Gone Too Soon Documentary Film
Donation protected
Gone Too Soon examines the lives and documents the artistic, cultural and educational contributions of several of Newark, NJ’s poets, historians, writers, arts administrators, producers and visual and performing artists who passed away in a short period of time, forever changing the cultural landscape of NJ's largest city. Initially, funds were used to underwrite various costs associated with the production including crew, permissions, equipment rental, and post production/editing. NOW we are raising funds for the DISTRIBUTION portion of this project including the development of an accompanying study guide for high school students, film festival admissions, poster design, closed captioning, professional titles, color correction and legal services.
Thank you, again for your support of this film. Here's what people are saying:
It was beautiful to see folks — some who I knew, some I didn’t but who helped me by just doing the work they did. Besides Jerry Gant, the movie also highlighted Kabu Okai-Davies. It was with Kabu that I had the chance to do my first cultural activity when I was 15-years-old. It was an activity on Adinkra symbols that I would do again in my own teaching plan. I remember how he was patient but taught me an important lesson – how to teach historical and spiritual lessons through art. The documentary examines the lives and documents the artistic, cultural and educational contributions of several of Newark’s cultural icons. #newarkhistory #gonetoosoon #jerrygant #kabuokaidavies #documentary. – Noelle Lorraine Williams
It was moving indeed! ~ Zayid Muhammad
It was an awesome time and an awesome film. Congratulations Celeste! ~ Sonya Kimble-Ellis
What a wonderful event! ...So proud of you and your team, Celeste Bateman!! So happy to be there with everyone!! ~ Dorothy Knauer
Absolutely awesome! ~ Caryl Lucas
The Film was a great success. Everyone enjoyed taking a look into the lives of the people (Icons) and discovering their great contributions to the world. ~ Felicia Bateman
Congratulations to all! What history and very well done. ~ Dorthaan Kirk
The film was wonderful! Congratulations to all who worked on it. That her very talented Sons, Jamil, as narrator and Carter (Rocky) as musical director, made the showing all the more special! Bravo Celeste!!
~ Marie Thomas Foster
It was an extraordinary documentary. Rich and exceptionally well-done production! I am looking forward to more of this work from our Keeper of the Culture. ~ Shakira Abdul-Ali
Thank you, again for your support of this film. Here's what people are saying:
It was beautiful to see folks — some who I knew, some I didn’t but who helped me by just doing the work they did. Besides Jerry Gant, the movie also highlighted Kabu Okai-Davies. It was with Kabu that I had the chance to do my first cultural activity when I was 15-years-old. It was an activity on Adinkra symbols that I would do again in my own teaching plan. I remember how he was patient but taught me an important lesson – how to teach historical and spiritual lessons through art. The documentary examines the lives and documents the artistic, cultural and educational contributions of several of Newark’s cultural icons. #newarkhistory #gonetoosoon #jerrygant #kabuokaidavies #documentary. – Noelle Lorraine Williams
It was moving indeed! ~ Zayid Muhammad
It was an awesome time and an awesome film. Congratulations Celeste! ~ Sonya Kimble-Ellis
What a wonderful event! ...So proud of you and your team, Celeste Bateman!! So happy to be there with everyone!! ~ Dorothy Knauer
Absolutely awesome! ~ Caryl Lucas
The Film was a great success. Everyone enjoyed taking a look into the lives of the people (Icons) and discovering their great contributions to the world. ~ Felicia Bateman
Congratulations to all! What history and very well done. ~ Dorthaan Kirk
The film was wonderful! Congratulations to all who worked on it. That her very talented Sons, Jamil, as narrator and Carter (Rocky) as musical director, made the showing all the more special! Bravo Celeste!!
~ Marie Thomas Foster
It was an extraordinary documentary. Rich and exceptionally well-done production! I am looking forward to more of this work from our Keeper of the Culture. ~ Shakira Abdul-Ali
Organizer
Celeste Bateman
Organizer
Newark, NJ