Markers

It’s very ironic how things work out with out even planning it. Two weeks ago I screened Girl Talk at NY Perks in Brooklyn, not to be confused with the one on 124th Street which is called Perks. The collective that sponsored the screening was Act Now Foundation (www.actnowproduction.org), a non-profit group that supports screenings for filmmakers like yours truly.

I can’t tell you the last time I actually watched the film in it’s entirety, but I have to admit that a few of those butterflies did make a brief appearance but once the film began they quickly flew away. Not to toot my own horn… okay yes I will toot a bit, I really enjoyed and liked my film. I know it sounds crazy but for you filmmakers out there I believe you can relate. For months and sometimes years you’ve worked tirelessly on your film and of course you want it to be perfect… but that state of perfection is only in the heavenly realm so we aim for a great, excellent, or amazing film. Girl Talk encompassed all three for me that evening and I brag, confess (whatever you want to call it) that with really great good amazing people I made a really great excellent amazing film.

Upon further reflection, during the Q&A, it hit me that 2008 marks the 10 Year Anniversary for Girl Talk! It was funny how some of the questions took me back and gave me moments of pause as I shared: the inspiration for the film, the things I would change if I could, and how we raised the money. The later question I proudly shared the story of an angel, Mrs. Stewart, who wanted to make a contribution toward my film. After raising funds from fundraisers hosted by family, friends and receiving generous donations I was still $15,000 short and I had to shoot in less than eight weeks. One day, after I returned to New York to begin pre-production, my mom ran into Mrs. Stewart who said to call her because she still wanted to make a donation toward my film. When I did speak with her, she asked how much I needed, I gave her the figure, $15,000, which she responded, “Tell your mom she can pick up the check tomorrow.” You can guess the ending of this story, I was able to shoot and edit the film.

10 years later, Girl Talk is a marker not only in time but in what God can and will do.

Last time we spoke…

Goodness how time flies! Since my last update I continue to wait patiently for my grant responses of ‘YES’ for those fashion forward men of Dressed Like Kings who continue to be such a big part of my life: Buthelezi, Khoza, Thulani, Adolphus and the sage Mguni. I have been in contact with Khoza and Rebecca, Thulani’s wife, who have kept me abreast of what the swankas are doing and where they’ve been. Apparently, word has traveled to France and Australia about oswenka and my men (yes a bit possessive) have been invited to travel to these locations. Next stop, U.S? Only when I finish the film and please note, donations are welcome, and they’re tax deductible. Please email ‘info@blackbutterflyproductions.net’ for more details.

In addition, my writing partner, Tracee, and I have been dishing out a plethora of treatments for the small screen. Reality, scripted, docu-series, the list goes on. Currently we are pitching our ideas to networks and production companies and look forward to negotiating with the highest bidder – any takers.

Lastly, I have two screenings the month of August, one in my neighborhood, Harlem and the second in Brooklyn. First up is Girl Talk; yes, my fab four ladies are still kicking it on screens and I’m so delighted. Second, 6 Things I Never Told You will screen at the historic Studio Museum in Harlem. Dates, times and locations will be posted shortly.

So next time we speak (i.e. write) I look forward to saying, “Yes, Dressed Like Kings has received finishing funds.” “Stacey & Tracee Filmnatics have just sold (title of show) to a really big network,” and “We had an amazing turnout at the screenings.”

Until then, thank you for your continued support and keep on keepin on.