The Cotillion
A New Orleans family reunites to attend the annual debutante ball with a twist.
Interview with Writer/Director/Producer/Actor Robyn-Sierra Whitmore
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
I made this film after having spent an adventurous summer in Louisiana. I was introduced to many historic traditions, some good, and some bad, that are still being revered by both African-Americans and Caucasian-Americans to this day. For example, the whole notion of the infamous 'brown paper bag test' and the tremendous part that it continues to play in today's society while many young Americans today have no working knowledge of this practice, as well as many other traditions, that we highlight to not only entertain but to also inform.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
An audience member should watch this film no matter what demographic background he or she is a part of. I say this because there is something in the film that almost every person can relate to. For example, there are so many families who are living in denial and sweeping issues under a metaphorical rug all in the name of keeping a certain image, especially if they are professionally esteemed individuals, such as those who we see in the film. The film also tackles addiction and jealousy among family units. The film also goes back in time and makes references to certain notable figures who were just getting their start, such as Oprah Winfrey. There is a vast amount that the audience member can come away with, and hopefully will be changed to live better.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
A few personal and universal themes are family togetherness and having a faith-based foundation. Both of these items serve as a core that all individuals can go back to.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?
The script pretty much wrote itself after I established the family. We started in the very middle of the film where a majority of the heightened excitement is established, and after that scene was filmed, I knew exactly what direction each character would be headed.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
I have received great feedback from critics and stating that we are inspiring individuals to simply think about some things differently going forward and how they could work to be the positive change in their own lives. Also, we are proud semi-finalists in a few film festivals.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
I would not say that I was surprised by the feedback, I was thankful and appreciative to all of the critics.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
By having The Cotillion be elevated and more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com, I would an opportunity to be established as a credible filmmaker in the industry, and not solely as an independent filmmaker. I would like for my production company to continue being a blessing to others.
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
I would be very appreciative if new producers and distributors, such as Lionsgate or Miramax, would like to take the film to a new level and re-film it on a larger scale in order for buyers, film festival directors and sales agents to take more notice.
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
I would like to make a powerful and positive impact on a worldwide scale and have an excellent reception.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
A key question that would spark debate would be, "How well do we really know and understand the people in our own families?"
Would you like to add anything else?
I am delighted to be featured on your site, especially during Black Women's History Month.
What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?
The other projects that we are currently filming now are Andre & Vanessa, and Back In The Green.
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
The Cotillion
A New Orleans family reunites to attend the annual debutante ball with a twist.
Director: Robyn-Sierra Whitmore
Producer: Robyn-Sierra Whitmore
Writer: Robyn-Sierra Whitmore
About the writer, director and producer:
ROBYN-SIERRA WHITMORE - writer, producer, director Robyn-Sierra Whitmore is an actress, writer, director, and producer of the film The Cotillion. Robyn-Sierra also portrays the character, attorney Shayanna Gaines in the film. She founded Robyn Whitmore Studios in May 2016 after hosting seminars about the entertainment industry. Robyn-Sierra had worked on large budget films such as, The Fighting Temptations, Drumline, and Tyler Perry's Madea Goes to Jail while an undergraduate student at Georgia State University. During her junior year, a screenwriting professor suggested that she take some business courses and learn the business side of the entertainment industry, and maybe even consider completing an MBA and learn how to direct and produce. Robyn-Sierra took this advice and completed both bachelor's of arts degree and an MBA, while studying the directing styles of Stanley Kubrick, Alfred Hitchcock, Arthur Penn, Spike Lee, Quentin Tarantino, and Steven Spielberg. She resides in Atlanta, Georgia.
Key cast: Robyn-Sierra Whitmore plays Shayanna Gaines-Stevens , Simeonetta Daniels plays Betsy Lou Gaines, Annette Foster plays Dr. Irene Gaines-Holmes, Chad Juston plays Julius Holmes, Malcolm Jackson plays Cesar Parks Tibideaux, Aaron Johnson plays Anthony Stevens
Looking for: distributors
Facebook: Robyn Whitmore Studios
Instagram: @robynwhitmorestudios
Hashtags used: #robynwhitmorestudios
Where can I watch it next and in the coming month? The film will have a theatrical debut in Atlanta, Georgia in the summer 2019.