a new issue, however, with the recent changes in technology everything has changed. What you once had to turn on the news to see or get informed about is now on your social media feed. The issue is even more prevalent now because when you look at current events on your phone either via the internet, twitter, Instagram, any social media feed it’s bound to be something that you see that is somehow related to the issue of law enforcement and minorities, specifically African Americans & Law enforcement.
Recently Betty Shelby was acquitted in the shooting death of Terence Crutcher, now I’m not a lawyer but it seems clear to me that at the time of the incident she was in no eminent danger. As a person I can form my own opinion about the situation but the fact is these situations happen much too often and there are too many instances where the motivation in these situations are racially motivated, whether it’s out of fear, hate, misunderstanding, indifference or poor training it’s something that needs to be addressed.
Having said all of that, this is the reason it important to watch P.O.V / Perception of Violence, the film gives you an insight into three individual perspectives during an incident where the victim is African American and the assailant is a Caucasian police officer and the witness is an African American officer. Through seeing all three perspectives you understand each person’s individual motives that lead to the actions that take place and if nothing else provides for understanding into why what happened occurred. Everything isn’t always black and white, sometimes there is a grey area and so whether or not it could have been avoided or who’s at fault the focus here is the opportunity to see it from all perspectives; to make a choice for yourself while hopefully sparking a conversation that can lead to actual change at the legislative level.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
Well I think the universal theme of my film is humanity and empathy. It works because you can see Prosper’s character battling with understanding his partner's point of view all while also that of the victim so you see this interesting juxtaposition where he feels he could literally be both individuals: the assailant or victim. Personally I think the theme for me is Justice and I think with any film that you choose to take on you have to somehow relate to it otherwise how can you ever give it your voice.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?
I created this concept based on the things happening in communities around the country. At the time I wasn't thinking about how big the issue was, however since originally coming up with the concept this issue seems to have ballooned out of proportion and has somewhat overtaken the nation. So the film itself has evolved from a film to a call to action for equal human rights for minority and people of color.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
So far the feedback has been amazing. It's somewhat surreal for the most part everyone gets it and has their own opinions about how things should or should not happen in the film which was always the intention if you care enough to have an opinion about how things should happen and what should happen, it means your invested in it and that’s all I can ask for.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
No, the feedback has been somewhat surprising, a colleague who I admire said something to the effect that this is your first project so where do you leave room to improve? The statement kind of blew me away they told me they were so impressed with the film based on production, story, performances, edits it was really humbling.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
If no one sees it does it exist? That’s the first thing that comes to mind thinking of that question but by having this review on www.wearemovingstories.com it gives P.O.V, another opportunity to connect with another individual and it brings more light to the actual issue. Of course I would love for the film to win numerous awards, to get distribution for it and to partner with a studio to do a full feature centered on this but truthfully it’s bigger than that. This is my gift, this is my voice, so this is my way to help make change through this film through the conversations it starts, the feelings that it leaves individuals with, that’s how you change people’s perspectives through how you make them feel.
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
I need sale agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists, I need everyone to understand the vision and help bring more light to this especially the way I am seeking to present this. In many instances things are presented as black and white, well this is a situation where there is so much grey you cannot discern from it so what do you do in those situations.
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
Love and hate - I unquestionably want people to love it but I also want people to hate it. I want people on both sides of the fence about it and for different reasons; I want them to love the concept but hate the outcome or love the cinematography. What I don’t want is indifference. I want you take care about it one way or another and I feel like if I can achieve that I’ve done a good job, but please love it!
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
Why are minorities - but more specifically why are African Americans - incarcerated at a rate five times that of there Caucasian counterparts? Where is the disconnect: is it racism from the establishment, is it preemptive hostility from the minority community or is it a combination of factors caused by a system that is embedded in fear from both sides of law enforcement and the communities they are meant to protect and serve
Would you like to add anything else?
We all have a voice and in having that voice we have a responsibility to use that voice to affect positive change in each of our own individual communities however we can. So be the change you want to see.
What are the key creatives developing or working on now?
I have two other projects that I am passionate about one is centered on America's political landscape and one is a coming of age story of a young youth in college.
Interview: May 2017
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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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Perception Of Violence P.O.V
P.O.V / Perception Of Violence is a short film that is based on true events. This film takes a serious look at the relationship between law enforcement and Young African American men in America. This film identifies the underlying tension and racial unrest between law enforcement and Young African Americans and, coincidentally, the factors that shape the stereotypes and perceptions of each while attempting to deal with the issue of racism and how even today it is still a prevalent part of American culture. “Ignorance and prejudice are handmaidens of propaganda. Our mission therefore is to confront ignorance with knowledge, bigotry with tolerance and isolation with the outstretched hand of generosity. Racism can, will and must be defeated.” Kofi Annan
Length: 13:30
Director: David Joseph
Producer: David Joseph, Guyviaud Joseph, Rasheda Crockett
Writer: Rasheda Crokett
About the writer, director and producer:
Writer/ Co- Executive Producer
Rasheda Crockett is a writer and actress based in New York City. Her work has been featured in several outlets such as Comedy Cake, Variety, HuffPo, and WhoHaHa.
Consulting Producer | Quan Lateef-Hill
Producer and Filmmaker with hands-on experience in Television, Film, and Event Production. Quan’s extensive skill-set includes development, pre & post-production, and the overall creative process.
Key cast: Guyviaud Joseph, Chris Jarell, Jonathan C Kaplan
Looking for (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists):
Social media handles: @Thefilmpov
Facebook:www.m.facebook.com/thefilmpov
Twitter: thefilmpov
Instagram: thefilmpov
Other: www.thefilmpov.com
Funders: David Joseph, Guyviaud Joseph, Rasheda Crockett
Made in association with: DNA Media, Too Cute Productions
Where can I see it in the next month? Hopefully we will have secured a deal with a distribution company to release.