Blackface: A Short Film
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The Story:
Blackface is a period piece set in 1934 that explores the racial violence of a small southern town through the eyes of minstrel actor Henry Roberts. After being pressured by his best friend to participate in a lynching, Henry struggles to come to terms with the gruesome racial brutality exhibited by the people of his community. Distraught and overwhelmed by the lynching Henry is unable to perform in his first big show and abruptly leaves during his performance. With his make-up still on, Henry becomes a target by the local law enforcement.
Who We Are:
We are a team of talented emerging filmmakers from the University of Alabama working together as a class to bring this short film to life. We are also lucky enough to have Oscar-nominated filmmakers and industry professionals serving as consultants to help guide us throughout the production process.
Blackface was one of a limited number of narratives selected to be pitched at the New Orleans Film Festival's "Pitch Perfect" contest. The story went all the way to win first place, captivating the judging panel of top industry professionals and blowing away the competition from universities nationwide.
Why This Matters:
This short film isn't just a period piece about lynchings and police brutality...
Blackface is the story of Emmett Till, a fourteen-year-old that was beaten and lynched just for whistling at a white woman in 1955.
Blackface is the story of the four young girls killed in the 16th Street Baptist Church bombing in Birmingham, 1963.
Blackface is the story of Tamir Rice, the twelve-year-old boy killed by police within two seconds for playing with a toy gun.
Blackface is the story of Michael Brown... of Trayvon Martin... of Eric Garner... of the Charleston church massacre... the list sadly goes on.
In the confines of the script Blackface is a racially-charged experience that showcases the hate and lack of humanity demonstrated by our predecessors. Outside of the limits of the script, however, Blackface is a human experience. In this world we can all be judged, discriminated against, harmed, and killed for things we cannot wipe away. We hope to create something that will spark conversations about racial and social injustices, something that is bigger than this team of filmmakers, something that is bigger than all of us.
What is my money going towards?
As a team of student filmmakers, we can't produce this film without your help! We receive basic equipment like lighting and sound kits from the University's film department, but for this film it just isn't enough. Your donations will help give the film the highest production value possible. Donations will go towards camera and equipment rental costs, cast travel and housing, and cast reimbursement, as well as costumes, make-up, and props to accurately recreate the look of the 1930's south. Donations will also help pay for film festival entry fees and associated travel costs.
We have from now until March 23rd to reach our goal, so spread the word, tell your friends, and share! We have an exciting and challenging road ahead and we invite you to join us along the way with your support. Choose a reward level to get some awesome perks, or donate any amount you can. Be sure to like our official facebook page, and stay tuned for more information - including updates on the production process and most importantly... a premiere date!
CREW:
Andrew Beck Grace, Andy Crank, and Nick Corrao, EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS; Shanrica Evans, WRITER and DIRECTOR; Kathleen Bodle, Austin Rhyne, and Sam Eddins, PRODUCERS; Colson Domergue, 1st ASSISTANT DIRECTOR; McKay Mohun, 2nd ASSISTANT DIRECTOR; Tanner Robbins, DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY; John Wachs, ASSISTANT CAMERA; Lauren Musgrove, EDITOR; Dillon Owen, ASSISTANT EDITOR; Mary Kathryn Phillips, GAFFER; Amber Lane, KEY GRIP; Justin Miller, ELECTRIC/GRIP SWING; Jared Fuhrman, SOUND DESIGN; Stephen Thomley, PRODUCTION DESIGN; Miranda Donato, PROP MASTER; Brooke Budnik, COSTUMES; Mary D. Recio and Erin Strnad, PRODUCTION DOCUMENTARIANS
The Story:
Blackface is a period piece set in 1934 that explores the racial violence of a small southern town through the eyes of minstrel actor Henry Roberts. After being pressured by his best friend to participate in a lynching, Henry struggles to come to terms with the gruesome racial brutality exhibited by the people of his community. Distraught and overwhelmed by the lynching Henry is unable to perform in his first big show and abruptly leaves during his performance. With his make-up still on, Henry becomes a target by the local law enforcement.
Who We Are:
We are a team of talented emerging filmmakers from the University of Alabama working together as a class to bring this short film to life. We are also lucky enough to have Oscar-nominated filmmakers and industry professionals serving as consultants to help guide us throughout the production process.
Blackface was one of a limited number of narratives selected to be pitched at the New Orleans Film Festival's "Pitch Perfect" contest. The story went all the way to win first place, captivating the judging panel of top industry professionals and blowing away the competition from universities nationwide.
Why This Matters:
This short film isn't just a period piece about lynchings and police brutality...
Blackface is the story of Emmett Till, a fourteen-year-old that was beaten and lynched just for whistling at a white woman in 1955.
Blackface is the story of the four young girls killed in the 16th Street Baptist Church bombing in Birmingham, 1963.
Blackface is the story of Tamir Rice, the twelve-year-old boy killed by police within two seconds for playing with a toy gun.
Blackface is the story of Michael Brown... of Trayvon Martin... of Eric Garner... of the Charleston church massacre... the list sadly goes on.
In the confines of the script Blackface is a racially-charged experience that showcases the hate and lack of humanity demonstrated by our predecessors. Outside of the limits of the script, however, Blackface is a human experience. In this world we can all be judged, discriminated against, harmed, and killed for things we cannot wipe away. We hope to create something that will spark conversations about racial and social injustices, something that is bigger than this team of filmmakers, something that is bigger than all of us.
What is my money going towards?
As a team of student filmmakers, we can't produce this film without your help! We receive basic equipment like lighting and sound kits from the University's film department, but for this film it just isn't enough. Your donations will help give the film the highest production value possible. Donations will go towards camera and equipment rental costs, cast travel and housing, and cast reimbursement, as well as costumes, make-up, and props to accurately recreate the look of the 1930's south. Donations will also help pay for film festival entry fees and associated travel costs.
We have from now until March 23rd to reach our goal, so spread the word, tell your friends, and share! We have an exciting and challenging road ahead and we invite you to join us along the way with your support. Choose a reward level to get some awesome perks, or donate any amount you can. Be sure to like our official facebook page, and stay tuned for more information - including updates on the production process and most importantly... a premiere date!
CREW:
Andrew Beck Grace, Andy Crank, and Nick Corrao, EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS; Shanrica Evans, WRITER and DIRECTOR; Kathleen Bodle, Austin Rhyne, and Sam Eddins, PRODUCERS; Colson Domergue, 1st ASSISTANT DIRECTOR; McKay Mohun, 2nd ASSISTANT DIRECTOR; Tanner Robbins, DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY; John Wachs, ASSISTANT CAMERA; Lauren Musgrove, EDITOR; Dillon Owen, ASSISTANT EDITOR; Mary Kathryn Phillips, GAFFER; Amber Lane, KEY GRIP; Justin Miller, ELECTRIC/GRIP SWING; Jared Fuhrman, SOUND DESIGN; Stephen Thomley, PRODUCTION DESIGN; Miranda Donato, PROP MASTER; Brooke Budnik, COSTUMES; Mary D. Recio and Erin Strnad, PRODUCTION DOCUMENTARIANS
Organizer
Shanrica Evans
Organizer
Tuscaloosa, AL