Lotus
Dreams ain’t free, choices are.
Interview with Actor/Writer/Director/Producer Samuel Lee Fudge
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
My team and I wanted to create Lotus to spread awareness and insight to our unique perspectives and hardcore realities of growing up in inner city Miami, FL. We also wanted to create something that would inspire people to pursue opportunities for growth and self prosperity despite their obstacles and misfortunes. Within Lotus we put a spin on stereo types . Through script dialogue, we wanted in depth profoundness to radiate through characters in our film that come off visually as misfits in society. Every single element of Lotus has deep meaning and symbolism. No matter your background, all can relate to the characters Reed and Book.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
Lotus is for the culture. Lotus gives people a deeper understanding of what takes place in our inner city communities and sheds light on those special individuals who yearn better but are trapped mentally and physically by these very same communities. More significant, lotus gives people a deeper understanding of self elevation and growth. The character Reed is faced with life’s biggest question; to uncomfortably grow or to remain comfortably stagnant? Anyone with dreams, ambitions or goals can relate. Lotus teaches audiences that it’s ok to pursue life greater than what it is. That it is ok to take risks. And it’s definitely ok to leave behind habits, people and communities that stand in the way of the greater lives we envision for ourselves. Lotus teaches life to people of all demographic.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
Lotus represents what young adults go through while trying to navigate through life and having to make critical choices for themselves.
Lotus tells the story of a young, black man named Reed. Reed is faced with the ultimate decision of his young adult life: to attend college or succumb to the social pressures of his inner city reality?
Within its natrative, Lotus delivers a powerful and empowering message for young Black youth; inspiring them to discover their own self potential and to surpass bleak circumstances despite obstacles . Obstacles are needed for true self discovery
I personally believe that dreadful and uncomfortable circumstances are necessary for discovering self will and grit . People should embrace growth and not be afraid to leave behind the things that hinder them from succeeding in life.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?
There were definitely many rewrites to Lotus. It also took us two years to completely finish the script. My team and I wanted to make sure that we told the story truthfully and accurately to how things were in the community in which the film was based in. We also wanted to strategically craft and master our message for the film. We knew Lotus was our biggest shot at having a chance to reach the mass. Our attempt had to be effective yet relatable to the youth of today’s culture.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
People love the film! Frequently, people from all over the country reach out to me via social media and express to me how influential Lotus has been to their lives. Many have been genuinely moved after watching the film. Lotus has been presented at grade schools and even universities, two of which being, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill and Paine College. In addition, Lotus has been screened for youth inmates in juvenile facilities and at risk youth in foster homes. I have also been invited to speak at numerous workshops and panels to discuss the film and how it’s impacted youth thus far.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
Not at all has the feedback been surprising for me. I knew that once we finished the project and released it, many people would gravitate to it instantly. The film was crafted beautifully and the story is real life ! Also, like mentioned before, everyone can relate. No matter what, you can’t ignore that. My team and I did an amazing job. I believe that Lotus can touch more lives if given a bigger platform .
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
I pray that more people watch the film and be inspired by it. I also pray for more resources so that my team and I can make Lotus into a feature film or maybe even an series.
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
Sales agents , buyers, distribution and Journalists !
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
I want to inspire more youth to believe in themselves and to not be afraid to grow. Through Lotus, I want to challenge all youth to strive to be at their fullest potential in life and within themselves. Lotus represents youth empowerment! Self empowerment!
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
What are some social issues in today’s culture that hinder youth from choosing positive life paths?
Would you like to add anything else?
Lotus is about choices, choices that could make or break your future.
What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?
I have a project entitled, .38 releasing in July. .38 is a cautionary tale shedding awareness on gang violence in the inner city and how it effects community youth. I have also just wrapped production for Mosiah, a short biopic based on the life of the Hon. Marcus Mosiah Garvey and his fight for black liberation in the United States.
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
Lotus
Length:
0:24
Writer/Director/Producer
SAMUEL LEE FUDGE is an Atlanta based Actor, Writer, Director and Producer. He holds a M.F.A degree in Performing Arts from Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) and a B.A degree in film and theatre from Paine College, Augusta, GA. Fudge has worked as an actor in major motion pictures including the NAACP image award nominated film Emperor, produced by Reginald Hudlin and Mark Amin. In 2020, Fudge released the short film, Lotus through his Dream Lotus Productions. Lotus being officially selected in the 2021 Black Harvest International Film Festival and the 2022 Pan African Film Festival. Shortly after Lotus, Fudge directed and stared in the short film Canoe, produced by Nate Parker and the Nate Parker Foundation . Both Canoe and Lotus has earned Fudge critical acclaim , making his work as an independent filmmaker highly regarded. Fudge continues his life long objective of creating influential film content that will spark social change world wide.
Key cast:
Samuel Lee Fudge (Reed), Nathaniel Williams (Book), Natasha M. Gallop (Nina) and Ja’hi White (Young Reed).
Looking for:
sales agents, distributors, journalists, buyers, film festival directors
Instagram:
https://instagram.com/lotusfilm2020?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
Hashtags used:
#Lotus2020
Screening:
PAFF 30