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!!

History is Made at Sundance Film Festival by Director Ava DuVernay!!

Well if anyone said there is no room for Black Indie film, then they have not met Ms. Ava DuVernay!

She's on a roll!! On last night, Ava DuVernay became the first African-American woman to win US Directing Award: Dramatic for her second feature film, Middle of Nowhere. 

 The movie stars  Emayatzy Corinealdi as a young woman struggling to maintain her identity while her husband (Omari Hardwick) serves an eight year prison sentence.  The groundbreaking director tweeted a pic after her historic win:

Just last week Middle of Nowhere premiered at Sundance, and has received remarkable reviews from critics and audiences alike.  So much so that the film has been picked up for distribution by Participant Media, partnering with DuVernay’s African-American Film Festival Releasing Movement (AFFRM) for Middle of Nowhere to be released in theaters later this year. I cannot wait!!

Films like this just prove that there is still quality in the movie industry especially as it relates to African Americans!! 

Black Savant Cinema gives a round of applause to Ava DuVernay, the cast and AFFRM on this outstanding achievement!! 

KUDOS!! Keep doing your thang!!

"Middle of Nowhere" Director Shares Her Thoughts on Sundance!!

Ava DuVernay is the writer/director of the Sundance Film Festival selection “Middle of Nowhere.”*

For the majority of independent filmmakers the world over, Sundance is the brass ring of American film festivals. It’s the one they want. The one where at least one Cinderella story unfolds just about every year. The one where studio honchos congregate and truly pay attention to your film, even for 97 minutes. And, the one that has programmers known fabulously by one name. When you hear “Cooper” in the indie film world, its pretty much like someone saying “Arianna” in the digital world or “Oprah” in, well, the rest of the world. Yes, I just compared Sundance Film Festival head John Cooper to Oprah. But when you hear your film has been selected to unspool in Park City, it does kinda feel like, “You get a car! You get a car!” Except the car is the coolest looking laurels in town.

When I got the acceptance call from prolific senior Sundance programmer Shari Frilot before Thanksgiving, I didn’t have an Oprah audience reaction. It was a quiet moment. A slow-motion moment. My film’s submission to the festival certainly meant something to me, but in the way that a long-shot means something to you. You want it. It’d be so, so lovely to have. But don’t take things too far, kiddo. You know this is not going to happen. Just play it cool. Submit and forget. And that’s what I tried to do. Shari’s call brought an unexpected joy.

One of the things that I love about having the Sundance experience at this point in my filmmaking journey is that I was really happy before that call. Where I was before Sundance selected my second feature, was a beautiful place. My previous work had been embraced by other wonderful festivals – African-American and majority culture fests. I’d seen my previous film, “I Will Follow,” open theatrically to packed houses in New York, Los Angeles and beyond through the black distribution collaborative known as AFFRM. I’d talked to moviegoers at my screenings and really listened and learned from them. I’d read the good reviews – and the not-so-good ones – and dealt with how both make you feel. So while I absolutely love that Sundance will be the space where many of my fellow filmmakers debut their first features as an introduction to a specific film community, I feel fortunate to have a film community of my own that supported my stories early on and hope will continue into the future. I go to Park City feeling free, focused and grateful for the “before Sundance” part of my journey. I love the film we made and simply what to share it. Whatever happens after that, I can’t control and shouldn’t try.

So instead of getting caught up in the sales frenzy and the anxiety that naturally comes with being judged, I’ve been busying myself with the mammoth adventure that is the festival itself, and all its mythology. There is terrificly wacky lore and ritual around the fest, to which I’ve been nine times as a patron and former publicist. Where to stay. How to finagle tickets. Zeroing in on the best parties. Filmmakers who have superstitions about screening in certain venues at certain times. Hollywood execs who book their condos a year in advance. Fest attendees in ticket lines quizzing each other on what the other has seen, inviting actionable critiques. One must drink plenty of water to acclimate to the high altitude. One must always wear your jacket inside the Library Theatre, because it will be freezing until they turn the air off when the film begins.

All leading to the moment when you settle in your seat, and the lights go down and a new world begins. A storyteller spins her or his tale, and invites you to go along for the ride. People who love film, love that moment. The moment right before the first frame appears. In that moment, the film is the only thing that matters. Not the place you watch or the way you watch. When a film seeps into your bloodstream and grabs your heart and imagination, there’s little else greater for a movie buff. I hope that happens to a few folks watching my picture. It’s called “Middle of Nowhere” and it’s been selected for U.S. Dramatic Competition at Sundance 2012. Its about a brave woman whose dream has been deferred – and how she makes something beautiful out of her life despite her circumstances. We shot for 19 days in and around South Central Los Angeles and other parts of my fair city. I’m proud of it, both now and before the reddest, most delicious cherry called Sundance was put on top. I’m proud because, in the end, the film is the only thing that matters to filmmakers. The film is truly the thing we want. We want it to be deeply felt. We want it to be remembered. We want it to illuminate the corners. We want to be heard. That feels even better than a new car.

*You can also check this out on Wall Street Journal and share with others!!

New Indie Film To Put on The Radar..."Middle of Nowhere"

I have always been impressed with Ava DuVernay's work! She is truly amazing and it shows through her work. Without a shadow of doubt I had to feature her upcoming indie film Middle of Nowhere, it makes its world debut at Sundance Film Festival in less than two weeks! Check out the new poster and trailer below:

Here is the synopsis as well...When her husband is incarcerated, an African American woman struggles to maintain her marriage and her identity. 

The cast includes Emayatzy Corinealdi, David Oyelowo, Omari Hardwick, Lorraine Touissaint, and Edwina Findley.

Just those few moments take your breath away, grab your attention and make you yearn for more!! Definitely looking forward to seeing this in the theaters!