"Two Nashvilles": A Voice for the Homeless

Awareness proceeds change.

When we started filming "Two Nashville's," we faced a huge creative challenge: How do we make a story no one wants to talk about into a documentary everyone wants to see?

As Tennessee is bulldozed to make way for "progress", many of our friends, family, and neighbors can no longer afford to live in this region. Homelessness has now grown to a worldwide problem and seen in many countries it previously had not been. You cannot run from it, we can only fight to change it.

A stark image inspired "Two Nashville's"

From the moment of its inception nine years ago, our crew has seen "Two Nashville's" as a great opportunity to use their individual talents on a creative project that is also telling an important story.

The Bread and Butter

"Two Nashville's" is a documentary that peels back the layers of Music City, exposing the stark contrast between its glittering exterior and the hidden struggles of its homeless population, a theme which is currently being seen across the U.S. and the world. At the heart of this exploration is Howard Allen Jr., a tireless advocate who embodies the resilience and determination of Nashville's homeless community and who is homeless himself.

The film invites viewers to witness the realities of life on the streets and the systemic barriers that perpetuate homelessness. Howard's journey serves as a poignant reminder of the humanity that exists within the city's marginalized communities, challenging viewers to confront their own perceptions and biases.

As the documentary unfolds, we are introduced to the two faces of Nashville: the bustling downtown with its vibrant music scene and bustling tourist attractions, and the less-visible alleys and parks where individuals like Howard struggle to survive. Through interviews and footage, viewers gain insight into the daily challenges faced by those experiencing homelessness, from finding shelter, food, and working full time to navigating social stigma, discrimination, and raising a family. The documentary prompts viewers to reflect on the root causes of homelessness and advocate for meaningful personal and systematic change.

Howard's story serves as a reminder that, despite the challenges they face, individuals experiencing homelessness are not defined by their circumstances—they are resilient, resourceful, and deserving of dignity and respect.

As the credits roll, let it be known that this documentary is dedicated to all Nashville's homeless and the fallen, serving as a reminder of their humanity and a call to action to create a more compassionate and inclusive community for all.

So far we have been completely self funded and as you can imagine producing a documentary is no easy or cheap task. It is our hope to raise enough funds that will allow us to continue telling the stories and struggles those face living on the streets.

Original Composed Music

We have teamed up with a handful of local Nashville musicians to write and produce a small collection of original songs. More on that soon!

Risks and challenges

After we are funded and "Two Nashville's" is released, our biggest challenge will be to continue promoting it as part of a community outreach campaign, which will provide screenings and educational materials aimed at students in middle and high schools and colleges and universities throughout Tennessee.

To help us meet that challenge, we are teaming up with the Nashville Homeless Underground, a grass roots organization, to take advantage of the educational programs they already have in place, and promote the "Two Nashville's" film.