*Sexual fantasies, infidelity, self-esteem, swirling, and posttraumatic stress disorder were themes explored at the recent “A Filmmaker’s Showcase,” featuring three short films, in North Hollywood, California. (Event highlights video above credit: Simon Vision Media).
The first film, “Balance of Power” (watch here), about reclaiming power within a relationship, is also an erotic fashion drama set to music. Emmy-nominated producer Sybil Curry (“Cold Justice: Sex Crimes”/”America’s Court with Judge Ross”/“We the People With Gloria Allred”), who wrote the film, explained to the EUR why no words are spoken.
“A picture tells a lot with more than words,” Curry said. “I wanted the audience to interpret it for themselves and take a journey with the music. It takes you through the different phases of the women the (main male character) is with. When he is with his girlfriend, he is kind of weak, but when he is with these other women, he feels powerful. So, it’s about the balance of power (in the relationship).”
Abdul Malik Abbott, who has directed several music videos (Jay-Z/Notorious B.I.G./Will Smith/Dave Hollister/Trey Songz), directed “Balance of Power” and produced the music weaved in throughout the film. He welcomed the musical concept it presented.
“I just had to get the emotions out of their faces and with the body language,” said Abbott, who also directed the 2002 film “State Property” starring Beanie Sigel & Jay-Z. “The creative vision was to interpret the story Sybil gave me and to also blend in all of these different songs. There was a lot going on. I was editing (in my head) and shooting at the same time.”
The film’s co-star, Dazelle Yvette, said of the short’s concept, “I had fun with it. If you turn the sound off in a movie and watch it in silence, are you getting the same message?” So, I felt if I could do that, then I win.”
The second film, “Curse of War” (watch here), was a compelling story about the life of a young U.S. Marine, also a husband and father, dealing with the horrors of war after returning from fighting in the Middle East.
Abbott, who directed and wrote the film, said of the project, “We wanted to show the devastation of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) within the (black) community, as well as with everyone else because it’s something that’s really not spoken about.”
“Curse of War” also included the companion Abbott directed music video, “Let It All Go,” performed by B.O.S.S, with lyrics written and vocals by Natalieq @mrsnatalierand.
The last and third film, “The Audacity,” offered up much needed comic relief. The film started off being about the seemingly stereotypical whims of a white woman seducing a black man. However, it turned into an unsuspecting story about the lengths that some will go through to enhance their sex lives.
“I wanted to do something that was titillating, funny, and has undertones of racial stuff,” Abbott, who directed and wrote the project, said. “Obviously, I’m upset about the current person in the Whitehouse – so, I had to throw those digs in there as well.”
Hailing from Florida, singer Antonio Ramsey stars as the object of affection in the film. As this is his first acting role, Ramsey said he was excited to bring his a-game to the production.
“I wanted to go into it as a professional,” said Ramsey, who also performed at the event. “I wanted to take my time and learn from everybody and bring my own swagger to it. It was just an amazing experience because even as a performer you have to act as well. So, I was acting in a different way and I love being able to express myself in this way.”
Since “The Audacity” was only five minutes, an equally funny “behind-the-scenes” video was created by Curry, the art director, on the project, because, “I wanted to open it up so you guys could meet the actors (in more detail).”
Look for “The Audacity” to hit the film festival circuit soon (keep up with the film here). Meanwhile, “Balance of Power” was the recipient of the “People’s Telly Silver” award (2018). It won out of over 12,000 entries from around the country and five continents. The “Curse of War” has also received accolades, including as the “Winner of Best War Story” at the New York Short Film & Screenplay Competition (2016).
Remember, you can watch “Balance of Power” here and “Curse of War” here.
