Papa, a man living with tremendous guilt after the tragic death of his wife, trying to find redemption through his art.

Interview with Writer/Director/Producer Patrick James Thomas

Congratulations! Why did you make your film?

Thank you!! I made this film in a response to my journey as an artist. Life happens and we can slow our journey or derail us all together from that journey. The character of Papa is also a fear in me that I refuse to succumb to. As artist I believe we need to acknowledge what takes us from our journey, but keep moving forward. The journey doesn't have to be over as long as you're breathing and able bodied.

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

I think people should watch this movie because we all have experienced loss and the struggle to move forward. This is to let them know not to give up.

How do personal and universal themes work in your film?

I wanted to explore an intergenerational theme. How things are passed from generation to generation. Hopefully Papa doesn't introduce her to pigs feet!! Lol

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

So originally the film was going to be based in a Washington DC painters shop, but once I moved it took place in a home with a studio. Once I moved I also had to recast the lead role. I was in the development stage for a long time. I was in post production of my last film and running back in forth to Mississippi shooting interviews for my upcoming feature. So, the projects have been overlapping for a few years.

What type of feedback have you received so far?

Well. Friday is the first time it will be shown in front of an audience of people I don't know. I did have a cast and crew screening and I heard all good things. So I'm eager to hear what my 1st public audience has to say. Whatever feedback I get I will take it and learn from it.

Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?

I'll know Friday night!!!!! Lets Gooooo!!

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

I would like as many people as possible to view this film. Hopefully in person during a festival if it's safe with regards to Covid. I had a good experience with We Are Moving Stories from my last film and I'm happy I got a chance to interview with them once again.

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 like more festival directors and journalists to help get the word out. Hopefully in turn I can get support for my 1st feature film that I'm developing.

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

I would like people to see a stories can be made with an older black person in the lead. We have stories to be told from all age ranges.

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

How do you handle grief?

Would you like to add anything else?

The cast and the crew were very dedicated despite the being on a shoestring budget. The DP told me to use his funds toward equipment. The 1st AD said let his go towards production. Most of the crew volunteered or didn't accept payment. Carle the main actor didn't have much hair on his head. When I asked him to grow it out like Fred Sanford or as much as possible. He grew it for about 6 months. He was really dedicated to the role. He's a carpenter, so he volunteered his time to go and fix a cabinet door that was damaged during production. The whole cast and crew were so dedicated! There are many stories of how everyone to put there all in to make this happen. That's why I call my films stews. Everyone dedicates their talents to create this pot of stew or film. They are the meat and potatoes. I have the recipe and the spoon mixing it all together.

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

I just finished the first draft of a feature length script about Walter Washington. He is the first black person to earn a doctorate degree in the state of Mississippi. My goal is to begin fundraising in June, while I continue to work on the script.

I have also been shooting a project for 2 years about raising a black son during these times.

Interview: April 2022

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

Apple Core

Length:

15:00

Writer/Director

Patrick James Thomas

‘When I write stories they are birthed from my experience. Papa is a sliver of myself.’

Patrick James Thomas is a film director, producer and writer out of Atlanta, GA. Patrick earned his Bachelor’s degree in Radio, Television and Film and Master’s degree in Fine Arts in Film at Howard University. As an artist, Patrick is interested in sharing stories that are personal, inspiring and shaped by exploring culture, history and faith.
Besides this film he is also working on a film based on the life of educator Dr. Walter Washington, who was the first black person to receive a doctorate degree in the state of Mississippi.

Producer

Patrick James Thomas

Key cast:

Carle Atwater (Papa), Alivia Hudson (Kela), Lisa Simpson Hoover (Pamela)

Looking for:

film festival directors, distributors

Twitter

https://twitter.com/mrpthomas

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/patrick.j.thomas.3

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/patrickjamesthomas/