Lady Filmmakers Film Festival - Created Equal
A cocky, up-and-coming attorney begrudgingly takes on a case to sue the Catholic Church for gender discrimination after a woman - who’s desperate to become a priest - solicits his help.
Interview with Producer Thada Catalon
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
Created Equal became a huge priority for me when I saw that the United States of America was nearly on the brink of having Hillary Clinton as its first female President. I thought if she could break through that glass ceiling, then why can’t a woman break through the stained-glass ceiling. It was important for me to use this platform to be a part of a progressive movement that seeks equal rights for all- not just in religion, but on the world stage.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
Created Equal presents a fascinating and compelling proposition about faith and the current state of the world in regards to equality, representation and inclusion. Our intent is to spark a worldwide conversation; especially because it explores the disparity between men and women holding the highest leadership positions within the church, as well as other positions that hold the greatest authority in the world.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
In today’s climate, it’s more important that Hollywood makes the types of films that help unite the country and encourage conversations around diversity, inclusion and gender equality. Created Equal is fortunate to have a cast that represents nearly every ethnicity in our cultural mosaic. To create an equitable society and fight against negative mentalities that encourage discord, like what we’re seeing in Charlottesville, Hollywood needs to take lead. It is so important that people see themselves represented in films; especially ones like Created Equal whose cast represents the diversity of America.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?
Created Equal is based on a book written by Author, Roger A. Brown. When I read a draft of the script, I was really intrigued with the concept. However, that version of the script had lost some of the essence of the book. We wanted to bring back the thriller aspect of the story, so that it could raise the stakes higher for such a challenging subject matter. We worked with three different writers that created three different versions of the story. Writer/producer Thada Catalon then took those scripts and collaborated with director, Bill Duke, on creating the final shooting version of the script.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
We have received a lot of positive feedback from audiences at the film festivals we have attended, thus far. A lot of people are engaged in the topic and think that the matter was handled well. A lot of audience members think that it’s now time that we have this conversation on a larger scale. However, we have had feedback on our Facebook page that believe women do not have that right to become a priest.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
I’m not surprised by the feedback. We know that this topic can be polarizing. We expected both sides to chime in. It has sparked the conversation we wanted, in regards to why women can’t be a priest. Some people never even questioned it and now they are more curious about the topic.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
We’re currently promoting the film and working the film festival circuit, so we’re looking for film festival directors, journalist and buyers. We’re hoping to gain more traction on our social media pages, so we can start having more engaging conversations with both sides.
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
Promotion is a key component of being able to amplify the film’s message. Journalist would be a key factor in helping with gaining visibility.
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
We would love for the topic to hit the mainstream media. With that kind of visibility, it would allow the conversation of equality in the church to gain traction on a world stage.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
Are we ready for women to become priest in the Catholic Church?
Would you like to add anything else?
Created Equal gives a voyeuristic view of the stained-glass ceiling that exists for women in the Catholic Church without actually taking sides and explores how having a higher purpose can be life-changing.
What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?
Producer Thada Catalon is currently developing a psychological thriller, Amber’s Alert. Her script is an official selection at Urbanworld Film Festival. Thada will be presenting a 15-minute excerpt of the script at the festival on September 22, 2017.
Interview: September 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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Created Equal
A cocky, up-and-coming attorney begrudgingly takes on a case to sue the Catholic Church for gender discrimination after a woman - who’s desperate to become a priest - solicits his help.
Length: 90:36 min
Director: Bill Duke
Producer: Thada Catalon
Writer: Ned Bowman and Michael Ricigliano Jr. and Joyce Renee Lewis
About the writer, director and producer:
Bill Duke directed his first feature film, A Rage in Harlem. He followed up by directing, Sister Act 2, Deep Cover and Not Easily Broken.
Thada Catalon began her film career as an actress. Her film-making career thus far includes Created Equal, Alternate Realities and Because I Love You.
Key cast:
Aaron Tveit, Edy Ganem, Lou Diamond Phillips, GregAlan Williams, Yohance Myles
Looking for (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists):
We’re currently promoting the film and working the film festival circuit, so we’re looking for film festival directors, journalist and buyers.
Social media handles:
Facebook: @createdequalmovie
Twitter: @createdequal1
Instagram: @moviecreatedequal
Made in association with: T-CAT Films
Where can I see it in the next month?
Created Equal will be showing at the Greater Cleveland Urban Film Festival on Sep 24th at the Shaker Square Cinema at 7:10pm and the Lady Filmmakers Film Festival on Sep 30th at the Wilshire Screening Room in Beverly Hills at 8:15pm. For more info on events, please visit our website at www.createdequalmovie.com