Say Yes!!, A Short Film By Ava DuVernay

Ava DuVernay has done it again! With such stunning and inspiring films such as I Will Follow, Middle of Nowhere, and her last short film The Door (in collaboration with Miu Miu, starring Gabrielle Union and Alfre Woodard), DuVernay continue to show how Black women are a force to be reckon with behind the camera. Her work is impeccable, and this newest short film does not not disappoint. This glowing piece of art Say Yes is a film, that is a partnership with the historic cosmetic brand (for women of color) Fashion Fair: "explores the power of the affirmative, and the beauty that blossoms from embracing life. Inspired by the Fashion Fair lip color, 'Say Yes,' Sundance award-winning filmmaker Ava DuVernay created this vision of what happens when you welcome the unexpected." 

Say Yes stars Kali Hawk as the leading lady and the perfection that is Lance Gross as her loving man. And ladies let's be real this brother right can just walk on camera and not have to anything but simply smile, and we are hypnotized under his spell. His entrance is jaw-dropping. In addition, to those wonderful faces you will also see some other great folks like creator Issa Rae, director Julie Dash (Daughters of the Dust), upcoming actress Aasha Davis (The UnWritten Rules), writer/director Lena Waithe (Sh*t Black Girls Say), singer N'Dambi, and acclaimed actress Lorraine Toussaint (Middle of Nowhere). Credit must be also given to the costume designer, Nigerian-British designer Duru Olowu, for the gorgeous and flawless pieces of clothing found on the cast.

This 7-minute visual rendez-vous/vacation will warm your heart and soothe your soul all in one sitting. DuVernay explains why she was enthusiastic about lending her skills to this particular project,

"I was thrilled to be asked to create a film for Fashion Fair, a brand that has always emabraced women of color, and that women of color have so often embraced. The film is a meditation on the power of 'yes,' illustrating what can happen when we affirm our family, our friends, ourselves. I aslo thought about the many ways that Fashion Fair says 'yes' to us. Yes to our variance of skin tone, yes to our different ages, yes to our body sizes, yes to the myriad of elements that we are. That's something worth celebrating."

And this film truly exudes all the beauty that one only imagine, inside and out. Everything from the music, to the cast, to the beautiful landscaping shots, would make any living breathing person "SAY YES!!". I was truly mesmerized with each shot, it's like I felt like I was there partying and having a good time with everyone else. There is no denying good work when you see it.

If you don't believe me just see for yourself:

Films like this is what reminds that good work and talent still exists. Who says Black men and women can't be featured on the big screen in an inspiring and beaming light. Matter fact, this film right here may just have to be my little visual getaway from time to time!!

Race, Gender, and Storytelling via Film

When I think of the words/terms race, gender, and storytelling there is so much that is within each word that it might take days, weeks, months, and years just to discuss. Each term is definitely loaded, controversial, political And what better way to talk about these words than through film.

While watching Melissa Harris-Perry's show on MSNBC there was a clip that featured AFFRM director and filmmaker Ava DuVernay discussing how race and gender play a role in the way she tells stories through her films. Check it out below:

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Some good points are definitely being made here in this clip. It's also encouraging to hear the pride that DuVernay has to be a "Black Woman Fimmaker"! Trust me that speaks volumes!! And if you have not seen DuVernay's Middle of Nowhere you are missing out on a jewel of a film.

Finding You in the "Middle of Nowhere"...

DuVernay has done it again!! Opening Night at the Landmark Midtown in Atlanta, GA for the premiere of Ava DuVernay's second feature film, Middle of Nowhere been waiting for this moment since last year this time. But the wait was worth it!!

These days it is very hard to find a film that not only entertains but provides a humanistic experience. Middle of Nowhere does just that, and in a captivating way. It is not often that you find gems within Hollywood (and maybe that is a good thing), but when you do there is a greater appreciation of that film when you are able to view it with your own eyes. With this film, Sundance award-winning director Ava DuVernay is able to create a story that deals with love, trust, the complex prison industry, family, and finding one's self in this thing called life.

Middle of Nowhere tells a story of Ruby (played by Emaytzay Corinealdi), a bright medical student who sets aside her dreams and suspends her career when her husband Derek (Omari Hardwick) is incarcerated. As the committed couple stares into the hollow end of an eight-year prison sentence, Ruby must learn to live another life, one marked with shame and separation. And as a steadfast wife she soon becomes propelled into another world filled with self-discovery and choosing between two worlds and two men. 

In addition to the story, DuVernay should take pride in the actors that she used with this film. Without them there would be no movie. And the lead character Ruby (Corinealdi) is truly the center of it all, and plays this role so beautiful and eloquent. Corinealdi is brilliant in this role as she is able to capture her audience with a breath-taking convincing performance. Even though her specific circumstance may not be the same as yours or mine the character is still relatable in the fact that everyone has to make their own choices for themselves. No doubt about it she brought an Oscar-worthy performance, and look forward to seeing more of her. Her presence is one that will move mountains and shake grounds.

The supporting cast is just as remarkable. Omari Hardwick who plays Derek, Ruby's incarcerated husband, once again challenges his viewers to see him play very complex and intricate characters. Although we as the viewer know very little about him, we know enough that we feel his pain and his hurt as he struggles to be a provider and most importantly a MAN all behind prison bars. If you have ever seen the movie Nothing But a Man, you will have an even better understanding of Hardwick's character in the film. He conveys a performance that makes you feel sorry and angry for him all at the same time. And then there is Brian (David Oyelowo) who is like the wildcard. Oyelowo gives a low-key performance of guy who seizes an opportunity to pick up what another guy has left behind. In this role from Oyelowo, we get to see a more take charge, advancing character doesn't give up regardless of the circumstances. The interactions between Brian and Ruby light sparks and send chills because in the back of your mind you want to cheer for them even though it is technically wrong. These two men in Ruby's life are more than just another love story, but the provide the background and foundation for what she is really supposed to do with her life.

There is also a feminine connection as we get to see Ruby interact with both her mother, Ruth (Lorraine Toussiant) and her sister Rosie (Edwina Findley). The dynamics between these three women is filled with a mix of emotions sadness, survival, sisterhood, and grief. Both mother and sister maintain their sense of pride and dignity that ultimately put a strain on their relationship as well as with Ruby. All in all, each character brings their own personal formula to this chemical reaction of a story. Each relationship is authentic and full of clarity.

The film is to be commended for its ability to give you the whole package deal. Although there were moments where you wanted just a little but more, it kind of adds a bit of mystery to the viewing experience. Sometimes it is more important to focus on one character well than to branch off and do and average job.

Director/writer DuVernay brings a compelling and alluring screenplay to the light, with each scene you can feel each moment as it unfolds. The dramatic pauses, the close-ups, the scenery, the dialogue it all draws you in yearning to see what will play out in the next minute. Middle of Nowhere, is a prime example of a film that blends both an intriguing narrative and an awesome soundtrack. Every song in every scene worked perfectly. It is as though the script and the songs were written at the same time. Middle of Nowhere's soundtrack included such artist as Goapele, Meshell Ndegeocello, Ra-Re Valverde, Fink, J Melodius, and others.

Middle of Nowhere is a film the effectively uses all of it parts the acting, the narrative/storyline, the cinematography, the music, the color, and most importantly the timing. Everything and every person falls into its proper place without seeming forced or out of place. And after watching the film you realize that the title is actually quite fitting. Lest I not forget the way this movie ends... it is genius!! I will not reveal it to you, but just know"it's just something about that walk!!" Overall this is a film will challenge your mind and makes you look deep within yourself. Not only that but it gives you a sense of reality of the prison system (you win some, you lose some). There is an overarching lesson here...life is truly what you make it, whether you are free or seeking to be free...

Rating: 8.5 out of 10

Sidenote: I kid you not this is a film that you do not want to miss. For those who live in Los Angeles, Atlanta, New York, Miami, Detroit, Chicago, Houston, Seattle, Oakland, Washington, D.C., New Jersey, or the surrounding areas this is a MUST SEE!!

Countdown to 'Restless City' 2 DAYS!!

OK ATL, NYC, LA Are you ready?!!

AFFRM's Restless City is coming to a theater near you!!

Trust me when I tell you this is a film you do not want to miss! 

I had the opportunity to see a sneak peak preview and I was blown away to the 20th power!! This is beautiful story that touches every part of the soul!!

And as a special treat for my ATL folks you can catch the movie on Friday and then party on Saturday!!

And just in case you missed the trailer here it is... 

 

So what's your next step...selecting a showtime and purchasing your ticket http://www.affrm.com !!