Posted September 10th, 2008 by rgoslins
Very excited to that ‘Bama Girl was chosen as the Closing Night Film of the wonderful Sidewalk Film Festival in Birmingham Alabama. (Mostly because it gives me an excuse to get back to Dreamland - best and messiest BBQ in the US o A.) But a little nervous too. Although we’ve shown the film all over the country, to all kinds of audiences, this time we’re really bringing it home. Screening this film in the shadow of the University, with all the local sensitivities and issues that raises, is going to definitely make it the most intense screening we’ve done so far.
The University isn’t particularly happy about the film. The Machine isn’t particulary happy about the film. And it really does touch on some of the most sensitive subjects one can talk about in the South - race, electoral politics, the dark and the light sides of the “tradition” that makes the South such an interesting, vibrant and complicated place to be.
So buckle in. It’s going to be a bumpy - and exciting - Festival!
Posted September 2nd, 2008 by admin
SOUTHERN CIRCUIT TOUR
SCREENING SOON NEAR YOU!
4/14 - 4/24: Showings in Jacksonville FL, Louisville KY, Cullowhee NC, Charleston SC, Augusta GA, Columbia SC, Montgomery AL, Jackson MS, Mobile AL, & Alexandria LA.
Q&As with the Director and/or Jessica Thomas after every screening. For info and schedule, see Screenings tab or http://www.southarts.org Read the rest of this entry »
Posted April 16th, 2008 by rgoslins
What a great night. Our first screening here in ATL debuted to another sold out crowd, great audience response and a Q&A that went on until they kicked us out of the theater. Lots of Alabama alums in the audience, AKA and Delta Sigma sorors, and the dedicated cadre of film buffs here at the festival. Everyone responded to the film very strongly, and, as has been the case at other screenings, everybody took away something different from it.
Jess, the main subject of the film, and Creshema, her best friend and campaign manager, were here with their families, and had a lot of interesting things to say in the discussion following the film. It’s so nice to see them and catch up — we shared such an intense experience making this film together that it’s a real pleasure to be able to just sit back and enjoy the results.
My favorite thing about these screenings (aside from being told what a great film maker I am from people who have to say that because I’m standing in front of them…) is seeing the passionate discussion it provokes in people from different racial, geographic and political backgrounds. It’s why I made the film, and I love to see it play out in the Q&As and the conversations that spill over into the lobby.
The film was such a hit that they added another screening –FRIDAY AT 5PM. So if you’re reading this blog and you didn’t get a chance to see it tonight - catch it on Friday.
