An Afrocentric podcast host wants to find his biggest idol Harambe Cornell, but is forced to take care of his 6-year-old son who is dressed like a blueberry.

Interview with Writer/Director Martina Lee

Watch trailer here

Congratulations! Why did you make your film?

I usually write female characters who investigate tough interpersonal relationships most people are too scared to confront. Having a male lead felt like a challenge I wanted to explore. This particular story is important for me because the character of Lyric was one who I drew similarities from my own father. It’s the complexity of my own internal conflict that inspires me to delve deeper into myself as well as discover how we relate to one another.

By exploring the contradictions and complexities of these characters we are able to really have a deeper understanding of the human condition that hopefully inspires us to be better versions of ourselves. Whether it is television or films I want to be in control of content that represents honest moments in life that are painful, funny, ironic and everything in between.

Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?

If you want to watch a story with a great message and complex compelling character that will make you laugh and think, then you should watch Blueberry.

How do personal and universal themes work in your film?

Blueberry explores the desire to be spiritually enlightened for all the wrong reasons. It also explores the complex father and son relationships.

How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?

The script went through different phases but the basic story was always the same. The character of Harambe changed based on what makes sense for Lyric's journey and makes for a satisfying payoff. That reveal was important and I spent a lot of time reworking that particular scene even while on set and post-production.

What type of feedback have you received so far?

The feedback has been really great. As a filmmaker it's always important to me that stories I am telling are clear and people get the story. It's the best feeling to hear people laughing in the audience.

Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?

I was surprised at how universal the story ended up being because the characters are so specific. I have both black people and white people coming up to me saying "I know a guy like that!". I am happy that the film is able to be for all audiences.

What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?

More exposure means the ability to find and gain an audience. At this early stage of my career, developing an audience is extremely important.

Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?

Film festival directors would be a great resource to me to help get Blueberry seen by more people.

What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?

I want people to walk in hating Lyric and leave having compassion for him.

What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?

What does it really mean to be 'Woke'?

What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?

Jacob the blueberry, played by Evan Alex, is working alongside Elizabeth Moss, Lupita Nyong'o and Winston Duke in Jordan Peele's newest horror film called US.

I am finishing up the pilot that sparked the idea for Lyric’s character. I am also developing a feature about the the last year I spent with my grandfather before he passed away.

Interview: August 2018

Blueberry

An Afrocentric podcast host wants to find his biggest idol Harambe Cornell, but is forced to take care of his 6-year-old son who is dressed like a blueberry.

Length:16.20

Who is being interviewed for this article? Martina Lee

Director: Martina Lee

Producer: Martina Lee and Robbin Rae

Writer: Martina Lee

About the writer, director and producer:

Martina Lee moved to Los Angeles in 2015 to attend University of Southern California. While developing her craft at USC, she was awarded the prestigious Annenberg Fellowship in 2016 and again in 2017. Graduating in 2018, Martina is now working at a production company and writing and developing TV and feature projects.