Florida Film Festival 2019 – I AM TX
On their last day of tour, a black punk band find themselves in awkward, surreal and life-threatening situations with an ignorant cast of characters.
Interview with Writer/Director/Editor Ryan Darbonne
Watch I AM TX here:
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
Inspired by personal experiences, I wrote I AM TX as a means to showcase the frustration, anxiety and humor that go with being a "cultural mulatto."
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
Because you're racist if you don't...
...JK! I'll be here all night people. I AM TX gives a brief insight into the lives of people rarely portrayed in narrative films.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
As stated above, the film was inspired by personal experiences/encounters myself and the cast (who are all actual musicians) have had being people of color who navigate predominately white spaces. However, in addition to that, this is a film that explores the universal theme of identity; I feel like everyone can connect with that.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?
The script started out as one musician but in the writing process, I found it would be much more interesting to focus on a band.
In post, the original cut of the film was 22 minutes long. I stripped it down to 10 minutes to make it as lean as possible.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
Overall, the feedback has been great! We won Best Narrative Short at the 2019 Indie Grits film festival in Columbia, South Carolina.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
Yes and no. From its inception to completion, I anticipated People of Color would find certain moments funny that white audiences wouldn't. We've had three screenings and that has definitely been the case.
However, I was honestly surprised at how uncomfortable white audiences were with the subject matter of the film. In talking with people I've found that parts of I AM TX made people afraid to laugh. It' been interesting to experience that in real time.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
I just want people to watch it.
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, distributors and journalists are key to getting the film out there.
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
First and foremost I want people who grew up like me (alternative kids of color) to see themselves represented on film. Second, I want audiences to take note that the black experience is a multi-faceted one and there are many, MANY different stories to be found.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
Is this supposed to be a comedy?
Would you like to add anything else?
Check out these bands:
The Muslims, Big Joanie, Pleasure Venom, BLXPLTN, Chief and TheDoomsdayDevice
What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?
I'm currently working on another short film and a feature version of I AM TX.
Interview: April 2019
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
I AM TX
On their last day of tour, a black punk band find themselves in awkward, surreal and life-threatening situations with an ignorant cast of characters.
Length: 10:06
Director: Ryan Darbonne
Producer: Morgan Davis, Mase Kerwick and Miguel Valarino Salazar
Writer: Ryan Darbonne
About the writer, director and producer:
RYAN DARBONNE is an award-winning filmmaker and failed rapper based in Austin, TX. He has written and directed a number of projects that have been featured on Noisey, Ovrld and other online publications.
We had multiple producers who were all amazing.
Key cast: Audrey Campbell (Otis), Jonathan K. Horstmann (Charlie), Greg Williams (Sonny)
Looking for: producers, film festival directors, journalists, distributors
Facebook: I AM TX - Film
Instagram: @iamtxfilm
Hashtags used: #iamtx, #punksofcolor, #blackandbrownpunks
Other: Vimeo
Funders: Indiegogo, self-funded, grant from Austin Film Society
Where can I watch it next and in the coming month? I can't really announce anything yet but as soon as I'm allowed to I'll let ya'll know!